Does clipping coupons make you spend more?

by Jen (February 12, 2008)

Coupons are lovely, but they tend to come in circulars and publications full of marketing campaigns. In fact, they’re a huge part of marketing - making you think you’re getting a bargain, when in fact the store’s normal rates are inflated so they can afford to give clippers a discount so the clippers will come in and while they’re at it, buy lots of crap they don’t need.

If you’re really disciplined about coupons - if you never go through circulars and find yourself convinced to buy stuff you normally don’t (because how can you pass up such a good deal?) or stuff you don’t need - great going! You’re a successful clipper. But if you do find your purchases are influenced by coupons, clipping is a false economy for you.

Instead, buy only what you need and can use at the normal price. When you come across a discount, or a cashier mentions there’s a coupon in the circular at the front of the store, that’s great. But otherwise, don’t think about it.

If possible, find a lower price store like Trader Joe’s or buy generics instead of brand names. That’s a way to save that won’t expose you to the lure of marketing.

All of this applies to those discount cards all the grocery stores give out so you can get the “savings” price posted on their shelves, which is the real price everyone should be getting - don’t get me started on that scam. Also, it applies to Costco and other shops which give you discounts for a membership fee - these stores can be great, but they can also lead you to buy stuff just because it’s such a good deal and not because you really need/want it.

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