When you use coupons, are you buying more just for the bargain? Before you start looking through the coupon insert in the newspaper, do you make out your grocery list? Are you scanning only for coupons that can be used for the items on your list? 
My Grandmother taught me that coupons get you looking for more things to buy. “I don’t need it right now, but it’s on SALE! ” I’m definitely not telling you that you can’t save money with coupons, but keep in mind that coupons are a marketing tool intended to sell more products.
Most coupons are for pre-made meals, mixes or boxed dinners, so I almost never use them. I don’t find coupons for basic items such as dry beans, eggs, flour, or rice.
I have discovered that there are a few cases in which a bargain brand just doesn’t work out, and I much prefer a particular brand name product. That’s what I’m looking for when I scan the coupon inserts. Some grocery store loyalty cards will allow you to double and even triple some coupons, so if you use them wisely you can make out like a bandit.