Lately I’ve noticed two things: First, there is an improve in coupon use thanks to the Great Recession.

Second, thanks to the increased coupon use there’s a much more vocal judgement of coupon users on Web forums and at my nearby coupon swaps. Individuals are not shy about criticizing others for “eating nothing but junk” or accusing them of inflating the savings they claim to be obtaining when utilizing coupons. What is this anger toward couponers all about?

I’m not an extreme couponer, but I do manage to rack up a decent amount in savings every week by utilizing coupons on every thing from groceries to restaurants to on-line shopping. In the event you give me a chance to save money on something that I’m going to buy anyway, I’ll take it. It disturbs me when I see other couponers post their savings, only to obtain jumped on by other forum or swap members.

Precise quote from my nearby coupon swap: “Sure, you saved fifty bucks on your grocery bill, but I’ll bet you are nutritionally deficient.” Further aggravating the scenario, this person rarely brings any coupons to the swap because, “I refuse to help individuals buy junk food.” (Why she’s a member is a mystery to me.) She’ll only bring coupons for toiletries and paper goods. She can’t be bothered to just bring coupons because other individuals may want them. She turns every swap into an individual statement against what she considers unhealthy food.

This person is assuming that there is no other method to use coupons than to purchase over-processed junk food. While you will find lots of coupons for junk, there are also plenty of coupons for issues like eggs, frozen/canned veggies and fruit, meat, toiletries, paper goods and pet items. Unless you take someone’s receipt and examine every thing they bought, you have no way of knowing how wholesome they are. Maybe they saved that $50 on toiletries and paper goods. Perhaps their store offers plenty of coupons on fresh items. To judge a persons eating habits based on the fact that they use coupons is mean and unfounded. As well as if they’re consuming junk, so what? It is not your health that they’re ruining so there no have to comment.

If somebody isn’t sniping over the quality of the food becoming bought, they’re contesting the savings themselves. “I really doubt you saved $75 last week. You just can’t do that around here,” was another comment I heard at the swap. The person was referring to the fact that few shops around here double coupons. But stores don’t have to double to rack up large savings. If you have multiples of high value coupons, you are able to save big cash. Some stores let you combine manufacturer coupons with store coupons. Even without doubling, you can save significantly just by utilizing plenty of coupons on an order. I’ve no doubt that somebody saved $75 in 1 week simply because I’ve carried out it. But even if I thought they’re stretching issues a bit, I wouldn’t get snarky about it. It’s not worth starting an argument over.

These are not isolated incidents. I’ve heard comparable comments over and over. What’s the point of becoming mean to other people over their coupon use? Is it jealousy over the amount saved? Is it just to take somebody who is successful at some thing down a peg? Is it to prove which you are somehow superior because you eat and live so healthfully you couldn’t possibly use a coupon on a single store bought item? I do not know where this hostility over coupon use is coming from. Why can’t individuals just be supportive of other’s efforts to save money on the things they purchase, whether or not you approve of the buy or not? I may not purchase a certain cereal, but if it’s somebody else’s favorite, I could be pleased for them if they save $1.00 off the buy and I can take the time to clip a coupon for it and take it to the swap to give away.

The bottom line is that there are lots of ways to use coupons (just as you will find thousands of methods to save cash in general). What works for one person doesn’t usually function for another. Just because some people choose to make use of coupons on certain items does not make them any better or worse than you. Just because somebody can rack up hundreds of dollars in savings doesn’t mean they’re lying or cheating somehow. Perhaps you should listen to them. They might have the ability to teach you something.

There’s no need to hammer other individuals who are just trying to save money. Everyone has different ways of living and saving. Just because you do not approve doesn’t mean you need to make rude comments. You are able to select to say absolutely nothing, or merely say, “Hey, good for you.” Support people who are trying to save. At least they’re attempting.

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