For those who stretch the dollar hard, coupons can be a great savings but not always. Sometimes shopping around at discount stores, buying store brands or making an item from scratch beats the deal to be found with a coupon.

When do you find it cheaper not to get an item that comes with a coupon?

When I don't need or want it, when an alternative which suits me is cheaper, when I forget. AM

I agree, when I don't need the item especially since the money is very tight right now. We shop store brands, at Aldis and seniors day at Kroger. That helps a lot! Walmart isn't necessarily the cheapest and they are always out-of-stock of several items we buy regularly. We end up buying elsewhere or wait 'til they restock. We don't use much coupons anymore, unless Kroger sends us a bunch or its for items we buy anyway.