This is Part 5 in a series.

Click here to read Part 1
Click here to read Part 2
Click here to read Part 3
Click here to read Part 4

Today’s Argument: Coupons can tempt you to spend your grocery dollars on things you shouldn’t.

My Opinion: Throughout the author’s arguments against couponing she has an underlying theme of lack of self-control on the part of the shopper. It’s as if she believes that women who coupon have no decision making skills. I find it insulting.

I believe her real argument here is that she thinks if you coupon you are more likely to purchase unhealthy foods because processed and unhealthy foods have coupons. That is true. There ARE a lot of coupons out there for unhealthy foods, but there are also a lot of coupons out there for healthy foods and non-food items. And, if I am going to purchase an unhealthy foods anyway (brownie mixes or Dove chocolates for example), I may as well get them cheap!

There are many non food items like shampoo, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, medications, etc. that I would never purchase without coupons. I save a lot of money on these items.

And, there are many healthy foods that can be purchased with coupons. Healthy cereals, whole grain pastas, sugarless pasta sauce, healthy mixes (like Bisquick Heart Smart), nuts, soy and almond milks, extra virgin olive oil, non-stick cooking spray, and many other products that fit well within the bounds of a healthy diet have coupons available. Plus, there are often printable coupons available for produce, eggs, milk, cheese, meat, etc. See your local listings on Pinching Your Pennies website with further information on current grocery deals and printable coupons.

Also, be sure to check out the current coupon list for your state at Pinching Your Pennies to see how many healthy foods and non-foods can be purchased using coupons. You might be surprised!