"Do you have to bring the whole binder in the store, can't you just take out what you need?" My daughter asks this question at every store despite the fact that I am quite certain she has my response memorized. "I am not sure what I will need. There might be something I want not on the list or, if I am really fortunate, 15 items that I have coupons for will be on clearance."

Most weeks, I spend more time with my binder than I do with my husband. Until recently,...

At one time or another, I have found myself behind a register to make a buck, so I do not think myself prejudiced toward those in the occupation. I am convinced, however, that coupons have the power to cause detrimental effects to one's mathematic abilities much like kryptonite's effect on Superman.

Case in point, my dear husband and I entered a store tonight each toting a coupon that read "one per customer." Yes, I confess that on my wedding day I agreed to become one flesh...

My best friend, who I shall call "Dee," lives in a $300k house and is on vacation more than she is at home. She has a friend who works for an airline, so she flies free just about everywhere. She just has to do it on standby. She just got home from Germany and is leaving Thursday for Virginia.

Dee and her husband are very frugal people who buy most things used or on clearance. They are the type of people who have no idea what "new car odor" smells like and would...