I don't use coupons much either. I have a notebook all decked out with sleeves and dividers, but I'm about to repurpose it because I never find coupons for things I really need. I am happy with store brands, and I don't buy a lot of the junk food one usually finds coupons for. I make my own laundry detergent or buy whatever brand Aldi's sells. What works best for me is to have a plan for two weeks and shop accordingly. I try to aim to have some leeway left so I can take advantage of any great deals that might be in the sale ad during the second week of our pay period. What stinks is when the payday ad is sorry. That's when it helps to have a variety of meat in the freezer and a good supply of basics in the pantry. For months, I didn't have to buy ketchup, for instance..but now I'm needing a well placed sale. This weekend, unless my local store has a good sale, I'll probably shop Aldis, Dollar General, and Walmart/Sams.