Your Money

During the Great Recession, couponing was king. Shoppers clipped stacks of coupons, swapped tips in online forums, and turned grocery savings into a competitive sport. Some spent hours a day planning trips that transformed $2,000 hauls into $100 receipts. But retailers soon cracked down, limiting redemptions and cutting the thrill out of extreme savings.

Fast forward to today’s high-inflation era: coupon distribution has collapsed from 330 billion in 2010 to just 50 billion in 2024, and paper coupons—still 87% of those distributed—rarely get used. Shoppers have shifted to loyalty apps, credit-card points, and grocery delivery, valuing convenience over clipping.

For some former “extreme couponers,” the hunt isn’t gone—it’s just evolved. Travel hackers now collect hotel points instead of toothpaste coupons, while others prefer the simplicity of a shopping list over chasing deals. As rewards programs tighten, the question remains: will a new savings craze ever emerge, or has America moved on from the thrill of the coupon?

How Coupons Became Passé, Even in a High-Price World
by Oyin Adedoyin

Your Life

In this honest EatingWell reflection, one writer shares her experience of giving up alcohol and the surprising benefits that followed—from better sleep and improved focus to more meaningful social interactions. While quitting isn’t the right choice for everyone, this personal journey highlights how even small lifestyle changes can lead to noticeable improvements in physical and mental well-being.

I Quit Alcohol for 30 Days—Here’s What Happened
by Carolyn Malcoun

Complexity Simplified

Trivia