Here is the question: I live in a small town (one small store, one gas station,no fast food), ~10-15 miles on either side of a bigger city. My friends that live in the bigger city swear by couponing. I have got a pile of coupons, but they are for things that I just don't buy, would prefer that we not eat, and a few gems in the middle. Yes, I have access to a Walgreens, Walmart, ALbertsons, $store, etc. I have read the blogs about great couponing deals, filling my cupboards with things that are free or close to, but I'm missing something here. What am I doing wrong? The cost of gas makes the couponing difficult- so I save $3 & spend $5 going into town?

Trying to do damage control from my lack of concern for the past 4 months:
1. No debit card for me. I had/have the nasty habit of pulling it out when I "must have" whatever is on sale and I have no cash left. So I have given up the debit card. It is not in my wallet. I have gone back to the envelope method.
2. Envelopes mean that I have to really think about every purchase. Do I need 3 extra bottles of laundry soap? Even if I have a coupon?
3. The cost of gas has my husband carpooling. This is a true blessing. Our price for his weekly commute is now $10. Before it was $30.
4. My daughter quit her truly horrible job. This means less driving for her, but I also have someone that is willing to run errands.

Somehow this summer has gotten away from me. I stopped reading this site, stopped being responsible with our money... Just quit. So now I am back. I read a couple entries on Saturday, and went full course today. You all have no idea how much I have missed this. I love to read about the success that happens here. I am learning that freedom from responsible spending doesn't make me (or my family) happier. In fact, I know that I have been more stressed. The positive choice I did make this summer was to have $200 a month taken out automatically to the ing acct. That way it's out of sight, out of spend.