In a way coupons (I feel) are kind of a bygone relic of a time when you could save your money, be smart with coupons, watch out for a good sale--and it really substantively helped your bottom line.

Now? I've got routine annual medical tests that have gone from $30 out of pocket last year to $300 out of pocket this year. Each. Just because insurance changed a bit or the facility cost more or any number of other factors--and it's pretty f*&#ing difficult to save enough money to recoup that kind of cash. So why bother?

I was charmed by your stories though. Sounds like you have good memories with your savvy mom and that's worth something too.