Coupons tend to be one of those "touchy topics" with most preppers that I know. I can see both sides to it, really.
The non-couponers essentially tell me: "Coupons are put out by the manufacturers for you to buy their product, which is great for *now* but when the economy collapses, coupons (and money) is worthless paper. Plus, you need to learn how to survive with out boxed/canned food."
To that, I say - valid point. However, I stock pile things that are nonperishable, many of which I don't know how to, probably wouldn't want to, make myself. (Feminine products, pasta, cleaning supplies etc.) Yes - I see the point of needing a garden (we have one), knowing how to protect myself (I have and can use various fire arms), and how to fish/hunt/prep game (I'm an avid fisher-girl, but haven't gotten over killing "cute" things to eat them).
My thought process is this - if I can use a coupon to get something for free (tooth paste, pasta, condensed soup, feminine products, body wash, laundry soap etc.) and I can make myself a stock pile of it... why does it bother someone if I have "an edge up" on TEOTWAWKI? I may be one of the only non-hairy, non-smelly, carb filled, people with lots of hygiene products.
Now if only I could find coupons for free land....