I totally agree. To take your example of coupons, i would estimate savings <$500-1000 a year for around 50 hours of work. If you spend that time/mental energy t

I totally agree. To take your example of coupons, i would estimate savings <$500-1000 a year for around 50 hours of work. If you spend that time/mental energy to find a higher paying job, or learn to negotiate better, or build a side business, or spend a few more hours picking the right stocks, you could earn $10000s more. Or just use the time doing something you like, thats easily worth it too. Just spending the time truly relaxing will make you happier and more productive at work the next day. It does not apply in all cases but it does in many. I once estimated i would save <$100 a year screwing around with different credit cards and maximizing rewards - not worth it. The saving is not just time either. Having less low value tasks on your mind gives you more clarity and mental room. For grocery shopping, i just pick a cheap store like walmart and accept the prices i get. Maybe for a more expensive purchase like furniture or a car its worth spending time to find a good deal. You can generally ballpark how much you will save by penny pinching at X pretty easily and decide if its worth it. I think a lot of penny pinching comes from viewing frugality as like a moral virtue. Seems silly to me :>)