Saturday, January 17, 2009

A little about me...

Me!

My Boys!

Adorable Piper joe!

Since starting this blog, I have yet to tell any of you really anything about me, so if your interested keep on reading!

I'm a young mom to 3 adorable kiddos, 2 boys and a girl! Nicholas my oldest is 7, Ayden is 3 and our little princess Piper is 2. I also have one amazing husband who serves in the Marines and does his best to provide for us, his family, every single day! We are a typical American family, struggling with our finances and the challenges that come with raising 3 children in today's world.

My frugal journey started (if you can believe it) only about 1 1/2 year ago. Since having our first child so young... well to say the least, we weren't quite prepared with the financial struggles that were to come. In all honesty, once Nicholas was born our focus was way more on materialistic things, making sure he looked adorable and well, making sure we did too. Going out to buy new clothes was always on the top of our list, driving flashy cars and working to make it look on the outside that our life was perfect. The sad truth was that we had starting digging a hole, a hole that was going to be very difficult to get out of. I was so depressed on the inside but ignored it, though, by purchasing more and pretending. Soon enough our credit card debt was honestly out of control. A vicious cycle formed that we couldn't seem to find a way out of! The more depressed I became, the more I spent.

I look back on those years of my life and really can't believe that was me. At the same time, though, I'm glad it happened. I learned so much, so many life lessons that I never would have otherwise. The important stuff in my life now is far from nice clothes and flashy cars. What's really important are the people I surround myself with not the "things"! My kids have taught me so much about what's important, about really loving and about understanding what life is really all about.

So why did I start this blog?
At first I started this blog to actually help myself be more accountable. By writing stuff down I was motivated to take the necessary steps I needed to start my frugal journey. Once I got going I realized how much fun saving money can be. Not only is it fun to watch your savings account grow and your debt diminish, but its also exciting when you get your family involved and really teach your kids the value of a $1! I feel so empowered now and confident... and well that's why I love this blog! I want all my readers to feel great about what there doing for their families and themselves! Saving money in my opinion is the same as making money. As a stay at home mom, I now know how amazing it feels to actually realize that your contributing to your family in so many ways... using coupons, being a frugal shopper and learning how to budget your money are all ways we're doing just that!

Why name my blog Hip2Save?
Well, first off my brilliant sister came up with the name. The name fits perfect, though, since... I'm hip and I love to save and why shouldn't it be Hip to Save?!?:)

Couponing should NOT be frowned upon! I want to show everyone, especially the younger generation that saving money and using coupons is HIP!

91 comments:

Jenna @ SpitzerStories said...

Thanks so much for sharing about yourself, your family and your experience. I really appreciate your honesty and I am learning so much from your blog. Hearing about your experience makes me want to learn even more before we (hopefully!) have three kids of our own!

Freida said...

I've been wanting to know more about you! Thank you for sharing! My husband's in the Navy and we have 7 children so saving money is definitely a priority. The only debt we have is the house mortgage but one day we hope to be completely debt free. I used to think I was good at saving money. Now I know that I hardly know anything and I'm very thankful to all you ladies who are so good at it and share your finds. Blessings to you and your family.

Unknown said...

How inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing. I've often wondered who is behind this amazing site that I visit at least 10x's a day. You, along with several others, have helped my family save sooo much. I too am a wife and mother of 2 in rural northwest Georgia. My husband and I both work in a factory and not knowing what is going to happen day to day in this current economy we are saving every extra dollar we can and Lord knows this site has helped us alot, Thank You!

Dana said...

cool to know more about you! my mom, sister and i have been getting into couponing in the last few months and are loving all the blogs- but i can honestly say yours is our favorite!! you post such unique stuff and lots of it =) thank you for all your hard work and your kis are adorable- love piper's name, i just had #3- a little guy!

Sally said...

I just recently found your blog - don't ask me how...clicking around takes me all over these days.

Hubby is a former Marine (Semper Fi!), and we just had our first baby 9 months ago. I used to think I was being frugal before we had Lil Major, but since his birth, and my decision (both personal and b/c of the economy) to stay at home, we've had to really step it up and learn how to REALLY be frugal.

I'm learning so much, and I'm proud to say that my trip to the grocery store today netted me an 81% savings. My bill before coupons and discounts was $57 and after...$12!! Woo hoo!

Anonymous said...

Your kids are adorable, you look fabulous and I LOVE your blog! Thanks for the reasons behind your saving...mine are simple--I have better things to buy and more important things to save for than spending a ton of money on material or basic things. You're doing a great job, and I can't believe how much you post! Thanks a ton for all the great info!

AO said...

I LOVE your blog. It's my favorite frugal blog and I try to visit it numerous times a day.... thanks for all you do for mommies of young babies that want to save money!

mary said...

Thank you - beautiful family. You will find many of use check this blog frequently because it is up-to-date and so darn easy to use. Be proud of your accomplishments - and keep up the GREAT work - from me, my hubby and my 3 kids. Mary

Anonymous said...

As a older woman who has been couponing and living debt free since I was a young mother, I applaud you. It is so nice to hear about young people who have discovered that they can save money using coupons and not chase the "American Credit Card Dream" (nightmare???)and still be happy.
God bless you and your beautiful family and thank you from the bottom of my heart to your husband for his service to our country and freedom.

Anonymous said...

It's so nice to "meet" you! I too am a young wife and mother to three (all girls: 3 1/2, 2, and 5 months), and I check your site at least once everyday. Thanks to sites like yours that help me snag terrific deals, even my husband now thinks it is hip to use coupons! :)

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you shared more about you and your family. I only just started reading your blog so it was great timing. My son is a Marine , stationed in Okinawa, my husband was a Marine when I met him in Southern California too, so we have something in common! I appreciate your blog so much. I have 8 children altogether and really need to spend those pennies wisely. Look forward to reading your future posts!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you shared more about you and your family. I only just started reading your blog so it was great timing. My son is a Marine , stationed in Okinawa, my husband was a Marine when I met him in Southern California too, so we have something in common! I appreciate your blog so much. I have 8 children altogether and really need to spend those pennies wisely. Look forward to reading your future posts!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post. It's fun to see who's behind the text that I read each day. Your family is adorable, and you're too cute... darn skinny! :)

Anonymous said...

You and your family are beautiful! Hip2Save is my absolute favorite couponing blog since my best bud introduced me to it. Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

I can honestly say that the creator of this blog is amazing! I know her personally since she is my baby sister! She created this blog out of nothing and I am amazed on a daily basis that she is able to keep the blog full of such incredible deals while at the same time being a great mother to her kids! Go Sis! Love you, Bryn

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing about your family,they are beautiful!!!I just wanted to thank you so much for sharing all of the great deals you find with all of us out here!
I've always wanted to start couponing but never had the time. I'm a young attorney with a LOT of student loans to pay back, and I work in NY/live in NJ- expensive states!
Your site gives me hope that, if I keep couponing, I can one day raise a family frugally without feeling so deprived. I've only been visiting your site for about a week, and have already gotten numerous items for under a dollar- or FREE!
Thanks again!!

Anonymous said...

As your aging mother who never used coupons other than when they were attached to an item at the grocery store, you are teaching me and your extended family in Idaho so much about being thrifty and making each dollar count. When I next get to see you at Camp LeJeune, I hope that you can give me a lesson or two on couponing. At my advanced age, I still have a lot to learn! Your Proud Mother :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Sis! - You really are amazing! I'm so glad you finally posted about YOU! Thank you for not only inspiring me to save money but also to pursue my dreams and the things that I believe in. This blog is a reminder that following your passion and believing in yourself will always prove success. I know how much time and effort goes into this blog... you care so much for others - your selfless pursuit to educate and improve lives is very touching. Rock on Sister Bear!

Mar ;-)

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. You seem to have the "latest and greatest"coupons and freebies. Myself being part of the younger generation. I agree with you, "It's Hip to Save!". Why spend money you don't have to? There are many expenses that come up in life unexpectedly. Save were you can! When those unexpected expenses do pop up you will more than likely be able to handle them with the money you'e saved being "hip". I have already saved $140.00 this month by using coupons!!!

Hunnybee said...

I can so relate to your emotional spending and the "vicious cycle" of debt. We are trying to work out of our debt and finding your blog has helped me shop for less or free and keep down the "shoppies" when I'm feeling blue. My birthday was Sunday and on Sat. I went to Mimi's Cafe and had a free breakfast (from signing up at their website) I then went to the mall and got the Victoria Secret energizing lotion sample and to Express to get the panties in festive purple! On my birthday I went to Disneyland for free and had a blast, plus I got presents! This free weekend had me smiling all day. Thanks for your time on this blog and I look forward to my emails, cuz it really is HIP to SAVE!

Saving 4 My Family said...

I loved reading your profile and your honesty about your finances. I know that saving for our family by using coupons and following sales saves us greatly. I'm a part-time SAHM, work 3 days a week and my husband is in full-time grad school. Thanks for posting all the latest deals on Wags and many other stores. It's a lot of work to keep up and know you are appreciated.

Christina

Anonymous said...

Same way I feel, that it is COOL to save money and be GREEN.

The Daley Fam said...

I LOVE your blog! I've been following it for a few weeks. My friend told me about you. It's been so helpful since I'm just jumping on board for the whole couponing adventure. I love it! I'm also a saty-at-home mom that feels like if I'm saving money it's just as good as earning it. Thanks for all you do!

Nicky said...

You are one in a million. Continue bringing us the deals, I do appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to tell you thank you for all the great deals and tips you post. I know it takes some time to research and post and with 3 little ones in tow.... I am impresssed and inspired.

I subscribe to a handful of bloggers, but I always seem to come back to yours. I really appreciate all you do!!! Thanks again. Jocelyn

Jaden Paige said...

I really appreciate this insight into your life! I, too, am a young Mom who has just recently started out with couponing and I love how it makes me feel to snag that deal :)

I love when I go to the store and my receipt says "Total: 69.50 Total Saved: 49.00"!! That was last time I went shopping :)

Thanks so much for the deals you post... I have found so many great things because of you!

Deal Shark said...

Hi!

I met a guy in Statesville who turned me on to your blog. I'm a bit of deal getter myself and had to tell you I am most impressed with the site and your excellent tips of the trade. Keep up the good work. I'm as impressed with you as I am with Alan & Susan. When you hear from them again tell them Deal Shark said Hi! and I wish the best for you and your family.

Deal Shark

IDaman said...

If the Deal Shark says it, you can believe it!
Col, You're incredible!

Hunnybee said...

Hi,

Thanks so much for your wonderful blog site. I've gotten back into couponing and your site has the best deals that I've found compared to other blogs.

There is just one tiny thing that I ask of you. You spell excited as exited and it's freaking me out because I'm an English major. You say it a lot and I am a crazy proofreader. Can you please spell it excited from now on. I hope I didn't offend you, that wasn't my intention.

Thanks for all your time finding the deals for us, I am very grateful.

Sincerely,

Hunnybee

Dad said...

Hey Collin. I'm showing your site to Maeve, Kaja and the Bace clan. Everyone is very impressed, and I'm just very proud, Amazing what happens when you keep the light bulb shining bright.

My little princess is the best. I love you.

Dad

Mandy said...

It's great to see that you're in NC. My sister has me hooked on your site. She has started a blog also but loves the info you have on your's. (Couponchic.blogspot.com)

My husband was a Doc in Jacksonville stationed with the Marines. (That's one base I don't miss!) Growing up in NC, going to school at ECU and spending WAY too much time on the bases, I understand the need to save money. Especially being a military family. I have two kids and there is no way we would have been able to live the way we do on the military pay.

Thanks so much for all the sweet deals you find and share with the rest of us.

MamaMataUSMC said...

I love your blog, I think you're amazing! My husband is a SSGT Marine also! Where are you guys stationed? I'm in Tampa at MacDill AFB. Do you ever hunt the deals that are strictly military?

Hip2Save said...

Ana,
We are stationed at Camp Lejeuene in Jacksonville, NC! I do hunt the military deals... My sister has a military savings blog in the works!:)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for bringing us these great deals. It was nice reading your story. We're on the same page as far as getting out of debt and saving money. :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for keeping this blog up - it has saved our family so much money and with this economy - it's really important to save now more then ever. Thanks for all your hard work. We really appreciate it.

Tami said...

You have a great blog and I love your honesty!

The Felsted's said...

You are very inspiring! I have saved so much since I started following your blog. I loved all my tulle clothes, I loved getting a 75$ coupon, and the list goes on and on. You are incredible thank you for all your hard work! You are truly blessing lives!

Unknown said...

I LOVE your blog..I am addicted to it and check it multiple times a day. Thank you so much for doing this. I am a busy Mom of two wonderful kiddos and work full time, so the deals/time/and pure joy you bring me is priceless! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! Much Love and appreciation!

Anonymous said...

Where can I find a zippered binder like the type you mentioned? My Walmart, Target, and Office Depot don't have one.
KatyPaty

Dollene said...

I have learned so much by reading everything you blog about and my husband (who by the way was a Marine as well) was amazed with all the FREE items I have gotten. It has become an addition reading your blog daily and weekly shopping trips. I was well started a family at a young age and I have three kids myself two boys and a girl. I am 30 years old and this is the first time in my life I have used coupons and I love it. Thanks so much.

The Mommy said...

If you ever come to Beaufort, SC (Parris Island) let me know. I know a bunch of moms who would LOVE to learn from you.

mia said...

A friend of mine recommended your site and I am a newbie at this. Since I have started 3 weeks ago, I have saved 60-70% at least of what I usually spend. I have encouraged and shared your site with 3 of my neighbors and they too have caught the coupon bug. We love your site (especially my hubby, who does the accounting), you make it easy for us, you make it fun, you inspire us... thank you so very much!!

Frugal Desi said...

You are doing an amazing job. Both of us together make great money but I still think its hip 2 save:)

Anonymous said...

I just need to say THANK YOU for all you post on this site. I have been into all this "couponing" for the past month and cannot believe how much money I've saved and how big my stock pile has gotten at the same time! I have shared your website with friends and family and I think my husband has told more people than me! You really are helping out so many people! Thanks and please keep it up!!

Kelly

Anonymous said...

I simply love your blog

I hope you will add more and more deals

Thanks
Santhi

Celia Emmons said...

I just starting following your blog and I love it! Thank you! I have been trying to get couponing down for months and this blog has finally made everything click! I just walked out of CVS with $61 worth of products only spending $2.02 and &26 ECBs, getting $26 ECBs in return! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU so much for your hard work, great tips and amazing deal post! I am a working mom of a 10 months old baby girl. I've been in this coupon life for 3 months and really amazed at how much we can save, and how much fun a shopping trip can be! And it's all because of you! I read your blog several times every day and feel so luck to find your blog. Your blog is THE BEST one that I've seen. Bless you and you are so much appreciated! :-)

Mom TenBestBarbers said...

A coupon Diva moved into our town"Good or Free Deals"blog and made old frugal seem more like a fun game. I like your site for the same fun. Thank you for your time, it's all about the family. Mom of 4 plus 2.

Missydo1 said...

Hi! very cute pictures of you and your family! I love your website..Helps me get such great freebies! I got a small freebie deal emailed to me today and I wanted to pass it on to you but for some reason Outlook wouldnt come up on my computer..so here is the link.. just pick a card and it will take you through http://www.savethechildren.org/polls/holiday-card-contest-2009.html?WT.mc_id=0709_drm_cardpoll_3_l

mommy308 said...

I just have to say that I love your site! I can relate to having 3 kids(mine are all girls) and wanting to teach them to save. When we go to the grocery store my 12 and 8 yr old like to find coupons the store is offering or even what people leave on the shelf and my 3 yr old gets excited when she finds one in a magazine. She comes in screaming "Mommy! Coupon!" It's just too funny. lol. But they are learning that saving is not a bad thing. My oldest one even wants me to teach her more so when she goes to college since she's always reading how expensive it is. Kids are funny but teaching them things they can use their whole lives-even if it's as little of a thing as using coupns and shopping wisely- makes a parent very proud.

Tatergirl said...

Hi,
I just recently found your blog, and I love it! I've used coupons for a long time, and just discovered promo codes for online purchases. Still, I've learned more about couponing by reading here and following links. There is an article in today's paper about couponing, and your blog is referenced (with a link in the online copy).

Anyway, I'm thinking about starting my own blog to focus on local deals and other items of interest. You have been an inspiration.

Erin said...

Thank you so much for sharing something about yourself. I check your blog before I even check my own email! It is the best! You are so right - saving is "hip!" I have recently starting staying home full time with my two toddler boys and am learning to watch every penny. Thanks for all the deals!

Anonymous said...

I have been a dental hygienist for 32 years. One of my patients recommended your site to me. I happened to bump into her at Target one day and when she told me that she had saved $40 with coupons I was curious as to how she did it. I am really impressed with your site. It was a great idea telling us a little bit about yourself. I just wish I had found you years ago while my kids were still young. I would have done a lot better job at teaching them the meaning of money.

Thanks so much for all the great information. I can't wait to get started saving money!

Anonymous said...

yOU rock!!! your kids are adorable and bless you for this site, you make stay at home mean so much more!!!

CarCuy1415 said...

Very encouraging, your family is adorable! I recently became a stay at home mom. My husband and I have a five year old son and a 4 month old son. I am a young mom as well and had to learn a lot about what is important in life and we have made sacrifices for me to beable to stay home but they are all worth it. I have just learned about your blog and couponing and I can not wait to start saving. Thank you for your inspiration and showing me that it is hip2save:) God bless you and your family/

Debbie Digs This said...

Thanks to you I am able to learn more about saving, I'm 38 yrs old now son is 17 and I am just learning how to work coupons guess better late than never. thanks for sharing your story pretty similar to mine, My hubby was in iraq when I first tried couponing back in 2002 and I was not good at it..lol I just love the name of your site wish I could come up with a good one for mine..lol
thanks to you I went to walgreens today and got $82.92 of stuff for only$ 9.24 YEAH!! THANK YOU!!! Hope you dont mind I gave you props on my blog ;) even though I have no friends yet..lol

Anonymous said...

I've been following your blog for awhile now. I love it!! I feel like we are friends even though I've never met you. When I snag a good deal and people ask "how did you know about that" I say "oh, Hip told me" as if that's your name...haha. I tell all my newbie coupon friends about your site!

Heather said...

Thanks for your blog! Love to read other mommy blogs too!

Anonymous said...

I've only been couponing a few weeks and wanted to let you know your hip2save site has become my FAVORITE! thanks for all your informative posts...I feel like my life is forever changed in just a few weeks! I also have a 2yr daughter and 3 yr old son and I just think about all the money I could have been saving...I guess I need to just look ahead! THANK YOU AGAIN!

jolynda said...

Hi a girl approched me in walmart and gave me this website for coupons. i have no idea how this works or how i can get the coupons. its so hard trying to save money. i use to save alot of coupons when i was living in ny but i ant find a paper down here that has alot of coupons in it. so i was wondering if u could email me and explain to me how this works cause the girl didnt explain nothing to me

Anonymous said...

Hi, I am new to this site but am so thankful it was promoted to me through a friend! I have always been a frugal shopper and coupon clipper but have never known about all these different ways to save even more! So to say the least, I am super-duper excited! I literally have a Wal-greens & a CVS & a Publix all within a few blocks of one another! Thanks so much for your committent and all you do to help us out! I guess the biggest thing or investment/priority we have is to keep the ribbon in our computers going & plenty of copy paper, lol. Have a wonderful day, God Bless!
-V

Anonymous said...

As a military wife, I'm wondering if you know of any legit sites that collect and distribute expired coupons to military families. Love your site!

Twilight Realms said...

I WENT TO RITE AID IN LAYTON UTAH...NATURE VALLEY GRANOLA BARS TRIAL SIZE (4 BARD DOUBLE PACKED) ON CLEARANCE FOR .49. I USED MY .40 OFF COUPONS(I HAD 12 OF THESE) AND GOT EACH ONE FOR .09 TOTAL: 1.08. WOW!!! ALSO, THEY HAD VICKS 44 COUGH SYRUP PRICED AT 6.99 WITH 75% OFF MAKING IT 1.75 THEN USED MY 1.00 OFF COUPON OUT OF THE SS INSERT AND IT WAS .75. WOOHOOO...ONE MORE STOP WALGREENS (THE ASST MANAGER WAS NOT TOO HAPPY WITH ME) I BOUGHT 12 YES 12 AIR WICK MOTION SENSOR STARTERS (I HAVE BEEN SAVING COUPONS) ON SALE 50% OFF LISTED IN THEIR WEEKLY PAPER. PRICE WAS 3.99 EACH...USED MY COUPONS 4.00 OFF EACH ONE. WHEN THE LAST TWO WOULD NOT TAKE THE MFG COUPON THE ASST MANAGER DECIDES TO LIMIT ME TO 4...MY DAUGHTER WAS WITH ME SO SHE BOUGHT THE OTHER 4 RIGHT THERE. THEN I DRUG MY HUSBAND BACK WITH ME TO GET THE LAST TWO. I BOUGHT THEM ALL BUT THEY TRY TO MAKE IT COMPLICATED WHEN THEY DO NOT LIKE THE FACT THAT THEY ARE FREE. I STILL GOT THE DEAL SO WHY MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT THEN IT NEEDED TO BE. TO TOP IT ALL OFF AFTER HE RANG MY FIRST SET OF 4 UP THE ASST MANAGER THEN SAID YOU CAN'T USE THESE BECAUSE THE ITEM IS 3.99 AND NOT 4.00. I SAID I HAVE YOUR COUPON POLICY WITH ME WOULD YOU LIKE TO READ IT. I SAID YOU CAN GIVE ME 3.99 OFF YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE ME THE FULL 4.00. HE SHEEPISHLY SAID ALRIGHT I WILL DO THAT. TOTAL SPENT WITH THE FOUR RICOLA COUGH DROPS BUY ONE GET ONE FREE AND THE WALGREEN AD DISCOUNT, AND ALL THE AIRWICK MOTION SENSORS WAS 4.65. THANK GOODNESS HE DID NOT WANT THE WALGREEN'S POLICY BECAUSE IT WAS IN MY OTHER COUPON BINDER AT HOME... WHEW...I HAVE HAD A FEW INSTANCES WHERE CUSTOMERS BEHIND ME GET ANGRY BUT THEN WHEN THEY SEE WHAT MY TOTAL IS THEY WANT TO KNOW HOW I DO IT. I SEND THEM TO WWW.HIPTOSAVE.COM. THEY GET SO EXCITED AND OFF THEY GO. I SPENT ON FOOD THIS WEEK 395.00 FOR A FAMILY OF TEN (ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET). I SAVED 180.00 FROM THE TOTALS MAKING THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT $575.00 APPROX. THIS IS A LOT OF WORK BUT WORTH EVERY PENNY I SAVE. AWESOME WEBSITE NEVER STOP DOING WHAT YOU DO. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY WALLET...CHRISTINA

WeAreHisChildren said...

LOVE your informational blog! Appreciate your honesty & am thankful for your sharing (You are NOT alone!!). Keep the gREAT money saving tips coming, I enjoy watching your videos too (mondays) - awesome!
Praying for you 'n your family.
As my husband is self-employed, he works 3 jobs that still don't equal 40 hrs. some times, I'm a SAHM that does housecleaning 1x a week outside the home (for my sanity),we have 4 "growing" boys: 11, 8, 5 & 18 mo. I literally pinch every penny to stretch every $ I can!!
Blessings from West MI~

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of others!! I took a coupon class and your blog was noted as "THE" blog to follow for great tips on saving money. I find it amazing how you have taken the time to update this so frequently, I too will never spend money the same and I'm so glad that there are people out there like to you help make difference in the lives of the average family. Keep up the good work, I check your blog several times a day and LOVE it!!!!! -Ann from MI

lalena said...

Our experiences sound very similar. I just found your blog today, but I'm betting we are going to be great friends

Jennifer in TX said...

I just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH! I've tried for so long to use coupons, but only saved $1 here and there so I gave up. Since your blog I have saved... it's been only about $10 here and there (I just started a couple of weeks ago), BUT today, I took some of your advice and my (finally decent) stock pile of coupons and headed to Target (mainly to check out the post Halloween sales). I spent $26.44 and got a $10 gift cert. back, but I saved OVER $91. I've never felt so good about myself (which is probably sad!) then I do right now! I had everyone (including some guys) asking "HOW ON EARTH DID YOU DO THAT???" Felt really good to say "I just used the right coupons with the right sales".

Sandy said...

Hi,
Let me congratulate for maintaining such a wonderful site: Yesterday when one of our forum moderators referred me your site, I just couldn’t take off eyes from it! I am a financial writer and I have written many quality articles on Debt consolidation, Mortgage, loan modification, Foreclosure for many quality sites, Keeping in mind the quality information and services of your site, I want to share my experience and knowledge with your site. And I want to contribute a quality article for your site. Please allow me.
It will be highly appreciated if you allow me.
Link exchange also possible
sandythomson09@gmail.com

Regards
Sandy

Vic S said...

Thanks for the wonderful information. Do you have a link or information to any boards/ forums that discuss current/ local to DFW, Texas Alberstons deals? All my googling has turned up nothing but out dated or other states Ablies message boards. Thanks in advance and keep up the great work.

Rubin'sWife_1977 said...

Thank you for sharing about yourself. I have learned so many valuable to help my family from your blog. I am a stay at home mother of 5, and my husband works on the road as a truck driver. So money is tight, but I have got to say, after following your steps and getting out there to see just how well I can do, I have been able to contribute to our household in a big way. My husband loves it when we go to the store and our cart is overflowing and the bill is less than $40. I love it too, Our monthly bills have been able to all get paid now as well! Thank You so much for the time you spend to show all of us, how we can contribute to our family!

Cornbreadwithbutter said...

Thank you soooo much for all the time you put in to this site, I appreciate how much time it takes especially with your family. I have learned a lot from your blogs and follow me videos. I just realized we shop in the same town from the last CVS follow me. Small world. Thank you again! Melissa J.

Christel said...

I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!

Thanks so much!

You and your family are adorable!!

Cheers!

Christel
http://christelsc.blogspot.com/

charity said...

You have such a sweet family!!! Thanks for sharing about your ups and downs (we all have them, right?).
I absolutely LOVE your blog and check it every day. In fact, it was here that I finally understood the benefit of coupons and how to make them work for me.
At the Walgreens checkout today, I met another Mom who was scoring some of the same deals I was. We exchanged e-mail addresses and are going to work on getting a group of local moms together to trade coupons and share deals.
Thanks a bunch and keep up the great work!!!

Anonymous said...

http://creativefia.blogspot.com/I would loveto have u join my blog and I will follow you your great thanks

Anonymous said...

I found your blog and wanted to say thanks for the ideas on the binder. Normally I'm organized but since I'm usually shopping with all my kids I don't have enough time to THINK! Having everything right there to see is a big help. Your site is awesome and I'm already saving money! I posted about it on my blog and added a link to your site. Hope thats cool?

medicmom76 said...

I am trying to learn how to stack coupons and I need help to figure out how read which barcodes on the coupons to read so I don't use the same coupon for the same product.

dawn said...

this is a BIG thank you and it goes to your whole family! I have been in Jacksonville for a while now and am a stay at home mom. I wanted to find a way to make money from home....well I make money by saving it thanks to you! I got your info from the photo associate at Walgreens! I was using a few coupons and he said there was a woman who could fill a cart and make money!!!I was confused about coupons but now i am getting the hang of it. My husband (USMC) is so impressed. I just finnished my coupon binder so all the papers aren't scattered around. My only question is about the Commissary. Do you think they really have the lowest prices? Thanks and have a super HIP2SAVE day!

Anonymous said...

I just want to say thank you. I am a stay at home mother of 3. I had no idea until a friend showed me your website. How easy and how rewarding it is to save like this. Especially on one income. This is an addiction that is worth having. Thanks for your dedication to your site and all of us.

Maureen said...

Just wanted to say thanks for your hard work and dedication to your site! I have been following hip2save since Sept., and have saved a TON of money!! I too am a sahm to 3 young children. When I first started couponing, I was saving about $25/week on groceries, but since I have learned so much here, I saved $80 on my last trip to the store (which was about 50%)! There is a definite learning curve, but I hope to get to the point where I am saving 70-80%/week on groceries!! Anyway, just wanted to say you are doing an awesome job!

Alicia said...

A friend introduced me to your blog a few weeks ago. I've been "loving the hunt" and appreciate all the work you put into helping me save money!

And thanks to your family and husband your service to our country.

Anonymous said...

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Joyce said...

Thank you so much for your site.I visit it at least daily & love your videos.In Feb 2007 I was hit by another car head on which resulted in 16 orthopedic surgeries over 1 1/2 years & put an end to my nursing career of 26 years.I'm now 45 and on disability.I started couponing about 4 months ago & I can't believe how much money I save.This has given me a new hobby & outlook.

Joyce said...

Joyce here again & continued.I hate to think of all the money I wasted before coupons.I was just like you said & cared more about things & keeping my family(3 kids & hubby) looking good & getting deeper in debt all the time.My husband is so proud of our savings & loves it because now I think before I buy & have started a nice stockpile.I am teaching others & now have a newfound purpose.Thanks!

Tara said...

I have been addicted to your website now for a few months. We too are a military family stationed in NC. We are at Seymour Johnson AFB. I started couponing while we were stationed overseas and was able to get in on some of the freebies that ship APO. Thanks so much for such a great blog!

Anonymous said...

I know your busy but i have a couple of questions. do you know when and where the cheapest place is going to be to buy a playstation 3 before CHRISTmas? also any ideas on legos???? I didnt know how to contact you other than here, so hopefully this helps. would appreciate anything you or other readers can tell me! thanks so much and MERRY CHRISTmas! :)

Diane said...

I might be one of the older generation who uses your website. My hubby & I are hoping to retire in 3 - 4 years. We have alwasy been frugal & being as this is a 2nd marriage for both of us wanted to be able to pay off our house as soon as possible. (neigher of us got anything out of our houses in
the divorces) We took out a 15 year mortgage 8 years ago. After 1year, we were able to refinance & lower our interest rate by 3/4 of a point. At that time, I kept the payment the same as we had been paying, so extra money went on the mortage every month. Everytime, we got a raise, I put the after tax raise onto our mortgage. Any extra money from extra work, etc. went into the mortgage payment that month. Since we both got paid every 2 weeks, that meant 2 extra paycheck each year to add to paying off the mortgage. About 5 years ago, I decicded that I would & could pay off our mortgage by my husband's 62nd birthday, which is 1/18/10.

I was able to pay off the mortgage this past August, 5 months earlier than my projected goal!

Things were looking pretty good for us, until July of 2008, when the stock market took a dive along with our retirment nest egg. This was a huge blow to our plans.
Our local library had a class on couponing, which change how I shop. I started getting into the different websites about couponing & shopping & have found yours to be the VERY BEST.
Anyway, blah, blah, blah, just wanted to say thanks for the great work thht you do that helps us save at every age!

power_emily@yahoo.com said...

I love this blog, I am also a mommy of a Piper, she is 5, I was so excited to read you too have a Piper. I have gotten so many great tips from you and just adore this blog!

Anonymous said...

Your blog is awesome and fruitful, you planted a seed and it's growing in others. Blessings to you for helping so many by reaching out and sharing your knowledge.
Sat Nam, ~(-_-)~
Piper

Anonymous said...

Oohrah- Im a Marine Wife as well! SEMPER FI and keep up the good work- your blog is amazing and has saved me mucho dinero!

Mac said...

Thank you so much for what you do! You bless me and my family so much! I want you to know that I didn't really understand all that couponing could mean until you started doing the "Follow Me Monday" Videos! The visual aid help me so much! What a great idea!

Today, I was in Target with my baby boy, looking at those Rayovak batteries with a handful of dollar off coupons. There they were, free for the taking, and right on cue, an old man walked up next to me with an associate to price check the batteries. It was obvious how important it was to this guy that he was getting the best deal. He might have been living on social security or something. I don't know. But I got to whip out my coupons, tell him all about the deal, and leave some with him so that he could have a big smile on his face, and the batteries he needed for FREE!

How much fun is it to get to help people when they least expect it. And, of course, it costs nothing!

Anna said...

I am a stay at home "working" mom, running a daycare from home to try to help cover the bills. When I started it, all I could think about was how can I make more money? Now...my thinking is, "How little can I live off of?" Thank you to you and all your hard work for helping me understand the modern world of frugality! ;-) Hopefully we can pay off our debt so that I won't have to work at all...that's my goal and I know that we can live off of much less than what I thought at first.

THANK YOU Collin!!!