Welcome to my weekly (or just plain “sometimes”) interview with different members of our local couponing community. I think these “Meet & Greets” will be a good way to inspire one another by sharing our stories, our savings successes, and anything we’ve learned along the way. Tonight, I’m happy to introduce you to Christy- let’s all give her a warm Cheapskate Welcome!!
Q. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? Also, where do you live?
A. My names is Christy. I have 3 wonderful, funny, and active children. I have a husband, Rusty, we have been married for 8 years. My hubby works full time and I work part time around 10 hours a week so that I can be home with the kids. We live in Ooltewah, TN. My husband seriously believes I am obsessed with couponing but I am not…well maybe a little but I think it is a good thing:). We (my family) try to have fun with couponing..I have all the kids cutting and filing…it actually gives us some time to talk and get caught up on things…My kids like that I coupon because it gives them different stuff to eat and new products to try.
Q. How long have you been couponing and what got you started?
A. I have been couponing for as long as I can remember- small stuff at first diapers, baby items, frequently used items… I had lost my full time job a couple of years ago and had a 3 rd child shortly after that……but I have been hard core since January of 2009.( New years resolution to SAVE Money!) My mom originally got me started and her mama got her started.( I guess you could say that I am carrying on a Family Tradition) I can remember as a kid my mother getting all of the Wednesday ads looking thru her coupons( this is before the time of the internet with all the amazing sites we have at our disposal like Chattanooga Cheap Skates!)..matching up all the sale with coupons and heading out with 4 kids in tow…she would hit ALL the major stores and most of the small ones too…My parents too lived on a VERY tight budget…I used to get very frustrated and sometimes embarrassed at my mothers “antics” with her shopping stragities but now…wow..I can really appreciate it!!!! Thanks Mom!!!
Q. What’s your favorite place to shop?
A. Publix(Snow hill Road) by far..they are very coupon friendly….I have had a few “mishaps” but the good out weighs the bad a Publix by far!
Q.Tell us about one of your most successful/recent savings stories.
A. Geeze..that is hard to remember…I would have to say some time back I shopped at Publix….I believe I spent around $34.00 and saved $102.00…I really can’t remember what I had purchased…It was alot…I do remember thinking to myself….”Wow…I can’t ever go back to retail prices again…not with what I just saved!!!!”
Q. Okay, just one more…if you had any little piece of advice for other couponers like you, what would it be?
A. Don’t get frustrated…abide by the “rules”…..start out small…it won’t happen over night but you can get to a point where you can feel comfortable in everyday purchases and your great coupon purchases to have happy balance…( cause let’s face it….How much ketchup, mustard, and mayo can a family of 5 actually use????? those who coupon regularly know what I am talking about!) God gives you the talent you just have to use it….
2.
So nice to meet you, Christy!