Ann Eckhart grew up in a couponing family, but didn’t start getting really serious about couponing until a few years ago. That’s when she realized she could turn it from a casual money-saving hobby into a legit money-making pursuit.
She now has a web site (SeeAnnSave.com), an active YouTube channel (SeeAnnSave) and is the author of several eBooks. Her focus is primarily on couponing, but she also provides extensive eBay advice and occasionally shares her passion for Disney World.
We were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Ann recently. Check out the complete Q&A below:
A: My parents always used coupons, and it’s a habit that I continued myself into adulthood. However, I really got serious about couponing around five years ago.
A: I am self-employed as a writer, blogger, YouTuber, and Ebay seller; and my income fluctuates greatly. Couponing gives me a way to not only get the things we need, but it means we can buy a lot of fun extras, too.
A: I’ve had my blog, See Ann Save, for three years now.
A: I had been sharing coupons, deals and freebies with my friends and family on Facebook for a couple of years when I decided to take the leap to starting an actual website. At that time, I had been selling on Ebay for seven years and was facing burnout; I needed a new project to tackle. As much work as running a blog is, more than anything it is fun; so it doesn’t feel like a job to me! The blog has evolved over the years as a place to not only share deals but also as my homepage for all of my online content, including my books and YouTube videos.
A: I love the financial freedom that couponing provides. I can get everything we need (food, toiletries, cleaning products) for a fraction of the price with coupons; and I am also able to try lots of new products super cheap and sometimes even free!
A: My favorite store to coupon at is Target. I love all of the different ways you can save there, including their own Target store coupons that you can stack with manufacturer coupons. Plus their Cartwheel offers can be used on top of those coupons for a potential triple stack. They are the most coupon-friendly store out there, in my opinion. All of the clerks are knowledgeable about how coupons work; I’ve never had a problem at the register when using coupons at Target (unlike most other stores).
A: Realize that you aren’t going to have a coupon for everything and that it’s okay to find other ways to save. I shop a lot at Sam’s Club, which does not accept coupons. However, I save a substantial amount of money there on milk, produce, OTC medications, and cleaning products. Time is money; and I don’t have time to run to every store in town just to get one deal at each. I focus my shopping between three stores (Target, Sam’s Club, and Fareway, which is a Midwest grocery store chain); and I have been buying more on Amazon, which is becoming increasingly competitive with grocery prices.
A: Probably the biggest challenge couponers face is knowing when to stop buying! There are so many great deals out there, but if you don’t need it or can’t use it before the product expires, then it’s actually a waste of money.
A: I think we’ll see more couponing and rewards apps such as Target’s Cartwheel, Ibotta and Checkout 51. Amazon is also making a move into the grocery market with their Prime Pantry program and 1-hour delivery in large cities. However, I don’t think coupon inserts and printables are going away any time soon as many people still want a tangible coupon in their hands!
