Part of providing a great Couponing 101 resource is to highlight other sites that have excellent information on the topic.
Our Couponing Interview Series is designed to help expose you to some of those other leading coupon blogs by introducing you to them in a Q&A format.
The following Q&A is with Jen from Inspiringsavings.com. Jen’s site contains quality content about coupons, deals, freebies and frugal living in general. She also has some outstanding match-ups.
Here is the complete Q&A:
A: I have been couponing for over 10 years. I started when I met my husband (at the time he was just my boyfriend).
A: I started couponing originally save money to purchase a house. Once our house was purchased, we then had kids. I desperately wanted to be a stay-at-home mommy. We dug deeper into our budget, made changes and couponing became a part of our lifestyle. It continues to amaze me how much money we save using coupons. I could never go back to paying full price.
A: I started blogging in November 2011.
A: It is funny how life takes an unexpected negative turn and God fills in the gaps. I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer January of that same year. My family and friends kept encouraging me to start teaching coupon classes. Frankly, I just didn’t have the time. With the diagnosis of my cancer I was given the gift of time away from my family. 7 days to be exact. While I was undergoing radioactive treatment, the “birth” of my blog came about. My friends and family (no one for that matter) could come within 3 feet of me. I was home bound. My site is now my passion to help others save money for their families.
A: Couponing has given me the ability to be a stay-at-home mom. Prior to financial budget changes that incorporated huge savings at the grocery store, I was a full-time RN. Working weekends to make up the difference in our budget deficit.
A: My overall favorite stores to shop are CVS, Ocean State Job Lot and ShopRite.
A: Don’t rush it and don’t chase after every sale. With the overwhelming fact that couponing can be very exciting, it can also become very draining. It takes a lot of your time to organize, get the deals and head out shopping. If you are running around too many stores each week you can get burnt out quickly.
A: The consist changes to coupon policies, coupon terms, conditions and the overwhelming amount of people who want more with less and start misusing coupons. The misuse of coupons forces manufacturers and stores to make changes. For example, we are now seeing limits on the amount of items we can purchase in a transaction.
A: I frequently think of this question. I know it crosses all of our minds every time we get a free item in the store. “This really can’t be true, and definitely can’t last forever.” In the last 10 years of couponing, I have seen some changes, but couponing will still be strong as ever. In fact we are now seeing more companies taking advantage of the digital age. Will all coupons become electronic? I don’t think so, but the trend is growing. Coupons will continue as long as companies/manufactures see it as a viable way to market products. We all win.
A: While there are many bills to pay in your household, the grocery bill is the most flexible. The more time you spend meal planning, making a list and clipping coupons can save you more than you realize. Coupons are absolutely FREE money and if you can clip it, use it, you can save. Remember every little penny adds up and it can add up to bigger savings.
