Tricie realized when she went to college years ago that in order to get by financially, while still maintaining a vibrant social life, she needed to become an expert deal hunter and clearance shopper. It was a natural progression that those skills would eventually lead to couponing, which she took up a couple years back.
Now, Tricie has her own coupon blog called MissTricieBaby.com and is a leading voice in the #couponcommunity on Instagram. She dubs herself a “recessionista saving the world money one deal at a time!” and has built a really strong brand. Her site features a steady stream of great coupon updates and also highlights more online deals than some other coupon blogs.
See what Tricie had to say about her blog and why she loves couponing in our Q&A:
A: I have been “couponing” for about 2 1/2 years now, but deal chasing and clearance shopping since my early twenties. I moved out and went to college and had to learn how to survive, meaning be responsible AND still have a social life!
A: I started “couponing” actually because I wanted to get more exposure for my blog. But when I say the term, I literally mean cutting coupons from the paper/ printing from the internet and matching with store ads. But what I do, what most of us do, goes far beyond that one vehicle for saving money. I started stalking end caps, and after holiday clearance, and had been building a stockpile years before I even knew what the term meant.
I always wanted to have enough, so to speak. Like have what i need in my home, have a gift to take to a party, have gifts for everyone for Christmas and so on …
A: I started my blog back in 2011.
A: I would always have friends/family/co-workers complaining that they didn’t know about such and such deal when they would see I went to Vegas for 3 nights and paid only $60 RT, or a cool electronic that I didn’t pay much for … I mean everything really. I got just as frustrated as them because I said how can I remember to call EVERYONE?!?!? I decided I would start a blog and put all the deals I find there. That way they would all “know about the deal.”
A: Being able have what I need at all times, but equally the ability to bless others who are in need, and for gift giving. I always tell people you don’t have to show up empty handed!
A: Yikes…Choose one place??? I think CVS, if I had to narrow it down!
A: I would advise all couponing newbies to enjoy the ride, because in the beginning it’s a rush of excitement! It will be frustrating at times – but it gets better. Make friends with your cashiers, be nice even when you have to stand your ground. Lastly, once the novelty wears off, make sure that you are getting stuff that you or someone you know will actually need or use …
My house had started to look like a drug store at one time, but that was a bit too much… I heard a comment from a visitor along those lines one too many times and that’s when I scaled back a bit!
A: Being profiled, yes profiled, by people who don’t like couponers ( cashiers, store managers)
A: The future of coupons … hmmmm that’s a hard one to call. I think we will definitely see a lot more digital or paperless offers, like Target Cartwheel. But they will be around… coupons keep the economy going. I won’t get too deep into my logic behind that, though. That’s a whole other conversation.
A: In closing I would like to encourage people to just be mindful before they spend, you don’t have to be an “Extreme Couponer” but use your resources and always see if there is a way to save an additional amount before you make a purchase or look for a coupon. Online shoppers look for a coupon code/free shipping. Take advantage of daily deal sites for social activities. Just use your resources like myself.
