Name: Cathy T.
Occupation: Stay at Home Mom
Couponer since: November 2010
Estimated annual savings: $10,000
Catch Phrase: “The sale makes it a deal; a coupon just makes it a steal.”
We are excited to welcome Cathy as our FIRST Coupon Superstar! Cathy has been a regular on FTM and we know her as the Queen of CVS! Here is Cathy’s story:
When we first got married, my husband and I worked out a budget.After we’d paid all of our bills, we were left with $75 each week forfood. Convinced that wasn’t enough to feed us, I panicked. So, ofcourse, I called my big sister. She’d been telling me for monthsabout how great coupons were…yada, yada, yada… Yeah, sis, that’s nice for you.
When she said $75 was a realistic budget with coupons, I finallydecided to try it. I watched online videos and learned about the process, but I wasn’t sure about it until I tried it for myself. My “Aha!” moment came when I paid $1 for the same electric toothbrushthat had cost me $30 at Wal-Mart months before. I got such a coupon
high that I have been hooked on savings ever since!
While I started couponing to save money, it has really grown into a hobby for me. I like looking for deals in my free time (well, as much free time as a mom of two toddlers can have). I love going to the store and saving 50-90% off my bill. I especially love to give those things I bought to friends, family, or people in need. I use my couponing skills to host dinner parties, where my favorite game is “Guess How Much I Paid.” My friends and family are all “so impressed.”
My husband of four years likes that I can stick to our budget, but he’s had to limit me to 3 minutes of coupon talk at a time…yeah, I can get a little over-excited about my deals.
I love using coupons to get nicer things than I ever had before. I can afford a fancy purse that will last me years instead of months (I did the math, y’all, and if this Coach bag lasts me 2 years, it willofficially be less expensive than Wal-Mart purses that last 4 months). I love living luxuriously within my budget—so who said you can’t have your cake and eat it, too?
Would you like to be considered as FTM’s Coupon Superstar of the Week? Send us an email – info @forthemommas.com (remove space).
Kelly says
Congratulations! Love your story! :) Anyway, can you give me details about Guess How Much I Paid game.. I would love to use that for my party in couple of months. I look forward to hear from you soon!
The Queen of CVS says
Kelly, Thanks! Sorry I didn’t see this until now–it’s not a real game, I just have my friends guess how much I paid for the dinner or a specific item and then tell them “well, this dinner for 6 cost $4…” ;) It’s funny, though, b/c they’ve started just guessing “free” all the time.
Jennifer says
Inspiring story and I love that you’re treating yourself to a quality handbag with some of your savings! Thanks for sharing.
KyleneW says
Awesome :) Nice to “meet” you Cathy!
Heather H says
Way to go Cathy! I’m so proud of you! And, I’m really happy that you have taken me under your couponing wings and shown me how to get awesome savings ! In just 4 short months I have saved our family over $500! You are my snipping and clipping hero! See you at church!
juvy says
love your story!love the coach bag!
Rachel H. says
A great first super couponer story!
Andrea says
Awesome Cathy :-)
Lucy says
You are an inspiration!!!!
Cheryl Rodger says
Great job Cathy. So proud and a little jealous:)
Love, Mom
Jamee says
This is so cool…I wanna be you when I grow up Cathy!!
For the Mommas says
Cathy this is awesome! Congrats on saving so much for your family. I love that you use your couponing skills to help others!
Debbie R. says
Congrats on being the first Cathy. Great story!!