A little about me…
Since starting this blog, I have yet to tell any of you really anything about me, so if you’re interested keep on reading!
I’m a young mom to 3 adorable kiddos, 2 boys and a girl! I also have one amazing husband who serves in the Marine Corps and does his best to provide for us, his family, every single day! We are a typical American family, struggling with our finances and the challenges that come with raising 3 children in today’s world.
My frugal journey started about 2 1/2 years ago. Since having our first child so young… well to say the least, we weren’t quite prepared with the financial struggles that were to come. In all honesty, our focus was way more on materialistic things, making sure our kiddos looked adorable and well, making sure we did too. Going out to buy new clothes was always on the top of our list, driving flashy cars and working to make it look on the outside that our life was perfect. The sad truth was that we had starting digging a hole, a hole that was going to be very difficult to get out of. I was so depressed on the inside, but I just ignored that feeling and pushed it to the side by purchasing more and pretending. Soon enough our credit card debt was out of control. A vicious cycle formed that we couldn’t seem to find a way out of! The more depressed I became, the more I spent.
I look back on those years of my life and really can’t believe that was me. At the same time, though, I’m glad it happened. It was definitely a blessing in disguise. I learned so much, so many life lessons that I never would have otherwise. The important stuff in my life now is far from nice clothes and flashy cars. What’s really important are the people I surround myself with not the “things”! My kids have taught me so much about what’s important, about really loving and about understanding what life is really all about.
So why did I start this blog?
At first I started this blog to actually help myself be more accountable. By writing stuff down I was motivated to take the necessary steps I needed to start my frugal journey. Once I got going,� I realized how much fun saving money can be. Not only is it fun to watch your savings account grow and your debt diminish, but it’s also exciting when you get your family involved and really teach your kids the value of a $1! I feel so empowered now and confident… and well that’s why I love this blog! I want all my readers to feel great about what they’re doing for their families and themselves! Saving money in my opinion is the same as making money. As a stay at home mom, I now know how amazing it feels to actually realize that your contributing to your family in so many ways… using coupons, being a frugal shopper and learning how to budget your money are all ways we’re doing just that!
Why name my blog Hip2Save?
I’m hip (well, working on it) and I love to save and why shouldn’t it be Hip to Save!? 
Couponing should NOT be frowned upon! I want to show everyone… especially the younger generation that saving money and using coupons is HIP!
266 Readers Commented to “A little about me…”
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Rose says:
I think there should be a balanced between taking care of you as a woman and taking good care of children. I come from Europe and arriving here I saw so many women who don’t care at all about their looks. It is too bad that a country like USA, where you can find anything you want is famous not for her fashion, but for American women who wear pajamas on the street. It is a shame. If one can’t afford new clothes, there’s a million thrift stores that sell amazing clothes for cheap. A woman should take care of her, no matter what…..
And couponing is not as fun as it may look. Being at Walmart register, with 3 other people behind you, and the register lady checks every coupon a million times and calls everyone to see them….. It doesn’t really work that easy everywhere…
me says:
What the hell does the first paragraph have to do with anythin?!?!?
couponmaniac says:
Not all American women are lazy enough to wear pajamas out in public. I care how I look, i’m not rich but I take care of myself and family. Thank you very much
Christina says:
You know if Rose honestly feels that way then wht did she bother to visit this site in the first place. I think this is a wonderful site. BTW the woman that put this together must be an awesome lady to have cared enough about others to list these things for us. Keep up the good work.
Andrea says:
Wow! Rose, Really!! Are you serious!! I really hope that was a joke, if not you just gave European women a really bad name! (I can say that since you decided that all American women wear PJ’s out & don’t take care of themselves!!) Thats just ridiculous! I would assume there are just as many women in Europe that do not keep their selves up to your standards! If you don’t like the way,”US” American women dress, by all means, please go back to Europe! When you visit “OUR” money saving blogs, and leave a message like that, you are talking to women, for the most part, that DO take care of their self, they also take care of their families, and most of us even help take care of the less fortunate in our communities! So a comment like that really gets in my crawl!! As far as couponing, apparently you haven’t tried it or did not give it a chance! The next time you are in line behind a fellow-couponer & are getting irritated, think about all the good she may be doing. She may be like me, a family of 6 on a shoe-string budget, or perhaps she is buying for a family in need.. You never know!! Just this past week, I was able to buy all of my girls school supplies & the school supplies for 2 less fortunate children!! Now, I am not telling you this to “toot my own horn” , but without my coupons, I would not have had the money to buy the extra supplies to donate! If you don’t want to check out behind a couponer, “Find another lane, sweetheart!”
Candice says:
Yup! Go find another lane. Thank GOD for coupons. And for people who take the time out of their day to post blogs like this one.
vikesdoll1 says:
Rose,
Thanks to people like Collin’s husband who give their lives to protect the freedom of Americans, you have the right to immigrate to our wonderful country and enjoy the freedom to share your opinion. But apparently you are just as classless as someone who would wear their pajamas in public….I can’t BELIEVE you would insult Americans on the web-site that belongs to a military family.
Lauren says:
American women might not go out everywhere dressed to kill, but at least we care about our dental health. WOO WEE! I saw some scary mouths when I was in Europe.
vikesdoll1 says:
OMG! Lauren!! So funny! Glad I didn’t have a mouth full or pop when I read that!!!
Borat??? says:
To Rose,
Being a first generation American perhaps I can moderate this comment a bit. I’m thinking you may not have a good grasp of the English language. I’m also thinking you don’t quite understand the culture of America and the subgroups within it. You are describing the type of woman who tends not to take time on herself for whatever reason. That type of woman is also unlikely to take time to coupon or plan meals ahead of time. Women(and men) who save money through couponing tend to be the people who take pride in their families, country and appearence. Many of the readers of this blog took your comments to be insulting, whether or not you intended to be.
However, I do not think you are foreign. Your English sounds purposefully broken…you tried a little too hard to sound “European.” Not only did you insult Americans but you also insulted Europeans (Next time, try not to imitate Borat in tone and sentence structure). By the way the nationality of “European” you imitated doesn’t generalize their origins in that way. I would know. I wil speuclate no further on where you actually from…
In any case to all the ladies and gentlemen who are upset at Rose’s post, do not fret. She’s most likely a fake and just trying to create negativity on such a positive site. Keep up your awesome couponing and loving your families and country.
Proud First Generation American
P.S. Thank you to Collin for all you do.
nicole says:
as a sister in couponing
it is obvious to me that you are VERY hip– and it is hip to save! love the picture, love the scarf, love that you’re a mother who’s teaching your kids the value of a dollar, love the blog! you rock, keep doing it!!!! (and ignore rude comments, it takes skill/time/effort to coupon… not everyone can handle it) HAPPY SAVING!!!
H says:
Just because someone decides to wear pajamas out does not make them lazy. Not every woman likes to get dressed up all the time and if some woman wants to wear her pajamas out in public *gasp* its definitely not the end of the world. And if someone wearing pajamas out really bothers someone then they have serious issues because your appearance is not everything. People should try worrying about things that are ACTUALLY IMPORTANT.
Barbara R says:
Hey Rose, I think you are talking about me…I went to IHOP in my pajamas the other day. A group of us do it periodically just to enjoy not having to get up and put pantyhose on every morning, but I do put a bra on though! I ALWAYS wear my Nick & Nora designer pj’s and of course, fuzzy slippers! I think I look rather cute and we always get smiles from the customers who say they wish they could do that! It’s not breakfast in bed but at least I don’t have to do the dishes:)
Anonymous says:
Hate to say it but you are right. Many many women and men both leave the house looking like that…………..
Anonymous says:
wow!!!! you dont enjoy saving money!!!??? some people just like saving money dont get THEIR hopes down…….p.s. people who where pajamas out in public is NOT YOU so think about YOURSELF!!!
Cissy says:
Rose, since your from Europe do you wear stretchy pants?
knava040 says:
I love your site,im only 12 but have permission to be on this site ofcourse! i think it is really cool that you take time out of your day to help us find deals! Thanks!!!
Barbara R says:
WOW, Collin are you reading this??? 12 years old! You rock girl…keep up the couponing and keep the money you save!
Liza says:
I started couponing last summer after my 3rd child was born. It was nice when I could find the deals but I spent so much time comparing store ads and sorting coupons so I really wasn’t loving it until a friend told me about your blog. I LOVE it! I am on here every single day. Just a couple of days ago I bought $70 worth of stuff for $15 (total from two receipts) and I was grinning from ear to ear because I will still get back $14 of that in rebates and gift cards- yeah! Thanks so much for all of your time and effort, it is appreciated!!
Lara Babot says:
I think you’re amazing!! Because of you and this site I am able to make our very tiny pay check go a little further!! I am sooo glad one of my friends referred me to you!!
M. says:
Just came across your blog today, and I’m loving it! Especially the Follow Me Monday videos–those are great! I’m so pleased to see another site promoting coupons and making them “hip”!
CHANDY says:
I love this site , you are awesome . Thank you for sharing your freebies, and taking the time to blog about all the cool savings !
Shanna says:
I came across your site at Fantastic Freebies from AOL, and I am so happy I checked it out. A lot of sites I come across are spam, but this one is great! I am also a mom in my mid 20’s and I use coupons as a way to save money on our weekly food bill. I also love the Freebies section on your blog, its always great to get free samples of products.
Lisa says:
Hello I just wanted to let you know that I check your site everyday!!! I have a whole basket full of stuff and it’s only getting bigger. thank you for taking the time that you do to post these offers!! ;0)
thanks!
home and family says:
Hai dude , Why dont u put facebook badge on your blog? Because I want to follow your fb. Thanks Regards Owner
THERESA says:
COLLIN, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR US. I SO ADMIRE YOU FOR RAISING 3 CHILDREN WHILE YOUR HUSBAND IS HELPING US KEEP OUR FREEDOM. IT’S HARD JUST LIFE IN GENERAL. KEEP ON HELPING US SAVE MONEY. WE APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK.
GOD BLESS
THERESA
Hankin says:
Hi. I hate that weird Rose person. Bye.
vikesdoll1 says:
LOL..but I love your comment!
lau says:
Just came across your site and found it entertaining. I’m right on board with couponing and have to say I’m pretty savvy myself-right down calling a store after receiving an email of their clearance sale only to fill out the on-line store survey and sending the coupon to the store via mail! It’s always good to establish a repore with the store manager during your phone conversation. I actually get a natural high from saving money! When printing coupons- I’ll my my no-so-coupon friends to remember that it’s really like printing out $$$!! So great site & blog- I’ll continue to follow.
retail employee says:
Rose,
Please do not bash American women. The USA is a wonderful place to live and if you don’t like the way we dress GO BACK to Europe!! I’m not sure what the HELL your comments had to do with couponing.
Laura says:
Collin, you are so awesome!
debhunt says:
I have just started on my coupon journey and my oldest daughter laughed at me today, as I was getting my coupons together. I was looking for a specific coupon that was supposed to be online and could not find it, so I said I would not buy that item at the store and marked it off my list. My daughter looked at me and said, “You aren’t going to buy that just because you don’t have a coupon?” She thought that was very funny! I went to the grocery store and saved a total of 46% using my coupons, the store card, and the great deals they had this week. Thanks so much for all you do, my husband is even involved in this adventure, we appreciate all you do to help pass along the deals to everyone. You are a great help to everyone who will take the time to clip coupons and read your blog. And please tell your husband Thank you for defending our great country!!! Keep up the wonderful work, we do appreciate it!
JLH1018 says:
Collin – Just want to say thank you for all that you do with this site. I realize that I am not one of the majority who visit this site – I am a young professional who recently graduated college, trying to keep up with student loans and make it in the real world. I currently only have myself to look after, but I still deal with everyday struggles of making ends meet and trying to keep my head afloat in horrible economy.
You make my efforts in trying to save a few dollars easier than I would have ever thought. Thanks again for time and passion towards this money saving blog!
Jessica says:
Thanks!!! I am only 22 years old and I have started couponing, so far i have saved a ton of money and I love saving money! I check your website everyday… thanks so much hip2save!
Jazmin says:
Ah, Rose.
It’s typical for the people who feel as if they’re “above” clipping a coupon to rag on others that are trying to maximize their dollars. If you’ve watched any of the videos posted by Collin, you’ll see that she actually does take care of her appearance.
She wears nice outfits, always looks well groomed and presentable. And, if she can save her family a few bucks while looking beautiful, all the better.
Tom says:
Its not just Rose, its others, I really get tired of reading negative posts about folks that coupon. For those that bash it, you are either lazy or just can’t stand someone else that is saving a lot of money, and for certain, you are someone that is negative. I am glad that folks are saving money, I find myself giving coupons to people who are about to make a purchase for items that I really don’t want just to help out. I don’t save whopping amounts like many of the folks that post, but I have managed to save about $200 a month since doing this. I appreciate when folks post and how they save, it only helps me improve. Thank you all!
leonardml says:
Collin, 1st off, a huge Thank You to your husband for serving. We all appreciate the service he provides to our country and to each of us. Thank you also for being mindful of what you have. You are doing a great service in that you’ve learned an important life lesson and choose to selflessly share it with others in order to help them improve their lives. Kudos to you.
My sister turned me on to your blog. I’ve been a couponer for years, but have learned so much from you in only one short evening reading your blog and watching your videos. I’m now registered and look forward to reading your blog and whatever you care to share.
You’re awesome, blossom! ;-p
Mickey
Julia says:
Thanks so much for this wonderful site! I recently started couponing and found out how great it really is! At first, I had “coupon shame” and was afraid to use coupons and thought that it would be a hassle to the cashier as well as people in line behind me. I was also afraid of being labeled a “cheapskate” (Yikes, don’t even like the sound of it!) However, I realized that there are many people just like me who use coupons all the time and that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it! I feel supported by seeing all these other coupon users around.
Vivienne says:
Thanks Collin for all you do! You are amazing!!! God bless you and your family.
Austin says:
While it’s great that your site is “sharing” coupons or deals with others, you should check with the companies’ owners/managers before you actually post them to see if it is a valid coupon to use. The company I work for frequently gets slammed by websites like yours by offers that are no longer valid.
Qpon Saving Mommas says:
Austin, every offer she offers is VALID. Nothing shady going on here.
Austin says:
Well — there is, because one of the offers put on here was from my company and we are NOT sending out the samples requested from this site. They have removed the link.
Qpon Saving Mommas says:
I’m not buying that because , you would had listed your company when posting this.
aw says:
I enjoy coming here checking out the hints on what to buy. Your blog is amongst the top. My son Collin was like “what?” when I told him there’s a woman with the same name, but that’s beside the point. Anyway, keep up the great work and I’m “hippy” to have found your blog.
Kelly says:
Ok, your story is really inspiring and I love everything I have been getting for free but, the real question I need an answer to is…..HOW THE HECK ARE YOU SO THIN AFTER 2 KIDS?!?! You’re killin me here!!!!
Jamie says:
she has three! and yes she looks great!
Kelly says:
HA! I said 2! I meant 3! But, that just proves my point even more! LOL
Marcee says:
Hi Collin!! I have to tell you how much I LOVE your site! I check it everyday!! Ok, several times a day.
I am a stay-at-home mom of 5 kiddos and can’t get a job because it would take my whole paycheck to cover childcare for that many kids! So I do what I can to save money and stretch our paychecks. I started checking your blog back in March 2010 and have since shared it with many friends and family. I actually help ladies coupon in a little coupon group we have. It’s actually FUN! THANK YOU for all you do to help us moms (and dads) save where we can!! And another THANK YOU to your amazing hubby for all he does for our country!!
love2save says:
Collin, I am new to your site (my sis introduced me yesterday) and I think it is AMAZING. I have already saved and it’s been ONE day! Please don’t ever stop! Couponing is a talent, and you have a natural knack for it!
P.S. Rose, you said “If one can’t afford new clothes, there’s a million thrift stores that sell amazing clothes for cheap”
You are not telling anything new to us money-saving, coupon-clipping Americans! And I agree with the other posts, if you don’t want to wait in line, go to the self-checkout lane (or do they not have that in Europe?)
Joanna says:
Thank you for putting together all these deals!
Jamie says:
Thank you Collin for everything you do. I am so grateful that you share your wisdom with all of us. Life can be a struggle financially, but this site really helps. Please keep up the good work.
bgray says:
Lover you sight and love your video. I think it is wonderful that you are showing everyone especially the younger generation that using coupons if a great idea. I have a son who is 19 and he is all aboard with using coupons. I live in Florida and was watching your video when you shopped at our Publix and was amazed. I use coupons but have never saved so much that I had to buy things to put it back in the positive. I was amazed!!
Elizabeth says:
I came across your youtube videos a couple days ago, I absoulutly love them. They are so informational and full of life!!!!
:) Thank you so much for putting all your time and talent into this site and your videos. CVS and Walgreens are my new fav places to shop I’ve been saving so much this week.
Thanks soo much!!!!!!!!
Cathy says:
I love this site! Because of you I have recently found couponing! Your videos are my absolute favorite feature on your site, and on youtube! I went on my first “binder trip” last week to target. The nearest Target is almost an hour away so I was doing my homework for like two weeks before hand and I spent $115.00 and some change, but saved over $113.00. Not bad I think! my DH was thrilled and said I should go to Target once a week. Can you believe that! He actually told me he wants me to go shopping once a week! I think a pig just flew past my window! You are awesome! The only thing I need now is some advice on a three year old boy who doesnt want to go pee on the potty! HELP ME!!! lol
Robin says:
As Mom of 4 boys, (all but one grown) the best advice I can give for potty training is DON’T FIGHT IT. It will click with him when you least expect it, & it’ll be smooth sailing from there. Use pull ups, don’t berate for accidents, keep your cool, remind often (gently) and be patient. It really does happen. Every one is much happier when life doesn’t revolve around that. He will be SO PROUD when he gets it.
Mrs Fiesty says:
What is the best way that you have found to organize your coupons?
rebecca says:
I am new to this site and love it. I quit my job alittle of a year ago to stay at home with my three monkeys. We worked really hard the yr before I quit to pay off all the credit cards so that I could stay at home. Its wonderful sites like this one that helps me save money so that we can survive on just the hubbys income. The Lord has blessed us so much we do more now as a family than we ever did with two incomes. Just wanted to say thanks for all that you do, you bless alot of people with all your hard work.
Defendr98 says:
This site is absolutely awesome! As a male, I am glad to say that my wife has found Collin’s hints and tips extremely useful. We also have three children (two of whom are still in diapers, but hopefully not for too much longer), and I am the only one who works outside the house full-time. My wife, on the other hand, definitely works full-time inside the home and this website has helped us tremendously in saving money. For instance, we just went shopping at Target last night, and with Collin’s link to Target’s website, we were able to purchase over $40.00 worth of items for under $20.00! Who knew you could get 50% off just by couponing. It’s a great way to decorate your home or get something nice for yourself without having to burn a hole in your wallet!
Thanks, Collin!
Elle says:
Love your site!! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to help all us find the best deals!
anon says:
What a cutie….You should have your own TV show like on the Food Network or so….the next Rachel Ray…
ashley says:
Just want to say I love your blog! My husband is also a Marine and is actually in Afghanistan right now. I love being at home all the time with our 6 month old daughter, but sometimes feel like I am not contributing enough to our little family…I decided while he was away to focus on finding ways to save money, and I am so excited that I have found my way into the world of couponing! Love it!
Susie says:
Hi Collin,
I just read your note on your home page. Don’t let people get you down. Your website is AWESOME!! I just want you to know that I have been using other coupon websites. However, I recently came across yours and I am hooked. Your site is in my top 3. I have two children. My daughter is a senior in high school and my son is in the eighth grade. My daughter is amazed at everything I get very cheap or even free. I’ve even been teaching her the ropes, so that when she leaves for Cal State Long Beach, she will always be stock piled. Keep up the great work and kuddos to you for spending more time with your children. Susie in Visalia, California.