How Coupons Saved My Life

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I am sharing a video with you today… a very personal video. A video I filmed back in 2012. A video I wasn’t ready to release.

Now I am ready. Ready to share my story. My story about addiction, depression, and how those little things called coupons have done so much more than save me money.

*Please keep in mind that this video may not be suitable for children.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdTiPNJM7JU] If you can’t see the video, click here.

If you are currently suffering from drug addictions, food addictions and/or depression, I strongly encourage you to reach out to a friend or family member, doctor, counselor or pastor and seek help.

Join The Discussion

Comments 1088

  1. Crazee_kid

    Wow! Thank you for sharing this very personal story with us readers. You are a wonderful person, enabling us all to save money in any and every way possible and that in turn strengthens us in so many ways.

  2. shelly

    Truly amazing. Thank you.

  3. Karen

    What a brave thing to do. You’ve given again by posting this. Thanks so much!

  4. Marcia

    I am a mental health therapist and am blessed to be trusted by so many with their intimate thoughts and feelings. We all have our life story but we are not all brave enough to be vulnerable in sharing it. It takes tremendous strength to admit our weaknesses and even more strength to change them. I have always admired the dedication you have shown in helping myself and others save. Your candor with your humanness adds even greater admiration as you show a confidence and self respect that many struggle to have and never achieve. You will discover that your personal growth will continue as you remain open to the truth of whom you are. You will also find much acceptance and love will flow because you will be more emotionally free to receive it. Thank you Collin for being you with us all and giving so many strangers permission to be human also.

    • nicolegammeter

      Thank you, Marcia! 🙂

  5. Kim

    Thank you for sharing your video with us! I know that my family would not thrive as much financially if it wasn’t for you. You have taught me so much about couponing and deals. I hope one day that you will write a book!! Xoxo!!

  6. Ekthyer

    “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
    –Albert Einstein–
    I saw this the other day and really thought it was a brilliant quote. I try to think of this about my 4 kids–all different talents.
    We all see that Collin found her talent. 😁

  7. joni

    Not that you had to reveal all your so very personal life to your viewers but it was great and strong and a very unselfish thing to do! when I grew up everyone compared themselves to the Brady Bunch. So many girls wanted to be like Marcia and boys like Greg like you said in your video if people would only realize that what you see is only the edited version on tv on social media etc you are a very courageous and talented woman and its your differences that have made a difference.

  8. Pia

    Hi Collin, It takes a lot of courage and strength to share this video. Hats off to ur strength and courage and how you have been strong and overcome the hurdles. You are a true inspiration and have helped us all. Thanks a lot and remember we love u and are lucky to have found you.

  9. Julie

    It’s so refreshing to see something so real and raw. Like you said it’s so easy to make life look perfect through social media. You seem like such an amazing person. Thanks for sharing your struggles and being real! You’re an inspiration to me. 🙂

    • Julie

      *You is kind, you is smart, you is important*

  10. Valerie

    Wow! You made me cry the ugly cry. Shame on you! What a brave and courageous video! Colin, I have followed you for years. You have saved my family sooo much money! My sister is a single mom of 3 and I pay it forward by supplying her with many items in her pantry. I am grateful for what I have learned from you in couponing. I am also grateful for your honesty in this video. I don’t have an addiction (other than buying quilting fabric) but it is a great reminder to not compare ourselves to others and like you said about their vacations etc. You don’t see the whole picture, just the cleaned up version that is posted. My hope for you is continued health. I am glad you are in such a good place right now in your life. Thank you for sharing your story.

  11. Julie

    Wow! I have been following your blog since close to the beginning when you were on BlogSpot and I have always appreciated you so much. You have taught me so much about coupons! Thank you for sharing your story. It is really cool to see your whole story and what you have overcome! Keep helping people Collin, you have a gift and I am so excited to see your passion for helping people in all your videos. God bless.

  12. Lisa

    You are amazing! Thank you for being real. I love your site and have followed you for over 4 years. You have helped my very young busy family of 7 everyday. Thank you for all you do for us.

  13. Joan

    You are so brave to share your story. You’ve been through so much and you are a total success story. I’m so happy for you that you’ve found what you are meant to do, and you truly love it too. I also love how you’ve made this website so positive and uplifting. Please continue to delete anyone’s post that is hurtful to others. Unlike the rest of the internet let’s let your website be a place where we lift each other up instead of tear each other down!!!

  14. Annie

    Thanks for sharing. Your site is something that I look forward to each day. Thank you for that. I enjoy the site very much. I have won your contests & that was a great big surprise & put much needed smiles in my heart. Thank you again for all you do!!!

  15. crystal

    Collin, you are a honest and amazing person. Thanks so much for all you do!!!!

  16. stephasavage

    Hey Colin I don’t know if you’re really going to read all of these, but I have to thank you because I’ve been looking at your site regularly since 2010, it has given me a hobby that actually SAVES money and has just been a fun outlet. Even though I don’t know you, I think of you as a friend. I used to live in Boise, we moved to Minnesota in 2011 for my husband’s work, but when I found out you were moving there, I about died, thinking of how fun it would have been to run into you while couponing there. Thanks for all you’ve done, and thanks especially for sharing your story. It is good for all of us to hear and grow from, especially in a world that does seem obsessed with perfection. Thanks for the breath of fresh air. I wish you the best!

    • nicolegammeter

      Thanks much for hanging with me through the years! 🙂

  17. Jen

    Thank you for sharing your story. You are amazing. Thanks for all you do for everyone else.

  18. Audrie

    Thank you

  19. Michele Smykle

    Collin thank you for being so brave and sharing your story with all of us!

  20. Rachel C.

    Wow- this was so moving and I have even more respect for you now. What a lovely spirit you have and a well spoken person- it was hard for me to reconcile you feeling low about yourself. Thank you for sharing and thank you for all you do!!! You are amazing;)

  21. Jessica

    Collin, thank you for sharing this! You have shown a lot of courage to post this and to be so honest with your readers. It makes me happy to know that you were strong enough to ask for the help, so many are not as fortunate to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and conquer it! You are right, people live a perfect life on Facebook and in photos, but it’s not REAL! At the end of the day, it’s all about loving your family and yourself. ;o)

  22. Bcbebs

    Thank you for sharing with us your life unedited. Truly moving and inspirational. Thanks for all you do!

  23. Elisa

    Your blog is so much more than a coupon blog. Its like a coupon family. I have been following you for years and i admire your courage and perseverance. Thank you for all you do, you go above and beyond.
    Thank you for sharing your story, you touch so many peoples lives everyday, thank you.

  24. TS

    Collin you are amazing!! I swear other than the binging and purging you just described my life! Thank you for finding the courage to share your story because the more we hear about others going through things we go through the more we realize we are not alone and that helps so much! <3

  25. Mayra

    Thank you Collin for sharing this side of you, now I admire you more as a person and as a mom. I have learned so much following you in your site, THANK YOU

  26. Caroline ling

    What a inspiration story!!
    I know it must take you lots of courage to post this video. I’m not good at speech. I cried when I was watching your video. You have wonderful supporting family members and may God bless you and your family!

  27. VictoriaF

    Thank you for sharing your life story with us. You are such an inspiring person! You are so kind, talented, and truly beautiful inside and out!

  28. Chris

    Thank you for sharing your story.

  29. Shawn Williams Naticchioni

    Thank you for sharing your story along with your life and all your great tips to save money.

  30. Cathrine

    What a blessing you are to help us with saving money AND go that extra mile to share your story and likely touch hundreds of lives just by being REAL. Oh the masks/edited lives we all put on! Thank you Collin for your authenticity!

  31. Kasia

    Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story. You are a wonderful person and I think really highly of you! Your energy and good heart are something that I admire and want to be like you! You are my inspiration!

  32. Pat

    Bless you. You have blessed & encouraged many, many, many people with your sharing, openness & hard work.

  33. pamela

    Thank you for sharing this with us – you are a amazing person – I absolutely love hip2save

  34. Wanda

    Colin, I have learned so much from you over the last 4 years. You have helped so many get finances under control, including me. Blessings to you sweet friend for all you do to help others.

  35. sarah

    Thank you Collin for sharing this personal story with us. One thing that has always struck me about your videos was how excited and enthusiastic you were in them. You are always smiling. I never would have guessed that you had gone through such tough times. Hearing you describing all your insecurities growing up, I could really relate. Thanks for showing this side of you because it reminds us that there is always hope and you can come through adversity as a bright shining light that others look up to.

  36. Jen

    I absolutely ADORE you and your zest for life!!! You are certainly an inspiration to many. I have always appreciated your honesty, sense of humor and “nose” for the best deals!!! I find saving money and scoring deals extremely therapeutic and enjoy the rush it gives me in providing for my family. I have YOU to thank for that my dearest Hipster!
    Don’t let anyone dull your SPARKLE!!!
    SHINE ON GIRL!!! Thank you for your incredible, heart felt video!

  37. Katie

    Thank you for being brave and sharing this! It made me cry, it was really touching! You are smart, beautiful, talented, and kind, I wish I lived by you so that I could be your BFF!:) My family greatly appreciates everything you do! Hugs!!

  38. Lisa Taylor

    Wow. Amazing. Brave. Absolutely inspirational. Can’t begin to thank you enough for your story.

  39. jhnicole

    Wow thank you for sharing your story.so many have had those same addictions.you are very brave in telling your story.thanks for all you do.I’m glad you overcame.

  40. Beth

    “Fall down seven times, get up eight”. Japanese proverb that I try to live by and teach my 3 kids. That’s what you did Collin, that’s what I’m sure many women who view this blog do. Thanks for sharing by making this video and reminding us that we can…

  41. Cathy

    Collin! You are so brave to share this! I love your site, your enthusiasm, your emails, and your videos! I look forward to the emails everyday! And I love the videos and miss them when you take a much needed break! You are so enthusiastic and motivating! I learn from you and share your info with others as well. So, you are helping me to pass on the deals to others! I love it! Thank you!!! Thank you for being you and for being real!

  42. Nikki

    You are a beautiful soul…..thank you!!

  43. Becky

    I applaud you Collin for your bravery! You are an AWESOME person! As someone who works with people who suffer from alcohol and drug addiction I commend you and wish you the best always. Thanks for sharing such a personal story with so many!

  44. Ash

    First of all, I am sooo thankful for you and all that you do for my family and I! These days, it is tough to live on one income, as I am a stay at home mom. All the deals and coupons you post have been a huge help! Secondly, you are such an inspiration!! You have inspired me to make it my job to save as much money as I can for my family and to give back to others! Even being able to share a coupon code that I don’t need with another reader on this site is awesome. I look forward to checking your site each day! Thank you for all you do!

  45. Joy

    Thank you Collin, for your COURAGE to share your story, your transparency, and your heart for others. Your story WILL help others who are caught in webs of depression, addiction, and stinkin thinkin (comparison) that steals the joy from life, if allowed. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and a blessing to so many. I pray you are encouraged by the overwhelming support and feedback you receive from this post.

  46. Susi

    Collin what a beautiful woman you are inside & out. It’s our trials & tribulations that make us who we are. The good & the bad, and even the very ugly parts is what ultimately defines who we truly are on the inside. I have yet to meet anyone who’s life has been perfection from their first breath. For you to open up & share your journey with everyone is truly inspiration. God Bless you and yours, and may your head always be held high & feet planted firmly on the ground.

  47. Tanya

    Thank you, for everything.

  48. Margherita

    Thank you for sharing! Your story is inspirational!

  49. Aly

    Collin, this made me tear up a bit. I’ve kind of fallen off my path and your video reminded me that I’m not alone. So thanks for that. 🙂

  50. Tammy

    Wonderful video, thanks for sharing!!

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