Hip2Save’s Sweetest Memories Over the Past Decade
We’re strolling down memory lane!
As I’m reminiscing over the past ten years, I am amazed at how much we’ve grown, and how much all of you loyal readers mean to me. ❤ Hip2Save would not be where it is today if it weren’t for the constant outpouring of love, support, and loyalty from all of you.
From Blogspot, to Life Gives You Lemons, to “Coffee with Collin” and “Follow Me Mondays“, to the Hip2Help Tour, to the TODAY partnership, to shopping at Target with Ma and my Dad, to Hip2Save and now Hip2Keto, and SO much more… we’ve been through a lot, grown a bunch, and we’ve loved every bit of the journey. ❤
Here’s a walk through the past 10 years and the moments which have meant the most…
2008: Hip2Save founded on BlogSpot
Look at my little ones! Way back in 2008, I started Hip2Save on BlogSpot to actually help me be more accountable with my spending. I was a young stay-at-home mom with three kids (who were at the time ages 7, 3, and 2) and my husband was also serving in the Marines — and we had a lot of debt 😬.
By writing things down on the blog, I was motivated to take the necessary steps I needed to start my frugal journey. But once I got going, I actually realized how much fun saving money could be and wanted others to know! I was compelled to show everyone, especially the younger generation, that saving money and using coupons is actually HIP, and not just for adorable old grannies! And that’s how Hip2Save was born 😁.
2009: NEW Hip2Save Site Launched
If you’ve been following Hip2Save since we were on BlogSpot, you may remember the day that they took the blog offline 😳. I absolutely panicked. I was freaked out, upset, and genuinely so sad.
But when life closes one door, you just open it back up — it’s a door. So I found a team who helped me create a new and improved Hip2Save site on WordPress and we were up and running within a only few days! Plus, my incredible sister Bryn jumped on board to help me as the site had grown so much over the previous year — I was beyond thankful for her help!
Who remembers these fun logos we used to have on Hip2Save.com? 😁
2010: Life Gives You Lemons 🍋
During the early years of Hip2Save, I learned how to be resourceful and clever to find fresh ways to save money. In this Follow Me Monday video about how to have a cheap date night, and I mentioned putting lemons in my water and making lemonade instead of buying a drink. I thought, “this is simple but brilliant way to save!”
But man, did that make some people mad… That video sparked quite the debate, and I have to say that it was very eye opening to the nasty things that can be said on the internet. But, in truly fitting make lemonade from lemons fashion, we started the super fun “Life Gives You Lemons” T-Shirt Reader Giveaways as a way to show that when life gives you lemons, you should keep them… because, hey, FREE lemons 🍋!
2011: Hip2Help Tour 🚌
I’m about tear up just thinking about the amazing experiences we had in 2011. This year had some of our best memories ever ❤. The Hip2Help tour made me realize that life is such a blessing and tragedy can strike absolutely anyone. I was incredibly inspired and amazed at the generosity of Hip2Save readers and the willingness to step up to help those who were devastated by the terrible tornadoes. You gave SO much and restored my faith that there can be SO much good in this world! I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing Hip2Save community.
Also in 2011, we partnered with TODAY.com based on the huge response Hip2Save readers had to Jill’s Steals and Deals. It was definitely a new journey and a learning experience along the way.
2012: The Morgans Move to Idaho
This was a GIANT step for me and my family! After over 10 years of service, my hubby was medically discharged from the Marine Corps after injuring himself during physical training. It was a concerning time that left us wondering what would be our next move. So we moved — literally!
We took the 2,500 mile trek from North Carolina to Boise, Idaho!
Check out what I wrote in this post from December of 2011:
As we drove off the base, I lost it. I couldn’t seem to hold back the tears. Part of me hoped we could just turn around and go back to our house on base – rewind time and cherish all of those wonderful memories we’ve made. As we curved around the road to leave base, I looked up and couldn’t believe what I saw. Yep… exactly what you see above. Idaho plates.
You can read the full post here.
While moving can be such a drag, there was a light at the end of our journey as we were about to be so much closer to my two sisters and awesome mom who live in and around Boise 💛.
2013: Lina Joins Hip2Save
Oh, my lovely Lina 💕. Hiring her has been one of my proudest moments as she adds a wonderful touch to Hip2Save with delicious recipes and creative DIY projects, which was so necessary for me as cooking and crafts are not my strengths. Throughout the past 5 years, Hip2Save has benefited immensely from her talents and I’m fortunate enough to have gained a new friend in the process! Have I mentioned she makes a mean keto pizza?!
2014: Hello, Instagram and Ma 📷
Can you believe that Hip2Save first posted on Instagram way back in 2014?! This was well before influencers and over-filtered pictures took over the social media platform. My first post was of my favorite person — my sweet Ma. She graced the site with her joyful presence and I know readers loved her just as much I did! Who can forget all the fun we had Target Deal Shopping with Ma and my dad back in the day 😂!
I love looking back on these moments and sweet memories with Ma as it reminds me of all the valuable life lessons she taught me. Words cannot express how much I miss Ma and her beautiful life❤.
2015: How Coupons Saved My Life Video
2015 was when things got very personal. I had decided to open up to you all with a video about my life. But this wasn’t the fun and quirky side everyone was so used to seeing — it was my story about addiction and depression, and it left me feeling extremely vulnerable. Truthfully, this was a video I actually filmed back in 2012, but I just couldn’t bring myself to share it back then.
As much as this video dug into my personal struggles, what it really represented was how those little things called coupons have done so much more than save me money — they completely saved my life. And while it took me a while to gain the courage to share my story, you truly filled my heart from all the love and support in the comments 💛!
On a much lighter note, we also launched TONS of new site features back in 2015 — including the popular HIP List that made saving your favorite posts so much easier!
2016: “Big Red Ball” Music Video
This by far was the most fun video we’ve ever created at Hip2Save. If you’ve followed me over the years, you know that I LOVE April Fools Day… and Target! With my army of fellow deal lovers, we created the “Big Red Ball” Music Video and loved every minute of filming it! Now that I think of it, we’re totally open to suggestions for our next parody video 😂.
2017: Hip2Save Employee Retreat
It’s no secret that it’s not just me who makes Hip2Save run every single day. I’m lucky to have a team of amazing men and women across the US who work for the site! Since many of them work remotely, I had the Hip2Save team gather for an employee retreat. It was really the first time that we had met each other and were all together under one roof — you can only imagine how much fun we had 😄!
We had the chance to truly bond together (on a personal and professional level) and re-establish our common goal towards building the ultimate money-saving resource full of the best deals, frugal tips, budget-friendly recipes, and so much more!
2018: Has it Really Been TEN Years?!
And here we are in 2018! We’re already halfway through this year and we’ve got some awesome projects coming down the pipeline. Our growing team is hard at work developing new ways to make Hip2Save even better so that we can provide you with the best deal shopping experience possible. 😉 We can’t wait to keep making memories for the next 10 years and hope you’ll continue to join us through this exciting journey. 🙌
How beautiful – I literally started tearing up when I was reading. I have been faithfully following you for 8 years and I enjoyed taking this trip down memory lane.. You’ve helped so many people improve the quality of their lives by adjusting their shopping habits and having fun on the way!! I will be forever grateful to you and your team. Thank you ❤️
I’ve been around I believe 8 of those 10 years. Your are just amazing. I think you’d be the kind of person I’d be friends with in real life. Love you Colin and your team for what you’ve taught me and my first responder (fireman) family of 7.
You’re most welcome! Thanks for the kind words and for being a long time follower! We are so glad to have you as a part of our hip2save community!
Where did the last 10 years go??? I’ve been following you almost from the start….I don’t recall how I *found* you, but I’m so glad I did! The deals at Walgreens always used to be my favorite, but they sure don’t have nearly as many as they used to. 🙁 Thanks for all your hard work, and to your helpers, too!
Love you and your team! Thanks for all you do to help our families to save money, too!!
You’re welcome, Lindsay! 😉
My favorite memory is the April 1st “jokes!” I still crack up every time I think about Thongies diapers!!! 🙂
LOL! Those sure are fun each year!
People always asked me “how you find all these deals?”. i told them Hip2save, the only ONE website i follow everyday for over so many years!!
I just want to say ” Thank you to Collins and the awesome team!” I love how this website grow from simple couponing and sales deals to all the fun posts, tips and ideas, giveaway. recipes…and of course, the music videos and shopping trips with Ma. I Love Love the videos you did with your Ma.
I remember there was a period of time, you were pretty upset about some negative posts or feedbacks. I want you to know i appreciate what you and your team do everyday. you can’t please everyone but keep doing what you do best! you will always have your royal followers.
Thank you and many more sweet memories to remember!
I have enjoyed all the things y’all have done at Hip2Save (especially Collin, she’s such a doll) and three of my faves are Ma, Lina’s Post and the Hip2Save tour. Giving back is always good! Thank you for all y’alls hard work! I’ve been reading for 9 years and my life has changed so much too but one thing won’t and that’s my daily Hip2Save fix! <3
So I think I found you in March of 2013 that’s my sisters birthday month and I was looking for something and I found your site and discovered the 5 dollar beauty boxes back then they were way better and I have followed you every since and now my mom buys every beauty box she loves them and I have a little girl who’s birthday is in March she turned one this year ….. we are also military and live on base here in El Paso TX and I’m by myself my husband is off for training and returns in October and we move to NC the same week he gets back !!! Thanks for all the savings over the years !! You actually posted a little tikes kitchen on Walmart.com years ago before Christmas it was 20 dollars I bought it for my son and this past year he outgrew it and I posted it for a best offer and it was 20 dollars so I got my money back out of it lol !!!!
Tears! I have been following you since 2009 and just adore you and everything you have done for our family. You have saved us SO much over the years and your site is so wonderful. THANK YOU for all of your hard work and everything that you have sacrificed and put into this site over the years. Cheers to you!
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This site is such a awesome find! I have found countless deals, freebies and information on this one site more than I have any other. I really appreciate all of the offers & shared info regularly posted!!
Happy you have been enjoying all of the hot deals with us Shirley! Thanks for the sweet feedback! It is truly appreciated!
I am sitting here at work and looking at this post and balling like crazy.. :):) its been a great 10 years for you! so happy you have made yourself and so proud of what you have accomplished!
i have been following you since 2011 and i am so happy to have found you i just love the site and the deals and the personal touch! <3 love hip2save!
I found your site shortly after you started it in 2008. I was a young mama trying to save money while working and going through graduate school. Every penny counted and your site in ever stage it’s has been though has been a blessing myself and my family. Our budget is much better off because of your site! Thank you!
Who remembers the Old Navy posts that Collin used to do way back in 2008 or 2009? Old Navy used to do some kind of coupon giveaway and you had to be real quick to get it. Collin used to always post about and there was someone that was such a troll that Collin finally quit posting about it.
I’ve been following Collin since almost the very beginning. I love Hip 2 Save!
This made my so happy and tearful at the same time! About 8 years ago I found your website after going through a failed IVF. I had no support system besides my husband and was really at a low point in my life. Your website gave me so much more than just great deals. I now have a beautiful 4 year old boy and still love your site. You and your team are awesome!
I guess I didn’t realize I’ve been following you from the beginning. Boy how fast time flies! Thanks for all you do. Your site is my favorite!
My favorite posts were those that featured you & your sweet Ma. (Insert huge heart emoji here) The relationship that you two had was very touching! Both of you exhibit such light & fun! Thank you for many years of helpful deals & ‘couponing’ that have helped us save money.
Thank you for everything you do!
I have been following your blog for years, but somehow I missed your video about addiction etc…
So, I just watched it for the first time right now, and I am in tears.
I have to admit….. there were many times when I looked at pictures of you showing off clothing you got for a huge discount….. and I was jealous, because what I saw was a beautiful and super skinny woman…. which is what you are.#But that’s also what *I* want to be.
And I have struggled with weight all my life.
At one point, I was 278 pounds!
And I had life saving gastric bypass surgery almost 15 years ago.
Yet I still struggle with food addiction every single day of my life.
Every. Single. Day.
Seeing your video and realizing that you, the perfect beautiful woman with the perfect happy life, has struggled with an eating disorder (among other things ), as well, makes me not feel so useless and inferior.
I visit your blog multiple times a day looking for deals.
Thank you for all you do.
Thank you for opening your life up to us, your readers…. I, for one, really appreciate it, and I am certain every single one of your followers does.
Thank you for being so honest with us!
Thank you for being you!
We moved from Maine to Alabama in March of 2009. One of the first people I met on Maxwell AFB told me about this site! I began checking the site every morning to see what deals I could use as an excuse to get out and familiarize myself with our new community. Nothing has changed; I still sign on every morning to see what fabulous deals have been posted. I just would like to know WHEN do all you fabulous Hipsters that post these deals ever sleep??! Grateful for all you ladies do! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you so much for posting your video on how coupons saved your life. I’ve been with Hip 2 Save for 3 years now and check it everyday.
Been with you since the beginning, and I wouldn’t have been able to give/donate or support my family or community without you! And I miss coffee with Colin ❤️😊
I have enjoyed your site for many years now! Reading this post brought me to tears and made me laugh. Thanks for keeping it real. I somehow missed your incredible and vulnerable post about the struggles you’ve faced, so I’m so thankful you reposted it. I was very moved.
I am impressed with how you keep growing this business and improving things. I really enjoy the app and it continues to get better. I love the new search feature!
I have tried many of the winning hip2save recipes. The cranberry bars and Hawaiian roll sliders are a couple of my favs.
Thanks for making the world a brighter place!
I have been following you since the blogspot and remember all of those special years!! In 2008 I was pregnant with our 4th child and living on a single income in Alaska. We were broke and I didn’t want to go back to work with 4 young kids, so I took to the web and found your site! Just like your life, mine has changed too, we moved from Alaska to Nebraska, fixed a failing marriage, dealt with health crisis and now a job loss. Through it all, I have relied on HIP2Save to find the deals, even when we were doing well financially, I still loved a good deal! You have saved me thousands of dollars and I thank you and your team! Can’t wait to see the deals and great post for the next 10 years!! My youngest daughter, almost 10, is a big fan too and my 3 boys grew up knowing if it wasn’t on sale or if there wasn’t a coupon, chances were slim they’d be getting it, but they also learned that with a little patients, they probably would end up with it :-). Thanks Collin and team 🙂
Thanks for sharing🌈🌈🌈🦄🦄🦄
I have been a follower for several years, but this year your blog is Exclusively used to get all the BEST deals!! I saved sooo much money this year with your tips; being s former military wife myself I know just how crucial it is to stretch your money to make ends meet!! I tell all of my friends where I am getting my fab bargains ; thanks again!!! And Congratulations on ten years of Ultimate Frugality and many more years to come!!!🤑🤑😬
Aww, You are SO very welcome! Thanks a ton for the kind comment and for being a longtime reader! We sure appreciate YOU! ❤
I started following in 2009, right after our child with special needs became so sick that she needed one of us to stay home, and we lost our home and had to file bankruptcy due to the medical bills. Learning what I did on Hip2Save saved our financial lives! I have been following ever since!
Thanks so much for your kind comment and for sharing your story with us, Dee! It sure mans a lot! SO happy you have been able to grab the savings when your family needed it most! ❤ 😘