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. 🙌
Found this site in March 2009 and I remember all of this!!!
Awww… thanks for sticking with us through the years. ❤️
Thank you for 10 amazing years! I love the trip down memory lane. It’s incredible that I started couponing and following Hip2Save right after you started and in 2009, began teaching others (literally a class) about “Fiscal Health” using your site as a primary resource for my students. Thank you very much for all you do, all of you. You’re being you makes the world much brighter!
You are so sweet. Thanks so much for the kind words and for being a loyal reader since 2009. We sure appreciate YOU. 🙌
I remember when you left NC & my heart hurt for you but knowing where it’s brought you is simply beautiful. To think that the “Ma” videos would likely never have been made had you not moved back home. Time certainly has gone fast.
Time sure flies when you’re having fun! ❤️
I also loved your “ma” posts…hugs
😘
I remember Blogspot and you living in NC leaving NC 🙁 . But you and your site saved me! I had gotten fired from my job unexpectedly and a friend told me about your site. I used couponing under your guidance to pay off all our bills except our house! I have been back working again for over 7 years and still use your deals to get essentials and splurges. This is definitely your calling. Thank you so much for all you (and your wonderful team) do and give back!
So glad that the site has helped you through the years. I sure appreciate the comment. 😃
Have been following you since 2009, you have been such a blessing. Thank you for everything you do. It is pretty much the only place I even refer my friends too. There are other money saving blogs too, but not everyone is ethical and on a lighter note remotely as humorous as you 🙂 plus over the years you have added wonderful features like product reviews, recipies, DIY ideas etc, they are all so wonderful and helpful.
Thanks for sticking with us since 2009! Your sweet comment means so much. ❤️
Thank you for all that you guys do to bring such ease to our lives by just clicking on your app. A lot goes into your research and posting and just want to say I appreciate that. Into the next 10 🙂
You are so welcome! Thanks so much for the comment. 🤗
I started following you as a college student trying to save money in 2011 and I can’t imagine how much money you’ve saved me over the years! Thank you!
You’re so welcome! Here’s to many more years of BIG savings! 🙌
I remember all of this! (My parents live in Jacksonville, NC, so I have special love for where this site all started!) Random question–what do you list your occupation as if you ever have to?
Website Owner, Deal Hunter, Hip Couponer 😉
Thank you guys so much for all your hard work… I can’t remember life without hip2save! I’ve gotten so many great deals off of here.
You are SO very welcome! 😃
Aww, love this post & can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. I always enjoyed posts with Ma, as she reminded me so much of my sweet great aunt whom I lost in 2005. She was a lot of fun like Ma & brought a lot of joy to so many. Seeing you guys interact was special & comforting–thank you for sharing her with us. 💕
Love the heart & integrity that Hip2Save has–& love the way it has grown. Count me in for another 10 years! 👍🤗😀
This comment means so much to me. Thank you. ❤️
Congrats Hip2save. Yall have saved my life 😊 im a little late I found this site last yr but I promise to be loyal forever lol
You rock! Glad ya found the site, and here’s to sticking around for the next ten years! 🙌
Thanks for sharing and many more years of great deals!
🙌🎉💰
I began following you probably some time in 2009. (Has it been that long?!!) You and your team are amazing at what you do and just seem to keep getting better and better! I have pointed so many people your direction, especially when I comment about a great deal I got on something and they ask how I always know when and where to shop. Keep up the great work. You and your team are an inspiration to so many!
Thank you so much for the kind words. ❤️ I sure appreciate it and will definitely pass along to the team.
P.S. Thanks for being a loyal reader since 2009! Here’s to many more years of savings and fun! 💃
Congrats! The hard work of everyone involved is very appreciated. My husband & I bought a home for mom & dad and we are remodeling on a budget. I found so many deals that really helped me.
Thank you! (All of you)
Yay! Happy to hear that. And BIG congrats on buying a home! 🙌
I remember some of theses points ke ma, but didn’t know of others. Fun memory lane.
I remember most of this also, I think I started right after the Lemon Incident 🤣 I didn’t realize I had been following the blog for so long. Thank you H2S!
🍋 Oh how I love a good lemon! 🤗
I have to say, Collin is one sweet woman, but the post where she addresses haters bashing her over the use of a few lemons was something! It was epic the way she ended it “…And one more thing—it is just a stinkin’ lemon!”. (…boom, she drops the mike and walks away!). It’s been great though , walking down memory lane. I forgot about the lemon shirts. I remember wanting one so bad and couldn’t afford it at the time. Never did get to get one. At that time the doctors were stating that my son appeared to have autism (and we found out he did) and we had to put our money mostly toward therapy for him. I am so impressed with what you have created and watching it every year grow). Thanks for letting all of us walk with you, Collin!
Oh April… thanks for sticking with us on this crazy journey through the years! Your comment is so appreciated. 😊
I remember the Target Red Ball videos : )
I have been following since August of 2011. Someone sent me the link and it has been a must read each day ever since (Many days several times a day.) I have gotten so many great bargains, deals and tips. You are all such a fun group of people – I appreciate all you do. Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished in the past 10 years and good luck on many more to come.
Thanks so much Char! 🙌
Found you guys in 2009…it think from a link on another coupon site, and stayed with you ever since. I definitely remember the lemonade debate and crying my eyes out watching the videos you posted on your hip2help tour. Thank you for being more than just a coupon site. I love that your team promotes kindness and sense of community in the process of passing along great money saving deals. You all do an awesome job!
Your comment means SO much. ❤️ I’ll for sure be sharing with the team. Thank you.
Love this! I love being a member!
Happy to hear that! 😍
I remember finding your site in probably 2009 or 2010, I hadn’t been married very long and was in college and had no money. I made a coupon binder after your recommendations. I love that there’s a Hip2Save app now. I have so enjoyed following you over the years.
I love hearing these fun stories about when you all found the site. Thanks for sharing and being a loyal reader through the years. 😊
I found you in 2011 right after I had my first kiddo!! I’ve been addicted ever since and referred numerous friends and family members to the site that are similarly addicted. Thanks for all you do!! Love the site!
You are SO welcome. Thanks so much for the comment!
June 18, 2018 at 8:41 pm MST
Michelle says:
Yaaay!!!! Cooooolllin!
It’s been a fantastic ride w you since 2009! I feel like you’re my virtual BFF!
(Not in a creeper way!)😂😂
Loved watching Hip2Save grow from the early Carolina days- the “lemonade” days-the video entries and the giving back to communities! So happy you never gave up and loved how you always responded to some haters w grace. I couldn’t be more excited for you reaching such a milestone…and look how you’ve grown! You Go Girl… keep on keepin’ on
Can’t wait to see what you do in the next 10 years..xoxo
Awwww… you are the sweetest! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such an uplifting comment! 🙌
I would love to buy a lemon tee shirt!!!
I’ve been following hip2save since the very beginning-and I have enjoyed every day of it. Collin, you are fun and smart and a true joy to be “around.”
My babies were 2 and 5 when I first discovered you and now they are 12 and 15. Time flies when you’re saving money 😀 Thank you, Hip2save
WOW!! Time sure does fly! Thanks for sticking around. 🤗
I’ve been following Hip2Save since my first child was born in 2009. You have taught me so much about saving money and couponing for my family. I’ve truly enjoyed following you throughout the years. Congrats on ten years!!
Thank you so much Karen!
A friend recommended Hip2Save when my 10 year old was a newborn in 2008 and I was in awe at the deals to be had on diapers. I’ve always been frugal and a saver but your site took it to a new level and I’ve recommended it to so many people over the years. Congratulations on the anniversary and thank you for an amazing 10 years of saving!
Thank you so much for being a loyal reader throughout the past TEN years!
I remember your journey from CherryPoint NC .. I have been following you for years and feel like a part of your family. Watched the family grow and felt your pain through the loss as well. Thank you for all you do.
Love a fellow Marine Corps wife
Jen
❤️
Wow can’t believe it’s been that long!! My SIL first told me about it when you first started!!! I’m sure I have literally saved hundreds of dollars because of you and been able to give people awesome gifts!! I still have my hip2help t-shirt!! I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t fit me now tho hahaha 😉 but i couldn’t get rid of it!! ♥️ Thanks so much Colin and the whole team you guys rock!!!!
Awwww… I love that you still have your Hip2Help tee! 😍
I forgot about the Target Big Red Ball catchy song. I was seriously singing it in the shower for days and it was running through my head.
LOL! That song was stuck in my head for months. 😉
When was it that you joined up with Jenny (from another coupon blog/website/whatever it is called 🤪 ) And y’all were doing some sort of donation together. I had been following her site (and still do occasionally) and I remember seeing a link to your site and thinking that if you were joining forces that day, then maybe I wanted to check your site out too….#neverlookedback 🌺 What year was that? 🧐🧐🧐
Oh I remember that. ❤️ It was back in 2010. 😮
Thanks so much for sharing! You are just such an inspiration to me! Keep up the great work! I’m so thrilled to see how much your site as grown! May the next ten years be even better than the first ten!💕
Thank you SO much!
I found your site in 2009 when I was pregnant with my first son. I learned about Amazon Mom and saved TONS on diapers and learned how to roll drug store rewards to save money on formula! I have gotten so many amazing deals through Hip2Save, I am forever grateful for your hard work and great tips!
So happy to hear you’ve scored so many awesome deals over the years! 🙌 Thanks for the kind words.❤️
I have been following your site since I started couponing in June of 2011. I can’t even remember how I found your site but I know I have tried several others and yours is the best in every way! Keep up the great work!
In about 2010 I ran into a friend in Kroger who had a large notebook with lots of coupons. Of course it grabbed my attention! We moved over to the side as she began to tell me all about H2S and how much money it was saving her. I could hardly wait to get home and check it out! Since that day there is no telling how many people I have directed to your site. I have even used it in my Bible Study when discussing getting out of debt and being good stewards of our money. To say I am just a wee bit obsessed with saving money now would be an understatement!! 😝
Thank you from Memphis!!
You are SO welcome! Super happy you have been able to share the savings with others through the years! Thanks a TON for your sweet comment! It sure means a lot! 😉
your site is hands down the best ever !!!
Happy 10 years Collin! Thanks for putting your heart and soul into everything you do for us. I adore you and your site so much that you are my morning reward for getting through my morning routine with my five kids. It’s like checking in with a good friend every morning !😊 I have you to thank for keeping every Christmas since 2009 AWESOME and within budget for our big family. You are the BEST!!!
Aww, Thank YOU! Your kind comment sure has brightened my day! You are most welcome! 😉
I’ve been a loyal fan of your since 2009. Thanks for giving me hope when I needed it and for helping me save money over the years!
I found this God-sent site within the first few hours of losing my full-time/work-from-home job in Feb. 2009. You provided me with the hope and gumption needed to answer the question, “how the sam hell am I going to feed my family without a job?” Well, I learned a lot, really quickly, because your site was kind and well-organized. I have checked in everyday since that day. Thank you for being a kind place to sit down and breathe when things felt really heavy and really scary. Love to you all!!!
I have faithfully followed since you were a blogspot. I found you just after we made the scary decision to for me to be a stay at home mom. Your site has hands down saved me from having to return to working full-time. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. Thanks for making all of us feel like we’re apart the hip to save family.
I found HIP2SAVE in 2016. I had just broken up with my boyfriend. I was going to start living independently. I was looking for ways to save on new furniture and household items. I came upon Hip2Save site-app. You all posted an IKEA coupon. I used for furniture. Later I saw a post for coffee makers, dishes, toaster oven, everything I needed. You all saved me hundreds! Keep up the great work. I appreciate what you all do 🙂
How cool! Super happy you could snag deals on the items you needed most! You’re SO very welcome!
Collin, you have shared your strategies of saving, and buy doing so, you’ve helped others regain control of their lives also. You & your team are such a blessing. Have enjoyed following you since 2009. Thank you from the bottom of many hearts for all y’all do. It’s helped me personally become more responsible. Many blessings & Thanks so very much 🙂
Collin likes pancakes!!! So therefore the life is sweet tee is fitting. Lol i know you have silly sense of humor so im just playing 😉 i dont know how to formally thank you. I met my fiance through this website from a posted job. We gettin married next year: );)
Collin, I just realized how long I’ve been following you, even from the Blogspot! 😀 I had been saving since college. But, you helped me do even more. You have been a blessing! Keep going, girl! My family has had a lot of lemons, but God keeps providing and placed it in your heart to keep sharing even when it’s been tough. I appreciate your time. Happy 10th. We’ve saved like crazy and did so much with a little because of tips from you.
Happy anniversary! 🎊🎈🎉🍾 I remember when blogspot was shut down and not knowing what happened! I was on your sight many times daily…couldn’t miss a deal! Lol Back in the days of coupon binders! No one was really couponing in my town at the time and I scored some CRAZY good deals. I couldn’t believe the money we saved back then! Before the extreteme couponing ruined it for us 🙁
Even though couponing changed, Hip2Save managed to still be the best spot for frugal living. I still check in everyday!
Congratulations on your success! Here’s to 10 more years! 🙂 🍷
Thanks so much for checking in with us each day! We sure appreciate YOU!
Ten years! Wow
I’ve been following you since 2009. Love you, your family, all the deals! Thank you for all you do. You have helped me save so much money through the years. Keep doing what your doing!
I stumbled onto your blog in 2008 as a newlywed on a tight budget. A lot has changed since then for both of us, but it’s been a great 10 years. Thank you! I still absolutely love Hip2Save after all this time!
I found this site in 2013 via YouTube I used to love watching your videos it was so easy for me to learn coupons that way. now a day’s I only check it out once in a while, if you got back into doing YouTube I would definitely be here alot more! way to go on your awesome journey!