
Marissa Winfrey has been living a frugal existence ever since she can remember. Like a lot of people, she works from home, so saving money is key.
She has always looked for great bargains and getting the best value for her money without compromising style and quality. Her website and blog, TheFrugalLifestyle.com, offers readers money-saving tips on just about everything, from housing and shopping, to technology and travel.
1. Why did you create TheFrugalLifestyle.com?
After some friends asked me how I've saved money on this or that, I decided to compile everything I have done to save money into one website. From there, I also decided to incorporate a blog within the website.
2. What is the main goal of your blog?
The main mission of my blog is to empower others to adopt a frugal lifestyle without giving up what they are accustomed to. By being smart in their choices, prioritizing and taking control of what's truly important, everyone can truly enjoy a "richer" life.
3. What kind of deals does the blog focus on?
My blog specializes on spending less on almost everything. I also offer ideas and tips on how decorate on a budget.
4. How long have you been couponing?
I have been using coupons for a long time. The first time was probably about 15 years ago. I would get a variety of coupons in the mail from local merchants in my neighborhood. There was a coupon for a restaurant I wanted to try, so I took advantage of their mailer coupon and have been going back ever since.
5. Any particular books or speakers that helped you learn?
I read a book a while back I really liked called "The Everything Couponing Book: Clip Your Way to Incredible Savings." I'm also inspired by frugal celebrities like Kristin Bell and Zooey Deschanel. Although they have plenty of money, they like to get a deal just like the rest of us.
6. Are there any tips and tricks you can give to new couponers?
My best advice to new couponers is to only clip and save coupons you will actually use. They also should keep these coupons handy in their wallet so it's always accessible when they are out and about.
7. What's the best part about saving money through couponing?
I feel a sense of victory when I've found a way to save money on something I was already going to buy. Freebies are the best (besides being free, of course). Freebies expose potential customers to new businesses they might have otherwise not known about.
8. Does your family enjoy your couponing habits?
Everyone knows I'm the go-to frugal girl. When it comes to finding a way to save money, they ask me first.
9. Make the haters believe - is couponing worth the time?
Absolutely! People will be amazed by how much money they can save by just taking the time to find deals and offers. The savings can add up if one has the mentality that there's the potential to save money on almost everything.
10. What's an exciting thing you've done with money you saved?
One of my other passions (besides saving money) is travel, so the money I've saved goes into my travel budget. Last year I was able to use most of that money toward a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for Christmas.
11. How can people save on everyday purchases?
My recommendation is to sign up with their favorite grocery store's member rewards program. This is the most efficient and convenient way to save money on food and groceries because often the discounts are already programmed into their membership card.
12. What are your future plans for the blog?
I plan to continue to offer relevant frugal tips and ideas. In addition, my goal is to write more about investment tips and ways to make more money with little effort.