For this week’s Thrifty Chatter, we’re talking with Amy, the owner of AmyLovesIt.com. Her site is an amazing resource for those of you who are thinking about starting a debt-free lifestyle or just want to learn a little more about saving money. Amy is also a Pastor’s wife, and shares bits of her life and knowledge every day with her readers.
A big thanks to Amy for participating!
How did you start Amy Loves It?
I began blogging in August 2008, and started out writing about my girls and homeschooling. In December, I decided to move into more “serious” blogging. I was discovering the joys of couponing and sale-shopping, and I wanted to help others learn what I was learning. I also felt a call to write and minister to others, specifically other pastor’s wives. I purchased my domain, and began writing at Amy Loves It in March 2009.
What has been the most rewarding part of writing on Amy Loves It?
The most rewarding part of writing on Amy Loves It would be the way I am able to minister to so many people! It is amazing the wonderful people I have met just through blogging. I have made some very dear friends through blogging. I have been blessed in so many different ways. Blogging is just an incredible blessing.
Do you have a funny or interesting story about something that has happened because of your blog?
As I said before, I have been blessed to meet several amazing people because of blogging. The very first blog I ever read was Keeping the Kingdom First. It was so awesome to meet Alyssa in person last March. We continued chatting on Twitter, and now I count Alyssa (and her family) as one of my very best friends. Without my blog, (and Twitter), this might not have been possible.
How have you used ShopAtHome.com to save money, and what is your favorite store to shop from when you use ShopAtHome.com?
I love ShopAtHome! I believe the last store I shopped through SAH was Old Navy, and it was double cash-back day, and I made a TON of money off of my purchase… and I did not spend a lot of money 
I was thrilled! I am new to SAH, but not new to cash-back sites. I always check before I shop to see who has the best cash-back offer, and many times, SAH is the best!
What do you think is the best deal you’ve ever found?
Oh, my! The best deal I have found? My husband loves the free food and free stuff, but I think the best “deal” I have gotten is going grocery shopping with my two oldest girls. They are 5 and 3.5, and use the terms, “coupon,” and “sale,” frequently when they play. They enjoy going to the grocery store with me and couponing. Both girls are learning the importance of wise shopping and frugal living. That is the best deal I could ever get!
If you could only give one piece of advice to someone who is just starting to coupon and save their money, what would it be?
My best advice to a new couponer and money-saver would be to start slow. Do not try to be a couponing expert on your first trip. Follow the great couponing blogs, and try to do only a few “deals” and scenarios. If you try to do it all on your first trip, it can be overwhelming. By starting slowly, you can learn the tricks of the trade, and you will see your savings grow with every grocery shopping trip.
Want to be interviewed for an upcoming Thrifty Chatter? Email me at blog@shopathome.com!
