Meet Kaley, a once self-professed “Coupon Hater” who now runs Cha-Ching on a Shoestring, a blog that is centered on helping you save money on your everyday purchases so you can get the things you want (right now, Kaley and her husband are saving up for a cruise… talk about fun!). Learn a little more about the site and Kaley in her own words, then go check out Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!
How did you start Cha-Ching on a Shoestring?
It all began in April of 2008 when my husband was laid off from his job at a small college. At the same time, I was expecting our second son and was about to give up my part time job. I began seeking out ways to save money creatively, not knowing how long we would be without a paycheck. It was then that I was introduced to money saving blogs by a friend. Little did I know how much it would change our lives.
A former self-professed hater of coupons, I suddenly discovered that when armed with the right information, coupons can be FUN. It wasn’t long before I was sharing my new-found love of couponing with friends and anyone who would listen. Several months later, I mentioned the idea to my husband of starting a blog that was dedicated to chronicling our own money-saving journey.
And thus, Cha-Ching on a Shoestring was born!
What has been the most rewarding part of writing on Cha-Ching on a Shoestring?
My husband and I knew when we started the blog that we were not alone–the economy has not been kind to so many of us. But I have been amazed to discover how many people are really hungry for the information that we share. Let’s face it. Money is at the heart of so many issues. I’ve had people comment that their marriage has improved or they’ve been able to give more or they are experiencing less fear after a lay-off because of what they are learning from the blog. It’s crazy to me that this blog that started less than a year ago can impact people across the nation. I love that.
Do you have a funny or interesting story about something that has happened because of your blog?
We moved about 6 months ago and were in the midst of packing up the house and getting ready to move in two days when I got a call from our local TV station. They wondered if they could come interview us THAT DAY. I was partly mortified that they were going to show up to a house that was filled with packing boxes and lacked furniture…but partly delighted that I didn’t have to feel like my house had to be spotless!
How have you used ShopAtHome.com to save money, and what is your favorite store to shop from when you use ShopAtHome.com?
Of course! Just last week I scored a hot deal at The Children’s Place using a 15% coupon code, a free shipping code, AND 5% back from ShopAtHome. I got three pairs of pants and two shirts for my son for less than $12!
What do you think is the best deal you’ve ever found?
Every week it’s something new. I guess my personal favorite was the week I challenged myself to see how much I could score for only $10. (You can see my loot here.)
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?
Don’t feel like you have to score every deal! There will be 10 more deals tomorrow! (And I’ll be sure to post them!)
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!
