Reader Interactions
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Kathy says
Thank you! I am a single mom who is really pinching pennies right now as my son has had numerous medical bills lately (with more to come) and I feel like I’m drowning in debt. I can’t wait to apply the info you give. I love the money saving mom emails!!! 🙂 Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Heather says
I love that you are doing a video series. Now I can tell my husband (a big fan of you tube) to watch the series. I never over spend at the store unless he is there. Thanks for the right attitude pep talk.
Melinda S says
‘can’t never did anything’ – LOL you sound like my mom and, chronologically, that isn’t possible. Thank you for giving yourself this way.
Hannah @ Heart of a Working Mom says
On the web page the video actually shows as a still shot of you and it’s just above your post with a picture of Kathrynne. The resemblance is striking and it’s so sweet! You have a precious family. Thanks for encouraging all of us.
Lori @ FreelyEducate says
It was fun to see you tonight! The video loaded quickly for me, and I could hear just fine. It’s a quiet house now, though, with the kids in bed (ahh, it’s bliss time, a day well done, the children happily & safely asleep).
Maura says
Thank you so much for taking on this project!! I know a few ladies who are major couponers but a lot of what they buy (and find great savings on) are things that my family doesn’t use. So, I’m really looking forward to your lessons so I can apply the advice to our purchasing needs & habits.
Kim says
I’ve added this to my blackberry as a weekly TO DO! …. Can’t wait to learn more about saving money at the Grocery store.
Adrienne says
Could barely hear as well…just wanted to let you know.
Living So Abundantly says
I like how you reminded us to do the best with the time we have. My professor said that in college, and that really motivated me. Thank you for truly being a positive encouragement. 🙂
Marisol says
Hello, I’m really encouraged today!:) And looking foward to get the best of these next 30 weeks, Thank you so much! God bless you and your family! (Those beautiful angels in the pics)!
Amanda says
Hi Crystal,
I had Spinal Meningitis when I was two years-old, which left me legally deaf. (I am 32 now). Hearing-aids are not quite the same as glasses/contacts in the sense that they can’t make your hearing “20/20”. They aren’t very compatible with electronic media, so was wondering if you would be able to post a written transcript of the video blog for those of us who need to “read” it? I know, I know, something else to do on top of your already very busy schedule! I was looking forward to the series, but as You Tube videos aren’t closed captioned, I gave up trying to watch it before you even completed one sentence! P.S. The video was VERY quiet on my computer too (and not because I am deaf ;)). Thanks for considering this!
Crystal says
That might be possible. Let me see what I can do — though it might be a mumbling and bumbling transcript seeing as I’m totally ad libbing this. 🙂
Cathy says
Crystal,
I just LOVE this idea…thank you!!!
You are just beautiful.
Blessings,
Cathy
Becky @ Our Peaceful Home says
This is so true and very encouraging. I live in an area with just a walmart and a store that doesn’t take internet coupons. Plus, we have recently stopped buying processed food and moved to more of a real food diet. God has really multiplied our income. I’m always surprised how far our grocery money stretches. And attitude can be everything!
Meghan says
Love this series idea, Crystal. You are so business savy. Congrats on your success. I wish you nothing but the best! I’ll be tuning in on Mondays and sharing with those that want to do this too.
shannon m says
Thanks for the reminder that we might not save as much as someone else. I sometimes get discouraged because I don’t feel like I am saving much. We live in a resort community and don’t get the Red Plum inserts but often (not always) the Smart Source and P&G.
Since we don’t get the Red Plum inserts, are the coupons that are on the Red Plum website and can be printed are the same ones that come in the paper.
Corrine says
@shannon m, You can buy specific inserts on ebay if you really needed them!
Kristen says
Thanks for starting this! I can always use the motivation to do better. And I completely agree that attitude is everything. For me, the attitude that still needs work is the “it’s such a good deal that I can’t pass it up” mentality. I need a mantra to remind me that if I don’t need it, it’s not a deal!
jennifer says
So true! We live in an area with only a save-a-lot, a dollar general, and a small grocery store that thinks people who print coupons off the internet are all forgers!:) This week I scored .99 laundry detergent at save-a-lot, so of course I bought 6 months worth! I definitely look forward to hearing one on the ‘buy-ahead’ principle you’ve talked about. I am ingrained with this and still meet people that just buy their groceries for the week. I have saved SO much money buying those loss leaders, and the weeks we just don’t have the extra, I’m not sweating it trying to make dinner from sweet potatoes and baking soda :)!! I remember taking 8 dollars and thinking of how little food we had in the house, and being upset I had to take 8 dollars of our food budget to buy detergent.
Denise C. says
Yay!!! Thank you for sharing! I cannot wait for the next video! I read your blog ALL.THE.TIME.. Love everything you post! 😉 Thanks! 😉
cindy diaz says
I have been trying to cut spending…especially in grocery spending. My husband just found out there will be layoffs and his department at school might be in it.
I have been taking extra money and saving it into an emergency fund for us to survive on just in case.
This is a great series…..this will definately help in cutting the grocery bills!
Lori says
Everything sounded great to me Crystal, I understood you perfectly!
I think attitude is the key to successful saving as well. I am the queen of the no-double-coupon whine so I know it can be a bit more challenging. But with the drug store deals, clearance sales and high value coupons it’s still very do-able when I put my mind to it =)
Susan (FrugaLouis) says
I was thinking about the folks who commented that they had trouble hearing. While I was able to hear just fine, I think this issue might be simply a result of you, Crystal, being a soft-spoken lady. Plus, you are probably taping when the kids are sleeping, and it’s strange to be the only one talking loudly in a silent house. 😉
My guess is that if you’d pretend you are on stage and “project” your voice more there wouldn’t be an issue with the sound.
Keep up the good work!
Julie says
I’m looking forward to this series. This is something I really need to do this year. Thanks!
KC says
Thank you so much for keep coming up with great topics! Looking forward to the next 30 Mondays 🙂
Kelly says
Great way to start off your series. I look forward to your next installment!
Amara says
I like the video blog! I can tell that you are a very encouraging person to know. Any chance you’d be willing to do “coached” grocery savings for those of us who need a can-do attitude infused daily? Ha! Thanks again! You motivated me to get back to doing “my best” in the savings arena. 🙂
Crystal says
Let me know what you had in mind as far as “coached” grocery savings.
And thanks for your encouragement!
Amara says
Um, like you coming to my house and telling my “You can do it!” every single day, then giving me a pep talk while you hold my hand at the actual store. Which is maybe beyond the the scope of what you had in mind! Ha! 🙂 Attitude IS the key, isn’t it? DARN IT! 🙂
Susan says
WONDERFUL!
I will definitely be passing this on to my friends/readers. I know so many people who say they ‘want’ to cut their bill, but it’s too hard or too time consuming. I had my first grocery trip this weekend with coupons and saved over $200!
I look forward to your future videos on even more ways to save.
Money Saving Mom has literally changed my life. I have shared your site with so many friends and young moms! Thanks for all of the great posts and advice.
Crystal says
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
Rachael says
That is awesome for your first trip!
Dana says
Thank you Crystal! What a great motivator! I know I’ve been guilty of having a negative approach in the past and I really have seen a difference when I was positive about the things that I could do! Looking forward to your series! God Bless!
Dana
Rebecca says
Great to see you in your “work wear.” I feel like I am in sweatpants and t-shirts until the very last second when my husband comes home 🙂
Susan (FrugaLouis) says
Thanks, Crystal! You’re really branching out…way to go! And I love that you taped just as you were, casual clothes and all! =)
RuthS says
OK, I gotta know, what is the giant M in your neckline for? LOL
Crystal says
It’s an Old Navy shirt (says “Old Navy” across it). Probably looked a little funky, but I think it’s cute without the fleece over it.
I’m not a fashionista, and it is freezing here so I didn’t even bother to “fix myself up” for the video — I guess you just get to see me as I am! 🙂
RuthS says
@Crystal, Ha, you dress just like I do, the M just made me laugh. Wondered if it was for super Mom or something 😀
Milk Donor Mama says
Nice! We are working on attitude adjustment with our daughter. She often comes up with a “I can’t do it!” when she tries something once and doesn’t succeed, even if she’s done it before. We tell her not to say those words, and to try again, and with the adjustment in attitude she almost always gets it the next time. I think we grown ups need this reminder too!
VirgiLia says
What are you talking about next week? I heard “Bingle berry”. The video is kinda hard to hear but I understood every other word you said.
Crystal says
Menu planning. 😉
Krysten says
Lol! I listened to the last few seconds about 10 times and could only get “the big penny.”
Crystal says
Oh my goodness, I think I need to enunciate more! 🙂
Lee says
@Krysten, bingle berry and the big penny…that made my day. Can’t wait for the next 30 weeks!
Lori says
@Crystal, I heard menu planning. 🙂 Too funny! Now when I plan my menus -I’ll be thinking about pennies and berries!
Amanda says
Great first message, Crystal! Attitude is everything, for sure. Thanks for all you do. 🙂
Jenny says
I’m excited for this 🙂
Only one question/suggestion – I’m not sure if its my computer or not – but videos always seem SO quiet… even with the volume turned up all the way! Of course having my two year old and one year old running around probably doesn’t help either 😉
Crystal says
We’re going to try shooting the next one with a different camera (my dad gave us a Flip camera for Christmas!) and that might make a difference. We’ll see. The volume isn’t too low on my end, but it’s also not really loud, either! 🙂
Caroline says
@Crystal,
I could hear everything just fine. Thank you for doing this! 🙂
Ashley says
@Jenny, The volume was really low on my end also. Thanks for everything
Cheri says
we always have this issue with youtube videos…i thought it was just our laptop, but i guess not. 🙂
Megan says
I love this idea Crystal!! Thanks for doing it!!
Challice says
Looking forward to it. Great job on the video. 🙂
Creativity is my one weakness.
Cricket@ Thrifty Texas Penny says
Looking forward to 30 more great reminders. I’m glad you’re doing this series once a week. It gives us more time to digest and apply each reminder.
Sharmin says
I like the video series idea. Thanks for doing it. I look forward to learning more from you. And, it’s fun seeing you so I can put a face to the website! 🙂
Kimberly says
Very nice, Crystal! Aside from attitude, it is amazing how well I stick to my “plan” when I pray before entering the store!
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (my favorite verse!)
Wendy says
@Kimberly, You are so right. Many times I’ve had very little money to spend on groceries for the week. When I am in the parking lot, in my van, I have prayed that God would make this money be like the loaves & fishes and just stretch to feed us for the week and it works! He amazes me! God is good!
Shannon Loomis says
This is beautiful. I’m going to start doing this before I enter the store. Thanks for sharing!
Kaylee says
@Wendy,
I love this! I am going to start doing this before grocery shopping. I pray about other things, but haven’t thought to pray before entering the store. Thank you for sharing!
Kimberly says
@Wendy, That’s awesome! God always provides!
Melinda S says
He does the same thing with gas for the car. 🙂
Heather says
@Wendy, We have seen this time and time again with the food budget. Remember He may not always give us what WE want but He always provides for what we NEED. Thanks for the encouragment today.
Donna says
This is great, Crystal! Thank you! I’ll be looking forward to your new videos each Monday! 🙂
Blaire Ruch says
super job crystal! attitude is everything!
T says
Needed this encouragement TODAY! Thanks so much and you go girl! 🙂
Crystal says
You are most welcome!
Jennifer says
Wohoo! A reason to look forward to Mondays! Thanks!
Jaime says
I can’t wait for the next 30 weeks!!! 🙂 I really need to do this. I’m a family of 6 and we need to make some big changes this year to get back on track with our finances. And to be honest I have been one of those with, not so much a bad attitude, but because of health issues, makes excuses for buying cheaper items. I want to change that so I’m determined. Thank you again for doing this.
Crystal says
Can’t wait to watch this for the next 30 weeks! Attitude is the most important thing. One example I hear from other people is “oh I am very brand loyal so it won’t work for me”.