7 Questions with Melissa Garcia aka “The Consumer Queen”

Go Frugal had the chance to chat with this money saving mom of two who, via her popular website www.ConsumeQueen.com, is helping readers fight the rising costs of the economy by providing frugal tips to change the way we shop.  


GF: What inspired you to start Consumer Queen?

CQ: It was my passion to help others! I wanted a way that I could help my friends and family save money...Who knew I would be helping thousands of people all across the U.S!


GF: What advice would you give to a newbie looking to start saving - First steps?

CQ:

• Get the Sunday paper
• Register for my website - it's free. We have so much information and so many people willing to help new people starting
• Know that you won't start saving hundreds of dollars right away. Start slow and build your savings as you go along. If you have the passion to save, it won't take you long.
• There are many ways to save - Not just clipping coupons. Being frugal is the key. You have to have a frugal mindset - Clearance shopping, using home remedies etc. You don't have to give up the brands that you love, you just have to shop smar.t

GF: As a parent, it can be a challenge to raise financially-responsible children.  How do you teach your kids the value of living frugally?

CQ: Get them involved! I have my children help me clip my coupons and organize them.  I don't give in every time my children want something at the store, instead I give my kids an allowance so they can see how spending their own money feels. They have a different mindset when it comes to spending their own.  I also teach my children to tithe.

Remember to always be honest with your kids! I don't hide when we are financially strapped because I want them to learn what's going on with the family. You will be surprised how your kids will react and jump in and help.


GF: 2009 has been a tough year financially for a lot of folks.  How has the recession affected the shopping habits/attitudes of your readers?  

CQ: I think for each person it's different. For the majority I feel it has made them rethink how they shop. People are using coupons more and they are not as "brand loyal" as they used to be. They are also paying more attention to price points and comparison shopping, as well as choosing to eat in rather than going out.


GF: You talk a lot about coupons at Consumer Queen.  Any tips you’d like to share?

CQ: Hmm, well I think I have mentioned a few above, but here is what I normally tell people:

Tips and Tricks:
With multiple/duplicate coupon inserts, start by tearing out pages from your coupon inserts and laying them out on the floor. Continue doing this and matching up identical pages from the rest of your inserts. Then staple each stack of similar coupons together - Invest in an electric stapler and good pair of kitchen shears!

• Buying in bulk is not always cheaper
• Don’t be brand loyal. The store brand is not always cheaper than name brand when you are using coupons!
• Look for clearances and then use your coupons on top of the sale price
• Don’t forget to price match
• When you get extra items free, don’t forget to donate
• Use a store coupon along with a manufacturer coupon
• Don’t forget to do your rebates
• Sign up for store loyalty cards
• Look for deals at ConsumerQueen.Com before you shop.

Where to Find Coupons:

• Get the Sunday paper or Look for papers left in coffee shops/ask your friends and neighbors to save them for you
• Look for tear pads in grocery stores
• Print coupons online: You can print coupons from company websites as well as from our site: http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13305&zid=pp18&nid=10
• Also check out the list of printable coupons we have here in our coupon forum: http://www.consumerqueen.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=22

GF: Any favorite deals of late?

CQ: Well my best deal of course was when I got $1880 in groceries (editor’s note: for $19 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZPSoG0cMHg – wow!) but check out my latest shopping Trip at Homeland where I got $200 in groceries for $30: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slvHVs2_jbA


GF: For some, one of the hardest parts of “going frugal” is finding that frugal/fun balance.  How does your family find the sweet spot?

CQ: You really do have to make it fun! That is hard one, but you just have to have the right attitude. I have learned to take something that is a necessity and turn it into a fun hobby. It really is a high to see how much you can save each time you go shopping. I make it a game to see if I can out do myself each time.
Also it’s so rewarding to be able to give back to your community and those in need. I love being able to help my church and provide them cleaning supplies, etc.

It also great when someone calls you up and tells you about a family who is struggling and you have stuff on hand that you can bag up and take over!