Wow. Looking back and looking forward produce two different stories, two different lives, two different chapters. I never would have imagined in December 2008 where I would be today. 1) I didn’t know I was pregnant 2) I didn’t really have a website started.
The Story of 2009
December 2008 – January 2009 – I was a stay at home mom of a six month old little girl and I started Frugal Coupon Living (at the time Frugal Coupon Mom) for friends and family. I had been telling people over and over deals I was finding and tired of repeating myself, I decided to place it all on a website my friend and family could utilize.
February 2009 – March 2009 – I truly had no idea what I was doing when it came to running a website. Again, this was just something people I knew could utilize so when word started spreading I wasn’t prepared. I then found myself in two media outlets that were not self sought (God was in control). When US News and World Report wrote an article, I thought I had my 5 minutes of fame. When Dr. Phil called, I thought my family secrets were out of the bag. Instead, they somehow had found my small little site and wanted me to help another family save money. We actually didn’t answer the first phone call because we thought it was a joke!
March 2009 – December 2009 – I welcomed an audience I could never have imagined. I have met new friends, heard so many different stories, and have been able to get to know so many different people – and still 99% of you are strangers – but still a part of me. It has been so exciting continuing the purpose of why I began this website – to help others save money. I am not one to keep secrets (unless it is a necessary situation.) When I know something that works, I like to share it with many. When I know about information/facts, I like to share. I think that is why I enjoy/enjoyed teaching so much. It is a passion of mine and I still get an opportunity to teach, just from home with a difference audience (set of students.)
September 2009 – We welcomed a daughter. A little girl that is such a wonderful addition to our family. Completely God ordained. Had I known how busy I would be in 2009, let’s just say planning (though not planned) for a child would not have been in the picture. God wanted this little girl in our family so bad that my “success” came after she was conceived.
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2009 Finances – This year we cleaned up finances, put more in savings, paid off both of our cars, and started working on the dreaded student loans.
Financial goals for 2010
January 2010 – June 2010 Our goal for 2010 is to have our student loans completely paid off. In addition we are big fans of the Dave Ramsey method, so our goal for the first part of the year is to create a 6-month emergency fund.
July 2010 – December 2010 Begin a long term financial plan with the goal of eliminating every penny of debt we have remaining, our mortgage. This will require an amazing amount of discipline and will take more than just 2010. This will probably be our financial goal for a number of years following. With a few bumps in the road, eventually a new car when we expand our family even more, we will tackle this with every extra penny we have.
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Last Updated on January 11, 2010 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living
Sheila says
I am a huge Dave Ramsey fan as well! I just started it all so we are climbing towards our first debt hoping to be paid off by October – no small feat for us considering the amount but I AM excited to be on this journey.
When I found your website, can’t remember who referred me here, it was right as you started it all. At the time, I thought you had been doing it for a while. It is so nice to see this site evolve and grow as it has. I love that you share your secrets and I love passing them on as well. Thanks for all you do and for your giving heart!
Janel says
You have made such a difference in my life! I appreciate all you do…especially your strong faith base and focus on your family. You are setting such a great example! I hope 2010 is a great year for you!
Kristina says
Thanks for posting this Ashley. I didn’t know that the website was so new…you are a seasoned pro in my eyes! May God bless you in this new year and good luck on those student loans. We love Dave Ramsey too and joke about him running for president!
Ashley says
Ashley, thanks for sharing your time and passion with us! I know that you have blessed countless families through your efforts. May God bless you in 2010!! I saw you on Dr. Phil and have been a dedicated reader ever since!!
debbielynne says
Just wanted to wish you a wonderful new year. Thanks for all you do. I’m a follower since you were Frugal Coupon Mom. Your site is my favorite money saving site – truly.
Stephanie F. says
I heard about you one day on the radio and have been visiting on a daily basis ever since. I had no idea it was new. You have really changed my life and how I look at finances. I get excited to see the deals and to share with my friends and family. I appreciate the dedication and effort you put into maintaining the site and hope it continues to gain success. All the way from Texas I wish you a Happy New Year, and pray that God continues to bless you and your family. Thank you so much.