About Ms. Couponista
November 30, 2011 6 Comments
Zadia “Ms. Couponista” Hardy strategically uses coupons to reduce her grocery bill by 60-90% and helps others do the same. Trained in Project Management and Computer Science, Ms. Couponista uses the web to research the best deals on everything from grocery and drug store deals to free samples and entertainment discounts.
Maryland native, Zadia learned her frugal techniques from her family. “As a kid, I clipped coupons with my mom every Sunday. My parents would send me into the store with a list and cash, so I learned the value of a dollar very quickly,” said Zadia.
After facing a job layoff, she rededicated her focus to saving on the necessities. “Unemployment wouldn’t cover all my bills, so I started researching to find sales and matching up coupons to get the best deals. I often get products absolutely free!” Ms. Couponista’s couponing skills have allowed her to collect an impressive stockpile of grocery, household and personal care items. In addition to sharing with her friends and family, she donates items to local food banks and animal shelters.
Zadia’s television and radio appearances include:
- TLC’s Extreme Couponing
- The Price Is Right game show
- ‘Your Money and Business‘ on PBS MPT
- ABC2 WMAR News
- CBS WJZ Baltimore news
- WYPR’s Maryland Morning
- The Beauty Zone Chat on BlogTalkRadio
She has been featured in The Baltimore Sun and the Maryland Gazette, and served as a guest columnist for Baltimore Examiner Insider Deals.
“I DON’T SPEND MONEY UNLESS I’M SAVING MONEY..and you shouldn’t either.”
Ms. Couponista
Don’t miss any deals, sign up with us by Facebook, Twitter, NetworkedBlogs, RSS , e-mail and by MOBILE APP (iPhone or Android) to get the latest freebie info.
About Ms. Couponista
Just wanted to let you know that Shoppers Food has a $5 off a $25 coupon out on their Facebook page!
Wanted to share the savings!!
Thanks, Kim!
Where did you get your coupon binder shown in your picture above. Plus you had it in your episode of Extreme Couponing? I like it and I looking for something nice i broke my other two binders.
Hi Tiffany,
I don’t use a binder anymore. The item in the picture is a portable pocket file that I picked up at Staples or Office Depot; I only used that for the show.
Now, I use a coupon wallet and sometimes white envelopes with my stick notes and paper clips.
Happy Savings,
Ms. Couponista
Hi Ms Couponista,
I had a very strange situation at Walgreens today and I thought I would share with you. I went to walgreens today and picked up 2 mitchum deodorants and 1 cloraseptic spray. I used (2) $1.00 coupons for mitchum and (1) $1.00 coupon for the cloraseptic, I also redeemed $5.00 in points. My total was 2.57 and I was supposed to receive $7.00 in register reward. Well they didn’t print, so the girl called the manager and she proceeded to tell me that the reason was because I used manufacturer coupons and also because I used my points. She said that the rules changed and P&G is allowing them to accept certain amount of money in coupons, and she said that for example the deodorants were 2 for $6.00, so If I used the $1.00 coupon on each I am technically not paying the $6.00 so therefore I am not entitle to the $4.00 register reward. I was speechless, I cannot believe that they would do that. I asked her when did it changed and she said, it just changed and I also asked her so… how are we supposed to know and she said that they are supposed to tell us. She voided my transaction and after doing it again (and didn’t allow me to use my points cause she said that if I did, I would not get the rewards) the register rewards didn’t print anyway and she told the cashier, OH… the catalina machine is off. So she went to another register to print my register rewards. I don’t know what to think…. Have you heard anything? Please let me know. Thanks!
Hi Emily,
That is VERY strange indeed. I haven’t heard anything like that. Considering the that register rewards printed at the other register, I think it was simply an issue with the catalina machine being off. Sometimes I think the store personnel come up with their own theories on why deals will and won’t work.
I will keep my eyes and ears open for any news on updates to Walgreens policies. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Happy Savings,
Ms. Couponista