Three years ago today, I launched JillCataldo.com, and for tens of thousands of readers each week, shopping’s never been the same!
On July 7, 2008, I began blogging grocery deals. In June of 2008, the Chicago Sun-Times ran a story on my super-couponing skills. After that story ran, over the next three weeks, the Sun-Times kept publishing follow-up pieces, interviews, and questions from readers interested in my story. Jonathon Brandmeier invited me onto his radio show to discuss grocery savings, and at the end of that first segment, he said that he was going to have me on each week so I could share what was free and cheap with coupons at the supermarket. And he did! I started doing “Deals of the Week” on the radio with Johnny (who is still dearly missed on the Chicago airwaves.) A few weeks into those radio-only “Deals of the Week” segments, which were immediately popular with his radio audience, this blog was born, and I began speaking directly with people who wanted to learn to use coupons.
You might wonder which came first, my Super-Couponing workshops or the blog… definitely the blog! I began teaching coupon classes about a month after this blog launched, and the rest is history.
Whether you’ve been with me since the beginning or just joined recently… we’ve now entered year #4 of great savings!
jen120976 says
I just started couponing in March after seeing you in Crown Point, IN. I have already saved my family so much money (especially on diapers and pull-ups)by following your blog! Thanks for all you do!!
addicted says
Congratulations Jill! And THANK YOU! Your blog is the best!
josiegm says
Happy 3rd Birthday!!!! Thank you for all you do.
HappyMom88 says
Thanks for all the hard work and time involved in starting this blog, keeping it going, and sharing your coupon saving insights. You are a blessing in this economy.
Toniesme says
:D happy birthday! I’ve only been doing this for a few months, but it has already changed my life drastically! I can’t even believe the way I used to shop … It was expensive and wasteful! Thank you for what you do and how you do it.
kensbaby93 says
To bad Jewel didnt get the memo and help celebrate your anniversary with a huge catalina sale =D
Then I guess its almost my anniversary too then =P
Thanks for doing what you do Jill!!!
saver21 says
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for educating and helping others.
Desert Debbi says
Congratulations! You are truely an inspiration to me on so many levels. When I quit my job to be a stay at home mom I felt aweful knowing that I had cut our income in half. We sacrificed so much the first 3 years of our sons life to make sure I could remain home with him, things we will never get back like my grandmothers diamond ring (sold it to pay off the car) or our dream house (downsized to make sure we could afford to be on one income).
Now, thanks to 8 short weeks of couponing, I can breath a little easier and I feel like I am not living paycheck to paycheck anymore. I have a respectable stockpile of condiments and personal care items, and a good start on papergoods and household cleaners. I also feel like I am “earning” money for us by making it go further!
I have made a great deal of adjustments in my thinking thanks to your tutelage. I no longer buy something when I need it, I make sure I have it ahead of time! I plan my meals based on whats fresh, whats on sale, and whats in my pantry or freezer. I fiercely, but ethically, pursue bargains, and when anyone asks me about couponing I tell them my sucess stories and direct them to your website!
PatK says
What huge change you have brought about to followers in Chicagoland and now beyond. I was at your first class through Huntley library and saw the beginning of the revolution!
Many, many thanks for your dedication to this lifestyle.
amadoofus says
Give a Woman a Fish, feed her for a day.
Teach a Woman to Fish (for Deals!), Feed her For Life.
dancingwolves says
it hasn’t seemed that long ago that my husband mentioned listening to you on Johnny’s show. While he gave me credit for couponing for so many years, he said “you really got to listen to how she does it!”
Went to your first couponing class in Huntley and I’m glad I did. I’m passionate about it and help others better understand it as well. It’s rewarding and can understand how you love doing it. I just wish I had half the energy you do with all the various projects you work on.
Thank you!
ynotpat says
Thank you for teaching us the tools to save. It has made a huge difference in our lives!
fabbyk31 says
Happy Anniversary!!!
Jill I remember that article and I remember saying “Pfffft right!!” I’m so happy I was wrong and I’m grateful to my sister for introducing me to your blog this past May and thank YOU for your awesome tips.
Beginning this month, I will start putting the money I saved on my groceries away in a savings account.
winehappy says
I first heard you on JB…and joined 2 years and 43 weeks ago! Thanks for all the knowledge you have imparted!
Bernard2003 says
Congrats Jill! I know my son was born a few days after your blog… So we are also celebrating our blessings :0)
I only wish I had jumped in sooner!
bluedemon20 says
Congrats Jill!!
LuluD318 says
Happy Anniversary, Jill! In the beginning for me (almost 3 years ago) I would thank you and thank you for all the work you do. It’s been a while since I thanked you. You have touched so deeply different aspects of our life here. We NEVER used to donate or were able to share. We struggled, got upset over money, and even argued over money. None of that exists in our house anymore. You have also given me self-esteem that I am doing something very worthwhile for my family. Thank you and happy 3rd anniversary.
PS – Who was the first person to sign up on your site?
babyj says
Thank you for all that you do!!
stretchingabuck says
I first learned of you and the crazy savings you do in the NW Herald article several years ago. I was itching to become a student and took both your classes. After the 1st one (where I met “prea” when she approached me with some receipts as proof of the savings that were possible) I hopped on your blog. I’ve been addicted ever since!
Keep up the fabulous work, Jill. All the blog users and readers is testiment to your highly ethical approach to, well stretching a buck. ;)
prea says
It’s been a great 3 years too! I’m down to the last of my Charmin and Bounty from the great P&G $30/$15 from 2008 too – still plenty of Tide left though :) Oh how I miss the deals of the early years.
We’ve been to Dominick’s and back together ;) and I wish you many more successful years ahead.
J.R. says
or anniversary or whatever!
mr.deal says
i surely hope we get some really nice anniversary deals this week!!
being your 1st ever to take your class, its been fun and best of all it brought us closer together…
thanks
marlajstuart says
Congratulations on your success!! The article you mentioned this week in the Chicago Tribune was great!! I feel like I really got to know you a little better! I really appreciate your honesty and integrity. Keep up the good work!
4boyshunting89 says
Congrats & Thank you Jill! I remember you on Johnny B (who, YES is DEARLY missed), but it wasn’t until I heard you on Lou Manfredini in January that I truly got hooked. I’ve been floowing your blog since then, and I can say with confidence that I have saved a few thousand dollars so far (and I have more cereal than my boys can eat! SWEET!)
So,thanks!
soapboxtray says
So grateful! Thanks and have a fantastic summer. Cheers to year 4!
artmom6 says
Happy Birthday and thank you Jill for all your hard work. In the last 9 months I have saved an incredible amount of money. If it weren’t for your blog, my family would be doing without a lot of things including “expensive” granola bars, ice creams, body washes, hair products, etc.)
I especially thank you for not selling your fan’s information like so many others do. The Tribune article was very flattering and portrayed you in the multi-faceted light which you rightfully deserve. Way to go Jill!
beth21 says
Because of you my life has changed and will never be the same;)