Recessionista: Along with the many accolades on your resume — including Super Mom — you’re a contributing blogger at the leading online coupon website CouponCabin.com. What do you talk about?

Kate: I write about any and every topic that involves saving money including running a home, being a mom and saving money thriftily and creatively. Having eight kids means it’s eight times as important for me to spend wisely!

R: You’re clearly the expert on this: any tips to get the best use out of coupons?

K:  Find an item on sale, then use a coupon. This is always the most thrilling. Stacking coupons (using more than one coupon on the same item) is often allowed, too. Organize your coupons so you never miss a deal — and make sure to use them before they expire. This is a very important part of the process. I have a coupon file that goes everywhere with me. Remember that online savings often beats in-store prices and many stores offer free shipping so you can save on gas, too! Finally, be aware of the cost of items you use a lot of at each store so you know when a sale is a GOOD sale and you can stock up.

Kate with the CouponCabin team

R: All of this…and eight kids! We just have to ask: how do you do it, sister??

K: Time management is the key to conquering the world! I manage my time very efficiently and am always making lists and completing them — often late into the night. Believe it or not, effectively managing your time helps you save not only time, but money, too. Oh, and I was blessed with a lot of energy and enjoy many cups of coffee daily as well!

R: Well that coffee part makes us feel a little better…what has being a mother of eight taught you about stretching a budget?

K: Being a mom of eight has taught me how extra super important it is to stretch my budget. Many “small” items add up in a quick hurry when you multiply it by eight. I remember recently I needed six clown wigs for a school program and I walked out of the store having spent more than $60 on them! That is why it’s so important to use coupons, shop the clearance racks and buy at the end of the season for the following year. It’s overwhelming at times (and scary) as costs keep rising in our house, but we can have all we need by using the above tips.

R: Do you have any “go-to” stores for great deals, with or without coupons?

K: I’ll shop anywhere that has quality products at the best prices. My all-time favorites are Target and Bed Bath & Beyond. Target has great store brand products at a fraction the cost of the name brands and I have yet to be let down by them. Bed Bath & Beyond mails out coupons that don’t expire and the store also stands behind its products and will replace without question if items are returned. That’s a rare quality in today’s society and that’s a major reason why I am a faithful customer.