Deal Hunter Profile: Money-Saving Expert Andrea Woroch

We created SimplyCodes for a community of deal-hunters. Ones who not only are smart shoppers, but discounting champions who share their secrets to save more together.

We’re inspired by people who live and breathe deal-finding and couponing, like Andrea Woroch: a busy mom, media expert, and founder of AndreaWoroch.com, where she researches and shares simple ways to get more while spending less. She talked with SimplyCodes about her journey from struggling as a young professional to achieving financial success — and how you can, too.

Andrea’s story: Learning to manage money wisely

You share on your website that your background comes from humble beginnings, from your grandparents and parents saving and trying to do more with less, to learning financial lessons the hard way in your first post-college job. How did you go from struggling to becoming a money-saving expert?

It actually started with my media background. My first job out of college was with a PR firm in New York City. I tried to keep up with a lifestyle I couldn't afford and got into credit card debt. Even though I thought I was given a really good financial foundation, what I learned later was that although my family was frugal and didn't give me handouts, it's not like they taught me how to manage money wisely or how to use a credit card wisely, and so I kind of learned that on my own.

I realized I had to do it myself, so I left New York for Colorado, worked hard to pay down my debt, and started building and investing and saving to do it myself. I started to work in PR for a hotel there, and then I started working with a company that had discount shopping sites and financial brands. I realized that the media that I was speaking to to promote this site was actually hungry and searching for everyday savings tips, so I started to share how to pay down debt and to manage money while I was still paying down my own debt. This was during the 2008 crash, and people who never had to worry about money were looking for ways to save. I realized that I loved sharing my advice and it took off, and that’s where we are today.

Andrea’s strategy: How to find a great deal

Jumping ahead to today, what would you personally define as a great deal?

A great deal isn't necessarily about the price. It's about being able to get what you’re already planning to purchase or need at a lower price than what’s advertised. That’s really important because a lot of people are just wondering what the best deals for Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day are, but it really doesn't matter if those aren't things that you need.

It's also not necessarily about scoring the lowest price because the lowest-priced cheap item that breaks isn't really a good deal. It's about getting something that you know you need and are going to use for a long time and trying to get the lowest price for that. I can tell you right now when I look at my closet, some of the items that have the lowest cost per use were the ones that I spent more upfront for to get the higher quality, and I’m getting more longevity out of them.

What’s your shopping process like?

I love tools that do the deal hunting for you because it saves you time and keeps you out of the clutter of unnecessary sales that could otherwise tempt you to buy something you don't need. For example, a price comparison browser tool that shows you a site that may be selling the same item you're already looking at online for a lower price. Maybe they're pointing you to a site you wouldn't have even thought to check, but that’s selling the same item for a discount.

I also apply coupon codes and track historical pricing data with tools like CamelCamelCamel so you know it’s the lowest selling price before you make the purchase.

Is there a great deal that sticks out in your mind?

One really good deal was a brand new dishwasher that I needed for a rental remodel. It was a floor model and had a little ding on the bottom of it, but it was brand new. It was $500, but I got it for $100. They were trying to sell it for $200, but we negotiated them down even further. My husband was able to just bang the dent out and you can't even see it today. That’s also a great tip though—consider used or refurbished/floor models. Those are always going to be less expensive than brand new, and often still high quality.

Andrea’s advice: Top money-saving tips and more

What do you think is the biggest mistake people make in terms of shopping and overspending?

Letting retailers influence your purchase decision by a variety of marketing tactics, like luring you into the store by offering a limited-time deal. The reality is there's going to be another deal down the road, so if you miss out today, there'll be another deal later when you actually need the item. Also, buying things that aren't on your shopping list — just countless impulse purchases— whether it's at the grocery store, at Target, or on social media.

What are your top three tips for our readers who are looking to save money?

1. Be resourceful. Do your research, read reviews, compare prices, and leverage all the amazing savings tools that are out there. Also, ask around to your friends and family as well.
2. Negotiate the price. Whether that’s talking to customer service in the store or on the phone with your service provider, asking is a great way to score a deal. Find out if there's something they can throw in for free, like delivery or an extended warranty. You can even negotiate a deal on your credit card balance. A big percentage of consumers who ask for a lower interest rate are successful in getting one as long as they make on-time payments, even if it's not in full every month.
3. Shop at the end of the season. This guarantees super cheap clothing, fashion, accessories, shoes, and any seasonal merchandise.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I'm a very adventurous and outdoorsy person. When I was 26, I hiked over 40 miles to Machu Picchu with a 30-pound backpack. I love anything that’s an outdoor adventure—skiing, hiking, mountain biking—and the more adventurous and risky it is, the more I love it.

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As part of our mission to never miss a deal, the SimplyCodes team obtains knowledge from the best of the best — to continue learning how to save like a pro from coupon stories and best deal roundups, read more on the SimplyCodes blog!