Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Stockert
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my blog “Twin Cities Frugal Mom” in 2008, after my first child was born. Our family had paid off $25,000 in debt by being frugal, and when discovering how expensive a house, daycare, and diapers were, I decided to create a blog to share strategies for living within your means with other local families. I was figuring it out one coupon at a time, plus, I was finding a lot of free things to do in the Twin Cities, so I thought hey, why not create a space where I could share tips, deals, and ideas to help others save money while still embracing all the Twin Cities has to offer?
I’ve also had many experiences and opportunities as a result of my blog – I’ve been on TV over 30 times, talking about local family fun, I’ve done speaking engagements, met so many amazing, local entrepreneurs, and I’ve partnered with many businesses and organizations, plus destinations throughout the midwest and beyond. Our family has visited so many fun places and destinations – and I’ve shared these hidden gems and experiences, plus my strategies for keeping life affordable.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since launching the blog, life has thrown me a few curveballs, including divorce, but also incredible blessings, like marrying my amazing husband, Marc. Together, we’ve built a beautifully blended family of five kids (two of whom are grown). Parenting comes with its ups and downs, and having two special needs children has brought unique challenges—and countless rewards. We are truly a “blended family,”
Life/work/blog balance is sometimes challenging. I have worked at my church for the past 20 years, so my blog is not full-time for me. However, after blogging for so long, I’ve become more and more efficient with my time creating content and engaging with my community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My goal is to create unique and valuable resources for Twin Cities families, as well as community, It started with everyday deals and discounts, and has expanded to lists of things for families to do, freebies for kids, exclusive discounts, recipes, crafts, giveaways, reviews, and much more. I have many money-saving tips on my site, plus a calendar of events, and now, multiple Facebook groups for shared local interests.
I am most passionate about sharing hidden gems and places that families may not heard of, like the Pine County History Museum in Askov, which is in a school building and has an airplane in the gym, and the playground in Forest Lake with a dragon that you can climb. I am also passionate about affordable travel, and I feature family-friendly destinations throughout the midwest (psst.: there are many FREE zoos and museums out there!). And I want families to know about ways they can get things for free or cheap right in their own neighborhood, like libraries where you can borrow athletic equipment and kitchen items at no cost.
And now, my husband and I are providing drone videos and photography. He is a licensed, insured drone pilot, and everywhere he goes with me, the drone follows! You’ll find some drone footage on my site and social pages, and on our drone site StockertMedia.com.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have a huge collection of books about frugal living and saving money, but I have even more cookbooks! Of course, I want to stay frugal while living my best life and these help make that possible. I also read a lot of nonfiction and inspirational books.
In terms of blogs, I follow quite a few, including bloggers who are part of the Midwest Travel Network. These bloggers and writers share about midwest destinations they visit, and we network together on group trips and conferences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://twincitiesfrugalmom.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twincitiesfrugalmom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwinCitiesFrugalMom
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-stockert-028b7950/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TCFrugalMom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLewx0nOOmilI2pEXBHq5og
