Our Members

Alison Cleaver
Founder

Hello, and welcome to my money saving hints, tips and ideas blog.

My name is Alison Cleaver and I am lucky enough to live on the beautiful Gower coast in Wales. I am 53 in January and I have three grown up children and four grandchildren. I joined RAF when I was 17 and stayed in married quarters for 21 years travelling around the UK. I then fostered for the Local Authority and adopted my youngest daughter. I qualified as a social worker in 1999 and practised in Basingstoke, Hampshire and then in Swansea.  I am now medically retired and spend my days crafting, doing jobs around the home and bargain hunting. I hope you enjoy my blog and my Facebook group. 

Emma Coyne

Blog Contributor

I am a married mum and have a beautiful young daughter,  being a parent and a housewife money really has to stretch,  I enjoy plenty of family activities that cost very little, such as having a picnic at the park or feeding the ducks, it's a great afternoon and your never too old. I work from the comfort of my home and work my hours around my family which can be challenging sometimes but who doesn't like challenges. I like to keep active and mind motivated but being a mum is my main priority so even though I am qualified Higher Level Teaching assistant and Counsellor, for now I dedicate my efforts and energies into family life and stealing some time for myself during school and work hours. 

Samantha Ratcliffe

Designer and Blog contributor

I'm Samantha, though I go by Sam. I am a stay at home graphic designer mom of 3 (yes I said mom!) I am a Mexican/American married to a British man, and currently living in Hampshire. Growing up my mother was always finding ways to keep costs down and she passed on her frugal nature to me. I love to roam charity shops for bargains, and when I shop I tend to fill my cart with everything I want and then put it all back because I convince myself its not worth the money. I love finding deals which has lead me to keep my eye out for any money saving tips I can get! With a family of 5 it has become a necessity. I'm creative and crafty so if you can DIY it, its a bonus to me! As far as MSHTI goes, I am here to make sure the blog runs smoothly and looks pretty! You may occasionally find a post with my 2 cents so I hope you enjoy them! 

Joanna Thomas

Group Admin

I'm Joanna Thomas – A work from home mum of 2 from the beautiful City of Plymouth in the South West. Being self-employed enables me to work from home but also means I am always money conscious and an expert at budgeting and making every penny stretch. That’s why I joined Money Savings Hints Tips and Ideas. I've made some very good friends along the way. 

Beth Benham

Group Admin

My Name is Beth and I live in Glastonbury, Somerset with my husband Ben. We have been married for 47 years and have 2 daughters and 3 Granddaughters. I used to be a self-employed painter/decorator until I sacked myself 6 years ago. I do all decorating in our home but don’t get paid. I enjoy gardening, knitting, sewing and being an Admin in several of Alison’s groups. I also love to travel as often as possible. 

Debs Kane

Group Admin

I'm Debs Kane. I live in Essex not far from Stansted Airport. I have been married for 36 years to Paul who was in my class at school. We never dated until meeting up again at 20. We married at 21 years old and now have one grown son. In 2005 I was diagnosed with an illness that changed my life. I had to learn how to pace myself in order to survive the day. I took up photography and it's now my passion. I photograph trees, buildings and cityscapes. With only one wage coming in due to being medically retired, I have to watch the pennies. Being a part of the MSHTI group, I have learnt where to cut corners so that it doesn't impact on our quality of life and well-being. It’s amazing how much you can save by buying clever, better ways to cook and where to save at home. I'm so glad I found this group and the great people that are in it who share their saving tips.