While most of us get bills and catalogs from the mailman, hardly a day goes by that Greenwood, Indiana resident Cherie doesn’t get something for free in the mail. But that’s not the only reason she’s known as the Queen of Free (@Thequeenoffree on Twitter). This wife and mother of two little princesses has worked in various forms of ministry and now she spends a lot of time keeping up her blog, QueenofFree.blogspot.com, something she sees this as another kind of ministry.

OODC: How did you get started blogging and tweeting?
@Thequeenoffree: I’ve blogged on and off for about six years for personal enjoyment and family connections. I officially launched Queen of Free in August of 2008 to share deals and free items with my friends and family and it somehow morphed into something much larger than I’d ever imagined. I’ve been in the paper several times and on the Indianapolis NBC affiliate which obviously made my readership explode. Twitter was something I picked up early in 2009 and I’m so thankful to have made such great connections and friends through this channel of social media. I have learned a ton and built wonderful connections with people that live in the Indianapolis area that I would have never “bumped” into without Twitter. It’s great to meet other natives who speak geek.

OOD: How did you get the name “Queen of Free”?
@Thequeenoffree:It was kind of a joke between a friend and I when I told him where he could score a free meal out on the town. He remarked, “You’re like the queen of free.” and I thought, I like it. Royalty which is kind of fixy but with a powerful edge. I’m down with that. But it really represents much more than scoring free items to me. I chronicle our family’s journey of paying off all debts we owe (credit cards, medical, cars, student loans – the whole shooting match) with over $46K paid toward debt in 20 months. AND I also seek to be free of those things that impede me from being who I’ve been made to be – whether it be consumerism, negative thoughts, or things that simply aren’t the best for our family. So yes, I enjoy getting things for free but I enjoy being free much more. And as a person of faith, I feel strongly that the only way to be truly free is through Jesus. I know I have readers who are believers and those who are far from God, too. I feel strongly that God has blessed me with a place to share His truth about freedom and I’m not afraid to do that with grace and love.

OODC: What is the value of the things you get for free in an average week?
@Thequeenoffree:Wow, that’s a rough question because it varies so greatly but I can definitely say that I receive something on average every day in the mail and many times several things.

OODC: What’s the best freebie you’ve ever scored?
@Thequeenoffree:Last week I scored dinner for nine at a local restaurant for free. It was rather fabulous to take out friends, letting them order anything off the menu and paying nada. It might be the best freebie but honestly I get just as excited about free band-aids as I do “big” scores.

OODC: What do you hope people get out of your Tweets and blog posts?
@Thequeenoffree:Encouragement and joy. Perhaps some inspiration and a few laughs. And of course a few free things, too. I get more feedback when I share the victories and challenges of paying off debt (or simply living for that matter) than I do a really great freebie. People love to know there are others who are striving to do the same thing that they are. And if our story can inspire others to change, I’m all about sharing it – both the pretty and not-so-pretty aspects. Odd things seem to happen to me at an alarming rate, too. Whether it’s running into a parking meter with a full cup of coffee or unknowingly walking through the mall with my shirt buttoned down to my navel, I always have a good story to share that hopefully makes people laugh as hard at me as I do at myself.

OODC: Who are some of your favorite money tweeters?
@Thequeenoffree:Well I *heart* the following ladies for many reasons, money saving tips included: @BargainBriana, @Mommysnacks, @FrugalFemina, @Inexpensively, @jennyitup.

OODC: As we head into the holidays, what’s your advice for our readers?
@Thequeenoffree:I always encourage my readers to do two things: change their worlds one penny at a time and spend time– not money– on those they love. I think these are great principles for people to ponder as they head into the holiday season.

Thanks again to @Thequeenoffree for being a part of this week’s Twitter Tuesday Profile. Interesting in being a part of an upcoming profile? Just tweet me!