Hmmm... this gives me an idea. The user-run contests with only memberships and patches to give away generate limited interest. BUT - what if we were to do some sort of swap? Such as, let's say someone doing the frugal month had their dog chew up their remote control (like just happened to me) and they can't or don't want to replace it. Someone else gives them ideas they can use, and they receive a membership, and perhaps a gift, from the receiver. Maybe something they made?

I'm not sure this would work with your TOC, or if there is some other way to make the contest more enticing. Perhaps I could donate something as a grand prize? I just don't think memberships and patches are going to excite people.

And what about my idea of contacting Shapelock for sponsoring a contest?

This person wrote a book on how she paid off $20,000 in debt in two years. So pretty close to what you did. I think the $400 was additional savings on top of that, or during a different year when her finances were already fine.