What is your inspiration?
My inspiration for saving money comes from struggling to manage my money early on in my adult life. I was raised in an extremely frugal household, but I rebelled against those teachings when I was let out into the "real world" and ended up almost bankrupt at 21 years old. I've seen what the darkness of financial hell looks like and I never want to go back. I got my t-shirt.
What is the hardest part of saving money?
Delaying gratification. It is so hard to tell myself "no" when I truly want or believe "need" something. I can always make up some justification for a purchase but if it does match with my budget, I have to tell myself "no". My family depends on me being an adult and being able to resist the temptation of impulse shopping.
Is it possible to get out of debt for someone who feels like it's not possible?
Yes. I remember what it felt like to have that burden on my back, and I still have it. We are not 100% debt-free yet, but we have paid off over $40,000 so far and with every little bit it gets easier to breathe, even with the burden still on our backs. When you feel like you're lost in the never ending cycle of debt, reach for hope. Make a debt payoff plan by first making a budget. I credit the first budget I ever made on my own as saving my life because it forced me to take real ownership of the mess I had made. I worked two jobs, sold off as much stuff as I could, and even gave up my tax refund checks to make a dent in my debt. It is possible to get out of debt, no matter how deep in the hole you may feel, don't ever give up.
When and how did you start your blog?
I started The Budget Mama in July of 2012.
Is there any advice you can give to new bloggers out there?
Blogging is not for the faint of heart and if you're only in it to make money, you will just end up burned out. Make sure you are passionate about whatever it is that you are writing about. I once heard that if you can't write at least 500 words on a subject/topic then you shouldn't be writing on it. I truly believe that. You have to have passion to be a blogger.
What advice would you give to people who are new to the idea of saving money?
"A bargain isn't a bargain if you don't need it." For most, when they get excited about saving money for the first time, they start couponing like crazy and chasing sales, which is truly great for saving money, but if you don't need it, you are still wasting money. When starting out with saving money, look at your budget and determine where you can cut - do you still have a gym membership you never use, or do you have 500 channels but only watch 2, or do spend way too much at Starbucks? You can cut those expenses and save money quickly. Over time, once you get used to saving money, you will spot ways to save easily.
What are some of the ways you save money?
We don't have cable and haven't had it in 8 years. It is amazing what not watching commercials will do for you - it will save you tons! I also avoid stores that I know I spend a ton of money in, like Target who even has a Starbucks inside just calling my name! I also quit following deal sites because I was so tempted to purchase things simply because they were a great deal.
Where can the readers find you on social media?
They can find me on
Facebook at http://facebook.com/
Twitter at http://twitter.com/
Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/
Instagram athttp://instagram.com/
Facebook at http://facebook.com/
Twitter at http://twitter.com/
Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/
Instagram athttp://instagram.com/
