Interview with Free from Broke

• How has Free from Broke influenced you financially?

One major thing running Free From Broke has been that it keeps me accountable for my actions! I write about ways to deal with your personal finances and to save money so I feel compelled to follow my own advice. It makes me think twice about my purchases and expenses. Another thing is it’s allowed me exposure to so many readers and other bloggers who are also working on their personal finances. I’ve learned so much from them and have had a wealth of information in helping me with my expenses.

• Where do you get the ideas for your blog?

Sometimes I write about things that are happening with my family. For example we moved recently so I’ve written about moving tips and also about switching phone carriers. Other times I’ll write about what is going on in the news and how it affects our economy and finances. Lastly, I’ll write informative pieces to help readers (and myself) understand a subject.

• Do personal experiences play a key part in what your blog?

Absolutely! The whole reason I started my site was because I had been doing a lot of studying on personal finance, trying to get my life in order after being in credit card debt. I thought I could pass on what I’ve learned and tell readers about my experiences. I’ve found that many financial situations I’ve had aren’t unique to me and are shared by many people. Personal articles are also more fun for me too as I’m talking about real experiences rather than hypothetical examples. I think my readers relate to them more as well.

• What are your favorite financial topics to blog about?

Probably ways to save is a popular topic. I certainly write about online savings accounts often as I’ve found it to be a powerful tool to build up savings goals. Also credit card use and personal responsibility. Many times people blame and outside source, like credit cards, for their financial situation without looking at their own actions.

• Which 3-5 of your blogs would you consider “must-reads” to better understand frugal living?

Oh man, you’re going to make me pick? Two of the earliest sites I came across were Get Rich Slowly and Zen Habits. GRS has consistently written great articles and Zen Habits, though not a frugal living site per se, has great articles on living a simple lifestyle which I think lends itself to being frugal. A few other sites I follow are Moolanomy, Cash Money Life, Being Frugal, Bible Money Matters, and PT Money. All of those guys have great stories and information and helped me both in my finances and in blogging.

• What is some quick advice you could give our readers who are new to the budgeting lifestyle?

Don’t let the word “budget” scare you. It doesn’t have to be something that is limiting. In fact it can help free you. And it doesn’t have to be complicated either. A budget is keeping track of what you spend and making sure you have the money to cover it. There are all kinds of systems and sites to help you budget but you need to find out what works for you and go from there. Do something simple like keep your receipts for month then add them up. Compare them with the salary you take home. That can be a real eye-opening experience. Honestly though, do something. Just start working on some kind of budget and tweak it as you go along.

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1. Holiday Personal Finance Links for 12-27-09