Interview with True Adventures in Money Hacking

• What inspired you to start True Adventures in Money Hacking?

I started True Adventures in Money Hacking (TAiMH) when I was a graduate student in Boston, one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. I’ve always been thrifty and crafty, but being a full-time student in Boston made those traits a necessity. I found myself discovering a whole new level of creative, eco-conscious, frugality and wanted to share my ideas with the blogosphere. At the same time, I was noticing the extravagant spending habits of many other young people in the area. After talking to some of them, I realized that their problem mirrored that of the rest of the country—many of them didn’t understand at all how the financial world (credit card companies, lenders, banks, etc.) works and had never been taught how to responsibly manage their finances. So, as a companion to TAiMH, I created TiredofBeingPoor.net—a completely free educational website devoted to helping young people understand personal finance (without boring them to death). I asked MDT to join in the game soon after the blog was started. He has some great money hacks to share, mostly frugally delicious recipes, but I really like having him on board to discuss the big issues. He’s good at viewing personal finance on the large scale, and he likes having a forum to share his analysis about the economy, politics, and business in general.

• What is your favorite topic to blog about on your site?

I may be an artsy type, but I’m a utilitarian at heart. My favorite types of blog post are the instructional hacks because they’re the most fun to do. I like sharing my creative projects with others and getting new input. MDT’s favorite blog topics are his frugal foodie recipes. Those are really my favorite, too, because I get to eat them!

• What do your readers/viewers seem to be interested in?

Luckily, I seem to get the best responses to the instructional hacks—those and the giveaways, of course! People really love MDT’s food articles and recipes; he always gets a bunch of comments on them.

• What general content is in your blogs?

Wren provides easy tips and tricks to be thrifty (and green), and co-blogger MDT keeps you informed about larger economic issues and financial goings-on. It’s simple financial management for Generation Y. Some of our recents posts: homemade inexpensive holiday gifts, DIY candle holders, couchsurfing review and how-to, and some frugal and healthy recipes: pico de gallo, gourmet cocoa and tea, cold-weather drinks.

• Where do you see True Adventures in Money Hacking in about 2 years?

I’ll be happy as long as it’s still going strong and still fun. But I’ve been thinking lately that it’d be cool to get together a little network of bloggers to add some variety here and there, maybe expand the TAiMH team.

• What is some financial advice you could offer our readers?

Wren: I think the best advice is oft-repeated: make a budget, spend within your means, etc. But what saves me the most is not spending at all unless it’s something I need and can’t make for myself. DIY for Life!
MDT: Learn to do it yourself, be it food or household items. (E.g., Wren just built a paper towel holder out of some extra wood and bamboo. It sure beats the flimsy plastic kind in every way.) Also, a wise man once told me: Never pay for financial advice or planning. Hopefully the reason why is obvious.

Get Free Email Updates
Like this article? Enter your email address and click "Subscribe" to get the latest articles sent to your email for free. Your email will only be used for this daily update and you can unsubscribe anytime.

* Subscribe to our feed now, it's free!

No comments yet.

Please share your comment: