FRIENDS AND FINANCES FEATURING WORLDWIDE FOOTPRINTS BLOG
My blog post today is the beginning of a new series here on Saving Joyfully. I am super excited about this series and I hope that you find it both valuable and fun. This is a featured blogger series that introduces you to some other amazing blogs and what they are all about. The biggest reason I decided to start this new series, is because I believe in getting different perspectives on handling your finances. Secondly I believe that the bloggers featured here each week have a lot to offer the world and deserve recognition. Some of the blogs featured will be other personal finance related blogs and others will not be. The reason I chose to include some other blogs that are not related to finance is simple, we all have a financial story no matter who we are. I believe money is not the only focus we should have when traveling our road to financial freedom, and I think discovering some fun blogs that share something different can be a welcomed break from over focusing on money. So today I welcome Catriona from worldwidefootprintsblogCatriona was one of the very first bloggers I connected with when I started blogging and she runs a really awesome blog where she shares her travels with us. Catriona is currently living in Edinburgh, Scotland. I have asked Catriona some questions specific to her blog and her finances and here are her responses.
Hi all! My blog is called www.worldwidefootprintsblog.com. I am a Scottish blogger focusing on how to travel on a low/student income. Most of my adventures currently come from being part of a long distance relationship. We try to explore somewhere new every time we see each other, it’s always exciting!
1. How long have you been blogging?
Technically I have been blogging for a year and a half. However I have only been taking it seriously since August 2017 and been consistent since January 2018. I aim to write at least two blog posts a month and have really been focusing on growing my Twitter platform.
2. What has been your biggest money mistake?
My biggest money mistake…wow that’s a tough one. I would have to say not finding Airbnb sooner! I’m not sure if that counts as a mistake but I feel that I have spent a lot of unnecessary money on hotels over the years when I could have been in cool Airbnb’s for half the price!
3. What is your best advice for recovering from or preventing this money mistake?
Honestly just create an Airbnb account and spend some time looking for cool rooms! Remember to use the filter so you can input your requirements as well as the maximum you are willing to spend (it helps NOT seeing what you CAN’T afford)! If you are new to Airbnb feel free to use my referral code www.airbnb.co.uk/c/catrionak205 for £25 off your first stay!
4. Favorite quote or money advice, and who was the author?
“Money is numbers and numbers never end. If it takes money to be happy, your search for happiness will never end.” Bob Marley
5. Favorite money or budgeting related book and author?
I have not actually read a budgeting book! Any recommendations? (Yes! Catriona my favorite is called The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J Stanley, and is a book I had to read in college but have never forgot a lot of the great money advice in this book-Andrea)
6. Favorite money saving website?
I love using Skyscanner when booking flights! Before I would just book flights and hope it’s not too expensive. Now I spend a little more time figuring out which days are the cheapest to fly on. Skyscanner is great for this because you can select a whole month view , for every day the price is listed which makes it easy to ensure you are picking the cheapest ones.
7. Favorite money making app or website?
Awin is a great website if you want to work with affiliates. Every time someone buys/books something from clicking through your link you will get commission straight into your bank account. I’m not a millionaire yet but it’s better than nothing!
8. Do you have an emergency fund or savings account?
Yes I have tried really hard this year to keep a healthy savings account going. Mainly to use between the months of July and September, because I want to travel to some new places instead of work before going back to University!
9. What is your most successful strategy for saving money?
Seriously , just shop in cheaper supermarkets! I choose to get my weekly shopping from supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl because I leave with spending half of what I would in Tesco or Sainsbury’s. It is SO SAD, there is a Tesco EXPRESS (always more expensive) right next to my flat which I will nip into for occasional items. I will buy a few items and spend 2/3 of my weekly bill at Aldi.
You can check Catriona out on social:
Twitter @blog_footprints
Pinterest Catrionak08
Instagram @catrionak08
Thank you Catriona for taking the time to be Interviewed here today and for sharing your lovely travels and insights with the world. I know many of my readers will agree that your photos are gorgeous, and Scotland is definitely on my bucket list now. Thank you everyone who took the time to read this today and please stop by Catriona's website to show her some love, and tell her Saving Joyfully sent you. See you next week for another awesome blogger Interview, and an introduction to another great blogger.