Welcome back to friends and finances my featured blogger series that introduces you to some amazing bloggers. 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 Charles and Bethany from hisandherfi

His & Her FI is resource for those looking to live life a little bit differently. If you are interested in minimalism, travel on the cheap, frugality, money saving tips and personal growth – join the tribe! We share our progress towards Financial Independence and how to design the life you want now (not later) on the blog and now a podcast. Link to our "About" page

1.How long have you been blogging?

We have been blogging since July of 2017 (Rolling up on one year fast!)

2. What has been you biggest money mistake?

Falling into consumerism. We had blinders on and generally plodded along with the rest of the world in terms of our money habits and spending. We lived paycheck to paycheck even when we both entered out careers. Lifestyle inflation came right along with our higher salaries compared to the 4 minimum wage jobs we previously worked. No savings or retirement plans and using credit cards for the "extra" things. Thankfully we paid them off, but only the next month leaving us on the paycheck to paycheck cycle.

3. What is your best advice for recovering from or preventing this money mistake?

Do not follow the crowd. Realize that your spending and the amount of money that passes through your fingertips is something you have power over. Once we controlled our own money and did not let advertising and consumerism dictate our decisions our lives changed. In addition to this, making money work in a relationship was a very important step for us as well. We communicate about everything now and have open honest conversations. No secrets and more importantly no shame or blame. Be on the same playing field. It seems that relationships to money and relationships and money become frequent topics or undertones of our blog and podcast.

4. Favorite quote or money advice and who was the author?

"We are meant to love people and use things, but today we use people and love things." Jay Shetty

5. Favorite money or budgeting related book and author?

I have a hard time with favorites! Here are my current top picks. :)Your Money or Your Life by Vicki RobinA Year of Less by Cait Flanders

6. Favorite money-making app or website? ( You can give more than one)

Earny - This app links with your Amazon account and monitors all purchases to get you cash back within 90 days. IN two months I received about $50 back from my credit company. They file the claim and refund for you and everything. INSANE and so worth it. Here is a link to the app.

7. Do you have an emergency fund or savings account?

Yes! We each have one with Synchrony Bank. It is a HYS account so we can get a better interest rate, but also offers a debit card for immediate access in case of an emergency.

8. What is your most successful strategy for saving money?

Automate. Automate. Automate. Always pay yourself first. If this sounds intimidating, check out the article and infographic I wrote on Women Who Money that teaches you how. Baby steps!

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I want to thank Charles and Bethany for taking the time to be Interviewed, for sharing your insight and financial advice with all of us today. Thank you everyone who took the time to read this post, stop by their website when you have a chance and let them know Saving Joyfully sent you. See you next time for another awesome blogger Interview, and an introduction to another great blogger.

FRIENDS AND FINANCES FEATURING HIS AND HER FI