FRIENDS AND FINANCES FEATURING THE FRUGAL FELLOW
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. I also 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 Bob from The Frugal Fellow.
Hey there! My name is Bob and I started blogging not too long ago in the personal finance space. I have always been good with money in the sense that I rarely make impulse purchases. That would ultimately became the reason for the name of my blog: The Frugal Fellow.That said, the real reason I started blogging was that I finished paying off all of my debt (~$100k in student loans). Finally debt-free, I felt it was time to seriously take control of my finances.And while I'm at it, I figure I may as well try to help my “Fellow” millenials out. I have definitely made my fair share of mistakes, and I would love to help others avoid them if at all possible!
1. How long have you been blogging?
I originally started blogging at the end of last year, though I haven't really kept up with that other blog. One blog is already a ton. TFF on the other hand was started in March 2018.
2. What has been your biggest money mistake?
Student loans, without a doubt. To be clear, student loans are not automatically bad. But I didn't go to community college or get very much financial aid. Reducing that burden is much as possible is key, and I didn't do that.
3. What is your best advice for recovering from or preventing this money mistake?
I touched on this a bit in the previous question, but something to add would be sure it's worth it. Don't get an art degree just because you think you have to go to college. Do your research and be sure it will pay off in the long run. If not, you may want to consider other options. You don't have to go to college.
4. Favorite quote or money advice and who was the author?
"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago."This is a quote from Warren Buffet and, of course, he applies it to investing. The idea is that, because of compounding interest, the sooner you invest, the better. At the same time, just because you didn't invest several years ago doesn't mean you shouldn't start. This is so true!
5. Favorite money or budgeting related book and author?
Tough question. Probably JL Collins's Simple Path to Wealth. There are lots of FI books, but everyone should read this one.
6. Favorite money saving website?
While technically not a money saving site, latelyhttps://www.choosefi.com/ has been my favorite. I highly recommend their podcasts to anyone interested in personal finance. Brad and Johnathan break it down in a really simple, easy-to-understand way. They also have a very active Facebook group which is really nice.
7. Favorite money making app or website?
At the moment I don't really have one, I guessing because I’ve been so focused on blogging-related things! I do mine crypto, but I only make a few dollars per month from that. Other than that, probably Vanguard and Fidelity for investing.
8. Do you have an emergency fund or savings account?
I am actually putting all of my extra cash in a taxable brokerage account with very low fees. This is a riskier strategy that may not be suitable for everyone. Still, I always have cash in an account that is accessible at a moment's notice.
9. What is your most successful strategy for saving money?
Invest in low-cost index funds and automate it. There are plenty of articles out there about doing so if want to know more.
Twitter -https://twitter.com/thefellowfrugal
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/thefrugalfellow/
Pinterest -https://www.pinterest.com/thefrugalfellow/
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/haggles216/ (personal page)
Website URL -https://thefrugalfellow.com/
I want to thank Bob for taking the time to be Interviewed and for sharing your insight and financial advice with all today. Thank you everyone who took the time to read this post, stop by his website when you have a chance and let him know that Saving Joyfully sent you. See you next time for another blogger Interview, and an introduction to another great blogger.