Tell us about your blog.
There are lots of ideas out there that claim to save you money, make you money and make life better. But do they actually work? On Stapo’s Thrifty Life Hacks I share my knowledge with my readers. I’m honest about what has and what hasn’t worked for me, so they can decide if they’d like to try something forthemselves.
Why do you write about money?
I spent my early 20’s getting into debt and my early 30’s getting out of it. Throughout my journey, I realised I quite enjoyed budgeting andsaving money. I tried all sorts of things along the way, to pay what I owed back. Some things worked and some things didn’t and I was always sharing my ideas with my friends. So I decided to pour that passion into my own blog.
How did you start blogging?
I’d been meaning to start a blog for years. Then, in March 2020, I was furloughed from my job as a copywriter. I decided to upskill during this period by doing some digital marketing courses. It made sense to have my
website alongside this, so I could practice the skills I was developing through my courses.
What’s your most popular post and why?
My most popular post is about Monzo, I think the reason why it’s been so popular is because my passion shines
through. I also shared it in a Facebook group dedicated to people who save using Monzo and the article got a lot of traction.
What’s your favourite post you’ve written, and why?
I enjoyed writing about how to cope when you’re made redundant. I drew
on personal experience when I put this together. It’s my favourite post because I know that people have found it useful and the whole reason why I blog is to try and help others in my own small way.
What’s your top blogging tip?
Blogging can be pretty complex, but at first you should just focus on the writing, because the rest will fall into place. If you start trying to nail every single aspect of blogging then you’ll end up overwhelmed and frustrated.
Why are you part of UK Money Bloggers?
I’m part of UK Money Bloggers because I enjoy being in a community with like-minded people. We all have our own skills and areas of expertise, so it’s good to share that knowledge and I like the sense of comeradery.
Who are your three favourite UK Money Bloggers? (Please provide links)
And now…some quickfire questions
What’s your number one money tip?
Factor annual costs in when you’re setting your monthly budget. If you’re paying £20 into an account each month towards your MOT, then it won’t be a massive outlay in the month that it’s due. The same goes forChristmas, birthdays and holiday expenses. If you know it’s coming, prepare for it.
What is the best bargain you have ever bought?
When I was pregnant with my son, I chose the pram I wanted and sourced it secondhand. We got a as-good-as-new iCandy Peach pram for £100. Doing that saved us over £700.
What is a product / service you are happy to pay the extra for?
I’m happy to pay extra for meat. We don’t eat much of it in our house, so when we do, I like to pick up quality meat from the butcher.
Tell us something about yourself unrelated to you blog.
I’ve never tasted tea. People are always shocked when I tell them, but I find the smell off putting.