Tell us about your blog.
The Grumpy Git website provides advice on consumer and motoring issues, aspects on Data
Protection and how to deal with scenarios that often feature in the news.
Why do you write about money?
It’s clear to me that consumers are simply not aware of their rights and are getting ripped off left, right
and centre. We put up with any old rubbish in this country and that is partly the problem. My mission is
to raise awareness of consumer rights and how to seek redress when things go wrong. It’s time for
consumers to fight back.
How did you start blogging?
My blog began a few months before I self-published the first edition of my book by taking a look at
topics that were making the news with my slant on what to look for to contest injustices. I linked it up to
a Facebook page and my followers began sharing their issues directly with me, which I resolved and
that created more blogs. Before you know it, you have dozens of blogs that a wider audience can
connect with spanning consumer and motoring disputes.
What’s your most popular post and why?
Man loses job after £11,000 BMW breaks down again consistently ranks as the most popular post. It
connects with a story the Edinburgh Evening News ran in January 2019 and I elaborated on a number
of issues that span various consumer legislation including the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the
Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the Misrepresentation Act 1967. It appears to resonate with a lot of
motorists who have had bad experiences with car dealerships.
What’s your favourite post you’ve written, and why?
My favourite post I have written was about my pothole claim with Edinburgh City Council. You have a
36% chance of resolving pothole claims with ECC yet I won mine within 4 weeks. It actually caught
the imagination of BBC Radio Scotland’s consumer reporter when he interviewed me for a five-part
series they were making earlier in 2019 that I was invited to participate in.
What’s your top blogging tip?
Try and keep what you write informative and succinct without detracting from your own style and
humour.
Why are you part of UK Money Bloggers?
It’s a great platform and community to share ideas, tips and to help each other. I have learnt a lot in
the short time I have been a part of it and I hope I can help others too. We all have different niches
and strengths and it is power in numbers as we can achieve much more together than alone.
Who are your three favourite UK Money Bloggers?
Mrs Mummy Penny, Lady Janey and Debt Camel. Mrs Mummy Penny because her story resonates
with me and the outcome is truly inspirational. Lady Janey because I love her style of writing and it
perfectly matches the brand and persona she has and Debt Camel because there is so much free
advice that people can use to help improve their financial well-being.
And now…some quickfire questions
What’s your number one money tip?
Perseverance is the key to success. If you are struggling to resolve your issue with one piece of
legislation, look at others and stick to your guns.
What is the best bargain you have ever bought?
Probably my Samsung J5 phone for £179. It takes brilliant photos, the battery life and performance is
excellent and I would be lost without it.
What is a product / service you are happy to pay the extra for?
Jet2 for flights and holidays. The customer service and experience is exceptional as opposed to
Ryanair which is never out of the news for all the wrong reasons. As Lady Janey says, “If you pay less,
you get less”. I couldn’t agree more.
Tell us something about yourself
I spent most of my adult life in the Isle of Man working in financial services (for my sins!) before
relocating to Edinburgh in November 2013. Cats with no tails and sheep with four horns – it tells you
everything you need to know about the DNA of the Island!
And finally…where can we find you on social media?
Twitter: @thegrumpy_g1t
Instagram: thegrumpy_g1t