UK Money Blogger Profile – Tuppenny’s FIREplace

This week we caught up with Emma from Tuppenny’s FIREplace to discover what her blog is all about and her top tip for other money bloggers.

Tell us about your blog.

Tuppennysfireplace is all about living frugally, saving money and being financially free.

Why do you write about money?

I’m just a little bit obsessed about money! I’m the Chief Finance Officer in our family and have been frugal for a very long time. I track all our money, make all the money decisions like where to put our money and try to save money wherever possible.

How did you start blogging?

I spent many years reading personal finance blogs and found myself getting a little frustrated as so many are written by men and aimed at people who earn a lot of money. There didn’t seem to be many women blogging (although I’ve found so many more since joining UK Money Bloggers) and I wanted something to challenge me when I took early retirement. I thought it would keep me busy for a few hours a week ROFL.

What’s your most popular post and why?

My most popular post is:
https://tuppennysfireplace.com/how-to-be-frugal-best-frugal-living-tips/

 

Everyone loves to save money so 130+ tips on being frugal and saving money is perfect for so many people. I also keep updating it as I remember and think of yet more ways to be frugal. The post started out life as 110+ ways to be frugal and  I’ve added more than 20 new tips. I’ve also kept it fairly straightforward in list form so it’s an easy post to scroll through.

 

What’s your favourite post you’ve written, and why?

My favourite post is:

https://tuppennysfireplace.com/how-to-love-living-within-your-means/

 

I really enjoyed writing this post as it was less a post about specific actions to take to live within your means and more about cutting ourselves some slack that we aren’t perfect because we are human. I tried to focus on positive ways to enjoy living with less through approaching life from a different viewpoint. The post is not so much about cutting your budget and not buying stuff and more about embracing the moment, being mindful and positive about where you are right now.

 

What’s your top blogging tip?

Don’t aim for perfection in your blog posts when you are just starting out. You’ll end up procrastinating and not getting on with learning all about blogging. Good enough is good enough, you can always update and perfect posts in the future as you learn more.

 

Why are you part of UK Money Bloggers?

I joined UK Money Bloggers as soon as I found out about the group. In real life I know no other bloggers. I’m not technically minded and feel like I lurch from one action to another. I had already joined other Facebook groups but many of them seem to be populated with Mom bloggers and Food bloggers – I am neither. Being part of a group who have a common theme and are all based in the UK is like having an extended family you know you can reach out to when in need.

Who are your three favourite UK Money Bloggers?

Miss Many Pennies

 

Ruth Makes Money

 

The Humble Penny

 

 

 

And now…some quickfire questions

What’s your number one money tip?

 

Pay yourself first. As soon as you get paid put money away for your future self. You will be thankful you did so in the years to come.

What is the best bargain you have ever bought?

 

My hot drinks flask. I bought it for £10 over 7 years and it has gone everywhere with me. Daily to work, to our allotment and just recently to the top of Snowdon – there’s nothing like a hot cup of tea on top of a mountain/fell. I reckon it has saved me over £7,000 so far.

What is a product / service you are happy to pay the extra for?

Encona’s West Indian Hot Pepper Sauce – I love it and having tried cheaper alternatives I now pay whatever it costs a bottle. Nothing comes close to it taste wise but it does last a long time so is still a frugal buy!

 

 

Tell us something about yourself

I had my first daughter at 19 and am now a very proud Nanny to 3 grandbabies.

 

 

And finally…where can we find you on social media? (Provide the links you wish)

 

You can find me on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.co.uk/tuppennysfireplace/

 

And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tuppennysFIREplace/

 

I even occasionally go on Twitter although currently on a self imposed ban for time saving reasons! https://twitter.com/tuppennysfirep2