Tell us about you and your blog:
Hello, my name is Sammie Ellard-King, Founder of Up the Gains. We’re a website, podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping Britain become financially smarter.
On our website we have over 300 free money guides covering topics such as investing, side hustles, mortgages, budgeting and saving.
In my 20s I had built up over £24,000 of credit card debt and self-taught myself how to get out in just 18 months. Once this was completed I had the bug and wanted to start investing in the stock market plus build businesses that would eventually grow to provide financial choices.
I’m a big believer that if you want something then go and get it. People love an excuse but I truly believe that with the right mindset you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
What made you start your blog in the ‘money’ niche?
There was a lack of relatable content when I first began learning about money. Most of the content was US based and required a Collins dictionary alongside a lot of patience to get through it.
In my late 20s I started helping friends and family with the basics, this grew so quickly that I eventually started asking don’t you have somewhere to go to learn this stuff?
The answer was exactly what I had experienced myself, an ongoing issue with relatability and a lack of content that was solely UK focused.
With my background in marketing and developing businesses I knew there was an opportunity to try and fill some of those gaps so I started Up the Gains.
2 years later we have had over 800,000 read our guides and 10k people download our podcast. I’m now on a mission to help over a million people in the next 12 months.
What’s your most popular post to date and why?
My most popular post is ‘what is a good salary in London’ – the post is packed full of research and personal experiences living in the capital for over a decade.
What’s the most enjoyable thing about blogging?
I love the freedom it creates and the communities you end up being a part of. I’ve met people from all over the world that I now call friends and the opportunities it has created for me and my family have been wonderful.
Where does your inspiration come from for money topics?
I really just want to help people become better versions of themselves. The lack of financial literacy in the UK is incredible even to this day and whilst there is some great work being done we have a long way to go until we’ve got the nation financially fit.
I’m also very sociable so talking to some of the top minds in the financial industry over on ‘The Money Gains Podcast’ has been amazing. It broadens my horizons and consistently provides me with content ideas.
What are your tips for getting started with blogging?
- Get started, you don’t know what you don’t know but you’ll figure it out if you just get going.
- Don’t pay for expensive courses – Use free resources on YouTube and podcasts like Niche Pursuits and Click Wars
Why are you part of UK Money Bloggers?
It’s great to be connected directly to the UKs top money bloggers and writers. I’ve learnt so much from the people in this group and it’s wonderful how everyone has time for you even when you’re just starting out.
Any favourite money bloggers? Tell us about them!
Yes, I’m a big fan of Andy (Be Clever With Your Cash) of course but I also love the work of JD Roth over in the US. His Audible course got me started in personal finance and I owe a lot of my thinking to his teachings.
Quick fire questions…
Number 1 money tip?
Start investing as early as possible for as long as possible
Your favourite investment / bargain?
Investing in yourself. Putting time aside to further your learning is the best investment you can ever make.
Something you hate spending money on vs something you love spending money on?
I hate spending money on trains when commuting into London. They’re so expensive for such a shoddy service.
Love spending money on travelling and experiences. Memories that will last a lifetime.
Tell us about yourself…
My name is Sammie Ellard-King. I live in Fleet, Hampshire with my partner Charlotte and my not so little bulldog, Archibald.
I grew up in St. Albans and went to Southampton University to study music performance (who actually still does what their degree was in?)!
I now run Up the Gains full-time having built the brand on the side of my hospitality businesses which I ran with two friends for 3 years until June 2023.
I’m passionate about helping people understand money and am always looking for ways to create valuable content that’s relatable, easy to understand and full of actionable tips.
Outside of the business I’m a huge Arsenal fan,love cooking and bulldogs.
Finally, where can we find you on social media?
I’m @upthegainsmoney on every single social media platform. Come say hi and let’s chat!