Blogger Profile: "Miss T", Prairie Eco-Thrifter

In an email question and answer exchange with Millionaire Corner, she talked about how a whim has developed into a blog that is attracting a growing following.

MT: I grew up with very financially-literate parents. However, this posed some problems. I never had to worry about money. We always had what we needed and wanted. For the most part we never suffered. Many in fact would have mistaken us for rich, which wasn't necessarily the case. My parents were just that good with their money.

As great as this was, it caused some problems. When I bought my first house at 18, I had a major learning curve. Sure I knew the basics my parents had taught me, but I wasn't the best with knowing limits because I grew up with very few. It was hard for me when I moved out on my own to realize that the money does run out. I unfortunately went through a period of emotional spending and debt but I have since cleaned up my act. 

MC: Did your money management skills and philosophy mesh with your husband’s?

MT: Unlike me, he came from a more humble background and wasn't used to having everything. He grew up with less, but he was just as happy. As an adult, he managed his money really well. He was the only guy I knew that was saving 50% of his paycheck. Once we started dating, his habits rubbed off on me. I started reading financial blogs and improving my own financial situation.

After seeing so many positive changes in my life due to better money management, I couldn't help but be motivated to continue with this new lifestyle. I now try to share my tips and tricks with everyone through my blog. I have always been more into self improvement, being healthy, and looking after the environment. I guess that’s why along with personal finance, I blog about living green and healthy.

MT: I have almost 300 subscribers and almost 700 twitter followers right now. I also get over 6,000 unique visitors a month and this number keeps climbing. It took a really long time to get any readers. Plus I never got comments. I couldn’t seem to get any discussion going. I was really discouraged. I thought my experiment was a flop and I should just give up.

But then I discovered Yakezie, which is the web’s largest personal finance and lifestyle blog network.They strive to optimize reader’s personal finances and allow people to lead better lives.They are over 75 members strongwho have all gone through a six-month challenge to join the network. We all know each other and collaborate. We are doctors, lawyers, consultants, bankers, techies, entrepreneurs, mothers, and fathers. We all have a passion for writing and understand that power of social media and the web. Collectively, we will enact positive change.

MT: To be realistic and stay balanced. Don't put all your eggs in one basket and don't make changes too quickly. For example, if you are currently in debt, take the time to develop a realistic and feasible plan and then work at it slowly. You are assured a greater chance of success. It also helps to stay balanced. Spread out your money so that you have everything covered- like retirement, an emergency fund, a vacation fund etc.

MC: What about the worst advice?

MT: To not care. There are many people that I know who don't worry about their money. They don't care that they are in debt and they don’t' plan on ever paying it off. Eventually this is going to catch up to them. Don't be one of those people. Have patience and save for the things you want and make sure you have your future looked after. You will be way less stressed and much happier as a result.

MC: I imagine it was your prairie upbringing that made you committed to being "green."

MT: I feel a certain obligation to do my part to protect the earth. I enjoy spending time outdoors. I like to bike and hike and garden. I hate to think there might be a future where these activities are limited because of climate change or air quality. Being green is also very good for you. So many health problems today are caused by contaminants in our food, cosmetics, cleaning products etc. This is why my family makes all of our own products at home with simple non-harming ingredients. I have a ton of recipes for cleaning products and beauty products. We also grow an organic garden, and walk as much as we can.

MC: From taking control of your finances to adopting a greener lifestyle, it can be hard for people to take the first step. What do you say to them?

MT: Here is one piece of advice I would like to pass on: Figure out what you are really passionate about and start with those activities. Be realistic about what you can accomplish, but take the challenge. Set realistic goals and you will succeed. 

MC: What do you want to accomplish?

MT: Growing up my mother nicknamed me "the little engine that could” because I would always find a way to get past each roadblock and keep going. I have had a lot of challenges in my life. I was sick and bullied as a kid, and my mother was ill. But I have gotten though all of these difficulties. I guess I always saw the need to persevere. Giving up just wasn’t an option. People in my life and my future self relied on me to keep plugging along. My ultimate goal in life is simple: to live a full and rewarding life; one that I can look back on and smile at. I don’t ever want to regret passing up an opportunity. I want to experience all the world has to offer with my husband and future family. 

I am sharing this (on my blog) because I wish the same for you. Live a simple life full of rewards and experiences. Don't be afraid to take risks and make changes. Live your life to the fullest.