FRIENDS AND FINANCES FEATURING OUTGLOBING

Welcome back to friends and finances my featured blogger series that introduces you to some amazing bloggers. The biggest reason I decided to start this new series, is because I believe in getting different perspectives on handling your finances. Secondly I believe that the bloggers featured here each week have a lot to offer the world and deserve recognition. Some of the blogs featured will be other personal finance related blogs and others will not be. The reason I chose to include some other blogs that are not related to finance is simple, we all have a financial story no matter who we are. I believe money is not the only focus we should have when traveling our road to financial freedom, and I think discovering some fun blogs that share something different can be a welcomed break from over focusing on money. So today I welcome Dianna from https://www.outglobing.com

What is the goal of your blog?

I’m Dianna, an American abroad from St. Louis. In August 2017, I quit my job and bought a one-way ticket to Europe. I traveled alone across the Atlantic ocean for the first time with my life packed in two suitcases… and I didn’t even have a plan. Somewhere in the middle of my new life overseas, I decided to create Outglobing. It all started with the idea of wanting to inspire people to travel more for less! Since then, I’ve been committed to showing everyone how affordable travel can be.I wouldn’t call myself a backpacker, but more of a budget traveler. I always have a suitable accommodation, preferably of a western standard, and I eat delicious meals! I’ve said goodbye to the days of Ramen Noodles for dinner. Right now, I’m situated at a 10-minute walk from the beach in Bali and would you believe me if I said I pay less than $1,000 every month to travel around the world? Well, I do! One month was even less than $600!

1. How long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging since November 2017. It’s been a fun 6 months so far! I didn’t really have a plan when I started, I just wanted to share my experiences. Now, I focus much more on the money aspect of traveling.I started my travels by strictly budgeting my life in order to make my way overseas. I completely eliminated my credit card debts within 3 months and worked overtime every week to ensure I would leave the states with a built up savings account. From there, I found my way into copywriting online to make up for my lack of a physical job.

2. What has been your biggest money mistake?

During my travels, it’s definitely been not planning in advance. I’ve had to settle for more expensive options because I waited until the last second to book accommodation and flights. When you book earlier, you have more choices: more affordable choices.

3. What is your best advice for recovering from or preventing this money mistake?

If you are planning to travel, look into booking your needs ASAP! Even if it’s just an idea to travel somewhere later, check out Google Flights to get a price in your mind. My favorite part about using Google Flights is their graph feature. You can view almost an entire year in the future and see how much flights cost. You’ll find that the popular times to travel are more costly and other times are a steal!

4. Favorite quote or money advice and who was the author?

“I don’t need all the money in the world… I just need enough money to see the world.” - Unknown Author

I love this quote because you really don’t need a lot of money to travel! With a proper budget plan and utilizing cost-efficient resources, you can go anywhere.

5. Favorite money or budgeting related book and author?

‘The Spender’s Guide to Debt-Free Living’ by Anna Newell Jones. Perfect for those who need some motivation to kick that debt out of your life!

6. Favorite money saving website?

VentureCost.com - This isn’t exactly a website that teaches you how to save money, but instead shows you where you can save money. It’s amazing because it’s a list of places around the world showcasing real cost of livings. You can even create your own profile and start tracking your own expenses, so it doubles as a personal budgeting tool!

7. Favorite money making app or website?

I’ve yet to really find one that I enjoy! Please let me know if you have any recommendations. It’s tough to find one that aligns with my traveling lifestyle.

8. Do you have an emergency fund or savings account?I

have a savings account which doubles as my emergency fund. I have money in two different accounts (PayPal and a physical bank) both of which I can turn to when times get tough!

9. What is your most successful strategy for saving money?

Not spending money! Honestly, my life has completely changed since I stopped spending on unnecessary things. I don’t live an expensive life and because of that, I’ve been able to travel. Ironic, right? We all think traveling is expensive, but it’s honestly not. It all comes down to sticking to your budget!I have spreadsheets created for every month, breaking down exactly what I’m allowed to spend to each category of my lifestyle. I use this in addition to an overall budgeting tool, VentureCost, which I mentioned earlier. Personally, I find both of these resources work extremely well for me!

Twitter https://www.twitter.com/outglobing

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/outglobing

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/diannamallen/

Instagram https://www.pinterest.com/outgobing

Website URL https://www.outglobing.com

I want to thank Dianna for taking the time to be Interviewed, for sharing your insight and financial advice with all of us today, and just a little glimpse of your website. Thank you everyone who took the time to read this post, stop by her website when you have a chance and let her know Saving Joyfully sent you. See you next time for another blogger Interview, and an introduction to another great blogger.