An Interview with Broke-Ass Student

Broke Grad Student has made some new friends. I recently launched the College Money Network with five other personal finance bloggers. We are a small network of twenty-somethings who blog about money, college, and life. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be interviewing each member of the network, so let’s get things started with Broke-Ass Student.

1. Describe yourself in 10,000 words or less, preferably less.

Only 10,000 words? Oh boo! Ok, I’ll try to be brief. My name is Jennifer Lynn and I run a quiet little site called Broke-Ass Student. It’s my own humble cranny where you can find me rambling about various issues I find fascinating, with personal finance being one of the main themes.

2. What made you decide to start a personal finance blog?

After finding myself in a buttload of drowning debt two years ago, and after observing numerous people trapped in the same situation, I realized how a huge void existed when it came to financial awareness. The topics of money, debt and investing continue to be excruciatingly painful for many young people, yet ironically, as uncomfortable or intimidating as these issues appear, nearly every aspect of our lives are affected by them.

Many young people in college or coming out of high school lack a proper educational background for making wise financial decisions, yet I’ve always believed finances do not have to be complicated. Everyone has the power to successfully manage their own money - they may simply lack the knowledge or confidence to do so. Launching Broke-Ass Student was an empowering way for me to grasp my own financial complications while bringing others along on the journey with me.

3. What has surprised you the most about blogging?

The wonderful communities which can blossom from reader comments really surprised me. When I first started writing, I never expected to receive as much feedback as I have. People are very passionate about certain areas, and hearing their voices and being able to open a dialogue up with them - whether I agree with a certain opinion or not - is still one of the most gratifying experiences of being a writer.

4. What is the most important financial lesson you have learned from college?

University life has definitely taught me how to budget properly. Between tuition, books, parking fees and housing, obtaining a degree is certainly not cheap. I’ve learned where to sacrifice and trim away the unnecessary expenses, while still striving toward strong financial goals to enrich my broke-ass lifestyle

5. If you had to pick three of your favorite posts to share with a first time visitor, which would they be?

I would probably suggest the following three tidbits. The spirituality one is an article I most personally enjoyed writing, while the other two are practical applications to show people how to tentatively take baby steps toward seizing control of their financial destiny.

• Financial Savviness 101: Making Your Money Work For You
• Surviving Paycheck to Paycheck? You Can Still Start Saving
• A Holistic Approach to Finances and Happiness

Thanks for your time, Jennifer Lynn!

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Broke Grad Student and friends are giving away cash and prizes for sharing back to school financial goals and advice. Click here to find out more!