Influencer Spotlight: Brynne with Femme Frugality

Brynne with Femme Frugality knows that, regardless of how much you earn, you’ve probably felt financial stress at some point in your life. By examining our financial systems, she shares money-management advice, products, events and more to help readers manage their finances — from how to earn money, how to save money and even planning for major life milestones (college, weddings, etc.) on a budget. We love Brynne’s approach to sharing real-life, actionable ideas, and that’s why she’s our February Spotlight Blogger!

We chatted with Brynne to get her thoughts on why she blogs and on the social media marketing industry. Take a look at our Q&A here:

What do you feel is the #1 trend in influencer marketing in 2018?
I’m hearing a lot of bloggers talk about going back to basics—telling their own stories and focusing on community to build traffic rather than focusing primarily on search engines. I think this will be positive for marketing as those stories and communities are what made blogging a great platform for native advertising in the first place.

What content do you feel your readers find most valuable?
My readers tend to engage most with new, fresh earning and savings ideas, and articles that make them think about money issues a little bit deeper. The “same old” tips and tricks you find on every money blog everywhere don’t cut it.

How has your blog changed since you first got started?
I used to focus exclusively on those fresh, actionable earning and savings ideas. As the years have gone on, I’ve published more and more posts around the psychology or philosophy of money. I try to look at the systems that affect our relationship with money and each other, as I’ve realized that without addressing these systems, those actionable tips are only going to get us so far on our path to financial health.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a blog?
Know that it’s a lot of work, and that you won’t get rich quicky. Even if you’re working at it full-force, you’re unlikely to become even marginally profitable until the six- or twelve-month mark.

What trend or platform is on its way out?
For a while, there was a Snapchat frenzy. That seems to have died, but I write primarily for a Millennial and younger Gen Xer audience, so that may be different for those marketing to Gen Z.

What’s your greatest challenge when working with brands?
I love all the brands that have made it onto my blog (and some who haven’t). It can get frustrating when a brand undervalues your platform, time and effort. As much as I may want to work together, if we can’t agree on a fair compensation, I just can’t do it.

What’s your best blogging tip?
Connect with other bloggers. Remember that they’re not your competition—they’re your network. Always lend a helping hand to your blogging community wherever you can and they’ll be more likely to return the favor down the line.

Favorite program you’ve done with The Motherhood?
I’ve genuinely loved them all, so this is a hard pick. I’ve worked repeatedly with Northwood Realty, though, and enjoy that they have so much respect for women in the workplace. Because of that respect, my readers have responded well and engaged positively with the content we’ve put together over the years.

What is your proudest achievement? 
When I look back on my life, my proudest moments are when I’ve been able to make a positive impact on someone else’s life.

Even as a woefully imperfect mother, I’ve been able to advocate for my children and help them reach new milestones. I hope to teach them the skills they need to do this themselves throughout their lives as they age.

As a writer, I’ve helped women fix their credit scores, work with state governments to get the wedding ceremony of their dreams, travel to great destinations on a dime and given validation and access to seldom-discussed resources that lead to financial empowerment.

The most rewarding thing in my life has been helping others achieve.

What are your three most-used emojis?

Have a financial question for Brynne? Connect with her on her Facebook page!