With the cost of living crisis worsening by the day, it made sense to get some advice from Gemma Bird, aka Money Mum, who is based in Billericay
Gemma Bird’s practical and savvy money-saving tips have made her a social media sensation. With 286k followers on Instagram and over 68k on TikTok, Gemma’s legions of fans can’t get enough of her helpful and relatable advice.
From entertaining the kids, useful money-saving apps and the best deals and freebies, hard-working mum Gemma shares the ‘need to knows’ to push through economically challenging times with a smile.
The key to Gemma’s success comes from her own motivation, a working mum who frequently held down multiple jobs to make ends meet; she is the antithesis of the ‘wealthy’ influencers who leave their followers feeling negative and inadequate.
Money Mum is actively instigating change, dropping the perceived shame and secrecy around being strapped for cash, in debt or economising and saving, challenging peer pressure and anxiety-inducing financial choices. Absolutely spoke to her to find out more…
When and why did you first start posting money-saving advice online?
I have lived and breathed deals my entire life; I’ve never earned lots of money, so I have always had to do my best with what I have.
When did you morph into the ‘Money Mum’, and what do you think of the moniker?
I never started calling myself Money Mum originally; people started calling me that, but I like it!
Given the cost of living crisis, how key are blogs like yours?
It’s so important to talk openly about money in clear and simple terms and to discuss everyday money issues that are sometimes overlooked. We need to drop the perceived shame and secrecy around being strapped for cash, in debt, economising or simply wanting to make some savings. I’m also an advocate for Money Management classes to be included in the UK school’s National Curriculum.
What are your top money-saving tips right now?
- Turn off all switches at night.
- Take your washing machine down a degree or two.
- Make sure you have things installed like Honey on your computer to get the best coupons and savings.
- Shop around for the best deals.
- If you’re a mum, invest in a good quality backpack for you and the kids and take drinks and snacks with you on family days out.
Was it fun putting together your book ‘Money Mum Official – Save Yourself Happy’, and what would we find inside?
I loved the experience of putting the book together. The money mindset is so important – it’s about changing your attitude towards money and respecting a tenner, thinking about how much you are earning and what things really cost.
Away from the ‘Money Mum’, who is family, and where is home?
I live in Billericay with my husband and two children.
Can you pick out your three favourite places in the area or further afield in Essex?
I like to take the children to the local Wetherspoons as they have great deals – including the pizza.
Wat Tyler Park is brilliant, there’s so much for the kids to do there, and it’s all free; plus I love to go for walks.
Any of the local libraries – with free story time for young children and activities during half term, it’s always worth checking out what they have going on.
This interview will be in our October issue, with autumn here. Are there any Essex outdoor spots you love at this time of year?
King Georges Park in Brentwood is also a favourite for my children and me.
What’s next for you, Gemma?
I have a new book coming out – more news on that soon.
Follow Gemma Bird on Instagram: @moneymumoffical
