Meet The M-Network Friends: An Interview With Mom From Wide Open Wallet.

Now that I have wrapped up all the interviews with all the M-Network members other than myself, I decided to expand the series a little and include all the friends of the M-Network who participate in our group projects and forums. Up this week is Mom from Wide Open Wallet.

So Mom, when did you start Wide Open Wallet and why?

I started Wide Open Wallet in February of this year. I started it because I feel like lots of people think money is a taboo topic. It’s not acceptable to announce how much debt you have, how much money you make, or what your bills are. I think this attitude perpetuates the spending mentality we have as a nation. People aren’t honest with each other or themselves. I want this to change. I hope by being publicly honest myself I can inspire others to get honest about their finances.

How much time do you spend each week on your site?

More than I ever planned on. I would say I spend about 15-20 hours a week, a lot of that is reading other blogs though. My biggest surprise with blogging was how much time it takes.

For other people contemplating starting their own personal finance sites, what are a few tips you could offer them?

Before you start the blog try writing something every day for a few weeks. Make sure you can come up with enough topics, and that you have the time to spend on it. Then if you can do that you will start off with a good supply of articles all ready to go.

What are the most essential habits that you’ve formed to achieve your financial goals?

I’m a good saver and I love a budget.

What achievement are you most proud of in the last 12 months?

I went back to school this semester and got all A’s. I’m pretty happy about that.

What would you consider the single most important thing people can do for their finances?

Spend less than you make. It’s so simple. Everything in personal finance comes down to that simple concept. There are no magic formulas. If you spend less than you make everything else will fall into place

If you had to pick three of your own posts to call your “favorites”, which would they be?

That is a really tough one”¦.

How to have your late fee reversed is one of my favorite posts but it didn’t get much attention because it was very early in my blog.

I also really like The Pawn Shops Are Thriving and The Economics of Radiator Springs. The latter didn’t get much love but I like it.