New Blogger: Pleased to Meet You

Hi there! I’m Kristin, the new personal finance blogger here on Engineer Your Finances (EYF)!

I’m originally from Bermuda, but I’ve lived and worked on the U.S. East Coast for most of my life. After practicing law for a few years I’ve shifted course to focus on writing — which is how I found myself here on EYF!

Growing Up

I grew up in a low-income household, which taught me a surprising amount about managing money.

I saw up close how personal eeance is different for different personalities and what a huge impact personality can make. I experienced tons of examples of what not to do. I learned how to spot a scam and the incredible difference that a little bit of foresight could make.

My grandfather always liked to say “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” If you have saved for a rainy day that mishap isn’t a crisis after all, it’s just something unpleasant that happened.

I’m currently a freelance writer with a side business who’s part of a dual-income, no kids (DINK) household.

Financial Strengths

I am a saver by nature. I’m also kind of a minimalist. I spend a lot of time doing research to determine the best use of my dollars because I hate buyer’s remorse and waste.

I have almost entirely automated my finances.

Money comes in, bills get paid, savings get transferred, investments get made without me lifting a finger.

I just go through periodically and make sure no strangers are going on shopping sprees on my dime and I’m set.

I’m completely comfortable with spending plans (I prefer that term over budget) and actually think they’re fun to make. Weird, I know.

Back when I practiced law I focused on commercial and government finance so I know my way around big money.

Financial Weaknesses

Although I’m a minimalist, I like good-looking, pretty things. Sometimes that means I buy a Macbook when a PC would have sufficed (#facepalm).

I’m a maximizer (as opposed to a satisficer). I take a long time to make decisions and I’m convinced that there is one most optimal decision. Other people are probably just as happy despite spending less time.

I struggle to be as aggressive as I should about negotiating. Sometimes I’ve found myself doing more work on a volunteer basis or at a lower rate than I should as a “favor” for someone. As the saying goes, “no good deed goes unpunished!”

Being a highly sensitive person means that my work has to align with my values. I struggle to just grin and bear it for a paycheck unless I truly have to.

Finally, I have a MOUNTAIN of grad school debt. I’ve been chipping away at it and I’m hoping to get out from under it within 10 years of graduating.

My Short Term Goals:

• Building my freelancing, small business and consulting income streams
• Learning how to manage small business finances
• Managing freelance and small business taxes
• Exploring my investment options
• Making an investment and retirement plan as a freelancer

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know if you have questions or specific topics you’re interested in. I look forward to seeing you around!