This week we're chatting to the wonderful Kia - creator of the Pennies To Pounds financial platform. We ask Kia why she started Pennies To Pounds, what her best piece of advice is for anyone starting to save, and find out how she got to be so confident when it comes to managing her money.

1) Hey Kia! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and Pennies To Pounds?

My name is Kia and I am a Personal Finance Expert and Public Speaker. I am also a recent graduate (during a pandemic - wasn't the easiest task!) studying French and Business.

2) What inspired you to create Pennies To Pounds?

Whilst at university, I realised that there were a lot of things about life that I just had no idea about. From council tax to tv license, I realised I'd not been prepared for real adult life at school.

I realised that this issue was bigger than myself, with many of my friends also struggling more than me with how to manage their money.

I started off making videos on YouTube in 2018 but that didn't pick up the traction I was looking for. That was put on pause until October 2019, when Pennies to Pounds was born!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFB6kOFJHQ5/

3) Your platform is extremely inspiring and full of great advice. What's the best piece of advice you could give to someone just starting to take control of their finances?

Thank you! The best piece of advice I could give to someone starting to take control of their finances is to start at a manageable level.

If you're starting to save, save an amount that is comfortable for you. If you try to put away more than you can manage, you'll end up dipping back in which is not what we want.

Doing what is comfortable for you is the best way to manage your finances in the long run. Remember, money management is a marathon, not a sprint.

4) You obviously feel comfortable talking about money. Has this always been the case?

Not always! I think there's a stigma around talking about money unless you're showing off and saying you're well off.

I realised as I got older that the most valuable conversations around money are the ones where you're transparent about your issues and anxieties around money. The more open you are, the more you realise that you're not alone and your situation isn't something to be ashamed of.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFjuOc8pwC4/

5) What's next for Pennies To Pounds?

One year of Pennies To Pounds is coming up in October which is super exciting - this year has honestly flown. Hopefully more (virtual) events, more podcast episodes, and just more content in general!

6) And lastly, if you had to describe your finances using one emoji - what would it be and why?

I would describe my finances with this emoji 💸

I chose that one because money is always flying out of my account! It's usually to my savings but sometimes I do like to treat myself which is totally allowed!

Emma is a money management app that connects all your bank accounts to track your monthly spending and subscriptions. Emma will help you visualise and take control of your finances. Make sure you aren’t overspending and show you practical steps to start budgeting effectively. Download Emma today.