BenSpark
Today I am joined with my friend Kelly from CentsibleLife. Kelly and I spent a couple of hours riding around Utah together on the way to EvoConference. We went all that way and still did not get one photo together either. Well, I know some about your but could you please tell the readers about yourself.
Kelly
I’m Kelly Whalen, mom to 4, and self styled social media maven. I started blogging about 20 months ago to help keep me accountable on our journey to getting out of debt. I used to spend a lot of time writing in forums, so blogging came naturally to me. It’s been an amazing journey, and I now have 2 businesses (my blog, and consulting business with my partner Julie Pron) and am living my dream lifestyle. I get to be home with my family, and still do work I love.
BenSpark
“Living my dream life”, that is something I strive for. Obviously your blog is a big part of that so please tell us about your blogs
Kelly
My blog is The Centsible Life, it’s about living your dreams on a budget. I advocate cutting out the crap, and focusing on things you love. I share tricks, tools and articles that help you understand the basics of personal finance, and I also talk about being a mom. As a mom I do most of the spending so I will blog about the occasional awesome product that I feel is BW (blog worthy).
BenSpark
You mentioned that the blog was started to keep you accountable while you got out of debt, was there any other reason that you started blogging?
Kelly
Someone told me I should start a blog-so I did! My awesome and supportive husband bought my ProBlogger’s book and I jumped in with 2 feet.
BenSpark
Cutting out all the crap is my major problem. I buy too much stuff but my wife and I are now finished with Financial Peace University so we are making major changes. I make a little money off my blog to help with that. How about you, do you monetize your blog? What are some companies that you work with?
Kelly
Yes, I do. I have direct ads, I work with sponsors on events, writing, and as a spokesblogger. I have worked with Sun and Earth, ConAgra Foods, Please Touch Museum, and Collective Bias to name a few.
BenSpark
Those are some great advertisers. So, what is your stance on Disclosure?
Kelly
I’m a full disclosure gal. I may overdisclose but I’d rather readers know it all so they can take that knowledge and make informed decisions.
BenSpark
I agree and I fully disclose everything as best I can. I think honesty and transparency are very important. In starting blogging you were trying to get out of debt that is a fantastic goal. What is the Ultimate Goal for a blogger, in your opinion?
Kelly
I think it’s different for every blogger. Personally my goal is to create a solid monthly income that will allow us to get out of debt, and live more comfortably, and give more. I also think there is something to be said for using your blogging power for good, so I would really love to partner with a charity long-term.
BenSpark
Time for the Lightning Round. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?
Kelly
Ooh-that’s so tough. Only one? Askimet-to reduce your spam comments. If I could pick another one I would suggest Get Clicky-there’s nothing better than having real time stats.
BenSpark
What is the first thing you do when you fire up your browser?
Kelly
Open up email. I run tweetdeck, and Skype all the time.
BenSpark
If you could spend one year blogging about a particular thing what would it be and why? How would you keep it fresh?
Kelly
I would love to do a travel blog. My husband and I would eventually like to move to the West Coast, but haven’t seen many places. I think it would be awesome to pack up the family and travel for a year to find a new home.
BenSpark
What is your best blog post ever?
Kelly
My favorite one: Be More Than a Mom Most popular: Living on One Income
BenSpark
What are some odd keywords people use to find your blog?
Kelly
Most are not something I would want to type!
BenSpark
Outside of blogging what are your other interests?
Kelly
There’s a world outside of blogging?? Twitter-I’m so addicted to twitter. My family, reading, taking a shower without someone yelling for me, travel, and lately it’s been exercising.
BenSpark
What is amazing about you?
Kelly
I have been told I have an amazing ability to do it all, but really it’s about making priorities, and ignoring things that aren’t important like laundry.
BenSpark
iPod or other music player?
Kelly
iPod!
BenSpark
Pirates or Ninjas?
Kelly
Ooh-tough. I get seasick, so I’ll say ninjas.
BenSpark
Favorite Movie? TV Show? Book?
Kelly
I just saw Inception, which I thought was amazing. TV shows I love: Mad Men, True Blood, How I Met your Mother, Modern Family. Books: I love the Thursday Next series from Jasper Fforde, my favorite book of all time is Jane Eyre.
BenSpark
What do you do when the Fail Whale approaches?
Kelly
Facebook. My status update usually says “Is twitter down for you too???”
BenSpark
What is the most motivational advice you can give other bloggers?
Kelly
Just be you. If you don’t know who you are-blogging can be a great way to discover yourself.
Also don’t be afraid to try new ideas, or ask for what you want. The worst that can happen is they don’t work, or someone says no.
BenSpark
Favorite Blogs?
Kelly
My favorite mom blogs: Just-Precious (just-precious.com), Girly Mama(www.girlymama.com), Musings of a Housewife (www.musingsofahousewife.com)
My favorite personal finance blogs: Man vs. Debt (manvsdebt.com), Get Rich Slowly (getrichslowly.org), Wisebread (www.wisebread.com)
I really need to start a blogroll again-in my spare time. 
BenSpark
Favorite Podcasts?
Kelly
I have a handful I download but rarely listen to them. When you’re home with your kids you usually need both ears. Hoping I can start listening again once all my kids go to school this year.
BenSpark
How does someone connect with you online?
Kelly
Twitter is easiest: @CentsibleLife.
I also host a weekly show online every Monday at 8pm ET. http://bit.ly/CentsShow
You can also connect with me on my Facebook fan page, personal page, or my biz page.
I welcome emails anytime-just know I may take up to a week to respond if things are busy. kelly@thecentsiblelife dot com
BenSpark
Kelly, It was fantastic to talk with you again and I hope you had a fantastic time at your most recent conference which was BlogHer. I really wish I could have attended.
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