'I was always budgeting to afford nights out with my friends'
Abbie Beggs, an entrepreneur and content creator, shares her journey from a budget-conscious teenager to a successful business owner. Growing up in a family that supported her dreams, Abbie developed a passion for sports and travel, which influenced her financial priorities. Despite her best efforts, she often found herself feeling broke during her teenage and college years, struggling to balance her love for shopping and socialising.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Abbie decided to take a leap of faith and launch her own business, Bound Apparel. She identified a gap in the market for stylish and functional activewear that could be worn beyond the gym. With her co-founder, Ríain Gilna, Abbie turned a simple idea into a thriving business, all while managing the challenges of university life.
'My entire teens and college years were spent budgeting how I could afford nights out with my friends'
Abbie's upbringing played a significant role in shaping her relationship with money. Growing up in a supportive family, she was encouraged to pursue her passions for sports and travel. This instilled in her a deep appreciation for experiences and memories over material possessions. However, this also meant that she had to be mindful of her spending, especially during her teenage and college years, when she was balancing part-time work with her social life.
'My biggest extravagance is my car'
When asked about her biggest extravagance, Abbie candidly admits that her car is her biggest financial regret. She sold her car when she thought she'd be spending time in Australia, only to return home early and spend most of the money. This experience taught her the importance of being practical with her finances and the value of having a reliable mode of transportation.
'I’ve never had a terrible job, but working in my local during Covid definitely wasn’t my favourite'
Despite her success, Abbie has faced her fair share of challenges. She reflects on her least favourite job, working in her local during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of financial stability and the value of being her own boss. Now, as a self-employed entrepreneur, she enjoys the freedom and flexibility that come with being her own boss.
'I’m not great at saving, but I’ve started sending money straight to my credit union'
When it comes to saving money, Abbie admits that she's not the best at it. Her love for shopping and fear of missing out (FOMO) often get the better of her. However, she has found a solution by sending money straight to her credit union, where it's harder to access. This simple hack has helped her develop better financial habits and stay on track with her savings goals.
'If I lost my phone, I wouldn’t get very far'
Abbie is a digital native, and she rarely carries cash or her physical card. She relies heavily on her phone for everything, from online shopping to paying for her gym membership and commuting. This digital lifestyle has made her feel more connected and efficient, but it also highlights the importance of having a reliable phone and internet connection.
'I’m a spender for sure – you can’t take money to the grave!'
Despite her love for spending, Abbie is a spender at heart. She believes that money is meant to be enjoyed and spent on experiences and memories. However, she also acknowledges the importance of being practical and saving for the future. When asked what three things she couldn't do without if she had to tighten her belt, she lists online shopping, her gym membership, and her car, highlighting the balance between her love for spending and her practical needs.
