I am the guiding voice of Get Rich Slowly. Over the past six years (and one month), I’ve been the one who has written the bulk of the articles here, the one who has edited 95% of the material on the site, and the one who has decided which topics we cover and which topics we ignore.
That said, I like to think I’m responsive to the needs of the readers. As the audience has changed, so too has the material I’ve covered. (And, of course, my own financial life has changed too, which influences the direction of the site.)
From time to time, though, I feel out of sync with the readership. I feel like your needs and my needs have diverged. When that happens, I make a post like this one, a post that asks explicitly: What topics would you like to see Get Rich Slowly cover?
Rather than simply guess at this stuff, I’m asking you to give us feedback about what you need and want from a personal finance blog.
- Do you want to see more articles about the psychological side of money? Or would you prefer to see fewer of these?
- Is it useful for you to hear about the lateest bank and credit card deals? Or should we keep these sorts of articles to just a couple of times per year?
- Would you like more reader-contributed material or less of it?
- What about non-financial stories, stories about success and achievement?
Basically, anything you can tell us about what you like about Get Rich Slowly — and what you don’t like — will help us build a better blog for the future. So, please leave a comment below to tell us how we can better help you. (And, if possible, point to some recent articles you love and/or some recent articles you hate.)
While we’re talking about administrative stuff, let me note that we’ll soon be doing another round of hiring for staff writers. As we bring new people on board, what’s important to you about their content and writing style? Do you like personal stories? More academic pieces? Do you a younger writer who reflects your experience? An older writer? Somebody who’s struggling with debt? A millionaire? How important is the writer’s voice? Their writing skill? Basically, tell us what sort of staff writer you think would appeal to you
I know many of you would prefer that I wrote every post here, and that’s flattering. But, as several astute readers have noted lately, I’ve burned out. It’s time to inject some fresh blood into this site, and your voice will help us determine how we do that.
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Staff writers currently: I like Brokamp and Freedman.
Otherwise, as a full-time-employed married without children middle-aged person who does not own a home, makes a 95th-percentile income, and can’t have a garden or even change my oil myself, there are a lot of topics covered here that just don’t apply to me. I read daily anyway (except for articles about coupon-clipping, WTH) because I’m always looking for an article by J.D.
I would like to see some series articles. And I would like to see them focus on the big-ticket items that make or break people. Investments (and how they differ from ‘savings’). Healthcare. Shelter. Relocation. Education. Transportation.
I mean, an article about how to get a good deal on a car can be great, but it’s got very limited utility because if you’re not in the market for a car, who cares?
A great series on shelter would involve doing research on ALL the shelter options in a given metropolitan area and looking at them in detail in terms of short-term and long-term expenses, cost-benefit analysis, and how the various options would affect choices in employment and transportation.
As a longtime Los Angeles resident, I can tell you that about 90% of a person’s life here is dictated by where they choose to live. The PF implications of that could be eye-opening for people because a lot of people do not seem to really consider ALL the options that may be available.
My 2 cents.
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I would like to read more about different investment tools and strategies. I’ve worked hard to pay off debt, so now what?
Posts regarding the psychology of spending habits and attitudes toward stuff are also quite interesting. Also your journey to eliminate clutter and spend intentionally. I’d like to read more from other participants on that journey.
Vague and impersonal posts about how to save $ on tubs of mayo or how to make your own shampoo don’t capture me. If I want to make my own shampoo, etc, I can search that out on my own.
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New reader but really enjoy GRS (found it about a month ago but have been through almost half of the archive already).
I would prefer some posts about the topic of money and identity.
Particularly for those of us who are younger, single, good job, no debt, but not financially comfortable yet, contemplating house, etc.
There was a post a while back by a girl late 20′s professional who was doing the right thing (reducing debt, 30K in retirement, etc.) and was frustrated when “comparing” self to others who were splurging. I could really relate to that article.
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I am someone who has read the blog since the beginning, it has helped me get a good solid foundation on my finances. However, I am at a point were I am doing well, making smart financial choices, etc. I am maintaining, not really learning anything new and I have found this site to be less helpful once I reached that maintenance stage. It would be helpful to have articles which address the ‘what to do now’ stage of financial security.
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I’d like to see more articles on catching up your retirement funds after a late start. I’d also like to see more on balancing eldercare. By that I mean parents and older relatives who don’t have the funding to retire but can’t continue working.
I want more articles on diversifying investments. I know there are billions of stocks to put money in, but I would bet in 2008 they all crashed just a bit (if not a lot). So, what else can I put money into and make it work for me? Just pay down my house? Should I start investing in rentals? What else can I do to diversify my risk?
Things I don’t like: Articles that name too many products or that seem gimmicky. I didn’t read the article on Chris’ book and I didn’t care for the article about how your friends market to you. Too many products listed–I felt like I was being sold to.
Thanks for asking for input! It’s appreciated.
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How about more articles on how to actually make money, whether online or otherwise? Many folks just aren’t making it with their “regular” jobs and need to find other ways to earn some quick cash. I am a FT freelance writer and I still look for ways to make money on the side, like selling items on eBay, screening calls, mystery shopping, etc. On a side note, such content helps drive massive traffic to a blog.
Thanks for asking!
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I hope no one takes my comments as insults, but here is my opinion:
I would like to see A LOT less personal stories, unless there is some concrete lesson or moral or result to the story that other people can actually use and not just comment on.
For example: how about someone’s success with a particular investment product, how they got into the product and why it might be good for others (DRIPS come to mind).
Enough of the “I cook at home to save” or “I wash and re-use tinfoil”. Come on, we all know by now that that saves money.
And enough of the Suze Orman-style psychological breakdowns of money. I think we’re all sophisticated enough by now to get it that its largely in our heads and not our wallets. I’m weary of reading about someone’s FEELINGS with respect to money. If new readers need that kind of info, let’s send them off to other sites and encourage them to reach farther.
As a self-supporting single person, I’d love to be able to learn from articles that have substance, not a breakdown of how many pennies I can save by growing my own tomatoes or putting my own cat to sleep. What can I be doing to prepare for my old age as a single? Where can I live? Who can take care of me? Will Social Security be there?
I can’t put my finger on exact articles (on this or any other site), but I do remember stories about a woman who lamented not breaking down to buy a local food she loves when she visited a certain part of the country (I think it was a sandwich) and the guy who is tired of buying gifts for people he visited (hello, manners?) and someone who was so proud of driving on a near-empty gas tank to a far off station to save a few cents.
I’d love to get book, TV and magazine reviews. Who likes Money magazine? Who reads Fortune? Was there an article in the NYTimes we should all be aware of? A cartoon in the Sunday paper that was relevant to our philosophy?
I’d even like to hear from people who, for whatever reason, don’t take part in thoughtful living. Is it because they’re too rich? Too poor? Have a family history of short lifespan?
Like I said, its nothing personal. I like the website, and if I don’t like the article by the time I read its title and first few sentences, I move on. But I’d like to stay.
Thank you!
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I second posting responses to articles elsewhere on the net… that could lead to some good discussion in the comments. I like when other blogs do that
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I realize I’m not the target audience, being a 21 year old european university student, but since you asked for opinions, I figured I’ll give you my two cents.
Posts on credit cards. bank accounts etc usually come off as a sales-pitch, so those posts would only be interesting if they’re about how they work, common fees/clauses to look out for etc. Not deals.
Articles about “how to save on X” often only involve bargain hunting-tricks put up in a bullet point list (or that’s the feeling I get) so please not so much of them. A post of this type that really felt like a tabloid article is the one from yesterday.
So, what I’d really like to read more about, in terms of contents:
* “Macro” economy as someone else mentioned. We live in globalized world wether we like it or not and articles that discusses bigger topics broadens our horizons, gives us new ideas etc. The economic situation in Europe is going to affect the US is some way, just like the other way around.
* Along the same train of thought, but more regarding the reader stories – if there’s any possibility of more international reader stories I’d love to read those.
* Economy – psychology – behaviour. Especially on how cash-back programs, coupons and other deals affect our thoughts and behaviour.
* Economy on how to start your financial life, wether that be moving away from home as a student, or re-constructing after divorce/whatever. I really do think this could benefit a lot of people. For example, what to be aware of when to choose a bank/card, which financial papers is good to keep on hand and ideas on how to organize them, how to plan for an emergency etc.
And a thought that’s been on my mind while hunting for a job this summer: what do you do when you graduate school, get your first job and suddenly have more money (after having paid your bills) than you know what to do with? Do you just stuff it into savings accounts for ever and ever? The thought of having an average pay after living on a tight budget and having made frugality second nature just blows my mind. Any thoughts, posts, whatever discussing this would be highly interesting for me and hopefully others as well. Imagine being young, not really bound by anything, and having more money that you’ve ever had. How to deal with that transition? What is the “right” kind of decisions?
Sorry for long comment, might have gone a bit over-board. ^^”
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I see quite a few articles about why/how not to take on large student loans/credit cards. What about for those who did? I see financial gurus telling people to cut down everything to the bone and pay off debt, but is that realistic for young adults who often have families now to do. I don’t want my children’s memories from childhood to be about how all we ate was beans and rice and we never went anywhere. I want to give them a happy, enriching childhood while still working away at debt. I think it needs to be more about balance. Not sure how though. I love reading stories about people who pay off debt. What about writing about the turtles (who pay off debt slowly but steadily) vs. the rabbits. I do find personal stories inspirational and motivating, but I don’t find many takeaways from stories about how people who take drastic/extreme measures.
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I would like to see more travel articles for those of us who take a Traditional Vacation. We want to get away for 2weeks to a beach, national park, etc. without breaking the bank, but don’t want the extreme hitchhiking in a foreign country.
I also miss the garden articles, I understand that JD no longer gardens, perhaps a few reader stories about how to garden on a budget could be done. DIY home improvement would also be welcome.
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One more thing:
Never, ever change your commenting policy. Ths blog, out of all the finance blogs out there, has by far the most active, engaged, and interesting readership. Even when an article is lackluster there is almost always something to be learned or fun to be had by reading through the responses. The arguments that sometime develop over controversial posts can be fascinating, and there are several “regulars” whose views are beyond valuable.
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Exactly! Yes! The two things that have made this blog strong are JD’s voice and the commenters’ participation.
El Nerdo commented above on ways to preserve the “JD-ness” of the blog even with JD not posting much anymore, and I love his suggestions re stronger editorial control.
Some earlier commenters also suggested better linking to the forums and better indexing to previous articles. Both of those could capitalize on the second main strength of GRS, its commenters. Also, if someone’s comments consistently earn a lot of thumbs-ups, why not have a post featuring that commenter (maybe a fixed interview where you mail them 20 questions for them to answer?) – you could do this just once a month, say, with a different “top commenter” each time.
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I’d like to comment on one aspect of the questions you asked, and that is about new writers. The skill of the writer is supremely important. First, they should be able to dig deeply into issues. Just yesterday, I read an article here that gave a very shallow treatment to saving money at the grocery store. That’s a perfectly fine topic, but if you’re going to cover it, don’t give a few well-worn tips that everyone has already read elsewhere or could have thought of by themselves. Instead, find a writer who will get out there and do the legwork and find ways to save that go beyond the obvious. And at the same time, this person should be able to tell the story very well. I’ve read financial stories that were so well-written that they held my interest even when the particular topic wasn’t especially relevant to me. I’ve read others that were so dry that I gave up after struggling through a paragraph or two. They shouldn’t be afraid to skimp on details, because we’re not economics experts. We’re here to learn, and when there’s a story that’s both interesting and useful, we’ll stick with it gladly.
My background is in journalism, so I might be a somewhat tougher critic than the average person. But I’ve known many excellent financial writers during my career, and I know the value of a good turn of the phrase, when it’s backed up by solid reporting. I hope both of those qualities are ones that you’ll be thinking about when you look for new writers. Their own financial experience has value, of course, but their ability to dig out stories from a lot of people, and report on a wide range of experiences and a wide range of subjects, will make them even more valuable.
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We have to remember this is a site that does not charge a fee. To do a lot of investigative journalism requires financial support. I am not sure how these writers are compensated, but depending on the level of analysis, it is unfair to expect them to be like journalists at The Economist. This is a blog, after all, even if it has “corporate” support.
I think the writers here do the best they can. If you want hard-core investigative reporting, head to the Economist, NYT, Financial Times, or WSJ.
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However, some of the posts (that recent one of Sarah’s that was all over the place, etc.) seem thrown together. When we know a little of the background of the writer and imagine it being written at 1 am after the kids are put to sleep and a few hours before it’s due. I don’t like that. There has to be some balance.
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Yes, but this site is making money the same way newspapers do, which is by selling ads. (The amount you pay for your newspaper subscription barely covers the cost of paper, printing and delivery — none of which are expenses that a website has.) Considering that many bloggers believe they are ready to play in the journalistic big leagues, they should be able to provide top quality content. I doubt that many of these writers are cranking out stories at 1 a.m. after the kids have gone to bed, and if they are, they should be writing for a site with lower standards than this one. Informing the public is a real job, not a hobby. (Sorry, I’m starting to rant here, but my journalism roots are showing!)
Anyway, my point is simply that someone who is hired to be a writer for this site should be someone who knows how to develop sources and how to craft a story that holds our interest. Not everything has to be full of boring numbers or be “investigative” in nature. (In fact, almost nothing here is investigative, because the site isn’t intended to expose wrongdoing or dig out information that someone wanted to keep hidden.) But all entries should be well thought-out, have information that’s been fact-checked, and cover all the angles.
One reason this has consistently been one of the highest-rated financial blogs is that it has maintained high standards. I’m simply suggesting that in order to continue at that level, the writing and reporting skills of any future hires should be top priorities.
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I have a mutual fund and would like to transfer it into a more socially responsible fund – was wondering if you could write about mutual funds that might have good ‘green’, environmentally aware, healthy to our earth & people goals. I really don’t want to be funding monsanto or other chemical/pharmaceutical etc. companies if possible… Thanks for asking this – was just perusing my mutual fund update that arrived in yesterday’s mail when this thought occurred to me – again.
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I would like to see more interactive posts…like user challenges. Try x for x amount of time and post your results. Wow, it’s hard to come up with ideas. I mean it’s personal finance and there’s alot to be said about it, but it’s mostly been said already!
So, I would say find ways to present the info in more fun, interactive ways. I like the ask/response types posts. It’s a good way to see how others live in other parts of the country, and world
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I’m apparently in the minority here, but I think Donna’s articles are annoying. She has a prominent, genuine voice but her snarky tone frequently comes off thin to me. I think she would benefit from a stronger editorial hand, someone gently removing some of the contrariety and weak exits (I hate it when articles end with something like “if you’ll excuse me, now I’m gonna go do X”). Robert Brokamp is fun to read, but I’m happy with the current amount he contributes; more would be too much for me, probably just because of content. I think Sarah is a smart writer, would like to see her develop with the site. I liked the idea of Tim when he started here, but haven’t found much that’s helpful or enjoyable from his articles (despite also being a twentysomething Seattle resident who likes to travel and do yoga!). Seems like April has scaled back a bit?
I really liked the health insurance article, the posts about your mom (health care for the older generations is affecting all of us and will continue to do so!) and in general the “struggles of everyday life” type subjects. Reader stories are often underwhelming. I know you’re tired… But your voice is what keeps me around!
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More psychology and personal experiences. Everybody knows that spending less than you earn and invest the savings is basically is all that is needed. But in reality it is not easy to do. And I always ask myself what makes it so difficult. And what did other people do to be successful.
More on investing. How to make your money work is essential for retirement, and it is not easy.
I personally don’t care much about credit card offers etc. I never use them.
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JD, like so many other commenters, I want more of the things that are relevant to my situation and lifestyle, and less of everything else. But I also do believe that GRS’ strength lies in its breadth. Most of the time, I’ll scroll right past the articles and writers I “know” I’m not interested in, but sometimes I’ll read them, and I’ll learn something truly useful when I didn’t expect to.
Anyway, my personal interests are in:
- Frugal living in big city
- Socially responsible saving/investing/frugality/etc.
- Starting a small business
- Budgeting and finances for newly married or partnered couples
- Saving for retirement later in life (asking on behalf of my boyfriend, who’s older)
- Tales of successful unconventional retirements
I LOVE the personal stories, but I agree that some of them are maddeningly vague. Do you or your editors go back and forth with readers who submit stories, to tease out important details/numbers/lessons/etc.? If not, perhaps you should.
I like the above suggestion to do reader challenges. I’d love to see diaries, too, of how people navigate things like planning a wedding, starting a small business, or trying out personal finance advice IRL.
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How about stories on surviving bankruptcy?
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I would like to see more articles from people who live “unconventional” lives. I’m young, single, childless, and disabled. I don’t have a partner to watch my back, offer group insurance or to support us while I start a business. I would like to see articles from people who are on their own and/or with special challenges, such as not being able to work full-time.
I want to see less articles on how to save a dime on cars and food and more how to increase your income, especially when its just you and yourself.
Also, not everyone has a BA/BS degree. I wonder if its possible to have at least one article targeted towards “non-traditional students” especially when it comes to finances.
There are 99.6 million unmarried people over age 18 in the U.S., representing nearly 44% of the adult population. U.S. Census Bureau. “America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2010″
In 2010, unmarried households were 45% of all U.S. households. – U.S. Census Bureau. “America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2010″
44.9% of the unmarried population aged 18 and older are female. For every 100 unmarried women there are 88 unmarried men. -U.S. Census Bureau. “America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2010″
Do you want to see more articles about the psychological side of money? Or would you prefer to see fewer of these?
More, please.
Is it useful for you to hear about the latest bank and credit card deals? Or should we keep these sorts of articles to just a couple of times per year?
No, I can research that on my own.
Would you like more reader-contributed material or less of it?
About the same.
What about non-financial stories, stories about success and achievement?
Yes, a few.
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I am a fairly new follower of this site, but I must say the content has been nothing short of excellent. Being a college student, I want to get the head start on my peers by educating myself on the workings of personal fiance so that I am as prepared as possible to start saving for the future. While many of my classmates simply are waiting for their “big break” to make them millionaires, getrichslowly has truly taught me the importance of patience and frugality and how it can correlate to benefits in the future. The knowledge I have gained reading this site has inspired me to open an IRA at ING, and I hope to contribute at least $2000 of my summer earnings to it.
Being a new reader I’m sorry that I can not provide much info on the changes I want to see. I simply wanted to take the time to acknowledge your hard work, as I’m sure many have before me.
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@ El Nerdo
I think you should apply!
More in general:
I had a big long response this morning, but it got eaten and I figured my opinion wasn’t that important anyway. Here it is again. I agree with chacha above– Brokamp and Freedman are my favs.
I especially like articles that don’t necessarily get a lot of comments but are there for me when I need to research a decision I’m going to make. I like knowing that I can trust GRS to have good information when I’m trying to make a decision. Recently that good information has mainly been coming from Brokamp, and more of that type of well-researched information wouldn’t hurt. (Though that ancient post on Terro has recently been a lifesaver…)
I like psychology but want to make the point that that is a separate thing from unproven “spirituality”– I want my psychology with a research base, not just what feels or sounds good but is actually empirically harmful.
In terms of what I think would be good additions: Someone who addresses the issues surrounding families with children (insurance, planning, etc.). Someone who addresses the issues surrounding retirement (and not just early retirement). Those both seem to be the main gaps in the site.
@JD
Be careful advertising for “someone with kids” or “someone young”– I don’t know what state GRS is currently based out of, but in many states you don’t have to have 15 employees to hit anti-discrimination laws (some states you only have to have 1), and you don’t need to be of a specific group to be able to write about that group, so being a particular demographic type isn’t a bonafide occupational qualification.
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“Apply”? Watchu mean?
–
ps oh, for staff writer? i don’t know… what’s the pay?? and can i keep a pen name, or do i have to give up any semblance of privacy?
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I have no idea what the pay is. (Donna Freedman refuses to discuss her income.
) You would probably have to email JD to find out.
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Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I don’t know this is for me– I’ll probably end up getting fired for insubordination. (“Here Nerdo, drink this helmlock!”) HA!
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Maybe you could negotiate a once every two week deelio like Brokamp.
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Still… hemlock is scary!
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JD seems to be a pretty easy going guy (though that could just be an illusion)… plus he doesn’t have a garden anymore. You’re probably pretty safe. Fired, maybe, but hemlock is unlikely. (And if you’re fired, what have you lost? Just a part-time job that you may not even put on your resume.)
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Oh, no garden…? I feel safer already!
I guess I could think about it– I’m super-busy most days though. Still, if the money is decent… hmmmm…
Fine, no more excuses or fake coyness, I will seriously consider emailing JD about it– and thanks again for the vote of confidence.
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I like the ‘navigating life change’ stories that are on here sometimes. Right now I’m going through a 3,000 mile move that while doubling my income, is a huge snake pit of financial gotcha’s. For instance, truck rentals for this kind of move are like buying a used car. The “price” is totally negotiable and the more you waffle and walk away, the more the price comes down. If I had taken the first number the internet reservation had spit out, I’d be paying >$500 what the final price was. Anyway, these life stories don’t always line up verbatim with me but I enjoy reading them, and given enough time, I’m sure I’ll tread very similar paths.
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I’m at a point where I’m doing well financially, but don’t have any idea what to do next to maximize investments and deal with tax ramifications. I’m not wealthy enough to retire, but my husband and I are in a situation as of this year where we need help and aren’t sure how to prioritize or what to do. While there is more money involved, I feel the same way some people do just out of college: “what do I tackle first?” So stories and concrete advice on this stage of finance would really help. It’s a transitional period that can make or break the next 20-30 years, just like those years when you leave college.
To make it more palatable for a larger audience, even posts about “the best things you can do at age 20, age 30, age 40,” etc., assuming wealth is growing over that period.
Personal stories are always great. I’d rather have the credit card rate updates twice a year. Wish the forums were more active and there were ways for the community to interact and cheer each other on more overtly.
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JD, having a personality on the blog makes it interesting for us readers. We are all human and we all have strengths and flaws. Reading about both the good and bad keeps it fun.
If it’s just another ‘how to’ site, then it becomes more sterile and boring. I like the variety of staff writers, and how you learn about each of their financial habits and personalities. Keeping up with the different characters (for example, you on stage 3) for the different audiences and it will keep us coming back.
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I’d like to see more posts of financial *patience*. I get the 401(k), I get the IRA, I get spending less than what I earn. I understand that it takes time (that you literally get rich *slowly*).
What I *don’t* get is how to be patient about it. How do I stop checking balances every day? How do I stop worrying about money when I’m doing just fine? How do I rest and let my money work for me?
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Well this is a money website, right? So how about more CASH GIVEAWAYS!!!
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Donna Freedman has them at her site: http://donnafreedman.com/
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I would like no more reader content that is posted now, and I’m definitely interested in concrete advice articles about financial planning, and not generalized stories about success or achievement. I’m looking for the nitty gritty info, not the softer side, and I feel that in articles where GRS provides this, it does extremely well. Keep up the good work, and don’t indulge in too much fluff!
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Also, more health insurance articles, especially how self employed or small business does it.
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Some of the things I’m NOT that interested in:
Fair trade and organic stuff.
Too much credit card/investing stuff, unless it’s related to those who can’t afford to invest much
What I’d like MORE of:
The first and second stages of wealth, the third generally makes me feel a bit depressed, since will we EVER get there?! With the first and second, don’t feel quite so alone, but a little more modivated.
General thrift/frugality things, for the house, family, kids, lifestyle, etc
Modivational tone for those who can’t afford to save much, or are geting burned out on trying to save all the time.
I like success and failure stories
i like Donna Freedman
I like the Motley Fool guy (Really appreciated that recent article about women in the work place)
Would like to see perhaps more about women, those of us who like me, are in that staying home to take care of the toddlers stage, and what we can do to better ouselves financially later, even though we aren’t doing outside work right now.
I like the psychological stuff about money
the stuff about how foreign countries compare, and advice we can glean from them to change ourselves
Just a few things, I know there’s more, but a lot was already mentioned by others.
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I like the mix of articles and topics covered here on GRS. I think you’re doing pretty well with the topic choices in general. They don’t all interst me but thats fine and unavoidable. If a particular post doesn’t really interest me then I’ll just skip it.
If you were to force me to vote then I’d probably like fewer psychological oriented topics.
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I would like to thank you for saying fewer instead of less.
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So you are now burnt out from this site, just like you were burnt out from your marriage?
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What a tacky comment.
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Everyone says to “avoid lifestyle inflation” after leaving college and joining the workforce, but this is easier said then done when surrounded by others who don’t. It would be useful to read about how other frugal people deal with the subtle societal pressures to spend money in order to have a social life with peers.
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Okay here’s my suggestion #2 to complement the one I posted earlier: as you exert better editorial control, ADD DIVERSITY
I don’t mean diversity in the usual politically correct way of adding token minorities so we all feel good about ourselves for being so enlightened. I mean really add writers from people outside the usual comfort zone of PF bloggers. Bloggers blogging about blogging is inbred, it’s done, it’s over, and it makes readers wanna vomit, at this point.
Most people in this world have responsibilities and families to feed and can’t spend inordinate time navel-gazing about fantasy lives and dreams of indulgence and taking a year off. Which is why we love Donna so much–she’s not only super funny and smart but also she’s very grounded in reality in spite of making a living off the internet.
So yes, if you want GRS to reach beyond the stereotypes parodied in “Stuff White People Like” (this hilarious website is really about class, not race), we need to add diversity. And I don’t mean “racial” diversity (whatever that means)– I mean diversity of income, diversity of employment, diversity of education, diversity of class, diversity of culture, diversity of lifestyle, age, geography, etc. So no, aging hipsters are not “diverse” in the blogging world–it’s everybody else who is missing.
So here’s a 2-pronged approach I’d suggest to bring out more diverse perspectives (this someone else already wrote, and I’ve written about it in the past, but it’s cuz it’s starting us out there)
1) Pay your guest writers (or find another suitable incentive). Right now the only incentive to post here is to get links back to one’s own PF blog. But this is not how you get a single mother of two with an office job to take time off her busy day to write about how she got off credit card debt and built her first emergency fund. No, you offer to add some cash money to said mom’s emergency fund, and she might take time to type you a manuscript after putting the kids to sleep.
2) Add a touch of journalism. A couple of pages back someone said “hire a reporter to interview other people”. Exactly. Not everybody has the talent or the inclination for writing, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a good PF story/tip/idea.
So, get a reporter to interview them– and interview school teachers, and self-employed mechanics, and office workers, and large families, and bus drivers, and *non-virtual* entrepreneurs, and immigrants with three jobs who send remittances home, and successful professionals, and line cooks, and people who live off their investments, and police officers, and unemployed factory workers, and fast food employees.
There is a whole world out there that we’re not looking at, and there are millions of people hungry for information about personal finances– and you can either heed their call or ignore them.
Think of Elizabeth Warren. In spite of the recent negative press about her, I think she’s an awesome person. Not because she climbed the Himalayas or runs in a triathlon or eats paleo (she hasn’t/doesn’t or if she does it’s irrelevant), but because she’s trying to make life better for a lot of people– and I’m just talking about her book here. And I think you have a much greater chance to be “awesome” by teaching all kinds of people about personal finance than by snowboarding in the Himalayas, if you will only answer the call to serve beyond the navel-gazing blogosphere. You’ve already helped out a lot of people, you can help a lot more if you open up to a wider audience.
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The interviews that Donna does for her articles (not always her GRS articles, but definitely her MSN articles) are one of the great things about her. She’s definitely a great journalist. April used to do more of those as well. But I think the problem is that it takes more effort to write a well-researched post that’s only going to get the same number of comments as something off-the-cuff that “feels.”
The feely-posts are like cotton candy. The researched posts are like meat (or vegetables if you’re vegetarian). Candy is good in moderation but too much of it and you get sick.
(p.s. El Nerdo– see my suggestion to you above)
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Yes, some of my favorite posts get few comments too. (Real) entrepreneurship, or investing– I love the stuff but it’s not “popular.”
If you want to get a lot of comments all you need to do is ask people about themselves. Like “what’s your food budget?” Or “how did you buy your last car?” Or “how much debt do you have?” Then you’ll get 300,000,000 comments. It’s human nature, people love to talk about themselves– hence Facebook.
Regardless– meat rules!
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I think the reason non-virtual entrepreneurs get so few comments is that what they do is HARD. The reality is that Roth didn’t get rich slowly. He got rich quickly. That’s what people really want to do.
(But he worked for it, I’ll admit. Most of the current wave of newbie bloggers are more interested in the 4 hour work week, than the 80 hour one. But the 80 work week is one reason why this blog was good and theirs suck.)
The friends I have who own their own businesses work their tails off. I almost never see them.
They might have flexible hours. But they still work long days (and nights). Many work weekends and nights regularly because that’s when clients and customers are available. They spend the rest of the time preparing for said clients or customers. Many find it next to impossible to take a vacation and know that every day off is money they aren’t earning that month. They can’t necessarily bank work or get paid for talking about their vacation or divorce. Those kinds of events actually PREVENT them from making money. And none are currently millionaires next door.
Maybe they need an It Gets Better campaign. But, I think they don’t make own your business look glamorous. Especially around tax season. Maybe one day they will be millionaires but they will have earned it. Right now, I don’t envy them.
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@Anne-People can actually accomplish a lot if they put in the time, you don’t always have to wait 20 years.
The best way to get rich quickly is to either start a business or go to college and get a needed degree in a very specialized field such as an accounting, finance, computer science, nursing, degree.
Getting a specialized degree or starting a business is the best way to get rich quickly.
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I agree that it would be good to pay for some well-thought-out guest or reader story articles. Those who are interested can pitch their article proposals (these should specify their usefulness beyond just another feel-good post) to JD, and they can be chosen based on the interest and value these topics will provide. If JD gets too many good article ideas coming his way, he could even have a regular sidebar poll where we can vote on which ones we’d like to read! (Though hopefully that is not too reality-TV-show-like.)
Personally I’m at the stage where I’d like to engineer a career change. Or, alternatively, somehow find contentment within a mediocre job that seems to be leading nowhere, and just concentrate on working towards retirement. So I’d be interested in hearing about people who have done either of those things (e.g., someone who opened up a cafe, how they did it and how it has changed their life for better or worse; or someone who tried to turn their hobby into a job, but found that they were happier to revert it back to just being a hobby) – or who have an alternative solution!
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Anyone who lives outside of the Northwesr would be.a good start.
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I am interested in learning about how my age group needs to realize things take time when it comes to money. What I mean is I am 27 currently rent a two bedroom condo and rent out one of the bedrooms. I have no college debt, or credit card debt only a car loan. Yet, I only make 32k. I would like to buy a house one day but, it will take me ever to save 20% based on what I am making. Yet, I think buying a house would pay financial dividends and in this job market it is hard to get promoted. I want someone to tell me things take time and things work out.
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So how do you get in the running to be a staff writer?
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GRS is what it is because of undoubtedly JD, but also because of the diversity of its writers, the topics it covers and definitely the commentators who leave behind a wealth of perspectives.
Having said that, does it mean that I enjoy each and every article, on varied topics, the same amount? No. To para-phrase JD, “do what is right for you” or in my words, ‘absorb what is right for you’. To have a well rounded and balanced view and opinion, I believe, one needs to get a LOT of information and then has to sift out the pertinent ones. GRS is a treasure cove of information.
An article on a credit card offer – which gives $400 free, if you spend $3000 in the first 3 months – gives people the information that such an offer is out there. If you act on it, or even want to know about it, is completely the readers prerogative. This information is pure gold to someone who visits GRS for such information. $400 earned free is $400 earned!
On the other hand, personal stories, stories of success and inspiration are guiding lights to many. So what I’m trying to say is this: Please continue with any and all topics related to finance, that you (the editor elves/JD) seems appropriate. I come here to get all sorts of insights.
Same goes with the staff. The more varied they are (experience/gender/age/background), the more outlook towards finance.
One thing I’d suggest about the staff/new hiring: It seems most of the writers are predominantly based out of the US North-West. It would be good to see staff from other parts of the US.
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I think the personal success stories can be inspiring. Sometimes I get really tired of budgeting, and it helps to be reminded of why I’m doing it.
When I read a blog, I want it to be well written–proper grammar, words spelled correctly (especially homonyms!), etc.
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I would like to hear about the software solutions you use, if any, for budgeting and editing financial plans, whether mobile or laptop based. It is hard to find good stable software for this on the Mac, but I am using Moneywell from nothirst software right now.
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I feel like I get the most out of the articles about the psychology. As someone still near the beginning of my financial turnaround, I appreciate the little hacks that I can do to change from irresponsible behavior to responsible.
I also like the book reviews.
I know they mean well and they present another side of financial success, but I get frustrated with and don’t read the reader stories from people who I feel got a head start, such as those who received a sizable inheritance. I’m happy for their success and I respect their discipline, but at this time I can’t learn anything from them (other than, “If you have a windfall, don’t squander it.”)
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I read almost all of the articles. Even if the article doesn’t apply to a current situation, I tuck away the nuggets I think might be useful in the future.
My favorites are the reader’s stories that have specific details on what they did. The stories are diverse and motivational.
I’m a middle aged stay-at-home mom, but I enjoy hearing from those who are just starting on the journey(I still have things I can learn) and those who have achieved their goals (something to look forward to).
Thanks for taking our input!
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My favorite posts are the ones that tell stories about financial mistakes, failure and success. But I would prefer if the writers gave more details about the actual amounts of money involved, not just vague “I went to college and worked a part time job and now I have my dream job and I got out of debt.” That doesn’t really help me.
The main thing I feel that is missing from this blog is advice about investing. I can figure out a budget and put money in a savings account, but I’m not very knowledgeable about investments.
I agree with previous commenters about having more articles about living on less money, frugality, etc. That would be very helpful to me right now.
I would like to see LESS about travel. If I wanted to read about travel, I would go to a travel blog.
I hope that helps.
Lately, the article I disliked the most was the one about dollar coins.
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I prefer not to hear about offers. Topics of interest to me include:
how to make the most of charitable deductions…things that I may not be thinking about.
How to feel comfortable not keeping up with the Jones.
Saving enough for retirement–retirement in a nice retirement community.
Setting priorities–spending on what’s important and reducing/eliminate spending on what’s not.
Lending money to/supporting a family member. What are rules, what to avoid…how to stop enabling.
Insurance–enough but not overdoing it. Talk to someone who has had a house fire and learn what insurance doesn’t cover. Term life, car insurance, disability insurance.
Dealing with parent’s finances and what responsibilities you have to support them.
People with no kids…planning for old age.
Just a few things I’d like to know more about but in general I like you format.
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Yes, real-life stories about insurance as well as insurance strategies would be interesting. I would like that too!
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I like to see a “can you “Top” this type article that teaches.
Example: Guy “A” has $100,000.- invested for 15 years at 7%
Year percent 7%
————————–
1 107000
2 114000
3 121000
4 128000
5 135000
6 142000
7 149000
8 156000
9 163000
10 170000
11 177000
12 184000
13 191000
14 198000
15 205000 That’s over 200%, not bad.
Guy “B” says he Invests $100,000. in a DRIP company at 3.50 dividend that beets that in 15 years. Just go to this web site and you will see. http://www.investor.jnj.com/calculator.cfm?PostBack=1&initialAmnt=100000.00&calc_method=amnt&historic_Month=1&historic_Day=1&historic_Year=1980&ReinvestDividends=1&Submit=Calculate
Type in $100,000.- change the date to reflect 15 years ago and look at the results,
The answer I came up with is $412,239.-
. . . and that’s in the worst Recession we’ve experienced in a long time.
1,186 shares grew to 6,412 shares that’s 312.89%, much better.
Lets do the math.
$412,239.
-205,000.
————
$207,239.
Guy “A” says your wrong, you didn’t compound the intrest each year.
Guy “B” recalculates, and comes up with around $275.000.-
better, but not good enough, because it’s NOT $412,239.-
How did something paying 3,50% “TOP” something paying 7% ?
Can you explain it?
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I’m in high school; I’ve never had a job, and there aren’t really any opportunities where I live. I don’t have nearby neighbors, so no lawns to mow or kids to babysit – I’ve got some money in the bank, but I’m just not sure where to go from here. I want to start my life off right, avoid student debt, and I’d love to be able to make some investment income with the assets I’ve already got, but I don’t often see much financial advice for people my age. I guess because most of my peers don’t seem to care much about any of it. But I think it could help a lot of people.
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This thread is a blogger’s paradise. I blog and the comments would help me shape my own blog as well. Thanks JD for posting this today.
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Interested in the “rich” part of getting rich slowly. For those who know the basics, save, max out 401k, buy used cars in cash, pay off credit cards monthly, what are the next steps.
For those with a few rental properties that cash flow, albeit, incrementally, what is next?
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I think that most people come to this site, not for advice on getting a good rate on a credit card or learning about how to use the stock market but to hear people talk about the tried and true priciples of personal finance that this site is all about – making do with less, making responsible choices, etc. I think that this site is like financial church for a lot of people and we just like to hear the same basic messages told to us again and again .. even at the risk of you guys sounding like a broken record!
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As a reader from Dubai (although I’m a Filipino). I usually don’t read articles related to tax, roth 401k, credit cards in the US and any other issues that are specific to your country. They just don’t relate to me.
I’m here in Dubai as a working expat. And maybe many of your readers are working outside their home countries to earn better living. Personally, i would love to read articles related to saving, investment, and debt management that I can apply to myself.
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I think you should just hire El Nerdo, Nicole, and chacha1. I actually would kind of like to write for the site myself, but I’m skeptical about how many people want to hear from a 31-year-old silicon valley software engineer, it’s not exactly an under-represented group on the Internet.
I like reader stories, when they’re good stories. I like stories with real research and numbers (think of a financial version of cockeyed.com). I like hearing how J.D.’s life is going. I like discussions of psychology and ethical dilemmas.
I don’t like articles that seem to focus mostly on how great the author’s chosen lifestyle is (this usually “look at my yoga/granola/Prius/kale/bicycle” or “look at how many stamps I got in my passport, I paid for it by talking on the Internet about how awesome it is to get stamps in your passport!”). I don’t like frugality tips about how to save money on groceries or cell phone bills or other small routine purchases.
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I agree about hiring El Nerdo – I know more about him than some of your paid writers and it’s the personal touch that keeps posts interesting. He also has well thought out, well written arguments.
Here’s my pet peeve post- a lesson on lose vs loose. Drives me batty to see that mistake all over the place here.
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I almost put loose vs. lose on my final exam for graduate students this year. Drives me nuts! Though not as much as less vs. fewer.
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While we’re at it, I’d add these to your list:
There/they’re/their
You’re/your/yore
Vain/vein/vane
And where the heck did “payed” come from? I think the frequency of the first group of offenders can be partially attributed to “Spell Check”, but has there ever been another way to spell “PAID”?
We need more grammar police!! Thank you for your service.
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HAH! “look at how many stamps I got in my passport, I paid for it by talking on the Internet about how awesome it is to get stamps in your passport!”
Perfect!
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I’d like to see more “stages” writing,too. But maybe not for the typical reasons.
Having married into, and working hard over the last 4 years with my partner to resolve, a near-bankruptcy situation, we’re nearly non-mortgage debt free and building a solid Freedom Fund. We’re at the point where we’re educating ourselves in preparation for the next stage.
On the other end of the spectrum is what we want to teach his college-age child. Thru no fault of her own, she received a lot of negative lessons at a tender age about money and how financial worth can be so intricately tied to self-worth.
I would like to teach her that money is something which you control, not something which controls you, and personal wealth and a sense of financial security is something which you define, not someone else.
I realize the last 4 years has been a lot of “by example” teaching at the behavior, response and decision-making levels, but our situation has been so complex that I’m at a loss to come up with the simple accounting lessons in the appropriate order to build the first stage of financial intelligence.
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