Comments on: Getting Started With The Simple Dollar http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/ Financial talk for the rest of us Sat, 16 Feb 2013 01:14:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: Caeli http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-62192 Caeli Sun, 26 Aug 2007 01:48:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-62192 I have only been reading for a short time, but I already feel like I know Trent personally. That’s mostly because he has a great, personal writing style that’s very open and really draws you in. But it’s also because we seem to have a lot in common.
I am 23 with 2 full time children and a stepdaughter who is only with us part of the week. My central value is also my family. We are in a financial armageddon at the moment. Our bank accounts are collectively in the negative about $1000, we owe about $3000 to various cash advance places, all of our bills are behind, and we have no financial support from any friends or family. We also can’t get any credit.
We have put ourselves here through poor decisions that we have made in the past (unplanned pregnancies, dropping out of school, skipping college, trusting/expecting others to take care of our finances) and more recently (unstable career choices, cash advances are the devil!!) My husband works very hard but he builds houses, and everyone knows how that is going right now. We are both working full time and attending college part time at the moment, and my husband has had a few side jobs coming up, so we are feeding the kids and just starting to get back on our feet. We are also seeking better employment options. He is applying at pharmaceutical companies for entry level positions in keeping with his major. I am looking for an employer who will pay me a fair market wage–the average for my position and experience is about $6 higher than what I am making after 2 years with the company.
While things look really awful right now–just thinking about it makes me feel sick–this blog is one of the few things that makes me think maybe there is some hope for us. We are slowly making our way through the 31 days to fix your finances. We would like to do this in only 31 days, but with everything going on, we really don’t have an extra hour a day. We are lucky to have an extra 15 minutes, and we don’t always feel like talking about money when that happens!

Thank you, Trent, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me hope and some practical advice for getting out of this mess.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-61095 Sarah Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:31:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-61095 How I got here: I kept seeing articles show up on reddit or digg. I liked the “Guide to Shaving” in which Trent said, “I place a high value on personal appearance” — I was relieved to see a frugal person say that. I subscribed after I read the Financial Armageddon posts.

Our life situation is similar to Trent’s: we moved into a new house (in the country) this year, are expecting another baby this fall, and I really love cooking and have tried to cook a lot more from local, fresh ingredients this year. Although we never had an “Armageddon”, we started focusing on frugality when our first was a baby too (and increased it after we bought our current house). So I like all the posts on home maintenance, baby preparation, and food.

I appreciate the continual encouragement toward frugality – it helps to know we’re not the only people around aiming in that direction. (For example, I liked the idea of an article on “How To Feel Happier About Not Spending Money”, and I came away from a rare mall trip — amazed that my nice car could look so old next to all the shiny SUVs in the parking lot — and read the review of “The Overspent American” with relief.) Thanks!

]]> By: vh http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60979 vh Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:07:51 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60979 Don’t remember how I found this site…probably surfing the Web looking for some finance-related information. But it didn’t take long to get hooked. The writing style is very clean (I’m an editor & I know decent writing); the writer’s voice is engaging; fresh ideas appear more often than on most sites; and I love finding something new every day.

As an old bat trying to engineer retirement at the earliest possible date, I value the concerns, creative ideas, and discoveries of younger people. Staying in touch with the thinking of people thirty or forty years younger than you is what keeps your brain alive!

]]> By: Golbguru http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60795 Golbguru Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:45:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60795 Like they show it in some movies: an old tired man giving words of (unnecessary) advice to some young fellow and saying – “I have known you since you was a little kid”. :)

This blog has come a long way since then. Earlier (when Trent started posting 6~7 posts a day), I had my doubts whether “Trent” was actually a group of people blogging feverishly; but, slowly I have come to accept the fact that it’s just one man causing all this action.

]]> By: Bradley http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60760 Bradley Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:43:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60760 I started reading The Simple Dollar in March of 2007, and I’ve read every article since then! I found this blog by searching for websites on frugality…and the first articles I found were about saving a dollar a day, five dollars a day, and so on. The advice on this blog is practical, and I appreciate the fact that new content is posted regularly.

]]> By: blackliquorish http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60745 blackliquorish Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:39:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60745 I started reading last week and so far I like the comments, which really expand on each article and give alternate points of view. I need those alternative points because I am self-employed, I have no debt, I live in a city, and the environment is especially important to me, which is not the audience this blog writes for. I also like the frequency of updating on those days when I’m doing tedious computer work and taking lots of little breaks.

One thing I completely discount is any cooking/recipe advice… I think it’s better to take my own recipes, which have already been optimized for my own health, dietary needs, tastes and allergies and then use more general tips on how to make them cheaper. That, and, I don’t take diet advice from anyone on the internet because I can’t see what they look like or what their physical maladies are.

]]> By: laura k http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60704 laura k Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:53:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60704 I don’t remember how I got here, but the three things I like about this blog are 1) the quality of the writing: It’s an easy read; there is no stumbling over spelling and grammatical errors to make me lose the train of thought. All the posts flow smoothly. 2) the fact that it’s not just a re-hash of PF-related news: Trent has a lot of ideas, some of which I don’t agree with, but all of which are interesting, and he seems to get inspiration from his readers, which makes it feel like a community. 3) the volume of posts: I have very little to do at work, so it’s nice to have something new to read to pass the time!

]]> By: Adam http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60695 Adam Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:01:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60695 I found this blog through a posting on Digg. The first article I read was about eating on $10 a month. I’ve been a huge fan ever since! In fact, this blog is the reason I’ve finally buckled down and gotten some control over my finances. Thanks trent, keep up the good work!

]]> By: trb http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60661 trb Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:33:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60661 Referred here by We’re in Debt several months ago, after my wife and I had our own moment of truth and discovered we were a few dollars away from a six-figure non-secured debt. Don’t subscribe, but read you and GRS daily or multiple times a day. Like others, sometimes I think the advice is too specific – kids, new homeowners, non-city life – but generally on the mark and always practical. Favorites are the book reviews, both PF and productivity/simplicity, and the serious analysis with spreadsheets. Not really a fan of the morning roundup, as I appreciate your voice more than your websurfing. I do love the references to Iowa, my old home.
Keep it up, it’s working.

]]> By: plonkee http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60619 plonkee Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:54:08 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60619 OMG you have 40 odd comments on how people came to read your site and when I first started reading the simple dollar, there were hardly any.

]]> By: Heidi http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60613 Heidi Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:40:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60613 I started reading when Trent and TSD was featured in an article in the Des Moines Business Record Daily (of which I am a subscriber). Now I read TSD via RSS feed to iGoogle daily (along with about 12 other financial blogs and sites).

I work in financial services, and I agree that Trent can be dangerous with a calculator, but I read because I appreciate Trent’s voice and insights, even if I don’t agree with what he’s saying. He’s got me thinking about where my money goes and how I can be a smarter consumer.

]]> By: Pho http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60607 Pho Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:11:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60607 I found out this blog through the Hip Domestics community on Livejournal. I particularly enjoy the book reviews and have been inspired to read several on Trent’s favorite’s list.

]]> By: jon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60599 jon Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:53:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60599 i used to read this site a lot as i started thinking about personal finance. after a few months though i realize that the articles are pretty repetitive and as long as your smart with your money and plan (big thing) you will be fine. but trent nitpicks at the smallest things that most people will find annoying, leave yourself some leeway for fun unless you want to walk around wiht a calcultor and spreadsheet your whole life.
plus if you have any bit of a decent job and save you will be fine and the advice probably is for middle to lower class people

]]> By: Chris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60587 Chris Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:29:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60587 I found your web site via referral. Unfortunately I can’t remember which one. I keep reading every day because of the common sense approach to life. No quick-fads or adrenaline-junkie testimonials, just real, poignant thoughts. I appreciate your candor. I subscribe to ten “finance” blogs and yours is my favorite.

]]> By: Chris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60547 Chris Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:22:25 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60547 I was once a subscriber, but now I’m not. Why did I cancel my subscription? Because I would leave TSD in an open window and hit F5 (Refresh) every ten minutes or so to get the latest update. I’d say there are 4-5 new entries a day and found that I didn’t need the subscription to be up to date…I was sucked in.

This blog touches a majority of the financial interests in my life, and it provides another ‘regular guy’ point of view. Some bloggers find a personal finance ideology and tout its merits with no alternative perspectives. How Droll! Has Dave ever taken out a loan or used a credit card? Has Robert ever lived in a house that wasn’t actively making an unquantified boatload of money? Of course they have, but you wouldn’t think it from the blogs of their fan- worshipper-bases.

While the merits of being debt-free and using property as a stream of income are acknowledged, Trent offers multiple avenues and ideas to get to that point in one’s finances. From frugality to investing to saving for a pleasure purchase (Wii) to allowances to student\car\home loans and credits cards to tax planning to Tbills/Tnotes/Bonds to retirement to estate planning…What a wealth of great material.

Although I never experienced the level of financial meltdown Trent describes, I feel his blog is encouragement to stay on the disciplined, financially wise path. Excellent work so far, I feel this is probably only the tip of the iceburg.

Chris

]]> By: Jayowen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60541 Jayowen Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:16:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60541 I found The Simple Dollar via Lifehacker, I don’t remember which article.

I started following about when you started looking for a new house, I was also looking for a new place my self, so it was interesting to see how you went about it.

Yesterday I didn’t like the looks of my cable bill and called to cancle internet service. Instead I changed my plan and am saving $20 a month to a rate I am more comfortable with.

I also needed to replace the shingles on my roof, I got an estimate 6 weeks ago and put off the decision since I decided to pay cash instead of using my credit card. 3 weeks ago he came back and said he would let me pay over a 3 month period, and I said I would think about it.

This week he came back and dropped $500 off the price since it was a slow period and he wanted to keep busy. I was comfortable with the first price he gave, but since he needed the job more than I needed the roof replaced I guess it was worth waiting.

]]> By: Ted http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60533 Ted Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:05:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60533 Long time reader. Boy. New readers all I say is beware of taking this site as gospel. Trent gives some good advice and some bad advice. He mostly give folksy common-sense advice. He is also dangerous with a calculator. I think that’s why I read this site. Its like watching an auto race to see when the accident is going to occur. Trent’s a good writer and often has an interesting and different perspective. I also think his heart’s in the right place. His personal story is compelling and that’s a draw. That’s my take as a reader for entertainment purposes.

]]> By: Jake Smith http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60514 Jake Smith Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:32:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60514 A friend strongly recommended this site and I’ve been hooked every since!

]]> By: Beany http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60506 Beany Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:20:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60506 I found your site via the tightfistedmiser.com

I have enjoyed your personal stories on debt, cooking, and your book reviews. I would really like to see pictures of your food creations :)

]]> By: tambo http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60495 tambo Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:03:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/08/21/getting-started-with-the-simple-dollar/#comment-60495 I found Simple Dollar about three weeks ago while googling for simple-to-use budgeting software for my Mac. So far, I’ve found most of your advice to be straghtforward and pragmatic, but what got me ‘hooked’ was seeing a photo of the Ankeny HyVee in a post. I shop there too (although the bulk of my shopping is at Fareway or, if money’s really tight, I drive on into Des Moines and go to Aldi’s). Seeing it was a very cozy, homey moment. :)

Our finances are a mess, because of two completely separate factors (both now behind us, thank goodness), and they resulted in far too much debt, but you have already been helpful in helpiing me figure out how to manage it. I don’t subscribe, but I do stop by here every morning – you’ve become part of my morning internet routine – and a couple of other times a day. BTW, all these comments are making me want to look up your laundry detergent recipe!

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