Hello everyone! This week I celebrate two years of blogging. I published my first post on August 10, 2011, and reading that original entry now feels a bit surreal. Back then I had no idea how much blogging would change my life.
When I began, I made plenty of mistakes—I followed all the anti-patterns new bloggers fall into. Still, I quickly became hooked and made so many wonderful connections with other bloggers. There are dozens I could name, but the list would be overwhelming, so I’ll simply say thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey.
Oh, how life has changed.
Over the past two years my life has shifted dramatically. In August 2011 I was working full-time while completing a Finance MBA, struggling with student loans and tight finances. W and I had no side income, and our take-home pay left little room for savings. Housing ate up roughly 30% of our income, and food costs were a constant drain because we frequently ate out. We weren’t budgeting and were spending on things we didn’t need.
On a more personal level, the loss of my father and the family turmoil that followed were devastating. I unexpectedly found myself raising my sister, a role I hadn’t been prepared for. Even years later, reminders of my dad would trigger intense grief. Starting this blog gave me an outlet to cope with everything, and over time things have improved.
Financially, we’re in a much better place. W and I have been together for over seven years and we’re happier than ever. My sister, Lexy, has grown into a remarkable young woman, and supporting her has been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey. I’ve also begun reconnecting with my dad’s side of the family, which is difficult but important.
We’ve learned not to let money dictate our lives and to appreciate the small things. I’ve chosen to pursue what I love rather than only seek stability—an approach that carries risk but also brings excitement and greater happiness. One milestone that still amazes me is that my student loans are paid off much sooner than I expected.
Blogging, and specifically personal finance blogging, has changed my life for the better. If you’ve been considering starting a blog, I encourage you to try it; it can open unexpected doors and create meaningful connections.
I’m no longer anonymous.
For most of my blogging journey I maintained partial anonymity. A few months ago that changed: once W shared the news with a few people, questions spread and my identity became public. It’s been a different experience and, at times, a little unsettling to feel like my privacy is reduced—but overall I’m embracing being more open.
You are all awesome.
I couldn’t have come this far without the support of readers and fellow bloggers. I receive many emails every day on a wide range of topics—some share personal struggles like losing a parent, others ask practical questions about student loans or budgeting. Every message matters; your stories and questions strengthen and motivate me.
I love getting feedback through emails, comments, and social media. Reader Question posts are a favorite because they let me respond directly to your concerns. Thank you for reading, engaging, and allowing me to write about what I care about. I hope you’ll keep following along for many years to come.
Miscellaneous – Diversified Finances and $50 SwagBucks Giveaway
I recently published a post about what not to do when leaving a job, including real examples of people who handled resignations poorly. If you have a memorable quitting story, I’d love to hear it. My second blog, Diversified Finances, has been a great place to document my decision to pursue passion over predictability, and I’m glad I started it.
Finally, a quick note about a promotion: during August, SwagBucks is offering an entry into a drawing for a $50 gift card to anyone who earns at least 50 SwagBucks through referrals or any combination of Shop, Search, Watch, Play Answer, or Discover. If you’re using SwagBucks, check the requirements to be eligible and good luck!