I started blogging on Blogspot in January. I had a vision, and a plan. It’s changed a bit along the way. I’ve grown in ways I didn’t anticipate. I have begun endeavors that I wouldn’t have dreamed.
Writing here has changed my relationship with money. It has helped me face the issues I have with spending (I am terrified to spend money… and feel incredibly guilty when I spend on myself). This blog, and the connections I’ve made here, have also helped me to change my “dirty little secret” mentality about discussing personal finances … for good or ill. *See Can I Get Rich On A Salary’s post Sex or Credit for more on this topic*
The biggest unanticipated benefit to writing this blog is that Mark and I have a far stronger money communications relationship now. In the beginning, I would say “budget” and he would instantly tense up. When we realized we were both working toward the same goal, we just had different communications styles; it was a whole new ballgame. In case you missed it, I even ribbed him a bit over at Emily’s Blog, Remodel This Life when she shared a guest post from me during her vacation.
With the good, of course, comes the bad. We’re more aware of our downfalls in spending. We track everything so closely, while we’re at a lull in the earnings department, that our 15 year old daughter wants to get a job because she thinks we’re hurting financially. No matter how much you try to tell children that things are ok, if they’ve never been faced with a budget for nights out to dinner before, they’re going to worry. I wish I’d read Clever Dude’s post about Teaching Your Children Finances Early … about 15 years ago.
What about you? Have you learned something from reading or writing about finances that you wish you’d known 6 months ago? 10 years ago? Has the blogosphere changed your relationship with or about money?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats! 6 mo. is impressive.
We started in March, and I am proud to still be going – and definitely have changed a lot along the way.
Keep up the great posts.
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Momma reply on July 23rd, 2008 9:22 am:
Thanks! I love reading your blog too. It’s on my “A” List (thank goodness for Plurks, haha).
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Congrats on your 6 months, Momma!
Blogging about pf makes us acutely aware of our finances.
Whilst I may not pin down specific issues, money issues are a lot more openly discussed now at home.
I would advice anyone who want to turbo charge their financial transformation to just start a blog.
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Momma reply on July 23rd, 2008 9:25 am:
Thank you! You’re definitely right. I’m thrilled at the changes blogging has made for our finances. I look forward to more evolution.
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Just found you–congrats on the six-month mark! I’m not a PF blogger, but it’s a topic that’s near and dear to me. I think this coolest way that the blogosphere has changed my thoughts about money is that I realize I’m not the only one trying to be simple and frugal.
It’s like having a huge support network, and that’s been wonderful!
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