Frank Talk on Finances
Laying bare their money secrets, bloggers trade strategies for retirement. Many are young. A few even make a buck
Secrets. Not all bloggers are keen to expose their finances using their real names. For some, part of the mystique of blogging is keeping their identity secret as they share details about their salaries, investments, and personal money decisions. The author of Tired But Happy, a 30-year-old Philadelphia librarian who asked that her name not be used, enjoys reading about the financial decisions of other bloggers, comparing herself with them, and writing on her blog about money matters that are confusing or scary. But she prefers to do so anonymously. "My blog is a family finance blog where I write about what it's like to be in a relationship with someone who relates to money in a different way than I do," she says. "I couldn't write as honestly about this stuff as I do if I knew my grandmother was going to read it."
Ping's blog, on the other hand, is regularly read by his wife and relatives. "Now that my parents know about it, they read it as a way to keep in touch with my life," says Ping. His parents tell him, "You never call, so all we really know about you is what you write in your blog."
Other bloggers are worried that what they write might hurt them at work. "There's a lot of personal information I put up there," says the 30-year-old author of Consumerism Commentary, who works for a financial services company in central New Jersey and likes to be known by his nickname, Flexo. "In the past, I've written about looking for jobs. I wouldn't feel terribly comfortable if the people I work with knew about it."
But Nardini, the executive vice president of Denali Flavors, a Wayland, Mich., company that invents and markets specialty ice cream, found his employer to be blog-friendly. He even blogs from work with his boss's OK. "My company makes Moose Tracks ice cream, something totally unrelated to personal finance," Nardini says. "But it has allowed me to blog in exchange for the primary sponsorship position on the blog."
All Money Talk, All the Time
AllFinancialMatters.com. A financial planner discusses 401(k)'s, IRAs, asset allocation, and portfolio management.
ConsumerismCommentary.com. To hold himself accountable for spending money, a man keeps a public record of his net worth.
FreeMoneyFinance.com. This blogger dispenses practical advice on maximizing income, curbing expenses, and amassing wealth.
2MillionBlog.com. Pledging to save $2 million by age 45, a 30-year-old chronicles his journey toward financial freedom.
MoneyBlogNetwork.com. Six popular personal finance bloggers join forces in trying to improve their bottom lines.
MyMoneyBlog.com. This 20-something strives to make more money, spend less, and manage his finances.
TiredButHappy.blogspot.com. A librarian muses about money matters within relationships and families.
seniorcare-dc.blogspot.com. Child rearing, elder care, and retirement planning have Tuna on Rye's author "sandwiched."
YourWayAhead.com/blog. A baby boomer discusses ideas and plans for a financially sound retirement.
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