The Katana: 200 Posts And A Thank You To All Readers!

Today I'm celebrating writing 200 posts on Financial Samurai! It's been a wonderful journey so far and I want to thank you for visiting my tiny slice of the matrix. We may not always agree, but that's the beauty of it all.  Through differences of opinion, we're allowed to learn from each other and flourish mentally, and hopefully financially as well. Besides, it's not like I'm going to hold your puppy hostage or something if you challenge my opinion! Hope you feel the same.

Sometimes it's hard to to respond to all of your wonderful comments (7,100+ so far), yet I will always try. I wish there was an easy way to tag all of the most interesting comments and show case them. Perhaps I still will! It's so fun to visit other sites, comment, and interact, I want you to experience the same here.

Celebrating 200 Posts

Each blog has a different personality and tone to it. I'd like to think that Financial Samurai is unique with a flavor that challenges conventional thinking. It's been a lot of work getting to 200 posts, but it's also been such a great learning experience and a ton of fun. (Fast forward to 2021, and I've written well over 2,000 articles and counting!)

We can go back to basics regarding budgeting, savings, and retirement planning. Or, we can continue blazing new trails. It's really up to you frankly. What would you like to read more of going forward? Generally we should enjoy writing what we'd enjoy reading.

Finally, I thought it would be fun to dedicate this song to all the female readers who helped share their viewpoints. Five String Serenade was composed by Mazzy Star in her 1993 album, So Tonight That I Might See.  The original plan when I learned Five String Serenade 12 years ago was to sing to a girl after an evening picnic on a beach somewhere. I never got the chance until recently. And now it's been recorded, in my own version for you. Funny how things never turn out quite like you plan.

Here's to another 200 posts! Thank you again!

Some Favorite Posts

Here are some of my favorites among my 200 posts for further reading.

Diamond Engagement Rings Bling Bling! A comprehensive guide to getting the right stone and understanding what women really want.  Furthermore, you'll find a new rule on how much to spend.  It makes perfect sense!

Everything Is Rational – The Answer To All Things Irrational – There's no need to question anybody for their choices ever again.  It's good to mind our own business and not force our will on others.

The Curse Of Making Too Much Money And Not Pursuing Your Dreams – A story about someone who makes multiple six figures, but is thinking about giving it all up for his hobby.

If A Panda Didn't Look Like A Panda, Would The World Still Care? – A look into how we're fooled by attraction, and why it's necessary to floss and brush your teeth.

Don't Have Children If You Can't Take Care Of Yourself – A discussion about the cost of kids and why we have so many when there are so many orphans who need our help.

Keigu,

Sam @ Financial Samurai – “Slicing Through Money’s Mysteries”

48 thoughts on “The Katana: 200 Posts And A Thank You To All Readers!”

  1. Aury (Thunderdrake)

    7000+ comments and climbing eh? Aha. Ain’t that awesome? :P

    Hopefully I’m not your 8000th already!

    You’ve come a long way. Even though I’m fairly new to the blogosphere myself, I definitely like seeing milestones like these build up. Besides, your blog is fun to comment on!

    Might I also add that the samurai was a very fantastic choice of personification? Based on what I know, samurais are known to be very frugal and non-materialistic. Which I consider two very powerful components to success in personal finance.
    .-= Aury (Thunderdrake)´s last blog ..3 more things you can put in your hoard =-.

  2. Awe, what a cool song! You can sing on my blog any day. :-)

    IMHO it’s not just the 200 posts but the high quality of the 200 posts. I’ve been posting every day for over two years–wouldn’t that put the number at something over 700 posts?–but though I hit the gong now and again, the level of my posts is not as consistent as yours. Great work!
    .-= Funny about Money´s last blog ..DIY Veterinary: The dog-proof hot-spot bandage =-.

    1. Thanks for your kind words Funny. I enjoyed your “glass ceiling” post and the comments that ensued. I’m impressed you have the tenacity to post everyday for two years! I think I’d surely burn out if I did that. Cya around!

  3. that is awesome 200, wow.
    thanks for the list of articles to read, i will be checking them out for sure

  4. Kim | Money and Risk

    Sam,

    Congratulations on your #200. That’s a lot of work and sweat.

    I would vote for writing challenging articles. It’s more beneficial and important for people to think past assumptions.

    I’ve seen more loss and hardship for people through taking someone else’s advice blindly than they could ever lose in the stock market.
    .-= Kim | Money and Risk´s last blog ..5 Good Habits for a DIY Investor Using the Internet =-.

  5. Mike @ Saving Money Today

    Congrats Sam! I’m looking forward to many more thought-provoking posts!
    .-= Mike @ Saving Money Today´s last blog ..The Financial Impact of the Super Bowl =-.

  6. Thanks for the link love Samurai. By all means keep on blazing new trails and don’t look back.
    .-= LeanLifeCoach´s last blog ..Frugal Printing, Is It Possible? =-.

  7. that is awesome 200, wow.

    thanks for the list of articles to read, i will be checking them out for sure

  8. @Earl
    No problem Earl. You had a great story to tell and I loved it! Hopefully people will realize that everything is personal finance related since nothing in the world is free!

    @Darwin’s Money
    Thanks mate. Hope your trading algorithms are holding up well in this volatility!

    @Alex
    Alex, that’s really fantastic to hear! That’s probably one of the most satisfying comments to read. Hope you continue to flourish!

    @Kevin@InvestItWisely
    Kevin, thnx man. I’ll be posting about that specific rule for engagement buying next week. Hope you share in the discussion!

    @MoneyNing
    Thanks David. I’ve always remembered what you said a year ago… “As soon as you start blogging full-time, things get a little different.” Perhaps by post 1000, I might be able to join you!

    @Kristine
    Thanks Kristine! Personal finance is about so much more than just dollars and cents. Thanks for coming along the journey!
    .-= admin´s last blog ..Where Did All The Time Go? =-.

  9. Congrats! 200 and going strong. Keep it up man, always look forward to a post I won’t find anywhere else – sure to stir the pot.
    .-= Darwin’s Money´s last blog ..New Teachers and Graduates out of Work to Fund Obscene Pensions =-.

  10. Congrats on the wonderful milestone! the insight you provide has been vital in my progress in turning my financial situation back in order.

    Continue with your wisdom, wit, and knowledge!!

  11. Congratulations Sam! Your site is definitely one of my favorites. My favorite post is the one of Lyndon. It goes to show that money is just part of the equation. Keep rockin! :)

  12. Congratulations Sam! You absolutely do have a unique site here and truthfully, I never would have imagined I would be following a finance blog. But you’ve opened up an entirely new world to me, so thank you for that.

    And also, thanks so much for the mention above. It’s an absolute honor to be on that list.
    .-= Earl´s last blog ..The Strange Habits Of A Traveler =-.

  13. @Single Guy Money
    Gracias sir. Good to have you a part of the Yakezie. Hope the rental property expenses stay low.

    @Matt
    Thanks MAtt. Good to have you around. When you coming out with your new eBook?

    @Kris
    Kris, it’s great you’ve become a regular commenter and contributor! Thnx!

    @Roshawn @ Watson Inc
    Roshawn, thanks for stopping by. I’m still looking to get to your milestone of 2,000 twitter followers! Impressive!

    @Investor Junkie
    Thnx man. You’ve with me since the very very beginning, which is great. And, I’m impressed after 5 months since the start of the Yakezie challenge you’ve joined!

    @the cynical investor
    I hope it takes a LONG time to get to post #500 and #1000! I want to pace myself! Thnx for your thoughts.

    @MyFinancialObjectives
    Gracias senior! Always a pleasure to hear from you.

    @Kelly
    Your welcome! An inspiring post that hopefully those who wish to blog full-time, and who have a supportive spouse, can!
    .-= admin´s last blog ..Where Did All The Time Go? =-.

  14. Money Reasons

    200! way to go!

    This is still one of the first sites I hit in the morning! You should feel great that you’ve really added something special to the blogsphere!!!

    Congrats on being at #13 on wisebread’s top 100! Now to crack the top 10!!! :)
    .-= Money Reasons´s last blog ..Lemons to Lemonade – Lessons Learned From A Broken Lawnmower =-.

    1. Thanks Don-san! Donno if I’ll ever be able to crack the Top 10, as they are filled with conglomerate blogs and full-timers. I also don’t have the desire to post everyday because I don’t want to burn out.

      However, we’re going to create our own Best Financial Bloggers List come mid August, and perhaps I can crack that top 10 list! :)

      Thanks for all your great comments over the year!
      .-= admin´s last blog ..Where Did All The Time Go? =-.

      1. Money Reasons

        Commenting…, It’s been a pleasure.

        Keep up the great work, your site is now like a comforting friend to most of us! I can’t imagine what the pf space would be like without your site! I also like the way your writing style continually gets better and better :)

        Good stuff, definitely a must read site!
        .-= Money Reasons´s last blog ..Lemons to Lemonade – Lessons Learned From A Broken Lawnmower =-.

  15. Sam, Congratulations on reaching this far, and thank you for the various topics you included in your blog!

    Until a year ago, I could not imagine myself reading a financial blog, because finance and budget were just boring to me!

    But I have enjoyed visiting your posts, including this “serenade” :O).
    Thank you again.

  16. Congrats!!!

    I am so thrilled that you included me in your roundup. Thanks!

    Here’s to 200 more posts!

  17. Congrats my friend on 200 posts. The number of comments for 200 posts is amazing – which is a testament to your ability to tap into the peoples’ collective interests and/or hot buttons!

    I thought I was the only one who really knew about Mazzy Star. I have So Tonight That I Might See. I bought it when it first came out for the song “Fade Into You.”

    Here’s to another 2000 (sic) posts, Sam! :-)

    All the very best,

    Len
    Len Penzo dot Com
    .-= Len Penzo´s last blog ..The 5 Biggest Home Repair Ripoffs =-.

    1. I LOVE “Fade Into You”! Very dark and haunting song. Perhaps I’ll record that one too :)

      Everybody has gotta know Mazzy Star right? They rock, and it’s the perfect psychedelic music to play after a night of fun!

      Looking forward to hearing your CD Len. Shooting you an e-mail. Why not post one on your site? Would be fun!
      .-= admin´s last blog ..Where Did All The Time Go? =-.

  18. MyFinancialObjectives

    Congrats on the 200th! I have enjoyed your blog and look forward to the next 200!
    .-= MyFinancialObjectives´s last blog ..New Student Loan Objective =-.

  19. Good stuff man. Thnx for keeping it real! Enjoyed the song too, even though I’m a man, baby!

  20. Sometimes it’s hard to to respond to all of your wonderful comments (7,100+ so far), yet I will always try.

    You do indeed put a lot of effort into this, Sam. That’s one of the things that I like to see at a blog — you’ve got to care about the community that meets at your place and caring means taking the time to put a few words together in response to the words of your fellow community members.

    Rob
    .-= Rob Bennett´s last blog ..My Daily Caller Article: Can We Handle the Truth About Stock Investing? =-.

  21. the cynical investor

    Congratulations ! Looking forward to the 500th and 1000th posts :)
    .-= the cynical investor´s last blog ..iPad contest =-.

  22. Congrats on the 200th post. To play my traditional slightly pedantic and opposing role here on the wonderful FS, the singer is called Hope Sandoval, as opposed to the band Mazzy Star. I saw them in a tiny venue in North London in c. 1994 and they were wonderful. Incredible voice from such a physically tiny woman. Great choice!

    I’d wish you luck on the next 200 posts, but they always say you make your own luck and that’s doubly true of the Financial Samurai! :)
    .-= Monevator´s last blog ..Weekend reading: What matters and anti-matter =-.

    1. Hope Sandoval indeed from California! Good little tidbit you provide. Most people just know her and her mate by Mazzy Star. That’s very cool you saw them live! I love all these old, simple, somewhat haunting songs.

      Hope all is well with you and the new gov’t!
      .-= admin´s last blog ..Where Did All The Time Go? =-.

  23. Roshawn @ Watson Inc

    I so enjoy Financial Samurai. Congrats on reaching this milestone!
    .-= Roshawn @ Watson Inc´s last blog ..7 Reasons for (and Against) Tracking Net Worth =-.

  24. And he’s a rock star! *hear the crowds roaring* I think it’s awesome. :) I knew you said somewhere in virtual world you were recording a 2nd song (is this the first or second?). I think its neat you are being really true to yourself.

    1. LOL, thanks. Yeah, this is song #2 on the quest to try and record 10 songs by the end of the year as one of my New Year’s resolutions. It’s a ton of working, and mad props to those who can sing, play an instrument, and then record. The amount of re-recording over and over again can naw at the most patient of souls.

      I think I’m going to work on Pearl Jame’s latest song, Just Breathe. Love it… and it fits my vocal range.

      Hope all is well!
      .-= admin´s last blog ..Where Did All The Time Go? =-.

  25. Congrats buddy. You hit 200 posts FAST and your comments prove people want more than just the normal save less than you earn stuff.

    Keep it up.
    .-= Evan´s last blog ..WTDirect Gives New Customers a Bank Bonus of up to $500 =-.

    1. Thanks LH! I could talk forever about how to get to retirement, but I realize some find that too boring. I get bored of a lot of stuff as well, so it makes me giddy sometimes when I realizes, “hey, i can write whatever I want, so let’s talk about something interesting!”
      .-= admin´s last blog ..Where Did All The Time Go? =-.

  26. Financial Samurai is unique and I think it shows in the number of comments you have on 200 posts! People do want to be challenged; it’s how we grow.

    I’m hitting 200 posts later this week but with more modest numbers. Thank you for starting the Yakezie Alexa Challenge. It’s been helpful in far more ways than just the ranking.
    .-= Bucksome´s last blog ..Week in Review: Blogger Happy Hour =-.

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