I’ve been delaying this post for a while partly because I didn’t want to recognize the formal end of my 10-year journey writing on Financial Samurai. I was also waiting for some divine inspiration to figure out what’s next.
From 2018 – 2019, several potential acquirers contacted me about selling Financial Samurai. I thanked them for their interest and told them I needed to first fulfill my 10-year goal.
In July, 2019 after achieving my 10-year goal, they all contacted me again. This time, I told them I first needed to write my 10-year recap post in order to make the achievement official.
Now that that post has been written, I know I’ll soon be contacted again and forced to make a decision. Financial Samurai has been a part of my life for so long that it’ll be tough to let it go. As I don’t want to be tempted by money, I’m trying to keep the offers at bay for as long as possible.
With Financial Samurai I have autonomy, fun, a sense of purpose, measurable results, and the ability to help people achieve their financial goals. As a stay at home dad, I can’t think of anything intellectually better to do while my boy is sleeping.
Financial Samurai has been a dream come true. Ironically, nothing kills a dream quite like achieving it.
What’s Next For Financial Samurai
As I love to write with opinion and personality, one of the things I’ve felt bad about for many years was trying to monetize this site with review posts, sponsored posts, and other sorts of business partnerships. Every day I’m bombarded with requests. I just mainly wanted to have fun and share some helpful financial insights.
As a result, for the last 10 years, my writing formula has essentially been 90% fun / 10% business. I’ve drastically forsaken revenue for fun because I was already financially secure when I left my job in 2012.
What I’ve come to realize over the past couple of years is that all the largest personal finance sites in America have a writing formula closer to 10% fun / 90% business. Completely opposite!
These large sites hire staff writers to write about the latest products. They report straight facts with no opinions. It’s a great strategy to keep altercations and judgemental comments to a minimum. Further, the founder(s) seldom share anything personal about their lives. Even though this style might sound boring, it is a winning formula in business.
Until I published The Secret To Your Success: 10 Years Of Unwavering Consistency, I’d been too stubborn to acknowledge this fact. I spent triple the amount of time I normally do on that post in order to help readers get to their own 10-year goals as well.
I was expecting the post to do quite well and for many readers to at least give me a virtual high-five for reaching my goal. Instead, I only got 15 comments on the first day compared to 30 comments on average. Nine were congratulatory while the rest shared their own thoughts and asked me what they should do about their individual situations.
That is when it hit me. Nobody really cares! OK, I’m being a little melodramatic. A few of you do care, as evidenced by subsequent comments and e-mails. But still, there’s no denying the response was underwhelming.
It’s logical to care mostly about yourself. Everybody is too busy leading their own lives. I totally get it. As a SAHD, I often feel like I’m suffocating for time and energy.
I also realized that 3,200 word posts are hard to digest and more effort does not necessarily lead to better results. Therefore, I need to keep very lengthy posts to a minimum, like once every 10 years.
Given the situation, selling this site seems like a fantastic solution.
The Bright Side Of Not Caring
By cashing in, I could finally fully relax in early retirement. No longer would I need to respond to endless requests for financial help. No longer would I be judged for trying to be a good parent. I could also spend my money how I wished without scrutiny. By selling, I could simplify life further, just like when I sold one of my SF rental properties in 2017.
Then I realized something while reminiscing about the last 10 years in the hot tub after a long tennis match. Since so few people care about the personal aspect of my writing, instead of selling, why not better monetize Financial Samurai with joy!
After 10 years of giving and having lots of fun, it’s time for me to be selfish for myself and my family. Selling the site just as my son is going to preschool would be illogical since I’ll have more free time.
I started Financial Samurai in 2009, a year after getting married. We both had decent-paying jobs and didn’t feel the need to monetize this site.
However, when our son was born in 2017, my feelings about monetization started to evolve. No matter how much money you have, I think every new parent feels a visceral need to make more money to provide for their family. It is part of our DNA to ensure the survival of our species.
This old saying is true, “Have children and the money will come.”
Holding my boy for the first time gave me tremendous motivation to do better. Because of him, I started a regular podcast. Not only did I keep up my 3X a week posting schedule, but I also added a weekly newsletter.
With the need to provide for my family plus the realization that personal writing isn’t what the majority of readers truly want, I’m going to change my writing formula from 90% fun / 10% business to 70% fun / 30% business over the next year. I know the winning formula for business is 10% fun / 90% business, but I want to take things slow.
A 70/30 split means a little more product review posts, a little more sponsored posts, and new writers. I may try and create more FS-branded products too like my one-of-a-kind, severance negotiation book. But I doubt it for the first year because I dislike selling anything.
I plan to highlight more financial products that either can help you save money, potentially make you money, or help simplify your financial life. My goal is to review the best products that can meet the demands of all types of readers in different financial situations, not just people like me who are trying to raise a family in an expensive city.
The great thing about this new initiative is that it does not take away from my usual style of writing. It enhances the website with more content and greater synergies. My library of 2,000+ posts will always be there. My regular newsletter will continue to contain my personal views. Plus, there’s plenty of banter to go around in the FS Forum.
The end result will be me not having to put so much time into writing personal posts that few really care about, readers will have more variety, and I’ll generate more revenue to take care of my family. A triple win!
The alternative is to sell and let the new owner turn this site into 90% business. After all, an acquirer would want to generate the highest return on its investment. I’m assuming you’d rather me keep the site. But do let me know otherwise.
Taking Things One Year At A Time
Because I’ve completed my 10-year goal of running Financial Samurai, I have nothing left to prove. As a result, I won’t be making another 10-year operating goal for this site.
Instead, I’m going to take things one year at a time. If things are going well, I’ll either continue with the 70/30 formula or tweak the formula again. I doubt existing readers will notice much change because the formula has already been changed to 80/20 since the beginning of summer.
Ideally, I’d love to keep Financial Samurai going for another 20 years as an insurance policy for my son in case he has a rough time in school and in the workforce as I did. He could join Financial Samurai in any one of the following fields: marketing, writing, podcasting, video producing, finance, operations, and product development.
But I’ve also got to be realistic. 20 years is a damn long time. I don’t think I can last that long without adding at least one full-time person. Further, I’d be a fool to pass up an amazing offer.
Excited For Entrepreneurship
For over a year now, I’ve been struggling with the decision to go back to work full-time once my boy goes to preschool. Being a stay-at-home dad for 29 months has been extremely hard given my desire to also keep Financial Samurai running at a high level. But thanks to the underwhelming response to my 10-year anniversary post, I realize I’ve got the perfect solution.
Instead of going back to work full-time once preschool starts, I’m going to utilize my new free-time to monetize this site better for at least one year. This way, I’ll still be able to drive my boy to school in the morning and pick him up by 12:30 pm during his initial transition period. If and when he’s up for going all day, I’ll easily be able to pick him up by 5 pm. If I had a full-time job, this flexible schedule would be impossible.
I want both my wife and me to continue being stay-at-home parents until our son makes it clear he no longer needs us full-time. In 2022, he’ll attend kindergarten and I’ll be more amenable to joining the workforce full-time.
I know making more money won’t make me happier. But the challenge of growing revenue will be an exciting one. To feel secure financially means so much more now that I’ve got dependents.
For now, our financial target is to earn enough investment income to live a middle-class lifestyle in San Francisco. We’re simple people without a lot of wants except to own 100% of our time.
I used to think $300,000 a year would be enough after rigorously crunching the numbers. However, based on the latest housing data from 2Q2019, the minimum qualifying income to purchase the median-priced house is now $343,400! Dayum.
Perhaps housing and other costs will dip by ~10 – 15% in a recession. But over the long term, I expect costs to continue rising at its historical ~5% annual clip. Inflation is truly a killer if you’re on the wrong side of it.
We also don’t want to move until our son’s elementary school situation becomes clear. We expect a lot of rejections since we don’t have status and refuse to bribe our son’s way into school. But we do have the flexibility to go wherever our boy is accepted between Honolulu & San Francisco. We can also homeschool if we get rejected everywhere.
As of now, we have a daunting ~$100,000 retirement income gap if we want to earn the minimum qualifying income in SF to be considered average. With the 10-year bond yield at ~1.5%, we’ve got to amass another $6,667,000 in after-tax capital to earn a risk-free $100,000 gross return. If we shoot for a 4% return, we’d still need to amass $2,500,000 in after-tax capital.
Therefore, my goal over the next several years is clear: accumulate an additional $2,500,000 to $6,667,000 in capital. Once we reach at least $2,500,000 in additional wealth, I’ll then seriously revisit what’s next for Financial Samurai.
I know we don’t need to live off $343,400 a year in investment income since we already own our primary residence and are relatively frugal. I also realize the goal seems a little ridiculous. In fact, I’ve decided to go into decumulation mode in 2022 once I turn 45. i don’t want to die with too much.
However, instead of denying the truth in the data, I’m going to embrace it. Why not dream BIG?! It takes the same amount of energy to dream small. If we work hard enough, we all deserve to live a middle-class lifestyle no matter where we choose to live.
It’s going to be fun trying to evolve Financial Samurai into a site with its continued unique voice and a generous number of revenue-generating product offerings. For too long, I’ve been treating Financial Samurai like a hobby. It’s time to focus more on being an entrepreneur. Even if I fail at my new goal, at least I’ll be content knowing I gave it my best shot.
For those who finished reading this post, cheers for making it to the very end. And for those who didn’t read this post or don’t really care, thank you for helping me figure out the ideal solution and giving me this new financial goal to shoot for!
Update 4/22/2022: It’s been two years focusing more on business. Overall, I ended up making a lot more money. It feels good to have more money to take care of my now two children. However, I am NOT happier with more money as I reflected in my 2021 year in review.
I spent so much time trying to optimize old posts and work with new sponsors that managing FS started feeling too much like work. I’m sure the uncertainty of the pandemic made me less happy too. For 2022+, I plan to take things down a notch again. I’m burned out.
But first, let me successfully market my new book, Buy This, Not That: How To Spend Your Way To Wealth And Freedom. I spent two years writing and editing it with Penguin Random House. It will be the best personal finance book when it comes out! Preorder a hard copy today for guaranteed delivery.
Related posts:
Net Worth Composition By Levels Of Wealth: Build A Business Already
The Top 10 Reasons To Start An Online Business Today
Scraping By On $500,000 A Year: Why It’s So Hard To Escape The Rat Race
Be Rich, Not Famous: The Joy Of Being An Absolute Nobody
Readers, what are some products out there you’d like Financial Samurai to review? Any particular genres you’d like me to focus on going forward? What is your why for doing what you’re doing? What type of negatives have you turned into a positive to thoroughly change your life for the better?
Hey Sam — long time reader here as well and I’ve also never commented.
I’ve truly enjoyed reading your blog. I started reading in my first year of college and happened to follow a very similar route as you so your content has always spoken volumes to me. I’m now in my second year of investment banking in the bay area and I’ve gotta say your site has given me a much more mature and long-term view on where I should take my career. Just because folks aren’t commenting, doesn’t mean they aren’t taking everything in! I refresh your site 2-3 times a day and trudge through waiting for new content — I’m sure most of us do.
Thanks for everything and best of luck on the future — it’s very impressive what you’ve accomplished. Hoping the site doesn’t change too much but do trust you’ll find a way to make it work out for the better.
GL in banking! If you can survive 10 years in banking while also saving aggressively, I’m sure you will be able to reach FI. Still one of the best industry to make a good amount of money. Hang in there!
Just wanted to repost this here.
I was wrong. You were right! A few months ago, you were considering selling FS in order to spend more time with your family. I thought it was a good idea because expanding FS was going to move you to a new level, requiring staff, commitments, contracts and new “bosses”.
But I see now that you have improved FS, but balanced your life. You seem more content than ever; like all men, you need an outlet for your creativity and drive.
By helping others, you receive more energy to love and serve your wife and son. You are also providing an example to your son of being a successful person, man, husband and father.
I think that the quality of FS has improved and it has become even more helpful.
I am a retired 72-year old grandma in Canada (with family in California). I have been troubled by the excessive drive and consumerism of Californians, with a resultant lack of peace and joy. When I see how someone like you (who will or already does reside in Hawaii) has been able to be successful financially without sacrificing his family or life in the midst of unhealthy lifestyle environments (California and NY), I am happy for you and your family. Your example will help many others to see what is truly of value in life.
You are doing what you are born to do. And doing a wonderful job of it.
I enjoy your newsletter. It is refreshing, optimistic and helpful, as well as having financial insights that most financial newsletters lack, probably because you do not seem to have bias about the various factors affecting the economy.
So glad that you decided to keep FS. You and your letter are unique. Nobody else could do what you are doing as well as you do it.
D
Sam, I truly enjoy your posts. You are transparent and honest. I read 7-8 FIRE blogs on a regular basis and yours and Root of Good are my favorites. While Root of Good is on the extreme frugality end of the spectrum you are on the higher income end of the spectrum. I enjoy both perspectives. As long as you keep writing I will keep reading.
I think the cities are too expensive to retire to. When we do finally stop working full time, we will not be living in our high cost of living area. We live in the suburbs of NYC, and we do not plan to stay here once our son graduates. He’s 5 so there is a long time yet, still, that is a factor in our math. I’m curious if Sam is still thinking about moving to lower those costs. Granted, he has the ability and net worth to get that income up to the number he needs, but there is something else to consider. A lower cost city can save you a ton of money thus, for the same annual spending, you can live better. So many people do that, and well, we will too.
We’re planning on relocating to Hawaii within several years. The median home price in Honolulu is about 45% cheaper than it is in San Francisco. Stay tuned for another post.
Leaving a place like San Francisco to make your dollar go farther and makes a lot of sense. It’s just hard at the moment since I have a lot of things to unwind and my son’s school.
Hey, can you route those sponsored guest post requests over to me? The incredibly rare Sponsored Post is how I make most of my money. I post about two or three of those a year nowadays, but get so many freeloaders and snake oil salesmen that I’ve spent about as much time denying people access to my blog a single I do not getting replies to my followup emails.
I can definitely attest that too much of a “personal touch” can be a hindrance to making money. And while, yes, the income is my primary motivation for writing, where would the fun in that be? I’d have no motivation to actually write so much as I’d have the desire regurgitate keywords and affiliate links. And what is that other than a second job?
I think a 70/30 split is good for you, Sam. But don’t be like other personal finance blogs. I’m probably not in a position to criticize other blogs due to the financially unsuccessful nature of mine, but I find many other financial blogs almost unreadable. They suck. They really do, I’m sorry. How many times can you read about 5 ways to save money by cooking at home or clipping coupons, all in a voice that sounds like your mother trying desperately to sound young and hip? Keep writing with your own voice and incorporate that into your various review/sales articles?
I’d say maybe think about what topics you want to write about. Some of your topics felt like reposts over time. Maybe they were. I could swear I haven’t gone two weeks without a “Average whatever balance you should have at any age” article that read like the last three before it. Don’t get rid of those topics, mind you, just mix them up a bit. I know it’s a bit hard when you’re writing articles 3 times a week for a decade, but maybe stepping back a bit and thinking about what mix of topics will keep things fresh might help you increase engagement, both from your readers and even from yourself.
And don’t worry about selling and providing resources to help your readers. I do, especially now for career change products since my readership has been greatly interested in my transition from retail banking to AML. These things help your readers and provide as much value as your content, which you provide for free. Suggesting they pay for a product that you genuinely feel could help them–which would also help you after pumping out tons of valuable content for free–isn’t opportunistic or unethical. After giving multiple readers free, in-depth career advice on my blog, I don’t have any issues suggesting a resume writing service (especially one that I’ve tested myself and managed to score a discount for my readers) that earns me a commission.
Anyhoo, still enjoying your blog, Sam. Hope it continues to work for you financially, mentally, and emotionally.
One other thing to keep in mind when you revisit the decision to sell: You’ve said multiple times that one of your current goals for Financial Samurai was to have an archive of content–both written and audio–for your son in case something ever happened to you. If you were to sell, the new owners can just delete everything in an instant. They don’t care about providing your son with a sort of posthumous communication with his father. Just something to keep in mind.
Sincerely,
ARB–Angry Retail Banker
Sam – You have provided invaluable advice to so many people! I visit your site at least once a day to read something. I also listen to your podcasts while I drive to work. I don’t comment very often, but I gain so much from your expertise!
I hope that you’ll continue to post new content as your posts are uniquely insightful! Also, you genuinely want to help people, which you do every day.
I truly hope that you’ll one-day consider one of the following —
(1) Running for political office, including President (I am being completely serious.); or
(2) Becoming the next Oprah – you could help so many people with your combination of emotional intelligence, compassion, and belief that others can improve.
I know you don’t want to sacrifice your privacy, and so I suspect that you may not consider these right now. But I hope you’ll at least keep them in the back of your head.
Thanks for listening to my podcast! That’s a project I plan to build over the next several years. Building something new and watching it grow is always fun.
You flatter me with your suggestions. It’s not for me, but thank you.
Sorry, Sorry, Sorry. Been reading your blog for a couple of years and assumed you had more feedback than you would know what to do with. I really enjoy your unique perspective and I left California 30 years ago when I graduated from college so reading your blog is sort of like reading my alternative universe if I had taken a job in the bay area. Most of the financial stuff is interesting because its so different from Ohio – makes me realize we barely live in the same country and don’t really have the same currency or problems. Your work is appreciated !
No need to be sorry at all! It was just that one post where I was like, “where is everybody?“
Ohio is one place I haven’t been to. But a lot of people love it and I hope you do as well.
Have been reading your weekly posts for about 18 months. Commenting is not my thing which as you point out, leaves one to wonder “who’s out there?”. You and your wife have developed a plan that works for you and after putting in the requisite 10 years writing FS leaving it now would probably be difficult. Income generation tastefully done should not be an issue with your readers.
Hey Sam-
I am wondering if you factored in a pending recession to the decision. I’d imagine it would:
-Give you a LOT of new ideas/content/topics to write about. Things have been so good for so long…I’m wondering how your content would adapt if people were panicking/struggling.
-Possibly increase your traffic? If people are more interested in PF because the economy is bad? What do you think?
-Lower your sites valuation temporarily (stuff just gets less expensive during a recession).
Deciding to not sell today probably means you’ll want to hold for at least 3-5 years to get through and out of a recession.
Can you just keep everything the same but post a sponsored post once a week? Label it/make it clear to the readers what it is, and they can decide to “skip” it if they want? Or are you approaching it differently where you write thoughtful posts about products and are paid to do so? Can you really be “honest” if it is a paid post? Curious what you’re thinking about from the revenue perspective.
On a person note – I’ve been reading for years and am turning 30 soon. Did incredibly well saving + investing but am getting married soon and everything just completely changed. I lost all control of my finances and just started spending $ like it’s nothing. I’m hoping to get back on the train I’ve been on for so many years and is hoping this is just a phase!
Yes, I’ve definitely considered the possibility of a recession slowing things down for 2-3 years. I don’t see things getting bad for three years.. more like 1-2 years as lending standards have been super high since the last recession and companies and banks have very strong balance sheets now. With interest rates plummeting, it should provide some boost to the economy.
I’ll definitely make all sponsored posts very clear.
You would think traffic would surge in a recession as fear increases and people want to know what’s going on. But I don’t know for sure what will happen since I literally started FS at the bottom and things have just been going straight up.
Timing wise, starting in 2009 and selling in 2019 could be one of the best trades ever. Alas, it’s nice to have something to do every day.
Hope you get back on that saving and investing train!
This is an interesting development and perspective, I’ll share my thoughts. The thing that got me to your site was a podcast interview you did some time back, when I checked out your site and found what was, and still may be, my favorite post of yours, regarding Best Passive Income sources. The reason being this is unique content and a peek inside someone’s mind who has been successful and shared their passive income sources, which are hard to come by in most finance blogs.
The other post I really like is the one on Investing in the Heartland of America. The voting maps were eye opening to me and the point was well supported about investing in middle America real estate. These two posts shared unique and actionable perspectives and are highly differentiated versus other common finance blogs, while some of the other posts it sounds like you expected to have more success (10 Years, etc.), struck me as less unique or poignant or actionable. There are others writing about grit (Duckworth), mastery (Newport) and other related topics you touch on, but discussing particular investment strategies where you have expertise, and specifically passive income and alternative investments, in an unbiased way are the strengths of your blog from my standpoint, and why I read it each week. Please write more on these topics, which are specific, unique and actionable, and thanks for all your hard work this last decade.
All this said, your personal needs are your own (WRT the 10/90 split you are conveying here), though I hope you continue to maintain a site where you share your nuggets of financial wisdom in a personal and unbiased way. Congratulations again on hitting 10 yrs.
The Simple Dollar seems to have managed a good balance of business, posts from the founder with personal content, and other contributors.
I think it could be a good model. It would be great I think if you could find some like-minded contributors who are at different stages of the FI journey in different locations.
I agree. Trent sold to Cut Media in 2011, so that was ages ago and during much worse times than now. They’ve kept the founder on and have grown the site with lots of writers. It’s a frugality focused blog, boring for my taste, but should be doing quite well. Literally no comments on many of its posts, and probably just they way they like it to spend less time interacting.
Operating margins must be lower given the infrastructure behind the site.
Do you like the site? If so, what are the things you like about it? thx
I’ve been reading your site for about a year. I’m also an Asian guy, about the same age, married, have a son around the same age as yours, worked in finance, etc., except I’m in nyc not sf.
Your address exactly the things I think about – how much should we be saving? how do our spending habits compare to others in our income bracket? should we buy that vacation house? Private school? For me, there’s really no other site, or media for that matter, that addresses the things that I care about financially, in such a targeted way.
Thank you and keep writing please!
Very cool Jason. Sounds like we are quite similar as I started in finance in NYC for 2 years myself.
Thanks and good luck!
Hi Sam,
Like so many others, I didn’t comment on your 10 year post, but I loved it! I also enjoy reading posts about scenarios that are clearly out of my range, but yet still interesting. I think your 70/30 split makes sense, but don’t give up on the personal sharing. It’s really what builds loyalty.
Looking forward to the next 10 years!!
Deb
Great post, good luck
Sam,
My son turned me onto your site and I’ve done same for countless others looking for a witty perspective (opinionated!) on solid financial info. Love your posts and I’m on the other side of your famial situation with our youngest at 26. Where it appears your head is at is a never-ending, soul-seraching, life-meaning, gut-wrenching, self-worthing process that keeps us going. Hey, maybe not always fun but once you get your head around it, you do what you do with it knowing what you know and other times, don’t know. It keeps things real and as readers/listeners, we get the continued benefit! For a good read, check out Gary John Bishops “Stop doing that Sh*t”. Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a self-helper type but none the less, it touches on a lot of what you’re saying and has some great anecdotal points as well. Glad we’re still going to be getting the 70% Sam. …and no, I don’t usually respond to post but wanted you to know there are likely many of us out there of same mind. Look forward to the continuing and slightly modified FS.
Hi Sam- I’ve been reading your posts for a while now. It’s wonderful. So, thank you for continuing to make it better and richer. I dont think the quality of this site would stay as good if someone were to take over (unless they keep you to run the site still). 70/30 sounds ok to me. It will just as great. Don’t leave out the life stuff. It’s equally insightful to read.
I too live in the bay area with two children. Can relate to many things you wrote about. Really wish I had discovered your blog sooner. Not only you give sound advice on the finance-related front, but also the life stuff. Had I found your blog sooner, I may have better luck with my money and may have not chosen to hire help with the kids when they were younger. I just couldn’t do it being a FT mom physically. It’s incredibly touching to hear you often talk about how much you want to spend with your little guy while you still can before he leaves home (and that’s in ~15 more years). Not only you give such importance to the role as a parent, but also you actually act on it. Your desire/awareness of wanting to be there for him from the smallest little milestones to something major is just incredible. Most parents want the same at the start – to be a great parent – but things often get in the way despite all the good intentions. Our personalities do not always align with our intentions.
Anyway, I just love reading your articles here. Too many great ones to read, too little time. Thank you so much.
So, do you actually give financial advice? What’s the best way to ask you for it? Say, if I were to throw one at you now, will you respond? Here is my question for you. I hope you will give me some good pointers. Thank you, Sam.
What would you advice I do with my one million dollars in cash I recently received from a divorce settlement? It’s not a whole lot but it is something I have to manage wisely in order to grow it and not the opposite. I know it can disappear quickly living in this very expensive area.
I do own a home in a nice area down here in the peninsula with 50% equity, although I have high-interest mortgage 5.5% (~$5.5k a month) due to lack of better qualification (been a stay-at-home mom for the last 16 years). I get child support money and a rental income from the one-bedroom unit I have on the property. My income basically takes care of the monthly mortgage payment. I know I have to just earn enough interest to cover our living expenses (mine, and two kids half time).
What would you do with the 1 mil cash to maximize earnings if you were in my situation? And what are the do’s and don’ts in order to avoid pitfalls? I’m entrepreneurial; however, starting a business hasn’t been easy. I also was hoping to gain employment so I can at least refinance my home, but it’s tough when you were out for 16 yrs. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you, Sam.
All the best,
Tk
Hi Sam,
I look forward to reading all your posts and newsletters each week. Besides your amazing personal finance tips and advice, what keeps me coming back to your site is your personal writing style. I love how you blend so much of your personal goals and life details with finance topics. As a reader, I can relate to you on certain topics such as kids, preschools, Bay Area real estate, etc…
Whether you eventually decide to keep for another 20 years or sell, I’m sure your readers will be supportive! Keep on fighting!
I’m addicted to this site. You have inspired me in so many ways, most recently to move from a HCOL place (NYC) to a LCOL place (Austin). I am a voracious reader of the site and recommend it all the time. Please never sell or quit!
Hi Sam,
My take is that I believe that some of the readers are ordinary commoner who earn a decent/average remuneration. Some of your posts reason around the millions of dollars in term of the income and expenses. This makes this group of readers feel that the posts do not seem to apply to their circumstances. Having highlighted such comments, I am one of such readers who yearns for ordinary and simple retirement. Minimalism is the preferred way of approach as per my perspective. Your posts have been great to some extent. I will say that the posts are to each of own preference of the readers.
My two cents of views.
WTK
Agree, which is why I need to broaden the topics and have more guest writers. But not about the topic of trying to last for 10 years. That is applicable to everyone. Thanks for your feedback!
I can relate to WTK, but to get around the “Some of your posts reason around the millions of dollars in term of the income and expenses”, I just divide all your numbers by 10 and apply them to the “middle of the country” lifestyle. Your numbers may be large, but your advice can serve anyone living anywhere.
Sam – another committed reader who typically does not comment, however it is important that you receive more additional feedback at this juncture. I appreciate your perspective and style – you balance delivering meaningful content with methodological logic and clarity for real people. This strategic business evolution seems like another thoughtful shift in your business model. I appreciate that you are trying to stay true to your original design, while understanding all businesses need to adjust to a continually changing environment. Good Luck in this next phase and thanks for continuing.
Sam,
My sense is that you’re more appreciated than you think, and have made a difference. Not all fans post comments on a regular basis. (can’t remember where I read this, but I think two comments per post is the base rate across ALL blog posts)
If you still have doubts, then watch (or re-watch) this old Twilight Zone episode on Netflix: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0734634/.
In short, I think you’ve made a difference.
Love the Twilight Zone. Will check it out.
I don’t expect readers to comment on a regular basis at all. It takes a lot of work. It was just a surprise on the crickets after that one post after so much effort and the topic. But it was just the catalyst I needed to make a change, and I’m grateful.
Our expectations in our head are often different from reality, which is why we need to continuously change and make improvements. Inertia can be very bad!
I’ve never commented before but would like to thank you for the last ~10 years of amazing content. Would be happy to click on a few ads in return for your future content. Have also recommended your severance book to others. I started reading FS during the Great Recession following the completion of my post-doc fellowship and wedding. Between my wife and I, we started with a negative $300k networth (due to student loans, no assets, and car loans) and I used to cringe at your lofty net worth goals by age. However, we diligently saved, invested, and saved more of our dual incomes due to your advice to grow our net worth by $2.8 million. We are currently 38 years old. You have really helped us execute on a plan and set ourselves up for a great financial road ahead. Also just recently took advantage of geographic arbitrage by moving from a high income tax state to one with zero state income tax. Although I haven’t agreed with all of your posts, so many have been unbelievably actionable for me and the others have provided a balance of alternative perspectives.
Thx for your introspective post, glad youre keeping the site. Being a fellow early retiree I always could relate to the mental games your head plays on you when your taking a road less traveled. I think the new formula sounds great!
BTW, when kids go off to school it will allow you and your wife to have more quality time. It’s not always all about the kids, you know:)
Hey Sam,
I’ve been reading your blog since I graduated from college in 2014. You’re content has been entertaining and very helpful over the years. I love reading all your emails and posts (and re-read some even) every Sunday. It has become a weekly routine. I just wanted to let you know your work has made a big impact on my life in helping me set high financial goals. I like all the research you provide along with the great examples that show me financial freedom is possible as long as you keep working hard.
Thanks for all your hard work!
I’ve started reading your articles no more than two years now and it has been the best financial site I have ever come across. I don’t actually read any blogs or things of that sort except for FS. Your personal touches, your content, everything I have read of FS has been easy to read, easy to comprehend, and completely relevant! I had almost zero knowledge of the financial world and being a young one already 3 years into a good career and not knowing about savings accounts or just smart financial decisions in general, FS has basically become my money bible. Personally I hope you always continue on FS but also as someone who has a lot of catching up to do, I can say you have A LOT of great content to leave as is.
MUCH appreciation for what you do and why you do it.
THANK YOU.
Thank you Sam! I have learned a lot from you financially and I enjoy your musings on life, family, people and their motivations. I am little older than you and I have a 14 month old son. We live in NYC and I make a modest six-figure salary. My wife works hard at a business that she started a few years ago. I did not realize the importance of focusing on making and managing my money (and time) effectively until I got married; so I still have much to learn. I am sure that I am one of many who, up until now, was silently grateful for the content you share!
As many people have stated in the comments, I have felt very attached to this blog since i discovered it some months ago. Your point of view and the way you approach life is tremendously clever and inspiring.
I have never been a “commenter” although I follow several blogs. This will probably the only time I’m doing it, just to let you know that I, and many more people, care a lot, even though we do so hiding in the shadows. Your work is amazing and I feel so thankful for it.
Greetings from overseas in Barcelona (Spain). Hope you keep on enjoying life, providing for your family and teaching and inspiring others. The world is a better place by having you in it.
I am a regular reader of your blog over the past 5 years and always recommend your blog to my physician colleagues whenever they have questions regarding finances . I also do read WCI however yours is more informative and more detailed in comparison to WCI. In addition, you hardly recycle old information unlike the other blogs . My finances have improved tremendously from reading your blog and WCI . Your writing style is easy to comprehend for a non finance guy like me . Keep up the good work !!
Sam, I was getting nervous while reading the first half of your post. I have only recently discovered your blog and REALLY enjoy it and find it extremely educational and useful. My wife and I are in are 50’s and are different than many I that we have 3 kids to still help get through college. The first one starts next year. We need all the “good” help we can get to get them through and retire decently. Chris
Hi Sam,
Long time reader first time commenter. Just wanted to say that please don’t confuse lack of comments with people not caring – your work is very valuable and I really enjoy your style of writing that blends personal experience with the cold hard numbers, this makes understanding some of the more complicated principles very accessible!
I’m glad that you plan to keep running the site and that you will be making more income from it as I would definitely miss it if the style changed.
In my mind you really are a trusted virtual personal finance advisor/teacher.
Kind Regards,
Andy (Writing from Ireland)
Hi Sam,
I just want to pile on and tell you how much I have benefitted from and enjoyed your work over the years! I agree that those of us who have not commented have been diligent students if not active participants.
I admire your desire to be a present father, and only hope that whatever you do with the site, you remain the primary decision maker. We can rest assured the content, paid or free, will be excellent.
Good luck and thank you for all of your help!
Hi Sam – Long term reader of your blog. I’ve enjoyed your blog a lot and I take learnings from your blog and apply it to my own self and share with my wife and friends. In fact, your site is quite popular at my work place too;). Anyway, I wanted to say that we really appreciate the time and effort you put into your writing and you impact a lot of lives in different ways.
I live in San Jose and lot of your personal experiences resonate directly with me, especially your writings on real estate. You have been an inspiration for all of us and I hope you continue writing more great stuff. I really hope the changes you are proposing makes your blog even better. Thanks.
thanks for the really valuable information over the years sam! I appreciate it
Sam, you’ve created a site that high achievers come to and read. Don’t ever say that our lack of comments mean we don’t digest your comments.
I work 60-90 hour weeks regularly but have always read your articles 3x a week. That doesn’t mean I have time to comment constantly but I have been reading your articles since high school for around a decade when I looked for articles on above average net worth. Now here I am at 26 and a millionaire with my gf. I won’t give you all the credit but your articles have positively influenced me as well as many others im sure. So thanks for the insight it’s been fun when I work in an office with people who have no interest in finance. And ultimately I’ve always tried to follow your path and compete against your timelines. It’s been nice. I wish I had more time to comment but we aren’t all fully retired like you ;)! Hope you stick around so I can continue to enjoy this site.
Coming out of lurking for the past few years to let you know I’ve really enjoyed this blog and have been going back to the 10 year post and re-reading. I had a sigh of relief that you didn’t sell. I appreciate the mindset of abundance here (growing income) versus other blogs that seem to have a focus on scarcity (live like a pauper). I’m a newlywed living in Brooklyn with my husband and we use your posts to talk about money topics with each other.
Congrats on your marriage! I love NYC. Best city in America for 6 months of the year. I’d be at the US Open in Flushing every day for the next two weeks.
Cool you guys discuss some of the topics I write about. If you guys have kids, I am sure you guys will love the family finance topics.
Thank you! Yes, your post on the two income trap had us going for a few days. We’re not living on one income yet but aiming to get there. No children as yet but already talking about the savings plan for their education.
Sam, thank you so much for your time over the years investing in writing this blog. As a native San Franciscan (and someone interested in personal finance) I have really enjoyed your local perspective. I don’t often comment but please know that your words have helped me improve my work ethic and mindset. Thank you! Best of luck, and I hope your son gets into Lowell in the future. I loved it there! :)
Hi Annie – Always nice to hear from others living in our great and expensive city.
Lowell would be nice. Not too far away from where we live either. Could be good! Hard to pass up free.
Bro as a fellow NorCal late bloomer who has only been with your site less than a year, I’m going to miss your refreshing points of views! You worked hard and many of us here appreciate your work. In the end, you do what’s best for you and your family. Congratulations, will miss this site
I love your blog and read it frequently.
Although I shall never FIRE being 78, I enjoy your perceptions. I am frequently encouraged to live life. Although retired, I am a local substitute teacher and so keep busy. You, through your posts, encourage me to keep going.
I especially enjoy your delight for your son and determination to be an important part of his life. And your recognition for the sheer hard work that goes into raising a child. I had 3 children and this is the only time (in 56 years) that I have felt validated by an outsider.
Yours is one of two financial blogs (ESI is the other) that I read, enjoy and take in.
From my perspective, you have to do what is best for you and your family. But you will always have the delight of impacting so many lives in such a positive manner.
Thank you so much.
Jo – I’d love to hear about your life experiences in future posts! I know I’ve been talking a lot about family since 2007 and some are annoyed with it, but family is my why. I appreciate you enjoying the topics around family.
Thanks!
Sam, thanks for publishing the most informative and relevant financial blog on the internet. Excellent content, humor and family focus make your posts interesting and fun. FS is one of very few blogs I’d willingly pay to read. Selfishly I hope you merely further monetize the site and FS brand instead of selling it. However, do what is right for you and your family.
No need to ever pay Matt. Sharing my work with others is payment enough!
I definitely want to implement more humor in my future work. Tomorrow’s newsletter should bring some chuckles. :)
Ultimately you have to do you so to speak.
I rarely comment and honestly don’t read all that consistently, but the community here is far better than most in terms of both *useful* writing and also interesting comments. So many of the other sites are focused on the lowest common denominator of humanity, not what can be achieved if you really put your shoulder into it. 80/hr per week over the last 9 months addressed shored up my finances far better than any budgeting exercise I have ever done. That wasn’t solely to your writing, or even the comments though I did realize from them I could have been doing better… with everywhere else talking about the average I appreciate this little slice of above average humanity, and the fact that exists at all is directly a result of what you have built here Sam.
Thank you.
Thank you Geoff. The reality is that you need to “focus on the lowest common denominator of humanity” to win over humanity.
I forgot who that politician was.. the rich guy from Utah where he went on stage and bet $10,000 with his opponent on something. Oh yeah, Mitt Romney. That was his death knell. Nobody could relate, so they wrote him off. He needed to have bet $1 instead!
Hello Sam,I write you from Romania,Europe.All I want to say is that I wish you and your family good luck and that I hope that life will be good with you.Why am I sad to write you?
Donno why you’re sad to write to me Diana. Lots of great things to look forward to.
I’ve never been to Romania. Would love to go one day. I’ll let you know if I do!
You should do 50 percent. You’ll be a lot more motivated to keep going w the higher income
For the same reason you spent 3x the amount of time on the post, I personally think that the content from your 10 year post was too good to be absorbed in a single reading. I have it saved off to go back through it and have it saved for long term future reference. That is, to me, why you got fewer comments. I’ve been reading you for the past year or so and you stand out for multiple reasons:
– Frequency of posts (look at MMM…maybe once every month or 2 and is any of what he writes now that new?)
– Originality of content (you have both quantity and quality)
– Self-disclosure (I personally like how much you share about your life…it’s different than mine, so I get to learn…there are also aspects that overlap mine but you provide a different, thought-provoking perspective)
– Creative writing (you have a unique voice, for the FIRE movement but you also bring in other topics that allow for broader perspective)
– You’re a minority who balances both the perspective of someone who is not operating on an even playing field but also of someone who has become very successful in spite of that
I could say more but this is a good start…so thank you
Hi Michael, I appreciate the specific bullet points.
The one thing about spending so much time writing is that it can get exhausting. When there were crickets after the 10-year post was published, it sure felt tempting to sell. But then I got this wave of love and support from folks like you, I’m having a change of heart.
Running a website is all about endurance. I got to figure out a way to take a break. And one of the best ways is to hire someone part-time.
Thanks Michael!
As someone who creates content and uses comments as a feedback loop to help me both assess if I am creating/presenting the right content and to know if what I am doing is meaningful to those I am creating it for, I completely get this. Pouring yourself into a post (or in my case a presentation) is very vulnerable. You’re putting yourself out there and you’re completely exposed. It’s almost worse for people to say nothing at all than to come at you with criticism and critique. Did all those hours of toil even matter? Do I matter? Am I just wasting my time?
Creativity, new(ish) thoughts, old thoughts in new ways — all are very mentally taxing. I would tell you that you have probably influenced 100x what you think you have because most people will not say anything. For example, something you talked about a while back completely revolutionized my life and thought process about life and career — and I have gone on to influence the 100s of people who work under me with the concept that you shared (Ikigai)
For me, you stand out from the crowded field of financial bloggers. Do you need to publish at the same pace? Could you offload 1 post / week to another writer or a group of writers who compete for a full-time job with you? Yes, but anyone you choose is going to need to have unique voice as well — not just saying the same things as everyone else.
Oh man, that’s how I feel Michael. It’s often tough to put so much into something, think it’s going to do great, and then just flop. Every single creative person or entrepreneur has felt this way before. It is probably the #1 reason WHY people don’t share as much or take on new things: blowback or crickets.
I writer needs to be read. And artist needs to have her artwork seen.
But it’s important to keep on going, no matter what. Learn from the feedback and evolve.
I need to learn to take it easy more, I really do. And to post less is one way to do so. But every morning I wake up FULL of ideas… endless ideas and things I want to do that it’s hard for my fingers to keep up.
I always tell myself to maximize the opportunity while it’s there b/c I know my mind will one day fade away.
I wonder if you could take one or two people who’s writing you respect who have similar mindsets/outlooks on life to what you portray here who could take some of your ideas and use them to write one of your weekly posts. You could guide them so that it still represented your thoughts but it would be in their own voice/personality. It might be some extra work up front but could pay off with you getting to work less in the long run.
One of the things I have disagreed with in the FIRE movement is that there is great dignity in work (or there can be) and you miss out on that when looking to retire early. I love FI and I am well on my way there but I also LOVE my job (it has taken me many many years of toil to get to that point) but I am not looking to quit anytime soon (I’m 41) though I could get my hours down to 45-50 and that would be good for me and for my family. I think you love FI and you also love what you’ve gotten to do with this blog (and its honestly something you SHOULD be very proud of) and your ideas are not going to stop coming…so…balance.
As a loyal reader, I support whatever decision you will make with the blog. Best luck.
Hi Sam –
Before you make a decision, please get in touch with us at The Soapbox Financial Network, a Motley Fool company!
We’re looking to acquire fantastic sites and then allow the creators to be exactly as involved as they want to be.
Some bloggers are exhausted, done, and have a list of other projects to work on, or are ready to unplug. Great, we can make that work with freelance writers. We’d prefer to sign the writer to a contract so we can maintain the site’s voice and feel, with them writing on the schedule that makes them happy. And others will dive in wholeheartedly, helping us find new deals (there’s a bonus for that), providing advice for other blogs in the network’s community, and writing for us as a freelancer in addition. It’s up to the blogger.
We have all sorts of expertise and experience doing the things that you might not want to do anymore — site ops, SEO, ad sales, whatever. We can do the stuff you don’t want to do.
And unlike some of the folks who have reached out to you in the past, we’re not going to come in, slap ads everywhere, and milk as much out of it as possible before traffic dwindles to nothing. We’re long-term, buy-and-hold investors at the Fool, and that goes doubly for us at Soapbox. If we acquire a site that then goes downhill for users, we’ve failed.
All that said, we wish you luck with whatever comes next. If what I’ve said sounds interesting, shoot me (Roger) an email at soapbox@fool.com.
I was reading until you said “Motley Fool.” Given that they have degenerated into clickbait of the style so many commenters here have already called out (I’m looking at YOU, Len Penzo!), I can only sincerely hope that Sam takes a pass on your offer.
“Motley Fool” is really early in my comment. You missed all the good stuff!
Soapbox is a separate business unit, so I don’t want to go too deep into a debate about the Fool’s marketing, but the short answer is that we provide really good investing advice (check our track record) delivered in a way that’s designed to be fun and accessible … but nobody wakes up and thinks, “I want to buy an investing newsletter today.” We need to get people’s attention to get them thinking about what we offer.
I agree we do some marketing that I’m not proud of — I’m among our loudest internal complainers when something goes against what we stand for as a company — but we’re working hard to make sure readers can get something valuable out of our marketing even if they don’t make a purchase. That’s much truer to our purpose of making the world smarter, happier, and richer.
Hi Roger, sounds like an attractive arrangement. How can one say “no,” unless it’s a disagreement on price. It’s smart of you guys to buy sites and build them up for the long term. It’s quite impressive how long the Motley Fool has been around. Congrats!
Hi Sam,
I discovered your blog six years ago and read your latest musings every week. Thank you for sharing your personal journey and for committing to it for ten years! You have helped so many people become better educated about personal finance. Thinking back over the years, I realize that your blog has played a key role in my becoming obsessed with personal finance and financial freedom (my husband will attest to this). I’m especially interested in helping other women become savvy about personal finance.
It pained me to read that you didn’t think people cared. We care. We appreciate what you do. Even though I’ve faithfully read your blog for six years, this is the first time I’ve commented. I will comment more often and am so glad you’ve decided not to sell FS! Please keep on writing and be well.
Elizabeth
Wonderful to hear Elizabeth. Having a constant dialogue with one’s significant other is huge. Glad to have you as a reader!
Hi Sam
Very happy for you and your family
I have been reading your blog for years and got my husband to read as well. We use personal capital because of your site. Same with my friends at work and sisters..
You are the only financial blog I follow religiously..
Two reasons I never posted
– I hardly post on blogs
– Most comments seem to be by guys. Same with most financial sites that are discuss topics with depth.
As such I just read the post and the comments and apply the principles
Thank you for a 10 yr run that has been so helpful to countless people..
Thanks for your feedback Annie. I hope more women feel free to comment and share their perspective. FS is a place for learning and there is no question that shouldn’t be asked. I will endeavor to be more welcoming to women and to get more female writers.
My last guest post was from a woman, but it was kind of a more rare topic: https://www.financialsamurai.com/what-drug-alcohol-addiction-taught-me-about-risk-reward/
Never feel shy to ask a question or share your thoughts!
thx
Thank you for creating and maintaining Financial Samurai. I have been reading it about 4 years or from the time I first stumbled upon it. I like your analytical thought process. I have handled my own investments, primarily “buy and hold” for the past 35 years with a lot of real estate mixed in for the first 20 years, so I don’t implement all your principles, but enough of them resonate with me to make reading your blog worthwhile. I also appreciate the absence of BS and the absence of trying to push worthless stuff down our throats. I think I can tolerate a 30% BS ratio on content and will be able to ignore it. I do wish to observe that another strong point of your product is that you do go into depth and detail. Most of the commercial sites have headlines or lead in paragraphs that grab your attention but they are superficial and bland once you start really reading them. It is a shame I didn’t take the time to comment before now but better late than never. Keep up, at least so far as is reasonable for you, the good work. JoeCanino, Kingston, NY
Hi Joe, nice to hear from you. I hope the 30% of the business focus isn’t all BS, as the goal is to try and find products to help save and make money, and simplify life. But if the 30% does become all BS to you or other readers, then ignoring it works too, since everything is free to read on FS whoo hoo!
Sam
I am with Joe. I like your writings, family aspect too and the analysis you do. Specially the level of detail and rational you use. I hope your focus won’t be diluted, you have built a brand and trust level with a community of similar experiences. Please don’t go too broad and make your message less relevant. As the saying goes don’t spread the cheese too much you may not taste it – ok I made the up but make the point
Wonderful to read your material and great to have someone who got his start in NoVa!
Hi Sam. I’ve followed you and the site now since 2013. You and I have also spoken a few times. I’m a very big fan and have very much appreciated all of the insight you’ve shared over the years. I think you’ve made a very, very wise decision here to better balance personal investment with necessary ROI! You enjoy it and so holding on but finding better balance makes perfect sense.
All the best,
Brian
Thanks Brian for reading for so long! Hope the economy continues to chug along and not fall apart! Let’s see what the ROI ends up as.
Hi Sam! I got to know about FS through a good friend about a year ago. Since then, I keep following FS and truly enjoyed reading your site. Sometimes I do revisit over and over again to learn and remind me esp on achieving financial independence. I have never posted a comment before but I really appreciate everything you shared. Please stay and continue sharing your experience , wisdom…. Sam Thank you so much. Please Keep sharing. I always look forward to hear from you more and more. Stay cool, stay happy
Very cool. Please tell your good friend thanks for me! Cheers
“Ironically, nothing kills a dream quite like achieving it.”
I think I’ve read ever post on the site. This is the best line you’ve ever written. Selfishly I hope you keep doing what you’ve been doing, but our lives and circumstances change over time. Our goals and dreams should change with them. Best of luck with the journey, wherever the road ends up taking you and your family.
I can’t take credit for making up that line Joshua. I read it somewhere and it is a saying. But I like the line all the same. Thx!
Sam, I just discovered your blog about 2 months ago and can’t wait to read it each week. IMO, you skated over something very important in this post when you said, “We can also homeschool if we get rejected everywhere.” As often as you mention your son, it is clear he is a great joy to you. Since you have put yourself in a position to spend so much time with him, I encourage you to look into homeschooling or a hybrid school program as a primary option for his education rather than an “if all else fails” option. Your passion, knowledge, and creativity will be put to excellent use and your son will get an incredible education with amazing flexibility for travel. It’s worked well for our family. Thank you.
Welcome to FS! I think the homeschooling option is a no brainer. It just takes effort from parents, which is why not as many parents do it given work.
Homeschooling is like working from home. So much more efficient!
You’re the best Sam!!!
You and your family deserve every penny you earn!!!
Thanks for all you do!!!
May much happiness come your families way!!!
Cheers Steve. To you and your family to!