Comments on: Why I’m a money multitasker

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:46:28 +0000

Thank you!! Your blog came up while I was googling “living on less”. My husband and I are both in graduate school, we’ve lost our house, and we are buried in credit card debt. Now, we are expecting our first baby. It was a relief finding someone else that is 1. in our position and 2. making it out alive. Have fun in Europe…that’s our dream to go back to Europe when we finally get out of school. Thanks for sharing this :)

By: Emily

Emily — Sun, 02 May 2010 13:46:48 +0000

I totally agree with you. I’ve always found Dave Ramsey’s advice to be too cut-and-dry, without taking into account personal goals or situations. I think his advice really works for someone who has no plan and feels like they’re drowning, but you have a plan! So more power to you!

By: Carla

Carla — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:55:49 +0000

Very well said, and excellent point. I do want to pay down my debt, but I don’t want to miss out on living while I do it.

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:28:29 +0000

In reply to Angie.

Angie – I make no apologies for who I am, and I always encourage my commenters to disagree with me. I am open to challenges and criticism and I absolutely welcome them. Hearing other people’s thoughts are my favorite part of this website. But I draw the line at personal attacks, especially when certain commenters leave hateful remarks and then return later to attack me more. Challenging me and even criticizing is one thing, but I will defend myself when I’m unfairly attacked.

If a potential employer doesn’t want an employee who can stand up for herself, then I’m not the right candidate for that job anyway, and would likely end up unhappy there pretty quickly. I’d rather they disqualified me over something as superficial as a tweet about a nasty blog comment than go through all the way through the application process or even accept the job only to find out later that it’s not a good fit.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:55:15 +0000

Living frugally is about pinching pennies in some areas to spend in other areas that matter to you. I agree that if you want to do something or buy something, then start saving. I adopted that mindset about 7 years ago. I wanted to go to the beach and we had no money and lived thousands of miles from the ocean. My husband laughed at me as I saved our change and deposited it in a special account for my trip to the beach. Well, last summer we went. I know some people didn't think we were spending that $3000 wisely, but we had so much fun and I don't regret it for a minute. It took years, but I did it, I saved the money and we went. Even though we had just taken out a large van loan, we went to the beach. I think y'all have a good plan, but I would hate to be saddled with that much debt for so long. Good luck and have fun in Europe. .-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Passing by the deals =-.

By: Angie

Angie — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:36:46 +0000

“I’d like to thank the a-hole who left a nasty comment on my blog today for making a bad day just that much worse. Thnx, a-hole.”

“Jerk commenter harassing me for the second day in a row. Seriously, dude, why do you care so much about my vacation? Get a life.”

Sweetie, if you’re going to open a blog up to the world about how you choose to live “Simply Frugal” you have to have a thick enough skin to accept criticism (and/or people who challenge your method) without taking it personal. To show your “tweets” on your website about how someone pushed you over the edge, and then to call them an a-hole (twice!)… is not so, uhm… professional? classy? mature?

Such a risky step when looking for a job. IMO.

By: Briana's Mom

Briana's Mom — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:56:34 +0000

Karen, I love your blog and visit it a couple times a week. I agree with you, in that only saving is not healthy, anymore than only spending is not healthy. Moderation in all things. You have learned the secret to financial stablity: a budget and living within your means. Life is for living, and vacations are special times that create wonderful memories. We can’t predict the future and if we live only for the future, we miss out on the present. You have prioritized what is important to you, saved, planned and are ready to go. Have fun.

By: Derek

Derek — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:34:36 +0000

I really appreciate the last statement in your post. Also, you may have just coined a new phrase “money multitasker”… better get a patent on it!

By: Jill

Jill — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:06:54 +0000

Karen, I don't think you owe an explanation to anyone, so don't let anyone make you feel as though you do. If you go blow every penny you have on this trip, it is really none of our business (I know that won't happen, I'm just saying...). .-= Jill´s last blog ..I cannot get it together =-.

By: Tierney Stevenson

Tierney Stevenson — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:04:42 +0000

Great post Karen! Loved reading about your success and philosophy. :) Have a fabulous trip. You have earned it! Good luck packing and moving. We are about to do the same thing!