My blog is one year old this month! In July 2011 I started this personal finance/lifestyle blog to share my get out of debt journey. I’ve always enjoyed writing and helping people, so this seemed like the perfect medium.
I was hooked immediately! I was very green, but I started reading, researching and learning everything I could about the the online world and blogosphere. Up until that point I had zero knowledge of blogging, social media and making online connections. The only skill I had is that I could type really fast!
Over the next few months I gained some great readers and built a great community here at Careful Cents. I’ve become comfortable with my own blogging voice and made some awesome connections. Thank you so much, I couldn’t have made it this far without you!
Happy Birthday Careful Cents!
My First Speaking Gig
As you might already know, I spent the past 4 days in San Francisco on a work trip. SpringCoin flew me out as a guest speaker for a small financial literacy seminar. Here’s a the complete presentation, Understanding and Using Credit Responsibly (posted on Slideshare). I also took the opportunity to meet the ReadyForZero team in person.
Meeting the people behind ReadyForZero in San Francisco
It was an awesome experience and even though it was very last minute, I’m glad I was able to make it happen. I took lots of photos and will be sharing them along with more details within the next few days.
Top 5 Favorite Posts
5 Financial Goals Every 20-Something Should Have – Shannon McNay via DailyMuse. 20-Somethings don’t always have the future in mind, especially when it comes to finances. But this post is a great reminder of why we should focus on our goals as young adults.
Does Everyone Need an Emergency Fund? – Modest Money. This post offers some great ideas and alternatives for having an emergency fund. It may not be the right choice for everyone in every situation.
Transitioning from Entrepreneur to Intrapreneur – Justice Wordlaw IV. If you’re working a regular job but wanting to build a side career as a budding entrepreneur, then this post for you! There are ways to express yourself and earn respect even at your day job.
Follow Your Passion and Start Your Own Business – Think Entrepreneurship. Starting your own business can help you get out of the difficult rut of working for someone else. And in the process you just might find something you’re passionate about.
How Much is Your Time Worth – Get Rich Slowly. When you value your time you end up viewing it in a very different light. A year’s worth of time, stress and sanity could be worth $1,257.
Popular Posts I’ve Written
10 Strategies for Saving Money While Paying Your Bills – ReadyForZero
Why Everyone Should Have a Side Job or Freelance Gig – Careful Cents
Blog Stats
Over the past year I’ve grown solid following here, and on other platforms like Twitter and Facebook. I’m very picky with the content I provide, so my growth has been slow, but steady. The community here is small compared to most, but it’s the most interactive and supportive group I’ve ever met!
Here’s the most recent stats:
- 1,190 – Twitter followers
- 340 – Facebook fans
- 422 – RSS and newsletter subscribers
- 7,890 – Average unique visitors per month
- 29,534 – Unique visitors year-to-date
- 78,129 – Total page views
Google Analytics blog stats for Careful Cents
Guest Posts
This year I plan to publish at least one guest post per month. Below is the list of guest posts for July (or guest posts here on the blog).
Why Bloggers Should Streamline Their Interests to ONE Blog – Curiosity Killed the Blog
How Businesses That Can’t Get Funding Can Pay for Startup Costs – The Frugalpreneur
How to Save Money While Building Credit – Credit Karma
A Giveaway to Say Thank You
A big thank you to all my readers and people who voted for me in the Personal Finance Olympics. I didn’t make it to the next round but I was #12 out of 94 in the Earning and Saving Money category – which is pretty awesome!
To help show my appreciation I’m offering a $25 Amazon Gift Card as a thank you. All you have to do is use the form below to enter.
- Get access to exclusive content, not published anywhere else.
- Tips on getting organized and being more efficient.
- Advice on building a business around your life.
- A personal invite to the Freelancers Club!
I'm an ex-small business accountant who aims to help freelancers get out of debt and organize their life. And through the recently launched 
