Why this Blog Exists
Financial education is one area where our school system is severely lacking. As a result, the number of adults in financial crisis is growing steadily. This blog exists to provide insight into all areas of personal finance in the name of financial education. It also chronicles my own journey and quest for knowledge.  As a complement to the vast amounts of other information available on the web, I hope that this blog can help you to understand the world of money better and help to improve your financial lot in life.

Who I am
I’m a early thirties guy originally from New York.  My formal training is in electrical engineering (think Dilbert). Personal finance has long been a passion of mine.  This blog began in November of 2007, but I was blogging for Lending Club for about 6 months before that.  As for my finances: I have never run a balance on a credit card.  I left college with no student loans.  I pay cash for cars.  The first time I bought a home I put 20% down.  When I bought my current home, I put nearly 50% down and plan to pay off my mortgage within 5 years of purchase.  I pay for nearly everything with my credit card, to earn rewards, and always pay off the balance in full each month.  I have regular checking and savings accounts, a direct savings account, an online brokerage account, a 401(K), pension plan, and 529 plan for my kids.  My wife and I could easily live on one of our incomes, so we save and invest almost all of the second.  The exact numbers vary from year to year due to bonuses, etc, but my wife often makes more than I do.  I have no problem with that.  I hope to retire from my main job by 45, and am well on my way towards that goal.

Why Should You Listen to Me?
I’ve had success with money despite my age.  I didn’t get ahead because of luck, investing in internet stocks, upper class upbringing, or anything like that.  My success comes from my discipline, frugal mindset, and thirst for knowledge in the subject.  I read a ton of personal finance books, blogs, and magazines.  My mindset is thus a collective combination of my own experiences and those I read about.

Why Shouldn’t You Listen to Me?
There’s no way that everything (or anything) I say here applies to your financial situation.  Even if I were to respond to a direct question from you and had all of the facts, I’m not a professional.  I don’t even play one on tv. This is a blog, not a session with your certified financial planner.  Take everything you see here as one data point in an infinite sea of opinions on any given subject.  Then form your own conclusions about the best course of action.  Read the disclaimer.

Still with me?  Good.  Enjoy the blog as we all strive to get Richer by the Day.