A lot of people have been leaving comments about how my blog has shifted focus, how I’m spending too much, how I’m boring now, how I have a shopping problem (?), how I’m just “a regular 9-to-5 drone,” and how I’m not doing the things I was doing two years ago, or even last year. Situations change, people change, and I have to adapt.
So when I started this blog, I was in debt. Then I got out of it. Then I lost my job. Then found a new job and moved to Vancouver. Then I got a better job. All while planning this trip of a lifetime which is not going to happen next year as planned. I've had a lot of exciting things happen to me over the past few years. And now that my situation has changed, yeah I’ve purchased a new car that I’m really happy about. If you don’t like it, too bad. I’m working at a job, trying to earn money on the side, trying to get the best deals with everything that I buy, and saving for new goals – retirement, travel, and hopefully in the next 3-5 years we’ll have enough saved up for a place of our own.
Personal finance is different for everyone. That’s why it’s called ‘personal’ finance. We all have to make decisions that we think are best for our lives and our situation. That includes spending and saving on a big and on a small scale. I’m not going to waste time justifying my decisions and my life to those people who don’t like/agree with what I’m doing. I’ve blogged about perception so many times and have shown that even though I may be talking a lot about spending money, I’m still saving in the background.
I certainly appreciate all comments that I get, and if I lose readers along the way because I’m not going traveling anymore, or because I’m boring or because I work a regular job, or because they think I'm a shopaholic, or because I’ve changed my goals because my life has changed, unfortunately that’s something I can’t control. I’m not out to win any popularity contests – I’m out to do what’s best for my life, and I’m here to blog about it. What you see is what you get.
That's all. :)
Krystal.
Labels: blog
99 comments:
All of this would be fine if you were be honest. The entire column on the right is completely false. How can we trust you when you don't even update your finances to reflect a $30,000 debt?
Personally, I love your blog. You're absolutely right with the "personal" finance point you make. I think you do a great job of balancing your spending and saving. You're defintely an inspiration to me when it somes to my own financial life. I look forward to reading your blog everyday and hope you continue with it for a long time!
Anonymous: I just bought the car yesterday and believe it or not, I do have a life outside of this blog. I'm not going to apologize for not updating my net worth within 2 seconds of buying something.
Eh, don't listen - I enjoy reading your blog and seeing how it has developed and changed. I've also found it helpful to see how you deal with financial goals and this is real life, goals change.
holy cow, anonymous! Back off already!
Sounds like you've had a bit too much of the haterade today!
This is Krystal's blog, and she can write whatever she pleases. She can lie til she's blue in the face and it shouldn't matter because this is her blog and is not any kind of formal resource. Why would you trust an anonymous person on the internet anyway?
She has a life outside of blogging, as do I.
Perhaps you should look into getting one for yourself.
You don't have to justify yourself to your readers. If people don't like what you write about, they don't have to follow your blog.
People who love your blog (and there are a ton of us) love it for exactly what it is!
I agree with everything anon said in his/her previous comments.
I am the anon who commented last week that you aren't really getting anywhere - I stand by that, particularly because you have just taken a giant leap backwards.
You are of no inspiration to anyone anymore.
Reader out.
Woah Ginger. This is the only post I have written in a month. There are more than one annonymous posters.
While it is true that we all have lives (I don't know why my posting a comment on a blog asking for accountability means I don't have a life?) Krystal has written four posts between yesterday. She has also posted countless comments. If she has time for that she surely has time to update her networth.
When I read those anon comments, it's as if they miss those posts where you document how much you have saved!!!! Seriously people. Shut up already!
Okay, these anonymous comments are really brutal! I'm not 100% behind the car purchase, but you are totally right in that 'personal' finance is personal. Not an inspiration? Really Anon? Even IF the car was a horrible idea, then you can be inspired in knowing that people can make mistakes and just because you get out of debt doesn't mean you can't take a step backwards. I think some people are just jealous of the new ride ;)
I completely know where you're coming from. I just received a nasty comment on my blog from someone this week along the lines of your anonymous about how they apparently didn't agree with our decision to buy a new vehicle either. Yes, we are in more debt now with our new vehicle purchase ($31K at 0%) than we were when I started the blog ($28K spread between credit cards, student loans and a HELOC - now all fully paid). So? What's your point troll commenter? We made a decision based on circumstances in our lives at that time. It was a *personal* decision that not everybody is going to agree with. Trent at The Simple Dollar financed a new car earlier this year and some of his readers tore into him too. I ignored my commenter. Trent justified his purchase in several blog posts. We all make different life decisions. That doesn't mean they're bad decisions, just right for us at that time. Sheesh!
So if one questions a blogger about a decision they blogged about we are trolls and should shut up. Got it. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I have never called anyone a name or been rude to them, just stated my opinion.
The point FrugalDreamer is that she saved a reasonable amount of money and blew it all on a car. Her networth was $36,000 and now it is $6,000. For a car! That is the point, realizing what our decisions cost us.
1) Not updating your bars?
I am guilty of that.
I only finally got around to updating a couple of things on my blog that have been at the back of my mind for a couple of months.
There's just no time, or we just plain forget.
There's quite a bit to remember to juggle on a blog between moderating comments, adjusting the template, dealing with browser coding problems (ARRGH IE!!), scheduling posts, writing posts, and having a life.
It's not our full-time job and our blogs aren't our lives, and you really didn't give her enough time to update her side bars.
Yeah, she had extra time in between commenting, writing posts, etc.. but sometimes you just don't think about it.
Usually, it takes about a month before I get around to anything, if it isn't "life or death" for the blog.
2) Feeling as though Krystal took a big leap back, shopping too much, etc
Well, I guess you can say that about me too.
Why would I need to buy photo albums, or moisturizer for my legs?
It could be considered a big leap back as well, spending on "unnecessary" items.
She needed a car, she wanted it, she's happy with it..that's all I need to know.
Girl got out of debt and she writes a PF blog about watching her finances!
It's better than what most people do, and she's aware of NOT wanting to fall back into a lot of debt.
She must have made the decision after thinking it through, and not on impulse.
There were good reasons as to why she got the car..
And it's her life.
You can definitely comment about whether or not YOU would find it to be a bad decision for yourself and state in a polite way why.
No one needs to always agree with everything we blog about, but all we ask is that you don't be rude about it.
I can see the validity in what the Anonymous commenters are saying, but you readers have to also give bloggers a break too.
If she hadn't updated her bars in 3 months, then I say you have a point. But give it a month at least.
We aren't a team of bloggers here! :)
Anyway, hang in there Krystal. I love your blog, perfect behaviour or not!
@ anonymous: According to her numbers, her networth would actually be negative. Considering her entire savings account is going to be paid towards her LASIK debt and assuming she used the 2000 in her car fund for her downpayment.
Nice, Krystal. Now you have little to nothing in savings, and a very large monthly car payment to worry about. Maybe it's me, but that seems like a very financially illiterate thing to do. I hope you enjoy the ride.
How does she have little to nothing in savings? It looks like she has around $30K in various savings.
Until the Anonymouses can come up with a better name than "Anonymous" for their comments, I think they're not even worth responding to.
Seriously, people, you can use the "Name/URL" section of the comments to put in some kind of pseudonym, a way to tell you apart. You don't even need a URL. If you're not bright enough to figure that out, then maybe you shouldn't be commenting on how other people run their blogs. And if you're not brave enough to make up a pseudonym so people have some way of identifying you when you write criticism...well, then you're kinda pathetic. Anonymous commenting should be reserved for when you're not tearing into someone and just want to drop a note (like 12:59 Anon, who isn't 100% on board w/the car, but in a reasonable way).
Anonymous 1 displays a particularly entitled attitude that some blog readers have developed. Bloggers have lives, they have a limited amount of time. Do you really think the best use of their time is to be minutely making sure every detail of their site is up to date all the time? Should they go back and update their old posts with new information too? When will it be enough? Do you want daily spending reports e-mailed to you as well?
I don't use those bars myself because I found I wasn't updating them often enough. But as long as she's being up-front in her posts, then you should have the decency to assume she'll handle it in a reasonable timeframe.
Or don't read, it's really that easy. It's free content, it's her gift of time and energy to you, and if you just demand more from her, then go find someone who lives up to your standards.
(Sorry if I got a bit ranty, Krystal. I just think that blogging has led to an incredibly entitled attitude in a small portion of the blog-reading population. It's one thing to supportively critique people in a way that asks if their actions are in-line with their goals, with constructive criticism. And it's fine to stop reading if you stop being interested or inspired by a blog. But the kind of negativity I've seen in your comments...there's some pure d*ckish entitledness. I hope that your readers don't stop you from blogging as long as you enjoy it.)
@Me: After you subtract her entire savings account (which she said she was using for lasik) and her entire car fund (her downpayment), she's left with less than 5,000 which is not that much. I know I wouldn't feel comfortable having so little in the bank. (I don't think retirement savings count towards regular savings.)
RRSP's do count as savings. I'm not sure under what circumstance they wouldn't.
I really enjoy your blog and read it regularly. Don't let people get you down and keep up the great work! You’re in a great financial position, one that I’m very much envious of. Enjoy the new car!
Well I agree with Krystal in that it is her blog and her "personal" finance.
But this is for MrsMicah
<< It's free content, it's her gift of time and energy to you >>
Both you and Krystal have ads on your blogs and it's not that you blog out of the goodness of your hearts towards readers! I hope for your sake and your dying blog's sake that you lose some of this attitude and the feeling of "entitledness"
FB, that was a well written comment. You got at the issues and present the perspective of the blogger. Thank you. I learned something.
I haven't been rude, other than to call her dishonest. Honestly that comment comes from a feeling of caring. I root for Krystal and am concerned that she didn't look at the ramifications of her decision. If she updated her networth I think it would be more real for her and for her readers to see what a huge decision this was.
As for the car, I am not jealous and I know she has wanted a better car. In my opinion it is one of the worst things about our society that people equal wanting reliable transportation with new. I am going to buy a better car in a few months, I am having a child and need more room. I am not even concerned about the high price of the car Krystal bought. I am buying a car for $25,000 (would have been over $45,000 new). What I am concerned about is the percentage of her networth she spent on this car. A $6,000-10,000 car would be reliable and meet her needs as well as the $30,000 one. This car is more than 80% of her pre-loan networth, mine in contrast will be less than 7% of my personal networth. I have the cash saved and will buy this car like all of the cars I have had (private party 2-3 years old) usually the price has dropped in half. Which means I could buy two, two-yr-old cars for the price of one new one. Of course this is my personal decision making and preference.
To each his/her own, but we are allowed to comment, that is kind of the point of a blog.
I don't really understand the RRSP and retirement stuff. In the US, my 401k and Roth is money I can't touch until I am 65 (without penalties that make removing it a terrible terrible idea).
I think your blog is still an inspiration to me. I go through the same things. And I love how I can read about your personal experiences & decisions on debt, shopping, traveling etc. Example, like your decisions on how to buy a car or how to save up for a trip...etc. Keep up the Awesome Blogging! If readers don't like what they read then they find another blog to follow.
Based on your current savings plan, in four years you'll own outright a car that could very well still be under warranty, provided the km's are in line, which is not the case if you bought used. As well, you'll have close to $50K to add to the roughly $30K you have now in savings. And you'll barely be into your thirties. What's wrong with that?
Oh, I also meant to add that the 0% financing is great. Good job on that.
I also don't think Krystal should stop blogging, maybe take some of these critiques to heart and see if her future decisions can be more in-line with her stated goals.
I enjoying reading your blog.
Just write what you like and if you people don't like, they don't have to read it.
My 2 cents.
Have a great day!
Krystal: I'm kind of a silent reader and still don't have much to syay except I love your blog and just thought in line w/ all the random negativity. I wanted to add to some random positivity!
=)
Hopefully this all doesn't bother you too much, but i know it would me, so chin up!
krystal i think your blog is great.keep up the great work.
Krystal,
Just wanted to let you know you were one of the first PF blogs I started reading and your daily honesty and everyday experiences have always been an inspiration to me and helped me in my own PF journey. You'll continue to be in my daily blog list. :)
MPP
Jennifer, FWIW there are far better ways to make money than writing a personal finance blog (especially a more personal one, like Krystal and I do). I make a great deal more from my consulting than from blogging. I could probably triple the income from consulting if I gave up blogging entirely and used the time to do consulting instead.
I write because I do like writing for and connecting with other people and for myself because I like to write. If I was only trying to make money from my blog, I'd write mostly affiliate posts and news.
Regular readers don't click ads, search engine visitors do (and if you check, you'll notice that on my site the ads on posts are much smaller for the first 7 days after publication, because they're not geared at readers). Krystal's ads aren't in-your-face at all.
I'm not sure what your point about our "entitledness" is, it's naive to think that having ads means that we're amply compensated...I hope that you find the type of blog you feel you're entitled to and a blogger who doesn't have enough sense of self-worth and personal finance(!) to put ads on their blog and recoup something for the time they spend. I don't think either Krystal or I care about whether or not our readers "make it up to us" financially. But we care about them being decent.
@mapgirl, enjoying the drama, yet?
Don't mind 'em Krystal. You could post about the most responsible financial habits in the world and someone would pick holes in your decisions. And it's always the critics who comment, I rarely post a "that's interesting" type comment.
Personally I don't need all (or any, really) of the blogs I read to be "inspirational" in the sense of having it all worked out, I enjoy the glimpse at a slice of people's lives etc. You should pat yourself on the back for maintaining your honesty and not filtering what you write. Illegitimatum non carborundum and all that!
Since when is net worth the bottom line on someone's life or financial stability? That's so irrational and honestly, depressing. From what I can tell, the goal was never to be a millionaire! It was for Krystal to be in control of her finances - which she now IS. The inspiring parts are her mindfulness, consistancy, and understanding of what's valuable to HER and what's not - not the numbers in her sidebar.
Krystal,
Your blog is honest and real. That's why I read it. We can take what we like and leave what we don't. Personally, I love your blog and hope you don't let the negativity keep you away from posting and continuing your journey.
Wow Krystal, people are really brave posting behind a shield of anonymity. Don't let it get to you. It's your blog and your life. FWIW I like your blog a lot.
Good for you. I'd noticed the shift in your blog over the last few months but I've noticed that same shift in my life over the last few years. It's well-documented that it's easier to be superfocused and hardcore when getting out of debt and even when building up an emergency fund, but at some point you have to stop working to save money and start LIVING. You're not here to be my guru or my personal finance coach; you're someone whose blog I read for fun. And my blog isn't there to provide advice or guidance to anyone, just something I want to do for fun.
If the trolls get too bad, you can always turn off anonymous commenting.
And seriously, her net worth didn't "drop 30k" as an anon claimed. It goes down by the amount of money she spent (-30k) and then up by whatever she could sell the car for if she needed to. The hard part will be figuring out what you could sell it for.
@MrsMicah
Like I said before. I like Krystal's blog and I agree with her post. It's your comment that is "pure d*ckish" Krystal makes an intelligent point about how personal finance is personal and how she needn't justify her spending all the time. Your rant is more on the lines of "beggars can't be choosers". A blog isn't a blog without readers - it's just a webpage.
Also I find it funny that you put yourself in the same class as Krystal, considering how interesting and popular her blog is and yours is soo NOT. Get down your high horse learn something from Krystal if you can.
Ok people, quit it with the ad hominen/ad bloginem attacks here. I love a good blog drama, but people are not being civil anymore and they have to realize that there are real people writing these blogs and comments. Consider what other people may be feeling here.
Accusing Krystal of being dishonest over a blog sidebar is out of proportion. Noting the discrepancy over the auto debt could have been phrased better as 'Hey, when are you going to update your sidebar with the car debt?' instead of a claim of something more nefarious. Rarely does a blogger (PF or not) do something to be deceptive. It's usually just a human error, for which we can be forgiving.
Readers with high expectations need to realize that bloggers have lives outside of blogging and that blogging if anything, is merely a labor of love and *personal*. Go read the Technorati report on blogging, very few people get rich off of it and most people do it for personal satisfaction, not wealth and accolades though I am sure we can all name some bloggers who leveraged their blogs into something more.
I am glad that Jennifer came forward and identified herself in later comments, but being anonymous appears cowardly. I do not know what she expects when she read a blog, but she could have been a little more diplomatic in sussing out the sidebar status instead of accusing Krystal of dishonesty. In doing so, she kicked open a door that let other commenters rain down their ire upon Krystal. But Canada and the US are free countries. If you don't like a blog, you can stop reading it.
I think J is the lucky one here. Sure K doesn't have to pay much in rent but J is getting a free new ride. And if the relationship doesn't work, the 30K car is K responsibility. I sure wish I was in J shoes and K was my GF. What a life J has. Lucky guy! He has nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Or what if K loose job in this economy?
K please be my GF; I like what you do for men!
Since I've started reading your blog, this is the second or third time that you've addressed this issue, and personally I don't think you should have to keep doing this. The bottom line - IT'S YOUR BLOG!!! If somebody doesn't like it, suck it up and deal with it or quit reading. You eliminated 17K worth of debt in a very short time. You worked hard to get to where you are today and you should enjoy the fruits of your labor. It's nobody's business when YOU choose to update your sidebars or when YOU choose to make a purchase. Keep up the awesome work and quit listening to all of those idiots. It's probably just jealousy!
Mr.T, while I agree that I am a lucky guy, I'm not getting a free ride. I'm buying Krystal's old car off of her, which is really no one's business, but it does offset the cost of her new car a little bit.
@mapgirl - I am not the original Anon. I am with Krystal on this, I really like her blog.
I love your blog. You should be proud of what you've accomplished. Ignore the overwhelming negativity radiating off some of the readers.
I'm still a fan of your blog too homegirl, keep rockin it out :)
Ummmm ... Krystal, I really love your vegetarian chili recipe that you posted on this blog and I use it all the time!! So, thanks for that.
Wow... I'm left (almost) speechless with the responses to your post today.
I completely agree with Krystal (and some of the readers here) that a personal finance blog, is personal. The ups and downs and the management of all the changes is what makes it interesting.
Krystal, your blog was one of the first ones I started reading, and I'm sure i'll continue reading for as long as you are around.
p.s.
Go Flames Go!
@Jennifer,
I don't think beggars can't be choosers. But I think readers should be decent in how they treat the bloggers they're reading. That doesn't mean wrapping every comment in cotton, just being decent (see mapgirl's suggestion).
It's fine if you don't want to read mine--different blogs are for different people with different goals/interests and I don't expect anyone to find my blog really interesting these next few weeks anyway. I won't be posting much as I've got plenty going on IRL that I want to focus on instead. (You can read all about it on Nov 2 if you feel like dropping by.)
What made me decide to respond at all was my curiosity about the root of your vitriol. (I'll share the root of mine!)
Are you angry because you were an anonymous commenter that I called a coward for not using their real name or an identifiable pseudonym? Or are you actually pissed that I get angry when a fellow-blogger gets dumped on by a group of people who expect her to live perfectly, make her blog her main priority (i.e. the sidebars), apparently not complain about these comments because she earns a little money off her blog, etc, and call her dishonest when she doesn't live up to their expectations? I should think that as someone who likes her blog, you would be upset on her behalf too.
I'll admit it makes me angry and ranty, because personal-story PF bloggers put a very vulnerable side of their lives out there and deserve some decency in return, though not mindless acquiescence, of course. I see this happen over and over on various blogs and I know from private conversations that many bloggers take it personally and find it very discouraging. So now you know the source of my anger/annoyance.
Or are you annoyed that I tore apart your implication that bloggers with ads only write about finance and life, maintain their sites, and put so much of themselves out there because they want to make money off it rather than because of their passions/interests? Try it for a couple years--the money you isn't what keeps you going.
(I'm really too fascinated with the roots of your anger and annoyance, I should do something productive!)
Since you (Sort of) brought it up, I can say I'm absolutely not on board with the purchse of a car worth more than half your yearly salary. Within just weeks of first contemplating starting a car fund.
BUT you budgeted the payments, you think it is worth it to you, and I respect your right to make the choice for yourself. I mean, seriously! It isn't like it affects my life! I'm not going to stop reading!
I'm in a hurry so I didn't have time to read all the comments yet, but this is obviously a hot button issue! I think you made your point clearly. People change, and if they can't find something to relate to here, they can move on.
Krystal, I love reading your blog! Please don't let these naysayers get to you. You don't have to justify your spending to anyone. You are good with your money and I know your decision to buy a car was not on a whim!
Wow, I just shake my head with all the drama in the comments section.
The thing that bothers me most about the anon comments are just that - you get to be an arm-chair cynic and not provide an identity...therefore the term "Troll"
I like Krystal's blog - because it's REALISTIC! She talks about her triumphs - her shortfalls - her goals and desires.
It's personal choice - just because what she chose to do with her surplus cash (The money that was originally set aside for travelling) isn't what you would have done with the money - doesn't mean you get to imply that what she's done is wrong.
We who read this blog - do so because she *is* inspirational...she has great insight and every month she shows us how much money she saved against her income.
I like seeing her spend...makes me feel less terrible about spending. Reminds me that she's real and not some PF book preaching about how "Smart Women Finish Rich" ;-)
My first rule of blogging: BLOG FOR YOURSELF BEFORE READERS.
Who cares if you lose readers, this is your blog and they shouldn't dictate what you write about.
Oh no....yeah, you're one of my fav blogs, so screw that!!!
TEAM KRYSTAL!!!!!!! I'm making shirts.
@MrsMicah - The readers expect some basic decency from the bloggers too. When you use phrases doused in vitriol like "pure d*ckish entitledness" I wonder where your decency is hiding. And as for being anonymous, atleast people know my real first name, while you are hiding under pseudonym - another double standard. FYI, you didn't tear apart anything except your own words.
And as for not blogging because you have a life is ridiculous. Krystal blogs regularly each day and yet I bet she has a more active life than most!
And you say that you are discouraged by negative comments. What else do you expect when you voice your opinions on a public forum? If you don't make your blog private or close comments, I don't understand how you can expect people not to agree.
Since I have a life I am stopping here. A word of advice - learn to treat others with some respect.
I think my sense of decency and yours probably went off to a bar to get drinks tonight. :) Though when it comes to ad hominem insults, I think you're way ahead of me...mine have been more ad anonymousem.
I see I won't find out the underlying source of the axe you're grinding, except perhaps that I called people (not you, at least not until you started complaining about how bloggers shouldn't complain about readers) d*ckish and entitled. I stand by it--there are such people out there and I think some of them comment on this blog and I think I'm not the only one with that opinion. Oh well, it was worth a shot.
Best!
So much drama! While I think that the car was more expensive than I'd feel comfortable with, and I do feel it was a rather quick purchase decision, who cares. It was your decision, and I respect that you made it with some very careful thought and consideration. Enjoy it!
Wow, so much drama...and over what? So Krystal decided to buy a car. It's her life, people, get over it. Jesus Christ.
(Note to Self: Think twice before blogging about any future car purchases.) LOL, j/k. ;)
Honestly, I think it's just jealousy on the part of readers. You're in a great financial situation. You have no real debt, a good job, saving a crap ton of money, very, very minuscule bills, are able to travel and do a lot of hobbies, can afford to purchase a new car. etc. There is a lot to be jealous of.
I've been a reader of your blog for a few months and sometimes it does seem like you're spending a lot of money, but that comes from my financial perspective where I couldn't afford a lot of what you buy unless I budgeted for a few months to save.
This probably isn't the time to mention that we're thinking about buying another vehicle too, especially as I've been blogging about how incredibly broke we are.
For some reason vehicle purchases seem to bring out the worst in commenters!
For all of those talking about Krystal wiping out her net worth, etc. let's go over a few things.
First of all, RRSP savings count. That's what the "S" in RRSP stands for: "savings". It doesn't matter if you can access it now or not until you're 65, it's still money you have saved and it's part of your net worth. (For the American who asked, there are things like a new home purchase or educational use that you can take money out of your RRSP for, without penalty.)
Second, if she bought a car for $30,000 and has only paid $2,000 for it so far she hasn't wiped out her net worth. It's basically unaltered. That is, she now owes $28,000 but has a new vehicle worth $30,000 less intitial depreciation. When she finishes paying for it in 4 years time the vehicle will probably still be worth at least $15,000. That doesn't sound like her net worth is wiped out to me.
Third, Krystal has posted that she's currently saving 38.5% of her net income. How many other people commenting here can say that?
For the commenter who obviously dislikes Mrs. Micah intensely, you don't need to read her blog but let's be civil, especially on *Krystal's* blog, which doesn't really have anything to do with Mrs. Micah anyway.
Oh, and as for the money that can be made from blogging, go check out Trent's recent article on The Simple Dollar for how much money ads pay. It's a fraction of a cent per page view or click through. Only folks with huge readerships make significant money off their blogs. To suggest that Krystal is blogging for the money is pretty funny.
I still like this blog. While i can see why some are upset since its focus is not on savings as much i still plan on being a daily reader.
I not only have liked your blog for your perspective on finances, (which i still think are pretty good since you are putting away 1000 a month in savings) but i also find your life extremely interesting. You actually inspired me to get back to mountian climbing and hiking which i used to do a lot of. But you also convinced me that i should start running.
I say keep on doing what you are doing, and dont waste your time with those who are less than pleased with your behavior in the finance relm, it is your life and money to live and spend however you want.
How 'bout them Yankees!!!
What???? Just being nonconfrontational.
Krystal - you rock! Car or no car you are WAY ahead of where I was when I was your age. Things still turned out pretty well for me financially and the same will happen for you.
Mrs. Micah - you rock too! :)
Jennifer - you suck. Mrs. Micah has a great blog.
Krystal, I've been reading your blog since I got out of debt. I'm 26 and been out of 20k of debt for almost 2 years. So I really relate to your blog and everything you're going through, including purchases! I'm often amazed how often you post things that I am thinking about purchasing - a laptop, suit,a car etc. I'm very interested in what you buy/consider. (You save me research time!) So you may be losing a few readers, but you're also gaining.
Everyone is in different financial stages, so if Krystal no longer works for you, just move on, no need to be mean.
I very much enjoy your blog just the way it is! Perfect for my stage of financial life.
K is a bad example. Look at all the expensive things:
1. $2-$3K MAC vs PC
2. $30K car
3. $1k+ in hiking equip and related
4. trips to games
But here some are good things
1. packs her lunch
2. leeching off J on rent
Be smart guys! Do the good things she does not the expensive things.
Wow, sounds like a nerve was hit. I will still enjoy reading your blog even though I happen to disagree with buying a car using a car loan instead of cash. I speak from experience...we've made that mistake more than once and are currently trying to dig ourselves out of car debt. It is your finances however, so no one here can do anything about it (except complain in the comments section).
Budgetgirl: I find it really insulting that you think I'm "leeching" off of my boyfriend. You have no idea what our living situation is (because I've never actually talked about it, aside from saying that I pay $150 in rent per month). So don't talk as if you know what our lives are like.
And what about how I'm saving $800-1400/month? What about how my net worth has risen over $10k this year alone? All that while spending the rest of my hard earned money doing the things that I love doing. If that's not a balanced lifestyle, I don't know what is.
Although, are you really going to be able to save that much anymore? It seems like your car loan will be a huge burden and really cut your savings down to peanuts. It doesn't sound like you really thought this through logically. It sounds more like you were completely unrealistic.
I really enjoy reading your blog. You're human, that's what makes your blog interesting. Being real with yourself and sharing your insights with readers. It's very brave. You are doing an amazing job of enjoying life and sticking with goals. Making informed purchases. Don't let people's negativity get to you.It could just be jealousy. I think you're a good example of what people can aspire to have when they are debt free and get control of their finances and let what is really important dictate how they spend their money. Keep up the good work.
Anonymous: I have calculated my car payments + car insurance into my budget and if I stick to my budget every month, I should still be able to save around $1000. Which certainly isn't 'peanuts.'
Saving $1,000 a month? You don't pay rent! Of course you should save that much - no, you should be able to save more than that. I pay nearly $1,000 a month rent, you used to pay close to that too. If you weren't freeloading you wouldn't be saving feck all. You've lost the plot Krystal.
Actually the purchase is negligible considering she will still have $1K to save after car payment. Also, if she keeps the vehicle for 10 years then it's only like $3K/year. Plus the vehicle will allow some much more freedom for her to live her life.
People have to understand a car purchase is bad only if she's her budget is really tight. Furthermore, she's not adding any other debts such as credit card or any other big purchases except another iMac in the future. So assuming she maintains her current lifestyle but not adding new debts she is fine.
Plus, she's helping the Japanest economy! What more can you ask? K, we love you and so do the Japanese people!
What if J broke up with her tomorrow and she had to quickly move into a place that cost $1,200 per month, plus had to buy things she now doesn't have? No savings! She will barely scrape by! At least she will have expensive leisure gear, a new cellphone, shoes etc... and she could live in her car.
I used to really admire her, but her choices have just gotten silly.
i gave up on reading all the comments on this... its bullshit. sure, some of the points may be "accurate", you have been spending a lot lately, but who's place is it to say what your goals should be or how you spend your hard earned money? if they don't like your decisions and decide to lose respect for you based on that, so be it. they can either choose to leave or they can be brave enough to put a name on their thoughts and own their criticisms, then you can respectfully consider their opinions. when people hide behind anonymous titles, its as if they know something is wrong or inappropriate with what they are saying, but they feel self-important by saying it. it sort of feels like someone coming into your house and telling you off... we would never do that! so why come in to someone's blog and do it?
yes, your blog has changed lately. but so has mine, and so do most people's. who DOESN'T change over the course of their life? and i didn't see people bitching and complaining about how you were choosing to spend your money when you were going to quit your job and go traveling... something that, if we are looking at this strictly based on "networth" as some people are, would be the most ridiculous decision ever as you don't end up with some sort of asset (even if it is a depreciating one) at the end of it. but no, no one would complain about that because they'd realize that its your decision of how you spend your money and what gives you happiness.
while i can't say that i support your car purchase... its mostly because i'm pretty anti-car!!!! and whatever... it's your money, you clearly did your research and you seem happy with your purchase. i say GOOD FOR YOU!
finally, in the words of someone wise "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!"
Anonymous, u have to think...
I'm sure she can just abandon car payments and let the repo take it. I mean the primary purpose of the car is because of her committed relationship to J. Otherwise, she can just let the repo man take it back.
Anonymous: So what it sounds like you're saying to me is that if I don't actively try to save every single penny that I make, then I've lost the plot? What plot? The plot you want me to follow?
If I have minimal living expenses and can save $1,000/month after a car payment, what's the problem?!
And I'm sorry, you have no idea about my relationship with J and my living situation. You can only assume. Quite frankly it's none of your business, and to make judgments that I'm 'freeloading' is just insulting.
I don't suppose you could've bought the car in the US, imported it to Canada, and had the manufacturers' warranty transfer over?
(Also please leave anonymous comments despite the morons, some of us don't like everything we've ever said or done online being one creep's Google search away.)
Anonymous: I actually did look into importing a car from the USA, but a lot of people were saying that it's more hassle than it's actually worth. And after all the fees and taxes, it's not that much more just to buy in Canada. They were saying that a lot of US dealers in Washington State won't even help import the car because it's too complicated and that it only becomes worth it when you're buying high end luxury vehicles.
I came in so late to this conversation... Krystal, I heart your blog. I look back on your earlier posts that I have skimmed thru and it seems you have come such a long way in the last couple of years. It's sooo shocking to me that people would be so freakin rude on here and then have the nerve to hide behind a wall. Insulting everything from your purchase of reliable transportation that will last you probably 10+ years from your living situations which aren't anybodys business, is just mind blowing to me. You keep on doin what you do girl and the people that are actually supportive will stick around.
Serendipity
So if you write a PF blog, you are never allowed to purchase anything over ten bucks or use any form of credit ever again? Do they make you sign a contract or what?
And obviously you should return that car to the dealership first thing tomorrow morning- someone you have never met has expressed disagreement with you via an anonymous website comment.
Sometimes when I was reading a blog post I didn't agree with or that didn't interest me, I would stop reading it and go do something else. Now I have realised how wrong that was, and I will make sure I leave an anonymous comment calling the author of the blog dishonest and
then check back every five minutes to make sure they update the helpful little bar graphs on the side
:P Sorry! These lame ass jokes were the best ones I could come up with. Notice how I don't have a blog? ahaaaaa.... But I keep coming back for more here, and I really hope you're still having fun writing!
One of the reasons I like your blog is because you live a balance lifestyle. You work hard and save money, but you also know how to enjoy life. You are making a large investment, and your net income is definitely taking a hit, but you are willing to give up splurges in other areas and can still save $1000 a month. You are way ahead of most people. Congrats on the purchase!
I really never understood why people get so pissed by Anonymous comments. It's the freaking INTERNET. What's the difference between 'Anonymous' and someone named 'BradPitt69'? You can hide behind 'Anonymous' but not 'BradPitt69'?
Also, why are so many people saying things like "it's her blog, she can write whatever she wants". That is not the point. Nobody is saying she is breaking the law by buying a car or wanting to spend more money. However, if you choose to share your life on openly on the internet, you'll always get comments covering the whole positive to negative spectrum. It is to be expected and it's not inappropriate at all.
I totally disagree with the car purchase. I've bought 2 new cars in my life and I don't think i'll ever buy another new one again unless I'm a multi-millionare. It's just one of the worst investments available.
I do think that some of the negative comments are on the rude side though.
2 years ago I was broke with $80k of debt and zero savings. Now, 2 years later, I have gone from -$80k net worth to -$9k. At the beginning of the year,, I felt that I had lost a bit of focus on my journey out of debt. I had spent more than I should on hiking equipment. So I found this blog and felt identified with Krystal. She, like me, was planning a round-the-world trip. I admired her strict monthly budgets and this blog help me tighten things up again and re-focus 100% of debt reduction.
But then Krystal started to blog a lot about spending. I lost interest and deleted this blog from the browser's favorites list. I started reading it again a month ago. Really disappointed that she was not going on her trip anymore. The purchase of the car really really surprised me. It does seem that she rationalized it a lot. We have all done this in the past. It becomes an obsession and you subconsciously try to come up with more 'pros' and 'cons'.
Again, she can do whatever she wants. I'm not questioning that. But now that she has made the decision to buy the car, she might as well enjoy it fully and not let the negative comments affect her.
Eh, I still read the blog because I love the clothing items that you post.
Personally, I bought a new car and I still regret it over 3 years late. I don't have it anymore (it got totalled and I netted like 20 cents) but I vowed to only by used. I take the public transit now :)
-Duddes02
Well you never advertised yourself or this blog as being frugal, so I think people should back off. It is your money and time. You do seem to put thought into your purchases and try to get the best deal that you can. However you are giving me the impression that you are becoming more materialistic, but like you said it is personal and you really shouldn't care what other people think.
The thing that fascinates me the most is why people are so compelled to share their life on the internet. They will eventually be "outed" and their personal information will be revealed. That is the thing that I think you should be concerned about "Krystal."
I gave up reading most of these comments after a while.
Normally I'm a lurker (and like that status) but I've decided to put in my two cents on this one.
Krystal, I LOVE your blog. It's one of the first PF blogs that I started reading that encouraged me to start taking my finances seriously, so thank you.
Though some of these "anon" comments may have some valid points, at the end of the day the only thing that really matters is the this is YOUR life and YOUR finances. No one should judge how you choose to spend your hard earned money (esp. as you've mentioned many times your still saving rougly $1000/ mth).
It's easy to cast judgement, but what I'd really like to know is the financial situations of all these commenters with so many negative things to say about your money.
Keep your head up Krystal and continue doing what works for you and your life/ money. There are many of us who love and will continue to read your blog, I'm one of them.
Hey Krystal-
You shouldn't have to deal with all this negativity. I think part of the problem is that when we read your blog everyday we start to think we really know you and start to really feel invested in your journey and your success. Just writing that made me feel dumb.
I also think that a lot of the negative comments might come from people who have made mistakes in the past and are concerned for you, but don't know how to express it in a non-aggressive way.
I am among those who found your blog really inspirational as I was getting out of debt, then saving for a down payment, and now saving for home improvements. I have vowed never to buy a car with a loan again, so I think it was hard to see you do that. It also seemed like as soon as your trip was canceled you hand money burning a hole in your pocket and had to spend it (which in some ways I agree with, you had a great thing taken away from you that you had been working hard towards...I would have wanted to treat myself)
I guess to me the car purchase seemed very fast and that worried me, but I also understand that not every though you ever have shows up for us to read, so I'm sure you thought about it far more than it appeared reading your posts.
I think all your readers want the best for you. Sometimes *we* just don't know how to express our feelings.
Wow. I spent entirely too much time reading some pretty ridiculous comments. I for one will say congratulations on the new car. You made a decision based on your situation and from my perspective, it doesn't seem like a bad deal.
The $30,000 you've financed will be paid in four years in what seem like very reasonable payments for your income. Your car will likely still be under warranty by then, alleviating further concern about costly repairs, etc. Your net worth, while sustaining an additional liability, is also gaining an asset. Additionally, you have the comfort of knowing that your car was never mistreated or neglected, and best of all, you know that no one ever wiped a booger on the seat.
Sounds like a win-win.
Wow, if you hadn't alerted me to the drama on your more recent post I would have missed it!
(Damn me for not having my blogs on a reader - I really need to do this, but I LOVE coming to the sites...)
Anyway Krystal. It is your money and your life.
And as we saw when Simple Dollar bought a car, buying cars is a HOT BUTTON TOPIC to personal finance blog readers.
Personally, I will probably end up buying a car when I get out of debt and get a new job, so I can't fault you for it.
You can't be expected to life your entire life for your blog readers irrespective of your own desires.
Also, I second what MMP and Jessie had to say. =)
I've stood up for your choices in my own blog, since it is good that you're able to save so much. Every life and situation is different - which is why it is so personal
Krystal, you just keep doing your thing. You got some haters out there, so obviously, you're doing something right because they're paying you a lot of attention right now.
You go, girl!
I guess I just don't get what the big deal about buying a new car is. Of all the big purchases you might make in your life, a car is the easiest to unload if you have to. Sure you might lose money, but I wouldn't call it a long-term commitment.
Sometimes PF people can be really, really up-tight, Krystal. They give people who are into PF a bad name, right? The stereotype of people who are "into" PF is that they're boring, bookish, judgemental, and no fun. The people who are making negative comments on your blog totally live up to that persona, especially the judgemental part. Don't pay attention to them. You live your life the way you want to. If people don't like your choices, then...well, they know where they can shove it.
"I guess I just don't get what the big deal about buying a new car is." TeacHER, I don't know what your personal financial situation is, you may be wealthy or have a high income and maybe you could teach me a thing or two about finances. The opportunity cost, however, of buying new car is huge and almost without fail destroys wealth. I'm 43 and have never owned a new car (but in 4 months time I'll be debt free including the mortgage). My wealthiest friend is worth just over $2M now and his wealth is continuing to grow at an enviable rate yet, believe it or not, all his cars have been second hand (his primary home is beautiful). Another friend earns almost three times as much as me (and I do ok) but he drives an old car. Ok I labour the point. But believe me when i say this: this recession is offering up plenty of opportunities whether it be cheap equities or property or whatever. Now is not the time to have money tied up in car payments.
Wow, who would have thought one person buying a car could bring out so much hate in so many people?!
The thing about PF blogs is that usually, the kind of people that read them are most likely in debt and using the blogs they read as inspiration. So, what happens when the author of a blog, like Krystal, goes from being in debt to enjoying her life a little after a few years of hard work? People hate it! They want to read that she is still eating beans out of a can, etc, like they are.
The fact is, living on a tight budget is NOT sustainable forever. For most it's not a long-term thing; they just do it to repay debt and turn their life around. It doesn't matter if Krystal is now taking on a cara loan or buying a new cell phone - what matters is that she used to be in a lot of debt, turned that around, and now will always make sensible decisions about money because she knows how hard it was to get out of debt the first time. It doesn't have to be about pumping savings into bank accounts for years and years and spending two months debating whether or not to spend £2 on a jar of lip balm (or whatever). Some people get so caught up in worrying about money, they forget to live.
Krystal, I like your blog and regularly drop by to see what you're up to, although I rarely comment. I hope you're not discouraged by these haters. Enjoy your new car!
To me it is so interesting that many comments say the dissenters in the group (the oh so scary "annonymous" when giving myself a name like "Vanessa" with no link to further information is just as annonymous) must be jealous and were attracted to the board because we are in debt like Krystal was/is. Most of the "annonymous" posters and other dissenters have provided details about their personal situation and are not in debt. I read her blog because it helps remind me of why I make the decisions I do (being frugal, avoiding debt) and she posts great pictures.
I have 0 debt. Zero. I am Krystals' age. I have $350,000 US in my name that I have earned and saved. I am not boring, I travel, I wear cute clothes, and have a lot of fun. The way I got to where I am is by avoiding debt with a high opportunity cost (that is 30k for a car that will depreciate the moment it is driven off the lot). If Krystal had $36,000 net worth before this purchase and continued to put $2000 away in savings for the next 4 years she would have $96,000 in savings. Not bad and not even counting interest or if she used that money for a downpayment to jumpstart reaching her landlord/real estate goals. How cool would that have been to see? You can call me judgemental. I am merely using Krystals often stated goals and asking her to look at how this decision changed her future.
Now Crystal has a car for which she owes $28,000. She states she can still save $1,000 a month so lets multiply that out for the four year life of the loan. In four years (without interest) she would have $48,000 (instead of $96,000) and a four year old car. I also question whether she will be able to still save $1000 a month since her new budget post talks about reducing her insurance. I am not sure of Canadian laws but in the US you have to have full coverage on a car with a loan (how else will you pay back the loan if your car is totaled)? If Canadian insurance is anything like US insurance, her rates are about to go way up since she would need more coverage on a more expensive car. In the US license and registration is also based on car value and those would go up as well.
I don't point out these issues to be rude or mean or boring. I am hoping people will learn the true cost of Krystal's decision and not just go "oh it's so cute, you can afford it, great decision."
I could say that everyday. Building wealth is not about being boring or miserly it is about realizing what you are giving up when you purchase something. For example, I want to be able to take two years off when my baby is born. I want to be able to travel to visit family and friends, hike, scuba dive and have fun during those two years. In part not buying new cars has helped me save the $350,000 that will allow this to be a reality.
Correction from my last post, she would have $96,000 or $48,000 in addition to her current savings.
Anonymous: The thing is, you want me to live my life the way that you want to live your life. I am not you. My decisions are based on my life and my situation, not yours.
In Canada, when we have a child, we are entitled to 12 months off work by law.
Oh, and building wealth is not realizing what you are giving up when you purchase something, it's making wise financial decisions that will benefit your life.
The truth is, with this blog I only give readers a snippet of my life. No matter how much a reader thinks he/she knows me, they don't. They only know what I choose to tell them.
You might think that this car in no way will benefit my life, that it was a stupid decision, that it was an impulse, that I didn't really need it, but you really have no idea. You can only assume based on your own life and what you know about me. Maybe a new car is something YOU would never do, but millions and millions of people do buy new cars, and I'm one of them. Are all of those people making the wrong decision? Just because YOU wouldn't do it, doesn't make it wrong or bad.
You talk about wanting to be able to travel, visit friends/family, hike, and have fun. I can (and am) doing all of those things (surprise!) even with car payments. Oh and also, the car is going to help me do these things - go on long road trips without worrying about my car breaking down, visit friends/family, get to cool otherwise inaccessible hiking spots, AND HAVE FUN.
You may think that this car has limited my ability to save money and to do all the things that I want to do (because that's how you feel about YOUR life), but you're wrong about me. If you've learned anything about me in the last 2.5 years of this blog, you'll know that I'm a fighter. I'm stubborn and I'm determined, and I never EVER take purchases lightly. I'm saving enough to make ME feel good about myself, AND the car is enhancing my life by opening up more doors, making me feel safe, and giving me the opportunity to do more fun and interesting things.
Krystal,
I am not asking you to live life like I do. I simply pointed out the facts. My comments about my own financial situation were not in response to you, they were to the previous commenters who said that the anonymous posters were jealous and in debt.
There are many definitions to "building wealth" I by no means intended for mine to be all inclusive.
It is obvious I am not welcome here. I sincerely hope you acheive all your dreams.
Krystal,
Lastly, I understand that Canadians receive a year off maternity leave. That is wonderful. Again, I was not implying how you should live your life. I stated how I am living mine for an illustration of how I have gone about acheiving my goals.
One final clarification for the first anon poster if he/she is still reading:
Krystal wasn't talking about reducing her insurance below that which is required either by legislation or by banks or finance companies providing car loans. She was talking about taking the part that *doesn't* have to be done through ICBC (the Insurance Corporation of BC) and switching it to another carrier that might be cheaper.
I don't know about you but I sure think this post got you lots of views and comments... dying blog pfft
you're a rock star Krystal. I read and LOVE your blog and think it is pretty amazing.