The first time I had money was shortly after birth as a gift. Of course, since I was too young to handle it personally, my parents did. I’ve been challenged by the green stuff ever since.
If you think about it, there is a personal finance aspect of every phase or major event in our lives. As one of the older Yakezie members, I have lived through many changes and roles including college, military service, marriage, parenthood, home ownership, rental property owner, divorce and remarriage. All of these impacted my finances greatly yet I didn’t really have a plan.
Financial Peace University
About 18 months ago my church decided to try out a course called Financial Peace University which was developed by Dave Ramsey. I think the ultimate goal is to help church members become better stewards of their money and be able to increase giving. Everybody wins.
Although I wasn’t struggling financially, it didn’t feel like I was making progress or had a plan for retirement so I signed up. It was the best $90 I ever spent. I now have a plan and am focused on getting there.
While going through the course I went online to find more about personal finance which led me to the first blog I ever read and followed, Do You Dave Ramsey?. (Sadly, Dave hasn’t posted since early May.) His blog led me to others and I became hooked on reading more information with different points of view.
Bucksome Boomer is Launched
Shortly before I graduated from Financial Peace University (with cake and certificates) I decided to start a blog. I thought it would help keep me on track and focused. The first post was July 18, 2009 which probably only my husband read.
Eventually, I started getting traffic outside my family. I’ve never forget the thrill of the first second comment. The first was from my sister so it was the next one made by Christine at Money Funk that had me jumping around the room.
Topics covered include anything related to life and money on the way to retirement which is planned for 2020.
Joining the Yakezie
When Sam announced the Yakezie Alexa Challenge I was hesitant to join because of insecurity. I wasn’t sure I could be a successful blogger. After six weeks of seeing the results, I decided to jump in and it was the best thing for me as a blogger and Bucksome Boomer.
The best part is becoming part of a community of supportive, friendly people who really want to see other do well. I especially appreciate the more established bloggers that have joined and are so helpful to newbies like me.
What’s Next
The launch of Yakezie.com is pretty exciting and I can’t wait to see where we are in six months with the verticals and community. My personal goal is to continue growing my blog and revenue stream from it.
Thanks to Sam for coming up with the idea for the challenge and how to expand it. Thank you all for your support and helping Bucksome Boomer grow. It’ll be fun to see where we are next year!
This post is part of the Yakezie Member Post Series. See all member posts here.
[...] so you don’t have to wait another day, my Yakezie member introduction is published today. Check it out and see you back here [...]
Hi Kay, You are an inspiration. Thanks for the insight!
Thanks so much Barb; you inspire me!
Interest post Kay Lynn. First, thanks for serving our country.
Second, it’s great to hear your blogging story. It looks like we started about the same time – I never would have guessed, your blog looks much better than mine!
Hey, Jeff. I am always humbled when thanked for serving. First, it was my honor to be a member of the United States Navy and second, my sacrifice was nothing compared to many others.
Thanks for the feedback on my blog. I am very stubborn and am continually trying to make it look better.
Hey Kay, great story! I’m glad you decided to work past your insecurities and join the Yakezie!
Thanks, Mike. I feel more confident as a blogger today; but there is a BIG learning curve.
[...] Bucksome Boomer [...]
Kay Lynn,
I love hearing stories of how FPU changes lives. We are currently hosting (I am the facilitator) FPU at our church for the 5th time.
Also…glad you got past your insecurities and joined Yakezie. You are a tremendous addition and an inspiration. Besides, Bucksome Boomer is doing great!
I didn’t know that you were a FPU facilitator. It definitely changed me; I was at the right time and place for it.
You have a great site :). I don’t know why you ever doubted your ability. I am constantly surprised to hear how many people FPU really has helped.
Thanks, Forest. Learning how to support/design the website is very stressful for me at times. But it’s fun and I’ve come a long way.
Hi Kay Lynn,
Great post. Thanks for serving.
Kay Lynn, Do You Dave Ramsey was one of the first PF blogs I started reading as well and it’s a shame he hasn’t posted since may although it’s a mixed blessing for me since his last post was my guest post :).
Anyway, keep up the good work, I’m looking forward to reading more at BB.com!
I noticed that you wrote the last post at Dave’s site. I hope he starts writing again.
Thanks for the kind words (I’m blushing from all the wonderful support!).
I honestly love your site and your writing! I’m glad you got over whatever insecurities that you had! I agree that there are so many wonderful and supportive people that have joined this group!
Khaleef, thanks so much. It’s been great finding the blogs via fellow Yakezie members and getting to know so many interesting, accomplished people.
Glad you made the jump. I also remember the feeling of getting the first few comments. It was a pretty great feeling! I am still happy and I still look forward to seeing comment on my post every day.
Well, you’re right that it never gets old! Thanks for the support and encouragement.
I remember my first real comment and how happy I was! You site has grown quite nicely in a short time. Thanks for letting us now a little more about you.
Hi Craig,
Thanks for reminding that I’m doing okay for a little over 1 year old. I sometimes get frustrated when I compare myself to others who have grown so fast instead of enjoying where I am.
I love how you describe getting your first real comment! I was so excited to get mine too. I got supremely lucky to have a few people who followed me from Free Money Finance where I was a daily commenter – If MikeS, Jim, Holly, and Julie weren’t around, I have no idea how long I would have lasted. So, yes, I completely get how happy you were! I think the community that’s created through blogging is what has me addicted. :-)
You’re so right about the community. I feel like you all are my friends and get so excited when I meet someone in “real” life.
Kay Lynn, thanks for the introduction! I smiled when I read that you jumped around the room after getting your first “real” comment. I can sense your enthusiasm for blogging and being part of a community, and that’s cool. Also, you have done well in growing your blog – congrats!
Thanks, Squirrelers. My blog is my passion right now and I’m glad it comes across in the written word.
I loved the way you described your first comment! I did the same :) I still feel extremely happy when I get my every single comment.
Never looked at FPU personally but heard about it a lot. You write so well, don’t know why you doubted yourself, your blog is great. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Suba. I’m turning very red! Journalism was my first major in college. When I returned as a wife/mother for the degree I eventually earned I changed it to business.
Hi Kay,
Your site is the first one where I won a giveaway! So it will always hold a special place for me, much like Moneyfunk does for you!
I like stopping by because it’s great to hear the wisdom form a different generation on matters!
I enjoy your blog and I’m glad to see that you are doing so well :)
I love it when regular visitors win a giveaway, but hopefully some of the people who sign up stick around after they’ve read a few posts.
Hey Kay Lynn, thanks for the background info.
I, like others, don’t get the insecurity from reading your blog.
Thanks for all the re-tweets, and comments on my blog! Look forward to continued growth for us all!
Dr. Dean, I have to keep on the good side of an OBG doc! I wish I could RT and comment more but am glad it’s meaningful to you and the rest.
I didn’t get into my personal bio much in this post because I let it all out on the blog.
Kay Lynn – What is great about your writing is that your love of it seems to shine right through. I am shocked that you have only been writing for just over a year.
I am shocked you felt insecure about joining Yakezie – you have done so well and you are so involved.
Great job.
Thanks, Kris. I do love writing and my goal is to continually improve. As I mentioned above it was my first choice in college but I got sidetracked and ended up a business major.
Howdy Bucksome, thanks for sharing your story. I, along with others will certainly look to your wisdom for guidance!
Hope you get your guest bedroom back and pls check your e-mail as I sent you something!
Cheers, Sam
Sam, I hope to have it back in 2011. I might have gained my wisdom from the school of hard knocks but am glad to share it!
I’m so glad you started blogging Kay! You have some great content on your site – it’s personal, motivational, and it’s informative. I hope your 2nd year of blogging brings you more success!
Thanks, Elle. You are a wonderful role model in how to be a supportive blog colleague; I appreciate all your retweets and comments.
Kay, nice to learn more about you and your background. I look forward to reading more of your content. One of the great things about Yakezie is you get to learn about other blogs and writers and gain new perspective on personal finance.
Thanks, Jason. You are so right; I love finding all these wonderful people and their point of view on personal finance.
You’re the best Kay Lynn! I have enjoyed your posts – keep up the great work! I can’t wait to meet you at our first SoCal PF bloggers group get together. :-)
All the best,
Len
Len Penzo dot Com
Hey, Len. I’m glad you don’t mind my teasing. I’m also looking forward to meeting you in a few weeks. It’ll be a blast!
I really enjoy reading your blog, Kay. I think you’ve become quite the success story yourself. The work you’ve put into your blog has really paid off and I look forward to reading more of your posts. Keep up the great work!
Hey, Little House. I appreciate the kind words. There is always more to do, but I’m glad what I do is effective.
It’s so nice to learn a little bit more about you Kay! I enjoy reading your blog…so glad you joined the Yakezie!
Thanks, Not Made of Money. I really am enjoying your articles and am glad you joined the Yakezie!
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Great to hear about your experience. I’ve heard a lot about this financial peace university, but not until after joining the yakezie. Lots of people have lots of good things to say about it.
I think FPU is successful because it simplifies personal finance for people which adds clarity.
I wish I could be as open on my site one day! I’d love to put up a real picture…but alas I am still semi-anonymous
MJTM, at first I was horrified at the thought someone might know who I was; but realized a few months ago, it really didn’t matter. What I share is as far as I’ll go whether you know who I am or not.
You are an inspiration! I know many people just give up when they hit midlife crisis time (my parents..) and they feel like they will never be able to retire, so they just keep doing what they have done all their lives, saving nothing and getting nowhere.
There is no better time to make changes than when you feel like your progress has stopped. Nice intro and I’m happy to learn more about you.
Thanks, Jesse. That should be my tagline, “it’s never too late”. I hope older readers understand they can always take control of their money. Just do it!
Kay Lynn, I thought I was the only one who followed Do you Dave Ramsey. It’s nice to see I’m not the only one :-) It’s been a pleasure reading your blog and you Savvy stories of late. Keep it up young lady… Jeff
Jeff, love that young lady reference. I do feel young at heart!
Kay, your background and experiences offer a ton to learn from. I think it’s awesome you went through what sounds like a pretty awesome experience at Financial Peace University. I’m personally a big fan of Dave Ramsey as well. I love how you remember your first non-family comment! Plenty more to come.
Andrew, thanks so much. I admire what Money Crashers has done in such a short time.
Hello Kay,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your background. I am always impressed by how much FPU has impacted people’s lives. I think it is proof of its ministry. I enjoy your blog and interacting with you on twitter. I toast to your continued growth!
Roshawn, one of the best things about the Yakezie is finding blogs like Watson, Inc and making new friends.
Oh Kay, thank you! I am glad that My comments could provoke such giddiness. Too bad Do You Dave Ramsey stopped posting. Dave had a great site going.
I think it’s great to hear you made a retirement plan with Ramsey’s help. So many people, including close family members of mine, sadly have no plan or goal in sight with a retirement. Keep up the blog and great work. You and your blog are a great commodity to the personal finance sphere. :)
I guess we never know what visiting a new blog and leaving a little comment can mean to the writer. I hope I can do that someday for someone else.
Great introduction! I think we all struggle to get a grasp in the beginning, but you seem to have a pretty good handle on it. Maybe you will be the next Dave Ramsey!
I’m not a natural salesman like Dave Ramsey. I wouldn’t mind being another J.D. Roth though…
Kay, you have a similar story to my wife and I. We also got into the personal finance game after attending a Dave Ramsey FPU class through our church. We didn’t have a ton of debt or anything like that, but we didn’t really have a plan either. It’s amazing how motivating taking a class like that can be!
I never thought it would make such an impact. I guess it was the right time for me. Sadly, some of my classmates weren’t ready to make the changes necessary in their financial lives.
I’ve enjoyed your blog and am happy to learn more about you here. I am with the others who said that they’re impressed with your openness and willingness to use your real life identity. I don’t think I could do that, be so open and admit who I am in real life! I don’t mind sharing the details of my financial life to strangers, but I’d rather not have it Googleable by my grandma! :)
Nice to meet you Bucksome Boomer. Thanks for sharing your story.
[...] For the last few weeks, the Yakezie.com website has been spotlighting a Yakezie member each weekday. Earlier this week, I was spotlighted. But, enough about me. Here is one from this week; Bucksome Boomer. [...]