Greetings! My name is Kris and I write the blog Everydaytipsandthoughts.com.
I bought my URL last October when I was still working. I was a contractor for HP (part time, and from home) and my project was coming to a close. I knew that I would soon be back to being a ‘stay at home mom’, so I knew I was going to get my chance to try and write.
That first day of writing didn’t happen until months later. My first blog post was in March, 2010. I wasn’t sure where to start, so I just started writing. I have so many interests that I couldn’t pick just one. The focus of my blog so far has been personal finance and money saving tips, but also covers many aspects of life in general. Some days, I just may write about any old thing, especially on Thursdays when I feature ‘Thoughts For Thursday’. That day is open to anything. It could be about playing with wooden airplanes in the backyard or talking to someone for the last time.
My Background
I have lived in Michigan my whole life. I grew up a mile outside of Detroit, in a neighborhood of small bungalows, and not a whole lot of money. Many families lived paycheck to paycheck, and most high school graduates did not go on to college. However, I knew I did not want that for myself. I wanted the ability to be financially independent, and I knew college was the only way to attain that goal. Basically, I wanted OUT.
So, I took advantage of any scholarship I could get my hands on and paid my own way through college. I obtained a BA in Finance and an MBA in Materials and Logistics Management, both from Michigan State. I guess you could also say I got my “MRS” degree as my husband and I got married a week after graduation, at the age of 23.
We struggled financially in the early years of our marriage as I had a lot of student loans, credit card debt, and wedding debt. (Side note: don’t ever have a big wedding if you can’t afford it. We were young and stupid and did what we thought we were supposed to do. My wedding would be so different if I had to do it all over again.) Actually, my husband got the opposite of a dowry since I had a ton of debt, and he had none. It took a few years to pay all the debt off, and I have never paid another dollar in credit card interest since I was 25.
Struggling financially throughout my early life made me who I am today- someone who hates to spend, and someone who can’t tolerate people making excuses for not being able to do whatever they want to do. I really believe anything is possible in America if you are willing to work hard for it.
I have been married for 19 years now, and have 3 kids, ages 16, 14 and 12. The career I had was entirely with EDS/ HP, working in a job I didn’t really enjoy (computer programming/project management), but it allowed me to work from home with the kids. So, I tolerated a job I didn’t like in exchange for being with my family. Ironically, I am most likely going back to that same job in the near future as I have a hard time turning away money, but I will still be blogging. (I know, I am somewhat selling my soul for cash, but money is always good. Plus, I do like the people I would work with.) My ultimate goal is to grow the blog enough to where I don’t have to rely on a corporation for a paycheck.
My Real Passion
First, my favorite job is being a mom, hands down. When I was in college, I thought I would be a career woman and tear up the business world. However, once I had my first child, I thought ‘when can I quit?’ Being home with my kids has been the best time of my life. Please keep in mind, I am not judging anyone who is a working parent. I am speaking strictly about myself. Everyone has different things that make them tick and be happy.
Second, I love personal finance. I really learned a lot from all my Finance classes in college, and it has been great to be able to apply some of that knowledge in real life. I also manage the money in our marriage, so I have spent plenty of time looking at mutual funds, stock trading, 529 plans, 401ks, you name it. However, I also enjoy some of the very basics of personal finance, from saving money at the grocery store to preparing financially for a baby.
Third, I am very interested in health. I love to read medical stories (I have actually read most of the Merck Manual), and I also enjoy finding ways to lead a healthier life. Some ideas I stick with, others I don’t. However, I have always learned something along the way. However, I never stray from my goal of trying to exercise regularly, and eat as healthy as possible, even when life gets busy.
My Goals
Personally, I want to be debt-free as soon as possible. I hate debt. The only debt we have is our mortgage, and I would love to get rid of that ASAP. Paying all that interest on credit card debt early on taught me that spending money I didn’t have was the equivalent of cashing my check and putting part of my earnings through a paper shredder. Forget that. I want that money for the family.
The goal for my blog is to educate people, and to provide some enjoyment. I am a fairly social person, and I want to share things I come across. In my ‘real life’, I give all kinds of financial and other types of advice to my friends. I wanted to be able to share that advice with more people that could possibly benefit. My suggestions are ‘everyday’ ideas that just about anybody can understand and apply.
My Message To The Yakezie
I was a late joiner to the Yakezie Party. I believe my Alexa rank was in the 600,000+ range when I became aware of Yakezie. However, because of technical difficulties, I did not fully join until my rank was somewhere in the 300,000+ range (I think). However, I initially started following the principals of the Yakezie even though I wasn’t a full-fledged member, and my ranking starting improving dramatically. This is such a fantastic group of people, it is rare you see so many people wanting to help each other so much. Sam, thank you so much for all you have done for the group. Actually, I think we owe you a party. You can host it out where you live and we can have a smack down over which coast is best!
To everyone else in the group, I extend a huge thank you to you also. I am not a huge success by any means. But I feel like I am amongst a group of great friends, and the camaraderie keeps me going when I feel like I am hitting a huge wall. When I wake up in the morning, I am excited to read some other blogs and get writing myself. I have never felt this motivated in any other job, and all of you are a part of that.
I love interacting with my readers, so please feel free to stop by my site at any time and leave me a comment!
We invite you to read all the Member Posts and join us for further discussion in the Yakezie Forums.
Hey Kris,
I absolutely loved reading your story and really enjoy your blog as well. It appears you really do incorporate a lot of your life into your blog. Since I have been reading, you have written about your three primary passions (health, kids, and PF) frequently. You are also a very entertaining/engaging to read. Anyway, I just wanted to drop you a comment and say thank you for sharing.
Watson – thank you so much for your kind comments. I often wonder if I am writing too much about my life. It is a hard balance for me because I often like to show how things have worked for me, or have affected me and my family. But, I also don’t want my blog to seem like a ‘diary blog’ either.
I guess I will figure it out as I go along. Thanks again!
Kris
Kris, thanks for sharing your story. It is great to read about those who have conquered those student loans and credit cards from when we were young and stupid!
Good luck with your blog, you are off to a great start!
Thanks Dr. Dean! I hated all that debt early on, but there really was no other way to get through college unfortunately. I am glad it impacted me like it did though and made me despise any form of interest payments.
It’s great hearing your story, Kris. I really enjoy reading your blog, so I’m glad you are having a great time writing it! Maybe soon it can be your full time job. I look forward to continue reading it.
Thanks Little House! You know i am a fan of your blog too!
I would love if this could be my full time job. But, I have a LOT of work ahead of me before I could even contemplate that.
I didn’t know you got married a week out of college too! I’m glad you got your member story out there and I hope everybody thinks you and your blog are as fantastic as I think they are! Thanks for being my best blogging buddy – it would not be as much fun without you. :-)
BFS – thank you so much! You have been such a huge support to me over these months, what would I have done with you? Your encouragement has meant a ton!
Great Intro – I don’t think it should be called “selling your soul for money” when you are making the choice to advance your family’s well being! or maybe I am justifying my life choices HAHAHAHAHA
Well, I think where I feel like I am selling my soul is because the job is definitely not something I enjoy. But, I enjoy money. Plus, I can work sitting on my couch in the family room with food all around me, so that has its benefits too!
Hey Kris, thanks for sharing your story. It’s always great to learn more about fellow bloggers.
Hey Mike! I know my story is not as exciting as some as I have not traveled the world or anything like that. However, I did enjoy writing it!
Hey Kris,
I’ve been following your blog for a long time and I’m very happy to have run into you. I love your blog’s variety, and like I’ve said so many times before, I love the nostalgia. It’s like going to visit family, you just feel at home. It’s great to hear your beginnings, and the struggles that transformed you. Thank you for sharing and cheers to many more great posts!
Thanks,
Timothy
Thank you Timothy! You know I have been a fan of your blog for a long time. I also like your new theme!
Hello Kris. I would definitely say you are a huge success, as you’ve figured out what your favorite passion is and arranged your life to enjoy it. That’s pretty successful in my book. Good luck to you. Max
HI Max – thanks for the kind words. I am very lucky to have arranged my work to fit in with my family life, although it is stressful at times. I should definitely count my blessings, even when I am frustrated with the job. (Assuming the offer goes through of course!)
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog since I first came across it a couple months back, and my girlfriend really enjoys your tips as well; you both seem to have a lot in common! I enjoy reading your personal perspectives and… I don’t want the big wedding, either. They are too expensive these days. ;)
Kevin – are you engaged now??? Did I miss the announcement?
You know I have been an avid follower of your blog, and I also appreciate the helpful emails! You should let your girlfriend guest post! Please tell her I said thank you for reading my blog!
Ssshhhh :P
Not yet, but in my view being married and engagement are states of mind. The ring and the paper merely reflect this after the fact. I’m waiting for the right financial time for those steps, and first, I have to worry about the ring. :P
I will let her know, and I’ll ask her about the guest posting as well! :)
Kevin – I was just afraid I missed a post about an engagement or something.
Here is my engagement/retirement advice:
1. Consider just getting wedding bands, unless she really, really wants an engagement ring.
2. Invite who YOU want to invite. Nobody says that all your cousins and such need to attend your wedding.
3. There are plenty of beautiful wedding dresses that don’t cost a fortune. I loved mine, and I think I paid around 300 dollars for it.
4. Don’t force the wedding party to spend a lot of money. Choose reasonable clothes they can buy. Some say ‘oh you can wear this again’. Yeah right. Only if I am starring in a Little Bo Peep remake or are going to a Halloween party.
Yikes, I kind of got ahead of myself there. Sorry about that. Thanks for commenting!
Haha, maybe you should make a post about it! I would love to read it…
Hey Kris, I absolutely love your blog. I don’t think it feels anything remotely like a diary. Your posts are entertaining, informational and also engaging. Enjoyed getting to know you better. Thanks for writing and I looking forward to reading a lot more great posts from you! Hope you will be able to make it full time soon! Good luck!
Suba, thank you so much. You know I have enjoyed your blog from day one! We will keep on writing together!
Kris, wanted to ask you when I read your post, but somehow forgot after I read all the comments :) How did you end up as a programmer after an MBA? The MBA played a role in the project manager part of your career? I am a programmer (sort of) and would love to do an MBA. I have been collecting information on how/what the actual career path will be, so after seeing your post got curious.
Hey Suba – This is what happened…
I decided to go on to grad school right after getting my Finance degree. I had been interning with General Motors and had a job offer in Finance, but decided to go on to Grad School for my MLM degree. (The job offer would still be there when I graduated, right?)
Wrong. The Gulf War happened, the economy was in the dumpster and GM had a hiring freeze. The only people that got jobs in my MBA class were the accountants, besides those that had jobs to begin with and were in school part time. So, I sent around resumes and such, and ended up interviewing with EDS, who I had interned with years before.
EDS hired me because at that time, they hired anyone with a degree and then put them through an intense training program. They figured they could just teach you what you needed to know. At the end of training, I knew COBOL, CICS and Assembler, all of which are archaic now. Anyway, I programmed, and I ended up becoming a project manager pretty quick, although I still coded.
My real desire was to work in purchasing, plant floor, quality control, that kind of thing. I had interviewed for a position with a company but had to turn down the job because my oldest son kept getting sick and needed to get out of daycare. EDS allowed me to work from home instead, so I ended up staying there.
That is my story. Had I never had children, I would have done something completely different. Programming is not where my heart is by any means. I love dealing with the customer and hammering out requirements, estimating, etc. In other words, I enjoy the front end part and dealing with people. The coding and testing, not so much. Basically, my career was based on circumstance.
Sorry for the long-winded answer…
One of the greatest things the internet has ever done, is to allow people like yourself to do the things you want and to get free of those corporate bonds.
Beating Broke – you are so right. I have been talking to my oldest son about creating a blog or finding a way to make money on the internet. What a great way to make money in high school and college. I love the internet!!
Hey Kris, it is great to see that you were able to put money aside for your kids! Many find that a very difficult thing to do. Incorporating so much of your life and passion into your writing is what makes your site stand out!
Glad to be a part of the Yakezie with you!
KNS – Great to be in the Yakezie with you too. You have been doing a fabulous job. We should have a CVS competition one day! :)
I thoroughly enjoyed your story. Calling attention to the compromises we all make in life is so important. The disclosure and candor of your background as well as “tips” anything make me anxious to check out your site even more!
Thank you Barb, I really hope you do come by some as you have some fantastic insights!
Kris, What a great post! I enjoyed reading about your background, and what has shaped the thoughts that you share in your blog. I like what you mentioned about health, in addition to finances. In my view, health and wealth are both a part of overall quality of life, which is what it’s all about.
I really enjoy your blog, and it’s on my must-read list. It’s like a comfortable place where common sense prevails:) Keep up the great work!
Squirreler, you are so right, health and wealth are tied together. Actually, there is no better investment in the world than your health. It’s funny because I have been under the weather the past few days and all I can think about is cooking something healthy and playing some racquetball. Instead, I sit on the coach and cough. Oh well, this will pass.
Your blog is also on my must read list, as I am sure you have realized. It’s nice to have a friend in the midwest. I want more Squirreling Gone Wild posts!
Howdie Kris! I like the MRS degree. What do you think about the MBA degree aka Married But Available??
Hey there Sam!! I really enjoyed getting my MBA, even though I was ENA (Engaged Not Available). Grad school was so much better than undergrad, at least for me. Probably because the class size was smaller and you could actually interact with a professor.
Never heard of the ENA degree, but sounds good!
Yeah, part of the reason why I went to a smaller school for undergrad was exactly for that interactivity with the profs.
Kris,
I just joined the Yakezie Challenge today. I was browsing the Yakezie website and read your post. It is very inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Thank you Aloysa – I look forward to getting to know your blog!!!
Thanks for the peek into your life, Kris, I know you’re one of the more active Yakezie members and I aspire to comment as much as you!
Well Daniel, I definitely have more commenting time on my hands than you do I am sure. If I go back to work, I am sure my commenting time will go way down unfortunately.
Thanks for commenting on my member post though! :)
Hi Kris, as you well know, I’m a “Everyday Tips and Thoughts” addict. I visit your site at least once a day!
Since joining Yakezie, I find it hard to visit other non-Yakezie sites on a daily basis, but before you joined, your site was one that I couldn’t miss!!!
Thanks for joining, it’s great to have a blogger friend that I identify so much with :)
Hi Money Reasons! You know I have been a fan of your blog since I started writing myself. You are right, we do think very similarly, which is probably why we read each others blogs so much! Even though my kids are a bit older than yours, we still seem to have very similar experiences.
Thanks so much for all your support these months – you have helped me a ton! I hope one day I can help you out some. :)
Your attitude is a huge success so yes you are a big success. Great story and an absolute awesome member of the Yakezie. Look forward to seeing you around.
Thank you Forest – love your blog!
Sparty On EverydayTips, just don’t let me catch you burning any couches on your blog. It’s always nice to see my fellow Michiganders doing so well. I’m rather new to your blog, but I enjoy reading it. Keep it up.
Jeff K – are you referring to Cedar Fest?? What years were you there? I attended from 85-91. They banned Cedar Fest one of those years, and I do believe there was couch burning then!
Kris – I enjoy the insight I get from your blog. There are so many different ways of doing things around that it’s always nice to try something new. Even if it does not turn out to be better/faster/whatever, just the change of routine is welcome!
Thanks Jeff! My routine changes plenty as I do love to try new things. I enjoy researching and mixing things up a bit. If it doesn’t work, oh well, time to move on to the next thing!
Great job overcoming the odds and staying out of debt! I hope a lot of people learn from your story.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Darwin's Money, Frugal Zeitgeist, MoneyReasons, Yakezie, Kris and others. Kris said: Read my member post at Yakezie Member Post – Everyday Tips and Thoughts | Yakezie.com http://t.co/dV9r1B8 via @Yakezie […]
Thanks Narrow Bridge! I wish it was easier for people to get out from their ‘childhood’ and see there is a brighter future.
Great story. Isn’t it amazing how stupid most of us were about money when we were younger? The main thing is that some learn the error of their ways and others continue their stupidity. I am glad you are the former and are able to share so aptly the lessons you have learned.
Hey Joe- Being young is hard as there are so many things to learn. Hopefully people pay attention and learn instead of perpetuating the same mistakes, or making excuses for them.
Keep it up, Kris! I absolutely LOVE your blog. I don’t comment a lot, but trust me that I read it often – and I am a big fan! :-)
Best,
Len
Len Penzo dot Com
Len – I am quite the fan of your site also. I love the way you get your point across in an amusing way, it is always a fun read!
Nice story. I’m always impressed with couples who start out together so young and are able to find ways to make things work for them that early in life. I can’t imagine the challenges emotionally and financially being married at 23. Congrats on 19 years!
Hi Charlie! Thank you for you nice words. You know, it has actually been nice to share a history for someone for so long. We started dating at 20, so I feel like we have known each other forever. I think what helps is we are both very like minded and have the same goals, and still enjoy each others company.
Thanks again!
Hi Kris, my job involves project management but it’s something I love (but I don’t get to work from home!).
I love your blog and am glad you’re in the Yakezie with us.
Thank you Kay Lynn.
In my situation, it was easy to do project management from home because most of the people working on the project were in California, Argentina and China. So, it wasn’t like I was missing seeing them face-to-face by working at home, I never saw any of the team members period!
Anyone that puts the lives of their children above their own IS a huge success, regardless of what the world may say about parents. Parenting is a full time job. I sometimes take my wife’s place, and I can’t fathom how she does it day in and day out; I have less stress at work! :)
Jesse – Thank you very much! Since my kids are at school, I sometimes think that I should be out there in the workplace. However, not many jobs are conducive to working from 9-2, which is what I would want to do so I could attend all the kid’s sports and such. Not to mention the sick days, holidays, summer, etc. So far, our system works for as, so we will go with the flow until it doesn’t.
Kris,
Just thought I’d throw a shout out – it is UM MSU weekend (I am a Wolverine but I love your blog so no hard feelings)
Keep the good work going, and kudos for being able to juggle some of life’s biggest and best responsibilities…
Oh, I am ready for the game for sure. I plan on cooking and eating a lot that day, which is really the best reason to watch football in the first place in my opinion.
I am glad you are able to look past my college affiliation and still read my blog! :)
Kris, I think it’s awesome how much you hate spending and want to get out of debt…I’m exactly the same way and I think that’s what helps you write such a solid blog. Also, even though you could view it as “selling your soul” to work at the corporation, you’re doing it as a means to an end and you at least enjoy the people you work with…Pretty cool stuff!