I think that I’m one of the anomalies in blogging or at least our personal finance blogging community. I’ve been actually blogging for four years now, and I’ve lived the blogger dream of creating popular blogs and selling them only to later have seller’s remorse. After selling my original blog two years ago, I quickly realized that I missed having a small piece of my own corner of the personal finance blogosphere world, and so I started Money Q&A two years ago.
I can remember when a friend of mine showed me what a blog was in the summer of 2008 and how you could even read multiple blogs through an RSS reader. I had no clue back then. I have always been fascinated with personal finance, investing, and even corporate finance for my entire life. I can’t actually remember a time when I didn’t have a subscription to Kiplinger’s personal finance magazine. I like to always think of myself as an investing junkie and a personal finance nerd. I just love it. I love talking about it, reading it, and sharing with others.
A Financial Background With The Education Too
I knew that I wanted to major in business in college after watching the movie, Secret Of My Success, with Michael J. Fox. I’m very proud of my financial background and the education that I’ve spent years acquiring. I’ve been a lifelong student and simply love taking college courses. After getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, I never stopped taking classes. I eventually earned a Masters in finance and then later an 18 hour graduate certificate in personal finance which meets the prerequisites to sit for the Certified Financial Planner’s exam. Earning the CFP credentials has been a lifelong goal of mine. But, I’m scared and keep putting off taking the exam though. I like to think that having the background education in finance makes me a more informed blogger, gives greater credibility to what I write, and enables me to help more people with sound financial advice.
The Ultimate Goal To Help People
That’s the goal after all, to help as many people as possible take control of their finances. Like most other personal finance bloggers, I am driven by a deep sense of wanting to help people with their money problems. I want to answer their questions hence the name of Money Q&A and the blog post series answering readers’ money questions. I have seen far too many of my friends, family, and coworkers struggling with their finances. Most of their struggles stem far too often from needless mistakes, a lack of money management skills and knowledge, and a sense of simply not knowing where to turn for good, honest, and impartial advice.
The True Power Of A Community
I can remember when Sam created the Yakezie Network and the challenge. Although for the life of me I cannot remember why I did not try and join the network right then so many years ago. I was stubborn and foolish. It was one of the worst blogging mistakes that I have ever made. I thought that I could do it alone without any help or help from only a few friends. After selling my original blog and then starting over, I quickly decided to try my hand at the Yakezie Challenge and joined. It was one of the best blogging decisions that I have ever made. Now Money Q&A enjoys a level of success that I never had before. The friendships and support through Yakeize have truly been amazing.
Glad you realized the two things you mentioned: That you wanted to re-enter blogging and that you saw the value in Yakezie. You’ve been a great member of my summer team and I’m looking forward to continuing to read and interact with you even after teams get re-shuffled!
I think you should go balls to wall and take that CFP exam! You’ve taken all the classes and you blog about the stuff all the time, I think passing it for you will be way eaiser than you think! You’ve had the determination and cajones to start a blog and sell it and then start anohter, and to take all these classes and keep moving forward…so I think you should man up and take that exam. And then keep taking classes because you’re a weirdo and like that kind of thing, lol. :-)
Thanks, TB. You guys have definitely inspired me to look at taking the CFP exam in the Spring. I appreciate everyone’s kind words.
You probably won’t (and perhaps can’t) share it.. But i am very curious as to what your other site was before you sold it.. After pouring your heart and soul into a site for a few years, it doesn’t surprise me that you had buyers remorse after selling it…
Good to see that you are back now and stronger than ever!
-j-
Thanks for sharing your story, Hank! I’ve seen you around and have shared some of your posts, although I look forward to following your blog more closely!
I’ve heard the CFP exam is fairly brutal, but you’re never going to know until you try it. You can always retake it if you don’t pass. :)
You make a great point, Jason, about never knowing if I don’t try. You are definitely right. I think that I might regret it too if I don’t try at least once or twice. Now all I need to do is sign up for the refresher course to get back up to speed on it. Thanks for the encouragement!
I agree, you can definitely pass the CFP exam! You love this stuff and it shows. I enjoy your blog a lot. Good job Hank!
With all of your experience, I’m with TB: I think you should do it, Hank! You’ll pass with flying colors. It was great hearing about your story. Thanks!
Well done on becoming a member, Hank! And it is exciting to start new ventures, I believe. Thank this CFP exam – it can’t be that hard and if it is this only makes it more fun (strange kind of fun but still…).
More fun…I never thought of it that way. You are absolutely right. It is fun. Thanks!
I can understand how having success without outside help could make it more difficult to accept the idea of joining a community of mutual support. But I’m very glad you did!
Thanks for sharing your story Hank! Believe it or not you’ve actually inspired me to take more finance courses. Now if only I can find the time … I have to!
I too would be interested to see the site you sold but I am guessing you signed a NDA and can’t talk about it. The good part is you seem to have a second successful blog!
Take the test! What have you got to lose?
Hank,
Good to know more about you. Didn’t know about your previous sites, very cool.
Being a credentialed professional and personal finance blogger is a two-edged sword. On one hand, you can have immediate credibility, but on the other hand, it’s hard to write about financial mistakes from an “I hope you can learn from my mistakes” standpoint. I say go for it! If it’s been your goal for a long time, you will regret not doing or even waiting too long. But I’d be prepared for how you might have to alter your blog topics to accommodate your credentials.
Hank, This post hit a note with me. I really enjoyed the candor and disclosure. Take the test, you probably don’t even need to study.
You have that excellent background in finance as you mention and on top of all that you love helping people with quality financial advice. So why not get in with both feet and take the test? It cannot hurt. Moreover, once you pass the test (everybody here knows you will), you will have another platform to step up to and help more people in the process.
That’s awesome Hank. Good luck in your exam. I’m sure you’ll pass on the first try.
Couldn’t agree more with your goals on wanting to help others and the benefits of Yakezie. I’m pretty amazed at what has happened to my blog after just joining the challenge a few weeks ago and getting involved. Both the goal of helping others and the benefits of Yakezie inspire me to keep going.
Hi Hank,
Welcome to the Yakezie! What was the site you sold two years ago I forgot? I don’t think I ever want to sell my sites. They are so much fun and give me something to do. Who knows though!
Good luck your exam. How many hours of work experience do you have to complete w/ the CFP to get full certified? I’ve been thinking about it as well, but based in Honolulu. Could be a dream job!
I don’t think I had a clue what a blog was in 2008 either! It’s crazy how much I’ve learned about the web, PF, and blogging since I joined the challenge and then became a Member. Welcome to the network Hank and congrats on completing the challenge!
I also agree that you should sit for the CFP Exam Hank. Have you taken a review course? If not I would recommend doing so. Best of luck and welcome to Yakezie Hank!