What is Up Yakezites! I have commented on almost every single member’s blog at least once (but most likely way too many times), however if you don’t know me I’m Evan from My Journey to Millions.
A Little Bit About Evan
I am a happily married twenty eight year old on Long Island. While I do use a good amount of gel, I don’t talk with that awful accent nor have I ever visited a tanning salon (and I never will).
The Wife and I are currently expecting our first child, a boy, and name selection is under intense negotiations. Rounding out the household is our 4 pound dog who may have us better trained then the other way around.
Currently I am a director in a financial planning firm assisting 40 to 50 financial planners with insurance planning, estate planning, business succession issues, etc., and I honestly can say I love my job. I also run a tiny law practice focused on trust and estate issues.
I don’t think I write about any one thing too much. I try to juggle between tax posts,insurance planning posts, my personal situation and very often some random rants and political ideas. I was once told that my writing style is “slightly contentious” which often leads to some interesting comments and discussions (usually ending with me being called names). It was embarrassing, but I had to look up the word “contentious.”
Why I started My Journey to Millions?
Unlike some bloggers, I didn’t have a rock bottom moment. I didn’t look at myself in the mirror and break down. So after reading and commenting on personal finance blogs for years I decided why the hell shouldn’t I be the one writing.
My personal finance life was ordinary, and I needed to be held accountable to someone, anyone (even if it was only that first 15 or so a day) to reach that extraordinary level. I was newly married and The Wife and I had a good amount of credit card debt but enough savings to cover it if need be.
So it was a warm August night when my site went live, and I have been addicted since.
- I like tweaking the site,
- I like learning about modern websites,
- I love how it forces me to categorize my research, and
- I LOVE COMMENTS and interacting with all those that visit my site
What I have Learned about Running My Journey to Millions
There are a lot of correlations between the lessons I learned from blogging and ‘real life.’
The main lesson I have learned is that it is easier to know thyself and try to create systems to help you excel rather then fit your proverbial round self into a square peg. For me, I needed to be held accountable to someone, even if it was 30 some odd readers per day in the first month of the blog.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are a ton of bloggers who know a lot more than you or I, but you may be lucky enough to find one that is willing to help you out. Just ask. This goes for ‘real life’ also! If you don’t understand something (and want to understand it) then its your responsibility to figure it out or ask someone who does.
Lastly, you have to keep focused. Both blogging and long term goals need and deserve patience. There are only a select few bloggers that are able to grow exponentially, so if you aren’t one of them take it slow. Similarly, you didn’t grow that debt over night so don’t expect to eliminate it over night.
Thank you to Yakezie
Thank you fellow members and Financial Samurai for Yakezie. It has been great so far! Yakezie has introduced me to a ton of blogs that I had never seen before, even providing me the opportunity to help some out which felt great.
Looking to learn how to start your own profitable website? Check out my step-by-step guide on how to start a blog. It’s one of the best things I did in 2009 to help earn extra money and break free from Corporate America!
Awesome awesome stuff Evan. I have enjoyed your blog very much and did not realise how much you did in the real world too…. A busy man.
Dogs have a tendency to pretend you are telling them what to do… Cats are the same but with no pretending!
I have the WORST time management skills too. If I could ever clean those up a bit I could get so much more done lol
Evan, this is an area I have struggled with an now spend much of my time mentoring co-workers and employees in.
Take a look at a section of my blog focused on Getting Things Done to see is there is anything of value for you.
http://marc.rohde-net.us/category/getting-things-done/
I love that about cats!
Great post Evan! I found your blog through the Yakezie and i’m glad I did because it is one of my favorites. You did take some abuse for that post about teachers haha.
“you didn’t grow that debt over night so don’t expect to eliminate it over night.” …great point. There are no quick fixes, but hard work and determination will get you where you want to be.
I am glad you found my blog! The exposure to others as well as others to me is one of the main reasons I joined the group
Evan, great to meet you! I wish you great success! My daughters 120+lb dogs, don’t even pretend that they don’t rule the roost! If they don’t like something, they just eat it!
WOAH 120lb dogS? They probably “let go” more than my dog weighs in a day
You just don’t know, re the “letting go!” Mastiffs, lovable, but only for serious experienced dog folks….
Evan,
Great post, it’s always good getting to know about more fellow yakezie members. I’m glad that you’ve enjoyed your time blogging so much. I think we can all agree that we enjoy the accountability factor in it, even though it may only be imagined.
Even if Accountability is fake it is a huge part why I have made the moves I have in the past year or two!
Evan,
I can’t speak for others, but you have certainly been a regular commenter on my site. Sometimes a little contentious (I think of this as a good thing…it promotes discourse and thought), but always thoughtful. Thank you.
Congrats on your expected arrival and thanks for sharing your story with us. Glad to have you as a Yakezie team mate.
It is easy to be a regular commenter on your site when you keep producing such great stuff
Congratulations on expecting your first child!
It was great to read your bio. It is always interesting to learn about the person behind the writing.
I too have never been to a tanning salon. They scare me…
There just seems something inherently wrong with jumping into a box to burn your skin
Evan,
Nice member post. I also found your blog through the Yakezie and have greatly enjoyed your blogging perspective. Thank you for so generously sharing your ad opportunities!
I am HAPPY to pass along opportunities. I think it is a huge part of the Yakezie spirit
Hey, Evan! I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts. I think I’ve come across your blog here and there but I’ve never subscribed. I just did!
Thank you for subscribing it is really appreciated.
Keep up the good work! Great to meet up with ya.
I love grabbing food and exchanging ideas with like minded people.
Hey Even, great to “meet” you! I found your site through Yakezie, and I plan to be around often!
Congratulations on your coming son! Hope you aren’t as “contentious” in your name selection negotiations as your are with teachers! lol
The name thing is because The Wife and I had a deal that she reneged on once she found out it was a boy.
Evan – thanks for sharing your story, and congrats on the baby you and and your wife are expecting. Fatherhood (parenthood, for that mattter) rocks. Changes your life forever, and for the better – even if it’s great now. Just get ready to live on less sleep for a while! Maybe you can blog during some of those sleepless nights:)
I REALLY REALLY love the little slip I get..hmmm sounds rough
Great stuff, Evan! I always enjoy reading your posts, and your tweets. I enjoy that someone doesn’t mind being “contentious.”
Look forward to seeing you around the blogosphere!
Your stuff is great also! A lot of your stuff forces people to think outside the box which is a great thing even if they don’t agree.
Thanks for sharing, Evan. And thanks for being a part of the Yakezie team. I know you’ve become an asset to the entire group and your contributions have been very valuable to all of us.
I like the adjective “an asset”! I try to contribute as much as possible
Nice introduction, Evan. I’ve known dogs like think they’re the master, too ;)
You got beat up a bit for that post about the teachers, but I think it’s good to have an opinion and generate a little bit of heat every now and then. Like you, I love comments, and nothing generates comments like a hot-button topic ;)
Hmmm you know what they say about opinions? lol
Hi Evan! Teacher post or not, it has been good to meet you. ;-) Congrats on the coming baby boy! I hope you both settle on the perfect name before the big day. :-)
Thanks for the wishes – Your site has grown like crazy keep up the amazing work
Great introduction, Evan. I’m so out of the loop since I don’t watch TV, I’m assuming your comments about hair gel and tanning have something to do with the reality show Jersey Shore? However, that’s good to know! I look forward to reading more.
Haha, I was thinking about that show when I read that, too…
It was a mix of Jersey Show and generalization of what people seem to think what Long Island is all about
I didn’t get the hair gel thing either – but I figured that was because I simply have no hair. LOL
Best,
Len
Len Penzo dot Com
Awesome post Evan. I also didn’t have a rock bottom moment, but you’re training others well on how to excel in the personal finance world.
I don’t know if I am training anyone but if I help a few then all the better
wow, financial planning and law practice? how do you make the time to blog and walk the dog!
I have a 4 pound Pomeranian…do you think I dare walk the dog alone?
You’re so right in asking questions. That’s a valuable lesson I’m learning through blogging. It’s ok to not know, what’s not ok is not doing anything about it.
Thanks for letting us know a little more about you!
I am always happy to talk about myself!
Congratulations on expecting your first baby! I knew you are in the field of financial planning (been reading your blog even before I joined Yakezie) but didn’t realize you had a law practice too! And you still get time to blog!! Wow!
It is good to be contentious (had to look it up). I usually don’t comment because I feel I don’t have anything intelligent to say :)
Great member post! Keep up the good work!
A wise man once said if you aren’t sure about something say it louder. Seriously though thank you for stopping by and all your comments
Very cool post and site, although you don’t post too much? Congrats on your baby, how exciting is that! I am also 28 years old, so its cool to see someone with the same passions and the same age as me!
Hi Evan
Great post. I’m not a dog lover but I also love comments and interacting with all those that visit my site. It is one of the reasons I started my blog. Unfortunately I find that while I now have quite a few readers very few comment. It tends to make everything a bit one sided rather than healthy debate.
That tends to be a lot of people’s problem. Some of what I consider my best stuff ends with no comments same with blogs that far surpass mine. I don’t think anyone knows the secret…
Take Flexo’s site for example. It is MASSIVE with more per day visitors than I get in a 2 week span, AND he writes some of the best stuff out there but a lot of the posts have only a few comments.
Evan, congrats on the new addition. Fatherhood is one of the greatest joys in life!! I’ve got two little ones that keep me busy.
Just subscribed to your blog! Keep up the great work on an oft-confusing topic!
How old are your two little ones? Are they close in age? My parents had 3 of us (all boys) all under 4 I have no clue how they did it
I’ve got a 3 yr. old daughter and an 18mo. old son! We’re busy, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a greater feeling in the world than coming home from work and hearing, “Daaaaddddyyyy!!” while you get tackled by two giggling kiddos!
It is good to read more about your background. I felt like I already knew you. I am not sure if I believe you about the accent though… ;)
Oh man that accent with CAWFEE and LAWNG Island KILLS ME! I am telling you I odn’t have it
Evan – you just may be the only Yakezie member to know what I *really* look like. I’m so sorry. Thanks for sharing your story!
Not having a chin isn’t so bad right?
No apology necessary. I have seen a few worse LOL JK
Evan, I’m glad to have gotten to know your blog (and you a bit) through Yakezie. You’re doing great and I can’t wait to read your posts after the little guy arrives.
It seems like I’ll have a lot of sleeplessness nights to write lol
Hey E-dog,
How was the US Open? Who did you watch play and who won? You should have got something nice in the e-mail today btw. Pls confirm that you have.
Really excited for you and the wife, as I recall you mention you guys tried for a while.
What are your thoughts on how much longer you want to do your occupation? What about growing your law practice further? Could be good!
Best,
Sam
US Open was a lot of fun it was my second time going. Last year I was at the finals which was nutty. Today was a little different…more of a marathon of tennis. I am going to try and go once more before it is over.
The Wife and I were trying for a while and even lost one which was horrible, but it is all good right now. She is 6 months deep as of today.
I toy with the idea of moving on my own, but I make good money at work and they don’t care when I have to leave to do law practice stuff, so why rock the boat? At least for now. The Wife is in sales so my steady paycheck and health insurance is really nice. I am hoping the movie deal comes through off the website and I can just focus on that all day
Can’t wait for the movie deal man. Peter Lugers if so!
I may be the only Yakezie blog you haven’t visited but I blame myself and not you! I hate to admit it but I have found it difficult to keep up with all the members, which is why I am so glad for these member post introductions. Nice to meet you! I have yet to encounter your “contentiousness”, so I consider myself forewarned. ;)
BTW- we have three kids ourselves over here, and we had trouble with every one of their names. My husband was always like, “I still like Angus.” And I’m all like, “How about Paul?” Yea.
We did eventually reach compromises, fortunately. At least, our kids aren’t going around being called “hey you”. :) Congratulations to you and your wife! You’re in for some great times.
Cool! Your comment is exactly what these Member Posts serve to address! Perhaps if you stop by Evan’s site and interact, he’ll drop by yours!
Don’t blame yourself, I haven’t done it in a while but I like to just grab the list every once in a while and just go through the whole thing reading a couple of posts from each person. You should try it – I’d think you’d be amazed at some of the interraction you get with people
Where do we find the list? I’d like to know that I’m reading the Yakezie member blogs regularly. I’ve got several on my RSS feed already, but I don’t know who I’m missing.
Hi Paul,
The Yakezie Network list is on the top right of the page near the search button. I recommending getting to know these guys in the beginning, and working in 5-10 member increments at a time since there are a lot of Members.
Cheers
Ah, I see. It doesn’t look like the list is complete yet, but I’ll keep checking it.
HAHA – that’s too much you had to look up contentious :)
Yes, you definitely are one of the most interactive moderators I’ve come across. When I first starting off and a no-name, there were only a few blogs I ended up frequenting, like yours, specifically because of that interaction.
Interaction is KEY. Otherwise wouldn’t I just read cnn or wsj? Glad you are back in it…I am happy your wedding went well
I really like your blog Evan. You’re researching and blogging about where I plan to go next, while I mostly blog about where I have been and how I got there.
I’d like to say personally thank for all your great help! Even when you were answering other blogger questions, those answers helped me too!
Nice writeup, I hope you enjoy parenthood as much as I have (it really get great after the baby is about 6 months old, at least for us dads… ;) )
Hmmm do they start paying their way after the first 6 months? lol. I am joking I am really pumped.
I am glad I can help with any questions. When I first got into it I was amazed on how freely PF bloggers just gave away information so I figured if I could pass it along why the hell not!
Cool, I didn’t know you were a lawyer! How do you find the time to do this, man? =) What kind of dog do you have that weighs 4 lbs? A chihuahua?
Please don’t hate me because of the lawyer thing. I am one of the good guys trying to help rich people pay less estate taxes! Hmmm alright maybe not one of the good public defender ones LOL.
As far as time, I never really understood that question AND I GET IT A LOT from real life friends and family. The Wife and I watch a lot of tv sitting on the couch I MEAN A LOT, and most of the time she watches shows that I either don’t give a shit about OR that I just don’t care – and that is when I do a lot of my writing.
Nice post. Your four pound dog sounds adorable! I was afraid to ask questions growing up because I was scared about embarrassing myself. As a manager now I love it when staff asks me questions when I’m teaching them something new. I try to continually encourage them to ask me more questions throughout training – I like helping them learn and they also teach me things as well.
Is there such thing as a 4 pound dog? Isn’t that like a large rat or something?
There is such a thing…
I have a lot of friends that would agree with Sam but my dog is awesome. Take a look at her picture:
http://www.myjourneytomillions.com/articles/life-ignore-costs/
You’ll have to tell me more about your obsession with tweaking your site? Why do you think that is? Is it abnormal that I haven’t tweaked my site in a year, and don’t plan to for a while?
I think I am the abnormal one. I love the backend part of blogging just as much as I like the writing part. I am not great at it, but every problem I solve on my own is one more learning experience. That is the only reason I tweak, so I think I am the abnormal one not you.
I have actually been toying with the idea of starting my own blog creating company with a few of the Yakezie members or on my own.
Good luck on the baby naming negotiations. With our first we weren’t in agreement until he was born, then his name (one we hadn’t even considered) just came to us as HIS NAME. Loved learning more about you and the beginnings of My Journey to Millions!
What happened was that The Wife and I had a deal – I get boy she gets girl. However, I guess she didn’t really pay attention in 8th grade biology when they talked about having a 50/50 shot…so when we found out boy she just cried at my name choice. Which put me in a really shitty position. So we’ll see where we end up.
You are a rather prodigious commenter, Evan! It’s been a pleasure interacting with you through all of them. I enjoy your blog too. :-)
Best,
Len
Len Penzo dot Com
Thanks! I’ll get you to comment more on my site one day lol
Evan, you are one of those guys that sort of shoots from the hip. Your writing is always well researched, but you’re not afraid of consequences for expressing your opinion. Most of the time that is a great trait to have, and I commend you for handling the flack you got from that post about teachers so well.
I always appreciate your comments as well, thanks for reaching out!
I wish I had your skill at design…great site!
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Hello Evan, nice little write up young man. Congrats on your soon to be fatherhood. I have a son 3.5 and a daughter 1.75. It was nice to read a little more about you :-) I’m glad I’m not the only one with some time management issues. My personality type always looks for and at results instead of the process. I need to focus on the process more myself I guess, but we both have full plates and everything seem to be going well for us. Take care
I love it…”Young man” lol. You have a ton on your plate between what seems like 3 full jobs but it is putting your family in a better position and that’s what counts!
First off, congrats on the little one you have coming. That must be crazy exciting! Also, I love how you add a little diversity to things in that you’re different than a lot of bloggers who had a “rock bottom” moment but that doesn’t make you any less of a great resource. Great to have a new perspective, especially one with all of your financial background. Keep up the great work. Definitely look forward to interacting on your blog!
The success of money crashers is an inspiration! Come on by any time
That’s really nice of you to say and means a lot coming from you. Let me know however I can support your blog and help it continue to grow!
Hi-Thanks for letting us get to know you- good luck with the baby. If you want any more name ideas, our cats are named Zoey and Simon and I think they would make cute baby names too :)
The Wife and I actually really like the name Zoe, in Greek it menas life. But my brother’s crazy ass boston terrier is named Zoey so I think it would be weird plus the baby is going to be a boy lol. I think we decided on a name this weekend.
Lol, nice! That dog be messing things up!
How far out on the island are you? I pop into your blog all the time, so it’s nice to know you’re not too far.
Not too far at all – Suffolk/Nassau Border right off LIE. Where are you? Queens?
“While I do use a good amount of gel, I don’t talk with that awful accent nor have I ever visited a tanning salon (and I never will).”
I should call you “The Situation” the next time I see ya. :-)
While I love the show I am way too round for that!
I LOVE THIS QUOTE FROM YOU — “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are a ton of bloggers who know a lot more than you or I, but you may be lucky enough to find one that is willing to help you out. Just ask. This goes for ‘real life’ also! If you don’t understand something (and want to understand it) then its your responsibility to figure it out or ask someone who does.”
This has been a weakness of mine for many years (maybe it is a man thing?) and I thank you for pointing this out.
That analytics chart shows a massive jump in readership. Interesting background info.