Hello! My name is Ray, and I publish the blog Squirrelers. I like long walks on the beach, Pina Coladas, getting caught in the rain….. Ok, enough of that. Before I lose you, please allow me to properly tell you a little bit more about myself.
Who is “The Wise Squirrel”?
I’m a guy in his late 30’s (wow time flies fast) working in marketing, and living in the suburbs of Chicago. I greatly enjoy time with family, and relish being a Dad. It’s so incredibly rewarding raising children and showing them everything you know – while hoping they become wise enough to show you some things. I absolutely love them. Additionally, I enjoy traveling – I have been to 47 of the 50 states (Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine here I come!), and have traveled to Europe and Asia. There’s not as much time (or money) to do everything as much now, but I hope to pick my spots and do what I can do, at least until the kids get older.
My Journey to Today
I grew up in what I consider to have been a solid, family-oriented home. My father held an 8 to 5 job, while my Mom also worked. She taught college classes part-time for much of my childhood, and then became a full-time instructor as I reached high school. I recall as kid that she would be there with me in the morning and daytime when I left school. When my father got home from work, she would leave to teach night classes, getting home at 9:00pm. He would do his best to make dinner:) I realized even then that they were working hard to make ends meet, plus save something, while having a family. What I found out later was that they started with very little money at all, and really worked very, very hard to achieve a middle class life. The great thing is they did this while being fair minded, honest people. I try to follow their model as best I can.
Ultimately, I went off to college, joined a fraternity, and became an independent guy. Following college, I worked for a few years (making little, saving even less) before back to school full-time for an MBA.
It turned out to be a really good investment, despite having even less income for those two years, and loans to repay. It was a great two years, and I ended up getting vastly better opportunities after graduation. We could actually save quite a bit, and have some breathing room!
Or so we thought. Fast forward to 2009, where I was “comfortable” at the large company at which I worked. I had earned several promotions there, and felt like I was an established part of things. Then, the economy tanked. The party was over: I was laid off my job.
Lessons Learned
I eventually found another job, but was out of work for enough time for me to learn some important lessons about personal finances and life:
- Expect the unexpected. You can’t expect life to move forward in a “linear” fashion. Most of us will have some ups and downs, despite our best efforts to avoid them. I learned that it’s good to frame expectations that way, and realize that things will come out of left field and impact us. That way, you are prepared.
- Think savings first, lifestyle second. What I mean here is really an extension of the need to discern wants vs. needs. It’s of course important to enjoy life to its fullest every day, but it can be done within your means.
- Even before savings, think of earnings. You can cut as many coupons as you want, but it’s better to focus first on actually making the money that you ultimately want to save.
- Diversify your income potential. It was a past generation where people would stay with one company for 30 years and get a small pension and a gold watch to boot. Today, for the most part, our future is self-directed. To that end, hitching your wagon to one employer or source of income is shortsighted. Rather, keep your skills fresh and current, and continually build and maintain your network. Additionally, think like an entrepreneur and better yet, become one – even if on the side.
- Enthusiastically pursue your goals. What’s holding you back from your dreams? Be responsible, of course, but as long as you’re not negatively impacting anyone else’s life, allow yourself to get fired up, HAVE FUN, and GO FOR IT!
- Be a giver. Reward those that have been loyal to you. Also, don’t forget to give selflessly to others without strings attached. It feels great to help others, and it can be done without possessing great means. Even though you don’t expect anything back, you will be rewarded.
My Blog
I first became interested in blogging after coming across Free Money Finance in late 2009. I started to read the site regularly, then decided to go through its blogroll. Next thing you know, I stumbled upon a bunch of other interesting sites that I started to read. Eventually, I was hooked and decided that I wanted to start my own blog. The purpose was partially to help me refine my own thoughts and gain new knowledge of personal finance, but primarily to inform, help, and entertain others who are interested in this topic as well.
The first post on Squirrelers was in March 2010. Since that time, I have posted on a variety of topics, often centered around obtaining financial freedom through increasing both income and savings. Additionally, I will post on current events, financial philosophy, and acts of generosity and kindness.
In particular, I enjoy stories about human behavior when it comes to finances. I have a series called “Squirreling Gone Wild” which highlights some of the wacky things people do when trying to save a few dollars or even pennies. Think of people like George Costanza on Seinfeld:)
It’s great when you see thoughtful comments on your posts, isn’t it? That’s an especially enjoyable part of this blog for me. I also enjoy contributing to the discussion on other blogs as well, and getting to know some cool people.
In Conclusion
As many have said already and will probably continue to say, it’s great to have had the original Yakezie Challenge, and now the Yakezie site! This is a fantastic group of energized bloggers who are personal finance enthusiasts and interesting people all rolled up into one. I’m excited to be a part of this group, and hope that we can learn from each other, and that I can help each of you when needed as well. I’m looking forward to it!
This post is part of the Yakezie Member Post Series. See all member posts here.
Ray,
Great to read your story. I love your list of “lessons learned”. They are not theoretical but based on life experience. I also love reading your blog. The reason you get thoughtful comments is because you write thoughtful posts. I am glad to be your Yakezie team mate.
Joe, thanks for the nice words, I appreciate them! Glad you enjoy the blog. I like checking in on your blog as well. I particularly like your series of posts on the home flipping project that your family undertook. Good stuff.
Thanks for sharing, Ray. Life is usually the best teacher, if we would just bother to listen…
It is amazing how many of the Yakezie stories have had life lessons-but in different ways. I guess that is why we are all here, to share a little about ourselves, while trying to shorten the learning curve for others in need of PF info!
Dr Dean, you make a great point about life being a good teacher. We are all busy, but stopping for a while to reflect and learn can be immensely valuable.
I really like getting to know more about the bloggers behind the blog. I enjoy reading Squirrelers and this just added more depth to my reading pleasure. Thanks for sharing your story and you shared some really great tips as well.
Little House – Thank you, I enjoyed reading your member post and also enjoy reading your blog. I discovered it a few months ago, and I’m glad I did.
Great to meet you, Ray. Your post shows the importance of setting a good example to others, and I’m sure your children are the better for it. I also really like your tips, and I like that you mention that one can no longer count on a single, stable income today. It’s better to work on building up something on the side, even if it only starts out as a hobby, and with the Internet, it’s so easy to start something on the side today. Thanks for sharing your story.
Kevin, thanks for the nice words. It sounds like you and I are on the same page in terms of keeping an open mind and working to diversify income sources.
Hello Ray – Reading this post was a great way for me to start my day. Your sincerity and honesty brings your story to life and from what I’ve now read on your blog, it also turns your posts into interesting articles that present life lessons without any preaching taking place. Excellent stuff, and I particularly enjoyed your “Squirreling Gone Wild” series!
Wandering Earl, thanks for the comments! I’m glad you found this post to be so positive. Also, I’m glad you enjoy the stories – I just find it interesting why people do certain things when it comes to saving and spending their money. I’ll be sure to go through your blog as well, later today.
Congrats on your upcoming halfiversary! Like everyone says, it gets much easier after that! Keep up the good work!
Daniel – thanks! You keep up the good work as well:)
It’s good to ‘meet’ you, Ray. I love your “lessons learned”! It seems like you have gathered a lot of experience in your 30+ years! I enjoyed reading your story, especially with you reflecting on your upbringing!
Khaleef, I’m glad you liked the lessons learned. Wisdom that’s gained through overcoming obstacles has a way of staying with you. I like the ideas of people sharing such advice based on direct life experience, as it can help the rest of us a little bit by allowing us to learn efficiently (though I think some experience really does need to be hands on)
Great to read your story. Let me know when you come visit my great state of Maine :) Maybe we could meet up! (So you made it all the way to New Hampshire but didn’t swing up to Maine?) ;)
Jamie – visiting Maine sounds great, it’s on my list! As an oustider, my top interest is Acadia National Park, but I’m sure you would know the full range of experiences that a visitor to your state should have. Also – you asked about why NH but not Maine? Well, it was during travels when I was a kid and wasn’t running the show! My father had to go to New Jersey, so we decided to spend some time visiting nearby New England. We ended up going through New Hampshire only briefly, on the way to see Vermont.
How did you come up with the name?
Narrow Bridge – the source of the name is the phrase “squirrel away money”. I always got a kick out of people describing saving money that way. So, I wanted to think of a way to describe people who squirrel away money. Squirrelers is what came to mind!
Hey Ray! Great intro! You’ve done some serious traveling inside the US…any international adventures?
Mike – international adventures have included China, Hong Kong (when under British control), Macau, England, France, Italy, and Aruba. I learned the most going to China, but had the best time in Italy. The food was amazing. That said, it’s WAY more expensive to go now than it was a while back. I recall an amazing multi-course meal for two (including wine) in Trestavare, a neighborhood in Rome, for $23 USD. Yep, $11.50 per person! Not anymore, though!
I’m not counting Canada as international, but I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed British Columbia.
I also have to say that many of the trips were taken when I had a different mindset toward money, and I was younger with far less responsibilities. Interestingly, I don’t regret any of them at all, and count them as some of the best times I have had.
BTW, Great entry song. I will definitely need to check out Squirreling Gone Wild. Sounds like a great series. Oh, and you’ll love Hawaii. Especially the sunsets.
Yes, I’m sure the sunsets in Hawaii are fantastic. It’s of course a shorter flight from the west coast, so I wonder if the likelihood to have been to Hawaii is depended upon where in North America one lives? Someday I’ll make it there. Probably not soon though, but hopefully someday in the future!
Wow, you have traveled a lot! Love that entry song :) I enjoyed reading your story and I really like your Squirrelers gone wild series! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Suba! I’m glad you enjoy the SGW series. I’m looking forward to your member post.
I love your Squirreling gone wild’ series!
You and I both started our blogs at the same time- my 6 month anniversary was a couple days ago!
Loved hearing about your story. If you do get to Maine, you have to go to Bar Harbor. It is truly a beautiful place. If you want to see Puffins, you have to go around June as that is when they nest at some island that you can take a whale-watching boat to go see. (You can’t get off the boat though.)
Thanks for sharing!
Everyday Tips, as a regular poster on your blog, you know that I enjoy your work as well. It reads well and covers “everyday” topics just as the name suggests. By the way, I’m glad you enjoy the SGW series!
I’ll keep in mind your tips for Maine. Not sure when I’ll be going – won’t be in the cold weather – but I’ll remember Bar Harbor.
I love you thoughts on diversifying income. That is a huge keystone to my personal finance practice. I love the fact that if one income source dries up, I’m not stuck; it only means that I now have time to pursue my next income source. That’s job security if you ask me!
I agree on diversification. It’s not just for asset allocation, but also for income as well. As long as one can focus enough to succeed on the primary source of income, it’s good to have other avenues of income. That’s how I see it, anyway!
I love Chicago, Wise Squirrel! It’s my kind of town! (er, if you’ll pardon the expression). I used to visit it often when I was a carefree single guy in my 20s. I had an Uncle who worked at US Steel and lived in nearby Matteson. I’d stay with him at his place – take the train into town every morning and spend the whole day there before going home and repeating the process. Good times and great memories. BTW, I’ve only got five more states myself to set foot in (Alaska, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana and Idaho). Even so, next summer’s vacation is back to Hawaii – so those other states will have to wait. LOL
Best,
Len
Len Penzo dot Com
Len, Glad you liked visiting this area! Though I now live in the northern suburbs, I’m familiar with the area in the south suburbs you visited. And taking the train to explore the city is fun, especially if you had lots of free time. Folks on the coasts should check out Chicago – just avoid traveling here in the winter:)
Love the intro Ray! It’s always good to remember and know where you came from. I try and think back when I had nothing too, and it gives me so much appreciation and motivation to try harder and not take anything for granted.
I hear you on the pain of the recession, and I’m glad you found a new job. What are your thoughts on collecting 99 weeks of unemployment insurance?
Good lessons learned. I like the idea of having a solid financial foundation that is set practically on autopilot so we can enthusiastically pursue our dreams.
Thnx for sharing!
ps consider adding your feedburner URL to your profile once you logon in the user bar.
Sam –
Glad you liked my intro post. Seems like we both appreciate where we came from, and the idea of a solid financial foundation so dreams can be pursued. As for 99 week unemployment insurance….that seems like a long time, and a major incentive for some especially lazy people to stop actively looking. But I balance that thought with compassion as well, as it’s very tough out there for a lot of well-meaning people.
Great to know the man behind the Squirrel. I’m totally with you, FMF was my gateway drug to blogging as well :). I’m absolutely loving your content, you do a great job of keeping finance fun!
Thanks! I’m glad you like the blog and its content. I discovered yours recently, first linking through a blog carnival, and like what I have seen. As for FMF, it’s interesting how he was the source for a few of us getting hooked on personal finance blogs. I actually had a guest post there recently, which was a fun way to come full circle after launching my own blog!
Ray, I really like your lessons learned. Focusing on sources of income before savings is something many people lose sight of.
Also, Aruba rocks! Good choice.
Coach – thanks, I agree that many folks lose sight of income, while focusing mainly on micromanaging expenses and cutting coupons. Not that those are bad things, but there are two sides to the equation! Aruba is good, I agree, Was there quite a long time ago. I remember beautiful weather and a great Argentinian steak house named El Gaucho, I beleive.
Great bullet points, I like those a lot. I totally agree with the savings before lifestyle one. Oh and love that squirrel picture! :)
Charlie – I wish I could take credit for the squirrel picture, but that was probably Sam. I got a kick out of it – a chivalrous squirrel.
Yep, I thought best to picture up than nothing!
Hey Squirellers, I can’t agree more about having to pave your own way, especially in this day and age…. Was great to read your story. It’s always interesting to see where people came from.
Forest – I think Sam put forth a great idea, with these intros. I agree that it’s neat to see where folks came from to get to this point, and to get know everyone
Nice to meet you Ray, welcome aboard the train of financial freedom seekers. I wonder how many of us will get there :)
It sure would be great to reach financial freedom, wouldn’t it? Those of us that are blogging on personal finance at least recognize the importance of having goals, and taking steps to reach them. The reality is that we are one step ahead of the masses that don’t get this. Material things are nice, but FREEDOM is better!
Haven’t been over to your site as much, but heading there now! That’s pretty crazy about your unexpected career change, but it seems like you’ve recovered now. Really agree with your “Diversify your income potential” point. Actually something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently (after reading The Corporate Lattice)
Fin Engineer – diversification sure does extend beyond investment portfolios, I can attest to this from experience. Better not to keep one’s head in the sand! I’ll have to check out your site more as well – being analytical/quantitative minded, a personal finance blog with “Engineer” as a part of it’s moniker would be interesting to me.
As you know, I really enjoy your site, so this intro was really fun to read. I didn’t know you travelled so much! Keep on keeping on Wise Squirrel!
BFS – Thanks, glad you liked the intro. That’s what’s cool about this format, even though we both read/comment on each other’s blog regularly, we learned about the person behind the blog through our member posts. As for traveling, yeah I have done a pretty decent amount, though far less these days. Life responsibilities are greater now, but at some point in the future I hope the traveling will pick up again….though financial freedom is the long-term goal now!
I always thought the name of your blog might be derived from “Squirelling away money”… but I wasn’t 100%
Anyway, you posted a great story! I’m jealous, I would love to travel to all the locations that you’ve visited!
Anyway, great intro!
Money Reasons – you’re right, the name came from that saying. Glad you liked the story, and I hope you get a chance to do some traveling of your own…mine has diminished a ton lately, and will continue to be that way for a while. Different goals now:)
Also – what’s the background behind your avatar picture? Just curious where that shot came from.
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“You can cut as many coupons as you want, but it’s better to focus first on actually making the money that you ultimately want to save.”
I couldn’t agree more!
It’s remarkable how some folks think the pathway to financial freedom is to do things such as to make their own soap, spend 2 hours analyzing toilet paper prices, etc. That same time, spent learning new skills, networking, extra time at work, or even reading new things can pay far greater dividends. Just my opinion!
Hi Ray, thanks for sharing the lessons learned from being laid off. Those were great! Thanks to you, every time I see a squirrel I think of you and your site.
Jeff, glad you liked the lessons learned. That’s cool that you think of my site when you see a squirrel. That said, thinking of ME when seeing a squirrel…well, I guess that’s the byproduct of a blog called Squirrelers.
Maybe I should have called it Lions or Tigers or something fierce! Actually Lions and Tigers sound more like a Detroit sport team. I don’t see any sports teams with a squirrel mascot, so there’s probably a reason for that:)
I didn’t realize your blog was so new; very impressive! I think your variety of experiences contribute to great posts. I’m looking forward to our continued partnership in the Yakezie.
Kay Lynn – yes, the blog is fairly new, all things considered. I too am looking forward to continued partnership here.
Ray, your experiences really offer us all a great lesson which is to be prepared. No matter what situation we’re in, we can never get “comfortable.” Thanks for sharing so much personal stuff here.
More importantly, let’s get together. I’m in Chicago too!
Andrew – seems like we see that the same way. Getting too “comfortable” can impede not only progress, but the ability to be comfortable when older and less able to earn.
Good to another Chicago area blogger…we might be able to meet up sometime. Let’s be in touch…
Sounds good!
Hello Ray,
I’m from Chicago, so I’m always happy to show some Chi-town luv! Anyway, your story really resonated with me. This is exactly when personal finance becomes really personal. Thanks so much for giving us a peak into your world and motivations.
Awesome, me too! Let’s all get together sometime!
Roshawn – glad the story resonated with you. I’m looking forward to your story as well. By the way, I enjoy the well thought out articles you publish. It’s a thinking person’s blog that you have!
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Hi Ray … found your site and was a member there before I realized you’d joined Yakezie too. I hope to one day be able to post a similar story of introduction myself but if nothing else its really encouraging realizing that you got into the blogging party late also! :) I hope that with my renewed focus on it that I can be as successful as you and the other Yakezie members have shown me they are too.
You definitely have the experience of a road traveled by many these days. The worker with the MBA that was laid off, we hear about this all the time today. I have a ton of friends with prestigious degrees from full time programs who can’t get a sniff right now.
The thing I admire most from your list of lessons learned is you prioritizing earnings over savings. I have trouble dealing with people who worry about saving every penny on every corner. Not enough people look at their earning potential as an avenue to pursue to changing the BIG PICTURE. Look forward to reading your work
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