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After spending more than two decades building a successful landscaping business with his twin brother Nicholas, Andrew Clements retired in 2015 with a new appreciation for what matters most. Born in England, his essays draw on a life that has included growing up in England and Bangladesh, entrepreneurship, caregiving, family loss and travel. A regular HumbleDollar contributor, he enjoys telling stories that remind readers life’s richest lessons often have little to do with money. Andrew is the older brother of HumbleDollar founder Jonathan Clements, whose life and legacy have inspired some of his most personal writing. He lives in Florida with his husband, Joey.
Comments
Greg, I think your point about psychology is especially important. Personal finance may be about numbers, but our behavior often determines whether those numbers work in our favor. I also like your observation that there isn’t one “correct” way to manage money. Your approach created a built-in speed bump: spending $10,000 meant consciously taking $10,000 away from debt reduction or investments. That makes the opportunity cost very real. Over the years, I’ve found that the best financial system isn’t necessarily the one found in the textbook. It’s the one that fits our personality, keeps us disciplined and allows us to sleep well at night. Yours clearly did that, and simplicity probably deserves more credit than it gets.
Post: Locking it in
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
Thank you, Jeff. Your description of Jonathan’s “gentle editing hand” captures him perfectly. He had a rare ability to improve someone’s work while also encouraging the writer. Knowing that you think of him each time you sit down to write is a wonderful part of his legacy. For now I intend to keep writing, it is one of the ways I keep him close.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
Thank you David. It's good to hear from you, your kind words means a great deal to me.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
Thank you, that is incredibly kind. Writing has become one of the ways I keep Jonathan close. If something of him lives on through my words, that means more to me than I can express.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 10, 2026
Chris, thank you so much for your prayer and beautiful words. Jonathan’s kindness is also what I remember most, and you’re right, he continued teaching all of us until the very end. Your encouragement about my own writing means more than you know. Writing for HumbleDollar has helped me remain connected to Jonathan and to the wonderful community he created. Please know that your reading matters, whether or not you leave a comment.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 9, 2026
Thank you so much, Andrew. It means a great deal to know that Jonathan touched your life. During his final months, he taught all of us something about courage and living fully even when time is short. Knowing that his example remains with you is a wonderful tribute to him.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 9, 2026
Thank you, Edmund. Knowing that Jonathan became part of your daily routine, even though you never met him, means a great deal. He had a rare gift for allowing his personality to come through in his words, and I know how much his connection with readers meant to him.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 9, 2026
Dan, thank you. Your words mean more to me than you probably realize. Writing for HumbleDollar has helped me feel closer to Jonathan and to better understand the remarkable community he created. If my articles have played even a small part in helping the site move forward, I’m deeply grateful. I also think Jonathan would be pleased to see contributors returning and the conversations becoming lively again. One year on, his presence is still very much a part of HumbleDollar.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 9, 2026
Thank you so much. We miss Jonathan more than words can express, but knowing that he continues to be remembered with such affection by so many readers brings our family great comfort.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 9, 2026
Thank you so much, Dana. You’re right, it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it was also an honor to speak about Jonathan and what he meant to us. I’m sorry you know firsthand how difficult that moment can be. It’s hard to believe a year has passed, and your blessings mean a great deal to all of us.
Post: Remembering Jonathan
Link to comment from September 9, 2026