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HumbleDollar’s eighth year is in the books—but it certainly wasn’t the year I expected.
In the weeks after my late May cancer diagnosis, I scaled back the newsletter from twice-weekly to weekly, while reducing the number of articles from a dozen each week to five or six. Meanwhile, I launched the Forum, so folks could post articles directly to the site, without any editing by me. In addition, I eliminated the site’s donation feature. With the site publishing fewer articles, I didn’t feel it was right to continue accepting donations.
How has all this worked out? Readers were quick to embrace the Forum, and the flow of posts and comments has been impressive. Indeed, despite fewer newsletters and fewer edited articles, the site still notched 4.8 million pageviews in 2024, on par with 2023.
The year ahead will bring more changes. I plan to continue to write the lead article for the Saturday newsletter for the next two months. After that, Adam Grossman will be taking over the Saturday slot. I hope to continue penning pieces, but that’ll depend on my health.
Other than Adam’s articles, the site won’t be publishing any more edited pieces after March 1. Instead, the only outlet for new posts will be the Forum. Fingers crossed, folks will use that space to continue posing money questions and offering their financial thoughts.
My profound thanks to all who participate in the Forum. The thoughtfulness and civility of your words have helped make HumbleDollar a small but unique place in the online financial world—and I hope that’ll remain true for many years to come.
Jonathan, thanks for this update about how things are going to be going forward for HD. I have learned so much from you and the other writers. I love the Forum, even though I am sometimes scared to comment b/c I feel I don’t know as much as everyone else. I am still praying for you and your family, Jonathan. Chris
Jonathan et al, my thanks for the wonderful depth and breadth here. My financial education has been deeply influenced by Mr Clements, whose WSJ and Humble Dollar articles have been useful and key.
I look forward to reading and sharing content from this site and all the writers here with my children and grandchildren for many years.
And Jonathan, thank you for being a man focused on being useful. It’s the hallmark of greatness.
Happy anniversary! Thank you for all you do for us!
Jonathan, I didn’t know about HumbleDollar eight years ago, and really didn’t know who you were until I read “How To Think About Money.” How did you get the word out about this website and invite people to write their stories?
In terms of “getting the word out,” it started in 2008, when I left The Wall Street Journal. My last column elicited 2,300 emails from loyal readers. I spent my final two days at the paper printing out all those messages, knowing I didn’t have time to read them. I subsequently paid my daughter — then in college — to put all the email addresses in a spreadsheet. That became the basis for the newsletter I started sending out in 2015, which then turned into the HumbleDollar newsletter that began going out in early 2017. One fun fact: By the time I started using the email list, a third of the addresses were moribund — and the newsletter distribution service I was using demanded that I stop using the list. Instead, I stripped out all the dead email addresses and began using a different service. Today, the newsletter goes out to more than 24,000 readers.
The site’s initial writers were folks I knew had an interest in personal finance, so I invited them to submit pieces. I also got both my kids and one of my brothers to pen pieces. It then grew from there. One of the earliest contributors, who’s still writing eight years later, was Kristine Hayes. Other early contributors include Dennis Friedman and Adam Grossman.
Jonathan, that’s a nice piece of history to share, thank you!
If I could turn back time, I’d like to read all the articles written by everyone, but that would be a challenge. Each author has a unique writing style for the message they are wanting to express, and hope they continue and don’t lose interest.
Now days, I find myself clinging to every word you write, whether it’s and article or a comment, knowing that some day it won’t be so.
Olin, you didn’t mention how you found HumbleDollar.
I first heard of Jonathan Clements when he gave a radio interview in late 2017 or early 2018. I jotted down the name of the website and stuck it in my wallet, until I took the time to investigate it a few months later.
Jonathan, thanks for hanging in there with us. At the risk of using the word friend too lightly, I feel like I’ve made a few virtual ones here on HD.
Jonathan,
Congratulations on HD’s 8 year anniversary! In the transient world of the internet, it is quite an accomplishment.
It’s no accident either. You have created a unique space for the exchange of ideas in an always constructive, and yes, civil manner. And that’s because of your vigilant oversight, and more especially, your example.
Thank you for letting me be a part of it. I’ve learned so much, and continue to learn, from the authors and commenters, and from you. It’s been a privilege and an honor.
Andrew
Jonathan – please keep writing whenever you can. Your mastery of the English language to relay ideas and explain concepts is both rare and welcome. And please, as much as possible, keep us up-to-date on your health journey. We all care and wish you well.
Jonathan, eight years is an amazing accomplishment. It is absolutely a unique place in the world, and has helped so many people.
I have very similar feelings to Kristine’s. Contributing to HD was not on my radar as I transitioned into retirement, but it has become an important part of my life. I feel fortunate to have met (actually and virtually) so many smart, kind, and generous people through my interactions.
I’m vey grateful that you allowed me to be a very small part of HD, and humbled that you have put considerable effort into assuring it will live on.
Happy Anniversary to HumbleDollar!
I’m so proud to have contributed articles and forum posts for the past eight years. I remember how nervous I was sending my first email to Jonathan. I was sure he would reject my idea of writing a short article about my own experience with a mid-life divorce. Instead, he embraced my proposal and encouraged me to submit additional writings.
It’s been a wild ride for the past eight years. Since that first article, I’ve remarried, bought two houses (and sold one of them), retired, gone from a two-dog household to a four-dog household, moved to a new state and had numerous other life changes.
I’ve so enjoyed writing and sharing some of my stories on the virtual pages of HD. I’ve learned so much from Jonathan’s writings and from all the other contributors to the site. You have all helped me navigate the world of personal finance and I appreciate it very much.
Thank you Jonathan for starting HumbleDollar!
I’m curious whether your oncologist and medical team are familiar with your work and Humble Dollar. I feel weird when you thank us readers, as I’m sure all of us feel gratitude towards you. Thanks for continuing to be a trusted online expert we can all learn from, and not just about finance!
I’ve also wondered whether my oncologist and other docs are aware of the publicity that my diagnosis has received in the NYT, WSJ, WashPo and elsewhere. I hope not. I’m happy for my writing to receive attention. I’m not that enthused when the attention is focused on me as a person. Two decades ago, when I was doing a lot of TV, barely a week would go by without getting recognized on the street. It took a while to get used to that, and I’m glad it doesn’t happen much anymore.
“Other than Adam’s articles, the site won’t be publishing any more edited pieces after March 1.”
Sad but understandable Jonathan. We all are so thankful for the hours you have committed to editing and writing for our benefit.
Restructuring your focus towards your health and hopefully a few more trips seems very reasonable.
Godspeed!