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Managing money may be simple, but it isn’t easy. Most of us struggle to save diligently, invest intelligently and figure out what will make us happy. HumbleDollar aims to help readers make rational financial decisions, especially when it comes to retirement. But we’re also acutely aware of the human side of money.
Those are Jonathan’s words. They are as close to HumbleDollars mission statement as I can find. This forum is Jonathan’s plan to perpetuate his dream. If we’re not careful, we might blow it up.
Arguing about whether or not a politician lied, or someone slowed down the checkout line by having the audacity to write a check, has nothing to do with HD’s purpose. We need to tell our stories in ways that current and future retirees find helpful. People can benefit from knowing what we did right, and learn from the mistakes we made along the way.
I like to tell friends who are checking out HumbleDollar for the first time to read anything written by Clements or Grossman, but I’ve also gleaned a lot of knowledge from many of you.
Nothing is accomplished by debating the tax code. The tax code is what it is. Our job should be to figure out the best strategies to deal with it. Roth versus Traditional, short term vs long term, bond durations, buy versus lease. Also lifestyle discussions; life after divorce, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, a single parent re-entering the workforce, things we volunteer for, things we do in our communities. That’s why I’m here; to help, and to be helped.
All fine and certainly civility toward others is a given.
However, let’s not forget the human side of all money matters. Not everyone is looking for details and technical information or even retirement info and perhaps sometimes the human aspects of things or foibles as in My Money Journey are attractive.
I think a balance, even some controversy is necessary to attract readers. Plain vanilla won’t do it IMO.
Also, keep in mind that HD generates income. I don’t know, but maybe that income is something Jonathan’s family expects to continue perhaps grow as well.
The last sentence in Dan’s summary of Jonathan’s articulation of HD’s mission statement: “But we’re also acutely aware of the human side of money.” That’s the hook I hang most of my articles on. Not being a US citizen, I can only write about this softer, human side of retirement rather than technical articles navigating the complexity of the US system. I try to bring wit, humor, or a slightly contrarian or unusual angle to offset “plain vanilla” content while staying focused on these universal themes.
Personally, I feel that reaching too far towards controversy can work well on occasion, but it can also backfire spectacularly, generating ill will in the comments section. As contributors, we bear responsibility for managing the pushback our articles create. When our work stirs strong reactions, we need to engage thoughtfully with readers—acknowledging valid concerns, clarifying misunderstandings, and maintaining a respectful tone even when disagreements arise. This careful stewardship of the discussion our writing generates is, I feel, occasionally lacking. It’s not enough to simply publish a provocative piece; we must be prepared to thoughtfully moderate the conversation that follows.
If ever there was a post that I wish could be pinned to the top, it’s this one.
You’ve beautifully put into words what I suspect a lot of us are feeling. Thank you!
Nailed it, Dan – I’ve faded to black in posting remarks (indeed, even reading new HD forum posts) because the tone of a few commenters has taken a hard turn towards negativity and divisiveness. I can get vitriol from the evening TV news, which I also try to avoid.
Glad you tuned in today, Newsboy.
Thank you, Dan, for saying this. Your post, and Mark’s lighthearted post about the beach clean up were good reminders of what we are about. I need to update about Spouse’s mom, hopefully that will help people too. Chris
Like Mark, I attempt to inject a little humor into many of my posts. And hey, who wouldn’t enjoy a story about Crothers faffing about on a beach and finding furry purple handcuffs?
Bravo. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks Dan.
Dan, I am 100% with you. I’m committed to make every contribution helpful, thoughtful and entertaining. I am not naturally any of those things, but I will try!
Greg, your posts about your dad un-retiring, or the sale of your business were very helpful to readers facing those situations. What’s up next in your new life of leisure? Inquiring minds want to know.
Thanks Dan. In a very boring update, I’m starting a new job in a couple of weeks. Much less challenging than my previous role.
More importantly, the new business owners continue to go well and Dad had adjusted nicely to retired life.
Maybe by people limiting their back and forth to no more than two times between commenters as sometimes happens, so the back and forth does not read as arguing?
Right. If you post about why you invest at Vanguard, and I reply why I use Fidelity, there is no need for either of us to prove our point or win an argument in endless posts.