About You #2


110 Comments
Hello, My name is Beowulf

A few months ago, we posted a few questions to better get to know our readers. And since there are a lot of new faces around here these days, we figured it’d be a good time to get acquainted/reacquainted with everyone. So here’s a freshy fresh set of questions:

    1. What do you do for a living?
    2. If you could be adopted into any 80’s/90’s sitcom family, which would it be?
    3. What’s your current financial goal?
    4. Choose one: $100,000 cash or your face etched on Mount Rushmore?
    5. What topics would you like to see more of on OFB?

We’ll kick things off.

Johnny

    1. Advertising copywriter. I write words for ads. You know, those things you fast forward through with your DVR?
    2. Cut it out… the Tanners of Full House.
    3. Save enough money to buy a house.
    4. Mount Rushmore fame seems like it’d pay off over the long run. “Hey, are you that fifth dude on Mt. Rushmore? Can I have your autograph?!” “Sure. That’ll be $20.”
    5. Money ones. And no more photos with that stupid Johnny guy.

Joanna

    1.  I’m an editor for a non-profit. But funny story: I don’t really edit our posts. I like to only wear my editing cap while I’m on the clock, and we tend to keep our writing pretty casual, so you will find errors in our writing! If you’re a grammar snob, I apologize now.
    2. I would have to say the Matthews family from Boy Meets World. I would have been a much better little sister to Eric and Corey. You’re probably thinking right now, “Wait, they had a little sister?” Yeah.
    3. I’d like to save up six figures for a down payment on our first house. Fingers crossed.
    4. I’m a greedy girl… show me the money!!! And I’d spend a couple thousand of it on new clothes, even though Johnny would do everything in his power to stop me.
    5. I’d like to start a series where I interview stay-at-home moms/dads who make money on the side.

Your turn. Ready…GO!

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110 Comments

  • Reply MomofTwoPreciousGirls March 26, 2013 at 8:20 am

    1. I work as a sales assistant in the brokerage industry. I’m licensed and have been doing this for about 17 years!
    2. Growing Pains…but as the long time girlfriend of Mike Seaver!
    3. Clean up last bits of debt, save for a big down payment and college for the babes.
    4. Cash money to put toward goals in#3.
    5. I like Joanna’s idea and otherwise love what you guys are doing here! I love that you’re not so stuffy!

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:12 am

      Allergies have started kicking in, so I am sorta stuffy. But maybe you weren’t talking about that. 🙂

  • Reply Mrs. Pop @ Planting Our Pennies March 26, 2013 at 8:22 am

    1 – I do data analytics. Basically, I find patterns in numbers.
    2 – The Tanner Family, obvs. My older sister and I were waaay too much like DJ and Stephanie. Though I wasn’t quite as cool as Stephanie when she got to high school.
    3 – Save up $50K to pay off Mr. PoP’s parents by August. It’s in the realm of possibility.
    4 – Am I allowed to make royalties off of my picture being on all the tourist crap with Mt Rushmore on it? If so, that’s probably worth more than $100K to me…
    5 – I’m curious about your day jobs. How is it to work with words all day then deal with them at night?

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:16 am

      I kinda viewed the $100k as a lump sum lottery payment and Mt. Rushmore as the larger amount over 30 years or whatever. Glad to know a data analytics-tician agrees with me.

  • Reply Michelle March 26, 2013 at 8:29 am

    What do you do for a living? – I’m an analyst. BORING 🙂
    If you could be adopted into any 80′s/90′s sitcom family, which would it be? – Boy Meets World, Sabrina (just so that I could be a witch!), and so many others.
    What’s your current financial goal? – Pay off student loans!
    Choose one: $100,000 cash or your face etched on Mount Rushmore? – CASH
    What topics would you like to see more of on OFB? – Hmmm I like everything that you guys write about 🙂

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:20 am

      Joanna was also hung up with Boy Meets World and Sabrina. I think in the end, she had a soft spot for Mr. Feeny.

  • Reply Brian March 26, 2013 at 8:33 am

    1. I protect your nations borders from the safety of my cube.
    2. That step by step family seemed pretty normal, well except for the homeless man they let live in a van in their driveway… that seemed a little sketchy
    3. Save enough money to move to Innsbruck, Austria for a year or so.
    4. Great men are on the rock… I am not a great man… so give me the 100K
    5. More articles about why Levar Burton is so awesome…

    • Reply MomofTwoPreciousGirls March 26, 2013 at 8:37 pm

      He was the father’s nephew!

      • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:26 am

        Haha. Love the Step by Step trivia correction.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:22 am

      “…well except for the homeless man they let live in a van in their driveway… that seemed a little sketchy.” This is probably my single favorite line ever written on our blog. Ever. And thanks for giving me the green light on Levar Burton posts.

  • Reply Johnny Moneyseed March 26, 2013 at 9:14 am

    1. I’m an active duty military member. Marines! What what. And I’m a blogger, which pays peanuts.
    2. The Bundys from Married with Children. This show is still hilarious!
    3. My financial goal is to be financially independent (retired) in 7 years when I’m 35. At which point I’ll start working on projects that I love, that I would do even if I wasn’t being paid.
    4. Easy question. The $100,000. That would help move toward my financial goal a lot quicker. You guys aren’t giving away $100k are you?!?
    5. Write more about cats?

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:42 am

      Cats? Can do, Johnny, can do. Either that or I’ll start doing posts on why no name is better than our name.

  • Reply Carrie March 26, 2013 at 9:30 am

    1. I work for the federal government managing grant awards.
    2. The Keatons from “Family Ties”.
    3. I’d like to pay off credit card debt and put more into retirement and college funds.
    4. Cash. Always cash. : )
    5. I like what you already write, but maybe a post on how to balance paying down debt and saving. For example, which do you do first, try both simultaneously, etc.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:46 am

      If you have any research grants that involve taste-testing bacon and need someone to award it to, I know a guy…

  • Reply Julie March 26, 2013 at 9:59 am

    1. I’m a scientist by title, but in reality I’m more of a micro-assembler (think, jewelry-type work but not nearly as pretty of a finished product) combined with a number cruncher and project manager.
    2. This is a tough one, but I think the Taylors from Home Improvement. Seems like life would be fun and unexpected, and Jill needed another girl around.
    3. Practically, saving money for a new roof and other home improvements. Ideally, finding a way to afford to reduce my hours at work so that I can spend more time with my baby girl.
    4. Gimme the money! That would totally help with #3!
    5. I’m a newbie, and still making my way through your archives, so I’m not quite sure I’m qualified to critique your content yet. But I like your ideas on saving money, and I’m also curious to learn more about your daycare situation (unless you’ve already covered that and I haven’t gotten to it yet.)

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:48 am

      Wow, I can’t believe I totally overlooked the Taylor choice. I’m sorta embarrassed that they weren’t even on my radar. Kudos to your excellent choice.

  • Reply Emory March 26, 2013 at 10:25 am

    1. I am a case manager at a dv shelter. It sounds kind of sad, but honestly it is probably the best job I could have asked for right out of school.
    2. I would have to say the Matthews from Boy Meets World. I always wanted a second brother and they just seem like a fun family to run with.
    3. Working on saving up a 25% down payment for a home. Realistically this will take a couple of years at our current saving strategy, but I can wait.
    4. Definitely would take the cash. And it would go directly into savings because spending money in large amounts gives me heart palpitations. But no really. I wouldn’t even know what else to do with that kind of cash.
    5. Honestly, I like the current content very much. It is so in tune with where my husband and I are at right now (minus the baby) and it’s kind of nice to see other people who are striving to be money savvy.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:50 am

      We’re 20%+ down payment goal twins! Which means neither of us will be in a house until we’re 50! Kidding. Let’s make that a reality in the next two or three years.

  • Reply Kasey March 26, 2013 at 10:25 am

    1. I work as a Control Systems engineer
    2. The Taylor’s from home improvement. I want a cool neighbor like Mr Wilson
    3. Max out 401K this year and pay off the home depot credit card that is being used to remodel the house
    4. The cash hands down but that’s because I’m camera shy.
    digging-my-way-out

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:52 am

      You bring up a good point about #4. And if you’re sensitive about a particular facial feature and the sculpter dude messes that up, I don’t think that’s a real easy fix. Maybe I should rethink my choice.

  • Reply Chris March 26, 2013 at 10:30 am

    1. IT Business Analyst but with a non-IT background. Huge learning curve for me. Kind of like sending in a place kicker to play goalie – it’s fun though!
    2. Family Ties hands down. Skippy was creepy; I would’ve been a better dork friend to Michael P. Keaton.
    3. Pay off credit cards (very close), remodel parts of the house (kitchen, basement), and try to save something for my kids’ college fund.
    4. $100,000 – tough to explain how I got up Rushmore for just being a good person. If I’m up there it would have to be for something EPIC.
    5. Budgeting tips as my wife and I constantly look to control our spending. I think you guys have a good start. Probably more goal based savings tips. I wouldn’t mind if you could review some social media/ apps for personal finances (that’s what I’m into).

    Fun idea. Keep up the good work.

    Chris
    http://amplifytoday.com/online-life/

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:58 am

      That sounds like a massive learning curve with your job. I would probably try to hide my lacking experience by saying IT-ish words: mainframe, gigawatz, analytics engine. That’s probably also why I’m better off never working in IT.

  • Reply kim March 26, 2013 at 10:59 am

    1. i’m a stay-at-home mom to my almost-six-month old, joshua.
    2. i would definitely say the matthews family from bmw, too!
    3. right now we’re focusing on figuring out the best budget for our new one-income life… i think we’re almost there.
    4. *sigh* i guess the money… both of our cars need replacing, and i’d love to get out of this apartment one day. 🙂
    5. i’ve only been reading for a short while, but i like what i see! keep it up!

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 1:00 am

      Figuring out the right budget takes some finessing, fine tuning and most importantly, being patient. Good luck, and congrats on your little guy!

  • Reply Ellie March 26, 2013 at 11:00 am

    1. Previous arts administrator, current CEO of our family, including a pretty fly 9 month old. It’s a promotion, but it doesn’t pay well, so I’m trying to revamp the ol’ resume and continue honing some skills online to keep my head in the game.

    2. Not a “traditional” family, but a family nonetheless: Facts of Life.
    Tootie. Killer theme song. Need I say more?

    3. Current financial goal: to set a financial goal.

    4. Cash money.

    5. Joanna, I second your series… and anything that can help this lady crush it in the grocery store check out line.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 1:07 am

      Haha. These are solid responses. I like #3. Not as easy as it looks.

  • Reply jrm March 26, 2013 at 11:22 am

    1. Geologist, focus on environmental remediation.
    2. Facts of Life, just looked like it would be fun to live in a boarding school
    3. Financial goal: saving up a hefty emergency fund, paying off my car earlier than expected and then starting to save for the next. I want to pay cash for my next car. Car payments stress me out to no end.
    4. I’d take the cash. It gets cold out in the Black Hills. Though the views from there probably are amazing.
    5. Content….I kind of love what you are doing.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 1:11 am

      I like that you interpreted #4 as becoming part of the mountain. That’s a wayyy cooler option. I’m sure there’d be boring moments, but at least you’ve got good company for conversations.

  • Reply Grayson @ Debt RoundUp March 26, 2013 at 11:22 am

    These are always fun….

    1. Project Manager for ecommerce software company
    2. I second Kasey with the Taylor’s. I need more power!
    3. Save money for a down payment on a house.
    4. $100 grand would be good. I don’t need to be on a mountain
    5. I like interview series and am thinking about doing one soon.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 1:17 am

      ohrohrohrohroh [Tim Allen grunts that translates roughly to, “Hopefully you teach your son the ways of the Toolman.”]

  • Reply terri d. March 26, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    1. Consultant…really, I like learning about problems and trying to come up with innovative solutions that involve process improvement and change management…
    2. Full House…I didn’t grow up with any sisters, so it would be an interesting change of pace from getting beat up by an older brother
    3. Pay back student loans and set some investment/saving goals
    4. Cash, thank you very much…and I’m with Joanna on going shopping (with some of it)…
    5. I’m a new reader and haven’t combed through the archives so I don’t know what you’ve covered but I’m interested in trying to learn a little about investing and curious if you use any budgeting tools (apps, software)…my husband hearts Quicken but I can’t seem to get on board…I’m trying to get more excited about budgeting in general 🙂

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 1:21 am

      We’re finally at a stage where we’ll be doing more investing, so those posts should be forthcoming over the next few months. As far as making budgeting more exciting… wish I could help you there. 🙂

  • Reply Rob March 26, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Show and tell day, I see ! 🙂 Ok, here’s my story:

    1. I retired last year after 45 years in IT development / management, working over the years full time for 12 employers located in 2 different Canadian provinces.
    2. Happy Days – I can relate to The Fonz’s lifestyle, black leather jacket and all.
    3. Actually 2 financial goals: steady dependable long lasting retirement incomes for my wife and I – as well as assist, as required, to ensure that our 5 young grand kids someday all graduate student debt free so that they can start getting their careers in gear.
    4. I too would choose the cash. My face etched on Mount Rushmore would be a waste of good rock.
    5. Your current choice of OFB topics is just fine – keep up the good work you guys.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 1:22 am

      We probably should rename this section “Show and Tell,” huh? 🙂 Nice choice with Happy Days. I grew up on that show on Nick at Nite.

  • Reply Chris March 26, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    1. Currently, I’m the IT Manager at a Credit Union.
    2. Easy — I’d join in on the fun with the Huxtables in The Cosby Show.
    3. I’m trying to save 20% for a down payment on a house and invest more in 2013.
    4. Cash money. Wouldn’t spend it though. It seems the more I get in a “windfall” the less I spend because it freaks me out to spend that much money.
    5. I love the He Said/She Said segment. I’d like to see more of that.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 1:27 am

      I’d only consider the Huxtable family if Bill woke me up every morning singing the JELLO jingle. He would be a pretty cool dad though.

  • Reply Miranda March 26, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    What do you do for a living? I work as a receptionist at a software firm and I’m still in school taking classes online. *My husband is a GM at a restaurant, otherwise I couldn’t write this reply because I wouldn’t be able to afford the internet.
    If you could be adopted into any 80′s/90′s sitcom family, which would it be? My actual brother reminds me very much of Eric Matthews so I would have to say the folks from Boy Meets World. *I really hope the remake doesn’t suck.
    What’s your current financial goal? We are saving up to move to a new place/pay off the last of our debt.
    Choose one: $100,000 cash or your face etched on Mount Rushmore? I wouldn’t want the Rush boys to feel self-conscious being next to my gorgeous mug so for the sake of being a nice person, I’d just have to SETTLE for the cash. 😉
    What topics would you like to see more of on OFB? I like seeing all the ways you guys save money on bigger purchases like your camera and your vacation. I always get overwhelmed when it comes to making big buying decisions so it’s nice to see how other folks do it.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 1:55 am

      That’s very gracious of you to take the cash. I’m sure Teddy appreciates it.

      And Joanna and I are with you in hoping they don’t mess up our memories of Boy Meets World with some lousy remake.

  • Reply Shay March 26, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    What do you do for a living? – Mom and co-owner of Network Thinking Solutions and IT company
    If you could be adopted into any 80′s/90′s sitcom family, which would it be? The Cosby Show
    What’s your current financial goal? To keep our heads above water
    Choose one: $100,000 cash or your face etched on Mount Rushmore? 100,000, that would help a lot!
    What topics would you like to see more of on OFB? Love the personal daily money talks about dining, travel, kids. Love reading about how you manage your personal money.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 2:03 am

      Thanks for the feedback, Shay. And here’s to hoping the water recedes a little for ya. 🙂

  • Reply Kelly March 26, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    1. I work for a property management company, and I waitress/ bar-tend for a gourmet pizza restaurant 2 days a week to use as my “spending money”. Gotta Save!
    2. Family from Home Improvement, dont have a brother so i think that would be fun! Plus it was such a funny family!
    3. I have a couple major ones such as saving for a wedding and house in the future. But the #1 is paying down all my debt and getting my credit score up to a great rating!
    4. Id take the cash… that would make life so much easier right now… and would be great for future large ticket items!
    5. I love what you guys already have going on! Easy to read and love that you have “weekly” posts that are similar. Would love any advice you have about building a credit score, i know the basics but anyway to make those easier (tips/tricks/advice) would be wonderful!

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 2:13 am

      That’s awesome that you’ve got a side gig for your spending money. Way to go! And we’ll definitely throw a credit score post on our upcoming schedule. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • Reply Caryn March 26, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    1. So many things. I’m a full-time graduate student, but I also split my time between a couple of jobs. I’m a graduate assistant in a public health office that focuses on disaster preparedness. And my other job? I work in a thrift store. What what!
    2. The Tanners from Full House, obviously. I always thought it would be fun to have sisters. And an Uncle Jesse and a Joey.
    3. I’d like to get a good amount saved so I can buy a house within a few years of graduating from grad school. But I’d also like to get myself set up so I can pay off my student loan fairly quickly.
    4. Give me the money, yo. I don’t think they allow women on the rock anyway. 🙂
    5. Hmmm…I’d probably like some more of how to save on big purchases. That’s really helpful for me.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 2:15 am

      Ohh man, you must have access to all the awesome stuff before it hits the thrift shop floor! I’m so jealous. In college, I considered working at our local thrift shop for this very reason. And I figured I spent enough time there that I might as well get paid to be there shuffling through stuff.

      • Reply Caryn March 27, 2013 at 2:29 pm

        You have no idea. I have so much awesome stuff from there. It’s one of the perks – employees get first dibs on all the stuff that is donated. I sometimes come home with bags of stuff. Although, the longer I work there, the more stuff I bring home, the more I feel like I will one day end up on an episode of Hoarders. It would probably be a special edition- Hoarders: I work in a thrift store. Or maybe that’s MTV True Life. I don’t know…

        • Reply Johnny March 29, 2013 at 12:10 pm

          Hahaha. No doubt I would have an entire room in our house that would become my thrift shop treasure room.

          But should you ever make it all the way to Hoarders, we’ll feel cool knowing someone on TV. 🙂

  • Reply Jules March 26, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    1. I do interior design for the planning and renovations department of a University
    2. I also super loved the Tanners….I wanted to be DJ’s BFF so being her sister would have been fun, plus Uncle Jesse was pretty cool!
    3. My husband and I are working to get ourselves out of our crazy high student loan debt
    4. oh fo sho…the money! Some to savings, some to debt and a little for something fun, maybe a trip or two
    5. I love your comment about stay at home mum/dad’s making money. I will be on maternity leave in the fall and am trying to figure out ways to supplement our income for a year

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 2:29 am

      Congrats on the upcoming arrival! Hopefully we can help you figure out some supplemental income ideas over the next few months.

  • Reply Deb @ Dietitian Debbie Dishes March 26, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    1. I am a Registered Dietitian and will soon be starting my new job at a Veterans Affairs Hospital in Chicago making sure our Veterans eat well!
    2. Most definitely Full House. I always secretly wished I could have grown up in a bigger family and had sisters!
    3. Eliminate my student loan debt and pay off my car! Then, maybe I can start thinking about buying a house. (Sigh)
    4. The cash most definitely! Then, I could knock out my debt from #3. Plus, I’m not sure I could handle the celebrity associated with being “that girl etched into Mt. Rushmore”!
    5. I’m a newer reader and love your content so far, especially your series on how you eliminated your college debt and how to search for deals when making big purchases.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 2:35 am

      Sounds like a really rewarding job. Veterans deserve everything we can give them.

      “That girl etched into Mt. Rushmore” has a nice ring to it… maybe you should reconsider.

  • Reply Alanna March 26, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    1. Internet advertising operations manager (and I blog on the side, but don’t earn money for it!)
    2. The Adventures of Pete & Pete! I would love to be part of the Wrigley family because they were so nutty!
    3. Current financial goal is to be in a position to not have to work full time when my husband and I start a family.
    4. The money because… do people still visit/talk about Mt. Rushmore???
    5. I started following since your NGN post but actually read a bunch of past posts. I can’t tell what city/area you guys currently live in and if/how you deal with commuting expenses (I guess this only applies to Johnny?) because for me, living outside of SF but working there I spend SO MUCH on having to get into work. Does Joanna save money by working from home despite heating/cooling/electricity/etc. because she has no commute? I guess maybe a comparison of a commuter job vs. WFH job.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 9:29 am

      Woahhh… you win the Internet today with your Pete & Pete response. That show was sooo ahead of its time.

      I love your commuting vs. WFH comparison post idea. Great suggestion!

      • Reply Alanna March 27, 2013 at 2:30 pm

        I wasn’t sure if it qualified as a “sitcom” but I figured I could bend the rules a little. 🙂

        • Reply Lauren March 27, 2013 at 6:04 pm

          MAN! I LOVED pete and pete, when its run was over, I was like, did that really happen!?!? It was way more awesome than anything on tv, before or since. Just thinking about it the other day 🙂

  • Reply Emily March 26, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    1 – I am a SAHM, mostly – I pick up anywhere from 0 – 8 hrs/ week at a retailer. Some day I might utilize the education degree, but I love being home for now and I would rather pursue other passions than teaching if possible.
    2 – I have all sisters so I thought the Taylors from Home Improvement were pretty fun.
    3 – We are working on staying out of debt (other than mortgage and 1 student loan) while my husband is searching for a better paying job that will get him back in his field of degree and passion. We’d love to start a retirement account for me, a savings for our son and just be able to be debt free and have nothing hanging over our heads!
    4 – Cash money. I want to be a sustainable farmer when I grow up, so this could help fund the move.
    5 – I have enjoyed what you’ve shared so far. I love that you keep it real and share the good and the learning opportunities.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 9:40 am

      Being a sustainable farmer sounds awesome. If (and when) we stumble on a large sum of money and/or we retire, that sounds like a life I’d love to live during the sunset of life. I mean, I’d love to do it tomorrow, but that ain’t in the cards right now. That reminds me, I need to look into Amish B&B farms that let you stay there for a few days and really experience that lifestyle. That sounds really cool to me.

  • Reply L Rose March 26, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    1. I’m a full-time counseling services lead at a large public university 🙂 and a full-time grad student at an expensive, small private university 🙁
    2. The Banks family from The Fresh Prince! I would rather be Ashley, though, instead of Hilary (she was just blech). But I would like to live in a mansion and have Will Smith as a funny cousin, for sure.
    3. To pay off my college debt (ASAP) and also save up for a home (hopefully in the next 2 years).
    4. I’m echoing many other readers, but I would take the cash, hands down. 2/3 would go to my college debt (yes, I will have that much after grad school) and the other 1/3 would go towards the down payment for a house.
    5. I’m somewhat new to this blog and have more to dig into, but I would be interested in hearing more about paying down debt while saving.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 9:47 am

      Excellent choice on sitcom family. Once again, another awesome family that totally slid under my radar. Will Smith would definitely be my coolest cousin.

  • Reply Heidi March 26, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    1. Commercial Dispatcher for a cable company
    2. Growing Pains. Love them!
    3. My BF and I are working on paying off our schools loans before we tie the knot
    4. Cold hard cash. All day every day,
    5. I’m pretty new here, and I love what I’ve seen! I’d love to hear more about how you guys are saving for a house.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Congrats on beating back that Debt Monster together. Starting a marriage debt-free would be quite the wedding gift to yourselves. Keep on keeping on.

  • Reply Shannon-ReadyForZero March 26, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    1.) I’m the community and customer support manager of ReadyForZero
    2.) I have to agree with Joanna and go for the Boy Meets World Family. How awesome are Cory’s parents??
    3.) To pay off my debt and finally start a strong retirement fund
    4.) I’d have to go with the cash – I could use it to pay off student loans, build a solid emergency and retirement fund, and keep it to help my parents as they get older.
    5.) I love getting to know you guys and your experiences better. Would be great to learn more about how you get through financial differences together and also how your social circle feels about your goals. I know you’ve addressed these before, but it’s very interesting to see how you both handle these situations!

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Cory’s parents were pretty awesome, but how about that teacher dude who had an earring? That was some edgy stuff back then.

  • Reply Ashley A March 26, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    What do you do for a living? I am the first point of contact for students, staff and the public at a technical college. I also moonlight at Banana Republic as well as do the grad school thing part time for Career and Technical Education. Whew.

    If you could be adopted into any 80′s/90′s sitcom family, which would it be? Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Hands down. Crazy aunts? Cool house? Talking cats? and MAGIC? Heck. Yes.

    What’s your current financial goal? Spend the next few years paying down our bad debt and building an emergency savings. And figure out if we ever want to own a house again (We are selling ours now. Great experience, ready for a break).

    Choose one: $100,000 cash or your face etched on Mount Rushmore? Money. Duh.

    What topics would you like to see more of on OFB? I think you guys are great and do well with your candid writing. I’d like to hear more about some mistakes/lessons learned through the years, how you figure out other non-money related things like division of household chores, and other he said/she said segments that validate that I’m not crazy and the weird sh*t that couples end up debating are as hilarious as I think them to be sometimes.

    You guys rock.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 10:54 am

      Do you also have time to sleep? Ever? You are one motivated person! That’s awesome that you can juggle all of that. High five.

      With our He Said/She Said posts, we usually close our eyes and hit “Publish” and pray that someone else knows what in the world we’re talking about. It’s always comforting to know you’re not as messed up as you think.

  • Reply Kristan March 26, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    I’m an associate librarian at a community college.

    If I could be adopted into a sitcom family, it would have to be Boy Meets World… that show is the best 🙂

    My current financial goal is for my husband and I to get all our credit card debt paid off by our 2nd anniversary (August 2014). I’d love for it to happen faster, so we’re on a super-strict budget.

    Obviously I’d take the $100,000. We’d knock out our credit card debt and the rest of my car loan, and stick the rest in savings. Oh, after I convince the husband to finally remodel our awful 80s bathroom!

    What do I want to see more of? I really enjoy the format you guys have currently. It’s a good balance of financial-planning talk with REAL life. I second the comment earlier (don’t remember who suggested it) about a discussion regarding saving while paying off debt. That’s something we are currently struggling with and would love some input.

    Keep up the great work, especially with your freaking baby!

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 10:58 am

      That’s a great goal. What an awesome way to start year number two of marriage. Having a date to shoot for really helped us plot out our game plan.

      We’ll definitely figure out a post or posts on saving while paying down debt. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • Reply Lauren March 26, 2013 at 6:10 pm

    What do you do for a living? – Small Business Controller
    If you could be adopted into any 80′s/90′s sitcom family, which would it be? The Simpsons
    What’s your current financial goal? revamps our savings and fix up our houseboat
    Choose one: $100,000 cash or your face etched on Mount Rushmore? Mt. Rushmore makes me sad :(, it was sacred to the Native Americans and they put a bunch of white guys up there – so… 100k (sorry, I know, what a serious answer :))
    What topics would you like to see more of on OFB? I’m liking the current trend, I enjoy the situational stories (like the recent deal on the camera etc). Also always enjoy minimalist type stuff

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 11:07 am

      Surprised you’re the first to snag the Simpsons. Should they come looking to adopt, you’ve got first dibs.

      Good response on Mt. Rushmore. Serious answers are only accepted on Tuesday around here, so you’re good. 🙂

  • Reply eemusings March 26, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    What do you do for a living?

    I’m an editor/writer .. but like Joanna, I definitely don’t edit myself much on the blog, and certainly nowhere near what I do at work.

    If you could be adopted into any 80′s/90′s sitcom family, which would it be?

    I didn’t really watch those shows, but I definitely wanted to live on Gilmore Girls

    What’s your current financial goal?

    Get through our RTW trip this year without incurring debt

    Choose one: $100,000 cash or your face etched on Mount Rushmore?

    Are you effing joking? SHOW ME THE MONEY

    What topics would you like to see more of on OFB?

    I’m easy with whatever – it’s YOUR blog!

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 11:15 am

      Writer/editors unite! I hope you’re planning on documenting/blogging your RTW trip, because I intend on living vicariously through you the rest of the year. Cool? Cool.

  • Reply Linda March 26, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    1. Software Developer – I write code all day, I’m in a rare situation where I love my work – can’t believe people pay me to mess around with code all day building stuff…. 😛

    2. Not a family sitcom as such, but the Geller family from Friends (Monica and Ross). I think life would have been hilariously fun being a part of that crowd!

    3. Basically accumulating enough money that we can do not work if we don’t want to. Early retirement, maybe around 40, but mostly just so that I can change tack if I want to get into something different.

    4. Money by a mile.

    5. Enjoying the range of topics already being posted – keep it up! I love the “He says, she says” posts, so more of that please!

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 11:18 am

      I’m definitely not a coder, but I’ve tinkered around with it enough through my growing up years that I can still do a little here and there. But my true geek comes out when I do it… I have a blast doing it. I’d love to take a few months off to really dive deep into learning it better, but I’ll have to make do with just looking up the occasional tutorial here and there. Basically what I’m trying to say is I’m jealous. 🙂

      • Reply Linda March 27, 2013 at 4:12 pm

        Sounds like your inner geek wants to be let loose 😀

        Don’t be too jealous – there are downsides, and coding pleasure definitely varies with which company you’re working for and who you’re working with! You still need to worry about red tape, bureaucratic decisions getting in the way, boring documentation, impossible deadlines, awkward legacy code to crawl through etc etc
        XD

        • Reply Johnny March 29, 2013 at 12:12 pm

          Like anything, the grass is always greener. I’m sure there’s lots of cons to match the pros. But it definitely sounds like you’ve figured out a way to find the best of your job.

  • Reply Christy March 26, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    1. I make chocolate — I’m an artisan chocolatier. I owned an ad agency that I ran from my home as a work-at-home-mom for years but wasn’t in love with what I did so I put away my Macbook and grabbed my apron and a bowl of chocolate. The rest is history.
    2. 7th Heaven – yeah baby!
    3. To make money peddling chocolate. Would you like a bon bon?
    4. Rushmore, I can always make 100 g’s peddling chocolate. (At least that’s what I convinced my husband of when I embarked on this insanity.)
    5. Y’all are awesome. Glad I found you.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 11:42 am

      That’s an awesome career path. There is no cooler title than “chocolatier.” And yes, I would like a bon bon. Or 7.

  • Reply Jennifer March 26, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    1. I am a CNA/HHA (certified nurse aid/home health aid) and a student and a nanny.
    2. I have no idea.
    3. I am working on not accruing more debt with the upcoming birth of my little guy in July so I am saving for the hospital copay and for my unpaid maternity leave.
    4. I would so take the money. I could quit working, stay at home with my little guy, finish up my degree.
    5. I love what you guys write and I love how real you seem.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 11:46 am

      Congrats on the little man! You’re getting closer to the finish line. Best of luck with the last few months!

  • Reply Sarah March 26, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    1. I’m a SAHM yo!
    2. The Family Matters family…what was their last name?
    3. Find a family-friendly way to earn some extra money!
    4. MONEY.
    5. I LOVE Joanna’s post idea–anything about making more money 🙂 (see #3!)

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 11:48 am

      The Winslows! I didn’t even have to google that one.

  • Reply Lisa D. March 26, 2013 at 10:39 pm

    – I’m in grad school full time and have a couple of part time jobs..but come graduation (in 5 weeks) I’ll be an associate editor at a magazine full-time and I’m very excited!
    -i wouldn’t mind being part of the Banks family (a la Fresh Prince of Bel air)
    -pay off my student loans…while saving up for a house and putting money away for retirement. is that too much to ask?
    -cash-money. That’s not even close.
    – how to not feel deprived whilst putting yourself on a budget? long term pay-offs for short term penny pinches? I clearly ned help seeing the silver lining in reigning in my spending habits…but y’all don’t need my advice..i’ve been loving the content so far.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:07 pm

      Congrats on the new job! I think that’s probably Joanna’s dream job.

      Sometimes it takes a while to see even a peak at the end of the debt payoff tunnel, so those are great suggestions. Thanks!

  • Reply Sara March 26, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    1. I’m a 6th grade world geography teacher. 2. The Darlings from Clarissa Explains It All. I used think it was so cool that she had her own computer in her bedroom and her best friend used a ladder to visit. 3. Pay for my +15 (hours after my masters) in cash and not put it on the credit card. 4. The money and I’d have it spent by yesterday! 5. I really like what you guys write, you just seem down to earth.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:15 pm

      Awesome selection with Clarissa Explains It All. My older sister was Clarissa’s age, so I totally related and acted liked Ferguson, minus the red hair. The ladder friend guy was pretty awesome. He even had his own intro music if I remember right.

  • Reply Sarah @ Pretty Providence March 27, 2013 at 10:40 am

    I blog for a living and on the side I teach relationship skills in the community, which is the thing I got my degree in but brings in basically no $ so far…so thank goodness for blogging!

    I love the Seaver’s from Growing Pains, and I’d definitely be the daughter that tried to date the young Leo DiCaprio during his season on the show.

    Currently the husband and I are waiting to hear back from a bunch of job prospects, and when he gets one we are going to make a real budget (we’ve been on a college student impossible budget for a long time.) and start saving for retirement, kids college and big vacations!

    CASH.

    I just like what you guys post so no real suggestions.

    • Reply Johnny March 27, 2013 at 12:24 pm

      Job prospects fresh out of college is a really fun time. There’s obviously a lot of stress and anxiety with making the right choice, but it’s a blast knowing you can actually “start real life.” If that makes any sense. Look forward to seeing where you guys land.

  • Reply JW_Umbrella Treasury March 27, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    1. Number cruncher at a non-profit. Here’s a secret…there’s never enough money. ever.
    2. The Banks family from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire
    3. Saving for a down payment (I’m doing some calculations to figure out the tipping point between taking advantage of current interest rates, or accumulating a large down payment…by which time interest rates could be high again)
    4. Cash, please. I’ve got a weird nose. No need to monumentalize its weirdness
    5. I enjoy the current variety of topics!

    • Reply Johnny March 29, 2013 at 1:41 pm

      Oooo, are you planning on sharing #3 on your blog? We’re totally in the same boat and want to take advantage of current conditions, but we don’t want to rush into things. I’d love to read about and steal your formula, especially since you do number crunching by trade.

      • Reply JW_Umbrella Treasury April 1, 2013 at 7:53 pm

        Yep, I’ll definitely be posting number 3, sometime soon (probably this week or next). The housing market can be so difficult to figure out. I wish I had a crystal ball!

  • Reply Inês March 27, 2013 at 7:13 pm

    1. I´m a GP doctor in Portugal (WHATWHAT?) really you’ve come this far….
    2. Friends without a blink, althought is not a family sitcom.
    3. Save enought to have the option to buy my home someday
    4. CASH
    5.Don’t know, your blog, you get do decide that. Loved the internet deals!!!

    • Reply Johnny March 29, 2013 at 1:43 pm

      Portugal! Isn’t the Internet an awesome thing?

      Thanks for stopping by from across the pond we call the Atlantic Ocean!

  • Reply Colleen March 27, 2013 at 10:57 pm

    1. Account manager for a health insurance company
    2. Sabrina the teenage witch (hey- who wouldn’t enjoy a talking cat?)
    3. Pay off my $11k in debt by next May.
    4. Cold. hard. cash.
    5. I just started reading your blog, so just do what you have been doing because obviously it’s working!

    • Reply Johnny March 29, 2013 at 1:44 pm

      So for your goal, that works out to be a little less than $1000/month. Sounds ambitious. Which is exactly why I love it. Keep on slaying that debt!

  • Reply Jess March 28, 2013 at 12:36 am

    1. I’m an intake specialist for a legal nonprofit.
    2. The Seavers for sure!
    3. Pay off my $6000 consumer debt by early 2014!
    4. I’d take the cash!
    5. More ways to save on everyday purchases (I’d never heard of ebates.com before I read it here!) and because I’m a name nerd, I’d love to one day know your daughters name ;-P but I’m sure you have your reasons for not revealing it.

    • Reply Johnny March 29, 2013 at 2:01 pm

      We believe the ancient folklore that using every instance of your child’s name on a blog steals a part of their soul. 🙂 We’d love to share it, we just wanted to maintain some itty bitty level on anonymity for now. We’ll probably spill it down the road.

  • Reply Char March 28, 2013 at 1:10 am

    1- Capital Projects Analyst for a municipality in California.

    2- If it was strictly a sitcom family, it would have to be the Tanners from Full House. However, I would also have loved to be part of the Saved by the Bell crew with Zach Morris, AC Slater, and Kelly Kapowski in the 90s.

    3- Pay off student loans (or at least have them forgiven) and save up for a downpayment for a house. Homes are not cheap in Southern California.

    4- $100,000. I don’t like attention and would prefer to stay off the radar.

    5- I’ve been lurking on this site for a while. I’ve read every post you two have written, but have not commented until today. I actually follow several PF sites, but OFB has to be my favorite. This is probably because of the balance between substance–i.e. having both technical finance stuff like discussions about budget software/apps, 401k’s, and also having posts about general life, marriage, and family stuff and insight. Some of my favorite posts have been the posts on how you’ve gotten by in NYC living on a specific budget and what you did for fun or how you have saved on vacations. The he says/she says are so telling. I too spend a lot of money on my hair, but like you guys, I try to make it up elsewhere in the budget. A lot of PF sites I’ve ran into can be a bit extreme or “lecturey” when it comes to wants vs needs which. Great job though. I hope to keep seeing more from you!

    • Reply Johnny March 29, 2013 at 2:05 pm

      Or what if you could have been a Tanner and happened to go to Bayside High School?! That would probably destroy the universe.

      And thanks for your very kind comment. It means a lot to us. We’re glad you poked your head in and said hello. 🙂

  • Reply Jenna March 28, 2013 at 10:50 pm

    1. I’m the social media manager and also write for the blog over at Credit Karma. (Side note: you guys are going to FinCon13, right? Hope we get to meet!)
    2. That’s super tough. I LOVE Boy Meets World, but I’m going to have to say the Tanners because Uncle Joey is hilarious, Uncle Jesse might let me jam with him and the band, and maybe Danny wouldn’t make me clean the house since he loved to do it himself. Plus I’d have a dog!
    3. I’d love to make enough money to start my own bakery!
    4. Definitely the cash. I think seeing my huge face on a mountain would be scary…
    5. Anything involving more personal stories! One of my favorites is still the one about how it only took you guys $15 to fall in love. 🙂

    • Reply Johnny March 29, 2013 at 2:10 pm

      We booked our tickets so you’ll definitely see all three of us there. We’re big fans of Credit Karma. Been using it since August of 2011. That’s got to qualify us as early adopters or something.

      And I think you went with the right choice with the Tanners.

  • Reply Will Geer March 29, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    1. I am a lawyer. I run my own bankruptcy law practice, with a little commercial litigation thrown in for good measure.
    2. I’ve always been more of a movie guy, but I’d have to say the Banks’ household.
    3. I’d like to have enough in savings to pay off my $106,000 student loan debt and still have a $50,000 emergency fund. Couple more years to go on this one.
    4. $100,000. No contest.
    5. I just stumbled on your site and definitely like both your writing styles. Keep it up.

    • Reply Joanna April 1, 2013 at 12:02 am

      You’ve got some awesome goals, Will! And let me guess, you’d be Will in Fresh Prince? 😉

      • Reply Will Geer April 1, 2013 at 12:07 am

        Uncle Phil definitely. I have a 6 year old and an 8 month old. The picture on my website is about two years old. I have a few more grey hairs after the 8 months old blessed us with colic.

  • Reply Brittany March 31, 2013 at 12:22 am

    I work part-time as a Speech-Language Pathologist. I love having summers off!

    I am working on the usual goals – payoff debt and saving for emergency fund and retirement. In the meantime I have goals of spending at least two summers in foreign countries. My children are in dual-immersion language programs (Spanish and Chinese) so I am trying to provide a full immersion experience.

    Cosby Show!! Still one of my all-time favorite shows.

    I would take the money. It would allow me to reach all of my financial goals.

    I am a newer reading but I enjoy learning more about still enjoying life while sticking to a budget.

    • Reply Joanna April 1, 2013 at 12:08 am

      I should have chosen a job like yours, Brittany! I’m not cut out for this working during the summer nonsense.

      Our niece is starting a Chinese immersion program this year! Your kids are lucky to have a mom who is doing so much to enhance their childhood with travel and language learning!

  • Reply Joshua April 5, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    Took a while for me to get around to this, but here goes:

    1. I’m a Physical Therapist who works in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital setting, where I primarily see people who have had strokes, hip/knee replacements, and general debility with other functional impairments from a prolonged hospital stay.

    2. My brother and I weren’t allowed to watch much tv growing up. We got an hour a week, and what did we choose? “The Adventures of Lois & Clark”. I know, I know… Dean Cain & Terri Hatcher, who could resist, right? But if I were to choose a family, I would say The Simpsons. One, because we were not allowed to watch it. And two, who wouldn’t want to have Homer as a father?! You could get away with everything! MmmmmMmmm donut.

    3. Our financial goal is to pay off the $200k in student loans we have between my wife and I. Yikes, I know. It is a constant stressor and object of frustration. However, our goal is to pay that off within 10 years. We’re 2 years in, going on 8 more. UGH.

    4. Now this question takes some thinking. IF my face is etched on the side of Mt. Rushmore, do I get any financial kick-backs? You know… royalties? I mean, people pay a park entrance fee, right? If I can somehow negotiate a way for me to make money off of it, and if that money would amount to more than $100K over time, I would be game. If it comes CLOSE, I would still be game, cuz then I’d be famous AND be making money! Plus, I could probably parlay my fame into more money making opportunities! But if it’s just my face, and nothing more, fine… I’ll take $100K.

    5. You guys actually do a great job of being witty and keeping me entertained! *cue Gladiator – ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!* Right off the top of my head, there aren’t any pressing topics I would like y’all (have you started using that yet?) to touch on, but if I do, I will be sure to let you guys know. Thanks again for being so “personal” (if you can do that on the internet). I see the care the both of you take in making sure you respond to every and all comments. You guys are doing a great job juggling both of your babies (this site & the real one)… keep up the great work!

    • Reply Johnny April 10, 2013 at 2:38 am

      Took me a bit to respond, too. So now we’re even. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!!

      We weren’t allowed to watch Simpsons growing up either. I’ll never forgive my parents for making me the lone guy at school who couldn’t contribute to Simpsons’ conversations. You’re thinking along the lines that I was with the face royalties. I think it’d end up being a bigger catch than the measly $100k.

      Thanks for your vote of confidence — it means a lot to us. We always enjoy seeing you around here. Especially when you drop Gladiator references.

  • Reply Alex May 3, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    You. guys. I have fallen head-over-heels in bloggy love with you!! (Johnny, thanks for leaving a comment on YHL’s deck post today; it brought me to you and I’m never leaving! In a non-creepy way, obviously.)

    1) I’m an administrative assistant at a counseling agency. I file, talk insurance companies into paying maaaad money, file, use typist’s initials daily, and file. It is awesome.

    2) Tough question. Can Reading Rainbow be a sitcom? Because I really just want to spend every day having Levar Burton read to me. Otherwise I would say Boy Meets World. Topanga and I are soul sisters.

    3) I have tens of thousands of dollars left to pay on my student loans. It’s downright tragic and gives me hives. I have a plan to be out of debt in 9 more years, and it feels impossible most days.

    4) The money. And then there would be dancing.

    5) Still going through archives!! I think reading about side-money options would be cool — I have finally started to earn enough money to go down to ONE job (instead of juggling 3-4 at a time and not sleeping), but it will be strange to not get 6 paychecks a month. It would be nice to make just a liiiittle extra on the side for mad money, since my budget is so tight.

    Um, and also, I just went to post this comment and I noticed your spam filter joke and now I am even more delighted to have found your blog; our combined references to Levar Burton definitely indicate kindred spirits, so I am confident I will be debt free (and blond? and awesome?) quite soon!

    • Reply Johnny May 6, 2013 at 1:00 am

      Alex! Thanks so much for stopping by and introducing thyself.

      1. We like when insurance companies have to pay out maaad money, especially when it’s to us.
      2. Only because I understand exactly where you’re coming from, Reading Rainbow is an answer accepted by the judges.
      3. It all starts with a plan. You’re in a similar boat to a lot of us. Don’t fret.
      4. Wrong answer.
      5. Congrats on simplifying your revenue!

      You will be debt free and blond and awesome. Wish granted.

  • Reply Lindsay May 21, 2013 at 9:22 am

    1. Promotional marketing. I work with universities, non-profits, and corporations to design their merchandise, swag, giveaways, staff incentives, etc.

    2. I have to respectfully disagree with you, Johnny. Definitely NOT the Tanners. As much as I loved watching them, there’s a LOT of people in that house. And they all kind of have issues that I didn’t really pick up on until I was much older. Too much drama. My pick? The Darlings from Clarissa Explains It All. Oh, how I wanted to BE Clarissa as a kid.

    3. I am SO close to paying off my car. I’m also working on rebuilding my savings account to pre-house down payment levels. That’d be nice.

    4. Cash. Out of respect to our former presidents. They’d be all- who’s this chick?

    5. I love your he said/she said posts. My boyfriend and I have similarly silly debates. Nice to see that other couples do too! I’d also love to see more advice for scoping out bargains on big purchases and saving on vacations.

    • Reply Johnny May 22, 2013 at 12:57 am

      I’ll give you a pass for your wrong answer on #2. But only because I also was a big Clarissa Explains It All fan as a kid.

      Best of luck with your car repayment and savings rebuilding. And thanks for stopping by!

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