So in an attempt to be a less sucky blogger. I’ve decided to post some of the things around the interwebz that tickled my fancy. It’s a good ole fashioned Ninja Roundup. Take a minute to check out the following articles, it’ll be worth your time….

Financial Samurai had an entertaining piece about how the California Government saves him a “boatload” of money. I too share a similar disdain for our not-so-beloved state.

Jessie’s Money ran a guest post by Transfermate saying the best way to save money, is by never having it. Ha! I like the way you think. Saving before you even get access sounds smart to me.

Bible Money Matters posted an investigative analysis on Dave Ramsey’s newest asset, a $4.9MM house. Did Dave follow his own advice and pay cash? You bet your sweet bottom he did.

Girl With the Red Balloon asks her readers How much do you pay for clothes? I probably spend around $200-$300 a year on clothes. I still have jeans from high school. Yes, high school.

KNS Financial has a rant up about how much Brett Favre was looking at making post retirement, prior to the recent scandal. I liked this one as I too asked the question, Are professional athletes overpaid?

There ya have it, some of my favorite posts from the last week. Take some time to check em out and drop a comment or two.

On a side note Money Crashers has a new PF blog ranking system out that is super technical, I’m currently ranked 186. Gotta find a way to get that sucker down

Have a good weekend and try not to punch any babies, that would just be weird.

Yesterday, unbeknownst to me, I was given an invitation to sit at the “cool table” (or at least the personal finance equivalent of a cool table) with all the popular kids. I woke up yesterday morning, and as usual, checked my blog’s stats first thing. Usually I have about 50 or so visitors by 7am my time. Yesterday was a different story though, I had an incredible 1,300 visitors by early morning. I knew my post on counterintuitive frugality was not the cause of this giant boost in traffic. Checking referral sites revealed The Consumerist posted a blog about my recent 401K article. Here’s a link to their article and here’s a link to mine.

Being featured on the #1 Personal Finance blog makes me smile. It resulted in more visits in one day than I usually see in an entire month, futhermore, it also increased my adsense revenue from the typical $0.12 per day to a whopping $7.04. I’m freaking rich suckers and I owe it all to Phil Villarreal. Thanks dude for referencing my post, feel free to do so whenever you’d like

I learned something yesterday though, popularity has it’s price. While I would say the majority of the comments in response to my article were positive, there were definitely some that were not-so-positive. Here were two of my favorites….

I deleted that comment because it provided no constructive criticism and I don’t think it qualifies as English, but it did make me laugh a little bit. Some people are jerks.

I’m all for constructive criticism, in fact there were quite a few opposing views brought to my attention, but sometimes people need to take a deep breath and relax. My life is different than yours, and so are my investment strategies. I didn’t tell anyone else to reduce their 401K contributions, I simply wrote about what MY strategy was. If you don’t agree with it, that’s A-okay by me.

I think some of the consfusion comes from a misleading opening paragraph in that article. The article states I make an argument against funding your 401K up to the employer match, which isn’t true. Just to be clear…EVERYONE SHOULD CONTINUE TO FUND THEIR 401K TO GET THE EMPLOYER MATCH. I’m sure that was an unintended mistake and really not a big deal as most caught the error, but I did want to take a second to clarify.

Getting to bask in the awesomeness of being highlighted on The Consumerist was definitely the best part of my day, even though some people made their best attempts to bring me down. In the words of Miley Cyrus…

There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I’m going to have to punch someone in the face lose.

Playing with the popular kids for a day sure was nice, but part of me is definitely relieved to be dealing with my normal PF commenters and readers again. I love you all in a totally non-erotic way

Holy balls. I never would have expected my PF mad lib to blow up as big as it did. I am totally humbled, honored, aroused(?), and stoked that it made it’s way to so many sweet blogs. Most were PF blogs, but it even appeared on some non PF blogs. I am totally grateful to all who participated and helped make this thing so awesome. I was totally thinking I was going to be the only person that did it.

As promised, it is time to round up all the PF Mad Libs that I have been able to track down. Todays round up may quite possibly be the longest blog in the history of the world, or at least on my website If I didn’t include your mad lib it was because I didn’t know you participated. You can always throw it down in the comments section to add to this mega mad lib recap. I don’t expect you to read through each Mad Lib, but skim through em and see what people had to say. And now on to the mad libs…

Dr Faith:

Hi my name is Dr. Faith. I currently have 94 euros in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth around -$32k, and now have a net worth of -$19k. I currently work as a chemist and have been doing it for essentially all my life! I make roughly $39k per year. I want to have ENOUGH waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy my dog, scuba diving, traveling, and crocheting. I think the world would be a better place if mosquitos didn’t exist. I had home-made kung pao chicken for dinner last night and it was enough for left overs for lunch today. I have had 3 significant others over the course of my lifetime (NOT counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is all of those 3 people listed above have had the same first name. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to take a shower and head on into work.

My Pretty Pennies: 

Hi my name is MPP. I currently have $6 cash in my wallet. When I started managing my finances (one year ago) I was worth -$13,800, and now have a net worth of -$934. I currently work in advertising and have been doing it for more than a year. I make roughly $37K per year. I want to have $5 million? waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy traveling. I think the world would be a better place if spiders didn’t exist. I had shrimp for dinner last night and it was omg-delicious. I have had two significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I was the valedictorian of my high school. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to fix some coffee.

Audria:

Hi my name is Audria. I currently have 0.01 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -6 400$, and now have a net worth of 2 154$. I currently work too much and have been doing it for 2.5 years. I make roughly 30 000$ per year. I want to have security (?) waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy tennis. I think the world would be a better place if hate didn’t exist. I had stuffed red peppers for dinner last night and it was semi-raw. I have had 6 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is that I am quite bizarre. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to have a shower.

Fabulously Broke:

Hi my name is FB . I currently have $180.25 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth around -$53,000 ($60k of debt included that I cleared in 18 months), and now have a net worth of +$70,341 at market rates.
I currently work as an IT Consultant and have been doing it for 3.5 years. I make roughly $60,000 up to $250,000 per year.I want to have $6 million in liquidity waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy blogging or reading. I think the world would be a better place if laziness didn’t exist.I had homemade paella and cheesecake for dinner last night and it was the best meal BF has ever made, to date.I have had 3 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my eco-friendly/conscious spending but fashionista/yuppie perspective on life. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to take buy some beef to make short ribs.

Money Funk:

Hi my name is Christine . I currently have $1.12 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $-34,084, and now have a net worth of $-28,484. I currently work in Cancer Research and have been doing it for 6.7 years. I make roughly $65,000 per year. I want to have 3 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy hiking. I think the world would be a better place if debt didn’t exist. I had homemade macaroni & cheese for dinner last night and it was delicious! I have had 6 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I love gothic music even after high school. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to cry at my networth and the fact that 3 million is eons away(Thanks, Ninja – LOL).

Money Grubbing Lawyer:

Hi my name is Chris. I currently have $0 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -$95,000, and now have a net worth of a number that is no longer negative! I currently work as a lawyer and have been doing it for 4 years. I make roughly enough per year. I want to have $2M waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy sailing. I think the world would be a better place if snakes didn’t exist. I had tacos for dinner last night and it was taco-rific. I have had 5 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my ability to communicate telepathically with cats. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to freebase cocaine, or maybe have lunch.

Eking Out:

Hi my name is Sarah. I currently have 0.82 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth approximately -$19k, and now have a net worth of approximately -$3.6k. I currently work for a law firm and have been doing it for almost 3 years. I make roughly $45k per year. I want to have enough + a little extra waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy reading re: decorative arts, architecture, fashion, and jewelry; contemplating doing other things. I think the world would be a better place if Snickers ice cream bars didn’t exist. I had 4 Snickers ice cream bars for dinner last night and it was a moment of weakness/a bad idea. I have had 5 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I always laugh at my own jokes. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to eat lunch (…a Lean Cuisine, not a Snickers bar).

Dink to Sink:

Hi my name is Mrs D2S. I currently have two dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth maybe 10 grand, and now have a net worth of something similar. I currently work in health care and have been doing it for two months. I make roughly $100,000 per year.
I want to have a nice house and grandkids waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy home design.
I think the world would be a better place if the culture of death didn’t exist.
I had a frozen pizza for dinner last night and it was payment for babysitting my nephew. I have had three significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is that I’m six inches taller than my husband. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to start the dishwasher.

Budgets Are Sexy:

Hi my name is J. Money. I currently have 17 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $58,769.65, and now have a net worth of $95,149.11. I currently work for a start-up and have been doing it for 6 years. I make roughly $80,000 per year. I want to have $1 Million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy flying to new places. I think the world would be a better place if idiots didn’t exist. I had a chicken quesadilla for dinner last night and it was bar food. I have had 10 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is that I smell my food & drinks before I consume them. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to get back to work before I get caught.

Debtor in NYC:

I believe you contributed, but your blog is private so I couldn’t see it

Anonymous:

Hi my name is Erin. I currently have 16 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -$11K (stupid Sallie Mae), and now have a net worth of $12.5K. I currently work as an EIT and have been doing it for 3 years. I make roughly $55Kish per year. I want to have enough for my husband and I to do full time missions when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy running, following the tiny house movement, and reading. I think the world would be a better place if I didn’t have to think about an answer to this question! I had a tuna sandwich and corn dog for dinner last night and it was while chasing around a bunch of kids from the projects. I have had 8 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I’m a female engineer with a husband nurse. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to leave work and play some bball with the hubby!

Laura:

Hi my name is Laura. I currently have 1 dollar in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $1,000, and now have a net worth of $14,000. I currently work in marketing and have been doing it for 2.5 years. I make roughly $28,182 per year. I want to have $2million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy writing music. I think the world would be a better place if the ability to be inconsiderate didn’t exist. I had 3 eggs, sunny side up for dinner last night and it was tasty. I have had 3 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my love of writing and playing music. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to look at my ING accounts.

Kunsthure:

Hi my name is Kunsthure. I currently have 0 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth oh, I dunno know, like -$25,000, and now have a net worth of somewhere around -$9100. I currently work as a stay-at-home mom and have been doing it for 2.5 years. I make roughly $0 (but my husband makes around $65K) per year. I want to have a hefty inheritance waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy writing and watching TV. I think the world would be a better place if “Yo Gabba Gabba” didn’t exist. I had curry rice with mushrooms and green peas for dinner last night and it was pretty damn good, if I do say so myself. I have had 4 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I can bring people back from the dead. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to put the kiddo to bed.

Josh:

Hi my name is Josh . I currently have $85 Aussie dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -$2k, and now have a net worth of $29k. I’m currently work as a Trainee Accountant (yawn) and have been doing it for 1.5 years while at university. I make roughly $34k per year. I want to have Kirsten Dunst waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy playing my guitar. I think the world would be a better place if Coldplay didn’t exist. I had kangaroo for dinner last night and it was quite bland. I have had four significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is that I have a twin sister (no we ain’t identical). Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to sit here at work surfin the net til it’s 5pm, only 87mins away!!

Carrie…On The Cheap:

Hi my name is Carrie! I currently have 50 cents in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth not sure!, and now have a net worth of $42,000. I currently work as an accountant and have been doing it for 5 years. I make roughly $72,000 per year. I want to have about $3 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy exercising, going to the pool, summer, friends, drinks, food, Lloyd, vacations! I think the world would be a better place if terrorists didn’t exist. I had popcorn & an energy bar LOL for dinner last night and it was carb-alicious. I have had 3-ish significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I’m no nonsense and I don’t have a problem saying “No” to people. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to eat something!

PFFirewall:

Hi my name is Jesse . I currently have zero dollars in my wallet, who carries cash anymore When I started managing my finances I was worth roughly negative $12,000, and now have a net worth of very roughly $40,000 (I bought a second home as an investment which explained a huge chunk of that). I currently work in IT Support/development and have been doing it for 5 years. I make roughly 45k per year. I want to have plenty of restful/playful years +enough passive income to outweigh my expenses waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy web development. I think the world would be a better place if cigarettes didn’t exist. I had spaghetti for dinner last night and it was a few days old I have had 4? significant others over the course of my lifetime counting awkward middle school relationships. One thing that makes me different is I speak Japanese. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to get back to work.

Denis M:

Hi my name is Denis . I currently have $97 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -$2,392, and now have a net worth of $14,962. I currently work as a video producer and have been doing it for 3 years. I make roughly 4,500,000 Pennies per year. I’d feel good if I had $2mill sitting in bank account for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy playing and watching basketball. I think the world would be a better place if money didn’t exist. I had pork chops & beans for dinner last night and it hit the spot. I have had 1 significant other over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I believe if men can wear pink, they can also love cats (and I do). Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to go party on South Beach .

Fiscal Geek:

Hi my name is Paul . I currently have 8 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $100,000 and now have a net worth of $118,512. I currently work as a network engineer and have been doing it for 15 years. I make roughly (blank) per year. I want to have 3 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy skiing. I think the world would be a better place if hate didn’t exist. I had a club sandwich for dinner last night and it was tasty. I have had 3 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I believe in niceness and for the IT industry that’s a big difference. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to ride home.

Debt Sucks Blog:

Hi my name is Jake . I currently have 27 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $-65,000, and now have a net worth of $-60,000. I currently work in a warehouse and have been doing it for 3 months. I make roughly $22,000 per year. I want to have hell frozen over waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy doing anything but. I think the world would be a better place if mad libs didn’t exist. I had chicken parmesean for dinner last night and it was tough but good. I have had too many significant others over the course of my lifetime. One thing that makes me different is you. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to spew.

Negative Net Worth:

Hi my name is negative net worth . I currently have 2 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -46,914.76, and now have a net worth of -46,140.15. I currently work as an office manager and have been doing it for 4 years. I make roughly 50k gross per year. I want to have $3 million and a mountain retreat waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy traveling, dogs, and wine. I think the world would be a better place if poverty didn’t exist. I had a cheese quesadilla for dinner last night and it was satisfying, but too expensive. I have had 4 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is that the Budweiser clydesdale-in-training commercial makes me cry. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to watch tv.

Always the Planner:

Hi my name is asgreen (not really). I currently have 30 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $85K, and now have a net worth of $99K. I currently work sorry not telling and have been doing it for 3 years in September. I make roughly $57K per year. I want to have at least a million, hopefully more waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy running. I think the world would be a better place if child soldiers didn’t exist. I had tilapia and rice for dinner last night and it was delicious. I have had 6 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships & the one’s that didn’t last more than three months). One thing that makes me different is I eat pb&j for lunch everyday and love it. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to get back to work!

Stacking Pennies:

Hi my name is not really Stacking Pennies. I currently have five dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth around -$27k, and now have a net worth of $37k!! I currently work in a technology field and have been doing it for 3 years. I make roughly $74k gross per year. I want to have plenty of funds and lots of fun waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy adventures of any kind. I think the world would be a better place if car alarms didn’t exist. I had Mediterranean pizza (w/prosciutto) & sauv blanc for dinner last night and it was delicious! I have had three serious significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is that I hate trying to think of one unique fact that makes me different, but here are 25! Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to watch a lecture for school.

Small Moments of Great Reward:

Hi my name is April . I currently have zero dollars in my wallet because I tend to carry and spend very little cash on a daily basis. In fact, most days I spend 0 dollars. When I started managing my finances I was worth less than the bottom of the well, and now have a net worth of gosh darn, still in the hole, but I’m closer to climbing out of the well than I was. I currently work when I feel like it and have been doing it for way too many years. (No, I love my job, really and truly. I am self-employed and have been for a number of years.) I make roughly 20,000 per year, kinda sorta. I want to have Warren waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy reading, being the Symphony roadie, writing, growing vegetables, doing community work. I think the world would be a better place if intolerance and greed didn’t exist. I had zucchini/onion pasta for dinner last night and it was wonderful because I am a decent cook. I have had more than I care to think about but not as many as you might think significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). (Hmmn, define “significant others.” If it was an unhappy relationship, does that count? Do hopeless junior high crushes count?) One thing that makes me different is I have had two stem cell transplants. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to grab a shower and do some chores around the house.

444 express:

Hi my name is 444 . I currently have zero dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth negative $16,210, and now have a net worth of $6,229. I currently work customer support for an accounting services company and have been doing it for two years. I make roughly $53K per year. I want to have an amount of money unmeasurable by currently accepting accounting practices waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy playing music. I think the world would be a better place if dangerous drivers didn’t exist. I had a sandwich for dinner last night and it was unremarkable. I have had I forgot the number on purpose significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is sleeping standing up, like a horse. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to hit “post comment.”

Lynn:

Hi my name is Lynn . I currently have $11 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -4000.00, and now have a net worth of $225K. I currently work for a family business and have been doing it for 10 years. I make roughly 50K per year plus bonuses (luckily my husband makes more!). I want to have enough money waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy singing. I think the world would be a better place if politicians didn’t exist. I had tacos for dinner last night and it was absolutely delicious. I have had too many significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I have twin girls (although twins are becoming more common). Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to get back to work.

My Money Shrugged:

Hi my name is Atlas. I currently have 12 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth 5k, and now have a net worth of around 30k. I currently work in advertising and have been doing it for a few years. I make roughly enough pennies to cover 4,331,250 square inches per year. I want to have enough to enjoy life waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy economics/government intervention and how it effects our personal finances. I think the world would be a better place if politicians didn’t exist. I had veggie burger for dinner last night and it was alright, I guess. I have had few significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I’ve learned to ball out on a budget. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to eat my lunch that I packed last night.

Debt Free Dad of 6:

Hi my name is DebtFreeDadof6 . I currently have 2 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -80k, and now have a net worth of -55k. I currently work at a dead end job and have been doing it for 5 years. I make roughly $85k per year. I want to have 1.5 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy reading. I think the world would be a better place if Satan didn’t exist. I had Salmon Kabobs for dinner last night and it was AWESOME! I have had 5 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I have 6 kids. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to work on the budget!

Own The Dollar:

Hi my name is Hank. I currently have 116 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -$20,000, and now have a net worth of $101,000. I currently work for the federal government and have been doing it for 7 years. I make roughly $70,000 per year. I want to have at least $1 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy hanging out with the family and traveling. I think the world would be a better place if micro-managers didn’t exist. I had pancakes for dinner last night and it was pretty good. I have had 12 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I’m directly responsible for the welfare of over 100 employees. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to get back to work.

Anonymous:

Hi my name is T. Nickel. I currently have .5 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth piddly, and now have a net worth of diddly. I currently work as a writer and have been doing it for seven toes worth of years. I make roughly $52k per year. I want to have boobs waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy soggy peanut brittle. I think the world would be a better place if worms didn’t exist. I had soggy peanut brittle for dinner last night and it was brittle. I have had six fingers worth of significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my inability to grow hair on my head. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to sigh.

Chicago Cheap:

Hi my name is Christine. I currently have $40 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $5,000, and now have a net worth of $118,000. I currently work as an assistant manager for a non-profit arts org and have been doing it for 10 years. I make roughly $40,000 per year. I want to have $1.5 mil waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy my Chicago hood and going to movies. I think the world would be a better place if the Federal Reserve didn’t exist. I had sushi for dinner last night and it was half-off because of happy hour. I have had 7 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is I’m wicked-awesome at Pilates. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to stream some 30 Rock from Netflix.

Anonymous:

My name is “Jim”. I currently have nothing in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $350,000 and now I have a net worth of 1.2 million. I am a outside sales rep and have been doing it for 1 year. I make roughly 180,000 per year plus significant bonuses and hope to have 5 million dollars by age 40. I enjoy my pets, reading, financial modeling and blowing the money I saved on Mac-n-cheese on expensive wine and fine dining. I think that the world would be a better place if extreme people weren’t dogmatic or prone to voice their opinions. I’ve had one significant other, my wife, and we both got our doctorates before age 30(1). One thing that makes me different is that I know (quite well) 9 languages and my wife knows 11. Now that I am done with this made lib, I think I’m going to drink Blue Moon and watch the Daily SHow.

Anonymous:

Hi my name is W. I currently have $43 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $127,000, and now have a net worth of -$20,000. I currently own an ecommerce startup and have been doing it for 2 years. I make zero income per year (everything reinvested). I want to have $3 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy (blank). I think the world would be a better place if poverty didn’t exist. I had grilled chicken for dinner last night and it was great. I have had only one significant other over the course of my lifetime (not counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my diverse interests. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to work more on business development.

His Holy Design:

Hi my name is Mrs. Dietz. I currently have $0 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $5,000, and now have a net worth of -$30,000. I currently work a non profit trade organization and have been doing it for 1 years. I make roughly $35,000 per year. I want to have $2 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy reading. I think the world would be a better place if bad drivers didn’t exist. I had spaghetti for dinner last night and it was good. I have had 8 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is creativity. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to continue working.

JB:

Hi my name is JB. I currently have 60 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth negative 10,000 dollars, and now have a positive net worth of 22,000 dollars. I currently work for a non-profit and have been doing it for 2 years. I make roughly 45,000 dollars per year. I want to have 1.5 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy dancing. I think the world would be a better place if haters didn’t exist. I had chicken for dinner last night and it was good. I have had 3 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my positive outlook on life. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to read.

Todd:

Hi my name is Todd . I currently have $50 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances in 2003 I was worth $3,000, and now have a net worth of $375,000. I currently work in sales and have been doing it for 18 years. I make roughly $120,000 per year. I want to have $2.5 million waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy cocktails on the patio. I think the world would be a better place if socialism didn’t exist. I had steak & salad for dinner last night and it was very good. I have had 5 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my individuality. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to get back to work.

Amy:

Hi my name is AMY . I currently have $100.10 in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth like, $4, and now have a net worth of $38-40K. I currently work as an advertising account executive and have been doing it for three and a half years. I make roughly $45K per year. I want to have a comfortable cushion waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy fashion, fitness, cooking, and music. I think the world would be a better place if moustaches didn’t exist. I had Greek salad for dinner last night and it was awesome, with the addition of watermelon!! I have had 11 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my adaptive nature…I adjust quickly to new people and situations. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to veg out and watch Big Brother.

Concojones:

Hi my nick is Concojones. I currently have €20 in my wallet (+ cards). When I started managing my finances I was worth €17k, and now have a net worth of €55k. I’m currently looking for work and used to work in a graduate trainee programme during 2 years. I made roughly €40k per year. I would like to retire on €400k-3M (lower & upper bound — not sure yet). Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy reading anything inspirational/original/creative/entrepreneurial and I love travelling. I think the world would be a better place if people would pay attention to each other’s motives. I had maccaroni for dinner last night and it was hearty (lots of butter in the cheese sauce). I haven’t had any significant other so far (help! what’s gonna happen to me! . One thing that makes me different is my own unusual ideas and my interest in others’. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I’m going to bed, before I fall asleep on my desk.

Money Maus:

Hi, my name is Money Maus. I currently have $14 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth $4K, and now have a net worth of $22K. I currently work in finance and have been doing it for 1 year. I make roughly $35K per year. I want to have $2MM+ waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy text messages. I think the world would be a better place if greed didn’t exist. I had chicken/ravioli/broccoli for dinner last night and it was scrumptious. I have had 4 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships and relationships that lasted 4 months or less). One thing that makes me different is my petite size. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to go to sleep.

Give Me Back My Five Bucks:

Hi my name is krystalatwork. I currently have ZERO dollars in my wallet. (When I say I don’t carry cash, I mean it. I have a loonie in the car for the shopping cart at Superstore, does that count?) When I started managing my finances I was worth approximately -$20,000, and now have a net worth of $30,000+. I currently work in marketing and have been doing it for 3 years. I make roughly $50-55k per year. I want to have enough money to feel very comfortable (and to be able to travel without worry) waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy going rock climbing, daydreaming about our Big Trip, and finding the best deal on items I want to buy. I think the world would be a better place if humans didn’t exist. I had a chicken burger and caesar salad from Wendy’s for dinner last night and it was mediocre. I have had 5 significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my drive to succeed. I guess some might call it stubbornness. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to eat a peach.

Forest On Finance:

Hi my name is Forest (but not really)! I currently have one dollar and five euros in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth about $25k and now have a net worth of $55k depending on how you figure it. I currently work in a cubicle and have been doing it for several (1.5 in the current cube) years. I make roughly $50,000 per year. I want to have about $1 billion waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy fishing and planning my wedding! I think the world would be a better place if wedding vendors didn’t exist. I had frozen pizza for dinner last night and it was just ok. I have had 2 or 3 depending on how you figure significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my shoes. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to leave work!

Addicted to Toaster Strudel:

Hi my name is Okturn DelMoniq. I currently have $1 dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth -$45,807, and now have a net worth of -$46,097. I currently work at a university and have been doing it for 3.5 years. I make roughly $45k per year. I want to have money waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy soap operas, toaster strudel, and my cat. I think the world would be a better place if Connecticut didn’t exist. I had Raman Noodles for dinner last night and it was beeftastic. I have had 30 total and 6 major significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is my ability to be obsessively organized and haphazardly messy at the same time. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to find something to eat in the kitchen and finish my Jean-Claude van Damme movie.

Whew, that was exhausting. Some of the things I noticed were that most of us carry very little cash on hand, few make even close to six figures, most of us make between $30 and $60K, and we are all freaking awesome. I will try not to beat a dead horse, but I may have to do another mad lib or two in the coming months. Thanks again everyone for contributions and if I didn’t get ya’ in this post today, throw it in the comments below.

p.s. Some of you, I couldn’t get the links to your site to work I’m really sorry.

Welcome to Saturday. I sure hope you enjoy your weekend. Before you totally relax and cut off all communication with the blogging world, take a minute to check out some of these great posts that I stumbled upon this week.

Fabulously Broke – Wrote about men and strip clubs. Just as interesting as her post, were the multiple commenters that posted. I personally have never ventured to a strip club, nor do I plan to any time soon. They kinda scare me. I was surprised by the amount of women that commented and said they had no issues with their boyfriends going to strip clubs. Check it out.

Budgets Are Sexy- I’m a huge fan of would you rather (WYR) questions, so when J. Money posts one up it’s pretty much guaranteed to tickle my fancy. So WYR be rich with a crappy job, or poor with a job you love. I personally am shallow. Show me the money!

Pf Firewall- Jessie threw down a sweet article about walking out on crappy service. It’s a reminder that there are plenty of companies fighting for our business. If one of ‘em starts to flip ya crap, move on.

Always The Planner- Brings some insight into education. Is a masters degree worth it? I wrote, not too long ago, about education not guaranteeing higher income, and this post includes some interviews with some educated people. At the end of the day, much of one’s earning potential is determined by the character of the person. Unless you are trying to be a doctor, accountant, lawyer, etc (careers that basically require further education).

Take a minute to read and comment on each of their articles. They are fantastic bloggers.

On a side note. I will be out of town the week of the 27th through the 31st and am looking for people to write guest posts for that week. I am booked on the 27th and 28th, but could use some posts for the other three days. Drop me a comment or shoot me an email if you are interested.

Enjoy your weekend fellow debt punchers.

Is it just me or am I the only one that get’s a little turned on when people comment on a blog post? Okay, maybe “turn on” was a little strong, but I sure do get excited. I have a few readers that I can count on to contribute to a majority of my blog posts each month. I think commenting is an essential part of the blogging community as it is one of the many ways we can interact with eachother directly. It allows readers to voice concerns, provide advice, or just encourage one another. I always try and drop a line when I stop through other’s websites. I seriously think I might be addicted to getting comments. I was thinking about joining Commenters Annoynmous: “Hi My name is Debt Ninja and I have a cocaine comment addiction.”

So now I must pay homage to those persons that I can count on to throw in their two cents. Take a minute and check out their site and drop ‘em a line….

Dr. Faith- She’s legit for two reasons. First she is a freaking doctor, I mean come on that makes her ten times cooler than any of us. Second, she writes about her financial situation and lays it all out there. Doctor + Finances = Awesome.

Calquist- Unfortunately I can’t look at your website because it appears to be blocked to strangers. I do, however, appreciate you contributing to my posts

Dolly Iris- Dolly and I hit a little rough patch towards the start of our relationship, but we have worked through it and I have thoroughly enjoyed her suggestions and help. She’s one bada$$ blogger.

Josh- My Australian homie. Unfortunately, I also can not check out your site. I don’t know what the deal is or why I can’t connect, but each time I try to hollar at ya’ it never works. Do me a favor and go punch a kangaroo in the face

J Money- I consider J Money to be like my big brother. We have similar writing styles and both have finance raps. He’s a pretty darn successful blogger and I’m always honored to see him make his way over to P.D.I.T.F.

Jake- Gotta love the name of his site…Debt Sucks Blog…haha that automatically makes you one of my best friends. Keep doing what you do dude!

There are plenty others who have contributed to some wonderful conversations and I give you many thanks. You blog-whores are what keep my addiction going.