Today’s podcast features an interview with J.D. Roth from popular blog Get Rich Slowly. J.D. talks with Tom Dziubek and me about how he was inspired to begin writing about personal finance and his decision to leave the corporate world behind and take his passion to the next level.
Tom also speaks with Bryan J Busch from Stop Being Broken. Bryan is a usability expert, and Stop Being Broken is a series of videos pointing out problems with a wide variety of user experiences. One such user experience is the budget, and in this interview, Bryan explains what works for him and his wife. Here is the video and Excel spreadsheet mentioned in the interview.
To listen, use the player above (Adobe Flash required), download the podcast here, subscribe to the podcast RSS feed, or use the iTunes link. Note: open links in a new window (Ctrl-click or Command-click) to avoid interrupting the podcast.
[00:00] Introduction from Flexo
[00:48] Interview with J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly about following passions
[01:38] — The beginning of Get Rich Slowly
[04:04] — Leaving the box factory to write full-time
[05:50] — The effect of self-employment on social interactions and benefits
[07:37] — How to prepare for leaving a career
[09:07] — Seeking professional advice
[10:30] — The progress of Get Rich Slowly and unforeseen obstacles
[15:12] — Tips that apply to passions other than writing
[16:39] — Pursuing multiple streams of income and the effect of the recession
[19:28] Interview with Bryan J Busch of Stop Being Broken
[20:20] — A family budget system for dual income
[21:41] — Adapting the budget for a single income family
[23:48] — Using joint savings accounts in addition to checking accounts
[25:23] — Alternative approaches to the budget
[27:00] — Automatic transfers based on the budget
[28:44] End
If you have suggestions for the next edition of the Consumerism Commentary Podcast, or reactions to these interviews, feel free to leave a comment here or email your thoughts to podcast at this domain name.
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Good to hear you guys. I think we have things pretty well set up, though we aren’t completely pursuing our passion – because our passion doesn’t include work we’d rather not be doing. We like the least possible amount of compromise, and think we’ve managed that.
If someone can pursue something on the side and succeed to the point of quitting his day job, I think that’s great. I’d have to feel really secure to do something like that. Everything I do is “on the side”, as a supplement to my husband’s job. If I had a standard job, I would probably spend less time actually working, but more time and money preparing for it and being on the road. The amount of stress would not be worth it, and there would not be more money coming in than from the things I do now. My husband has a low-cost job, as well. After a certain point, what goes out becomes more important than what is coming in, at least that is the way it is for us.
To be able to blog full-time must be a dream come true for those who really love it. It seems like you don’t have to give up your identity and the substance of your lifestyle, as most jobs require.
Excellent info gentlemen, great to hear more background info on how JD started out. Also, per Bryan’s idea…that is exactly what my wife & I have been doing…percentage based budgeting; it works great for us.
Regarding passion striving…I have a goal to be following my passion for full-time Personal Finance Blogging by the end of 2010! I’m on my way…though it is far from easy. I am essentially working two full-time jobs, I just happen to love my moonlighting gig much much more!
Matt: Thanks for listening! And best of luck for taking your blogging to the next level.
Flexo and Tom,
Great Job on the podcast, I have to say this one has been my favorite by far. I enjoyed the interview with JD tremendously! I love hearing about how people started their sites/businesses. I would love it if you did more interviews like this. Bryan’s budgeting idea was interesting and even though I don’t think it’s for me, I enjoyed listening to it. Thanks
Thanks!