Comments on: The Toughest Questions For Me To Answer http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/ Saving, Earning, and Investing Money Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:22:17 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Samantha http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-20517 Samantha Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:53:17 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-20517 Oh, so sorry...I didn't realize this was an older discussion. (My feed reader reset and I didn't check the date.) Oh, so sorry…I didn’t realize this was an older discussion. (My feed reader reset and I didn’t check the date.)

]]> By: Samantha http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-20516 Samantha Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:51:06 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-20516 I also agree with The Digerati Life. In response to when people ask you what you do, I think "I'm an investor" or "financier" would be adequate. Or even "financial consultant" thanks to this blog. (As a military brat, I have that same hesitation when someone asks me where I'm from. Hahahah!) Regarding being honest with friends and family: I think it's important for financial bloggers to keep a bit of the veil of anonymity between friends and family. That gives the bloggers the freedom to discuss very personal experiences without offending/worrying when exposing private thoughts and experiences as examples for their readers. To me, this is the best part of the financial blogs I have been reading (many of the ones by those commenting in this thread, btw). The "here's what I did" and "here's where I went wrong/did well" personal experience part of the writing is what speaks to me as a non-financial blogger reader. What I read in your blogs becomes part of my inner conversation with myself regarding finance. The more of your personal experience you are willing to share, the easier it is to insert your "voice" into internal conversation. If keeping that privacy/anonymity veil is what is required to make the finance bloggers be comfortable sharing that experience, then I selfishly encourage you to continue to do so. And that's my long-winded post for today! I also agree with The Digerati Life.

In response to when people ask you what you do, I think “I’m an investor” or “financier” would be adequate. Or even “financial consultant” thanks to this blog. (As a military brat, I have that same hesitation when someone asks me where I’m from. Hahahah!)

Regarding being honest with friends and family: I think it’s important for financial bloggers to keep a bit of the veil of anonymity between friends and family. That gives the bloggers the freedom to discuss very personal experiences without offending/worrying when exposing private thoughts and experiences as examples for their readers. To me, this is the best part of the financial blogs I have been reading (many of the ones by those commenting in this thread, btw). The “here’s what I did” and “here’s where I went wrong/did well” personal experience part of the writing is what speaks to me as a non-financial blogger reader. What I read in your blogs becomes part of my inner conversation with myself regarding finance. The more of your personal experience you are willing to share, the easier it is to insert your “voice” into internal conversation. If keeping that privacy/anonymity veil is what is required to make the finance bloggers be comfortable sharing that experience, then I selfishly encourage you to continue to do so.

And that’s my long-winded post for today!

]]> By: Bernard http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-19150 Bernard Sun, 18 Nov 2007 07:20:28 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-19150 Same here, totally agree with The Digerati Life. But sometimes will reply something like this "I'm not doing well recently"... Surprise right? The reason I do this sometimes just to create abnormality, and when people heard this, they will ask me 'oh why?' And this is the time where you can break you ice easily...sounds good? cheers from, Bernard Same here, totally agree with The Digerati Life.
But sometimes will reply something like this “I’m not doing well recently”…
Surprise right? The reason I do this sometimes just to create abnormality, and when people heard this, they will ask me ‘oh why?’

And this is the time where you can break you ice easily…sounds good?

cheers from,
Bernard

]]> By: The Digerati Life http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17778 The Digerati Life Sat, 03 Nov 2007 18:45:02 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17778 My typical response is: my business is doing fine thank you! :) Oh, that would be the case when I leave the job. Actually Lazy, I'm on the fast track to leaving now. I have begun plans for the next 6 to 8 months and have set some things in motion to make this happen. Haven't felt more relief in a while. My plan is to study new skills that my spouse has suggested I do in the tech field so that: (a) I can either help him with his own business where he needs those technical skills or (b) I can do freelancing work as well whenever I decide to get a contract position. The key is to be able to make enough to try to build up to our current cash flow. I look forward to this challenge. In 8 months time, I should be out of my old job. My typical response is: my business is doing fine thank you! :) Oh, that would be the case when I leave the job. Actually Lazy, I’m on the fast track to leaving now. I have begun plans for the next 6 to 8 months and have set some things in motion to make this happen. Haven’t felt more relief in a while. My plan is to study new skills that my spouse has suggested I do in the tech field so that:
(a) I can either help him with his own business where he needs those technical skills or
(b) I can do freelancing work as well whenever I decide to get a contract position.

The key is to be able to make enough to try to build up to our current cash flow. I look forward to this challenge. In 8 months time, I should be out of my old job.

]]> By: Lazy Man http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17711 Lazy Man Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:44:49 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17711 Bluntmoney, I don't want people thinking that I'm lazy or anything like that... Oops, maybe it's a little late for that :-). Bluntmoney, I don’t want people thinking that I’m lazy or anything like that… Oops, maybe it’s a little late for that :-).

]]> By: bluntmoney http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17710 bluntmoney Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:08:37 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17710 Hm, I don't get why this is a problem. If you're working but not employed, why not just say "works going good, I work for myself now". If you're not working, say that you're volunteering or staying at home or whatever it is that you're doing. I didn't work for several years, and I didn't mind the "how's work?" type questions. What I did mind at first were people who followed up with "Why don't you get a job?!". I'd just tell them the truth: I didn't want to, and didn't need to. Eventually I realized that what actually irritated me was my OWN belief that maybe there was something wrong with not "working". I got over that ;) Hm, I don’t get why this is a problem. If you’re working but not employed, why not just say “works going good, I work for myself now”. If you’re not working, say that you’re volunteering or staying at home or whatever it is that you’re doing.

I didn’t work for several years, and I didn’t mind the “how’s work?” type questions. What I did mind at first were people who followed up with “Why don’t you get a job?!”. I’d just tell them the truth: I didn’t want to, and didn’t need to. Eventually I realized that what actually irritated me was my OWN belief that maybe there was something wrong with not “working”. I got over that ;)

]]> By: Lazy Man http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17573 Lazy Man Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:05:38 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17573 Nickem: That's a great idea. Unfortunately, my mom would want me to fly home every month to see her and our finances wouldn't allow for that. It's a pretty slick plan though. Nickem: That’s a great idea. Unfortunately, my mom would want me to fly home every month to see her and our finances wouldn’t allow for that. It’s a pretty slick plan though.

]]> By: Nickem http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17572 Nickem Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:58:14 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17572 If I was in the same situation, I would tell my friends that "I came into a goodly sum of cash. My wife and I have agreed to not discuss it as it is a personal matter. Meanwhile, we are doing quite well are blessed to be able to re-evaluate our lifestyles. I am sure that you can understand our situation." Mom would be delighted, I am sure. If I was in the same situation, I would tell my friends that “I came into a goodly sum of cash. My wife and I have agreed to not discuss it as it is a personal matter. Meanwhile, we are doing quite well are blessed to be able to re-evaluate our lifestyles. I am sure that you can understand our situation.”

Mom would be delighted, I am sure.

]]> By: Lazy Man http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17541 Lazy Man Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:34:51 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17541 See http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/yesterday-i-resigned-will-i-ever-work-again/. I don't have a typical day as of a couple of weeks ago. See http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/yesterday-i-resigned-will-i-ever-work-again/. I don’t have a typical day as of a couple of weeks ago.

]]> By: Investing911 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17538 Investing911 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:05:37 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17538 What do you mean, YOU DON'T HAVE A JOB?!!? What do you mean, YOU DON’T HAVE A JOB?!!?

]]> By: Lazy Man http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17491 Lazy Man Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:18:22 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17491 The follow-up question is always, "What is it?!?! I want to see!" That's the problem. The follow-up question is always, “What is it?!?! I want to see!” That’s the problem.

]]> By: Foobarista http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17488 Foobarista Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:56:03 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17488 Just say something like "I have a startup web media property and it's already profitable"! It has the saving grace that it's actually true... Just say something like “I have a startup web media property and it’s already profitable”! It has the saving grace that it’s actually true…

]]> By: The Div Guy http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17464 The Div Guy Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:57:23 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17464 Why not tell everyone you have quit your job to sell items on eBay. It would be a great conversation starter. Brandon - I don't want my friends and family to know how much money I have and I don't want my coworkers to know I have an investment blog. I work at a non-profit and it would not go over well if my coworkers knew about my money situation. This is why I am an anonymous Why not tell everyone you have quit your job to sell items on eBay. It would be a great conversation starter.

Brandon – I don’t want my friends and family to know how much money I have and I don’t want my coworkers to know I have an investment blog. I work at a non-profit and it would not go over well if my coworkers knew about my money situation. This is why I am an anonymous

]]> By: Living Off Dividends http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17453 Living Off Dividends Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:17:45 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17453 WTF? I missed that post on you quiting your job. anyway, check out my blog tomorrow around lunch time for a surprize ;-) WTF?

I missed that post on you quiting your job. anyway, check out my blog tomorrow around lunch time for a surprize ;-)

]]> By: Dee http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17449 Dee Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:47:42 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17449 I don't understand the anger here, giving suggestions that will "shut people up!" We all ask about each others' jobs naturally. It's not a hostile, malicious inquiry. I think the wrong position to take is a defensive one. A few weeks ago I'm sure you were one of the "how's your job?" question askers. Just be polite and honest. No one needs a detailed explanation and there's no reason to take this time to unveil your online identity if you don't want to. People are surprised because for someone to just not be working is, well, surprising. A simple answer, "I'm freelancing," etc. will suffice for most people. I also like the "I'm in between jobs" situation. Adults understand this type of situation. Anyone who responds negatively or with an insult isn't someone whose opinion matters anyway :) I don’t understand the anger here, giving suggestions that will “shut people up!”

We all ask about each others’ jobs naturally. It’s not a hostile, malicious inquiry. I think the wrong position to take is a defensive one.

A few weeks ago I’m sure you were one of the “how’s your job?” question askers.

Just be polite and honest. No one needs a detailed explanation and there’s no reason to take this time to unveil your online identity if you don’t want to.

People are surprised because for someone to just not be working is, well, surprising.

A simple answer, “I’m freelancing,” etc. will suffice for most people. I also like the “I’m in between jobs” situation. Adults understand this type of situation. Anyone who responds negatively or with an insult isn’t someone whose opinion matters anyway :)

]]> By: Chief Family Officer http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17437 Chief Family Officer Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:54:38 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17437 Can you be kind of honest and tell them you're making money online by blogging anonymously? (And then refuse to tell them the name of your blog, of course. I can see how that could lead to a sticky situation, probably depends a lot on your personality. My husband could probably do it, but not me.) As for your mom, just tell her you're prepping to be a stay-at-home-dad. She'll be so thrilled about the prospect of grandkids, she'll forget to leap into panic mode. Can you be kind of honest and tell them you’re making money online by blogging anonymously? (And then refuse to tell them the name of your blog, of course. I can see how that could lead to a sticky situation, probably depends a lot on your personality. My husband could probably do it, but not me.) As for your mom, just tell her you’re prepping to be a stay-at-home-dad. She’ll be so thrilled about the prospect of grandkids, she’ll forget to leap into panic mode.

]]> By: Brip Blap http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17433 Brip Blap Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:51:05 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17433 Tell people you're selling drugs - that'll shut them up. Actually, I'm with Guiness416 - just say you're taking a sabbatical, which is the truth, right? You'll get a new job eventually, maybe, but for now you're just getting in touch with your inner Mike Lowell. Americans are so insane about their work. I couldn't tell you how many times my friends have asked me since I started doing contract consulting "when are you getting a REAL job again?" It's just annoying. As far as the blogging, nothing to do about it if you're going to remain anonymous. No-one is going to believe you are freelance writing if you haven't ever mentioned it before. Tell them you saved up a lot of money beforehand and you're living off of it. Or say you're living off your credit cards... Tell people you’re selling drugs – that’ll shut them up.

Actually, I’m with Guiness416 – just say you’re taking a sabbatical, which is the truth, right? You’ll get a new job eventually, maybe, but for now you’re just getting in touch with your inner Mike Lowell.

Americans are so insane about their work. I couldn’t tell you how many times my friends have asked me since I started doing contract consulting “when are you getting a REAL job again?” It’s just annoying. As far as the blogging, nothing to do about it if you’re going to remain anonymous. No-one is going to believe you are freelance writing if you haven’t ever mentioned it before. Tell them you saved up a lot of money beforehand and you’re living off of it. Or say you’re living off your credit cards…

]]> By: Patrick http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17430 Patrick Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:06:21 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17430 Dang... I'm late to the conversation as usual - I can't reach your blog from work. :( Anyway, I was going to say the freelance or contract work comment as well. It is the truth, so you shouldn't have a hard time saying it. Dancing around the details... that's another story! Dang… I’m late to the conversation as usual – I can’t reach your blog from work. :(

Anyway, I was going to say the freelance or contract work comment as well. It is the truth, so you shouldn’t have a hard time saying it. Dancing around the details… that’s another story!

]]> By: Ernesto http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17417 Ernesto Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:05:38 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17417 With time, it will get easier. What I really mean is, after this has happened to you several times, you've tried a few different vocations (including starting your own businesses) and you (and your wife) have had a few life changing events, it will get easier. I'm always mildly amused by the Silicon Valley based software people and their financial blogs; Please keep blogging, I'd like to see how your financial plans hold up to a stress test. With time, it will get easier.

What I really mean is, after this has happened to you several times, you’ve tried a few different vocations (including starting your own businesses) and you (and your wife) have had a few life changing events, it will get easier.

I’m always mildly amused by the Silicon Valley based software people and their financial blogs; Please keep blogging, I’d like to see how your financial plans hold up to a stress test.

]]> By: escapee http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-17413 escapee Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:15:52 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/the-toughest-questions-for-me-to-answer/#comment-17413 This IS a tough one! Just tell them that you are independently wealthy like Paris Hilton! That should shut them up. This IS a tough one! Just tell them that you are independently wealthy like Paris Hilton! That should shut them up.

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