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Mr. Groovy and I are not big on birthday and anniversary celebrations—and so the one year anniversary of Freedom Is Groovy came and went without much fanfare. Still, we realize it’s no small accomplishment to keep a blog up and running for a year—statistics show 95% of bloggers drop off the face of the blogosphere within the first few months*. More importantly, we wanted to acknowledge our community.
We feel very blessed to be a part of a smart, motivated and generous group of people—I’m referring to our sister/brother bloggers as well as our followers and steady readers. Somehow, we managed to form a small tribe of people who listen to one another and help one another out. Not a day goes by that we don’t learn something new from our cohorts about finance, blogging—and life. We’d like to give a shout out to a small list of folks who’ve helped lift both our blog and our spirits:
Claudia, Emily, ZJ, Lila (Jaime), Maggie, Penny, Fritz, Frugal Vagabond, Gary, James, Maarten, and Steve. And finally, there’s Bobby Mabuhay, a very supportive follower and fellow minor league baseball enthusiast. He owns a cool dry cleaning business in San Diego.
And there are many more who’ve supported and befriended us, so please forgive me if I haven’t mentioned you all.
In a year’s time we’ve hit several milestones:
Two posts on RockStar Finance, one featuring Hannibal Lecter, and the other featuring an intriguing financial challenge.
Interview with Joshua Sheets on Radical Personal Finance.
Over 2,000 followers on Twitter.
103 posts (mostly by Mr. Groovy) and we’ve published two guest posts—one from Lila Donovan called, Frugal Ways to Get a College Degree and The Ten Commandments of Personal Finance from Fritz Gilbert.
Mr. Groovy has also guest posted on:
The scenario surrounding Mr. Groovy’s appearance on Millennial Money Man could have been the story line in one of my favorite posts, “Oh, the Joys of Blogging with a Spouse”. Bobby (@GenYMoneyMan) put out a call for bloggers to fill some guest post spots. I brought the announcement to Mr. Groovy’s attention, suggesting it would be fun to write for Bobby’s large millennial audience. Mr. Groovy agreed, although he wasn’t—how shall I say it—extremely motivated. So, in an effort to appease me, Mr. Groovy sent Bobby an outline of a post he had in mind. He included his usual contrite spiel, “Don’t worry about hurting my feelings if you don’t like it”—and of course, Bobby loved it.
The big day arrives. The post goes live on Millennial Money Man—and nothing. No comments, no buzz. Zilch. Nada. By the time we sat down for dinner the silence was deafening. Then, as I’m raising my salad fork to my mouth, Mr. Groovy looks straight into my eyes and says, “You know, you embarrassed me in front of the douche.” I burst out laughing and nearly hit him in the forehead with a cherry tomato.
Not that Bobby is a douche, by any stretch of the imagination. But, if you’re unfamiliar with our sick sense of humor, the douche line is from the TV show Parks and Recreation. In Season 3 Episode 5, Tom, Leslie and Ben appear on a local radio show with shock-jocks Crazy Ira and “The Douche”. Ben is caught off guard when asked about his past stint as an eighteen-year-old mayor of a town (which he bankrupted) and totally chokes the live interview. After he, Tom and Leslie leave the studio, Tom turns to him and says:
Nice job man. Was that your first time talking to other people? ‘Cause it came off that way. You embarrassed me in front of The Douche.
By 10 pm that night, however, Lila (mentioned above) left the first comment. A steady stream of comments followed over the next several days, along with some healthy debate. In the end, Beware the 99 Percent got quite a bit of buzz and Bobby said it was one of his most well-received guest posts.
Phew! I dodged a bullet.
And so as we pass the one year mark, we’re considering the idea of coming out from behind our groovy masks. We’ve already revealed ourselves to a few people. And in a twist of fate, Lila outed us from—of all places—the Dave Ramsey show. Mr. Groovy and I called in to the show using our first names. We mentioned we were from Charlotte but said nothing about blogging. Later that day, Lila direct-messaged Mr. Groovy on Twitter and said, “That had to be you guys on with Dave Ramsey”. She recognized our story! Holy sh*t! We were B-U-S-T-E-D!!! But Jaime said, “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me”.
Then, one night when he was feeling nostalgic about the Good Rats, Mr. Groovy caved and told his best friend since seventh grade about the blog. After getting over his initial shock, Mr. Groovy’s friend really got into reading the posts. But here’s what amazed him most—the comments. That’s right. He told Mr. Groovy he was transfixed reading them, and was astonished by how supportive and positive the community is. That gave Mr. Groovy the confidence to share the blog with his brother, too. And Brother Groovy is also in awe of the community.
And that’s what we’re most proud of—the community. We feel very blessed to have found our little corner of the sky. Thank you all.
*Most statistics I found point back to a 2008 Technorati survey which stated 95% of new blogs fail.
**Our Tribe:
Congrats on making it through the first year! I just read that guest post on M$M and all of the comments. It was a great read.
Thanks, TJ. He had fun writing that one for M$M (with a little push from me).
A very late but heartfelt congrats to you guys! Isn’t this community the absolute best? That’s why I wish I were at FinCon… it’s like my tribe all together having a great time and being awesome! You guys are so great and I love reading your witty, thoughtful posts. I am honored to be considered among your tribe!
Awww thanks, Maggie. FinCon was just too far for us and too close to quitting day. Maybe next year?
We love reading your posts too. They’re always so thoughtful, and you come up with angles no one else sees.
What an amazing year! I am so sorry for taking so long to clue into this post– I was distracted with getting married the day it came out, then with pushing out another project! You guys have really found your footing in the PF blog community, and I wish you many more successful years of blogging (and very few years to FIRE!)!
Hey Frugal Vagabond, no need to be sorry. No worries. Congrats on your marriage and on your new tool, The Earth Awaits — https://www.theearthawaits.com/
Thanks for your kind words – we’re done with work on Oct. 14th!
A huge congratulations for making it to the 1 year mark; like you said, not many make it that far. I have loved reading your posts, I can really feel the love and teamwork between you both 🙂 Of all the blogs out there, you have your own unique way of writing which is really cool/neat/groovy.
Loving being along for the ride, here’s to the next 12 months/
Tristan
Wow, Tristan. Thank you so much. That’s some compliment and I really appreciate it. Mr. Groovy’s the brains behind this operation. He totally has a unique take on life – education, culture, government – you name it.
I’m really glad to have “met” you and look forward to spending more time on your site.
Congrats on the year anniversary! A big milestone, no doubt. I look forward to continuing to follow the blog.
Thanks so much Green Swan for your good wishes. Your writing is well-respected and I appreciate the support you provide to your co-bloggers. I look forward to spending more time on your site.
Too Groovy! I’m humbled and honored to be included in your first year highlights!! The pleasure has been all mine. Congrats on the anniversary, and I look forward to the next year of fantastic content from The Groovies!! (AND, you’ll be RETIRED!!)
Thanks so much for your support and friendship, Fritz. Speaking of retired – I’ve been looking forward to today, September 1, because now we can say we retire NEXT MONTH!
Congrats on making it to the one-year mark! As a new blogger myself, I can already appreciate how huge that milestone is. I’ve only been going for a little over a month and it is a ton of work!
I will say the pf community is great and I have already enjoyed all of the connections and great comments/conversations.
Keep up the good work and congrats!
Thank you Jon. And I did’t even realize you’ve been around for just over a month. You’re already making an impact!
Thanks very much, Kate. The writing comes more naturally to Mr Groovy. He always has ideas in the hopper and can sit and write for longer periods than I can.
The community is amazing. It can give you the encouragement – and the energy to plod on. I enjoy your writing and hope you stick around for a long time.
Congrats on your anniversary! Here’s to many more years of great blog posts 🙂
Writing doesn’t come naturally to me (being an accountant and all) so there have been numerous times where I’ve thought about ending the blog. But the community is what keeps me going. Every day I’m amazed by how supportive and encouraging everyone is. There’s nothing like it.
Congratulations! Really glad to see that you have beat statistics and kept your blog going.
May I join your tribe?
–Michael
Thanks, Michael. Of course you may join! Consider yourself a member.
Congrats and thanks for the many positive interactions. On to the next year!
It’s been our pleasure, James. We’re looking forward to many more of those interactions. Thanks for your support and good wishes.
Happy blogiversary!
I love Parks and Rec – the douche line had me cracking up!
Leave it to Mr Groovy to blurt out the douche line!
Thanks for the good wishes, Pia.
Congratulations on your anniversary. I just started a blog and have a lot to learn. I plan on reading some of your posts. I wish you the best of luck in the upcoming years.
Thanks very much, Steven. The learning curve is real – there are some components of blogging we haven’t had time to learn or digest yet. Best of luck to you and I’ll check out your posts as well.
Wow! Time flies, doesn’t it?! Happy Blogiversary! I’m so glad we’re part the community and that we’ve gotten to know each other. We will have to schedule a meetup soon! 😀 Thanks for the shoutout. You are awesome! 😊
Thank you, Claudia. I’m also very happy we’ve been getting better acquainted. Your support has been extremely helpful and appreciated. We’d love to do a meetup or even start with a Skype call for some brainstorming. We’re kicking around a few ideas and I know you and Garrett are always thinking, too!
You betcha. Let’s do it! We’ve been kicking around a TON of ideas. 🙂
Congrats on 1 year! Also, congrats on reaching FI (from your previous post).
Sounds like you got a lot of exciting stuff coming all at the same time.
Thanks for the warm wishes, Eric. Yes, we hope we have many interesting experiences to keep us busy and to write about.
“You embarrassed me in front of The Douche.” — I’m dying! hahahaha
Congrats on the milestone. Those of you that crank out quality blog posts like your some type of freaking blog Pez dispense both impress and frustrate the hell out of me! I struggle to average one per week.
Looking forward to following your for year #2
I’m so happy you got the joke, Ty…I had to go to the “about” section on your website and remind myself of what age group you’re in. Because, you know, not everyone will get the Pez reference.
Thanks for the compliment about cranking it out but we fly by by the seat of our pants sometimes. Mr. Groovy’s the idea man and always has something in the hopper, but we don’t have a precise publishing schedule.
Congrats on the blogiversary!I’ve only been blogging for a couple months now, but definitely agree about the supportiveness of the community. (Also agree about the awesomeness of Parks and Rec!)
Thank you Matt. It’s amazing, but you don’t feel like a “newbie” for long in this community. I also learned not to be timid about emailing someone with a question. I’ve asked a few fellow bloggers how they’ve done this or that and they’ve been extremely helpful. There’s room for everyone to succeed.
And happy blogiversary from down under as well. I’ve only recently discovered the Groovy’s and enjoying your blog. I’m only a few months into blogging but am determined not to be one of the 95% I’m looking forward to posting my first year blogiversary thank you post in a few months time.
Thanks very much Martin. I know, right? We just found you too and have been enjoying your blog and your comments. I’m sure you’ll be among the 5% that sticks with it.
Fellow parks and rec fan – just woke up Mrs AE laughing. She is a fan and understands.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite lines
“I guess I’m open minded as hellllllll, I think you’re pretty good looking” – Jean Ralphio
OK, now, I just laughed so loud Mr. Groovy had to come upstairs to see what the heck I was doing. We never saw that episode before. I don’t think we got all the way through season 6 yet. I know what we’re watching tonight.
Boy P & C really gets it right – actually, it’s somewhat of an improvement on the government office Mr. Groovy worked for.
Congrats on the first year and I’m proud to be part of your tribe.
Thanks so much Maarten. You were one of the first fellow bloggers we connected with. It means a lot to us to be in the same tribe.
Congrats on a great first years! Happy blogiversary. Here’s to many more to come!
Awww, thanks so much Tawcan. We plan on sticking around for a while and continuing to be part of this great community.
Congrats on hitting the 1 year mark! It took me three blogs to finally hit the mark so I know the commitment it takes. I’ve loved seeing how far it has come and excited to follow it as you move into your next phase in October!
I guess three’s a charm, huh? I’m so impressed you didn’t give up, Thias. Impressed and quite happy – because I love your blog.
Thanks so much for the good wishes.
Hey guys! CONGRATULATIONS! *insert fireworks
Well done!
You both keep turning out quality, informative content, so it’s really no surprise that this groovy site is successful.
Thanks so much, Ray. I’m happy you find FiG useful. We had no idea how or where we’d fit in but we just keep plugging away. I appreciate the good wishes.
Hahahahahaahahahahahaa. That…is so awesome. I still love that guest post by the way, it will go down in the M$M guest post hall of fame someday!
I just want to say that I didn’t get the reference at first, but that was easily the least I’ve ever been offended by being called a douche before you explained it. So…there’s that. 🙂
Finding a community is probably the coolest thing about blogging! I have a bunch of blogger and reader friends that I never would have met before starting the site. I feel like I’ve finally found “my people”, you know?
Congrats on getting past the first year! It gets easier and your success starts multiplying the longer you go. Here’s to many more!
I have no doubt you will create the M$M guest post hall of fame!
Even though I had to light a fire under him a little bit, Mr Groovy had great fun writing that post. I’m glad you found the story surrounding it funny.
I know exactly what you mean by “your people”. We’re amazed at times by the genuine connection we feel with others whom we’ve never even met. Thanks for the good wishes!
Congrats on your first blogiversary! You’re absolutely right that it’s no small accomplishment to keep a blog going. I’m so glad to see your story, philosophies and thoughts contribute to the community, and I’m glad to be part of the tribe. Wishing you much success in the year to come.
Thanks, for the good thought and kind words. Your support and your knowledge has meant a lot to us. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you a little better.
Congrats on your anniversary, and wishing you many, many more. I can always count on you guys for thoughtful and educational, not to mention entertaining, posts.
Thanks, Julie. Mr. Groovy is the driving force behind the thoughtful, educational and entertaining posts. I’m the wind beneath his wings, LOL.
How exciting – time is flying by and you are definitely right about the community! Happy 1st year done!
Thanks, Vicki. It’s a wonderful community. And you fit right in!
Congrats on the anniversary! It is really hard to keep up with writing posts and maintaining the “give a crap” attitude to keep a blog going. 🙂
Glad I found yours!
Thanks Mr. SSC. We’re glad we found your blog too. Believe me, the attitude wanes at times. But then we take a step back and regroup.
Show me a reason and I’ll soon show you a rhyme! I’m so glad to have met y’all. Congrats on the blog anniversary. You add goodness and questions into my days.
I’ve got to be where my spirit can run free….
We’re so glad to have met you too, ZJ!
Congrats on a great first years! Happy blogiversary. It is a great community and glad you and the Mr. G are a part of it.
Thanks, Brian. It’s an awesome community. Thanks for making us feel welcome and for your insightful comments on our posts.
Aww. You guys are sweet. Thank you for being a fun and awesome part of my week. Happy blogiversary and keep up the good work!
Thanks, Emily. We appreciate the good wishes. And we feel the same about you.