hands typing on a computer

My Personal Personal Finance Blogging Philosophies

Next month will mark two years since I first started this site. During my time running a personal finance blog, there’s no doubt that I’ve learned a lot about personal finance and blogging. Now, as I reflect on the past two years, I’ve also been thinking a lot about my philosophies on both of those components.

Admittedly, personal finance is a topic I kind of stumbled into. While I always enjoyed writing, I wasn’t always so good with money. Thankfully, I learned from the errors of my youth and, once I got married, my interest in changing my financial ways grew even stronger. Somehow, two of my passions managed to meet and, today, there are few things I enjoy more than talking (and writing) about money.

Now that I’ve set the table, today I wanted to dive into some of the different philosophies I have regarding writing about personal finance and why I think each is so important.

My Personal Finance Writing Philosophy

Speak from experience, not judgment

Personal finance blogging can be a bit tricky sometimes. While writers want to share knowledge and help people master their money, there are times when well-intentioned advice can come off as condescending, unrealistic, or even antagonistic. It’s a fine line to walk, which is why I strive to share my experience as much as possible and preface it by explaining that the tips I’m citing are merely what worked for me. This isn’t to say that I feel the need to hedge every assertion I make or not share my honest opinion, but I do think it’s important to keep others in mind and try not to cast unfair judgment.

Present pros and cons when possible

Something I do a lot of for my column on Dyer News and, to a lesser extent, on this site is review different products and services. More often than not, I have pretty nice things to say about the subject I’m reviewing, but there are times when I’m not as impressed. It’s actually these times that present a more interesting challenge to me.

As Anton Ego — the food critic voiced by Peter O’Toole in Pixar’s Ratatouille — once explained, negative criticism is fun to write and to read. Because of this it’s easy to turn lukewarm feelings into a dunking contest when it’s time to put your thoughts into a post. Despite the occasional case where a harsh review may actually be in the best interest of the audience, the times when a more nuanced approached is more appropriate are surely more numerous.

Something I strive to do whether in reviews or while exploring various topics is to try to present pros and cons. Even if I’m writing about something I don’t believe to be a good option, there may still be legitimate reasons one might choose this path over “better” ones. Similarly, I think it’s important to acknowledge certain elements that might be dealbreakers for someone else even if they’re not a big deal to me. Again, for me, it comes down to sharing my experience while keeping in mind that it’s not the only experience out there.

Offer further reading and resources where applicable

In case it wasn’t already clear, there are many topics on which I am not an expert. This means that there are times where I need to do some research before I’m able to write about certain subjects that interest me. Instead of trying to pass off this newly-gained knowledge as something I’ve always known, I’m always happy to cite my sources or link to other resources I think are worth my readers’ time. To me, this is not only ethical journalism (not that I consider what I do “journalism” otherwise) but is also a great way to serve my audience. Of course it also allows me to share what I’m learning and bring people with me on my journey without having to know everything ahead of time.

Over the past two years of running this blog, I’ve developed a few philosophies that have helped inform my writing. As I’ve said before (and as cliché as it may be)  chief among these beliefs is that personal finance is personal. Because of this, I strive to not only insert myself and my point of view in my work but to also remember that what works for me might not work for everyone else. Hopefully I’m succeeding in my goal to present my thoughts on money in a way that’s helpful, engaging, and motivating — and I look forward to doing so for many more years. 

Author
Founder ~ Moneyat30
Kyle is a freelance writer - including being the head writer for Fioney.com. He also serves as editorial director for the Disney fan site LaughingPlace.com and the founder of Money@30.com. In 2015, Kyle and his wife Bekah moved from Los Angeles to Springfield MO in pursuit of greater financial freedom. Together, the pair enjoy travel, coffee, and spending time with their dog Rigby. Additionally, as of 2023, they become first-time homeowners.
Other Articles by Kyle Burbank
person standing in front of exploding fireworks
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Venetian rewards gems
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds 4th of July sale logo
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...

What I like about your blog is reading your personal experiences and presenting both the pros and cons of the things you review. Keep up the great work.

Leave a Reply

Featured Articles
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...
An Amex Platinum Card Revamp is Coming — And I'm Worried
Earlier this week, Chase confirmed pretty much every rumor that had been swirling for the past couple of months by announcing details on a major refresh for its uber popular Sapphire Reserve card. When this refresh launches next week (or in October for current cardholders), it will bring new credits, a reimagined rewards-earning system, and...