5 Years Ago Today This Blog Was Born :)

…before I was married or had any babies
…before I hardly even knew what “blogging” was!
…before we all lost money in the real estate crash and subsequent recession
…before I wanted to be an RV drivinyard sale minimalist coin collector ;)
…before our net worth crossed over the $60,000 mark
…and even before anyone knew who Obama was!

It’s been a long and awesome 5 years so far, and I’m proud to still be around here having tons of fun :) We’ve had an amazing journey to say the least, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without you. Seriously, I know it’s super cheezy, and perhaps a bit expected of me to say, but it really is the reason I’m still here doing this thing. Writing to no one is just no fun no matter what people say.

Without you, the readers, I would probably be off on job #81 by now! haha….

SO THANK YOU. You’ve saved me from my boring life, and helped me grow both personally and professionally at the same time :) I feel like we have a damn good community here – everyone sharing and learning and having fun at the same time – and it’s gone far beyond what I could  have expected for this little site here. My one month trial run has now turned into 60 and counting, and I can only hope for another 60 to come.

Thank you all so very much for reading and leaving your thoughts, and I’ll see ya’ll back on here again tomorrow… I’m gonna give myself a money break today and go soak it all in :)

Much, much love,
j. money signature
PS: For you number nerds out there, we’ve had over 1,740 posts, 33,500 comments, and almost 5 million page views so far on this blog. Simply incredible.

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69 Comments

  1. William Cowie February 12, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    Congratulations! And we’re the beneficiaries. Thanks for the dedication to bring it to us every day. And yes, we know at times it can be a bit of a grind, and so we thank you!

    Well done! Now, where’s the cake? :)

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 8:57 AM

      Thank you so much, man – you’re the best :)

  2. Jane Savers @ The Money Puzzle February 12, 2013 at 6:43 AM

    Does it get harder to think up things to post about when you’ve been doing it for years or does it get easier as your net worth increases because you have more decisions to make and more options?

    Almost 5 million hits is incredible. How many in the first year compared to this past year?
    I need a goal to shoot for.

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 9:02 AM

      It’s definitely harder now than it was back then, but it also leads to more creativity than before too :) After the first two years you’ve pretty much said a bulk of everything you wanted to say, so then it’s finding new stuff and learning as you adapt to bigger things as you’ve mentioned. It’s never boring, that’s for sure!

      First year? Hmmm… I’d say 150,000 or so. It took me over 2 years to hit the 1st million:
      https://budgetsaresexy.com/2010/07/budgets-are-sexy-hits-1000000-page-views/

      And then 1 year after that to get to 2 million:
      https://budgetsaresexy.com/2011/07/budgets-are-sexy-hits-2-million-page-views/

      And the rest is history :)

  3. Sense February 12, 2013 at 6:51 AM

    Yay!!! I totally remember when you came on the scene and took us (the PF blogging world) by storm. :) A breath of fresh air that just keeps on blastin’.

    Here’s to 5 more! Cheers!

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 9:03 AM

      Awww thanks! You and I BOTH have been in the game for a while! So big congrats to you too! :)

  4. Lance @ Money Life and More February 12, 2013 at 7:17 AM

    Congrats J! That is truly amazing these days! 5 years is crazy! I’ll be lucky if I ever get there.

    It is crazy how much things change in 5 years. Who would have thought that we’d be in the situations we’re in today 5 years ago. Glad it has worked out well for you.

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 9:07 AM

      Yup, and another 5 years will be here in no time for all of us too :) Another reason to stay on top of our game plans as time keeps on tickin’ and inching us along every single day!

  5. Sue D February 12, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    While I have not enjoyed this ‘ride’ for the whole five years, I am glad I found your site when I did, I look forward to see what is happnin’ everday.

    Please, more details on Baby J. Money, within reason. I am a DINK and enjoy stories about them.

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 9:07 AM

      Haha, I’ll see what I can do :)

  6. Elle February 12, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    Congratulations J on the past 5 years! Things have certainly changed in the pf blogging niche. I hope you have plenty of stories for the next 5 :)

  7. jolie February 12, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    awwww happy birthday sexy bloggy! Thank you so much for all the great reads over the years!

  8. Pauline February 12, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    congrats and happy blogoversary!! “You’ve saved me from my boring life”>> didn’t you mean that for your V Day post? :)

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 9:08 AM

      If I were smart enough I did!

  9. AverageJoe February 12, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    Fantastic, man! Congrats on 5 years well done. Here’s to the next five!

  10. Cait February 12, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    Congrats, J! What an accomplishment.

  11. Travis @debtchronicles February 12, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    Happy Blogoversary, J! I’m about to celebrate my 3 year blogoversary myself……which makes you an old man, right? Haha, just trying to make myself feel better since I have a few years on you in age. :)

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 9:09 AM

      I keep trying to catch up to you in real life years, but every year you keep upping the stakes! ;)

  12. Johnny Moneyseed February 12, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    I’m coming up on one month, I can’t imagine having logged 5 years. Definitely impressed. Keep up the good work!

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 1:00 PM

      Hey, congrats on 1 month! I didn’t even know if I’d make it *that* far back in the day ;)

  13. Jim February 12, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    Congrats J, it’s not easy making it to five years. :)

  14. John S @ Frugal Rules February 12, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    Congrats J & Happy Blogiversary! Those are some freakin’ awesome numbers on the page views! I would agree with sentiment that we’re the beneficiaries. Here’s to five more years!

  15. Trinnie February 12, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    Congrats, J$! and Happy Blogiversary! I can say that your blog (and your friendship) has changed my life in so many ways–your blog is the reason why I’m getting my finance degree and now obsessed with personal finance (is that a good thing or a bad thing?). Here’s to the next 5 yrs, my friend!

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 1:05 PM

      awwww, I had no idea about that! thank you so much for telling me – really means a lot :) always been so proud of you for working on this stuff! And even cooler we’re real-life friends now :)

  16. Michelle February 12, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    Congrats! :) Very exciting.

  17. Emmy February 12, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    Awwwww 5 years! That’s crazy! Congrats J!

  18. Kara February 12, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    Congrats on 5 years!

    Although I would like to point out that blogging has been around since 1999 at least. Some of us were even actually blogging back then. :)

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 1:06 PM

      Haha yeah, for sure… that’s why I put “most” there :) You were blogging before it was even called blogging! That’s old school, baby.

  19. Diamond February 12, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    Congrats! I’m new to your blog but must say I find it chopped full of sound practical financial advise WHILE being extremely fun and entertaining. I enjoy reading every single comment people take the time to leave, hearing other life stories, and getting other perspectives, even when I feel they are totally misguided :) You have even turned me onto other blogs I never knew existed; shout out to The Credit Report Chick and Debt RoundUp! Your blog definitley has the right title. You do make budgets sexy and fun. Thanks for all you do and keep up the excellent work.

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 1:08 PM

      Thank you so much!! I love all the commenters too – that’s what makes this stuff so interesting to me – watching our community grow and share their thoughts on everything we talk about each day. It’s awesome :)

  20. Jen @ Master the Art of Saving February 12, 2013 at 10:39 AM

    Happy 5th Blogiversary! 5 years is such a long time to stick with something online. Congrats. :-) Looking forward to another 5 of awesomeness on BAS.

  21. Financial Black Sheep February 12, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    Congratulations! It takes a lot of work to keep the ideas fresh and going for five years! Have a great day celebrating :)

  22. Cassie February 12, 2013 at 11:10 AM

    Happy Blogoversary! It’s been a blast following along with your ups and downs over the years. Here’s to another five!

  23. Jason @ WorkSaveLive February 12, 2013 at 11:13 AM

    I almost thought that said “I’m going to give myself a money bath today…” lol. That would have been better!

    Congrats on making it 5 years, J! That’s unbelievable…not to mention the 5 million page views. That’s insane!

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 1:09 PM

      Haha… I’ll take a money bath any day!!

  24. Cristalle February 12, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Awesome, Congrats!! I don’t frequent many blogs and most cannot hold my attention for more than a pageview but I love this one (I might even consider a Budgets are $exy bumper sticker). Thank you for the down-to-earth voice, creative posts, and to the great readership that helps make this blog a must read! I am hoping that I can cultivate an interesting side hustle so I can be a part of your series one day :) Keep on blogging….Happy 5th!

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 1:10 PM

      Woohoo! I’d love to get one of those bumper stickers from you if you ever make them :) People def. need to know what’s up! haha…

  25. Tony@WeOnlyDoThisOnce February 12, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    Congrats to you J Money. I have been reading for a couple months now (and commenting for only a bit..more to come!) and I am so impressed with the Empire you have created. As a total newbie blogger I am starstruck…perhaps in the next round of BHB you can be my mentor! Congrats again and thanks for all your wisdom!

  26. Grayson @ Debt Roundup February 12, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    That is awesome J. There are not many blogs that last 5 years, but especially not ones that keep people entertained with each article. Thanks for kickin it for so long and here is to the future!

  27. Joanna @ Our Freaking Budget February 12, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    Wow! Super awesome. You’ve provided your readers with so much content, and even after 5 years, you’re still able to keep it super interesting. That more than anything shows that you must love what you’re doing. You’re someone I look to for blogging the right way… it’s all for your readers!

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 1:10 PM

      You know it – my readers are the most important! :)

  28. Edward Antrobus February 12, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    That’s awesome, even if the the Obama part isn’t quite right. When he spoke at the 2000 DNC, pundits were already predicting that he would run for president.

    But the blogosphere is a better place because you are in it. You have done some awesome work and affected a lot of lives.

    1. J. Money February 12, 2013 at 1:12 PM

      That part really is neat :) Especially as someone who has a pretty terrible memory, haha… when I can’t remember something I just log on and check out exactly what I was feeling at that given point in time! It’s super cool.

  29. Fig (Figuring Money Out) February 12, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Congrats on an amazing 5 years! You’ve done so many wonderful things!

  30. Jose February 12, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    Congratulations! If I understand the blog world correctly, Five years is an eternity! I hope I can have a similar post in five years!

  31. Nick @ ayoungpro.com February 12, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    Congratulations! I’ve always enjoyed your blog and wish you continued success.

  32. Mo' Money Mo' Houses February 12, 2013 at 4:31 PM

    Congrats on reaching 5 years! That’s amazing!

  33. stephanie February 12, 2013 at 9:06 PM

    Oh JMoney-superhugehappysuccessfulblogiversary!!! I’m pretty new and have learned so much since I started reading your blog. It’s amazing how much information you can cram into your blogs, and then you come back and answer our comments. I absolutely love it and will follow you as long as you choose to blog. Wishing you only the best during the next 5 years. Now go take that money bath…ha ha ha, that was an awesome comment too!

    1. J. Money February 15, 2013 at 9:58 AM

      Haha thanks! :) It all takes a lot of time for sure – but as you can see totally worth every last hour put in. Comments like these motivate the crap out of me!

  34. The Happy Homeowner February 12, 2013 at 9:51 PM

    Hot damn! I love this; congrats!!!

  35. Punky Coletta February 12, 2013 at 10:23 PM

    Happy anniversary! And thanks for all of the helpful money thoughts and stories.

  36. Liquid February 12, 2013 at 11:52 PM

    Happy blog anniversary. Congrats on the big 5 years. I was still in school 5 years ago lol. You have some amazing stats like the 5 million page views, wow.

    1. J. Money February 15, 2013 at 9:59 AM

      I used to say that too 5 years ago :) Time just keeps on going no matter what we do!

  37. Michelle February 13, 2013 at 12:33 AM

    Happy Anniversary!! You inspire me. Keep up the amazing work.

  38. Glen @ Monster Piggy Bank February 13, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    Great work on making it to 5 years – That is incredible! I only recently found your blog, but I really enjoy reading it and I also hope you continue for at least another 60 months :)

    Have you got any words of wisdom for us noobs that haven’t even made 1 year yet?

    1. J. Money February 15, 2013 at 10:01 AM

      YUP! Just keep pouring your *heart* into it.

  39. Evan February 14, 2013 at 11:16 AM

    Wow 5 years?! That is nutty. I always think about that in terms of what other accomplishments took. You now have spent more time blogging than you did in college – how depressing is that?

    1. J. Money February 15, 2013 at 10:01 AM

      VERY! ;)

  40. maria@moneyprinciple February 15, 2013 at 4:26 AM

    Hi J$ and happy blog-versary (well, today is my day for innovation and creativity; I like to be organised about things :)). Only think I can say is: I am sorry to have missed the first three years and am so much looking forward to the next five!

    1. J. Money February 15, 2013 at 10:01 AM

      You are a darling – thank you for always making me smile :)

  41. Mike February 17, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    J Money! Congratulations to you from your friends at USAA!

    1. J. Money February 20, 2013 at 4:48 PM

      THANK YOU!! I saw all the love y’all sent on Twitter too – so kind of you guys :) I hope we remain friends no matter what happens in the future with this blog.

  42. Cat February 18, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    Damn you have come a long way in 5 years!! Thanks for the blog, and for the useful and reliable information that i love reading.

    My Blog started in Feb 2010 and I am just getting a few readers now. I love blogs. So much more entertaining and worth the read than any Facebook post I’ve seen.

    1. J. Money February 20, 2013 at 4:49 PM

      HAH! I’ll second that all day, every day ;)

  43. The Peach Truck February 18, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    Thank you so much for all your wisdom over the last five years! You’re proof that if you go after your dreams with everything you have, you can succeed. Thank you for encouraging me in my own dream of working for myself, and being successful financially!

    1. J. Money February 20, 2013 at 5:26 PM

      Woohoo! Way to go!! I love hearing stories of others venturing out and giving it a shot – here’s to 5 (and more) successful years over at your Peach Truck! :)

  44. Karen Datko February 20, 2013 at 6:09 PM

    I remember the first time I read Budgets are Sexy five years ago. I thought, “This blogger is crazy!!!” in a good way. Hee hee. You’re fabulous.

  45. J. Money February 21, 2013 at 10:46 AM

    HAH! I remember that too, because you told me it’s hard to share my content on MSN when I curse and misspell everything all over! Haha… I’d like to think I’ve become better since ;)