Money Talks turns 2!
Celebrating two years of financial wellness and empowerment.
Three weekends ago, my girls Parker and Tiffany whipped up some homemade chocolate chip cookies. As we gathered in the kitchen, a debate brewed — should we stick to our tried-and-true recipe, or venture into the unknown with a new one from Hershey's?
Parker, a self-proclaimed foodie, championed the new approach, while Tiffany leaned heavily in favor of the familiar, echoing my own preferences. I trusted the old recipe, confident it would consistently deliver the delectable cookies we all loved. But a funny thing happened after they baked and we devoured the cookies — we discovered that the new recipe had its own magic. To our surprise, we loved the cookies just as much, if not more!
Our experience mirrored a lesson I often wrestle with: my hesitance to change. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in my life and in my work. I’ve been employed by only three companies over the course of my career. Last year, I had to force myself to donate suits I’d owned for nearly two decades. I planned to keep my ragged old Dodge well beyond 300,000 miles before proudly passing it down to Parker. I crave continuity.
Stability gives me serenity. Reliability provides reassurance. Certainty makes me feel cheerful.
But after two years of publishing Money Talks, it’s time for some changes. Just like those cookies, I’m learning that embracing new recipes can lead to delightful results.
Reflecting on our journey, I realize we've achieved some significant milestones along the way. These accomplishments not only mark our progress but also reinforce the value of stepping outside our comfort zones.
🥳 Highlights From The Past Two Years
💸 Money Talks now reaches people in 37 states and 34 countries.
💸 Money Talks is a syndicated column for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
💸 We’ve published 212 posts, including 12 podcasts. We have never missed a Monday or Thursday publication.
💸 Money Talks merchandise is currently in development, and I’m excited to share my personal designs with you.
💸 Parker wrote her debut column.
💸 We’ve secured multiple triple-digit profits in the stock market.
💸 And perhaps most importantly, we’ve created a lifetime of fun and memories.
As we celebrate these milestones, we’re also looking ahead to the future of Money Talks. Change is not just necessary, it’s also an exciting opportunity for us to grow and evolve.
With that in mind, I’m thrilled to share some important changes coming to Money Talks that will enhance your experience and deepen our connection.
📣 The Future of Money Talks
First, we’re moving toward a paid membership model. This decision wasn’t made lightly. It comes from a place of careful consideration and a desire to enhance the value we provide to you. We believe this shift will enable us to build the best community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about personal finance and dedicated to their financial growth.
While we’re transitioning to a paid membership model, I want to reassure you that the heart of Money Talks — our core content — will remain free and accessible to everyone. We believe that financial education should be available to all, and our commitment to providing high-quality articles, practical tips, and insightful resources will never waver.
Our transition to a paid site will take effect on February 10. Here’s what you should know:
💸 The majority of you will not be impacted in any way. Many of you have generously made monthly or annual pledges upon subscribing. We truly appreciate your support and want to ensure there are no surprises regarding charges.
💸 Only those who made pledges upon subscribing will be billed. If you’ve been with us this long, you clearly see the value in our content. However, if you’re unable to commit financially at this time, please email me, and I’ll happily refund your money.
💸 All paid subscriptions will be gratefully accepted as a show of support for our mission to empower individuals and families through financial literacy. A portion of all proceeds will always go to Parker’s retirement fund, as she is not only my partner at Money Talks but also the inspiration behind the company.
💸 Our paid subscriptions start at just $8 monthly and $80 annually — less than $1 per column! With a paid subscription, you'll enjoy uninterrupted access to exclusive content, insights and resources tailored to help you succeed. Plus, you can cancel anytime, giving you complete flexibility.
Together, we can foster a vibrant community that shares valuable insights, experiences and strategies for financial success, all while keeping our foundational content open to anyone eager to learn. Your support allows us to continue our journey of growth and innovation, ensuring that Money Talks remains a trusted resource for all.
🗣️ And That’s Not All
To ensure we’re meeting your expectations, we’ll be launching a 15-question survey this Thursday. We want to learn more about you and your financial wellness; your successes, your struggles, and how we might best serve you. You’ll also have the opportunity to share what you’d like to see from us in the future. Your feedback is crucial as we shape the direction of Money Talks together.
Along with the transition, we’ll be adopting a new URL to better reflect our evolving identity and mission. It’s a small but significant change that signifies our commitment to growth.
You can also look forward to expanded content. We’re excited to bring you even more diverse and valuable articles, tips and resources tailored to your interests and needs. This expansion is aimed at enhancing your experience with Money Talks, making it even more informative and engaging — and profitable for you!
💜 More Ways You Can Support Money Talks
💸 Spread the word: If you enjoy our content, tell your friends and family about Money Talks. Your recommendations help us grow our community — and could help someone you love turn over a new leaf.
💸 Download the Substack app: Stay connected with us on our journey to financial independence with exclusive access and content you won’t get anywhere else.
💸 Like, comment on and share our posts: Your engagement on social media helps us reach a wider audience and spread financial literacy. Plus, I respond to every comment!
💸 Follow and review us on Spotify: Your feedback on the Money Talks podcast improves our content and boosts our visibility on the platform.
As we move forward, I’m filled with excitement about the possibilities ahead. Just like that moment in the kitchen when we embraced a new cookie recipe, I know that the changes we’re making will lead to delightful results.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Let’s build!
Happy 2nd Bornday!!!
Happy 2nd Birthday- - and Many More!!