Over the past 3 weeks, I’ve been somewhat nervous.
Not nervous like I’m about to apply for a big job.
Not nervous like I’m going to make a speech in front of 2,000 people.
More nervous like I’ve been at this café over the past 3 weeks and am still running into the same pretty girl.
I’d like to sit beside her and start talking to her but don’t know how to do it. I don’t want to look like an idiot so I simply stare at my screen and pretend I’m reading something interesting on my laptop. When she looks outside or takes a sip, I take this moment to sneaek a peek and rapidly go back to my laptop to make sure no one notices. The coffee sure tastes good, but I have a feeling that it would be much better if I would go and talk to her. I keep thinking about it and think it’s just unfair that I don’t take action.
This morning, this is what I am doing.
It’s been 3 weeks already and I still don’t have a plan to approach this girl. But what the heck! I’m just gonna stand up and walk towards her. I’ll figure out what to say when I get in front of her (or I’ll die of humiliation standing in the middle of the place with my mouth wide open!).
All right, I’m doing it:
The Financial Blogger Buys Fabulously Broke!
Yeah… I guess I’m not too good with “introducing myself smoothly”. But I would rather be direct than a hypocrite. So for the past 3 weeks, you have been the pretty girl and I have been looking at Fabulously Broke secretly. But I’m not the one who took the first steps.
About a month ago, FB approached me to know if I was interested in buying her site. She wanted to slow down on blogging and was looking for someone to take over her blogs. If you don’t know me, I own several financial blogs and run them as an online company (more on me later in this post!). I have known about this blog for a while and was reading it without commenting (I don’t comment much in general on other blogs!).
I appreciate the free spirit minded style and the independence coming out of FB’s articles. I appreciate it because I can identify myself in this blog (I like making more money so I can spend more 😉 ). I was definitely interested in buying such a cool website and thought that my view of personal finance would match 100% with FB’s train of thought. This is why TFB bought FB about 3 weeks ago.
What does it change? Where’s FB?
I’ll reassure you right away, FB will remain for a while as an author on this site to smoothen the transition so you are not losing your favorite writer for at least a year (not bad, huh?). I don’t intend to switch this blog into a Nascar with tons of ads either. I want to keep the same train of thought and simply continue what FB has started over here. It’s an awesome website and I want you to know that it will continue to be awesome!
So I’ll be writing once a week, providing my hindsight views on following a defined career path and how to manage personal finance. I’ve also hired Shawanda from You Have More Than You Think as a staff writer. Shawanda is an amazing writer and also falls in line with FB’s standards ;-).
A Word From FB
This probably comes as a huge shock, but I would like to say that it was certainly not something I had planned for at all.
I didn’t wake up one day and decided I lost all my passion for blogging, and to be honest, my final decision surprised me as well.
It had dawned on me at the start of 2012 that it was now or never — either I take the blogs and run with it full-time as my real day job or I had to make a change and take back my life.
I had said many times before, that blogging will never, ever become a full-time job for me; I love and enjoy my real career too much, and it’s far more financially rewarding to boot.
So obviously, the choice was clear.
After I made my decision, I could either sell to someone or let it disappear into oblivion if I couldn’t find a good buyer because I was not willing to give up my ‘baby’ (so to speak) to just anyone!
So as you can imagine, I was extremely happy when The Financial Blogger showed up on the scene.
As a fan of his blog, I am more than confident he will take care of the blog, work hard, and love it as much as I have for the past 5 years.
I really think that his style of writing is very similar to mine (I am not saying this because he’s a Canadian, either). I feel a kinship, as we are very much alike in many ways, even in terms of our career paths, although I am more of a self-proclaimed saver than he is. 😉
(Actually I don’t even know how he manages to have a full-time career, THREE kids with the newest just a month or so old, and manage this blog business!! My hat goes off to him because I’d be exhausted.)
Also, I’m very excited to hear that Shawanda will be the new staff writer. I cannot think of anyone more qualified than Shawanda to take over the blog (yes, I know she was one of my recommendations, but even so!), and I am really excited continue reading her work, seeing as I am already a fan of her blog You Have More Than You Think.
It has been a wonderful 5 years of blogging, but I am happy, even relieved to be taking a smaller role in the personal finance blogging community now.
The pressure is finally off me.
It’s a bit like taking off a pair of stiletto heels after a long night of partying, and it feels sad that the wonderful party is over, but it had to end sometime so my life could go on.
Besides, there’s always something new to look forward to and change is always exciting.
You can still get in touch with me on Twitter @mochimac.
— Mochi & Macarons (Formerly known as “FB”)
A Little Bit More About TFB
My name is Mike but I’m mostly known as TFB. I’ve been blogging since 2006. Over the years, my passion for writing became a real business as my partner and I started to buy blogs and make it a great network. Don’t worry, I won’t be talking about how I make money from my blogs and other online stuff (you need to follow TFB for that 😉 ).
I’m happily married and have 3 amazing kids (William (6), Amy (4) and Caleb (30 someodd days). I have followed a high speed career path where I became a financial planner working 4 days week (‘cause family matters!). I just love talking about finance and independence and since people are easily bored with financial topics, I make sure that I bring an interesting twist to each of my posts.
So that’s it! I’ve finally conquered my fear and came to talk to you! It wasn’t bad, wasn’t it?
Once again, I’m honored to be the new owner of this blog and I’ll make sure that FB will continue to be proud of her site!
Cheers,
Mike.
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.
I cleared $60,000 in 18 months earning $65,000 gross/year.
Now I am self-employed, and you can read more about 
Thanks for telling us where you’ve gone, I’m following you on twitter & the new blog. Amber at Blonde & Balanced has stopped blogging about personal finance. She closed her twitter account, and took all the personal stuff down from Blonde & Balanced. It makes me wonder if she sold it too. She has said that PF blogs have an expiration date. Oh and JD from Get Rich Slowly also sold his website. So he’s now just a staff writer.
Its funny how a lot of PF bloggers have moved on, sold their site, or stopped blogging completely. To be honest with you, I’ve lost interest in reading PF blogs. They seem to be repetitive. They seem to fall under the same curse of finance magazines like Money. I liked reading this blog because you talked about other things besides saving. I love your travel posts. Thanks for at least telling us where you’ve gone instead of mysteriously vanishing like a lot of bloggers tend to do. However, now knowing that you’ve sold the site, I’d rather follow you on your new blog. I don’t really know this new guy. But yeah the beginning of this post was confusing too. I have to agree with the others. “I decided to sell the website” would have been better than this awkward intro. No offense but I don’t care about the new guy either. He wasn’t here from the beginning and it won’t be the same voice either. No offense to you Mike, but I really liked reading FB when she was the writer.
I wish you the best. But its like when you find out a best-selling writer has died or been fired and the publishing house decides to keep their series going by hiring a ghost writer. That’s what happened to the vampire diaries author L.J. Smith, when they fired her from the series, and hired the ghost writer. Now the new books are crap.
Its just not the same. Sorry but it isn’t. That’s how I also feel about this blog sale and the new blogger.
Wow congrats to both FBs! On a personal level, I’m a little sad to see Fabulously Broke go, but I’m glad she didn’t just stop cold and let the site die. I’m sure the new team will do a great job!
Um. I was wondering who Mochi and Macarons was… Congrats on the sale, FB, but the blogs really won’t be the same without your writing style.
Sorry, Mike, I will no longer read FB nor EM. However, congrats on the purchase, Mike! And congrats on the sell, FB!
Hi TFB and Welcome. I just wanna tell you what I’m gonna miss from this blog (which I’m not sure you’ll be able to provide): fashion, make-up, feminism and travel. In my opinion, it was kinda FB “thing” to do money from a woman’s pov. wonder if you’ll keep that up?
By FB, I will miss you and I’ve loved your work. Thank you.
XO
inygma@hotmail.com
I’m also sad to see FB stepping down, but it sounds like this was a great step for everyone involved. Good luck!
Good luck to the both of you. I hope this new arrangement enriches both your lives.
Congrats on the acquisition Mike and all the best to you FB!
Congratulations!… and disappointing… all wrapped up into one.
No doubt you guys made the smartest decision for you… and us readers will learn to accept it =)
dammit this was my favorite blog, both of yours. i read every one. and i subscribe to a lot of blogs!
This is huuuge news! I’m so sad to see you go FB! I loved your writing and your interesting posts- TFB congrats on the sale 🙂
Wow lots of news! Exciting! I will miss FB though!
Yikes. What an intro. Was wondering about FB’s romantic life there. Nope. Don’t “get” at all why I’d continue to go to the FABULOUSLY BROKE blog, when I have several others I enjoy. It is no longer “Fabulously Broke” – why “buy” it ? BUT….. CONGRATULATIONS to FB for her sale of TWO BLOGS. Way to do a 180 and make more Safety Net for yourself, Sweetie ! Good luck, “Fabulously Broke Mike”. 😀
I agree – this introduction was the strangest thing ever. And not a very good way for TFB to try to win over readers with this confusing writing.
This comes as shock, been following FB for years 🙁 I wish you good luck and I’ll still be following this blog 🙂
So sad to see you go FB. Your blogs have really been a major inspiration to me. But I do understand why you did it. Best of luck with M&M, and good luck Mike!
Bit of a surprise but then I understand how one can get burned out. Congratulations and good luck, FB! And welcome, TFB. I’ve never followed you before and I’m curious to see what your style will be like.
Congrats on the sale FB and the buy Mike.
I’ve been reading the articles here on and off for years. Always loved the personal style of the articles. Kinda sad to see FB go. But I understand what burnout feels like. I’ve had the honor or meeting Mike and he’s a great guy and his sites have great content. I’m sure he’ll do a great job with this site.
Thx for your vote 🙂
Hey FB/Mike, can you clarify something for me?
Is Mike officially in complete control of this blog now? I know FB has mentioned in the past that she schedules posts a full year in advance. Will you be posting many of those over the next year, or will you and FB jointly own the blog while those posts are published?
I’m curious as to who we’ll be interacting with when FB’s writing is published…
Every so often it seems like another wave of bloggers signs off the air and this must be another one of those times, as several bloggers are leaving the scene. It’s quite a bummer as a reader, but FB thanks for writing while you did!
And Mike…you’re brave to buy this blog! The “personal’ magnetism of FB and her blog was really strong and I am curious as to a new group is going to keep that up. But best of luck to you!
Hey SWR,
You just asked a lot of good questions and I’ll answer them with honesty.
I’ve asked FB to write a lot of articles and we will publish them over the next 2 years (1 per week). I’m taking over the blog completely.
FB is free to interact or not when one of her post is published (so technically, you may or may not interact with her) . I’ll be joining the discussion as well.
I know I’m taking a risk but I like challenges :-). One of the reason I bought this blog was that I’ve been talking a lot about my online company on my former blog (TFB) and that I didn’t have much space to talk about personal finance anymore. Since I really like talking about money, I thought it would be a great idea to start again on another blog.
Thx 🙂
Mike
I’m really sad to see you go, FB. Actually, you’re the second finance blog that I follow that has sold to someone else as of late. It’s been hard to follow that new person who took over the other blog. So sorry, Mike, I may not follow this one anymore either. Take care & good luck.
Give me at least a chance! you can’t just delete this blog from your routine before at least reading my first post… please 😉
TFB, I’m sure you’re a great blogger but will you write about a minimalist wardrobe and such? 🙂 It’s a big leap from a woman to a man as blogger…
Exactly. I thought those posts were fun. I also liked her perspective as a woman in business. How she waved through that world as a consultant and how she trumped through all the difficult parts in the working world. That was also pretty cool to read about.
Its not easy being a woman in a male dominated field. Lets face it most consultants that I’ve met have been men. She’s also one of the few people that is able to make a living from traveling and consulting. Where am I going to get that perspective from?
Obviously I’m going to follow her new blog.
So that’s who the buyer is! Glad it’s not a big corporate.
As you know FB, sorry you lost your blogging drive but I’ll be following M&M.
I have to say that I’m disappointed. First of all, the beginning of this post was confusing as hell. Does FB bat for the other team? What is going on with this coffee shop business?? It took me way too long to understand what this post was even about. Moving beyond that, the sale of the blog is disappointing. I suppose it only makes sense that many of the blogs and bloggers we get attached to may some day decide they would like to spend their considerable time doing something else. So I’m not blaming you at all. I guess I’m just saying that I’m not going to continue to read. I agree with another commenter here that part of why I enjoyed your blog was personal content – the way you wrote, the things you wrote about, getting to know and follow bits and pieces of your story, etc. It’s not the kind of thing you can just hand over to another person and expect to be the same. I very much enjoyed reading a blog written by FB. I have no idea who TFB is and frankly am not terribly interested in finding out. Again, I don’t fault you at all on this. I can only imagine how much time and energy is taken up by managing a blog such as this and I can certainly understand wanting to move onto something else, and to hopefully leave the blog in good hands. I’m just disappointed as I enjoyed reading a blog by FB and am not particularly interested in reading what purports to be the same blog by different people. Anyway, best of luck with all of your future endeavors. You will be missed!
My thoughts exactly.
And mine too! I have to now find a new favorite blogger!
I’m with y’all. I like to read a few select blogs because I enjoy listening to “the voice” of the person behind the blog. Now it’s a guy? No more lusting over Manolo’s, now are we gonna hear about fishing poles? No offense, New Guy, I’m sure you’re great, but the “voice” I liked was hers, not yours. Signing off…
Exactly! I’ve quit reading both FB and EM. Just follow her on her new blog.
FB I loved reading your blog since the begining, back in the day when we were both in debt 🙂 and I’ve loved watching your success – you really have worked hard for it and you deserve it! I can totally understand you selling & I hope you made a motza! But you will really be missed a lot. I wish you all the best XX
It’s great that you recognized that the blogs were too much to handle and decided to sell instead of completely burning out. Congratulations for the sale… hope you made a good chunk of money for all of your effort 🙂
Hmmm, I don’t know about this…..I was reading this blog for the personal content – seemed very ” real life” postings. Now that it’s sold it will lose all authentic charm (no offence – but it never was an impersonal finance blog ). Good luck to you Fabulous and best wishes in your life. If you made money good, if not …check out Girl with the red balloon las post( much more classy departure).
oh man, I am so sad to hear that FB will stop blogging. I love love LOVE your writing, and your sites have been such an inspiration. They’ve also provided a sanctuary for minimalist women that didn’t buy into minimalism = ‘I’m holier than thou’ attitude. It’s a real sad loss and I will miss your honest, savvy posts.
I look forward to seeing how the blogs develop under TFB.
this is so sad. I have been reading this blog daily for years. I doubt anyone but Serena can do it justice!
What??? To me my anonymity was worth more than a couple bucks and the ability to control my old content.
This really shocked me. I thought you would just pull a Jonathan and let your content degrade over time to keep pulling in that cash.
Congrats! This is a surprise!
wow and wow. Exciting changes for both of you. FB I want you to know how much I appreciated everything you wrote on here. You were the wise, straight talking, much more citywise sister to me. Thank you.
Wow… Congrats to both of you! I am super shocked at this news because I never thought that FB would sell her blogs and while I don’t know TFB or Shawanda, I’m excited to see how this site evolves
Hey Vanessa,
thank you for your enthusiasm! It’s always a bit scary to take over a blog with such a great community!
I love Shawanda, she’s awesome. Thanks FB for all your advice to this gal over the years. You have definately earnt a rest. TFB, I watch with interest.
cheers,
Kim
Wow and wow, and woah! Crazy news.
FB: are you selling your other blog as well??
@twitter-14679395:disqus,
Yes, I bought both site but FB will continue to write on Everyday Minimalist as well.
We are waiting to introduce another writer on EM as well.
Cheers,
Mike
I’m really sorry that EM has been sold as well. I loved that blog and it was an inspiration to me. I thought something was up when the content stopped every day. But I can’t blame her for cashing in 😉 Good luck with everything. (Maybe let the readers of EM know about the sale)