About three years ago, I had a dream of starting a personal finance blog. My family and my boyfriend laughed at my lofty idea. I thought- I’ll show them! I can be successful if I work hard at it. It was my dream to make it successful and show the world that a female voice could swing with the big boys in the personal finance blog realm (woot!).
After two and a half years, I think I have achieved this goal. Never in a million years did I think that my blogging idol, Million Dollar Journey would link to me in his blog round up. Never did I think my name would be mentioned inGlow Magazine. Never did I think my blog would be mentioned in the Globe and Mail. David Chilton from The Wealthy Barber even had email contact with me! I have enjoyed every single minute of it and most of all, I have enjoyed making friends around the world and across Canada through people connecting with me through this blog. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that the Yakezie has given me- I remember thinking “yeah! I’ll join this! This might be my big break to actually have people notice me!” Since then, it has been an absolutely amazing ride.
image credit: http://www.barewalls.com
I clearly remember when I started that I thought the only person reading my blog was myself (which is 100% true). I was so excited when I got one comment. I was so excited when I got my first $100 cheque from Google. I was so excited when people actually realized my blog existed in this vast internet cyberspace. I can remember each “milestone” and these precious memories will never escape me. I’ve learned so much more than I could even imagine about investing, about personal finance, and life balance and I have you to all thank.
Despite the amazing growth of youngandthrifty.ca, this blog has grown into something so much bigger than I could handle with my current life of school, work etc. The marketing, coding, html stuff, and advertising made me feel like I was in over my head. With school, work, and relationship obligations, I wasn’t able to put in the amount of time and energy that I thought you readers deserved. Every day I spent hours working on my blog and putting the blog’s priority over my relationship and it really pained me to not have time in the day to go on my blog on a daily basis because of school. I wonder if this is the answer to why there aren’t that many female personal finance bloggers going at it on a full-time basis. I had so many blog post ideas, but was so busy that I didn’t have time to write them. I was busy answering emails and busy trying to drive more traffic.
However, at the same time, I felt like I was being squished with my school and relationship obligations. I wanted to study more, learn more but had to commit to my blog. I felt pulled in all directions. I thought I could handle it but to be honest, it was difficult balancing everything without feeling like I was spreading too thin. I’m sure you’ve all read my constant “weekend ramblings” whining updates on how stressed I was feeling 
This blog is my baby and I don’t know how many hours I’ve poured into this blog. Probably thousands and thousands of hours…It was a seriously difficult decision to make and I wanted to make sure that the new owners would take care of this blog like it was their own. I wanted to make sure the new owners would keep my voice present in the blog (basically allow me to continue to write on here).
Never did I think that my own staff writer, Teacher Man, would be interested in taking care of my blog! When I saw My University Money appear on the personal finance blogosphere, I knew they were supremely talented. So now the tables have turned and I’m the new staff writer lol. As Alanis Morisette said (by the way random fact about me: I used to be a huge Alanis fan when I was 12) “Isn’t it ironic?”
I can’t think of a better transition to this story. I am so lucky to be able to hand over my blog to a group of talented guys that I trust and I’m so lucky to be able to continue writing on here and concentrate on my true passion!
So don’t worry my friends- I’m still here. Youngandthrifty.ca will be better than ever! You’ll see me post twice a month and share my weekend ramblings twice a month (because I know some of you like my weekend ramblings- I like them too since I get all philosophical on life and I know you like that lol). I think I’ll still continue my net worth updates since I like to keep accountable with my finances and y’all help me so much in that respect (unless you don’t want me to). I know how fun it is to look at net worth updates too. I’m also still on twitter. You’ll probably not even notice that I’m not around as much. I’m excited to work with the dynamic duo at My University Money and I know that they will take this blog to greater heights. This beautiful new beginning starts tomorrow! I’m excited to see what’s in store for youngandthrifty.ca.
Stay frugal my friends- with much much love, Y&T.
Sounds like a great partnership! I’m glad you’ll still be writing (and rambling) here, but I definitely understand when all the other stuff becomes too much to handle.
Good luck in this new chapter of your life.
@Echo- Thanks Echo
It’s been great having you around reading and commenting 
Congrats on a very successful 2.5 years! This was one of a handful of blogs that I tried to imitate early on. Keep up the good work!
@Stephen- Thanks Stephen
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery right? 
I am glad you will still be around! I understand your decision because you’re not alone trying to balance out so many things in life with only 24hrs a day. SO congrats on taking a deicision that will only imrpove your lifestyle.
Cheers!
@BTI- Thanks Mich
It’s been great to have you visit the blog 
We’ll see how my lifestyle improves. Hopefully it involves more exercise haha.
What a happy way for things to turn out. I’m glad you’ll still be here, too, but also very happy for you that you’ll be able to dedicate your time to other areas of your life.
@ff- Awe thanks FF! Yeah, I agree- I’m very happy that TM and JB are taking care of my baby. I know they’ll take very good care of it
Best of luck with your future endeavors! It sounds like the right decision to hand this blog over to someone else. It did sound like it was becoming too big a responsibility with everything else going on in your life. I look forward to still hearing from you and I’m interested to see what Teacher Man brings to the table.
Hey, thanks MM. I’m just hoping not to take anything off the table!
@MM- Thanks MM! Teacher Man and JB will be great, I know it
Congrats on the decision and good luck! I’m glad you will still be around and will continue to follow your writing, especially your net worth updates!
@Vicky- Thanks Vicky! Appreciate your visits and comments
I didn’t see it coming but I have to say “way to go!” You found what works for you, what makes you happy and for that I applaud you. I will miss your writing but, hey, you are still around!
Good luck with everything!
@Aloysa- I know- it happened pretty quickly.. but at the same time I was super stressed out during school. I’m excited to see how this unfolds with the new term coming up for school and perhaps I will procrastinate less with school haha. One hopes.
Hey I’m really excited for you, changing this up is always exciting!
@Juan- Thanks Juan for your enthusiasm as always!
Wow – what an exciting change for you. I’m looking forward to the day Google sends me a 100 cheque (should probably get that set up).
I will be glad to keep hearing from you and hope Teacher Man enjoys running the blog.
I’m definitely going to do my best MCB! Keep stopping by every now and again!
@MCB- It’ll happen girl. It took me many months (maybe even a year?) but it will happen.
I know how you feel. I have full time job, baby, blog, rental homes, and other household stuff. There are just too many things to deal with. It’s great that you are staying on though. Stay in touch via twitter! Hope things will get a bit easier for you. take care!
@Joe- Yes please do! Take care Joe
If I ever go to Portland I’ll come say hi! You too if you come up to vancouver.
We will miss your regular posts, but at the same time wish you all the best in your future endeavours! I can’t even keep contributing regularly to my site, and it’s only been a few months!
@popthoughts- Yeah, it’s difficult isn’t it? Well, I’m not a dad or a mom yet so I’m sure you’re kept busy enough with parental obligations. Thank you for reading and commenting!
I’m sad to see you go C!
It’s been a fun 3 years hasn’t it? hope you drop by once in a while!
MUM, hope you can keep the personal touch and posting of this site.
thanks!
She isn’t going too far FS, keep tuning in to see her epic posts now that she can truly pour all of her effort into them! I’ll do my best in the meantime!
@FS- Don’t worry I’ll definitely be lurking and commenting! I’m still passionate about what my fave PF bloggers have to say
Thanks for all your help 
WOW………… That is huge News…… But I understand!!!
Take care my friend _ See you on the flip side!
I agree this online stuff is too much handle at times.
But at least with you stepping back you’ll have a chance to “Write Great Content” when you do manage to find the time:)
@Theresa- Thanks
I’m sure you totally understand- running a deals/ free stuff site is really difficult I imagine. I’m excited. Somehow on my vacation (yes I think I am a workaholic) I managed to write and it was a nice feeling. Writing in a leisurely fashion lol.
Wow! I definitely hear you on being pulled in a million different directions! Good luck on the new chapter and I hope the blog changes free you up to breathe a little and enjoy things!
@Marianne- I know, big news eh? Thanks- I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do with all this new free time.
Congratulations, Y&T! That is excellent news
@Leigh- Awe thanks! It’s been great having you as a reader- you’re one of the ones I try to stay accountable to lol!
ok, so I kept refreshing the site until I saw this post. Happy to see that you’ll still be around, but I completely understand the work it takes. I’m pretty sure the bf hates my blog.
@Marissa- LOL
My bf hated my blog too lol. He’s trying to do a start-up now (non internet related) and I think he now understands what I went through for 2.5 years.
I think you now have the best of both worlds. You still get to blog and keep up with your friends but you also have time to do what you need. The headaches will be looked after for you.
Great job in stepping up TM. I wish you all the best.
@Miss T- Yes! JB is actually pretty amazing with all this web stuff- The TM & JB team are going to make this blog great!
Hey Y&T, I’m glad to hear you will still be around a little. You were one of the first PF blogs I ever started following, and I look forward to seeing your next post everyday. But like everyone, I completely understand your decision to step back. I have been down that road where an internet venture starts impacting the rest of your life and I’m hoping that my own blog (now two months old!) doesn’t turn into that. That said, if it becomes big, I suppose it inevitably will. As a blogger, I would actually be really interested to see how your numbers change in this next month or two as Teacherman takes over the primary blogging duties. Best of luck in your future endeavours and I look forward to reading your future, yet less frequent, posts!
@E&M- Awe thanks! Yes, I had no idea it was impacting my life so much… until I realized that the last time I spent a weekend hanging out with my BF was like 3-4 months ago! I’m looking forward to having some more time for life
It’s hard to let go when you’re so passionate about something, but I there are only so few hours in the day.
Y&T,
Even before I met you I really enjoyed your blog and UR’s was one of the few I have subscribed to.
So meeting U in person and then redesigning your site for you was a real pleasure!
All the best
The Dividend Ninja
@TDN- Awe! Thanks- it’s been great meeting you too- I’m glad that this blog has brought so many new friendships in my life. Well, not that many, but good friendships anyway lol! Thanks again for making the website awesome looking.
Thanks for all your hard work y&t. I learned a lot from reading your blog and will continue coming back. Good luck in your future endeavors and see you around.
@LI- Awe thanks! I’m going to miss not being around as much but at least I get to stick around still!
Congratulations Y&T I wish you all the best!
Your site is in good hands I know Teacher Man and his partner will continue to grow the site!
You’ve always been an inspiration to me YT and I’m really happy for you that you’ve found this partnership to free up some time while still giving you an outlet for your writing. I think you are going to be much happier this way!
It’s too bad you won’t be the owner anymore, but it’s time for that next chapter to begin. You can be sure I will still be stopping by whenever I can to see what you’re up to as yours is one of the only blogs I still visit.
I can’t bring myself to do the same thing with my site, at least not yet. But, on the up side, I have started writing again and will be building up a queue over the next month or two before I start publishing them. Hopefully we can comment back and forth on each others posts again like the old days
@SM- Ahh my original blogging buddy! Nice to hear from you
I’m glad to see that you’ve started writing again and I already checked out your new post and will experiment and see if this can be implemented. That’s a lot of $3 pumps though at the gas station though!
Y&T,
We’ve never me in person, but I’ve always enjoyed your blog and your’s was the first blog (along with GMBMFB) that I have subscribed to.
You are a solid writer, and as much as I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, I’m really sad to see you go on part-time basis even. The unique writing style (and topics) will not be the same with you here part-time.
All the best
Finance Fox
@Eddie- Awe what high words of praise! Well, I felt I was pretty much part time in the last year or two months of the blog.. it was getting hard to keep up. I know that Teacher Man and JB will give the TLC this blog needs
I’m a little late on this, but congrats on making this decision and moving forward with your life! I am thrilled you will be sticking around for frequent posts, as being cut off completely would just be harsh! I also look forward to following along with the new owners, I’ve enjoyed reading Teacher Man’s posts on your site in the past and I think you made the right choice when finding someone to take over. Hope to stay in touch, and thanks for all of your inspiring posts over the months. Best of luck with what’s to come!
@Carly- Thanks Carly for your support! It would be harsh for me definitely- I have controlling/ motherly tendencies (my boyfriend can attest to this) so not being allowed to contribute to my blog would be sad for me lol.
I didn’t post here yet?
A big congrats to the two of you! I’ve always enjoyed reading Y&T, and MUM runs a great blog as well. I can’t wait to see what you guys have in store for the future. 
Thanks for the support Kev! We appreciate it as always.
Sorry, I am a bit late on commenting about, but I wanted to say that I have really been enjoying your posts. Your blog was one of the first PF blogs I’ve read and followed. I think you are a great writer and I am so glad that you will still be contributing to this blog! It’s been really nice getting to know you through your blog.
I can totally understand why you need to take a step back and focus on your priorities.
Awe thank you so much! I never thought I was good at writing (honestly- my ramblings are kind of annoying don’t you think LOL) thought I had always WANTED to be a writer/ novelist.
Thanks so much for reading- I have been enjoying your comments and your blog too.
Don’t worry you’ll still be seeing my ramblings and writing!