Nearly eight years ago – on May 1, 2005 – this site went live. In the time since then, we’ve published nearly 3, 300 articles. I say “we” because, though I ran this site solo for nearly four years, it eventually became a group effort.
In the spring of 2009, I took on my first two staff writers (Matt Jabs and Laura Martinez). And later that year, I reached an agreement to sell FCN to a company called QuinStreet with me staying on in an editorial capacity.
Following the transition, we continued the practice of having staff writers contribute a couple of posts per week. And, of course, I continued to write – to the tune of roughly 2, 800 total articles over the life of the site.
During all of this, our 1st grader grew into a high school freshman. Our preschooler became a middle-schooler. Our toddler is nearly out of elementary school. And our youngest, who was barely 4 months old when I launched the site, is now 8 years old and nearing the end of 2nd grade.
In other words, much has changed in my life. And now it’s time for another change. I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from FCN. It’s been a great run and I’ve enjoyed it immensely. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.
The good news is that the site will live on. It’s in the hands of an excellent editorial staff and capable contributors. They have every intention of keeping it humming along in my absence and I fully expect them to deliver.
Before I go, I want to thank the many bloggers whom I’ve interacted with over the years — in particular, the original members of the old MoneyBlogNetwork (Flexo, FMF, Jim [also here], JLP, and MBH) as well as those who joined along the way (NCN, JD [now here], and the good folks at WiseBread). I also want to thank all of you, the readers and commenters, who have made this so much fun.
And finally, to my wife…
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. You frequently picked up my slack during the many long evenings that I spent building this site. I noticed. And I appreciate it more than you know. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Congratulations. I wish you and your family the best; I am only now starting to be aware of how difficult it must have been for you to run this site with four boys. Even though you are stepping away and I am finally stepping into the spotlight a bit, perhaps one day we can break bread together in person.
Thanks for all the years!! Best Wishes to you!
Best wishes on your next chapter Nickel! I loved reading FCN and learning how to handle our money better as a couple. I also really appreciated the opportunity to write here; your feedback and insights helped me to improve my writing.
More than that though, your commitment with having posts that add real value to readers have made FCN a wonderful resource for families looking at the bigger picture and using money as a tool to fuel their dreams. Thank you!
thank you for the site! Solid advice for working people!
I only started reading your blog a month ago–in fact, this is my first post–yet I’m sorry to see you go. I wish you the best in all your endeavors!
Best of luck to you, Nickel. The future is bright, indeed.
Best wishes for your future endeavors. I have enjoyed this blog and I always make time to read it.
Wow, this is impressive. I am a new comer and gives me something to shoot for. Since beginning my blog, I have had a chance to view and enjoy quite a few of your articles. I wish you the best of luck.
This is big news. I followed you for the longest time. Your blog was one of the few that I followed when I was getting out of debt and it helped tremendously. Sorry to see you go. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Happy trails to one of the best out there! Thanks for a good, long, hard journey!
Good luck. I have enjoyed reading your blog over the past several years. It has been very down-to-earth advice and information. You set the bar very high for your new editorial staff.
I learned a lot from you over the years, Nickel; it was a great ride, and I am sorry to see you go. But best wishes in your next endeavor, as well.
sorry to hear the news, I’ve enjoyed your articles. Best wishes to you
Wish you the best in your future man.
I’ve really appreciated your work and have enjoyed the many articles I’ve read. I’ve learned so much that has helped me financially. Thank you for having made your corner of the world a better place.
Awwwwwwww man!!!! I really enjoyed reading the insightful informative articles. Wish you the best in your next project/endeavor.
This saddens me greatly. I have followed this site for many of those 8 years. I like your articles, Nickel, because they tend to be concise and most of the topics you write about intersect nicely with my interests. Unfortunately, the other writers on this site seem to lack your knack for brevity and write about topics that I mostly find less interesting.
Regardless, I wish you well in your future endeavors. I hope that you will continue to contribute articles at least occasionally.
Good luck in the future! It is amazing what you have built over the years and it takes a big person to know when it is time to step away. Enjoy your family and live life to the fullest!
Thank you for all the interesting and helpful information you’ve provided. Best wishes as you begin a new journey.
Nickel,
I’ve enjoyed your site immensely, and the occasional interaction I’ve had with you. I’ve always been pretty thrifty and like to be in the know about finances, but you’ve helped me to be EVEN MORE savvy. Thanks for everything. You will certainly be missed.
Blessings,
Chris
Godspeed. I haven’t been as regular in visiting of late, but the site has always been worth the read!
nickel,
I’ve enjoyed this blog for years. Gratz on a fine legacy, and best wishes for your future goals.
I am a bookkeeper, and have enjoyed reading what you wrote for these many years. Always insightful. Good luck in your furture. Next week I start a new job too. Maybe it is a sign………..a good sign.
Wow! Congrats and best of luck.
Maybe you will contribute guest posts in the future? Anyhow, take care, and I also wish you the best in your future endeavours!
I wish you the best! I’ve really enjoyed reading the site over the past year.
God bless