Kinda like MMM's Reader Case Study

[mikefixac]

I read the blog of Joshua Kennon and enjoy it immensely.

Here's what Mr Kennon calls "Mail Bag: How To Save Money on $40K/Year". Quitle like MMM's case studies.

For your viewing pleasure---http://www.joshuakennon.com/insane-car-expenses/

[Kriegsspiel]

Well, he did say he wanted to read more MMM when he was here last ;)  I like his site also.

[arebelspy]

I've been subscribed to his blog since he visited here a few months ago, and I'm a big fan.

His "case studies" into the past 25 years of companies are interesting, and it doesn't hurt that I agree with his personal philosophies almost to a T (which I'd describe as libertarian, though he doesn't actually use that word that I've seen - a strong emphasis on personal liberty, something very important to me).  He's also quite personalable (has fun stories about Scrooge McDuck).

Probably one of my top 3 blogs, definitely in the top 5.

That post did come off as arrogant (see comments for explanation as to why - it's not a "character" like MMM, but he's rather straightforward).

Definitely a good case-study though.

[GoStumpy]

I only got 30 seconds into the article before I had answered the question...

Just where in the heck are they supposed to get 394 a month to invest???????????????

400 for car payment

Has it really become this simple?  LOL

[arebelspy]

The utility bill was the most egregious to me, followed by car payment (and gas), then excessive food costs.

Joshua pointed out the housing was excessive as well, but it's reasonable for some places, so it didn't jump out at me.

[GoStumpy]

I make 42k/year so it was pretty easy for me to put myself in his shoes... and the car payment is just absurd!  Then again I pay $1300/mo in mortgage/pad rent so we're I guess even after those two ;)

[Kriegsspiel]

I was really diggin on the nice house you can get for $110k in Toledo. 

[SunshineGirl]

I loved that Toledo house, too! And I can tell I will enjoy his website - thanks for the link.

[cyclevillian]

thanks for the recommendation. i haven't been this excited by a new blog since i discovered raptitude (through a Mrs. MM tweet no less).

[grantmeaname]

Where MMM occasionally comes off as smug, it seems like an artifact of his enthusiasm and optimism. Kennon's got the can-do-it attitude I love about MMM, and most or all of his advice in the case study is sound, but he just seems kinda disdainful of his readers. Some of his other posts don't have that vibe (the cooking ones especially are very nice), but I thought this case study was dripping with it.

[pbkmaine]

He's just too arrogant for me.

[MrsPete]

Good article. 

I'm amazed at what my just-out-of-college co-workers spend on rent; when we had a mortgage, it was less than they pay now to live in a shoebox with a roommate.  And $400 for car payments (I assume that was two car payments for the couple) is crazy.  This budget sounds like it's a one-earner income and a stay-at-home spouse.  Giving up the spouse's car would be a HUGE money saver. 

[jrhampt]

I also read this post and have been following his blog since it was linked to from this forum.  My favorite blogs to replace TSD and GRS:

joshuakennon
raptitude
simple living in suffolk
financial samurai
mmm, of course
and the bogleheads forum

I also occasionally check lackingambition and jamesaltucher.

[COguy]

James Altucher is great to read to make you rethink your whole life.  He, Joshua Kennon, and MMM lifted me from a very dark place where I once existed.