Author Topic: MrMoneyBeard a Good Brand Name? (Read 15063 times)

mr.moneybeard · « **on:** February 10, 2021, 06:02:48 PM »

Hey all,

I bought mrmoneybeard.com as I (like most) have a lot of respect for mrmoneymustache. He's not a big youtuber, so I figure I can hit on strategies that he hasn't covered. I know when people see the name they'll get that it's about FIRE and maybe be curious, does MMM have a nephew? Is this guy trying to rip MMM off? Hey look a generic MMM!

My question is what do you guys think? Is it too corny? Or could it be seen in a positive light by the FIRE community?

Thanks,
TJ

Metalcat · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2021, 06:24:05 PM »

I think most people would consider it a blatant Mr Money Moustache rip off.

I would give you serious side eye unless you were actually connected to MMM and he sanctioned the name. Otherwise, it looks like you trying to capitalize off of his fame in his own market...which is exactly what you seem to be trying to do, unless I'm understanding wrong.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2021, 06:35:01 PM »

Thanks Malcat.

IDK if capitalize is the best word for it because I wouldn't really doing it to make money as I don't see a huge market for FIRE on youtube but yes I would definitely be using the name similarity in hope to get some of my ideas in front of people.

I could always go with a name like TeacheronFIRE or something like that I suppose. I kind of like the idea of the jokes I could make about being the aldi version of MMM, lol.

nereo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2021, 06:36:24 PM »

What’s weird is someone brand new to the forum asking this.

Like Malcat, my immediate association would be of someone trying to rip off MMM’s “brand”.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2021, 06:44:27 PM »

Thanks Nereo,

Hey but don't count me out because this is my first post. I've been a mustachian and reader here for the past decade, started at 21.

I always engaged on the boggleheads forums but have read a lot on this forum as well.

maizefolk · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2021, 06:53:51 PM »

Not to pile on, but my answer to the question from the subject line would also be:

No, it is not a good brand name, and no I don't think it would be seen in a positive light.

But good for you for thinking to ask the question and get feedback instead of pushing ahead. My suggestion would be to spend a bit of time thinking about what makes the story you want to tell about your experience and push towards FI different from other bloggers/vloggers in the space. Once you have a good grasp on what makes you and your story unique, it may be much easier to come up with a brand which captures that, instead of just trying to find a twist on existing branding.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:01:05 PM »

No thanks Maizefolk,

I actually like the piling on, it helps convince my weird brain to make better decisions. :)

Yeah I guess I was just dreaming a bit, maybe one day if my advice is helpful enough I could contact Pete and see if he would endorse the name change at that time. That seems to be right direction here.

Metalcat · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:03:56 PM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 10, 2021, 06:35:01 PM

Thanks Malcat.

IDK if capitalize is the best word for it because I wouldn't really doing it to make money as I don't see a huge market for FIRE on youtube but yes I would definitely be using the name similarity in hope to get some of my ideas in front of people.

I could always go with a name like TeacheronFIRE or something like that I suppose. I kind of like the idea of the jokes I could make about being the aldi version of MMM, lol.

That's literally the definition of capitalizing off of someone else's fame.

You may want to do it to pay homage and make jokes, but at the end of the day, you would be trying to appeal to his market.

Besides, even Aldi isn't called "Trader John's". Aldi is a discount chain, not a knock off of an established brand. There's a difference.

What you're doing is more like selling fake Hermes handbags and calling them Hermans.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:15:46 PM »

That's a good point, thanks for that Malcat.

draco44 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:19:19 PM »

In the immortal words of Mr. T from his [chef's kiss] 80s fashion show video, "table the label, and wear your own name!"

the fashion show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-rWXI6SpC4

Tigerpine · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:21:02 PM »

What do you think of the products in this link?
https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/slideshow/543458/pictures-27-worst-product-knockoffs-tech/

"Cheap knockoff" will always be the first assumption people will make. If you have much self respect, you can do better.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:29:32 PM »

Thanks guys, I love it. And I'll check out those links.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #12 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:31:36 PM »

The Mr. T. clip has me rolling!

maizefolk · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:37:23 PM »

"How I found happiness"? Sounds less prescriptive as what works for you may not work well for others, but that doesn't mean there isn't value in people reading about your story and what worked for you.

I remember a blogger many years ago called something like "my seven years abroad" who was really interesting to read, until he decided that it was his mission to convince everyone else the path to happiness was to imitate him and commit to living outside the USA for seven years without a break (what his personal thing was).

There's a woman who used to blog with a title like "happier than a billionaire" which was all about being an expat in Costa Rica. It was eye catching, fit with the topic she wrote about. The title wasn't something that could ONLY apply to the topic she was writing about, but that didn't seem to be a problem.

Daley · « **Reply #14 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:40:38 PM »

Why do you need a "brand" at all, and what's your actual motivation to do this? Is it to genuinely help people, or is it to try and cash in and grab a slice of the personal finance ad and referral revenue stream?

If you're producing quality content seeking to actually help or entertain people, you will find your audience and branding will be secondary... but if you're going into this just to try and set up a side hustle, that market's already pretty flooded, and you'd be infringing on an established trade name to boot. Take it from a guy who knows a genuine Panaphonics when he sees one.

G-dog · « **Reply #15 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:52:11 PM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 10, 2021, 07:29:32 PM

Thanks guys, I love it. And I'll check out those links.

How do ya'll feel about howtobehappy.com? It's a brand I started developing in the past, then realized it is too broad of a subject and the heart of my happiness is the FIRE lifestyle. Just not sure how that name jives with people. It certainly doesn't sound like a website centered around money strategy.

At worst it sounds like a website for depressed people!

Like you said - that handle may be too vague and may not attract the people you want. Also I thought instantly of Gretchen Rubin’s project and work, and Dan Harris’s podcast. I I don’t even listen or follow either.

It is probably really hard to come up with something that doesn’t remind someone of something else - lots of crowded spaces.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #16 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:54:01 PM »

Maizefolk,

Hmm... that's certainly good food for thought. It can be hard sometimes to try and imagine how someone couldn't enjoy the frugal but free life that I do, but that's obviously a delusional mental flaw of the human brain (or perhaps just mine)... See I think her referencing a billionaire kind of gets the idea across, but yeah maybe I'll just start putting stuff out there under my name and if something genuinely springs up I'll go that route. I appreciate you giving me a few things to consider.

Daley,

It is to genuinely help people, but I think selfishly I want a creative outlet as well and having people actually view what I make is important. It doesn't have to be in the thousands, but a least a couple hundred would feel good. But you're right, I probably shouldn't worry too much about a brand in the meantime. I honestly think the hang-up is I want my videos to look a bit more polished and I have the adobe skills to make a lil intro graphic but kind of stuck on what to call it, lol. Nice Simpsons reference!

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #17 on:** February 10, 2021, 07:56:28 PM »

Yeah, you're right G-dog. I was telling my friend how I find the mrmoneybeard to be really fitting because so much of what makes my frugal lifestyle sustainable, cost-effective, and enjoyable is getting out into nature and roughing it (not shaving - big beard) but I'm learning quick that there's just no way to pull that off.

Kris · « **Reply #18 on:** February 10, 2021, 08:21:46 PM »

Yeah. No. It’s derivative in all the wrong ways, and not distinctive enough to be a draw. Choose something else.

Daley · « **Reply #19 on:** February 10, 2021, 08:31:38 PM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 10, 2021, 07:54:01 PM

It is to genuinely help people, but I think selfishly I want a creative outlet as well and having people actually view what I make is important. It doesn't have to be in the thousands, but a least a couple hundred would feel good.

Then I would recommend you still check your motivations on why you want to do this. If you genuinely want to help people, it shouldn't matter how many "followers" or "viewers" you have. If you equip and help just one person, you've already potentially made the world a better place. Anything beyond that is gravy, but asking for those people to follow you as a sort of loyalty for doing so is... um... yeah.

Don't make it about you. If the information is genuinely good, let the quality of that information speak for itself.

obstinate · « **Reply #20 on:** February 10, 2021, 08:34:47 PM »

Why are you guys feeding this troll?

Daley · « **Reply #21 on:** February 10, 2021, 08:41:15 PM »

Quote from: obstinate on February 10, 2021, 08:34:47 PM

Why are you guys feeding this troll?

Why do you feel the need to dehumanize TJ, the OP of this thread, and call him a troll?

Do you need a reminder of rules one and two of these forums?

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #22 on:** February 10, 2021, 08:42:42 PM »

Daley,

Yeah thanks man and that's something important to always keep in mind (not making it about oneself) in all endeavors of life. I do live by a philosophy of believing that no-one owes me anything.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #23 on:** February 10, 2021, 08:43:39 PM »

Daley,

Also thanks for the back-up on the troll comment. ;) I was just going to let it go.

Daley · « **Reply #24 on:** February 10, 2021, 08:51:11 PM »

De nada.

G-dog · « **Reply #25 on:** February 10, 2021, 09:06:27 PM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 10, 2021, 07:56:28 PM

Yeah, you're right G-dog. I was telling my wife how I find the mrmoneybeard to be really fitting because so much of what makes my frugal lifestyle sustainable, cost-effective, and enjoyable is getting out into nature and roughing it (not shaving - big beard) but I'm learning quick that there's just no way to pull that off.

I don’t know anything about the nature and frugal / financial intersection space. I see lots of folks here like camping and outdoors, but I don’t know what the blog / YT / other media space looks like.

I think if you keep toying with these ideas, you will come up with something that will more accurately reflect you and your interests in this area.

mozar · « **Reply #26 on:** February 11, 2021, 09:25:56 AM »

Quote

Is it to genuinely help people, or is it to try and cash in and grab a slice of the personal finance ad and referral revenue stream?

There's still ALOT of money that can be made in the personal finance space, because there's barely anyone making high quality videos about it. Check out these channels for inspiration:

OneBigHappyLife
Graham Steven
Two-cents pbs
The Financial Diet

My suggestion is for the OP to write out some stuff abut himself and we can throw out some brand name ideas.

Metalcat · « **Reply #27 on:** February 11, 2021, 09:50:41 AM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 10, 2021, 07:29:32 PM

Thanks guys, I love it. And I'll check out those links.

How do ya'll feel about howtobehappy.com? It's a brand I started developing in the past, then realized it is too broad of a subject and the heart of my happiness is the FIRE lifestyle. Just not sure how that name jives with people. It certainly doesn't sound like a website centered around money strategy.

At worst it sounds like a website for depressed people!

Are you actually a subject matter expert on how people should live their lives in order to be happy?

There are a ton of miserable Mustachians, so don't assume that a bit of common sense financial advice will actually make you an expert on human happiness.

Try to identify what you uniquely have to offer, and brand that. Don't try to imitate someone else, don't try to make yourself out to have more wisdom than you do, just offer what it is that you have.

Like Physician on FIRE and White Coat Investor are both fantastic names at illustrating their particular take on personal finance.

So what do you have to offer this crowded space? Why would I want to read your content? Who the hell are you?

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #28 on:** February 11, 2021, 10:47:24 AM »

A Bit About My Journey to FIRE

My Papaw bought me my first vehicle at 16 years old. It was a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero for $4k (super-grateful for) this allowed me to start working at 16.
From 16-19 I saved roughly $30,000 from having minimal expenses which I put down on a $71,000 house and the government sent me a stimulus check for $7000.
Started saving $20-$25k a year 9 years ago at 22 when I started working full-time. My average pre-tax income has been $45,000 I'm an elementary school teacher. My portfolio shows my return has been 12%.
Networth is roughly $400,000 in the market and the house is now worth $100,000 and it's completely paid off.
I grew up low-income so I've just continued to live that way and it doesn't feel like I'm deprived at all. I genuinely enjoy things that are cost-effective : hanging with people I like. Playing board games, video games, watching shows, hiking, camping, backpacking, playing sports, roller blading, yoga, running, etc.
Being low-income my college tuition was paid - again controversial I'm sure but I want to be transparent. My wife has college loans and we've found a strategy with loan forgiveness and income based repayment plan which can help people get their tuition bills super low.
I have a health ed degree and really value nutrition, my grocery bills are low because I'm vegetarian and only eat roughly 2000 calories a day, no excess.
About $3000 of my annual 20,000 expenses are work related : Medicare, taxes (don't pay much because I max out the pre-tax 457 plan), health insurance, union fees, etc.
I do still teach, but only because I enjoy it. I could go on and on about the benefits of reaching FIRE and how it changed my psychology, quality of life, and perspective toward work. Work feels different when it's not forced.
No kids, but by the time we have them my network should be to a point where I can afford the extra 3k or so I've researched they will cost per year (that's per parent, my wife and I keep expenses separate - we like the autonomy). Our home has an empty bedroom so we won't have to buy something more expensive.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

It's been a fairly simple approach. Investments are 70% US index and 30% international. One thing I love about this is that I'm no genius just living a simple joyful life and always thinking outside the box for ways to save. That's why I think anybody who wants to do it, can.
[/list]

Metalcat · « **Reply #29 on:** February 11, 2021, 11:04:23 AM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 11, 2021, 10:47:24 AM

Malcat, dude I love your feedback. You're like a mustachian Simon Cowell!

Ew...but thanks? I think

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #30 on:** February 11, 2021, 11:09:00 AM »

Quote from: Malcat on February 11, 2021, 11:04:23 AM

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 11, 2021, 10:47:24 AM

Malcat, dude I love your feedback. You're like a mustachian Simon Cowell!

Ew...but thanks? I think

Hehe, yeah it's meant to be a compliment.

LibrarIan · « **Reply #31 on:** February 11, 2021, 11:46:26 AM »

How about Doctor Dough Denims?

friedmmj · « **Reply #32 on:** February 11, 2021, 12:41:15 PM »

Please never saw "Pawpaw" again on a public forum :-)

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #33 on:** February 11, 2021, 12:48:25 PM »

Quote from: friedmmj on February 11, 2021, 12:41:15 PM

Please never saw "Pawpaw" again on a public forum :-)

Hah! He raised me and taught me everything I know. He was born 2 years after the Great Depression, so his early lessons about saving and what really matters runs deep.

I had thought about branding myself, "Papaws Prodigy" lol. Or something along those lines.

Metalcat · « **Reply #34 on:** February 11, 2021, 12:48:56 PM »

Quote from: friedmmj on February 11, 2021, 12:41:15 PM

Please never saw "Pawpaw" again on a public forum :-)

I can't tell if it's supposed to be OP's father or grandfather, that's my only issue with it.

Just Joe · « **Reply #35 on:** February 11, 2021, 12:57:39 PM »

Create your own brand, not a derivative - and then encourage your readers to visit the websites that taught you the most. Don't be a knockoff. Focus on your own quality material. It is a well traveled path now. What can you add that is new?

Just Joe · « **Reply #36 on:** February 11, 2021, 12:59:26 PM »

Perhaps characterize your rent situation with your girlfriend as sharing the cost of the house rather than you rented to your girlfriend. People might relate to that better.

Wimsey1923 · « **Reply #37 on:** February 11, 2021, 02:32:52 PM »

The name Mr. MoneyBeard has already been coined by the blogger behind the Living Stingy blog. He uses it to alude to Mr. Money Mustache, who he seems to think is some kind of trickster. He also uses "The Financial Ninja" or something like that when talking about the Financial Samurai.
Oddly enough, he is financially independent himself, and still thinks what MMM has done is impossible.

HPstache · « **Reply #38 on:** February 11, 2021, 02:34:27 PM »

Kind of reminds me of:

Much Fishing to Do · « **Reply #39 on:** February 11, 2021, 05:01:45 PM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 10, 2021, 06:02:48 PM

I'm a teacher who has reached fire in 10 years on an annual salary of $45,000 a year. I'm super proud and have found that the discipline of spending less than $20,000 a year has helped me develop an outlook where I really love and enjoy the simple and authentic things in life.

That's really really really awesome. Way to go. Get MMMs thumbs up and go forward and teach!

mozar · « **Reply #40 on:** February 12, 2021, 09:32:36 AM »

Greenback trail
Money Elementary
The Financial school
Lean money teacher
The means to live

What I would do is look at the synonyms of the word money and pair them with things about yourself like hiking or being an elementary school teacher.

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #41 on:** February 12, 2021, 11:54:14 AM »

Quote from: Just Joe on February 11, 2021, 12:59:26 PM

Perhaps characterize your rent situation with your girlfriend as sharing the cost of the house rather than you rented to your girlfriend. People might relate to that better.

Good point, although it's slightly different as "rent" increased my income but left expenses untouched, whereas sharing the cost of the house would have lowered expenses but not increased income. Not sure how much that matters, but I want to be as transparent as possible. I'll have to reflect on it a bit.

Quote from: Wimsey1923 on February 11, 2021, 02:32:52 PM

The name Mr. MoneyBeard has already been coined by the blogger behind the Living Stingy blog. He uses it to alude to Mr. Money Mustache, who he seems to think is some kind of trickster. He also uses "The Financial Ninja" or something like that when talking about the Financial Samurai.
Oddly enough, he is financially independent himself, and still thinks what MMM has done is impossible.

Oh didn't realize, the stingy blogger sounds like a real peach.

Quote from: spartana on February 11, 2021, 04:25:41 PM

OP there are a couple of threads about the Frugalwoods on the forums since you asked. Here's one although it sounds like it your situation is different so no worries:

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/what's-up-with-the-frugalwoods/

Thanks for this link. Yeah my situation is much different and the only reason I am vlogging is because I can't write worth a darn so not looking for book deals at all! lol

Quote from: Much Fishing to Do on February 11, 2021, 05:01:45 PM

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 10, 2021, 06:02:48 PM
I'm a teacher who has reached fire in 10 years on an annual salary of $45,000 a year. I'm super proud and have found that the discipline of spending less than $20,000 a year has helped me develop an outlook where I really love and enjoy the simple and authentic things in life.

That's really really really awesome. Way to go. Get MMMs thumbs up and go forward and teach!

THANKS! :D

Quote from: mozar on February 12, 2021, 09:32:36 AM

Greenback trail
Money Elementary
The Financial school
Lean money teacher
The means to live

What I would do is look at the synonyms of the word money and pair them with things about yourself like hiking or being an elementary school teacher.

Those are good, I particularly like greenback trail and means to live. These ideas have got the wheels turning.

englishteacheralex · « **Reply #42 on:** February 12, 2021, 12:03:46 PM »

livingstingy blog is awesome. I vehemently disagree with him all the time, but he posts almost every day and is loads of fun to read. And yes, he does make fun of MMM and Financial Samurai all the time. It kinda makes me love him all the more. You can't comment on his blog posts but if you email him he always emails back. At least, that's been my experience.

bacchi · « **Reply #43 on:** February 12, 2021, 12:18:32 PM »

Quote from: englishteacheralex on February 12, 2021, 12:03:46 PM

livingstingy blog is awesome. I vehemently disagree with him all the time, but he posts almost every day and is loads of fun to read. And yes, he does make fun of MMM and Financial Samurai all the time. It kinda makes me love him all the more. You can't comment on his blog posts but if you email him he always emails back. At least, that's been my experience.

I just started reading that blog and agree. He's definitely a curmudgeon but the posts are thought provoking.

JoJo · « **Reply #44 on:** February 12, 2021, 12:54:52 PM »

Bearded Budgeteer (tm)

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #45 on:** February 14, 2021, 01:44:50 PM »

Quote from: bacchi on February 12, 2021, 12:18:32 PM

Quote from: englishteacheralex on February 12, 2021, 12:03:46 PM
livingstingy blog is awesome. I vehemently disagree with him all the time, but he posts almost every day and is loads of fun to read. And yes, he does make fun of MMM and Financial Samurai all the time. It kinda makes me love him all the more. You can't comment on his blog posts but if you email him he always emails back. At least, that's been my experience.

I just started reading that blog and agree. He's definitely a curmudgeon but the posts are thought provoking.

Thanks, I'll start reading his posts.

Quote from: JoJo on February 12, 2021, 12:54:52 PM

Bearded Budgeteer (tm)

I love it!

What do ya'll all think about MoneyBeard? Going the pirate theme? Gotta stash your gold in the magic treasure chest that will give you 4 gold coins for every 100 you save.

Or Saving Benjamin?

John Galt incarnate! · « **Reply #46 on:** February 14, 2021, 02:23:31 PM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 10, 2021, 06:02:48 PM

Hey all,

So I'm a teacher who has reached fire in 10 years on an annual salary of $45,000 a year. I'm super proud and have found that the discipline of spending less than $20,000 a year has helped me develop an outlook where I really love and enjoy the simple and authentic things in life.

Anyhow I have started making videos that I will be posting on youtube to share my strategies and philosophy of life which can be summed up by Thoreau's quote. "That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest".

I want everyone to experience freedom and where true wealth lives. Okay, so sorry about the rant, here is my question...

I bought mrmoneybeard.com as I (like most) have a lot of respect for mrmoneymustache. He's not a big youtuber, so I figure I can hit on strategies that he hasn't covered. I know when people see the name they'll get that it's about FIRE and maybe be curious, does MMM have a nephew? Is this guy trying to rip MMM off? Hey look a generic MMM!

My question is what do you guys think? Is it too corny? Or could it be seen in a positive light by the FIRE community?

Thanks,
TJ

I'd choose a brand name that's immediately indicative of your "strategies and philosophy of life" as they relate to FIRE.

I'd consider the following brand names.

Mr. Retire Soon and Simple

Mr. Retire Early and Simple

Mr. Retire Free and Simple

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #47 on:** February 14, 2021, 03:47:16 PM »

Quote from: John Galt incarnate! on February 14, 2021, 02:23:31 PM

I'd choose a brand name that's immediately indicative of your "strategies and philosophy of life" as they relate to FIRE.

Hmm... What about just "Simple Man"? Obviously there's no indication of money in the title but once a viewer gets a taste of the content, perhaps it'll make sense? Has a good ring to it I think. Domain name is currently for sale.

Metalcat · « **Reply #48 on:** February 14, 2021, 04:21:56 PM »

Quote from: mr.moneybeard on February 14, 2021, 03:47:16 PM

Quote from: John Galt incarnate! on February 14, 2021, 02:23:31 PM
I'd choose a brand name that's immediately indicative of your "strategies and philosophy of life" as they relate to FIRE.

Hmm... What about just "Simple Man"? Obviously there's no indication of money in the title but once a viewer gets a taste of the content, perhaps it'll make sense? Has a good ring to it I think. Domain name is currently for sale.

I would assume it's a blog about an idiot

mr.moneybeard · « **Reply #49 on:** February 14, 2021, 05:05:00 PM »

Quote from: Malcat on February 14, 2021, 04:21:56 PM

Hmm... What about just "Simple Man"? Obviously there's no indication of money in the title but once a viewer gets a taste of the content, perhaps it'll make sense? Has a good ring to it I think. Domain name is currently for sale.

I would assume it's a blog about an idiot
[/quote]

Care to elaborate?

My target audience would be people making under $50,000 a year. Lots of blue collar workers, etc. There's a lot of admiration in those circles for people who just live simply.

News:

Author Topic: MrMoneyBeard a Good Brand Name? (Read 15063 times)