The Best of Mr. Money Mustache

[Nuancer]

EDIT: I'd like to thank everybody (with a special shout-out to Yolfer) for the help on this project! I have changed the title of this thread to reflect the final document (google docs).
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BzWBecLbSYcH-QpHMo4HTJgQdCmjYHumK27X_ks_pPY/edit?usp=sharing

Hello Everybody!

I was hoping I could get your suggestions on the top ten MMM blog posts for introducing new readers to the idea of financial independence and early retirement.

I noticed that when I suggested to my sister that she visit MMM's blog, she had a hard time figuring out where to start reading and wasn't particularly interested in reading about building showers or other things that are way too specific. Some of my friends had similar reactions.

Basically I want your ideas on the best posts for getting someone with no exposure to these ideas excited about early retirement. I would like to not only identify 10 solid posts, but also figure out the order in which they should be read.

Thanks,
ThinSlicer

[yolfer]

Great question!

Since you don't like the shower and car carrier posts, looks like you're more interested in the philosophical and financial posts? Assuming I've got that right, here are a few to start with:

1. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/02/22/getting-rich-from-zero-to-hero-in-one-blog-post/
MMM recently posted a "welcome" or "summary" article. I'd start here

2. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/13/the-shockingly-simple-math-behind-early-retirement/
Helps you visualize the exponentially awesome benefits of spending less and saving more

3. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/01/21/exposed-the-mmm-familys-2012-spending/
See how MMMs family actually spends their money

4. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/06/01/raising-a-family-on-under-2000-per-year/
See what the MMM family cost-of-living gets them

5. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/09/15/a-brief-history-of-the-stash-how-we-saved-from-zero-to-retirement-in-ten-years/
Short summary of the 10 years it took MMM and Mrs MM to save up enough money to retire

6. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/10/08/how-to-go-from-middle-class-to-kickass/
Sort of like an "index page" with links to various MMM articles on how to save money in a number of different spending categories. A new reader could use this to figure out which aspects of their life they want to start improving first.

7. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/05/07/what-do-you-mean-you-dont-have-a-bike/
I may be biased since I'm a big cyclist, but I think that following the advice in this article will probably save you more money and improve your quality of life more than any other article on the website

8. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/12/26/cure-yourself-of-tiny-details-exaggeration-syndrome/

and

9. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/09/18/is-it-convenient-would-i-enjoy-it-wrong-question/
Two prime examples of MMM's philosophy

10. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/04/18/news-flash-your-debt-is-an-emergency/
This one is mostly applicable if you have consumer debt, but even if you don't it helps re-frame one's thinking about debt.

Those are good intro articles but my list is by no means definitive. I'm interested to see what others will suggest.

(BTW, I didn't include any investment articles but those would be next on my list. Soon after starting the Mustachian lifestyle, you'll have more money than you know what to do with, so you'll need to learn how to invest it)

[arebelspy]

Wow Yolfer, great list!

I was going to post your first link and stop there, but you did a great job compiling those.  Stickied!

[yolfer]

Wow Yolfer, great list!

I was going to post your first link and stop there, but you did a great job compiling those.  Stickied!

Thanks! (It's amazing what someone can get accomplished while procrastinating on their Finals.)

[Daley]

Excellent list. The only post I'd be inclined to add to it would be this one:

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/10/22/what-is-hedonic-adaptation-and-how-can-it-turn-you-into-a-sukka/

It lays out how consumerism impacts our lives, and how easy it is to escape wasteful practices by being aware of the mechanisms by which you adapt to their presence.

[Nuancer]

Thanks yolfer, great work! And I.P. Daley, I really like that article as well. I can't believe one of my first topics is already stickied, haha.

What do you guys think of this article as the first or second to read? Is it even necessary, or just use yolfer's #1 instead?

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/04/06/meet-mr-money-mustache/

[yolfer]

Thanks yolfer, great work! And I.P. Daley, I really like that article as well. I can't believe one of my first topics is already stickied, haha.

What do you guys think of this article as the first or second to read? Is it even necessary, or just use yolfer's #1 instead?

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/04/06/meet-mr-money-mustache/

I like the one you mention because it has the "Spectrum of Financial Idiocy" so readers can figure out where they are on their FI journey. It's really a toss-up.

[MrMoneyMullet]

Yolfer, your list is awesome! I have been sending people these "Big Three" as an intro and following up with more if they don't start throwing up complainypants responses:

The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement
How to Go from Middle-Class to Kickass
A Brief History of the Stash

I also really like the Stoicism article, but that's probably just confirmation bias on my part because I think of myself as a stoic, joyful person:
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/10/02/what-is-stoicism-and-how-can-it-turn-your-life-to-solid-gold/

[Nuancer]

I've started making a Google document to distribute based on this topic, and I wanted to get some initial feedback on it:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BzWBecLbSYcH-QpHMo4HTJgQdCmjYHumK27X_ks_pPY/edit?usp=sharing

[yolfer]

I've started making a Google document to distribute based on this topic, and I wanted to get some initial feedback on it:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BzWBecLbSYcH-QpHMo4HTJgQdCmjYHumK27X_ks_pPY/edit?usp=sharing

Looks good! I like how you took the links above and organized them by topic, to make them more readable as a whole.

[Nuancer]

I've started making a Google document to distribute based on this topic, and I wanted to get some initial feedback on it:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BzWBecLbSYcH-QpHMo4HTJgQdCmjYHumK27X_ks_pPY/edit?usp=sharing

Looks good! I like how you took the links above and organized them by topic, to make them more readable as a whole.

I've updated the document again, and I'm pretty happy with it now. I tried to categorize the articles into even smaller bite-sized chunks so that they are easier to read in short sessions. I've also prioritized the article about debt being an emergency in the introduction since it is particularly relevant to many new readers, and I've added two more articles at the end that are helpful for spreading the philosophy.

[NunyaBidness]

Is Random Article! not working?

I keep gettign Wintering in Hawaii

[Use it up, wear it out...]

Is Random Article! not working?

I keep gettign Wintering in Hawaii

Maybe it's trying to tell you something. :-)

[arebelspy]

Is Random Article! not working?

I keep gettign Wintering in Hawaii

I reported it here, thanks for mentioning it!

[ToeInTheWater]

this one rang true with me...

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/04/30/weekend-edition-retire-in-your-mind-even-if-you-love-your-job/

we're close to FI, but i really love my job...

b

[aj_yooper]

This is a great idea!  I just started about 3 weeks ago and this would make it easier to get started.  A link to the blog and an overview of some of the topics would also be helpful.  I am amazed that so much good information and thinking is readily available.  Thank you.

[Nuancer]

You're very welcome, I'm glad you found it useful! I wanted to keep everything on one page so that it is short and sweet and can be read in a short amount of time.

[aj_yooper]

EDIT: I'd like to thank everybody (with a special shout-out to Yolfer) for the help on this project! I have changed the title of this thread to reflect the final document (google docs).
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BzWBecLbSYcH-QpHMo4HTJgQdCmjYHumK27X_ks_pPY/edit?usp=sharing

Hello Everybody!

I was hoping I could get your suggestions on the top ten MMM blog posts for introducing new readers to the idea of financial independence and early retirement.

I noticed that when I suggested to my sister that she visit MMM's blog, she had a hard time figuring out where to start reading and wasn't particularly interested in reading about building showers or other things that are way too specific. Some of my friends had similar reactions.

Basically I want your ideas on the best posts for getting someone with no exposure to these ideas excited about early retirement. I would like to not only identify 10 solid posts, but also figure out the order in which they should be read.

Thanks,
ThinSlicer

Very nice intro to the googledocs.  A real service to a MMM newcomer!  Will it be flagged so that new visitors will know to read it first, as they do in Bogleheads?

[arebelspy]

Very nice intro to the googledocs.  A real service to a MMM newcomer!  Will it be flagged so that new visitors will know to read it first, as they do in Bogleheads?

Yes, this thread is stickied and at the top of the Welcome Category in the forums.  :)

[galliver]

Surprised no one has mentioned this one: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/07/10/if-i-woke-up-broke/ I think it was one of the first 5 or first 10 I read when I started 2 weeks or so ago, fits in great with the Introduction/MMM Lifestyle sections.

Also most of the case studies are fun to read (from a voyeuristic perspective, haha). :)

Personally my approach was to start from Welcome and follow interesting-sounding links.

[michaelrecycles]

Great idea and suggestions!

I wish I had seen this when recently introducing MMM to a sibling. I struggled with where exactly to get him started, and inevitably just pointed to the home page. I was very relieved (and excited!) to hear he has been devouring it since.

One might also add to the list one or two customized suggestions, depending on the recipient's situation. For example, the first post I ever read was The True Cost of Commuting. Maybe that wasn't the one and only post that would have gotten me hooked. But because I was smack-dab in the middle of an existential crisis over my commute and job, this really struck home, and I haven't turned back since!

[Nuancer]

I really like MMM's recent post, "Predictably Irrational", and am thinking about adding it as one of the Best MMM posts. What do all of you think?

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/11/21/predictably-irrational/

[arebelspy]

IDK about a book review as a best of, but your call.

Based on the reactions off this forum, a lot of people liked the recent position of strength article.

[Nuancer]

Good point, since it is a book review it isn't completely original. I'll leave it off the list.

The Position of Strength article was very good. Does anybody else think it should be added to the list? Remember, the list is designed to include just the essential articles you would give to a new reader of MMM.

[grantmeaname]

Meh. It was good but not essential for a new reader.

[Nuancer]

True. Ok, I'm leaving the list unchanged for now. =)

On a side note, has anybody had success giving this list to people? Did they appreciate it? Has it changed any behaviors?

[jordanread]

On a side note, has anybody had success giving this list to people? Did they appreciate it? Has it changed any behaviors?

I'll give it a shot, but haven't had much luck with referring people to the site. They either seem to embrace it immediately, or discard it (I'm at about a 10% success rate). One suggestion (and there are instructions on the forum...or I can do it) would be to make an epub/mobi version of these articles.
Also, while I really like theLifeSpreadsheet, it seems too in-depth for people just browsing. I've personally had really good luck with making a simple spreadsheet breaking down monthly expenses and savings rate. It seems to make more of an impression when people see how the small decisions add up.

[yolfer]

You should update the doc to include MMM's 2013 spending:

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2014/01/12/exposed-the-mmm-familys-2013-spending/

(the doc currently lists his 2012 spending)

[Nuancer]

You should update the doc to include MMM's 2013 spending:

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2014/01/12/exposed-the-mmm-familys-2013-spending/

(the doc currently lists his 2012 spending)

Updated! Thank you for pointing it out.

[NewStachian]

Avoiding Ivy League Preschool Syndrome is a great one that, despite its specific title, seems to capture almost all aspects of being Mustachian. It's usually the first place I send people when telling them about this site.

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/10/12/avoiding-ivy-league-preschool-syndrome/

[Nuancer]

Avoiding Ivy League Preschool Syndrome is a great one that, despite its specific title, seems to capture almost all aspects of being Mustachian. It's usually the first place I send people when telling them about this site.

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/10/12/avoiding-ivy-league-preschool-syndrome/

Thanks for your suggestion. I've added the article to the document!

[tracylayton]

I liked "Your Debt is an Emergency" and "Frugal vs. Cheap".

[tracylayton]

I left out my favorite..."A millionaire is made $10 at a time".

[Nuancer]

I liked "Your Debt is an Emergency" and "Frugal vs. Cheap".

I decided to add "Frugal vs. Cheap" to the document, as well as J.D. Roth's inspiring guest post. We already have the "Your Debt is an Emergency" post on the list.

[Nuancer]

I also decided to add the recent post, "Are You Giving the Shaft to your Future Self?"

[CanuckExpat]

I noticed that when I suggested to my sister that she visit MMM's blog, she had a hard time figuring out where to start reading and wasn't particularly interested in reading about building showers or other things that are way too specific. Some of my friends had similar reactions.

Basically I want your ideas on the best posts for getting someone with no exposure to these ideas excited about early retirement.

For introducing someone totally new to these ideas, what do you think about this post from David Cain at Raptitude: How much of your life are you selling off?

It might be confusing with the intent of your list to have a non-MMM post, but that's part of what I like about this article as an introduction to the ideas of financial independence: it takes an outsiders view and describes the big picture from the point of view of someone who just learned about these ideas. Also, I think the writing is great and succint.

Judging by the dates, it looks like that article was written a few months after MMM reposted How to Walk Across a Parking Lot, so this might actually be his summary of the learning process.

[Nuancer]

I noticed that when I suggested to my sister that she visit MMM's blog, she had a hard time figuring out where to start reading and wasn't particularly interested in reading about building showers or other things that are way too specific. Some of my friends had similar reactions.

Basically I want your ideas on the best posts for getting someone with no exposure to these ideas excited about early retirement.

For introducing someone totally new to these ideas, what do you think about this post from David Cain at Raptitude: How much of your life are you selling off?

It might be confusing with the intent of your list to have a non-MMM post, but that's part of what I like about this article as an introduction to the ideas of financial independence: it takes an outsiders view and describes the big picture from the point of view of someone who just learned about these ideas. Also, I think the writing is great and succint.

Judging by the dates, it looks like that article was written a few months after MMM reposted How to Walk Across a Parking Lot, so this might actually be his summary of the learning process.

Hi there! I agree that this is a great article, but I am hesitant to include it since it wasn't written by MMM. Do any other forum members have an opinion on this?

[michaelrecycles]

I noticed that when I suggested to my sister that she visit MMM's blog, she had a hard time figuring out where to start reading and wasn't particularly interested in reading about building showers or other things that are way too specific. Some of my friends had similar reactions.

Basically I want your ideas on the best posts for getting someone with no exposure to these ideas excited about early retirement.

For introducing someone totally new to these ideas, what do you think about this post from David Cain at Raptitude: How much of your life are you selling off?

It might be confusing with the intent of your list to have a non-MMM post, but that's part of what I like about this article as an introduction to the ideas of financial independence: it takes an outsiders view and describes the big picture from the point of view of someone who just learned about these ideas. Also, I think the writing is great and succint.

Judging by the dates, it looks like that article was written a few months after MMM reposted How to Walk Across a Parking Lot, so this might actually be his summary of the learning process.

Hi there! I agree that this is a great article, but I am hesitant to include it since it wasn't written by MMM. Do any other forum members have an opinion on this?

Well, there is a guest post in the Best Of - "More MMM" section. Other voices are useful. Maybe add a new section, something like "Relevant Outside Material." If a new reader starts digging MMM, they'll be so thirsty for good material, and they might enjoy another writer's style just as much as MMM, or at least appreciate additional perspectives and topics. Shouldn't be too long though, don't want to overwhelm. MadFientist would belong on that list, to me. High quality, actionable material for the MMM crowd.

[Nuancer]

I noticed that when I suggested to my sister that she visit MMM's blog, she had a hard time figuring out where to start reading and wasn't particularly interested in reading about building showers or other things that are way too specific. Some of my friends had similar reactions.

Basically I want your ideas on the best posts for getting someone with no exposure to these ideas excited about early retirement.

For introducing someone totally new to these ideas, what do you think about this post from David Cain at Raptitude: How much of your life are you selling off?

It might be confusing with the intent of your list to have a non-MMM post, but that's part of what I like about this article as an introduction to the ideas of financial independence: it takes an outsiders view and describes the big picture from the point of view of someone who just learned about these ideas. Also, I think the writing is great and succint.

Judging by the dates, it looks like that article was written a few months after MMM reposted How to Walk Across a Parking Lot, so this might actually be his summary of the learning process.

Hi there! I agree that this is a great article, but I am hesitant to include it since it wasn't written by MMM. Do any other forum members have an opinion on this?

Well, there is a guest post in the Best Of - "More MMM" section. Other voices are useful. Maybe add a new section, something like "Relevant Outside Material." If a new reader starts digging MMM, they'll be so thirsty for good material, and they might enjoy another writer's style just as much as MMM, or at least appreciate additional perspectives and topics. Shouldn't be too long though, don't want to overwhelm. MadFientist would belong on that list, to me. High quality, actionable material for the MMM crowd.

Ah, that makes sense to me. I definitely want to keep the document short and sweet. Is there one particular MadFientist article that you think would go in the "Relevant Outside Material" section?

[michaelrecycles]

Ah, that makes sense to me. I definitely want to keep the document short and sweet. Is there one particular MadFientist article that you think would go in the "Relevant Outside Material" section?

Tough to choose. Reasonable choices might be

• his podcast interviewing MMM
• archives list, which organizes his posts by topic
• simply his home page?

[Nuancer]

Ah, that makes sense to me. I definitely want to keep the document short and sweet. Is there one particular MadFientist article that you think would go in the "Relevant Outside Material" section?

Tough to choose. Reasonable choices might be

• his podcast interviewing MMM
• archives list, which organizes his posts by topic
• simply his home page?

So I finally got around to updating the document... not sure how this slipped my mind! Take a look and let me know what you think.

[BTDretire]

How about under "Relevant Outside Material"
What do I do with my savings?
http://jlcollinsnh.com/stock-series/

[torbisen]

Do you know exactely which post mmm describes the worth of one dollar over a lifespan?

[pbkmaine]

https://radicalpersonalfinance.com/mr-money-mustache-interview/

Interview at Camp Mustache SE.

[torbisen]

Is it in that interwiev? I saw it written at this site somewhere also.

[simonkkkkk]

Is it in that interwiev? I saw it written at this site somewhere also.

Same...