Four Years of Fabulous Financials
Today, my blog turns 4 years old. Yay! But this is a bitter sweet moment for me. Years one, two, and three were about career growth, debt reduction, saving, learning to invest, and laying the foundation for our financial future. And this year, I’ve exceeded my career and personal finance goals. Then pretty soon, I’ll have an empty nest. Now I can’t help but wonder…what’s next?
As I reflect on my reason for starting this blog, I think I have achieved my ultimate objectives: learn new things, share my personal journey and inspire others to establish their own fabulous financials. With that said, I’ve decided that it’s time to retire this blog. Other than repeating the same basic personal finance principles (e.g. earn more, spend less, avoid debt, save, and invest), I have nothing unique to offer you. Besides, I lost my spark for personal finance blogging a long time ago and I won’t try to force it any longer. So I’m going to bow out gracefully. Sometimes you have to let old things go in order to grow.
It’s been a fabulous 4 years and I thank you all for reading.
Happy Holidays!
This blog is a personal account of my journey to become Healthy & Wealthy. If you like what you've read, feel free to subscribe via (feed reader) or (email) to follow along.
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Thank you for sharing so much of yourself here. I learned a lot from you. Good luck in whatever your next step is (law school? writing a book?). You will be missed.
Merry Christmas!
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You were one of the very first PF blogs I ever encountered online.
Thank you for inspiring me! 4 great years of blogging with your personal touch and insight, and being a truly remarkable woman to tweet with :)
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You will be missed. This was a great blog. Thanks for all of the advice! Happy holidays & birthday season to you!
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I’ve been lurking lately…but I had to chime in… I will miss your sharp insight, dry wit, and comedical wordings of serious situations, particularly financial ones. I’ve picked up a few colorful phrases (HOT GRITS MAD, anyone?) from you that I find myself using occassionally. I hope that when you decide to write elsewhere/different blog, let us know!
I wish you and BabyGirl (CollegeGirl) much success and happiness.
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Oh, one more thing… are you still planning to keep the blog up or take it down? I have referred a few people to some of your articles…some way back from 2007!
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Thank you so much for your insight on finance and life in general. You were an inspiration. Good luck to you and your daughter in all that you do. You will be missed.
A faithful lurker :)
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It’s bee a pleasure receiving all of your awesome advice and your personal journey. I wish you weren’t going, but I understand.
Have fun these last few months with BG in the house!
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Thank you SingleMa for giving so much valuable information. I was so happy when I found your blog and it has been a pleasure reading about your progress. You have truly inspired me. I am not there yet, BUT I know I am slowly on my way. I can’t thank you enough and I truly hate to see you go.
I wish you and your daughter a wonderful holiday season and a blessed new year. *snif snif* Bye:(
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Sad to see you go, it has been great reading your blog.
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Thank you for sharing your goals and triumphs for the past four years. You’ve given me inspiration, enlightenment and smiles along the way. I appreciate every post you’ve made.
Have a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year. I know this next year is going to be the best one yet!
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It’s been a joy reading your blog!
Congratulations on all your successes!
I wish you and your family all the best in life, love and the future.
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It’s awesome that you have not only met, but exceeded, all of your goals when you started the blog. It’s been really fun following your journey – you will be missed.
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Good luck with all your future achievements! I’ve really enjoyed following your blog, since I could relate to so much you wrote about. Thanks for all the enjoyable stories and advice!
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oh wow……well thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience, it was and is greatly appreciated.
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I knew this day would come, yet I’m not prepared. Your blog has inspired me to do so much. Additionally, you have written entries that have thaught me some important lessons and made me laugh (bank of america, one of my personal favorites among others). I wish you much success in whatever you do & many blessings for your duaghter as she begins a new journey in her life.
Now I have to hurry and savor these moments before the url is gone :(
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year and beyond
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It is a sad day in the blogworld! I am so happy for you SM!! You have been an inspiration to me, I have always look forward to reading you daily update. Now I will have to really start using my twitter to follow you!!!!!
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Damn I knew it was coming!
*waving* bye Single Ma!
Now I guess you’ll have time to work on that book (hint, hint) You have opened my eyes to so much regarding personal finance.
Thank you.
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Your story has been a great inspiration of perseverance in the face of hardships, disadvantages, and setbacks. Good luck in the next phase of your journey! I hope to still see you on Twitter. :)
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I only discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and love the witty and sharp writing. Sorry to see you go. Best wishes!
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Sorry to see you go. I really like your blog. I discovered you earlier this year and it was quite refreshing. It inspired me to think about starting a financial blog just last week. I am on the journey to financial freedom. Thanks so much for your great stories, funny and always on point. Best wishes and Happy Holidays!
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You and your blog will be missed!! I second Lady V’s comments, I think you have a true gift for writing and I hope you will be inspired to start another blog on another topic, I would love to keep reading your point of view of any variety of topics. Best wishes for continued success in your life!
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I have enjoyed reading your blog (and living vicariously through you) for the last few years. I love your writing style and sense of humor and was always interested in your posts – particularly your personal ones, as we are both single mothers with daughters the same age. I learned so many things from reading your blog, and I am going to really miss it. I wish you nothing but the best in your life. Thanks for being an inspiration.
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Had a feeling this was coming, too. And simply wanted to say a big Thank You. Yours was one of the first blogs I discovered, too — and it quickly became a favorite. You’re an inspiration for sure.
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You are the first pf blogger that inspired me to start my journey to financial health and freedom about 1.5 years ago. You have been a constant inspiration over this time. I am sadden that I won’t be able to become inspired each week with your new insights. However, I know you must do what is best for you! So, I say Thank You and Good Luck in your “next steps” !! Happy Holidays !
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i hope you will leavve the sit up for us who are trying to gain more financial literacy. You have had a great run!
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Noooo!!! Say it ain’t so! I am certainly going to miss your posts. You have been extremely informative, insightful, and always funny. You really have a gift and by sharing it, you have helped and exncouraged a lot of us. I hope that will choose to do some guestposts on other sites from time to time.
Life in a Shoe
P.S. Maybe the next frontier for you should be *A Book*. I still wanted to get the rest of your career tips. Best wishes for you and BabyGirl, you have certainly earned it.
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I JUST found your blog a few weeks ago, and now you’re leaving :(
If you continue to blog, do share the link here….
Good luck with everything…
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I’m not going to be as nice as the other commenters.
HELL NO, YOU CAN’T GO!!!
I need to get closure on BabyGirl’s senior year and what college she attends. I need to know what your next step in financial planning will be because I KNOW you won’t just go on auto-pilot. Are you going to sell your rental? If so, are you going to buy another home?
There’s just so much more I NEED to know, LOL.
Seriously, I’ve enjoyed reading you. I was at the tail end of my financial journey when you started and I wish I had had this blog to help me along the way. I truly admire your dedication. You’ve come a long way baby and I’m proud to have been part of the journey.
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Single Ma is leaving….tear, tear. I really enjoyed your blog and your zest for helping others. I wish you the very best in the future and Babygirl as well. Have a safe and Merry Christmas!!!
(P.S.) I didn’t comment much but I viewed your blog everyday!
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I just want to express my complete and utter appreciation for what you have offered. The four years of your blog were during pivotal years for me developing as a young, black, adult woman and your insight has definitely given me a rare wisdom. I’m sure wherever God takes you from here will be tremendous! You’ve sewn so many wonderful seeds in the lives of others.
God bless you and your fam :)
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YOU ARE A FINANCIAL ROCKSTAR!!! Look at all these lives you have touched ;) I wish you nothing but success and love my dear. And you better believe you can hit me up anytime if you ever wanna talk finance/blogging or just want some free food! I will take you out to lunch any time you ask…I’m only a few miles away.
God bless you and the fam!
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You DID say you’d still be on Twitter, right? I don’t know if life would be the same without some SingleMa spice.
I’m really going to miss reading here, and you know you’ve been inspirational in many ways. I love that Tazzee can get away with saying what some of us would like to say ;) but I know that once you’ve made up your mind, that’s that. I did hope that your latest spurt of blogging meant the magic had come back, but all good things must come to an end, hm? [I guess we should be grateful that all things, good OR bad, do, else the world would suck quite a bit more.]
I would have loved to hear about BG’s next steps, your career moves, and your experiences volunteering, but I’ll look out for you on Twitter instead.
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Best of luck to you Single Ma. It’s been a pleasure reading your blog.
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Although, I rarely made a comment I did read daily. You will be missed. Deuces!
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Hey Single Ma,
Considered selling?
Drop us a note: dinksfinanceblog@yahoo.com
Thanks!
james
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Single Ma,
So sorry to see you go. Having started a financial blog MochaMoney.com I was inspired by your journey. You will be missed. Hopefully the rest of us PF bloggers can pick up the baton and continue the race you ran so well with.
Good luck with all your future endeavors
Alonzo – MochaMoney.com – helping Black Americans Survive and Thrive in Tough Economic Times
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Single Ma, I’ve been reading for two years and have always really enjoyed your fresh take on PF. The blogosphere needs voices like yours. I’ll be sorry to see you go, but I wish you and BabyGirl all the best in the future. You are an inspiration!
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I am honored that all of you have taken something away from this blog. It lets me know that my efforts were not in vain. :-) Yes, I’ll still be on twitter. And if you need to reach me for any reason, I’m only an email away. {{hugz}}
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I want to echo everyone else and say you blog will really be missed! Your blog has definitely been an inspiration to me. Best of luck to you!
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will you keep the blog up? would love to be able to go back and read some of your past stuff. thanks for sharing so much with the world for the past four years.
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Oh no!!!!! First Oprah and now this!!! Wow, I don’t know what I’m going to do in 2010 without your blog. Oh well, I have to look at it as if the glass is half full. At least I’ll have two more years with Oprah, right?
On a serious note, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog over the years and will miss reading about your new adventures. It has been a great ride, though. Best wishes to you and your daughter.
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SingleMa, I am happy for all your successes! I love your blog and have referred many people to it. I hope you will keep it up (and not sell to James) so that we can continue to refer people and search through the older posts.
I wish you and CollegeGirl the best in life. I follow you on Twitter so I can’t wait to hear all of your adventures
What am I saying…I really don’t want you to stop blogging even if it means you post infrequently, it’s okay with me. Your wit, candor, and motivation will be hard to replace.
I’m sad for me (us) and happy for you and BG/CG. (smile)
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I’ll miss you Single Ma. I discovered you on a Friday night a little over a year ago and read all of your previous posts, from that night on I was hooked. You are definitely an inspiration to me, it’s great to read about another single mother who is doing it big (by focusing on and reaching her goals), it helps me work harder on my bad days. I’m glad I follow you on twitter, I need my single ma fix :)
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Oh no!!! I am so sad to see you go! First “Shake Your Beauty” blog is gone, now you. I truly enjoyed reading your blog and I learned alot from you. I am a single mother too. My son is the same age as Baby Girl and I was looking forward to hearing your adventures during this time. God bless you in all of your future endeavors.
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I’m sad to see you go, but I wish you all the best in the future!
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Rats! I JUST started reading your blog and have been enjoying it. While I still have lots of reading to do through your past posts, I will have to find another single Mom that will inspire me through her journey… or maybe it me. =o)
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Hey singlema! I have never commented before, but I really want you to know how much you’ve inspired me. I became a single mother at a young age, got into some financial trouble, and with the help of your blog I have returned to college, and am well on my way to becoming debt free! Thanks for all the advice. You will be missed :)
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yours was one of the first PF blogs I found, and I have enjoyed reading your everyday adventures. I hope everything works well with BG and that you update us with where she decides to attend!
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Thank you so much for the information, insight, and entertainment you have provided the blogosphere. I’ve appreciated reading your blog very much and wish you all good things as you go forward.
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Thanks for an enjoyable read! Best of luck.
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Even though I found this site late I was VERY INSPIRED!! thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, you set the bar for me and im so grateful to see what I have to look forward for my blogging future!!
be blessed!!
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I will miss you’re blogs, but I follow you on twitter so hopefully you will continue the updates. I learned alot from you. Being a single mother, I strive to give my children a great life and I want to be financially stable and you’ve helped start that off. Thanks
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Well i am sad to see you move forward. Your blogs are inspiring. I have not met my goals but everything time I slip up i would come to your blog and read and reread your blogs to get back on track. Good luck in the future. Please keep your site up for all to enjoy. Thanks
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You’ll be missed! I really enjoyed your writing style. Happy birthday and merry Christmas.
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Thanks for the last few years of writing. You gotta do what you gotta do, on to bigger and better things, although I (selfishly) hope that you continue to write on whatever topic strikes your fancy.
Regards from one of your European readers.
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Coming out of lurkerland to say that, I have truly enjoyed reading your blog.
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It’s not even my blog and reading all these goodbye’s makes ME tear up..:-) I must also say your blog was the first one I found on my journey to get my financial life in order. As a single mom with no idea IF I could do it, you gave me the inspiration I needed. You will truly be missed! I do hope every now and then you throw us a PF bone via twitter. Thanks for sharing your life and a wealth of information with us, for the last 4 years. May the Lord continue to show Himself strong on behalf of you and BG.
@ Tazzee..thanks for saying what we are all thinking ;-)
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Oh, NO!!!! I just found your blog about a month ago. I love reading your blog. You’ll be missed!
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As a single mother, I never thought I could own a home – you inspired me and now I am a homeowner. I always thought I would be riddled with debt – you motivated me and now I watch my finances like a hawk. I once thought that goal setting was a chore – you informed me and now I, too, make SMART goals. I cannot believe that my very own BabyGirl is four years away from college – you provided a framework on how to deal with college planning for real folk and how preparing for an empty nest can be bittersweet.
Now, I will have to follow you on Twitter, despite my BG saying that Twitter is for stalkers. I guess I will join the legions of stalkers, too.
You will be missed and I wish you and your CollegeGirl nothing but continued success, health and prosperity.
Best Wishes!
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Best wishes to you as you move forward! The blog will be missed!
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Waaah???
I remember finding your blog a couple of years ago, and I was so engrossed in reading your story, I would sit with my laptop for hours. I think I fed my kids and met their basic needs, but otherwise I would move from post to post, riding the roller coaster with you. You are such an inspiration to single women, single mothers, career women, and to old ladies like me ~lol! All I can say is, “wow.”
God bless you and your beautiful Baby Girl – I’ll be seeing you on Twitter!
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Hey SingleMa – Congratulations on all your successes! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and glad that I found it this year. Will you keep the site up for reference purposes or are you taking it down completely? :-( Please consider keeping the site up…it’s truly an inspiration!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! God Bless!
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Thank you so much! Your blog has definitely helped me shape my financial future for the better. I didn’t read financial blogs until yours. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Hey Singlema – I’m sad to hear you won’t be blogging but I’m glad you have gotten out of it what you had intended. As always, just let me know if you ever need anything.
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SingleMa, I’ll miss your blog! Thanks for inspiring and informing me for so many years.
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Best wishes forever. Thanks for the inspiration.
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can anymore be said about your fabulous way of writing? your inspiring others? your giving hope??
I have to get on twitter now is all i am saying!!
Good luck and MANYMANY MANY BLESSINGS single Ma and BG…
Your ministry has touched many.
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Congratulations on all of your accomplishments and best wishes to Baby Girl! Take care and stay blessed!!!
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maybe from time to time you can update us. was looking forward to hearing about your upcoming trip !!! What am I to do two blogs i have followed for a few years gone : (
Good luck but please don’t say good-bye say you will update occasionally
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Your humour, personality and knowledge will truly be missed. Best of luck in the future!!
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Wow… so you’re really leaving?? For real? Umm… okay. I’ll just stalk you on Twitter. :-)
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Sad to see you go, but as they saying goes “All good things must come to an end.” Best wishes to you and BabyGirl!
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Single Ma – Sorry to see you go but thank you for your time! Your blog has been very informative and helpful. I have enjoyed learning from you. Good luck to you and Baby Girl!
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ok, I was alright with this until my Monday morning routine got all disrupted today: turn on computer, check newspaper website, then check out SingleMa. Girl, I am like a nicotine addict breaking a habit. Why you wanna do this to a sister?! LOL!
I won’t say good-bye or anything like that cuz you ain’t getting rid of me!. But I will say in all sincerity that I think your blog is one of the best written and most informative that I have ever come across in my web travels and for that, among many other things, I will miss having you out here.
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We shall miss you sorely!
Hope to still see you round on Twitter :)
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I always enjoyed reading Fabulous Financials, so I will miss you very much! Good luck to you and your daughter in this next exciting phase of your lives!
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OMG!!!! You just entered by life this year. I have appreciated your journey. You are going to be missed. Much more success to Baby Girl and you!
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Dear Single Ma, thanks for four great years of funny, smart, and real-life-reflecting blogging. Through all your ups and downs, you’ve been a true inspiration, a positive example-setter, and a genuine leader. All the very best to you and your CollegeGirl, always.
Sincerely,
Meadow
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OMG…I cant belive that you will not be blogging any more. I have to tell you that you have had such a positive effect on my life. I am not yet out of debt but I am working it. I have been following you for 4 years and I have learned so much from you. I will miss you. You have been like a friend in my head.
Best of Luck.
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Wishing you all the best now and in the future.
It is no coincidence that I discovered your blog for the first time today.
I’m a world traveler and photographer, and I want to be more successful when it comes to my finances. Voila! I found your witty and frank voice among I thank you for sharing your goals and insight and I look forward to reading your blog in the coming days.
Ciao et bon chance!
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oops!
I meant to finish the sentence: I found your witty and frank voice among the many traditonally stodgy financial columns. You’re a breath of fresh air……
Ciao!
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Hey Single MA,
First of all congrats for completing 4 years for this wonderful journey of financial downturns. It was really nice reading your blog post, and an inspiration for me to last so many years.
I am also following another company for finance related matters like debt consolidation and money saving tips. Being frank, I am not good in saving money…
Cheers :)
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Bittersweet to say the least. Congratulations on the 4 year anniversary of Fabulous Financials. It would be nice if you gave us a link to maybe a new blog? Hint Hint! Good Job…I love your blog. And I hope it stays up so I can start from Post #1 ahhhh *hugs*
Sincerely,
Go
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Congratulations on achieving so much over the last four years and thank you for sharing it with us. You have been such an inspiration and though I’m sad to see you leave, I understand your reasons.
All the best
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
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Dang! Congrats on everything! You will always, always be an inspiration to me!
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congratulations.
Job well done!
Thanks for all the tips and for letting loadsa people have a glimpse into your life.
Goodluck with everything you do in the future :)
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Thank you for you ‘fabulous’ blog. It has been very inspirational and encouraging. I wish you and Baby Girl many blessings and much luck in the future.
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Single Ma,
Thanks for all you’ve given! I hope you receive as much as you give, and more! Have a blessed New Year, and best of everything to you and Baby Girl!
Sistah Ant
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Congrats and I wish continued success for you and Baby Girl! Umm, does this means you will have more time to work on your new fitness blog:-)
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You have inspired us, made us laugh, dream and reach for more, work hard to achieve personal success and done it in pure DIVA style. Your insight, information and wit made this a truly enjoyable read each and everytime. Just know that if you ever decide to come back, we are here…. Best of luck to you and THANK YOU for all that YOU have showed me!
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You will be missed greatly. Thanks for everything!!
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I see your link back on twitter….
please say you’re coming back!
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Thank you for all you have shared over the four years. I am glad you opened yourself up to us.
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I stop by every now and again, hoping that you’ve changed your mind! LOL. I wish you much success in your future endeavors, and I wish baby girl the same.
It’s been a pleasure visiting your site.
Thank you for sharing yourself with others!
Daviece
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Good luck in all your future endeavors.
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