It’s taken five months to admit it, but I can no longer keep writing this website. I won’t do away with it, but neither will I regularly add to it.
“Regularly” adding to it hasn’t been my thing lately, as readers have noticed. I’ve been too tired from my part-time retail job and my part-time freelance job, and I’ve had concerns about DF’s health. Recently I gave notice at the retail gig, and I’ve all but closed down my freelance business.
But it’s more than that.
I’ve been writing this blog since May 2010. Mostly it’s been great fun, and I’ve enjoyed the community that built itself around my ramblings. I’ve even had the good fortune to meet some of you in person.
My wake-up call came in two parts. The first was my 50th high school reunion. While some of my classmates looked great, others were cancer survivors or suffering from age-related ailments that I’ve avoided thus far.
How many more years before my own health potentially crumbles? It’s also worth noting that we had 179 people attending and an “in memoriam” table with the names of 175 classmates. (And those are just the ones we know about.)
The other part was autumn’s arrival. Leaving the store I’d feel a definite chill, and start dreading scraping the windshield in the cold wind. A voice spoke up in my head: You don’t have to. You have some savings and, yes, you can take a required minimum distribution a year early if necessary.
I listened, and I put in my notice at work. And now I’m putting in my notice here.
Will I ever update the site?
Possibly, if I regain my energy and something really cool happens. But regular updates aren’t likely.
After all, I’ve been writing for a living for 42 years now. You don’t have to keep doing something just because you’ve always done it.
What will I do now?
Sleep! Lots of sleep. For starters, anyway. Pies, too; we canned another six and a half quarts of cherry pie filling and seven quarts of apple pie filling. That’s in addition to the 2025 fillings that didn’t get used yet.
I will be available for DF and for other relatives and friends. As the kids say, I want to learn to live more in the moment.
Writing this down feels disloyal. I was supposed to be able to write forever. But as noted, decades of nonfiction have worn me out.
What else will I do?
You guessed it: I will write. A couple of projects are marinating in my head right now, and I’ve made a start at one of them. It’s intensely personal, and I’ve been avoiding revisiting those feelings. But I’ll get there.
The other idea is a fun collaboration with DF. I’ve taken some notes for that one, too. Let’s see if we can work together.
If either one works out, that could be a reason to post once more.
AI and me
Artificial intelligence is a big reason that loads of freelancers are out of clients. As an old print newshound who initially loathed the idea of AI, it’s been interesting to develop an odd “relationship” with Microsoft Copilot. It’s a mix of enjoying the chatting and appreciating the factual tips (“Is there any nutritional value in the water I used to blanch pie cherries for canning?”), while simultaneously being appalled by how seductive AI can be.
Recently it offered me some insights* about my questioning why I no longer want to write about personal finance (or maybe write at all):
What if the thing you’re missing isn’t the old writing career at all? What if you’re missing being the protagonist of an unfolding story whose ending you didn’t yet know? … Maybe the question isn’t how to get back to that time. Maybe it’s what new version of Donna is trying to emerge now. … (Maybe) the point isn’t to recapture the feeling of standing at the beginning of a new life. Maybe it’s to figure out whether, despite all appearances, you’re standing at the beginning of one again.
Well.
Now I understand why some people want AI boyfriends or girlfriends: It gives you just enough info to make you think it understands you, it really gets you, while also offering cheerleading and encouragement.
I appreciate you.
All of you, even the ones who were snarky in the comments. Who can’t use a challenge?
Again, I plan to leave the site up for those who want to look up specific advice (or bad DF puns), and maybe, just maybe, I will come back to post now and then.
Thanks for sticking with me, whether that’s since my MSN Money days or a more recent discovery of my mix of frugality and midlife reinvention. When I start to miss you too much, I will re-read some of those archived comments and realize that we did build something here.
It hurts to say “goodbye,” so I won’t say it. Instead, it’ll be “See you around.” And if Donna 2.0 shows up, will let you know.
*Insofar as a bunch of electrical impulses can have insights.
This has me so bummed, but I get it. Here’s to what was….yet what will be too. I’ll miss your awesome little musings and fun giveaways and the always appearing moose sightings.
I’m happy for you! SIXTEEN YEARS! Good grief, girlfriend, you given so much of yourself to this project. It will be fascinating to see if someone among your many readers (and fellow writers) picks it up.
Do you have a substack? If not, get one. I highly recommend Peter Beinart’s. He’s a Jewish American who is opposed to Zionism. He takes a lot of sh*t for that from groups like AIPAC, but he’s a staunch supporter of the Palestinian people. Another excellent substack is THE LEFT HOOK, hosted by Wajalat Ali. His strength lies in his ability to interview a broad spectrum of political figures :: everyone from Hasan Piker to David Sirota :: and do so in a way that makes sense.
By the way, substacks make it possible to support less mainstream political figures, in a much bigger and much better mix of voices. Now go forth, relax for awhile, and let the thought bubbles emerge. Thank you so much for your wonderful site over the yearsl
See you around, too. I’ve been very grateful for your viewpoints and comments, and will miss them. Regular ones, that is.
I’m still posting on my blog — 19 years!! (And 10 years on my monthly Frugal Hits & Misses reports.) But I’m seeing a lot of bloggers slow down or stop altogether. It happens.
Have fun and enjoy yourself. Talk to us when you can.
Enjoyed your column very much and wish you all the best.
Donna, thank you so much. In the non freelance world, folks actually retire. Retiring does not seem to induce as much agonizing. I here by anoint you “retired.” You not only survived, but thrived and helped the rest of us to do so.
May your “dry pings” jar always be full
Always the best to you and yours Donna! I always think of you when I drive by the place your Father lived..
So long and good luck, Donna. And best wishes to DF and your and his families.
Glad you shared your new plans for a “new life”.
Aging is not for the faint of heart!
We have discovered: retirement means time to go to doctors appointments!
We have been blessed with being able to do five roadtrips of 2 month each, been to every state & province and have a starbucks mug from each to prove it!
No more road trips, time for us to enjoy what we have!!
Take care my friend!
I have thoroughly enjoyed your wit and wisdom all these years and will miss you and your brilliant writing. Here’s to the last…and best…of the O.G. frugal writers. Enjoy your next chapter!
Best wishes to you. I’ve been here since your MSN Money days and you have been an inspiration to me.
I have enjoyed your writing for at least 15 years. I certainly understand your decision to stop and you deserve to! Won’t lie though, I will miss you. Take good care of yourself and I hope DH stays well too. Enjoy your retirement! Xoxo
Ah, sad to read this, but happy for you! I have enjoyed your writing for many years and have gleaned some great tips. You and Abby were a bright spot in what can be a gloomy world. Tell her I still think of her and hope she is doing well. Enjoy your days – find time to loaf a bit!
Donna, your witty, entertaining and helpful posts are appreciated and will be missed. It was always a treat to see your blog in my email, and your by line on someone else’s blog. I hope you, your DF and both your families enjoy many, many years of leisure in good health. You deserve it for how you have inspired and brightened your readers’ lives. God bless!!
Sorry to see this, but so happy for you. There is a time in life that we should be selfish and enjoy what we want, slow down and be purposeful about our joy. You will be missed!
Hi Donna,
I’m a Jersey girl who first found you in the MSN money days. I loved your tips, but most of all, your spirit and willingness to share the highs and the lows. Best of luck and health to you all!
i have been reading your column since your days at MSN Money. You will be so missed!! Best wishes to you and DF in retirement.
I’llnever forget all the support you gave me. Your message boards, support and valuable information are a big part of what helped me not give up back in 2010. Thank you once again.
You shared so much of real life. Thank you for that.
Hi Donna,
I will miss you, your writing has always been an inspiration to me! I remember during your MSN days when you wrote me back after I sent you a message. Thank you for being so kind to me and my kids. My youngest often asks me how you are doing. I wish you and DF the best of everything. Please thank Abby for me to, her book tremendously helped my kids navigate their financial life.
Thank you, Best Wishes, Much Love. Marcia
If I ever get back to Chicago, let’s have a hot dog.
Donna, I remember you from MSN Money days and followed your blog. It was always a highlight of my day when there was a new post. I think I had frugal blood early on in my life, but I must say following you and learning new ways to economize and implementing additional frugal living ideas allowed me to retire 2 years earlier than I planned. Please know you made a difference in my life. I am so grateful I was able to retire when I did. I also realized I was not getting younger, and hubby had some health concerns. I wish you good health and happiness to you and DF!
Donna,
Your posts over the years have been a joy and inspiration in so many ways. I’ll miss seeing new posts, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be revisiting old ones that will help remind me of possibilities. You have been an amazing teacher. Please take good care of yourself and DF. Rest and do those things that give you joy and energize your soul. I wish you all the best always. You carry with you good wishes from so many people.
I will miss you. I very much enjoy hearing about frugality, and I notice when the articles on Money Talks News are yours. We probably could be sisters. Bless you. Take good care of DF, and all that is important to you, and particularly, yourself.
I started following you on social media sometime around 2012. Always enjoyed your frugal tips and your willingness to be vulnerable in your posts. How ironic that I see this post while finally getting to visit Alaska for the first time. I always thought it would be fun to see the Bachelor Auction (I’m married, so can’t participate LOL). Best wishes to you and your family and best of luck in everything you do going forward!
Well, shoot — you’re in Alaska and I’m in Phoenix! How long will you be there, and is Anchorage on yoour itinerary?
Lol maybe our paths will cross one day. We are outside of Fairbanks. Sadly, no plans to see Anchorage this time but hopefully next time. Cheers and safe travels to you!
I’m going to miss your writing – I feel as though a long time friend is moving away and I’ll never hear from them again, and yet, I absolutely understand. I wish you the very best in retirement. I would like to make one very small request – maybe occasionally you could write a piece on “frugal tips in retirement”. Having retired several years ago I find myself viewing my finances from a totally different perspective. Again, congrats on your retirement, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself so busy you will wonder how you ever had time to write! Best wishes.
Not a bad idea. Let’s see if I can follow through!
Yes!, PLEASE.
And the yearly found money update.
Yes!
From one Jersey Girl to another it’s time for you to rock on. You’ve worked so hard and went through so much “stuff” that it’s time to slow down and retire. I hate that you were working in retail. Take in all of the goodness that surrounds you and bask in it.
Alison
P.S. Hubby and I (at least me) plan to leave nothing to the kids (34,, 32) Insert evil laughter. With ds and his family and my first grandchild/son we will be doing many trips to southeast Asia in our future.
As so many have said, I will miss you. But you have earned this, and I hope you are looking forward to it. I am 73, and by the end of this year, I will have completed the last of my outside obligations. Thank you for the years of good advice, and funny writing. Enjoy this phase of retirement.
Dear Donna,
I have been following you since 2010 when I was still chained to my desk at the Public Assistance office. I retired early—my mistake. I took a Federal job, but it was temporary.
I, too, attended my 50th and 55th H.S. Reunions. Many of my classmates had also passed. My brother died in 2016 without ever claiming SS. He died 5 days after his 66th birthday. Since then my husband has had health issues. We had to have a handicap ramp added to the house. If it were not for the generosity of his sister, he would have been imprisoned in our house for more than 3 months.
Don’t regret your choice. You can be selective about your freelancing and do mystery shopping or paid surveys for fun. Donna 2.0 can explore other ways to make a few extra bucks from home for Seniors like me.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. You won’t regret making this life choice. Now, go take a nap with DF and spend some quality time with him.
Gratefully yours,
Cindy Smith
Best of luck in your retirement. I’m happy for you. I will miss you though. I love to go back and read what’s available on MSNmoney of your writing and also go back to the available archives of this blog. It gives me a booster shot of frugality and humor. You truly have been such a positive force in my life. I’ve never met you but feel like you’re a good friend to me as indeed you have been through your thoughtful advice. Best to you, DF, Abby and your families.
Donna,
I was sad to see this, but happy that you are finally getting to do whatever you want, to be happy. You’ve earned this. I’ve followed you since your MSN days, and was always inspired by the way you made it through school on a shoestring. I’ve even gone back to old articles to show some of my younger relatives. Thank you for sharing your journey, achievements, family and friends and the wonderful little giveaways with all of us. Because you were “real” we could all relate to the life struggles and DF puns . Wishing you all the best with DF, your daughter, Linda and all of your family and friends.
Thank you for inviting us into your world. You are ours better.
Happy retirement!
I’m sad to see the blog set off into the sunset, but I am really happy for you. I hope that DF will be ok and that you can enjoy yourselves. I’m also sad that the timing did not line up for us to meet in NJ, but if you ever come back for a longer visit, let me know if you have time to meet up, I enjoyed the times that we did get to meet up
Immensely, and have always thought of you as “my friend in Alaska.” We are out in Oregon (where my oldest lives) right now, but I will try to email you some ideas for how to have fun in retirement after we get back home. Hoping for a fulfilling, frugal hackish and long retirement for you!
I can’t add anything new to what has already been said (Yes, I read all the comments!) except to add my “Amen” to them. I’ve always enjoyed your comments, thoughts and wisdom. Best of luck and if you get bored, I’m sure I’ll enjoy your next-last article.
Thank you for all the writing over the years, Donna, and for introducing my family to the comic strip Tundra.
I will also echo everyone else! I will miss your writing. I will always remember all I learned from you…. BUT you SO deserve to retire. Enjoy your time and you and DF take care of each other. Enjoy every bit of your retirement!!!!
Ann J
The irony that I swung by here today to see if there was any news of Abby’s blog being revived before pestering her. Obviously I’ll miss you here (miss you both!) but hope that you’ll have news to share now and again. Retirement seems to make folks busier than ever and I’ve no doubt you’re going to be enjoying so much of life. I hope that you finally get enough sleep with this step away. <3
Abby has closed the book on her blog, but I’m sure she’d be glad to hear from you for any other reason.
As of today I have six more days of work spread among the next 11 days. But who’s counting?
(Me. I am counting.)
Good luck and God bless, Donna! Thanks for your advice- I often quote you to my kids.
May the road rise.
Well earned, Donna! I’ll miss your keen and often side-splitting observations. I cherish the time I was able to meet you in person in Atl. Your ability to genuinely connect with your readers is truly a gift. Blessings for a happy, healthy, fruitful next chapter in your amazing and inspirational life.
I had a feeling this change was coming. Was ready to write and ask if things were OK. I understand, but will miss your writing, as I also miss Abby’s. So hard to find good writing anymore. Consider leaving the blog up, as maybe random thoughts will lead to irregular, random articles, and also allow us to review previous articles?
Best wishes for your retirement, DF’s retirement, and good health to both of you.
I still have not visited Alaska, but do add to my Alaska Fund monthly.
Definitely leaving the blog up. Thanks for sticking with me all these years.
I’m late to the discussion but I didn’t want you to exit without offering my gratitude. I also discovered you on MSN & am familiar enough with your topics by now that I am often able to identify an article as “Donna’s” just by the title. You have a real talent with the written word that relays ideas in often novel & easily understandable terms. Your impact has been great. I am a lucky 2x winner of your frequent “giveaways” – once for a necklace made by your friend & more recently for a Target GC. It was so thrilling to receive your personal emails & packages & those extra connections made you a very real person. I gathered from the comments that this is a common feeling among your readers. All the best to you & DF, as well as Abby. Would love to read any post you care to share in the future. You are amazing, Donna!
Best of luck and thank you for all of the posts you did….post, lol!