In the 21st episode of the MoneySaver Podcast, we chat with Robb Engen, blogger, journalist and consumer advocate. We talk about how he (along with his mother) co-founded the long-standing blog Boomer and Echo, how he came to be a consumer advocate, how he hopes to reach financial independence by age 45 and he gives his best three financial tips.
Questions Asked:
1:04 You’ve been blogging since 2010. Can you tell us a little bit of the evolution of your blog Boomer and Echo? Boomer being your mom and you, Echo.
3:26 How widely read is your blog Boomer and Echo?
4:04 Are you still on track for Freedom 45? Or retirement at age 45?
4:53 Is your wife still home with the kids or do you have another income as well?
5:20 I’ve always admired your ability to manage a full time job and your online presence.
6:18 How many blog posts to write on a weekly basis?
6:48 I found this fascinating article about how you turned the blog into a profitable business. Tell us a little more about this.
8:43 What are the main qualities needed to begin blogging as a side-hustle?
10:30 You and I have collaborated on consumer issues before. What makes you a consumer advocate?
13:43 You decided to start a financial planning practice but without conflicts.
14:50 Can you tell us more about the article that you wrote for The Toronto Star entitled How to make your own financial plan in Eight Easy Steps.
16:38 Tell me a little more about the eight steps that you identify in the article with the first step step being identify your goals.
19:32 You’ve identified your goal. What are the next steps when you’re creating your financial plan?
22:00 At what point does investing come into play? Do you begin allocating money towards investments or do you pay off debt first? Or do you do both simultaneously?
24:19 When does creating an investment policy come into play?
28:31 One of the articles that you’re quite well known for was when you changed your investing style. Are you still following this investing style?
31:15 Now you wouldn’t recommend this to everyone right? Is there a reason why you don’t have any bonds or fixed income?
33:14 We ask all of our guest for their best three tips for retirement or how to start getting that financial plan in place.
