D. Ninja is an up and coming PF blogger who has made a fan out of me and many others in a short amount of time (4+ months I believe…)
His blog is called: Punch Debt in the Face (catchy huh?) and instead of being kind of dry and boring, his writing is fresh and the personalized images at the top of each post are a great touch.
What’s behind your blog name and what made you want to start blogging?
I started blogging with a different domain and was never stoked on it (OneChanceToLive.com). When I decided I really wanted to pursue blogging I knew I would have to get a more exciting url.I was driving one day and thinking of fun names when Punch Debt In The Face came in to my mind. It was a gift from God and I literally laughed out loud (even though I was by myself). It was love at first thought. As far as why I got in to blogging… a lot of people suck at managing their finances so I wanted to do my part in helping them suck less.
What do you do for a living and how did you come about that career?
I have been intentionally ambiguous about my job because I work for the Federal Government as a Special Agent conducting investigations.I can’t really say more about it, besides I love my job and it helps protect the United States.
I got my degree in Psychology so I guess it kind of relates to my career. I started fresh out of college (was really lucky) and have been doing it for about 2 years now. I do my part to make sure your tax dollars are being put to good use.
Pick 4 dishes you could eat for the rest of your life
This is kind of pathetic, but I really only eat about 4 dishes anyway.
I make…
Why is personal finance such an important subject for you?
I am obsessed with personal finance because I am young dude, 23, and know that if I bust my butt now it’s going to pay off huge in the long run. I don’t want to look back 20 years from now and say “I knew I should have contributed to a Roth IRA earlier.”
Name your 3 best buys/investments, and why do you consider them so?
1) College degreeAlthough, I don’t think a degree guarantees higher income, I know my degree is the only reason I landed the job I did. It was one hell of an investment, total cost over $100K (of which I have $22K in loans) so it darn well better help me out.
2) My dead grandma’s minivan (R.I.P.).When my g-ma passed away in 2005, she left behind a minivan with a $1,700 bank note.
I paid off the loan and drove the minivan during my junior year of college (true soccer mom style). A year later I posted the van on craigslist and sold it for $5,000. I don’t think I will ever see such a sweet return on investment again.
3) My Roth IRA.I freakin’ love the thing. I invest in three different Vanguard Funds. I am in a relatively low tax bracket now, so contributing to them while I’m young is going to pay off big when I am old and wrinkly. I’m planning on having at least $6MM waiting for me
What are the 3 worst financial mistakes a person can make?
1) Never learning about finances.The word “finance” intimidates people and they don’t want to deal with it.
They don’t realize managing money can be simple, effective, and kinda fun.
I think that is why we are in the PF blogging game, trying to spread the financial gospel.
2) Living outside of their means.
If people spend more than they make they are by definition going in to debt.
If you haven’t figured out by the title of my website, I hate debt.
3) Wait until later.
If compound interest were a woman, I would put a ring on her finger and get to baby making.
The sooner you get your financial act together the better off the rest of your life will be.
What are your top 5 recommendations for people who are starting to get into personal finance?
1) Read/Subscribe to my blog
2) Read/Subscribe to Fabulously Broke’s blog
FB: LOL! I actually snorted .. Loudly….when I was preparing this post.3) Implement what you read in to your life
4) Consider starting your own PF blog (Blogger, WordPress, Other)
5) Read my blog
What’s are 4 top things/services you refuse to cheap out on?
1) Airfare.I frequently fly to Seattle (from San Diego) to visit my family and friends. I flew Southwest airlines once and wasn’t too pleased with the experience.
I pretty much only fly Alaska Airlines now even though it is usually more expensive. More leg room and better flight options in my opinion.
2) Sporting Goods.
I am an avid tennis player and one time I bought a cheap racquet thinking it was the financially savvy thing to do.
The racquet broke the first day I played with it.
I was able to return it and I ended up buying a racquet 2.5 times the cost, but it has lasted me over 2 years now.
3) Insurance.
Everyone needs to be insured. I pay for the most expensive health insurance I can afford because I want the best quality care when the time comes to use it.
I have seen to many people screwed over by crappy health insurance policies.
4) Car Maintenance.
I always take my vehicle to the dealership to get fixed. I know this is a more expensive option, but they provide excellent and quick service at a reasonable price.
I pay $25 for an oil change (which includes a car wash). I have gotten my oil changed elsewhere for cheaper, but they always try and convince me my air filter, transmission fluid, flux capacitor and other parts need fixing when they really don’t.
What’s on your “Must-Buy” list right now?
1) A house.If you can afford a home it is an epic time to buy.
Unfortunately, I am about two years away from that so I will be a good patient boy and wait.
2) The song “Your a Jerk” by the New Boyz.
It is a ridiculous rap song that makes me remember that America is great because people can become famous overnight by putting together a couple sentences that rhyme.
3) The stock market.
Like a house, it is a great time to buy.
Companies are on sale and great deals can be found all over the place.
Do I know that the stock market is going to fully recover? No, but I’m willing to bet about $15K a year it’s going to.
4) The Iphone.
I know it’s not for everyone and the monthly plans are pretty expensive.
But it really is freaking awesome and totally makes my life easier.
FB: Sorry, I’m a Palm Pre kind of girl!!!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years financially?
In five years I will probably be a homeowner, hopefully with a positive net worth.I won’t have any debt (except my mortgage). I’ll have at least 6 months of cash in an Emergency Fund.
I want to be making enough money so my wife can stay at home if she wants. Other than that I don’t really care if my bank account reads $10K or $10MM.
What have you achieved so far (financially) that makes you the proudest?
Became worth something.
Upon college graduation in 2007, I was worth a whopping negative $28K. Two years later, I have paid down my loan and saved up a decent chunk of change.
As of July, my net worth is a little over $10k. That’s almost a $40K swing. Hell to the Yeah!
You are on an evacuation drill. You can only take 5 times with you. Name them. No personal genies allowed.
1) My roommate.I think he would be pretty pissed if I didn’t rescue him from our burning apartment.
2) My laptop.
My entire life (spreadsheets, pictures, music, contacts, etc) is on my computer so there is no way I’m letting my Mac be sacrificed.
3) My razor.
I have never grown facial hair (it makes me feel old). So I would be absolutely miserable not being able to shave.
4) My Bible.
Yes it may be cliche. Yes some may think it is a piece of fiction. But it’s a life changing story that I wouldn’t be able to live with out. Shout out to my boy God.
5) My body pillow.
I kind of have an awkward crush on my body pillow. I cuddle with the thing every night. I pretty much need it to fall asleep and would be devastated without it.
FB: Like a maternity pillow?
Just kidding. I can’t sleep without a body pillow either.
THE END
Thanks Ms. Fab for taking the time to get to know me a little better and sharing me with your readers.
If after this interview you think I’m a major douchebag, that’s okay, don’t let me ruin personal finance for you. There are plenty of other legitimate bloggers out there who can help ya out tons!
Now let’s all go punch debt in it’s face*!
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