It’s hard for me to believe, but today my blog is 10 years old. Yep. Way back on December 11, 2008, yours truly decided to kick off his newfound writing hobby with this modest little entry. At the time, I never dreamed that Len Penzo dot Com would be around a decade later — but here it is, still very much alive and kicking!
Last month Len Penzo dot Com also reached another milestone: 10 million page views!
If you would have told me ten years ago that one day this site would tally 10 million page views, I wouldn’t have believed it — especially when this blog was just getting started. In fact, Len Penzo dot Com attracted just 72 visitors in its first month. I know. And although I can’t prove it, I’m pretty sure that all 72 of them attended my wedding.
Over the past decade, Len Penzo dot Com has published just under 2000 articles — the most popular of which you can find in the side bar on the far right-hand side of this page.
Then again, I can’t take credit for writing every article on this blog; a very BIG thank you is in order for some really talented people who have shared their personal posts here over the years — both young and old — including my dear Aunt Doris, a nonagenarian who shared her wit and sense of humor in more than a dozen terrific contributions to this blog before passing away in 2015. Oh, how I miss her!
My daughter, Nina, has also written more than a few articles for me over the years, including this piece on saving money that she wrote when she was just 12 years old. The article was promptly picked up by MSN — which I can only assume makes her one of the youngest writers to ever have an article featured on MSN’s home page.
Of course, for the past couple of years, Len Penzo dot Com continues to be graced with the always-entertaining musings and observations of octogenarian RD Blakeslee in his biweekly “Grandfather Says” series.
I’m also thankful to have had more than a few awesome contributions submitted by this blog’s loyal readership. Some of your guest posts have been truly inspirational. For example, there was Gayle Tate’s uplifting story of how he escaped from the depths of poverty, Leasi’s first-person account of how she survived Brazil’s hyperinflation crisis, and all of the fantastic reader testimonials detailing how they live on less than $40,000 per year.
I’ve published some truly heart-breaking stories from you too. Like the one from Spedie, a long-time Len Penzo dot Com reader whose husband skipped town — but not before cleaning out her bank accounts of more than $50,000, and leaving her flat broke in the process.
Finally, I want to thank all of you for dropping by and checking out what I’ve had to say and share here during the past ten years. Hopefully, you’ll continue to visit Len Penzo dot Com every once in awhile to see what’s going on here.
I also want to give a special shout out to everyone who has taken the time to leave a comment or two along the way, whether you’ve agreed or disagreed with what has been written here — by me or any other writer. After all, your comments are the lifeblood of any blog — without them, this place wouldn’t be the same.
Photo Credit: DadCooksDinner.com
Congratulations, Len!
This is easily my favorite personal finance blog. I’m entertained on an almost daily basis by the articles – sometimes I’m even informed by them.
Most importantly, If Len Penzo Dot Com didn’t exist, I would have no reasonable way of knowing the cost comparison of the sandwiches that I pack for lunch.
Thanks for everything, Len! You and the contributors do a great job, and I, for one, appreciate it.
Congratulations Len! I believe a lot of your success comes from tapping a unique niche in the very crowded personal finance blogging realm. Oh sure, you have the basic personal finance stuff everybody else covers, but you are one of the few (actually the only one I am aware of) who truly understands macroeconomics at a very complex level and the relationships and impacts of the monetary system on personal finances. Keep it up!
Happy blogaversary Len! I’ve only been following you for a year but I’ve learned a lot!
10,000,000 is a lot of page views. You know I enjoy your blog, Len. Looks like a lot of others do too!
If it hadn’t been for Len, my “musings” (mussings?) would never have been written! So I thank you, Len.
My family thanks you, too – now, some of their heritage will not die with me.
The weekend Black Coffees are the best. Congrats, Len.
Ditto!
First time commenter, but long time reader. Congratulations. I also never miss your Black Coffee articles. I’ll go back in my shell now.
Happy anniversary, Len. My favorite stories are your family taste tests. That’s what originally drew me here.
Congratulations, Len!
Congratulations, Dad (Grandfather)! 🙂
Oops, that weird stuff was supposed to be a smiley face. Oh well.
Another Black Coffee fan here. Congrats, Len. 🙂
Happy anniversary!
Your one of my “go to” PF blogs. Here’s to 10 more years!
Len,
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!
Sara
Great blog, Len. Been a reader for about 4 years. Happy blog b-day and many more.
Congrats!
You da man, Len! Congratulations!
Thank you everyone for the well wishes …and thank you for being loyal readers!!!!
Len, I found your blog when a friend sent me one of your black coffes thru Facebook. I’ve been coming back ever since. Just wanted to say “thank you” for taking the time to share your perspective with us every week. I don’t agree with everything you say (most but not all) but you clearly have a lot of knowledge on how the money system works and you do a really good job explaining it.
Congrats, Len. The blog is awesome.
And, thank you for exposing some of my writing to your readers in the past with your very gracious shares. I am very appreciative.
Happy anniversary!
Love your blog, Len! I’m a regular black coffee guy too. No decaf for me.
Len, congratulations! It was my pleasure ( and honor) to participate with my article in your success.
I am a faithful reader. Lets hope for more many years of good advice and good stories.
Thank you for your good work.
Congratulations! I’m happy to say I knew you when. 🙂
Congratulations!
You’ve reached to that milestone. It is very inspiring to perhaps several people and I’m one of those dreaming to reach that milestone too.
Thank you for making me get inspired.
I have to continue my journey on blogging.