About

The Dough Roller is a blog about money. How to make it, give it, save it, and spend it in a way that moves us closer to financial independence.

At the DR, we discuss everything from asset allocation to zero coupon bonds, from savings yields to real estate investing, and from raising financially fit kids to raising financially fit parents (yes, even our parents need raising now and again–at least mine do). Your comments are what make this blog interesting and are welcomed, encouraged and greatly appreciated.

About the DR’s author

I am a “young” baby boomer, married (for nearly 20 years, and yes, to the same woman) with two school-aged children. I worry about many of the same things you do (or will, or did) worry about–raising teenagers, retirement, education costs, housing, investments, and raising teenagers (yes, I know I listed it twice. If you’ve raised teenagers, you understand). I am not a financial advisor and don’t pretend to be. I’ve invested in the stock market for about 15 years and in residential real estate for two. During this time, I’ve made good and bad decisions and write about both on the DR.

I grew up in a middle class home. My parents lived from paycheck to paycheck, and for years we lived in fear of losing our home due to some poor financial decisions. Although I was never taught or encouraged to save or invest, I do believe one positive outcome of these childhood fears is the desire I have today to make sound financial decisions. But it wasn’t always that way. From high school through college, I spent every dime I made, and then some. When I graduated from college, my net worth was about (-$55,000). Shortly after college, something in me changed (I’m still not sure what), and I began to save. Not much at first, but as my investments grew, my desire to save more grew as well. While I’ve not achieved financial independence, I’m on my way. The DR is about that journey, a journey I hope you take for yourself.

You can read more about me in the article, What A Financially Painful Childhood Can Teach You About Money.