Celebrating Four Years Of Boomer & Echo

When I clicked ‘publish’ for the first time four years ago I never thought this blog would have grown into something life changing.  What started off as a mom and son blogging team trying to differentiate ourselves in the personal finance niche turned into so much more.

Our articles have been featured in the Globe and Mail, MoneySense, the National Post, and MSN Money.  We’ve been interviewed and quoted in numerous online and print magazines, and recognized as one of the best personal finance blogs in Canada.  I write a bi-weekly column in the Toronto Star.  All because of this blog.

Earlier this year, my mom and I started a fee only financial planning service dedicated to help people take control of their finances while steering clear of the type of commission-based advisors who are only looking out for the next sale.  It’s something we feel passionate about, and our clients appreciate the independent advice they receive.

This blog has exceeded our wildest expectations.  Nearly 6,000 subscribers tune in regularly to read what we have to write about personal finance and investing.  To date, we’ve had more than 2,500,000 page views.  That’s incredible!

Related: You can subscribe to our newsletter here.

Time to give back

We’d like to show our appreciation by giving something back to our readers.  Here’s what you can win:

Free financial planning consultation(s) – My mom and I are each offering one financial planning session to a lucky reader.

You’ll each get up to an hour long phone call to discuss your current financial situation and future goals, followed by a detailed plan that includes retirement projections and action steps you can take to improve your finances.

The Wealthy Barber Returns – One of my favourites, personal finance author and Dragons’ Den star David Chilton offers his thoughts on the current state of Canadian finances and what individuals can do to improve their lot.

The Behaviour Gap – The distance between what we should do and what we actually do is called the behaviour gap.  New York Times columnist and sketch artist Carl Richards explains how you can identify your personal behaviour gaps and make a plan to avoid them in the future.

Stocks for the Long Run – Jeremy Siegel’s definitive guide to financial market returns and long-term investment strategies.  Updated to include data and analysis from the financial crisis in 2008.

Clash of the Financial Pundits – How do you separate the news from the noise?  This book explains how the media influences your investment decisions, for better or worse.  Written by Josh Brown and Jeff Macke.

How to enter?

When did you start reading Boomer & Echo?  Leave a comment below and tell us how you discovered Boomer & Echo and when you first started reading our blog.

The contest will close Thursday August 14th at 5:00pm EST.  I will announce the winners in the Weekend Reading post on Friday.

Good luck, and thanks for your continued support!

102 Comments

  1. Angela on August 10, 2014 at 10:29 pm

    I started reading in 2011 when I was looking for more information on defined benefit pensions. You’re a daily read in my feed and I’ve been hooked since. Congrats on all your success and to many more!

  2. Hannah on August 10, 2014 at 11:40 pm

    I became interested in reading personal finance blogs mid-2011. I think it was a link from Million Dollar Journey that sent me to Boomer and Echo originally – love the mother/son combo as it broadens the generational voices in one blog stop. Happy 4 years!

  3. HMK on August 11, 2014 at 12:11 am

    As a recent grad who is starting to take control of his personal finances and plan for the future, I’ve found your blog to be an immensely helpful resource. I think I found it through a search for “best personal finance blogs Canada” or something and it hasn’t disappointed. Keep up the good work!

  4. My Own Advisor on August 11, 2014 at 4:31 am

    When did you start reading Boomer & Echo?

    Probably right after you hit “publish”.

    I thought the concept was cool, a mother-son blogging team. You and Marie have done some killer work here over the years and last year, it was a pleasure to meet you both.

    I wish you continued success in the years to come and of course, stay in touch.
    Mark

    • Echo on August 11, 2014 at 9:46 pm

      Hey Mark, I think you and Claire from Young & Thrifty were our first commenters back in the day. We can’t thank you enough for your continued support and it was awesome to get to meet you in T.O. last year.

      Keep up the great work on My Own Advisor!

  5. Evan on August 11, 2014 at 4:44 am

    Been subscribed to your articles since mid 2012 and enjoy them! They have helped me prioritize my money and saving habits. Keep it rolling!

  6. asiegle on August 11, 2014 at 4:48 am

    I believe I started reading your blog in 2013. I found the blog in searching for various financial topics. I’ve found so many of your topics of great interest to me. I love that you have started your fee only business – I’ve always struggled with the idea of commission based advisors. Looking forward to more great thoughts and suggestions.

  7. Bryan on August 11, 2014 at 5:01 am

    I started reading financial articles a number of years back as we were approaching our retirement date. More so to confirm our approach and plan as a second opinion. I started the search for this type of resource and found your web site through a simple Google search. From a faithful reader, happy 4th.

  8. Kat on August 11, 2014 at 5:02 am

    I started reading your blog in 2012. I believe it was a link from million dollar journey. I love the concept and my favourite posts are the weekend reads as they have introduced me to a world of personal finance blogs.

  9. petra on August 11, 2014 at 5:02 am

    I think I started reading about 2 years ago and stumbled upon your blog while reading other finance blogs I subscribe to. I enjoy your unique perspectives and recently have begun the search to move from a commission based service to a fee only advisor. Thank you for writing your blog. It is helping me learn as I try to deepen my knowledge of finance related topics.

  10. Mario on August 11, 2014 at 5:04 am

    I started reading your post around January 2013, just before the RRSP season, and since then I have been hooked on reading the blog, especially on retirement issues. Thanks for the outstanding work you are doing.

  11. Peter on August 11, 2014 at 5:05 am

    I began reading in 2012 after I had been made redundant following a restructure. I was taking my first steps into the world of retirement and having time to do so (obviously), I was interested in filling the gaps in my knowledge. While still learning, I have come a long way from where I started. Thanks.

  12. Blake Schmidt on August 11, 2014 at 5:21 am

    I started reading in 2011 when I was looking for more money info .

  13. Jill on August 11, 2014 at 5:25 am

    I can’t believe it has been four years. I started reading in 2011. I think I found you when I was doing an online search regarding financial advice for people approaching retirement. Your articles have always been informative and helpful. Keep up the great work.

  14. Liz on August 11, 2014 at 5:31 am

    I started reading in 2011 when I was looking for advice regarding my pension options and also looking for info on investing my severance package. I have shared your address and info with many young peope( nieces, nephews etc). Thanks for your newsletter.

  15. Crystal maclennan on August 11, 2014 at 5:34 am

    I started reading your blog about four years ago. I really enjoy it. I pass it on to my daughter hoping she will also benefit from it.

  16. Nelson on August 11, 2014 at 5:49 am

    I can’t remember when I started reading Boomer and Echo, but I do remember how I discovered it. Robb left a comment on my blog back when nobody left comments on my blog. And then I gave away a book and he won it. The end.

    Congrats on being wildly more successful than Financial Uproar. How much longer until you quit the day job and be a financial planner all day long? It can’t be long, right?

    • Echo on August 11, 2014 at 9:54 pm

      Hey Nelson, your blog is one of the best out there. And when I found out you were a fellow Albertan, well, I couldn’t resist trying to strike up a friendship. Who knew you’d end up moving to Korea?

      I would love to be a full-time financial planner and it is only a matter of time before that happens.

  17. Atticus on August 11, 2014 at 5:57 am

    Congratulations to both of you. You’ve come a long way. I commend you for your knowledge and the ability to impart it in an understandable way. That’s what makes a great blog!

    When did I first read Boomer & Echo? I can’t say for certain, but I’ve been reading it for at least two years.

    In future, I’d be interested in reading your suggestions about converting a portfolio into a retirement income stream.

    • nancy on August 11, 2014 at 6:06 am

      I stumbled on your blog 2 years ago, when I was researching CPP, & trying to decide whether to take it before age 65. Love it & read every article.

  18. christine on August 11, 2014 at 6:02 am

    I think I found your blog through a reference from Rob Carrick at the G&M. I probably started reading three years ago and have sent out a lot of links to kids and friends since that time. Thanks for the good work and interesting reading.

  19. Mike on August 11, 2014 at 6:16 am

    I started reading in mid 2011 when I was planning to retire. I did in March 2012 and have followed you ever since

  20. Gary on August 11, 2014 at 6:21 am

    I started reading only a short while ago – about 4 months. A person I follow on Linkedin posted one of your articles and then I subscribed

  21. Paula on August 11, 2014 at 6:35 am

    I have been reading your posts for at least a couple of years. I found you via a link on another web-site (I can’t remember which one). As a DIY investor for over thirty years I am always avidly reading and educating myself on money management. I find your blog a mine of trustworthy information. Currently, I am particularly interested in transitioning into retirement, annuities and RRIFs.

  22. Ginger on August 11, 2014 at 6:35 am

    I started reading your blog about 2 months ago. I love to read about finances and I would really love to win a free consultation. Great info!!

  23. Cathy on August 11, 2014 at 6:36 am

    Congratulations on your 4th year!
    I have been reading your blog for about a year. I can’t remember exactly where I read about you, but it was an article on great financial blog posts, and your ‘Boomer and Echo’ was listed. I have been reading and learning from you ever since.
    Thank you and please keep it up.

  24. Bellagio on August 11, 2014 at 6:39 am

    Congratulations! Excellent blog.

    I started reading in 2012 and now you are essential reading. think I heard about you in Money Sense. I have learnt a lot and profited from your very practical and realistic financial advice. Thank you.

  25. Joe the Pilot on August 11, 2014 at 6:45 am

    Hey Guys,

    Great work! To be honest I think I stumbled upon your blog by accident while I was reading another personal finance blog. Boomer and Echo quickly became one of my favourite bookmarks though and I visit the site regularly (as well as Robb’s other blogs). You’ve also helped inspire me to start creating a blog of my own (fitness).

    Keep up the great work.
    Take care
    Joe

    • Echo on August 11, 2014 at 9:56 pm

      Hey Joe, what’s the name of your fitness blog?

  26. Grant on August 11, 2014 at 6:46 am

    Excellent blog. I started following it about a year ago. To be honest I don’t remember how I found it – probably referenced in another blog. Keep it up, Rob.

  27. Mary Ann Marriott (aka Dr Debt) on August 11, 2014 at 6:47 am

    Congrats! I love reading and sharing your blogs 🙂

    I started following you about a year and half ago. I was looking for good no-nonsense articles to share with my clients, freids and followers and found your info to be a wonderful compliment.

    Thanks to you both!

  28. Patrick O'Malley on August 11, 2014 at 6:49 am

    I started reading Boomer and Echo I believe in 2011 when I read an Atticus in Moneysense magazine. I really enjoy the common sense you bring to finances and to life.
    Pat

  29. mmark on August 11, 2014 at 6:49 am

    Mazol Tov for reaching your milestone!

    I stummbled upon your blog about 2 years ago..and find the information “down-home country kitchen style”..kinda like the advise your grandmother would give to you…Keep up the great work and my the good lord bless you with many more years to come…

    • Echo on August 11, 2014 at 10:02 pm

      @mmark – Funny, that’s exactly how Nelson Smith described our blog during his presentation at the Canadian Personal Finance Bloggers Conference last year.

      I think he was being complimentary?

  30. Roadmap2Retire on August 11, 2014 at 6:53 am

    Congrats on the fourth anniversary, B&E. I started reading probably in 2011 – dont remember how I found the blog. But Ive been following along and your blog has been an inspiration for me to start my own blog.

    Keep it up. Heres to four more years 🙂

    R2R

  31. Lori on August 11, 2014 at 7:13 am

    Well done! Came across your blog from reading comments on another financial blog. Signed up for your email updates immediately and have absorbed all of the great information you’ve provided ever since. Have referred your blog many times to others.
    Thanks for all the info you provide.

  32. Benjamin on August 11, 2014 at 7:15 am

    I started reading your blog since 2011 when my friend recommended it. Ever since, I’ve become addicted. Your passion and enthusiasm trickled down to me and I started taking the course on ‘Retirement Planning’ from cifp.ca after reading your post in June regarding you writing the exam then. I decided to take the summer fastback and my exam is coming up this September, any pointers? Thanks for sharing your passion! Keep up the great work! =)

  33. Elaine on August 11, 2014 at 7:16 am

    I’ve been following you since 2012 and I can’t remember how I found your blog, but I’ve found it to be informative. Every morning, I look forward to reading it. Congratulations on your 4th anniversary!!

  34. Mary on August 11, 2014 at 7:29 am

    I was tired of being “taken in” by financial planners who only had their best interest at heart. As a single women I realized that I needed all the help I could find to make myself a savvy investor so I started researching everything and found your site. It has provided me with great insight since I first logged in in 2012. Keep up the good work, you are a great help to the novice investor.

  35. Gary on August 11, 2014 at 7:31 am

    wow!!! congratulations on 4 great years. i don’t remember when i started reading or how i found you two but your blog changed our lives. we had no financial direction, no plan and we had been retired for four years! your friday reading lists put us on to new bloggers and more information for which i thank you from the bottom of my heart. i wish you and marie nothing but good health and financial well being in whatever the future holds.

    • Echo on August 11, 2014 at 10:03 pm

      Thank you, Gary!

  36. Scott on August 11, 2014 at 7:33 am

    I have been reading for about a year and my wife and I have made some pretty significant changes in our financial situation since. I always thought of myself as “good” with money…but now I realize that being Good with money means always learning…Thanks Boomer and Echo…keep making me think!

  37. Merv on August 11, 2014 at 7:36 am

    A link from FU Financial Uproar.
    Easy to understand ,I am sure you will do well as a fee only.

  38. Donna Roth on August 11, 2014 at 8:05 am

    I pulled my financial head out of the sand in 2011 with your blog entries being some of my firsts. I love your real life, down to earth, jargon-less way of writing. I feel like I can trust what you have to say (unlike the banksters of our past), and always learn something of value. I read you daily with my morning coffee – please keep up your work, we Canadians can really use you both.

  39. Sandra Mercier on August 11, 2014 at 8:09 am

    wow, good idea. I didn’t know about that before. Thanks for your post!

  40. Steve B. on August 11, 2014 at 8:13 am

    I stumbled on your site & started reading in 2011. I appreciate your straight-forward, common sense approach (and especially the fact that you never try to predict the future).
    Thanks for your help – keep up the great work.
    Steve

  41. John on August 11, 2014 at 8:17 am

    I started reading your blog in 2011 through a link from another blogger (not sure which one at the moment). Congratulations and good luck in the next 4 years.

  42. Nicole on August 11, 2014 at 8:17 am

    I found your blog in 2012 while on mat leave during my late night feedings with my son. You made me research my current rrsp situation further, which in turn resulted in my new found love of indexes and dividends over the mutual funds I had been purchasing for years!

  43. Deen on August 11, 2014 at 8:19 am

    I have been following your writings since 2012 or so. Linked to your site through other financial blogs (I followed so many of them initially). Great financial resources for newbie like me. Great job and congratulations!

  44. Ashley on August 11, 2014 at 8:23 am

    I title my Financial Education websites “Finance Fun” because that’s what it is to me, a fun sideline pursuit of good finance education. I started reading about a year ago and your web site is at the top of my list. Sound, easy to understand advice for ALL Canadians. I’m guessing I found you through a web search but I just don’t recall anymore.

  45. Jesse on August 11, 2014 at 8:27 am

    My wife found your blog two years ago and started sending me a few posts. Now we both read regularly and you’ve made a positive impact on our financial situation!

  46. Christine on August 11, 2014 at 8:39 am

    I discovered your blog 2 years ago and read nearly every post.

    I appreciate your occasional sense of humor and the lack of finger- wagging blame for your own and our occasional mistakes is refreshing.
    I’m a boomer, too with four young echos.
    I love the fact that this boomer mother and her son were so willing to share their common sense insight and practical knowledge of financial mattters with us.

    I gained much of my financial and investment insight from my father, who is now 96. I hope to pass on to my kids whatever I pick up through experience and sources like your blog.
    Thank you!

  47. HP on August 11, 2014 at 8:45 am

    Congrats on the milestone!
    I’ve been reading for about the past few years and look forward to reading useful tips and insights every time you post an article.

    Keep up the great work!

  48. Janet on August 11, 2014 at 8:53 am

    I started reading your blog when someone shared an article with me in 2013 (“35 ways to know you are frugal” I believe was the name of the article). It reminded us of growing up in the 60’s and 70’sand how some old habits stick around.
    I have been reading and sharing your insights ever since. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It had made a difference in this corner of the world. 🙂

  49. aB on August 11, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Found your blog March 2013, when I started to do get my financial life in order. Had a minor life crisis, after getting married and having my first child, thinking about retiring. Read a lot of PF blogs, yours being one of them.
    Could not decide between dividend investing or ETF/index, so ended up doing both (ETF in registered, div in non-reg).

    Thank you for your insights, and Congratulations on reaching 4 years. I hope for many more.

  50. Lindsay on August 11, 2014 at 9:23 am

    I honestly can’t remember how I found your blog, but I’m so glad I did. Congratulations on all your success!

  51. Kitstownie on August 11, 2014 at 9:26 am

    Congratulations!p and continued success!

    I found your blog 3 for 4 years ago when I was about to sell my business and take early retirement. It was definitely time to take better control of my finances and maximize the potential of my savings! With no pension, other than my RRSP, I had to take financial planning seriously…

    Thanks for all your amazing advice…I look forward to your email blog every week!

  52. Roy Asselstine on August 11, 2014 at 9:27 am

    Found you blog in Moneysense and first looked on your site in 2013. Great blog very informative and down to earth. Keep up the good work!!!
    Roy

  53. Brian on August 11, 2014 at 9:33 am

    As i approached retirement in 2011 I was looking for resources to help in the transition and came upon your blog through a link from another financial advice site(can’t remember which one). Many of your topics are relevant to my personal situation and those that are focused more on the younger generation, I pass on to my 4 adult children. They are all successful in their own right as they were taught financial fundamentals from the time they started asking for grapes in the middle of January when they were $4.99/lb. What was missing was the whole investment strategy side which you have eloquently provided some insight on. Its good for them to hear the same fundamental advice from a source other than their dad. Keep up the good work and know that your message reached far beyond those that officially subscribe to your blog.

  54. Minorzwarpath on August 11, 2014 at 10:01 am

    Started reading upon hearing about your “new” site from another Canadian blog (don’t remember which one), so have been around since the start. I liked it because you offer viewpoints from 2 different generations and are similar in age and location to me, so figured I was more likely to relate to your posts. It influenced me to finally get off my butt and shell out for fee-only financial advice in 2012. Unfortunately, I was less than impressed in the final outcome from a Calgary based advisor, and didn’t find much value in it relative to what I paid. I’d like to go through the process again someday but can’t convince myself to pay the fee again so soon afterwards. Appreciate the advice and links that your blog offers in the meantime.

    • Echo on August 11, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      Sorry to hear about your bad experience with a fee-only planner in Calgary. If you’re ever inclined, hit one of us up in our contact page and we’d be happy to chat with you about your current situation and future goals.

  55. Irene S on August 11, 2014 at 10:11 am

    I subscribed about 1 year ago when I started looking for articles on retirement planning. I dfound it through some other blogs. I found all of your articles and advice very interesting and useful and continue to do so. Congratulations on the anniversay! I wish you many more years of success.

  56. Steve on August 11, 2014 at 10:19 am

    Rock on Boomer & Echo! Love reading your blog! I think I found you guys through a Globe and Mail article back in the day.

  57. Tricia Willis on August 11, 2014 at 10:25 am

    I discovered your blog about a year, and I just love it. I found you through a link somewhere or maybe a reference in the Globe and Mail. I like your own homespun stories and advice; I follow your links to other writers; I bookmark articles I’m going to want to revisit; and most of all, I get a sense of validation for my own frugalness and money sense.

  58. Jimmy F. on August 11, 2014 at 10:28 am

    Congratulations! Thanks for all the great material. Found out about this website from the Toronto Star reading Robb’s articles(I believe the section was called Moneyville back then).

  59. Bernie on August 11, 2014 at 10:32 am

    Your blog was recommended on a financial advice article online about a year ago. I think I have read everything you have posted since then… Including the comments too! It’s been really encouraging.

  60. Leila on August 11, 2014 at 11:18 am

    I found out about boomer and echo website about 2 years ago when I was searching for investment and financial reviews and advise. I subscribed to your site and love the weekly articles and I actually apply or follow some of your tips as a person without finance background.

  61. Wendy on August 11, 2014 at 11:29 am

    I happened on your newsletter around late 2011 or early 2012 and you have helped me take a look at my long term financial state as I am close to retirement. I also pass along some to the kids, now around age 30. Thanks very much, Wendy

  62. Stephen @ How To Save Money on August 11, 2014 at 11:35 am

    We started blogging pretty much around the same time. I pressed publish for the first time in August 2010 I believe but I had been planning, researching, and writing some articles well before that.

    I was an avid MDJ reader at the time as well so I probably first came into contact with you through a comment left there or a link up. It was great meeting you at CPFC13 and I hope we get to cross paths more in the future.

    You and your mother have done some great work. Keep it up!

    • Echo on August 11, 2014 at 10:16 pm

      Thanks Stephen! Yes, we had written and researched a few articles before I hit ‘publish’ but it probably took me a while to figure out how to actually start a blog.

      It was great to meet up with you as well and I really enjoy the depth of the articles on your blog. Keep up the great work!

  63. Matt on August 11, 2014 at 11:39 am

    I have been following your blog since Summer 2013, when a friend recommended it to me. As a new grad from University, I find this blog provides excellent advice to help me start my financial journey on the right foot! Thanks for all the time you put in!

  64. Tawcan on August 11, 2014 at 11:41 am

    I started reading in early 2012 and your blog has inspired me to start my own blog. I just reading “Stocks for the Long Run” and so far I really like the book so far.

  65. Dividends on the Prairie on August 11, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    I’ve been following your blog since the Spring of 2013 when my husband and I finally decided on a DIY approach for our investments. I believe I came across it somewhere on Million Dollar Journey blog. Continue the great work!

  66. OneTrueKinsman on August 11, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    I started reading Boomer and Echo about 6 months ago, when I finally decided enough is enough and started getting our finances under control. The first article I read was “Our $35,000 Basement Renovation: Why We Paid Someone Else To Do It”, since it was our $50,000 kitchen reno that got us to where we are today. 🙁

    Keep up the good work Marie and Robb! I look forward to your articles every week. 🙂

    Tom

    • Echo on August 11, 2014 at 10:19 pm

      Hey Tom, thanks for your comment. I hate to admit it, but we’re still not finished with that basement reno. Our contractor has really been dragging his feet and we’ve still got a ways to go before it’s finished. Thankfully, it hasn’t cost us any more to wait.

  67. Kate on August 11, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    I am a deer frozen in the headlights with this financial stuff. Finally starting to figure out with “retirement planning” issue drawing nigh. Found you by accident. Long live accidents I say. K

  68. Alex on August 11, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    Just started reading Boomer and Echo TODAY!! Must admit I am hooked, looks like I shall be online for some time this evening 😛

  69. Carol on August 11, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    Congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog for over one year and when I get home from work yours is the first I read out of the 30+ emails I receive daily. I stumbled on it when I was looking for info on CPP, mortgage and being prepared financially for retirement. Love all the info and have improved my situation since reading. Will continue to do so even after the big event. Thanks for everything.
    Carol

  70. Renate on August 11, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    Cant say how long but do like to read your blog! Thank you for all the information you have shared.

  71. Helen Hercun on August 11, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    It must be well over a year now. To be honest can’t recalll how but I do know that the articles are very informative and short and to the point. With life being so busy can always find the few minutes it takes to read and have found the posts to help build my knowledge tremendously. Keep up the great work!

  72. Elizabeth on August 11, 2014 at 5:07 pm

    I discovered you about a year in — and through Twitter! I rely on my trusty RSS reader to keep tabs on what you post, but Twitter has been a great way to share. I’ve found posts on investing and investment vehicles to be very useful!

    Congrats and keep up the good work!

  73. Julie on August 11, 2014 at 6:11 pm

    I discovered your blog through MoneySense magazine and have been a faithful reader since August 2010. I have learned so much from your blog! Among your other helpful tips, my husband and I are striving to pay off our mortgage by the time we are in our early 40s:)

  74. Sandra on August 11, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    I started reading this blog about 8 months ago. I really enjoy it. Lots of good information!

  75. Rob on August 11, 2014 at 8:32 pm

    I started reading 2 years ago and you guys have changed my personal finances and outlook on life! Keep up the good work!!

  76. Marko on August 11, 2014 at 8:48 pm

    Been a subscriber for a few years now. I’m an echo of the same age. Boom bust echo was one of my fave books and has informed much of my investing. I may have found the blog by searching for this online. Regards!

  77. KC on August 11, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    I believe I’ve started reading it in early 2012 and it was through Canadian Money Forum. I saw the link in the signature and I was hooked every since.

    Congratulations on your milestone!

  78. Echo on August 11, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    Blown away by the amazing comment left here today! Thank you so much for your support, reading and sharing our posts with your friends and family. It means a lot to us and keeps up motivated to continue blogging here every week.

  79. Carlos on August 11, 2014 at 10:35 pm

    Congratulations…excellent blog. I started reading your blog last year when I was trying to select the best credit card.. I found your post and since then I read your blog every week

    • Harry on August 12, 2014 at 12:35 am

      Not generally one to comment but hey…Congrats to both of you!!! After the March 2009 low point your blog was integral in my becoming a DIY investor. I then began my search for unbiased investing info and sometime in late 2010 I came across your blog, quite pertinent to my journey it became a staple of my DIY education. Best blog out there. I recommend to it to many. Keep them coming!!

  80. Erin D on August 12, 2014 at 12:24 am

    I have been saving my favorite posts from Boomer and Echo in a folder since early 2013. I do not remember how I found you but glad I did 🙂

  81. Bill on August 12, 2014 at 6:52 am

    Discovered your blog by accident in 2012 and have found it invaluable ever since. I have referred several of your articles to my financial adviser which she also found enlightening. Keep up the good work.

  82. Andrew on August 12, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    Hi Robb,

    I started reading the blog in December 2013, which is about the time when I really started to take an interest in investing after I finished my university education. I stumbled onto this blog via another personal finance blog and I’ve since bookmarked the website and remain a regular reader.

    Congratulations on the four-year anniversary and best of luck going forward!

    Andrew

  83. NelsonG on August 12, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    Found your blog through a link on Million Dollar Journey middle of this year. It’s very informative and entertaining. I was most excited to learn that you’re offering fee-only advice. But my problem was whether to contact Marie or Robb. I gave myself a month to decide whether I want a “motherly” advice or a “friendly” advice. Thinking about it brings back memories of my mom “scolding” me for not saving for a rainy day. But I’m just being silly. I’m sure both Marie and Robb will give the same sound advice. Although they say, Mother knows best. 🙂

    The best part about this is that in so short a time that I started reading your blog, it has changed my life. So keep up the good work. Happy Fourth Anniversary!

  84. StephenE on August 12, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    I only very recently discovered the blog while looking at the directory of fee-only planners on moneysense.ca. It looks like I have a lot of catching-up to do on the wealth of great information on this site.

  85. Lynda long on August 12, 2014 at 11:21 pm

    I started searching for investment and retirement advice three years ago. I always read your entire newsletter, which is always informative. Thank you

  86. Nancy on August 13, 2014 at 5:42 am

    I am a recent subscriber to your blog and have found it very enlightening. I have read the Canadian Couch Potato for years now and suspect it was from a link there or a MoneySense link that was lucky enough to take me to your blog. I am particularly interested in your retirement articles as I am looking for ways to withdraw from my RRSP most efficiently. I am a recent convert to DIY investing but would love to work with a fee only advisor – unfortunately they seem to be very hard to find in my area. Congratualtions on your four years of blogging – I must have a lot of back articles to catch up on.

  87. Potato on August 13, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    At first I was all like “I’ve read many of those and don’t need financial consulting, I won’t comment and take up a slot in the giveaway.” But then I was all like “but there are books I haven’t read there, and ones I’ve read but given away and should probably have in my library!”

    Anyway.

    I’ve been around, I dunno, forever? The hows of discovery have been lost to the sands of time, so I’ll just guess that it was probably a roundup post by CC (back when he was still blogging) or Michael James.

  88. Dave D on August 13, 2014 at 10:29 pm

    Congrats on your 4 year milestone. I was recently away from work on a medical leave spending much of my free time reading financial websites and came across your blog, I think in a G&M article and have been reading and enjoying your blog since then.

  89. Marilyn on August 14, 2014 at 1:22 am

    Congratulations on the journey since your first post! I’ve been reading since 2012 and love the range of topics you cover, especially the variety on Fridays. My husband is the exact opposite and doesn’t read about finance at all. Since it’s always news to him, the poor guy hears what “Boomer and Echo” have to say at least once a week over dinner.

  90. canadianbudgetbinder on August 16, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    Congratulations on 4 successful years blogging in the Personal Finance world. I found your blog back when I started blogging a few years ago now. It’s always nice to connect with other Canadian bloggers. Here’s to many more years of success to you both! MR.CBB

  91. mike on August 18, 2014 at 3:13 pm

    can’t remember – either moneysense or globe (Rob Carrick maybe), but have been reading for several years and love your stuff. very helpful

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