Here is your Personal Finance Blog primer. After spending nearly six years in this community and [generally] liking the movement, things definitely aren& #39;t *ALWAYS* as they seem.

First, take nothing you read on blogs at face value.

/thread - continued https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👇" title="Rückhand Zeigefinger nach unten" aria-label="Emoji: Rückhand Zeigefinger nach unten">

You don& #39;t know the blogger, nor their background, nor anything about them. Some just peddle Bluehost and Personal Capital affiliate programs and call it a day.

With few exceptions, very little value in those blogs.

Never take numbers that you read seriously. Those "We paid off $250 million in debt in 20 days" posts are often clickbait and flat bullshit.

Don& #39;t compare your situation to numbers that you read online. They may not be real, or there might be a LOT they aren& #39;t divulging.

Financial bloggers are not trained financial planners, and all advice needs to be taken with a grain of salt. You& #39;ll find high-level platitudes and generalized advice, but nothing with YOU in mind. They don& #39;t know you.

Don& #39;t make huge $ decisions based on what you read.

Instead, try to take a step back, ignore the details that you cannot verify, and take in the higher-level picture and apply it to your life. Remember that just because it worked for them doesn& #39;t necessarily mean it will work for you.

Try and see, but don& #39;t assume victory.

Lastly, relentlessly support #bloggers whom you know to be genuine, honest and determined. Comment. Follow them on Twitter. Don& #39;t just read.

Engage with those whom you love the most. Show them your support.