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I had been part of the online frugality movement for a few years before I ever encountered peer to peer lending. I was one of those guys who was thrilled by blogs that taught ways to create a budget, maximize in-store coupons, and get free flights with flier miles. Interestingly, within that entire scene, there really was not a frugal approach to investing. Those same people who taught me the importance of tracking my expenses down to the penny and establishing an emergency fund would then turn around and invest their 401k with Merrill Lynch.

Nothing against the major investment firms, but I was certain I could do better. Their hands-off approach to investing was what I was trying to avoid! Frugality, in contrast, had taught me how to make my finances a more involved process that valued study and patience. Surely there were investing avenues along a similar line. Continue reading →