Two more kids have entered the Queercents sandbox. Isn’t this fun?

Jan HansethJan Hanseth is a freelance web developer, a student of massage therapy, a belly dancer, and an amateur chef. As she enters her thirties, she is moving away from corporate IT, and is finding herself in the middle of a major career and lifestyle change.

She lives with her partner in Portland, Maine. In her spare time, which is pretty hard to come by these days, she likes to knit and crochet, and watch stupid television. She also enjoys long walks on the beach. (Really. There’s a nice beach very close to her apartment.) Jan will be posting on Wednesdays. Learn more about her by clicking here.

Mike BodeMike Bode moved to Atlanta in 1998 after graduating Indiana University with a degree in sociology. When there were no sociology jobs waiting for him, he spent two years being mostly unemployed. He was a self-described ‘œspend-a-holic’ burning through a modest inheritance and running up debt on credit cards.

Finally in 2000, completely broke with no savings, he realized it was time to get serious about his finances and his future. He took an entry-level job as a customer service representative learning everything from computer repair to SQL in his spare time. The job was meant to cover the bills temporarily while he figured out what to do with his life.

He still doesn’t have the answer, but that job led to a successful career with several promotions. Most recently he fills the position of research analyst where he comes up with new and creative ways for his company to cut costs.

His personal motto when it comes to spending is ‘œMoney can’t buy you happiness, but poverty will almost guarantee misery.’ Mike defines himself as a minimalist and simple living enthusiast who tempers the occasional splurge with disciplined saving. Mike will be posting on Thursdays. Learn more about him by clicking here.