For years, Money Diaries has been one of those rare online features that sparks curiosity, relatability, and sometimes controversy — all in a single post. Readers have followed strangers’ week-long spending habits with eagle eyes, searching for hidden gems, budgeting tips, or just the juicy details of someone else’s Uber Eats habit. But how exactly does this beloved series come together? Who’s behind it, and how do the editors decide which stories make the cut?
Recently, the Money Diaries team decided to open up the floor for a little transparency. They invited readers to send in their burning questions and answered them in a refreshingly candid AMA (Ask Me Anything). From editorial choices to community dynamics, here’s a deeper look into the diary-verse you thought you already knew.
Are the Diarists Real People?
Let’s get this out of the way: yes, all Money Diarists are real people. The editorial team goes through a verification process to ensure that the person submitting the diary is exactly who they claim to be. In a world of digital personas and AI-generated everything, that’s more comforting than you’d think.
Why Do Some Diaries Contain Grammar Mistakes?
Ever noticed a missing comma or a sentence that reads more like a group chat message than a polished essay? That’s (mostly) intentional. The editors aim to preserve the diarist’s natural tone — grammar rules be damned. They prioritize conversational, colloquial language over strict grammatical correctness because at its heart, Money Diaries is about storytelling, not syntax.
What Makes a Diary Worth Publishing?
With 10 to 20 submissions rolling in each day, not everyone makes it to the homepage. The editors look for a blend of variety — in location, salary, profession, and lived experience — with a strong emphasis on representation from marginalized communities. Length matters too; ideally, entries fall between 3,000 and 5,000 words. But the real magic lies in voice, relatability, and those little glimpses into someone’s personal life that make us think, same or wow, that’s different.
Unique purchases, life transitions, or personal dilemmas often elevate a diary from good to must-read.
Who’s Behind the Curtain?
The Money Diaries editorial team is part of the broader Lifestyle vertical, which also covers relationships, health, work, and home life. Depending on the week, editing Money Diaries might make up 70–100% of their workload. Each diary gets at least two editorial eyes on it before going live, and yes — the comments are closely monitored. Doxxing, harassment, or general nastiness? Not tolerated. A moderation service helps enforce community guidelines and keep things in check.
Do the Editors Rewrite a Lot?
The short answer: no more than necessary. While most submissions need a fair bit of polishing for clarity and structure, editors try hard to retain each diarist’s individual voice. Interestingly, many of the diaries sound similar — not because of heavy editing, but because most diarists are avid readers of the series and mimic its tone naturally. It’s a case of art imitating art.
Why Ask About Gender Identity?
Because not all diarists identify as women — and representation matters. The team also makes a concerted effort to include trans voices and people of diverse gender identities. Asking upfront helps them use the correct pronouns and tell each story respectfully.
What Happens When the Math Doesn’t Add Up?
If a diary includes confusing numbers, vague salary info, or an unexplained mention of debt, editors will follow up for clarification. It’s common for diarists to make typos or overlook important details — and that’s where the editors step in. They want the diaries to be both honest and accurate.
What About Older Generations?
A lot of people ask this, especially those in the so-called “sandwich generation” — juggling care for kids and aging parents while managing their finances. The good news? Money Diaries is open to all adults, 18 and up. The editors are actively working to make the language around submissions more inclusive of all generations. So if you’ve got a story to tell, they want to hear it — even if you’re not a 20-something barista or startup employee.
Is the Community Still Engaged?
Despite a few readers voicing concern over judgmental commenters, readership remains strong — if not better than ever. While the internet is never short on opinions, the editors say the kindness in the comments often outweighs the negativity. In fact, they’re regularly surprised (and heartened) by how often readers uplift one another.
Which Diaries Surprised the Editors?
While the editorial team generally has a good read on which diaries will spark conversation, sometimes they’re caught off guard — not by backlash, but by overwhelming positivity. Some of the most controversial diaries draw thoughtful responses, not just critiques. It’s a reminder that readers show up not just to judge, but to empathize.
Will the Submission Process Be Updated?
Yes — eventually. Updating the backend is complex and time-consuming, but it’s on the editorial team’s to-do list. The goal is to make the process smoother and more accessible for everyone.
So, What’s Next?
Whether you’ve been following Money Diaries since its earliest days or you’ve only just stumbled across your first entry, the series is evolving. It’s still rooted in everyday experiences, but it’s also striving to include more voices, cover more life stages, and keep its community engaged in honest — and sometimes messy — financial conversations.
Have more questions? The editors are still listening. Drop them in the comments and who knows — your curiosity might just inspire the next big update.
