San Diego readers upset about dropped personal finance column

Carol Goodhue, the reader’s representative at the San Diego Union-Tribune, writes Monday that 70 readers have contacted the paper, upset about the fact that it dropped personal finance columnist Lynn O’Shaughnessy.

Goodhue wrote, “The common theme: It’s a shame to lose a writer who’s so knowledgeable, clear and caring. I agree.

“Some said they had literally profited from her advice. So why would the paper stop using this local free-lancer?

“Our editor, Karin Winner, said, ‘I appreciate the fact that some of our readers don’t want to see Lynn’s column go. I’m one of them. However, these are challenging times in our industry and that means having to make very tough choices. Our priorities must be to provide the most comprehensive and credible news of this region and to be that all-important watchdog for the communities we serve. Thankfully, the work of national personal finance columnist Michele Singletary is available to us. We hope our readers will appreciate her work as well.’

“Singletary’s work is also clear and accessible. A recent column backed her grandma’s updated version of ‘envelope budgeting.’ I know it well. That’s how my parents decided whether Friday dinner would be a splurge at McDonald’s or leftovers at home.”

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