This month marks 15 years since I launched Making Sense of Cents — a milestone that still feels surreal. I began the blog in August 2011 in my early 20s, carrying about $40,000 in student loan debt and trying to figure out my next steps. I had no plan to build a business. I didn’t … Read more

This article is a paid partnership with Members 1st Federal Credit Union. The content was provided by the advertiser and is published for informational purposes only. HELOC rates, terms, and eligibility vary by borrower and lender. Because a HELOC is secured by your home, your home may be at risk if you are unable to … Read more

Do you have collectibles tucked away that you’re thinking about selling? Whether it’s old toys, trading cards, coins, comic books, vintage Pyrex, sports memorabilia, stamps, artwork, or items you inherited, collections can be enjoyable but also take up space. Many items are worth more than you expect, especially if they’re rare, in good condition, or … Read more

Sometime in my 30s, I realized I was tired of holding on to things I didn’t actually want anymore. And I don’t just mean clutter in my house. I mean the pressure to always be productive, the need to keep up with trends, the guilt of saying no, and the idea that success has to … Read more

Have you considered starting a business you can run from anywhere? Whether you want to work from home, travel more, spend winters in a warmer climate, live in an RV or on a boat, or simply control your own schedule, a location-independent business can make it possible. Many of these businesses require little more than … Read more

Wondering how much it costs to own a dog? Whether you’re considering bringing a dog into your home or already share your life with one (or more), understanding the full cost of dog ownership helps you plan and avoid surprises. I’ve owned multiple dogs over the years and have experienced the full range of expenses—from … Read more

Do you want to start a business but prefer not to show your face online? When I launched my first online business, I chose to remain anonymous. I was sharing personal financial details and I’m naturally shy, so I didn’t want strangers to connect those posts with my face. Even now, I rarely do videos … Read more

Today’s guest post is from Janeen Blake of Love. Eat. Travel. Repeat, who retired from corporate life at 42 and relocated with her family to Portugal. Here’s her story. I finished law school carrying $230,000 in student loans and took a job I felt I had to be grateful for but secretly loathed. Sixteen years … Read more

Most people assume the biggest cost of an in-person job is the commute, but the true expense goes much deeper. Working from home long-term can leave you wondering what you’re missing. Personally, I miss casual conversations with coworkers, the routine of leaving the house for work, and a clear boundary that signals the end of … Read more

Do you want to learn how to earn money selling print-on-demand products on TikTok? Print-on-demand (POD) lets you sell shirts, sweatshirts, and other items without buying and storing bulk inventory. The biggest challenge for many sellers is generating consistent sales, especially when starting out. This interview with April, founder of Poppy Rose Print Company, explains … Read more