It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since I launched Making Sense of Cents.
Ten years can feel like a lifetime and also like yesterday. When I started, the blog was a small, anonymous hobby — I had no clear goals, no real plan, and no idea what I was doing.
Today, the site reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month, has introduced me to meaningful friendships, and generates an income that gives me financial freedom and the ability to retire whenever I choose. I love what I do and I’m deeply grateful for how far the blog has taken me.
The business I’ve built around this blog gives me flexibility, a rewarding career, and the freedom to take time off when I need it. That’s been especially valuable this year with a baby on the way and a difficult first trimester. Being able to step back when necessary is one of the biggest benefits I’ll always appreciate.
Back in August 2011 I created Making Sense of Cents on a whim after reading about personal finance blogging in a magazine. I had never run a website or even understood that blogs could be monetized. I was working as an analyst at an investment banking and valuation firm, feeling burned out by the 9-to-5 grind and the constant deadlines. The blog started as an outlet — a place to track my finances and share progress — and quickly grew into something much bigger.
I kept blogging on the side while working full-time, and two years later I quit my job to focus on the blog full-time. That decision felt risky at the time — especially since my husband left his job around the same time — but it’s one I’ve never regretted.
Key stats:
- My first post was published on August 10, 2011.
- I’ve published nearly 2,000 articles on this site.
- There are over 66,000 comments on my posts; I recently removed more than 5,000 comments that contained broken links.
- I’ve personally replied to more than 21,000 comments.
- It took about six months to earn my first $100 from the blog.
How Making Sense of Cents began
The blog started without any serious expectation of income. A friend from the blogging community connected me with an advertiser and that first ad deal earned me $100 — enough to make me curious about the business potential of blogging. From there, I committed to learning and growing. I made countless mistakes along the way, but I kept improving, which shaped the blog into what it is today.
Blogging gave me control over my career, allowed me to work remotely, and created opportunities I never expected. I now have the freedom to work from anywhere, travel when I want, and take on projects that align with my values. If you’re interested in blogging, I encourage you to try it — you don’t need previous experience, and much of what matters can be learned as you go.
What I love and what I’ve learned from blogging
1. I love being my own boss
Realizing I could earn an income from blogging showed me how much I value being self-employed. I enjoy setting my own schedule, choosing projects that matter to me, and running all aspects of the business. I have a personal rule: I try not to do things I truly don’t want to do. That mindset has helped me maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing work that feels meaningful.
2. Flexible schedules change everything
The freedom to decide when and how I work is one of the biggest advantages of running an online business. I can be productive in the mornings, take a hike during the day, and return to work later. This flexibility makes it easy to balance personal life and work, though it does require discipline to avoid letting work take over.
3. Location independence is priceless
Working from anywhere has allowed incredible experiences — from living in an RV to now living on a sailboat. All I need is an internet connection and my laptop. That said, separating work from leisure can be challenging when your office moves with you, so it’s important to set boundaries and plan real downtime.
4. Success takes time
Many bloggers quit within months of starting. The truth is blogging is not instant success; it requires patience and consistent effort. It took me six months to earn my first $100. If I had quit early, I would have missed everything that came afterward. Remember: success doesn’t happen overnight.
5. Don’t write under force
I write best when I’m inspired, not when I’m on the edge of a deadline. Now I try to stay at least a month ahead with content so I can write when I feel motivated. This approach produces better work and reduces stress.
6. Be prepared to learn constantly
Blogging requires ongoing learning — everything from SEO and social media to monetization strategies and content creation. The field changes, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most: the challenge of continually improving and adapting.
7. Other bloggers are allies, not enemies
There’s room for everyone in blogging. Networking and genuine relationships have been essential to my growth. Sharing knowledge, supporting others, and being authentic creates opportunities and enriches the experience. Give more than you take, be sincere, and the community will reward you.
8. You don’t need experience to start
I began with no background in websites or online business. Most successful bloggers started with little to no experience and learned along the way. If you’re willing to learn, you can build something meaningful over time.
9. You can make a living blogging
Blogging can be a real career. It isn’t a guaranteed shortcut to wealth, but with dedication and smart strategy, it can become a reliable income source. For me, blogging has provided a high income and financial security while remaining an enjoyable career.
10. I love enjoying my work
One of the best outcomes is that I genuinely enjoy what I do. Writing, interacting with readers, exploring monetization ideas, and collaborating with brands are all fulfilling. Some days are harder than others, but overall I wake up excited to work.
What’s next
Right now my focus is planning and scheduling content for the coming months. With a new baby due in December, preparing ahead is crucial so I can take maternity leave without falling behind. I’m also continually working to improve traffic, create helpful content, and support readers with practical advice.
I’m grateful to every reader who follows the blog. If you have topic suggestions, email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.
Free resources to get started
In the early days I learned through free webinars, email courses, and guides. If you’re starting out, here are a few free resources I recommend:
- How To Start A Blog — free course designed to help beginners create their first blog.
- Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers — a free ebook that covers affiliate marketing strategies.
- How To Increase Your Google Traffic — free video training on improving SEO and search traffic.
- The Free Blogging Planner — a workbook with printables for planning posts, organizing goals, and tracking progress.
If you want more structured recommendations, I’ve also shared a list of courses and resources that helped me grow the blog. Finally, if you have questions about blogging or starting a business, I’m happy to help — just ask.