I still remember the month I started this blog. I can’t recall the exact first day, but I remember that first month and how excited I felt.
I launched Making Sense of Cents in August 2011.
That was nine years ago.
At the time, I had no idea what I was doing and no clear goals for the blog. I didn’t even really know what a blog was or that people could make money from one. I also didn’t enjoy writing back then.
So much has changed over the past nine years.
It’s amazing to think about how this blog has shaped my life. I started it as a side project while working full-time as a financial analyst. About two years after starting the blog, I quit my day job to blog full-time.
Some numbers from Making Sense of Cents:
- My first post went live on August 10, 2011.
- I have published 1,878 articles on this site. That number was higher until I deleted several hundred older posts that I felt no longer represented the quality I want.
- There are 70,816 comments on the blog.
- I’ve personally replied to 21,080 comments.
- It took six months to earn my first $100 from the blog.
A little backstory on how I began.
I started the blog on a whim after reading about a personal finance website in a magazine. It began as a hobby to track my own financial progress. I honestly didn’t know blogs could generate income, and I knew nothing about running a website.
At the time, I worked as an analyst at an investment banking and valuation firm. The job was stressful, full of deadlines, and not something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Blogging became an outlet—a place to write about money, find a supportive community, and track progress. I didn’t set out to make money, but six months in I landed an advertising deal through a friend from the blogging community and earned $100.
That first payment convinced me to take blogging more seriously and learn how to grow it into a business. Today I earn a solid living from the blog, and it all started with a random decision nine years ago.
I’ve made many mistakes along the way and still make them, but I keep learning and improving. Quitting my job to blog full-time was scary—many people thought I was making a reckless decision, especially since my husband left his job around the same time—but it was the right move for us.
Below are nine things I love about blogging and lessons I’ve learned over the years.
Here’s what I love and have learned about blogging
1. I love being my own boss.
Once I realized blogging could generate income, I discovered how much I enjoy being my own boss. I value the control over my schedule, the ability to set goals, and the freedom to decide what I work on each day. I have a personal rule: I try not to take on work that feels like a total drag or conflicts with my values. Saying no to things that don’t fit has improved my work-life balance.
I genuinely enjoy the services I offer—writing, promoting content, networking, and interacting with readers. Running an online business isn’t for everyone, but it suits me.
2. A flexible schedule is one of my favorite things.
One of the biggest perks of blogging is the flexible schedule. I can work ahead, structure my days to include things I enjoy, schedule appointments during the day, and work at times that suit me. That flexibility makes life easier, though it requires discipline to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
3. Location independence is amazing.
Being location independent has opened up incredible experiences, from living in an RV to living on a sailboat. All I need is an internet connection and my laptop. The downside is that it can be hard to fully disconnect from work, but overall the freedom has been worth it.
4. Remember, success takes time.
Many bloggers give up after just a few months; the common stat I’ve heard is that the average blogger quits after six months. Blogging can be overwhelming at first, but persistence pays off. It took me six months to earn my first $100—if I had quit then, I would have missed out on so much. Success requires patience and consistent effort.
5. Don’t write when you feel forced.
I’ve learned I write best when I’m not forced by tight deadlines. I aim to create content well in advance so I can write when I feel inspired. Being at least a month ahead lets me produce better work and reduces stress.
6. Get ready to learn.
Running a blog is a constant learning process. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme—blogging takes work, and earnings don’t appear overnight. You’ll need to keep up with changes in technology and platforms, learn SEO, social media, content strategy, and more. That continual learning is one of the things I enjoy most about blogging.
7. Stop seeing other bloggers as competition.
There’s room for many successful blogs. Treat other bloggers as potential collaborators rather than competitors. Networking—making genuine connections, sharing others’ content, and attending events—has been essential to my growth. Be authentic and give more than you take; that mindset builds lasting relationships and opportunities.
8. You don’t need previous experience to be successful.
No prior experience is required to start a blog. You don’t need to be a tech expert or social media guru. Most bloggers start with no knowledge and learn along the way. I had to learn everything from scratch, and while it was challenging, it was also rewarding.
9. You can make a living blogging.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that blogging can be a real career. It’s not guaranteed for everyone, and it’s not a shortcut to quick wealth, but many bloggers have built sustainable, high-income businesses. I’ve reached a point where I have financial security and the freedom to choose how I spend my time, and I continue to work because I enjoy it.
What’s next?
I’m not a long-term planner, but I do have goals for Making Sense of Cents: improving traffic and readership and publishing more high-quality content. My main focus is continuing to provide valuable posts for readers.
If you have topics you’d like me to cover, email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.
There are many valuable free resources.
For those starting out, plenty of free resources can help you learn blogging basics—webinars, email courses, and guides. When I began, I relied on free materials to learn the ropes. If you’re interested in resources, look for beginner blogging courses, guides to affiliate marketing and SEO, and blogging planners to organize your content creation process.
Do you have any questions for me? Are you thinking about starting your own business?