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 imagine becoming a full-time blogger, traveling long-term, living in an RV or on a sailboat, or designing a life where I could work from anywhere.
Back then I simply loved reading personal finance blogs: people paying off debt, building side hustles, retiring early, and creating unconventional lives. I wanted a place to write about money, track my progress, and connect with others who shared similar goals. That small choice transformed almost every part of my life.
Who I am and why I started this blog
I’m Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, founder of Making Sense of Cents. I launched the site while living paycheck to paycheck and eager to escape student loan pressure. What began as a hobby turned into a full-time business.
I went full-time in 2013 after leaving my job as a financial analyst. The blog’s income eventually surpassed my salary and convinced me to pursue this path. Over the years I published thousands of posts, connected with readers around the world, and learned a tremendous amount about blogging, business, and personal finance.
How blogging changed my life and lessons learned
1. You don’t have to feel ready to begin
I knew nothing about blogging when I started. I didn’t know SEO or content strategy, and my early posts were imperfect. But publishing taught me far more than planning ever could. If I’d waited for perfection, I might never have begun.
2. Blogging helped me pay off $40,000 in student loans
Blogging introduced me to side hustles and money-saving strategies. I tried mystery shopping, selling items online, virtual assistance, social media management, and freelance writing. Those efforts helped me eliminate $40,000 in student debt in seven months — a pivotal financial turning point.
3. Income can come from outside a traditional job
Earning my first $100 from the blog proved online income was possible. Over time I learned affiliate marketing, sponsored content, display ads, and freelancing. My blog income exceeded my analyst salary and changed my view of what “work” could look like.
4. Blogging gave me the confidence to leave my day job
Quitting a conventional career after completing business degrees and an MBA felt risky, but the blog’s momentum and income made the decision feasible. Leaving taught me to trust my judgment and embrace different paths.
5. Small decisions can change everything
Starting a blog seemed minor at first, but it reshaped my career, travel, finances, schedule, and relationships. Not every experiment will transform your life, but some small choices open unexpected doors.
6. I gained the freedom to travel full time
An online business let me work from campgrounds, RVs, boats, Airbnbs, hotels, and cruise ships. We’ve lived and traveled extensively — RV life, life aboard a sailboat, months in the Bahamas, and a four-month cruise around the world. Remote work isn’t always easy, but it expanded what “normal life” could be for our family.
7. Control over my time is invaluable
Flexible scheduling became a core benefit: spending more time with family, dropping my daughter at school, traveling for months at a time, and taking breaks without formal approval. While building any business requires hard work, over time I shaped one that gives meaningful flexibility.
8. More income isn’t always the goal
Early on, growth and higher earnings drove many decisions. That allowed us to invest, reach financial independence, and gain options. Later I realized relentless growth can cost time, focus, and health. Now I prioritize how I want my days to feel, what projects excite me, and when to say no.
9. You don’t have to wait for retirement to enjoy life
Saving for the future matters, but so does building a fulfilling present. Blogging let me blend work and life in ways that make everyday enjoyable — travel, family time, and meaningful work without dreading Mondays.
10. Blogging connected me with interesting people
Readers, fellow bloggers, interview subjects, and students have all shaped my perspective. Hearing how articles helped others pay off debt, start side hustles, or change careers makes the effort feel worthwhile.
11. Simple, honest content often helps most
After writing thousands of posts, I’ve seen that straightforward, actionable content frequently performs best. Readers want clear, honest answers: what happened when you tried something, how much it cost, or how to get started.
12. Online business constantly evolves
Platforms, search, and content creation tools continually change. That requires curiosity and adaptation, but you don’t need to chase every new trend. Test what fits your business and ignore the rest.
13. I learned to protect my privacy
Early transparency helped readers follow my progress, but as the blog grew I became more selective about details I share. I no longer publish detailed income reports or announce locations in real time. Preserving privacy matters for safety and peace of mind.
14. Blogging created choices I didn’t expect
The freedom to decide how much and when to work, travel without using limited vacation days, and prioritize family life are among the most valuable outcomes. Financial savings and investments also mean decisions aren’t driven solely by short-term earnings.
15. I’m planning the next chapter
After 15 years I don’t have a fixed roadmap for the future, and that’s okay. I still love writing and helping readers, but I may work less, focus on personal topics, pursue projects for enjoyment, and take longer breaks. My goal is for the business to support my life, not the other way around.
15 Years of Making Sense of Cents – Summary
When I started this blog I was focused on paying down student loans and improving my finances. I didn’t predict how much it would shape my life: enabling travel, financial independence, meaningful work, and flexibility. That single decision expanded my options and taught me to try new things, trust myself, and reshape my future.
Thank you for reading and being part of this journey — whether you’ve followed since the beginning or are a new reader, your time and attention mean a great deal to me.
What is one small decision that changed your life?