14 Smart Ways to Save Money When Buying a Car

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Today’s post provides practical car buying tips to help you save money and avoid common pitfalls when purchasing a vehicle. Not every car salesperson or dealership has bad intent. I know this firsthand—my husband used to work as a new car salesperson and he treated customers fairly. Still, the car-buying process can be imperfect, and … Read more

How We Eliminated $70,000 in Debt in Just 7 Months

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Today I’m sharing an inspiring debt payoff story from reader Samantha Brandon. This is how her family eliminated $70,000 in debt in seven months.

Like many, the pandemic forced us to pause and reassess our lives.

We were fortunate to have stable, well-paying jobs (I’m a pharmacist and my husband is a maintenance manager). We also bought a home at the end of 2019—just before the market jumped.

And yet, we were living paycheck to paycheck.

You might be wondering: how can people with six-figure combined incomes struggle this way?

The answer: daycare for two children, student loans, and miscellaneous debt while living in a sunbelt city where costs spiked.

No, we weren’t willing to uproot our lives and move to a cheaper city away from family and friends.

So there we were: good incomes, modest cars (a 15-year-old truck and a 7-year-old Nissan Murano), and a home well within our means—but still broke.

I believe in taking control of your future, so we made some bold decisions and got to work.

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Make Money Listening to Music: 11 Legit Ways to Get Paid

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Do you want to learn how to get paid to listen to music? If you love music and can spend hours enjoying your favorite songs, you might be able to turn that passion into income. This article outlines practical ways to earn money by listening to music—ranging from side gigs and apps to career paths … Read more

How to Craft a Resume: Answers to Your Top Questions

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Are you wondering how to make a resume? Below you’ll find a clear example, practical tips for writing a cover letter, and concise answers to common questions about creating an effective resume. A strong resume matters. Employers often request one, and it’s a key way to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Many positions attract hundreds … Read more

When Did You Last Do Something That Scared You?

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I’d be lying if I said our new sailing adventure didn’t scare me. We’re about three months into our new boat life, and while we’re thrilled with the purchase and the major change we’ve made, the transition hasn’t been without anxiety. We’re excited about the places we’ll visit, the experiences ahead, and the lessons we’ll … Read more

Colorado Move Update: Moving Costs Breakdown and Checklist

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Today I’m sharing an update about our move to Colorado. The decision came together quickly, and now we’re in the thick of planning and packing. I’m amazed at how fast everything is progressing and very excited for this next chapter. Of all the moves we’ve made, this one is by far the biggest. We’ve moved … Read more

Create a Profitable Ebook: Step-by-Step Guide with Abby Lawson

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Today I’m sharing an in-depth interview that explains how to create an eBook. I recently talked with my friend Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog. Abby walks through how creating eBooks can become a meaningful source of income. In 2015 Abby earned more than $110,000 from digital product sales (including eBooks) and was … Read more

12 Unusual Work-From-Home Jobs You’ve Likely Never Heard Of

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Do you want to work from home but are looking for something fresh or different? When I began working from home more than a decade ago, I had no idea how many remote and home-based job options actually exist. I assumed working online meant becoming a blogger, virtual assistant, or freelance writer. Those are solid … Read more

11 Years and $5M Later: What I Love and Learned About Blogging

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It’s been eleven years since I launched Making Sense of Cents, and I’m still amazed that this is the work I get to do every day. In August 2011, I opened my laptop and started this blog with no idea what I was doing. I didn’t even know blogs could generate income. Making Sense of … Read more