Today I’d like to introduce Alyssa Padgett. You may remember her from the post “How This Couple Bought an $11,500 RV, Traveled To All 50 States, and Built A Thriving Business.” Alyssa self-published her first book and has sold more than 13,000 copies. She now earns a strong passive income from that book—over $200 a … Read more

If you’re planning to buy a house, these practical home buying tips will help you compare options, understand the full cost of ownership, and make a smarter decision. Buying a home is a major commitment — often the largest purchase most people make — so it’s important to be well prepared. Home values vary widely … Read more

Are you looking to learn how to create family emergency binders? Here is an in-case-of-emergency binder template and clear answers to common questions. In our household, I handle most of the bills, financial accounts, and administrative tasks. That arrangement is common—often one person quietly manages the family’s important details. I’ve been in charge of our … Read more

Hello! It’s been a while since I last hosted an Ask Me Anything here on Making Sense of Cents. An Ask Me Anything is exactly that — you can ask me anything. If you need ideas on what to ask, here are some topics I commonly cover: Personal finance and budgeting Blogging tips and strategies … Read more

If you’re thinking about starting a freelance career, you’re probably wondering how to find freelance work when you have little or no experience. Whether you want to pursue freelance graphic design, look for freelance writing jobs for beginners, or offer another service, finding your first client can feel challenging. Most entry-level opportunities still ask for … Read more

Did you know you can often lower your monthly expenses simply by negotiating? Many recurring bills — from insurance and internet to medical invoices — are negotiable. I’ve negotiated several myself and picked up practical tips that can improve your chances of success. Below I’ll outline which bills are commonly negotiable, what to say when … Read more

We’ve been spending too much on eating out. Happy Monday, everyone! I went to a bridal show yesterday and had a great time. Over the weekend W told me his parents said we can have our wedding on his grandmother’s property. I’m thrilled. It’s more meaningful than the other outdoor venues we’d seen, and it … Read more

Do you want to make money from your phone? I’ve been earning money with my phone for years. It’s a flexible way to generate extra income—or even build a full-time income—using tools you already carry with you. Your phone opens many opportunities: sell items you no longer need, offer skills on freelance platforms, answer surveys, … Read more

I believe it’s valuable to reflect on the life and money lessons we’ve learned. Looking back helps highlight mistakes so we can avoid repeating them, and it also reminds us of the wise choices that shaped our path. Both successes and failures have taught me meaningful lessons. Although I usually let my birthday pass quietly, … Read more