Parafiks - A Personal Finance

Lessons from Working for Millionaires: What I Learned About Wealth and Success

Before I became a full-time blogger, I spent just over three years working as a financial analyst at a small valuation and investment banking firm. We handled mergers and acquisitions, business valuations, estate and gift tax matters, and more.

Because of the nature of our work, many of our clients were extremely wealthy.

Very wealthy.

I met young heirs with millions, successful entrepreneurs, and even one very famous celebrity.

The majority of our clients were, again, very wealthy—far wealthier than I could imagine at the time.

Back then I was fresh out of college and struggling financially. I lived paycheck to paycheck while serving clients who had millions—it was an eye-opening experience.

I had never really encountered that level of wealth before this job. Honestly, I used to think those people didn’t really exist, or at least that I would never meet them.

But I met them regularly, and to my surprise, many of them were very ordinary in their daily lives.

Quick note: The book The Millionaire Next Door is a great read if you’re interested in this topic.

Do you want to learn how to start an Etsy printables shop from scratch? Are you wondering what to do first — and whether it’s still realistic to earn money selling printables today? Selling digital products like printables is an excellent way to earn extra income online. There’s no inventory, no shipping, and no returns … Read more

14 Ways to Get Free Internet Access Today

Want to know how to get free internet? The internet is essential in everyday life, and many people rely on it daily for work, education, communication, and entertainment. If your monthly internet bill feels like a burden, there are legitimate ways to reduce or even eliminate that cost through government programs, nonprofit resources, and provider … Read more

40 Practical Ways to Start Living a More Fulfilling Life

Are you feeling like life isn’t going the way you want? Would you like to learn how to live your best life? If your answer is yes, it’s time to make positive changes so you can begin living your best life. Start challenging yourself, caring for your well‑being, shifting your mindset, and taking steps toward … Read more

36 Lucrative Side Jobs for Teachers to Boost Income

Are you looking for the best side jobs for teachers? Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it doesn’t always pay enough to meet every financial goal. Many teachers look for side jobs to earn extra income, pay down debt, save for travel, or build a safety net. Because teachers already have valuable skills—organization, communication, instruction, … Read more

89 Practical Life and Money Management Tips to Transform Your Future

Well, we’re already looking at a new year — can you believe it? As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to collect and highlight all the Making Sense of Cents posts from the past year in one convenient place so you can browse the best resources easily. I’ve organized the posts into the … Read more

7 Years Blogging: What I’ve Learned and Still Love About It

In August 2011 I launched Making Sense of Cents. It’s hard to believe seven years have passed since I started that blog, especially when I think about how much it has changed my life. I began the blog on a whim while working full-time as a financial analyst. About two years after I started, I … Read more

How to Become a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist — Income Guide

Hello everyone. If you are new to this site, my focus is on helping people earn extra income to improve their financial lives — for example, by becoming a Stella & Dot stylist. Before I left my day job, I was earning roughly $5,000 to $10,000 a month on the side through my online business. … Read more

18 Personal Finance Books That Could Transform Your Future

If you want to change your life, start by reading personal finance books. Money isn’t everything, but improving your financial situation gives you more control, reduces stress, and opens up possibilities. The books below can help you: Pay off debt Find side hustles and boost income Manage money more effectively Communicate about money in relationships … Read more

How a 25-Year-Old Makes $15,000 Monthly From Her Blog

Hello! Today I’m sharing a great article from my sister, Alexis Schroeder at FITnancials.com. This version was updated this morning. Below is her story.

A little over a year ago I made the leap to work on my blog, FITnancials, full time.

It was terrifying at first — I had spent more than eight years working for others and never imagined becoming an entrepreneur while I was in school.

I began with a side hustle: a blog that gradually grew into a website generating more than $15,000 per month and attracting over 150,000 page views each month.

I remember telling Michelle that I would be happy making $10,000 a month and would be content at that level forever. It’s wild to think I reached that milestone at age 25, still a senior in college.

If I could do it, you can too. It sounds cliché, but it’s true: I never imagined being my own boss and yet here I am.

Let go of negative self-talk and stop telling yourself you can’t reach your goals. You’ll get there much faster once you stop letting limiting beliefs hold you back.