Hey everyone! I can’t believe it’s February already. Felt like it was 2012 just the other day 🙂 2013 has been off to a great start and I don’t think I’ve been this happy in a long time. Things seem to be going well so far this year and everything is falling directly in place.
Yes, you read that correctly, I beat my goal that I made in December, and I made $6,523 in extra income in the month of January! After expenses, I made $5,823 for the month of January. I thought the goal that I set was pretty high since I made $5,570 in December (and thought that was hard). I still can’t believe that I am doing so well, when just one year ago my extra income was at around $100 per month.
EDIT: I finally made my post on How To Start A Blog – Tips for a Beginner, so check it out! This will be another multiple post series.
I will say that this is not all super easy. Well, none of it is. I spend enough time to make this a full-time job on top of my already full-time job. Luckily, I do enjoy what I’m doing so it’s not like I’m dreading anything. My goals that I have are also a great motivator. I just keep thinking about how badly I want my student loans gone, and also how badly we want a new house next year. Read further on my Extra Income page to check out my other extra income updates.
This is proof on my extra income since some of you have asked (I did edit the image to make it smaller). This is for the month of January and before some fees and expenses (expenses were around $700 and included a major giveaway that I hosted, PayPal fees, etc.) being taken out. The other income categories that are listed below were mainly just cash I received from my sister for rent. $6,198 plus $325 in rent equals $6,523.
January was another great month. I also started dabbling a little more in affiliate income, and it seemed to work. I plan on working with this more and hopefully it becomes a larger percentage of my monthly extra income.
Posts that were popular in January:
- What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?
- I’ll Never Be a Frugal Blogger
- Ways to Earn Extra Income Part 1
- How To Become a Virtual Assistant
- Keeping Up With The Joneses
- So You Want to Be a Freelance Writer?
- Reconnecting With Family – An emotional post
- Wedding Budget – Our Expected Costs
A lot of you are very interested in earning extra income. I have tons of posts scheduled for future weeks. I did have a question though: is there anything that you would like me to specifically cover in a future post? Can be about extra income or anything else? I’m always up for ideas!
My sister’s blog still seems to be going great also. The following has been strong and her posts seem pretty good. Please subscribe to FITnancials if you haven’t yet. Her RSS and Twitter are calling your name, I just know it!
You can find my 2013 goals update here.
January Goals Update
- Keep our food budget down to $400. FAIL. We did bad. We started reverting to old habits. Towards the end of the month we started doing much better though.
- Workout at least 3 times a week and lose 2 pounds. FAIL. I was super busy in January and was too lazy to workout because I was too tired. We have a treadmill being delivered next Thursday and I’m looking forward to that!
- Make an extra $4,000 this month. PASS. See above and below! I made over $6,000 in January.
- Make sure the new blog starts off great! PASS PASS PASS. Subscribe to FITnancials if you haven’t yet.
February Goals
- Cook 5 days a week. Since we really want a new house within the next year, we are really trying to save as much money as we can for the down payment. As long as I have a interesting and tasty meal plan, I’m sure this is possible.
- Run 5 times a week and lose 3 pounds. Since we will have the new treadmill, this will make it a lot easier.
- Make an extra $5,000 this month. I increased this goal, but I still want it to be somewhat realistic. I’m hoping that it’ll just keep increasing and I’ll eventually be in the 5 digits.
- Schedule the engagement photos photographer. I’ve e-mailed some places, but it seems like no one wants to get back to me. The main person I wanted emailed me back, so I guess that’s all that’s important! I guess I just wanted more choices, but oh well. The wedding industry here in St. Louis must hate me because they all seem to be horrible with e-mailing me back. Why list an email when you don’t email back!? IT’S BEEN 2 MONTHS!
- Choose a wedding date. We need to talk to W’s family and come up with a date that will work since we will be using the family’s property.
Blog Goals
- Twitter Followers: Goal was for 2,050 and I’m currently at 2,420 WOOHOO! I’m hoping for 2,600 in February.
- Alexa rank: Goal was for 60,000. And I’m slightly below this amount. However, I am not focused on this. A lot of the bigger bloggers are at around 100,000, so I know that Alexa doesn’t really mean anything. All it means is that others with the Alexa toolbar are looking at your website.
- Guest post at least 2 times this month. Haha FAIL yet again
Extra Monthly Income in January
- Online Income (this includes staff writing, blog, virtual assistant tasks, affiliate income) – $6,198
- Selling Clothes – $0
- Miscellaneous – $0
- Mystery Shopping – $0
- Rent – $325
Alex says
It's amazing how you keep blowing these goals out of his water! Congrats on another fantastic month!
My recent post Life Lessons from Flo Rida
Michelle says
Thanks Alex!
Michelle says
Congrats on your extra income! I stopped caring about Alexa as well.
Michelle says
Haha I just don't want to set myself up for disappointment. PS I'm sending you an e-mail right now, look out for it!
John S @ Frugal Rules says
Great work once again Michelle! That number is just crazy! 🙂 I had a pretty good month, but then again when you're starting from 0 then anything is pretty good. I just started dabbling in affiliate advertising and want to focus more on it so I can have a bit of diversity.
MakingSenseofCents says
I definitely want to focus more of affiliate advertising as well.
Sam says
You are killing it Michelle! Wow! I hope one day to make a fraction of what you do from my blog 🙂
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MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks! And hope you do 🙂
Holly@ClubThrifty says
Great job on your extra income, Michelle!
MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks Holly!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Good for you Michelle, soon you'll be a millionaire Blogger!! 🙂 Keep up the good work.
My recent post Financial Advisors: 101~Get The Inside Scoop!
MakingSenseofCents says
Ha I hope so. Thanks!
Christopher @ This that and the MBA says
Wow u killed it this month…great job…how much would you say you spend on average doing all of your online tasks…because I see you on every site with a comment…and then to knock it outta the park with money like that…you must be a busy girl!
MakingSenseofCents says
I spend a lot of time, pretty much a full-time job! Luckily I enjoy it so I don't even notice the time passing.
MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks girl!
Ashlee says
Woohoo!! How do you have time for anything else girl? You've got to be working your butt off!!!
MakingSenseofCents says
I definitely am! I wake up early before work, spend my lunch breaks and after I get off doing my extra income stuff!
therandompath says
Good job on the extra income! Have a nice weekend 🙂
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MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks! You too.
Anne - Unique Gifter says
Once again,you're absolutely killing it! The lack of response from some businesses is so surprising, like what the PoPs said! How go your student loans? They must be disappearing at a nice clip, with all of this extra income!
MakingSenseofCents says
They are disappearing so fast! It's a wonderful feeling 🙂
kate says
That is some awesome extra income! I'm new at all this stuff and just recently found your blog. Did you ever post a breakdown of how much staff writing pays and much you get paid for your blog posts?
MakingSenseofCents says
I made a post about freelance writing https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2013/01/you-wan…
If you want to know pricing, etc. email me 🙂 I try not to discuss it too much directly on my blog.
MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks!
MakingSenseofCents says
I know! I'm so confused! At least email me back saying that you saw my email and you'll get back to me.
Chloe Moon says
That is crazy good!! I didn't have any extra income but I kept my budget way down! I resisted the urge to buy nonsense things!! =) Best wishes for February! =)
Ergo – Blog
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Michelle says
That's great! Good job.
My recent post $6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
Alexa says
You are freaking awesome!! All I got to say lol
Michelle says
Thanks Alexa!
My recent post $6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
Liquid says
Another month of exceeding expectations. Great job 😀 You should write a book some day about your story of making extra income. I bet lot of people would be interested to read it :0) You've already documented all your progress on your blog anyway 🙂
Michelle says
Haha maybe one day 🙂
My recent post $6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
Debt RoundUp says
I just want to know how you find the time for these things after your job. I work full time and can't seem to find the time to write posts for my own site and comment. You are an inspiration.
My recent post Weekly Personal Finance Blog RoundUp – 2/1/2013
Michelle says
I definitely don't have a lot of time leftover. It's very time consuming but I love everything I do.
My recent post $6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
Michelle says
Thanks!
My recent post $6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
kimateyesonthedollar says
Another stellar month. You're going to hit $10K before you know it.
My recent post 6 Months of Blogging!
Michelle says
I hope so 🙂
My recent post $6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
Michelle says
Thanks Shannon!
My recent post $6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
Michelle says
Haha thanks 🙂 I really hope I do get there.
My recent post $6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
Kris says
Hi Michelle,
Do you breakdown the online portion of your extra income on your site?
Michelle says
I do in various posts, but if you want a better breakdown, you can always email me. It's usually easiest that way.
My recent post I don’t care about the Super Bowl
Michelle says
Welcome Laurie!
My recent post I don’t care about the Super Bowl
Michelle says
Thanks for stopping by!
My recent post I don’t care about the Super Bowl
Julie@The Family CEO says
Michelle, I would love to know how much you charge for your freelance writing.
Michelle says
If interested, you can email me 🙂 I try and not discuss it on my blog directly.
My recent post I don’t care about the Super Bowl
anhle257 says
Wow that looks really great. I just followed your blog recently and I love it! I checked out posts since you started this blog and they are really useful tips and information. Concerning your question, I definitely want to know how to make extra income. Of course we all know how but I want to know more specifically from your own experiences. Plus I'm not the US-based so it would be nice to know methods that work for people from outside the US! Thank you!
Cassi says
Wow, congrats on making your goal of $4000 income! This month, I hope you can accomplish your other goals as well, but that one goal is impressive in itself. Keep up the hard work!
Michelle says
I know I need to start being more balanced! Something I definitely need to work on.
My recent post I don’t care about the Super Bowl
Joseph Anzai says
Michelle,
Looooove your blog, I just wish it had come out earlier. Oh well, it's not to late to start now. I found you through a comment you left on one of my favorite sites SPI. You are extremely inspirational and I can't wait to hear about your world travels someday.
Michelle says
Thanks so much Joseph! Thanks for stopping by.
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
nosillo says
very inspirational michelle , good job. Pat Flyn and you are crushing it.
My recent post Greater Phoenix Job Fairs 2013 Jan. 28
Michelle says
Thanks so much! 🙂
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
Michelle says
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
My recent post I spend too much money on him and GIVEAWAY
Todd says
Wow absolutely incredible! It looks like you spent about $700 on expenses. Was part of that on advertising?
My recent post Valentine’s Day Date-Getting Ahead Planning The Perfect Valentine Date
MakingSenseofCents says
Yeah I took part in a couple of giveaways last month which were quite expensive! 🙂
Nick @ AYoungPro.com says
Great post! I started my blog a few days ago and if I am 1/4 as successful as you have been by next year I will be stoked. I need to learn a lot and it seems like a huge mountain to climb, thanks for the inspiration!
Michelle says
Thanks for stopping by Nick! 🙂
My recent post How To Start A Blog – Tips for a Beginner
I Love Being Online says
Wow! Impressive!
I started my blog, http://www.ilovebeingonline.com with intentions to make it a million dollar site. Since I opened up in December of 2012 – guess how much I made? $8.22 through Google Adsense, LOL!!! Horrible, right?
I just don't know what to do anymore. I keep trying. Building up content, RSS readers, promoting on social media, etc. I will say that my readership has grown. I started off with about 6 comments and now I am up to like 30-50 comments per blog. Used to blog everyday and I've been slacking off.. I'll get back in action again here soon!
MakingSenseofCents says
I don't think that's bad at all. You just made your site, so I wouldn't count on making money right in the beginning.
Karen says
I really have enjoyed my time here strolling through your website. But, I was curious as to why you don’t go into more detail regarding your staff writing jobs. Is it the income part or the agreement between you and you client?
Michelle says
Sorry I thought I replied back to this the other day. I don't go into more detail as I'm trying to respect the privacy of the people that I write for.
My recent post How to Live on One Income
HerEveryCentCounts says
Wow! I'd love to read how you are making so much extra income. That's amazing. I'd like to know how you find the time to do this — what sort of schedule do you work at your full time job, and does it actually allow you to work outside of it (I'm not allowed to take on other jobs without asking.) How much of your income was from your blog(s)?
Michelle says
I work 8am to 5:30 pm at my job. My work doesn't know that I blog. A lot of my income was from my blog and that includes affiliate income since I am ramping that up.
Question for you though: what do you mean when you say that your work won't let you take on other jobs? You can't even freelance? I've never heard of that and am interested to learn more 🙂
My recent post How to Live on One Income
Dakota says
Very impressive, and I hope to be right behind you…someday!
As far as future posts; I would love to see posts focused on making money with Amazon. I have a goal of being the number 1 affiliate with Amazon (I actually wrote a post over 2,600 words about it) and could use some more pointers in getting there.
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MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks Dakota! I don't really ever sell on Amazon, but I could look into that and research it. Great idea!
Chris says
Great job on hitting your extra income target. I appreciate you sharing you passion and information so everyone can benefit and aspire to do the same.
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makingsenseofcents says
Thanks Chris!
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
makingsenseofcents says
Thanks Peter. And hmm that's a hard question. I guess it depends on why you're blogging. I blog for me, and try to only blog when it's a quality post. Usually just cranking out posts just to publish it isn't a good idea. Usually 3 to 4 times a week is good.
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Kristie Chiles (Arp) says
Michelle, L-O-V-E your blog and the simple, but elegant way your words ebb and flow – a BORN blogger! Thanks for the inspiration! Really enjoyed your varied posts – very refreshing for certain! I’m always learning and looking for new rivers of online traffic..Pinterest and Instagram are calling my name : ), you know? Nice to “meet” ya! Kristie
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Hey Kristie 🙂