Every single day, many, many blogs are started. And it seems like there are more and more new blogs in the personal finance community.
I've heard some people say that there are too many new blogs out there, but who cares? I LOVE reading new blogs and hearing what they have to say. Who wants to hear the same ol' story over and over? I want new and fresh perspectives on everything!
I started my blog in August of 2011 for multiple reasons. I wanted to have a “journal” so that I could go back and track everything that I've done. Before I knew it, I got sucked into the community and blogging has become a really fun hobby and side hustle of mine.
When I started my blog almost two years ago, I didn't really think of the direction that my blog would go in, or where I'd even be with it in the future. I didn't think I was going to be blogging for a year, or anything related to that.
Before I started my blog, I was doing what I thought was “normal.” Paying down my student loans little by little, and assuming that I'd completely pay off my student loans 10 or 15 years from now. I also never I never really even thought about becoming “financially independent” because I didn't know that it was even realistically possible.
My views on life and personal finance has completely changed since I started my blog, and all for the better. Being more involved in the personal finance community has helped improve my life overall. If you are interested in starting your own blog, please read my post How To Start a Blog, and also be sure to check out all of my other posts in my blogging series. Also, check out my last month's income report where I made $25,000 online!
If you are interested in starting a blog, I created an easy-to-use tutorial that will help you start a blog of your own for cheap, starting at only $3.49 per month (this low price is through my link only) for blog hosting. In addition to the low pricing, you will receive a free blog domain (a $15 value) through my Bluehost link if you purchase at least 12 months of blog hosting. FYI, you want/need to be self-hosted if your website is used for freelancing purposes or if you want to make money blogging.
Below are reasons for why you should start blogging:
1. To Have Fun
Before I started blogging, I never gave it a single thought. Now that I've been blogging for almost 2 years, I couldn't imagine not blogging. I like reading posts on other blogs, finding new people to talk to, giveaways, and especially writing. Blogging is a fun hobby to have, regardless of the subject that you talk about. Blog about what you enjoy to talk about! Pursue your passion…
2. To Blog For Others
Not everyone blogs for others, but I like to talk about personal finance so that maybe I can help others as well. For me, I have learned a lot (and I'm still learning) about blogging, extra income, personal finance and everything else – all from other bloggers. If other bloggers never talked about extra income, I probably would have never pushed myself to create side hustles.
Hopefully my blog posts help others and motivate others to be awesome with their finances as well. For example, I hope that all of my extra income posts help motivate others to create multiple streams of income. I hope that others will want to pay off their high interest student loans. I hope that others want to become more in control when it comes to their finances.
Related: How To Start A Blog
3. To Be a Part of an Awesome Community
I've made a lot of good friends through my blog. And I love receiving emails from readers and blog-friends that I've made. Being able to connect and learn from others is one of the biggest positives of blogging.
4. To Grow
Without my blog, I don't think I would care as much about personal finance. Yes, I care, but I most likely wouldn't be so focused on extra income like I am now.
I also wouldn't make so much extra income as well. I didn't start my blog to make money, and I do think that's one of the reasons for why I'm doing so well with making extra income from my blog.
Why did you start your blog? Why haven't you started one?
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Brian says
May 8, 2013 at 5:12 pmI started a blog to post my financial and frugal tips I've learned throughout the years. I also wanted to add some content to an existing coupon site.
My recent post Do Not Be Tricked By No Cost Mortgage Loans
makingsenseofcents says
May 8, 2013 at 9:09 pmGreat reasons Brian!
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Atticus Davis says
May 8, 2013 at 7:03 pmYou are absolutely right about the joys of blogging. My site is focused on student loans and it has been a pleasure to help people make critical decisions when it comes to funding their education. I know my work has already saved people thousands of dollars and its an amazing feeling that keeps me coming back.
My recent post An Open Letter to the Class of 2013
makingsenseofcents says
May 8, 2013 at 9:09 pmThat must be a great feeling 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Peter says
May 8, 2013 at 7:11 pmThis blogging takes lot more effort than what it seemed. Nobody told me this was going to consume me like this. It takes discipline alright and I'm really beginning to get serious with time management and making sure that my eyes don't wonder off to these sugar coated deals. I get so excited and happy when I see a comment on my post, I just want to cry. Someone should blog about dark side of blogging.
My recent post 5 Memorable Mother’s Day Gifts on a Budget
makingsenseofcents says
May 8, 2013 at 9:10 pmI really enjoy blogging, so none of it seems like work 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
studentdebtsurvivor says
May 8, 2013 at 8:39 pmA lot of my friends kept asking me "how did you do it?" (pay off my student loans so "young") and asked me if I had any tips or advice. I had thought about starting a pf blog for a while, but didn't really know if anyone would read. Then I decided I'd give it a go, because I enjoy writing and it would be like an online journal. That was a while ago now, and I haven't looked back yet.
My recent post How to Host a Fabulous Party For Free
makingsenseofcents says
May 8, 2013 at 9:10 pmYour blog is great and is doing awesome! 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
kimateyesonthedollar says
May 8, 2013 at 9:44 pmI started blogging to keep myself on the straight and narrow while paying off credit card debt. Like you, I thought I'd pay off debt slowly and save a little every year for retirement, but basically work until my 60's and have a "normal" life. Now I can see what is possible and I want extraordinary. Maybe I will work until I'm in my 60's but it will be because I enjoy it, not because I need money.
My recent post Your Group Life Insurance Policy Might be Limiting You
Janice @ Whizsilver says
May 11, 2013 at 1:13 amI started my blog with an aim to share what I know. Now that I'm in part of this community, I'm learning a lot from other bloggers as well! I am so glad that I made this decision. Though I'm fairly new in this, I'm sure in time to come, I'd gain much more from this hustle.
Thanks for sharing!
My recent post One Simple, Yet Important Step to Kick Start Your Investing Journey.
Smart Money Junction says
May 12, 2013 at 2:18 amStarting a blog is definitely a good idea to generate some side income but only for those who have a knack for writing. There are just too many bloggers out there who end up creating a blog just to earn money and later realize they do not have the patience, determination or passion to continually work on their blogs.
My recent post 15+ Ways to Create Multiple Streams of Income
Andrew Kelly says
May 20, 2013 at 6:22 amI started my blog under the sense that I was working with a friend to launch his journalism career. Since then, it has become fun for me to be writing as well as focusing on a subject that I love.
Jason Wilson says
January 11, 2014 at 12:46 pmI am working on starting a blog for my wife and myself as well. Also to do this as a side hustle. I have a couple of questions? Do you purchase the $25 a year through WordPress while registering through GoDaddy and get the hosting through BlueHost or HostGator? I was reading the blog post you have about How to start a blog for beginners and its very helpful. I’m just curious about those aspects so that I can:
1. Budget correctly
2. Know how to set prices for others I may have to do this for
3. I love business development and this aspect of it!
Also, could you use a template purchased from etsy.com for wordpress, would you know?
Shelby Adams says
October 13, 2015 at 1:04 pmI haven’t started a blog yet but I have been giving it some serious thought. I love the idea of being my own boss and have tried selling Mary Kay products. That kind of income wasn’t neccesarily for me though. I enjoy being able to go outdoors and explore different and new places with my boyfriend and pup. A dream of mine, and my boyfriends, is to go overseas, explore, and experience new cultures. Italy is our one must see location. With that being said, we are both finishing up college and know that this journey is going to put a strain on our already tight accounts. I knew that blogging could create an income but I’m not sure how to go about starting it and if I will even be successful. My idea is to create a blog where I can post the pictures and stories about the adventures we go on. Neither of us work on Fridays so we typically try to go to a new place or hike a new trail. I would love to get started on a blog asap so that I can gain traction in the community and start making money to help fund us while we travel. I would love if we could talk and you could guide me to the posts that would help with this. I would also love your input about my idea.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
October 13, 2015 at 2:52 pmHello! You can always send me an email 🙂
Jim Hendrickson says
May 18, 2017 at 11:20 pmHello,
A friend just emailed me some info about your company/website. After reading it, I am interested in blogging, something I have never done. I have just published my 74th book, including many foreign language textbooks and, recently, my 9th travel book (Go to Amazon.com and Type my name => Jim Hendrickson).
I am already financially independent, travel constantly (especially abroad), live full time in my 26-foot RV, and enjoy writing, among many other interests.
Several professionals have suggested that I begin blogging to 1) share my travel adventures with others, and 2) to promote my travel books.
What is your advice?
Jim
MrRicket says
November 27, 2015 at 3:07 amI can’t remember what made me start it, but it was a boring Monday morning. Exactly a month has passed and I have connected with so many. It’s great to be part of such a community 😀
Cheers
MrRicket
Felicia says
April 2, 2016 at 6:35 pmi want to start a blog to help me pay off student loans while i continue my education, also to help keep myself motivated with my beach body business and to keep myself accountable! i need suggestions and ideas on how to start please!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
April 2, 2016 at 10:42 pmI recommend reading this – http://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2014/08/how-to-start-a-wordpress-blog-on-bluehost.html
Xica says
July 18, 2016 at 7:54 pmI have not started my blog yet but have been thinking about it hard for 3-4 months! It would be AMAZING to have blogging become my side hustle but I am kind of intimidated by the whole idea. This is probably really silly of me!
I have quite a few ideas but unsure of how to tie them all together. I know I could use my crazy life experiences & traumas to reach others; I just haven’t had the courage yet to pull the trigger. Any helpful words of advice?
xiomara jimenez says
August 17, 2016 at 9:23 pmI want to start but just don’t know were to begin, the reason is to be able to pay off debt and provide a debt-free life for my family, to be able to help my family more, I don’t know where to begin, I have had many countless nights that I go to bed and just think about all the debt that I have accumulated, mostly medical bills. I need guidance!!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
August 17, 2016 at 10:09 pmI recommend checking out my free blogging course – https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/freecourse
Crystal says
November 26, 2017 at 9:18 pmStarted my first blog today. Thank you for the inspiration 🙂
Dusty says
January 17, 2018 at 10:22 amHow is your blog going? Just curious.
Dusty
Karrie says
May 6, 2019 at 2:50 pmI just recently started my blog. Thanks Michelle for the motivation. I am still very new to blogging so it is taking me awhile to catch on.
My recent post: http://fitnessbeautyhealth.org/which-hair-dryer-is-the-best/