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?
Pauline @ Reach Financial Independence says
I started for fun and didn't expect that a nice community would wrap around it so quickly, now it is an addiction! what have they said? did they write something new? enjoyed my post? lots of fun and nice people.
My recent post The awesome French healthcare system. Or is it?
makingsenseofcents says
I agree with everything you've said Pauline, and it is an addiction! 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
myfijourney says
I started my blog as a vehicle to encourage me to learn more about investing. So far, it's been doing a good job of that and hopefully been of some use to other people as well.
makingsenseofcents says
That's great 🙂 There are so many positives.
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Nichole C says
I love blogging! I've never really figured out how to make it a side thing, but I love how supportive most blog friends are and how many bloggers I've made friends with out "there", I love it 🙂
My recent post ¡Olé!
makingsenseofcents says
I agree Nichole! The support from the community is awesome.
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
David Carlson says
The only real trade-off in blogging is the time you spend doing it that could be spent doing something else. The many positives easily outweigh this, at least in my opinion.
My recent post Things to Sell at a Garage Sale
makingsenseofcents says
I agree David. Luckily I've been better with managing my time and can squeeze more things in.
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Jenny@FrugalGuru says
Blogging is like anything else–it's not for everybody! Many people wouldn't enjoy it at all.
My recent post How NOT To Run Your Finances Like The Federal Government
makingsenseofcents says
I agree. It's definitely not for everyone!
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Matt Becker says
I started my blog mostly as a vehicle to help teach people what I've learned, but participating in this amazing community has shown me that I will learn much more than I will teach. It's been an awesome experience so far, as there are so many people with a lot of knowledge. I definitely think your extra income posts have inspired me to really think about how I can do that for myself. Thanks!
My recent post The Basics of Estate Planning
makingsenseofcents says
Thanks Matt! 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
John S @ Frugal Rules says
I started blogging to have an outlet to talk about finances and to help others learn from my mistakes. Though it can be a lot of work (if you allow if to be at least) it is a lot of fun and have been overwhelmed by the community aspect and how friendly most in the PF world are.
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree! Most in the PF world are awesome.
makingsenseofcents says
I agree!
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
jbutler1914 says
I started my blog to show people that they can make things happen. Working at a college, I can only help so many people. Hopefully my website eventually gets to the masses.javascript: postComment(0);
My recent post Planning for College – Senior Year
MakingSenseofCents says
I think that's an awesome reason to start a blog. Thanks!
Mark says
I started – last night – based entirely Michelle and MakingSenseOfSense. No idea what I'm doing. 🙂
My recent post Alone in the dark…
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha I had no idea what I was doing when I first started as well. You learn as you go 🙂
Sofia says
I have been contemplating this for a few months now, but I don’t know anything about this, I enjoy reading other people’s blogs, I know that… but now you make me think by saying that.
debtroundup says
I started to keep myself accountable. I had just finished paying off my debt, so I needed a way to make sure I stayed with it. I also wanted to provide some information to help others that were in the same situation as myself.
My recent post 5 Tips to Reduce the Stress of Debt
MakingSenseofCents says
This is one of the reasons that I started as well.
SavvyFinancialLatina says
I started my blog for fun! Then, I started writing more to keep myself accountable. It's worked so far.
My recent post Warren Buffett Says Women Need To Take More Credit
MakingSenseofCents says
I love your blog 🙂
Rachel says
Blogging is such a fun and rewarding hobby/side business. Although it takes a ton of work, I still love it!
My recent post You Are Not Designed for Everyone to Like You
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree Rachel! Thanks for stopping by.
mytoughgirl says
I started my blog after I realized that I don't have to be in debt all my life, but couldn't share this new exciting view of life with anyone in real life. I wanted and needed support on my journey to paying off my debt and it's really been great. Thanks everyone~
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree! This is a great reason to start a blog.
plantingourpennies says
We started ours to chronicle our journey and keep focused, but have found it to be so fun, too!
MakingSenseofCents says
Yes, it is definitely fun 🙂
Tina@MyShinyPennies says
Like you, I wanted to keep track of my financial journey. It's also been great to interact with others who are passionate about personal finance. I find it most interesting to get different perspectives on a topic that I present.
My recent post My $100 Wedding Dress
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, the different perspectives are nice to read.
debtperception says
I started my blog to keep me motivated in paying off my debt. Also to warn people about the dangers of taking on student loan debt.
My recent post Budgeting Day 4 Update
MakingSenseofCents says
Great reason to start 🙂
Girl Meets Debt says
I started my blog because my pf blogging enthused boyfriend pushed me errrrr I mean strongly encouraged me to do so. Now I'm hooked! 🙂
My recent post Am I a Horrible Person because…
MakingSenseofCents says
Hahaha I wish I could convince W to blog 🙂
Brian says
I don't have a blog because I am a terrible writer. I have thought about it several times, but just never pull the trigger.
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha I'm probably a terrible writer also, but I enjoy it! 🙂
Budget & the Beach says
I started mine as an outlet to talk about money which I couldn't talk about openly on another blog I used to have. I never thought it would grow like it has!
My recent post Ever been bullied into buying something?
MakingSenseofCents says
I never thought mine would grow either. It is awesome!
Cece says
The reason I started my blog is simple. I LOVE WRITING! That's it. Everything else that came along with blogging like the community, giveaway entering, chatting and learning about others is just a bonus. I totally do this for me and the bonus is that I get to share it with others and that there are actually some folks who are interested. Surprise surprise! I post when I want. I talk about what I want. I love it. Glad you too have discovered the wonderful world of blogging and that it has helped you grow financially.
My recent post Baseball. Bar Hop. Shop
MakingSenseofCents says
I love writing too! I didn't realize how much I liked it until I started to blog.
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, it is definitely worth it.
MakingSenseofCents says
All great reasons to start! 🙂
kylebschmitt says
I started my blog as a way to help hold me accountable to paying off our debts. I had tried both with and without blogging and found that I stuck to the payment plan more if I blogged about it along the way. I also got sucked into the PF community and am loving learning from everyone! Even though my blog is still relatively new, it's already helping tremendously in opening my eyes to other possibilities.
My recent post Do You Deserve to Be Debt Free?
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree. I find it easier to hold myself accountable when I know that there are people reading what I'm writing! I feel like a failure when I don't reach my goals haha
desilove says
I started mine for accountability in paying off my student loans, but it's grown into personal finance + fitness. Keeps me accountable on both ends most days 🙂
My recent post KT Tape, I love you
MakingSenseofCents says
Same here 🙂
Family Fandango says
I'm enjoying blogging too. It can be hard sometimes to put into words how I'm feeling, especially when its about a difficult subject (like my mom's recent Alzheimer's diagnosis) but I come out of it better, having processed my feelings more thoroughly…it's also given my husband a good reference point for where my brain is at on any given day 🙂
My recent post The QuitClaim Cometh
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree. It's nice to be able to get my feelings and thoughts out there.
Sorry about your mom 🙁
Nick @ AYoungPro.com says
I started my blog completely out of a desire to grow. I wanted to be able to test out new ideas and reflect on career decisions that I make. Since that time I feel like I've moved more into the blogging for others category. I want to help people be successful in their careers and with their personal finance. Also, I have been sucked into the community as well. I guess I just hit all of the points you talked about haha . 🙂
My recent post The Super Secret Equation to Help You Get Rich
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha it's hard to NOT get sucked into the community 🙂
therandompath says
I started my blog to have an outlet to talk about finances and motherhood. I love the PF community; we have a good group 🙂
My recent post Diapers Cost WHAT??
MakingSenseofCents says
We do have a good group. And you're one of my faves! 🙂
therandompath says
You're one of my faves too, Michelle!!
My recent post Diapers Cost WHAT??
krantcents says
I started my blog to influence others! I started teaching 12 years ago to influence young people. I teach personal finance as one of my subjects. A Blog allows me to reach a wider audience.
MakingSenseofCents says
That's a great reason 🙂
mycanuckbuck says
A bunch of reasons – to share, to learn, hopefully make a little bit of money… 🙂
My recent post Super easy peanut butter cookies
MakingSenseofCents says
Same here!
debtandthegirl says
I agree with you. Blogging was a fun little hobby of mine that has made a little bit of money for me. I hope to make more but I understand its a process. Hopefully one day it will be as profitable for me as it has been for you 🙂
My recent post Are Cash Back Credit Cards As Cracked Up As They Say They Are?
MakingSenseofCents says
Blogging is a fun hobby, and the money is nice too 🙂
Christine says
I blog because I LOVE to write. My best friend had a blog first and encouraged me to start one to talk about all the weird things that happen to me (I now call those the Calamity Christine posts) but it has turned into so much more! Sometimes I think I should pick a genre…but I love writing about everything! Baking
My recent post Monday Confession: I’m a Morning Person
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha I agree, I love blogging about everything also.
Greg says
I agree with you about the benefits of associating with such financially savvy people. It helps keep me on task with my own goals. In my short time blogging, I have found it to be a very supportive community as well. Right now, I am referring to blogging as an "experiment". It has been a fun experience thus far!
MakingSenseofCents says
I'm glad that your experience so far has been good. It'll just keep getting better Greg!
Miss Amanda says
I used to be a very active blogger back in about 2002-2005, and I'm sad that I lost touch with ALL the "blogging friends" I made back then. Because it's been so long, their blogs and emails are no longer active, so any attempt to reconnect has failed – also none of us used our real/full names, and there was not such thing as Facebook or Twitter…
My recent post Goal #50. Upgrade My Twin-Sized Bed (Completed!)
MakingSenseofCents says
Oh no that stinks! I would hate for that to happen.
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree!
MakingSenseofCents says
I had no idea what kind of community there was also, now I know that it's just full of awesome people!
@StumbleForward says
I started my personal finance blog to share all the things I learned while working in financial services. I'll have to admit it's been a ton of fun so far and the income has been great as well. I've also made a ton a financial mistakes and thought it would be a great way to share what I've learned and help others avoid them.
My recent post Dining Out and Identity Theft: Restaurant Credit Card Scams
MakingSenseofCents says
All great reasons to start a pf blog 🙂
The Norwegian Girl says
I started blogging because I wanted to improve my English writing skills, but it has turned into so much more! It`s now a creative outlet, a fun and social activity and I love discovering new blogs, because all in all, I think every blog has its own story to tell!
MakingSenseofCents says
I think that's an AWESOME reason to start a blog.
KC @ genxfinance says
There are a lot of reasons why people start their blog and whatever that reason is, I can say that it's an exciting experience. And when you found your community, it's nice to learn and grow with them.
My recent post Try Before You Buy
MakingSenseofCents says
It is exciting, I agree.
Tie the Money Knot says
I originally started blogging for fun, and that continues as a motivator to this day. It's also great to interact with other people enthusiastic about personal finance and bettering themselves, and a great way to capture one's thoughts while learning in the process.
My recent post Making Small Talk Valuable
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, being able to interact with other people who like pf is another plus.
Okto says
We all need to express ourselves, and blogging helps us do that. Our writing does not have to be perfect, and our blog does not have to be professionally designed. We can write, make videos, or even record podcasts. It all depends on what we’re interested in, but they all help us express our thoughts and build upon them by getting feedback from others.
My recent post Clearing The Air About Geo Targeting And Geo Fencing Once And For All
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, expression is great.
semonegee says
I recently started my blog because I want to document my journey and be able to look back in a few months and see what progress I have made because it's so easy to not see what progress you make.
My recent post Why I’m Accelerating my Student Loan Payments
MakingSenseofCents says
Great reason to start a blog 🙂
Maya Symone says
I recently started my blog to document my journey and be able to look back a few months from now to see my progress, since it's so easy to not realise how far you have come.
My recent post Why I’m Accelerating my Student Loan Payments
MakingSenseofCents says
Another great reason 🙂
Michelle says
I started blogging as a way to help me focus on something, anything as I was suffering from a lack of direction. I have found it to be a lot of work! But, I love the connection with all of the great pf bloggers out there. I appreciate the encouragement, the suggestions, and gentle calling out when I lose focus. Blogging ROCKS!
MakingSenseofCents says
All great reasons to start a blog!
Suba says
I started my blog for two reasons. I am obsessed with personal finance and my husband was sick of being my only audience. And second, my sister and my friends were always asking me on how I did this and how I did that. So I pretty much started to document things so my friends and family will have a reference guide when they face the same situation.
Btw, I have been missing in (blogging) action for a few weeks now. So this is the first time I am seeing your redesign. Great one! Cleaner and attractive than the last design.
My recent post Buying a home: What do you want in your new house?
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha yes people are always asking me pf questions also, and now they can all just read my blog.
Thanks! I love my new design also.
MakingSenseofCents says
You're doing great 🙂
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, everyone has a different perspective and I love reading them all.
Alexa says
I blog because I love it. I like to write and I like to read and I love making connections with other people. Some of the best support I have received has been from blog readers and other bloggers. The side income is also a major plus.
My recent post How to Keep You Kids Well Dressed on a Tight Budget
makingsenseofcents says
I agree with you completely Alexa! 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Iain says
Totally on side with you Starting a blog can lead to so many possibilities.
I have a friend who started a Dad blog just over a year ago and now he is doing speaking gigs, attending events and generally having a good time.
All that would not have been possible without his blog.
makingsenseofcents says
Wow that is awesome about your friend!
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Iain says
Yep. He got a huge break, but as I said it was all because of his blog.
It just goes to show you that it can make a difference in so many ways.
Brian says
I 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
Great reasons Brian!
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
Atticus Davis says
You 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
That must be a great feeling 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
studentdebtsurvivor says
A 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
Your blog is great and is doing awesome! 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
makingsenseofcents says
Your site is still new, so I wouldn't worry about it! 🙂
And I'm really not sure. However, I do know that Alexa is all about others visiting your blog who have the Alexa toolbar installed.
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
makingsenseofcents says
I really enjoy blogging, so none of it seems like work 🙂
My recent post Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!
kimateyesonthedollar says
I 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
I 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!
Smart Money Junction says
Starting 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
I 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
I 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
I 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
Hello! You can always send me an email 🙂
Jim Hendrickson says
Hello,
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
Felicia says
i 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
I recommend reading this – http://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2014/08/how-to-start-a-wordpress-blog-on-bluehost.html
Xica says
I 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
I 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
I recommend checking out my free blogging course – https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/freecourse
Crystal says
Started my first blog today. Thank you for the inspiration 🙂
Dusty says
How is your blog going? Just curious.
Dusty
Cheryl Colyer says
Hi, I need some advice. I desire to have a blog about my adventures in gardening. It is my hope to not only have a record of my personal progress, but to provide useful information for my readers. I am not sure how I can make money doing this. I would like to provide sources for buying seeds and supplies as well.
Anyway, I would like to organize the blog first before it is published.Is it possible to not be charged until I begin publishing? (I do foresee a time of preparation and organization before it is ready for the public eye.)
Also, do I have to have a website?