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Why You Should Start a Blog – So Many Positives!

Last Updated: BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 118 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Why You Should Start a Blog - So Many Positives!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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About Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Michelle is the founder of Making Sense of Cents, a blog about personal finance and traveling. She discusses how her business has evolved in her side income series. She paid off $40,000 in student loans by the age of 24 mainly due to her freelancing side hustles. Click here to learn more about starting a blog!

Comments

  2. 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.

    Reply

  3. 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!

    Reply

  5. 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

    Reply

  6. 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

    Reply

  7. 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.

    Reply

  11. 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

    Reply

  14. 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~

    Reply

  15. plantingourpennies says

    We started ours to chronicle our journey and keep focused, but have found it to be so fun, too!

    Reply

  19. 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.

    Reply

  21. 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

    Reply

  24. 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?

    Reply

  25. 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

    Reply

  26. 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

    Reply

  27. 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

    Reply

  29. 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.

    Reply

  30. 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

    Reply

  31. 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?

    Reply

  32. 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

    Reply

  33. 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!

    Reply

  34. 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!)

    Reply

  38. 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!

    Reply

  40. 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

    Reply

  44. 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!

    Reply

  45. 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?

    Reply

  49. 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.

    Reply

  51. 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

    Reply

  52. 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

    Reply

  55. 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

    Reply

  56. 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!

    Reply

  57. 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

    Reply

  58. 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.

    Reply

  59. 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?

    Reply

  60. 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.

    Reply

      • 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

        Reply

  61. 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!

    Reply

  62. 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?

    Reply

  63. 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!!

    Reply

  65. 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?

    Reply

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