This post may contain affiliate links
Do you ever wish that you had the answer to the age-old question “How To Get Rich“? I think we’ve all wondered that a time or two.
Yet, I think we’re all realistic enough to accept that riches may not be in our future. But what if there were a reasonable + actionable answer to the “how to get rich” question?
Epiphany
I have not been blogging for long, but anytime I start something I get completely obsessed and go all in. Blogging is no different, so I dove headfirst into it wanting to learn all the things!
I wanted to know everything, like:
- how to create my own website
- how to make it look pretty
- strategy for quality content
- growing an audience, etc.
In that research, something became clear very early on. It was something that really piqued my interest. And that was the fact that people are able to make money from their blogs.
That was, and still kind of is, foreign and crazy to me. But what really blew my mind was that there are some people who earn income online and are able to blog for a living.
Yes, you read that correctly. Some people earn a full-time income just from having a blog.
And hold onto your seats! Some people make more in a month from their blog than I make in a year at my “real” job! Like the real-life answer to that “how to get rich” question!
Burning the Candle At Both Ends
As a working mom, I constantly feel that both my job + kids suffer as I try to juggle both. We all know the mom guilt is real and it’s intense.
Burning the candle at both ends can really take its toll on our well being too. So the notion that a person can actually work from home, or from anywhere for that matter, and earn a decent living doing something they love is like my dream!
That being said, I am not even in that ballpark. I haven’t yet found the correct answer to “how to get rich”, but I’m working on it!
For now, I just blog for the love of it. But have recently begun to put processes in place to earn some extra spending money!
The money that I do earn blogging has jumped dramatically since I took an e-course by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents. She’s one of the bloggers I mentioned who makes more per month from her blog than I make per year!
In fact, in one month she makes about double my yearly earnings. In July of 2016, she made $112,594.97 for the month. Anyway, Michelle has the most awesome setup at this point.
She quit her day job a while ago, sold her home, and travels full time with her hubby in an RV. All while earning money in her sleep!
How To Get Rich with Affiliate Marketing: The Interview
I recently interviewed Michelle about how blogging has changed her life and she had some pretty awesome things to say. If there is anyone who knows the answer to our “how to get rich” question it would be her! Take a minute to read our interview below:
As working parents, our biggest financial stressor is childcare. What was your biggest financial stressor before your blog took off?
In my everyday life, I had lots of stressors before I started blogging. My father passed away when I was just 18, so I had to raise myself as well as my younger sister starting at a very young age. This meant that I had to learn about money, how to manage money, and more, without any help (no, there was no inheritance due to will issues).
It was tough, but I did manage through it. Knowing that my sister counted on me really helped me get through tough times. Also, knowing that I had no other choice (and that I would have shelter or food if I didn’t work hard) and that I had already hit rock bottom definitely helped to motivate myself to do better.
I didn’t start my blog with the intention of making money or turning it into a business, so I didn’t really have any financial stressors related to my blog. It started off purely as a hobby, so I was never really stressed out about it.
How To Get Rich
What did you do when you got your first affiliate payment? Do you remember how much it was for? How did that feel?
I don’t remember what my first affiliate payment was for or how much it was, but I do remember being very excited! Affiliate income can feel very passive, so it’s nice knowing that you’re doing something that can earn income later down the line.
I love affiliate income because it can feel quite passive. You can create just one blog post or social media post and potentially earn money from it years down the line, as long as you maintain it and keep generating traffic to it. With affiliate marketing, I can enjoy life more and know that I am still able to earn a great living promoting products that I use and enjoy.
Breaking Free
How much were you earning online each month when you left your day job? What made you feel secure enough to leave?
I share all of my blogging income reports here, so you can see exactly how much I’ve made over the years. When I left my day job, I was making a similar income (after taxes and benefits) as my blogging income.
I felt secure enough to leave my day job because I was earning a good amount from my blog, I had finished paying off my student loans quickly, and I loved everything about blogging but nothing about my day job. So, the switch just made a lot of sense!
Coming from a finance background, how did you know it made sense financially to leave your day job? Did you consult with a financial planner? What advice would you give to someone considering taking that step {i.e. what you wish you had known}?
I knew it was time because I was earning a good amount from my day job, I had paid off my student loans, and I loved blogging (I still love it!).
I did not use a financial planner- I have three finance-related college degrees and I’m a finance expert, so I already know money pretty well ?
One thing that I would recommend a person do is to fully fund an emergency fund before leaving their day job for a business if that’s in their control. Having an emergency fund can make the switch not as stressful or scary.
Financial Freedom
I know that for me, I wake up at 5 AM each morning and right now it is always dark and cold {and often rainy}, but the rest of my family are all snug & cozy in bed. I always wish I could climb back in + snuggle them for another hour instead of getting ready for work. What was the first thought you had when you woke up that first morning after you resigned? What is the first thing you do in the AM now that you are your own boss?
Oh yes, that first morning was amazing! I really disliked waking up in the morning to go to a job that I absolutely disliked. That first morning was extremely freeing and relaxing. While the work I do now is still hard, it’s much more enjoyable doing it from home.
The first thing I do in the AM is answer emails from my phone while in bed. It is glorious. Then, we take our dogs for a nice long walk wherever we are, and then it’s time for breakfast. It’s nice to be able to enjoy the day!
Obviously, you are super savvy with your money. But what is the most fun/extravagant/exciting purchase you’ve made since your blog took off? Since selling your home and living out of your RV; what has been the most amazing location you’ve visited and/or exciting adventure you’ve taken?
The most fun “purchase” if you can call it that is buying an RV and traveling full-time. It’s the best thing ever!
As far as the most amazing location that we’ve been to in the RV, we really liked the Pacific Northwest. The weather was amazing when we went and it is absolutely beautiful. That being said, we have enjoyed every single place that we have traveled to.
Conclusion
What do you think your life would look like today if it weren’t for your blog & the success you’ve had with affiliate marketing?
If I had never started my blog, I would probably still be working my day job as a financial analyst- and I would probably be extremely unhappy. That job was extremely stressful and not enjoyable even one bit, so I am extremely happy that I started my blog on that unexpecting day a little over 5 years ago.
I loved hearing about Michelle’s experience with her blog, earning passive income, and learning from her expertise in affiliate marketing. You should definitely visit Michelle’s blog, Making Sense of Cents.
And if you are a blogger or have been wanting to start a blog, I highly recommend her course, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing.
I just took the class and LOVED it! I learned so, so much and have already seen a significant increase in what I’m bringing in each month.
Plus I totally adore the exclusive mastermind Facebook group that you get access to as part of the course! It’s the most supportive and informative group I’ve found!
Make sure to come back and tell me what you think!! And please feel free to share your thoughts on how to get rich online!
Don’t forget to check out my other recommendations on my Blogging Resources page!
ATTENTION FELLOW BLOGGERS & ENTREPRENEURS
Drumroll…so I have decided to roll out new Pinterest Account Management services and have a couple spots to fill just in case you know anyone who is looking. I know what a challenge it can be to get up and rolling with it. So I would love to help alleviate the confusion & headache! Check out my list of services HERE and contact me with any questions!
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