How Stacy Makes Cents, Makes Cents

When Barry and I started Stacy Makes Cents, we did not do so with the intent to make money. Actually, we didn’t start making money on the blog until after it was one year old. This blog was first created to be a helpful source for people who attended my workshops…..and it grew into a thing of its own.  And I quickly learned that I LOVED BLOGGING. We thought that since I loved it so much and I was spending so much time on it that I might as well try to bring in a bit of income with it…so that we wouldn’t go in the hole. So, I thought I would take the time to let you guys know how I make money on this blog – so that maybe you can help me out if you so desire…or at least so you won’t think I’m trying to slip one by you. 

NOTE – blogging is NOT a get rich quick scheme. You will not be a millionaire overnight. Barry and I are more like tortoises than hares….we go slow with things like this. We’re only making about $250-300 per month on the blog (thankfully, that total is growing as we learn). Like I said, you won’t get rich quick.

First, our biggest source of income is from Google Adsense. You might have noticed that you see Google ads in my posts and sometimes in the emails I send out. I get paid from Google when someone clicks on those ads. Am I trying to rob you? Nope…you pay nothing.  When you click an ad that looks interesting to you, I get commission whether or not you do anything further. For those of you who click those ads, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Second, I make money if you buy things through Amazon with my affiliate link. See that Amazon box on the right side of the screen? If you search via that box and buy your Amazon items, then I get a percentage of the sale. Sometimes I also might include a link to Amazon if I’m talking about something particular that I use – if you buy via that link, I get a percentage. You can trust me on this…I won’t include a link for something I don’t use or love. I’m 100% honest because that’s how I roll. And by the way, I heart Amazon…I do a lot of my grocery shopping there.

I also make a bit of money for shopping on Amazon via Swagbucks. If you’ve signed up to use Swagbucks through me, then I get extra points from you. Thank you if you do that! It allows me to buy maple syrup and coffee.  I love using Swagbucks for myself, so it’s just a perk that you sign up under my link. If you’re not using Swagbucks, YOU SHOULD BE. Here is my Swagbucks tutorial.

Sometimes we make money with ads on the right side of the screen.  I say sometimes because I’ve only sold two at this point. HA!  As you can see, I have Tech Bargains up right now and I once had a Tupperware ad. If you want to advertise for your business, I’d love to have you.  Here are the terms for that.

And finally, I make money through some affiliate sales. If I review something, like the Sourdough A-Z book or Simply Clean  and then you buy the book, I get commission. I’ll always tell you when I’m making commission…but again, you can trust me. If I hate something, I’m surely NOT going to tell you to buy it, because that’s not how I roll. If I review something and I like it, you’ll know about it. If I review something and I hate it, I’ll likely keep my trap shut.

So, that’s how we’re making money.  I just thought you might like to know. I like to be up front with you guys…you’re my online family.

*This post is linked at Frugal Days Sustainable Ways at Frugally Sustainable.