Back in 2011, I was working as a financial analyst in a stressful job. I was commuting to work, spending my days in a small windowless office, and dreaming of more freedom. I had student loans to pay off, no business experience, and no idea how to run a website. But I did really enjoy reading about personal finance, and I wanted to talk about the money choices I was making – like paying off $38,000 in student loan debt.

So, I started a blog – this blog – Making Sense of Cents – and I began writing about budgeting, side hustles, and saving money. I had no plan to turn it into a business, but I kept writing, learning, and connecting with readers. And slowly, things started to grow.

Today, that little blog has turned into a multimillion-dollar online business. I’ve worked from an RV, a sailboat, a cruise around the world, from the most beautiful beaches, and more. Most importantly, I get to spend more time with my family and design a life that fits what matters most to me.

If you’ve ever dreamed of working from home, being your own boss, or creating something that’s actually yours – blogging might be the path that gets you there.

In this article, I want to share:

• How I got started
• Why I think blogging is still a smart idea right now
• The exact steps you can take to start your own blog
• How to grow your audience and make money from it

Also, you can learn how to start a blog in my free How To Start A Blog Course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, and over 80,000 people have taken it!

Why I started my blog

Like many people, I started my blog as a side hobby. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I enjoyed reading blogs. At the time, I was working full-time in finance, and while I was good at my job, I didn’t feel fulfilled by it. I wanted more freedom, more creativity, and more control over my time.

I also had a major financial goal: to stop living paycheck to paycheck and pay off my debt. I was reading tons of personal finance blogs at the time and thought, “Why not start my own?”

I didn’t know how to code. I had never taken a writing class (well, outside of high school classes that I never took seriously). But I signed up for a blog and published my first blog post. That first post wasn’t fancy, and I didn’t have any readers. And, I had no idea what I was doing. But I kept writing.

Over time, I found my voice. I learned about affiliate marketing, how to grow my pageviews, and how to connect with readers. I started earning a few hundred dollars a month, which grew into thousands and eventually much more.

What made the biggest difference was consistency. I showed up, even when my blog was small. I shared what I was learning and stayed focused on helping others. If you’re thinking of starting a blog, you don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need to start.

Why you should start a blog too

There are so many reasons to start a blog, even if you think the market is saturated. I think blogging is still great these days because:

• People still read blogs every day. Think about how many times you Google something and land on a blog post.
• Blogs build trust and authority. If you want to grow a business, attract clients, or share your ideas, a blog can help you do that.
• It’s low-cost and beginner-friendly. Starting a blog costs less than a dinner out these days and doesn’t require a degree.
• You can make money in multiple ways. Unlike a job where your income is fixed, blogging allows you to earn from different streams (more on that below).

Plus, blogging is flexible. You can blog on your lunch break, after the kids go to bed, or on the weekends. I know many bloggers who started with just a few hours a week and now make full-time incomes.

And even if you never want to turn your blog into a business, it can still be worth it. A blog gives you a place to be creative, build a community, and share what matters most to you.

Recommended reading: The 25 Most-Asked Blogging Questions To Get You Started Today

What blogging has done for my life

Blogging didn’t just change my career – it changed my entire life.

When I first started, I never imagined it would turn into a full-time income, let alone a business that would allow me to travel the world, work from anywhere, and have total control over my time. I’ve earned millions of dollars online through my blog, but honestly, the nonfinancial rewards have meant just as much to me.

Blogging gave me the freedom to work on my own schedule. I’ve made money blogging while sailing the Caribbean, hiking in Alaska, and spending mornings with my daughter. I no longer have to choose between work and family, and I can build my business around the life I actually want to live.

It’s also brought me confidence, creativity, and community. I’ve met so many amazing people through blogging – readers, other bloggers, business owners, and brands I never dreamed of working with. I’ve grown in ways I never expected, all because I decided to start a blog.

And that’s why I share so much about blogging – not because I think everyone has to blog, but because I know what’s possible when you do.

How To Start a Blog Today

Here are the steps I recommend if you want to start a blog.

1. Choose your blog topic

Start by thinking about what you love to talk about. What could you write about every week for a year? What do friends come to you for advice on?

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be interested in your topic and willing to help others.

Some blog topic ideas include:

• Personal finance
• Motherhood or parenting
• Travel or RV life
• Health and wellness
• Crafts or DIY
• Food and recipes
• Career advice
• Sustainability

If you’re stuck, read my post on How To Decide What To Blog About.

2. Pick a blog name and domain

Choosing your blog name is a fun part of the process, but I know it can also feel a little overwhelming and like a big decision.

After all, this is the name that people will associate with your content, your story, and your brand. But here’s the truth: You don’t need the “perfect” name to start. What matters most is that you start.

Here are a few tips to make this step easier:

• Keep it simple and easy to spell. Avoid confusing words, hard-to-pronounce combos, or long phrases that are hard to type. If you have to explain it every time, it’s probably too complicated.
• Make it memorable. A catchy name that sticks in people’s minds will go a long way in helping your blog stand out.
• Use your own name (if you want to). If you’re building a personal brand or are unsure what niche to focus on yet, using your own name gives you flexibility on your blog topic.
• Check availability. Before you fall in love with a name, check that the domain (the “.com”) is available. You can do this easily when signing up for hosting through Bluehost. It’s also smart to check Instagram and other social platforms to see if the accounts are available, too. Also, I do want to say that it’s completely normal for your ideas to be taken, you just have to think a little harder, use a thesaurus, or even ask ChatGPT for more ideas that sound similar to what you’re looking for.

Pro tip: Once you’ve chosen your blog name, go ahead and sign up for the matching Instagram and Pinterest handles if they’re available. Even if you don’t plan to use them right away, it’s smart to lock them in!

3. Set up hosting and install WordPress

Setting up your hosting and installing WordPress might sound technical, but it’s actually one of the easiest parts.

Hosting is what makes your blog visible on the internet. Think of it like renting space online. Your blog’s text, images, and content all live on your host’s server, and when someone types in your domain name, your host delivers your content to their screen.

I personally use and recommend Bluehost because:

• It’s affordable (you can get started for just a few dollars a month).
• It comes with a free domain name for your first year.
• They have 24/7 support if you need help.

Here’s a quick overview of what the setup looks like:

1. Go to Bluehost and click “Get Started”.
2. Choose your hosting plan – I recommend the cheapest plan if you’re just starting out.
3. Pick your free domain name (or connect one you already own).
4. Bluehost will automatically install WordPress for you!

Once that’s done, you can log into your WordPress dashboard – this is where you’ll write your blog posts, upload photos, and manage everything.

The next thing you might be thinking about is how to make your blog look good. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a designer to have a nice, professional-looking blog.

Here are a few great design options to look at:

• DIY Dream Site: These are premade site designs that are easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. I actually worked with this same designer for my own custom blog design, and I can personally vouch for how talented and detail-oriented she is. Her premade themes are affordable, professional, and perfect if you want a great-looking blog without spending a ton of money or hours figuring it all out. This is one of the easiest ways to get your blog live, and I recommend it if you have it in your budget.
• Restored 316: These are some of my favorite WordPress themes as well. They’re clean and made specifically for bloggers.
• Start simple: You can also choose one of WordPress’s free themes to begin with. Don’t stress too much about design in the beginning because you can always update your look later.

Your focus right now should be getting your blog live and ready for your first post. You can always refine and rebrand as you grow!

Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming and scary at first. Everyone starts out feeling like a beginner, and you’ll learn as you go. You don’t need to have your entire site finished today; you just need to take this first step.

For a detailed tutorial (with screenshots!), check out my full post: How To Start A WordPress Blog.

4. Start writing!

You don’t need to publish every day. Start with a few helpful blog posts related to your topic and answer common questions your future readers might have.

Some easy first blog post ideas:

• Your personal story: Share who you are, what brought you to blogging, and what readers can expect from your blog.
• Why you started your blog: Talk about your goals – whether it’s to earn money with your site, help others, or document a journey.
• 5 or 10 tips for something in your niche: For example, “10 Ways to Save Money on Groceries,” “5 Easy Toddler Lunches for Daycare,” or “10 Small Habits That Have Made My Life Better.”
• A beginner’s guide: Teach something simple, like “Budgeting 101” or “How to Plan Your First RV Trip.”
• Mistakes you’ve made: A post like “5 Mistakes I Made in My 20s” or “What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Freelancing” can be both relatable and helpful.
• A challenge or goal: Write about something you’re working on, like “My No-Spend Month Challenge” or “My Plan to Pay Off $10,000 in Debt.”
• Answer a common question: Think about what people often ask you and then turn your answer into a helpful post.

I always recommend that you aim to be helpful because the more value you give, the more your blog will grow.

5. Find ways to grow your blog

Once you’ve started writing, your next goal is to bring readers to your blog. Writing is just one part of blogging – growing your audience is what helps you turn your blog into something bigger.

Here are strategies I would absolutely use if I were starting over today:

• Focus on evergreen, high-value content – Evergreen content is content that stays relevant over time. These posts continue to bring in readers long after they’re published. Think posts like “How To Create a Simple Morning Routine That Sticks,” “Ways To Make Extra Money,” or “Tips for Traveling With a Toddler.” Content that is very specific, such as an event that happens in March 2026, is harder because once the date has passed, people won’t read it ever again. Of course, content like this still works, but it is something to think about so that you can keep getting pageviews to your blog posts for years to come.
• Build an email list from day one – Your email list is very helpful and a must-have. These are your most loyal readers – the ones who want to hear from you directly. Create a freebie (like a checklist or guide) to encourage people to sign up, and send regular, helpful emails. Unlike social media, you own your list and can always reach your audience.
• Use Pinterest to drive traffic – Pinterest works like a search engine, and it’s one of the best free traffic sources for new bloggers. You’ll want to create eye-catching vertical pins for each blog post, write keyword-rich descriptions, and link back to your content. Over time, Pinterest can become a major source of daily traffic.
• Use Facebook – Sharing your blog posts on Facebook is a great way to grow a blog. It’s also where I plan on focusing a lot of my time this year. You can learn more about this at How I Got Paid $39,177 Directly From Facebook in One Month Just To Post Content.
• Write consistently – Whether you post once a week or a few times a month, consistency is important. Google and your readers both want to know you’re reliable. A steady posting schedule helps you build momentum, keeps you accountable, and builds trust with your audience.
• Network with other bloggers – One of the best ways to grow is by connecting with others in the blogging world. Comment on other blogs, join Facebook groups, and collaborate when you can. You’ll learn so much and find opportunities to grow through guest posts, partnerships, and shared audiences.

These growth strategies have helped me over the years!

How To Make Money Blogging

Blogging can absolutely be a business, and it doesn’t have to feel salesy. Here are the main ways I’ve made money over the years:

1. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of my favorite ways to make money blogging, and it’s actually how I made my very first blog income. It’s also one of the most beginner-friendly monetization methods because you don’t need to create your own product or manage inventory.

Here’s how it works: You recommend a product or service you love, and when someone clicks your special tracking link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. It’s as simple as that. What’s important is that you only promote things you truly believe in and that are a natural fit for your audience.

Some examples of affiliate products you might promote include (below are affiliate links or blog posts that contain affiliate links so that you can see examples):

• Activities to keep a child busy on an airplane
• A financial app you personally use
• A favorite course, book, or software tool in your niche

Affiliate income can be semi-passive, too. Once your blog post or review is published and ranks on Google or gets shared on Pinterest, it can keep earning you income for months or even years without needing to be updated constantly.

My top tips for success with affiliate marketing:

• Be honest. Share your real experience with the product and how it helped you.
• Write helpful, in-depth content. For example, tutorials, reviews, comparison posts, and roundups work great.
• Use clear calls to action. Tell your readers where to click and what they’ll get. For example: “Click here to sign up for _____.”
• Don’t rely on just one affiliate product to promote. Over time, build up a mix of products across different posts.

Want to learn exactly how I earn affiliate income through my blog? I teach it all in my course: Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing

2. Sponsored content

Sponsored content is when a company pays you to feature their product or service on your blog, in your newsletter, or on your social media. It’s a great way to monetize your audience once you’ve built up some traffic and trust.

These partnerships can look like:

• A blog post reviewing or showcasing the product
• A tutorial that features the brand naturally
• A mention in your email newsletter or a roundup post

I’ve had the opportunity to work with many brands over the years. And, you don’t have to be a huge blogger to get sponsored deals. Many brands work with smaller blogs because they have interested readers.

Tips for getting started with sponsored content:

• Start by writing about products you already use. Build up a few example posts.
• Tag and mention brands you love on social media and in your blog posts.
• Pitch directly! Reach out with a short email explaining who you are, what your blog is about, your audience stats, and how you’d feature them.
• Always disclose sponsored content to your audience.

As your blog grows, sponsored content can become a significant part of your income, and it works well alongside affiliate marketing, too.

You can learn more about my sponsored partnership strategy in my course Making Sense of Sponsored Posts.

3. Display ads

Display ads are one of the most passive ways to earn money from your blog. Once your site starts getting consistent traffic, you can apply to premium ad networks like Raptive or Mediavine, and they’ll handle the ad placements for you.

These networks pay you based on pageviews, so the more traffic you get, the more you can earn. You don’t have to sell anything, write additional posts, or pitch brands. You just earn income from readers visiting your site.

Here are a few tips to make the most of display ads:

• Focus on growing your traffic first (especially from Google, Facebook, and Pinterest).
• Write long-form, helpful content that keeps readers on your page longer.
• Don’t overload your site with too many ads – it should still feel easy to read and navigate. Too many ads can be annoying to a reader (after all, think about the last time you were on a site with a lot of ads – you probably closed out of the browser fast).

The display ad network I use is Raptive, and you can apply once you get 25,000 monthly pageviews.

4. Digital products

Selling your own digital products is a great way to grow your blog income and keep full control over your business. Unlike affiliate links, you get to keep most of the profit.

Examples of digital products include:

• eBooks or guides
• Printables (like planners or checklists) – I recommend reading How I Made $6,161 in Just 4 Months With a New Etsy Printables Shop to learn more.
• Online courses or workshops
• Membership communities or paid newsletters
• Print on demand items, like candles, T-shirts, and more

I sell digital products, and my first was a course on affiliate marketing – it’s become one of my most reliable income streams.

Tips for getting started:

• Pay attention to what your audience is asking for. What problems do they have? What are they trying to learn?
• Start small. You don’t need a huge course to begin – a short guide or helpful printable is great.
• Promote your product on your blog, Pinterest, and email list.

Digital products take some time to create, but once they’re live, they can earn income around the clock.

Free Training: Earn Money Selling Printables

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about starting a blog and making money.

How much does it cost to start a blog?

You can start a blog for under $100 in your first year for hosting and your domain name. After that, your costs can stay low unless you choose to invest in design, email marketing tools, or courses.

Do I need to be a good writer to blog?

Not at all. Blogging is about connecting with your audience, not writing a novel. Many successful bloggers are simply clear, honest, and helpful in their writing. I definitely did not think I was a good writer when I started my blog, and it was not a strong skill of mine when I was younger. But, look where I am today!

Can I start a blog even if I work full-time or have kids?

Yes! You can blog during nap time, in the evenings, or on weekends. I know many people who started their blogs with just a few hours a week.

How long does it take to make money from blogging?

It depends, and this is a hard question to answer, although I know that most people are wondering about this! Some people make money in their first few months, while others take a year or more. The answer depends on a lot of things, like consistency, quality content, and traffic.

Can you make $1,000 a month with a blog?

Yes, you can make $1,000 a month with a blog. Many bloggers earn $1,000 a month (or much more) from their blogs. That income might come from affiliate marketing, display ads, sponsored content, or digital products. It usually doesn’t happen overnight because it takes time to build up your content and traffic, but with consistency and smart strategies, it’s a real goal. In fact, I know bloggers who reached that level within their first year.

Is blogging still worth it?

Yes, people are reading blogs every day, and blogging remains one of the most flexible, scalable ways to build an online business or brand. I love reading blogs, and it’s still one of my favorite hobbies.

I Started a Blog, Built a Life I Love, and Here’s How You Can Too – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on how I started a blog and built a life I love, and how you can too!

Starting a blog was the best decision I ever made. It helped me pay off debt, leave a job I didn’t love, and build a business that fits around my life.

If you’re even a little curious about blogging, I encourage you to take the first step. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to begin.

Ready to get started? Follow my free step-by-step tutorial: How To Start A WordPress Blog On Bluehost.

You can also join my Free How To Start A Blog Course, where I walk you through it all: Free Blogging Course.

Please leave a comment or send me an email if you have any questions.

Thanks!

— Michelle

Are you interested in working from home and making money blogging? What would you blog about?

Recommended reading:

• 30+ Small Business Ideas To Become Your Own Boss
• What I Think About Blogging After Earning Over $5,000,000
• 10 Best Things I Did To Build A $5 Million Dollar Blog
• If I Had To Start Over, Here’s How I’d Build a $1,000,000 Blog
• How To Start A Successful Blog In 10 Steps

The post I Started a Blog, Built a Life I Love, and Here’s How You Can Too appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

Maybe you want more freedom with your schedule. Maybe you want to spend more time with your family. Or maybe you just want to escape the 9‑to‑5 grind that never seems to end.

I’ve been working from home for over a decade, and if you had told me back then that I would be full‑time self‑employed – traveling, raising a family, and doing work I enjoy every single day – I probably would have laughed.

But here I am, and today I want to share with you the top work‑from‑home business ideas for 2026. All of them have real potential to make money – whether you want to make extra income or full‑time income.

Best Work From Home Business Ideas in 2026

Before we get into the specific ideas, I want to quickly break down why working from home is still a smart choice:

• Low startup costs: You don’t need a big investment to begin.
• Flexible hours: Work when it fits your life – morning, night, or weekend.
• Anywhere work: You don’t need an office or commute.
• Scalable income: Some of these ideas can become semi-passive over time.

You don’t need to be an expert to get started. I was not an expert blogger when I launched my site. I taught myself, made mistakes, learned, and improved over time. You can too.

1. Blog

Blogging is still one of the best ways to make money online.

I started Making Sense of Cents as a way to track my student loan payoff. I didn’t plan on making a business out of it. But over time, blogging became my full‑time job, and it changed my life.

Here’s how blogging can really make money right now:

• Affiliate marketing – This is when you recommend products or services, and you earn a commission if someone buys through your link. I’ve personally earned millions from affiliate marketing on my blog alone.
• Display ads – Once you start getting traffic to your blog, you can earn money by displaying ads.
• Sponsored content – Brands pay you to write posts reviewing their products or services.
• Digital products – A big way many bloggers make money is by creating books, courses, planners, or printables and selling them to their audience.

You can learn more about starting a blog by taking my free How To Start A Blog Course where you can join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

Here are some articles you may want to read:

• The 25 Most-Asked Blogging Questions To Get You Started Today
• How To Start A WordPress Blog Tutorial
• How To Decide What To Blog About if You Want To Make Money
• How To Monetize A Blog: How I Grew A $5 Million Blog

2. Posting on Facebook

This is one of the more surprising work‑from‑home opportunities that’s popular right now. And, this is one that I plan on spending a lot of time on in 2026, as I think there is a huge opportunity to make income here.

Recently, I interviewed a creator named Jeff Rose, who made over $149,000 in six months just by posting content on Facebook, and he had months like $39,177 in a single month.

Platforms like Facebook want people to stay on their site longer. So they’ve created programs that pay creators for making content that keeps people engaged.

Yes, this means that Facebook is paying you directly.

You can earn money from:

• Text posts
• Pictures or memes
• Reels and short video content

To get started with this, you’ll want to niche down and pick a topic such as parenting hacks, easy recipes, fitness tips, finance, travel, motivational quotes, or something else that you see people interact with on Facebook.

Then, look at what people engage with most. Is it memes? Tips? Personal stories? Posts that get likes, comments, and shares are the ones that earn money.

You don’t have to be on Facebook all day. Tools like Buffer let you plan and schedule content for the week in just a couple of hours. I personally just schedule my posts right in the Facebook scheduler for free.

And, you don’t need a giant following to make money. But you do need to be consistent, and you do need to post often. The people who are making full-time incomes by posting on Facebook are usually posting 10+ times each day.

You can read all about this work-from-home business idea at How I Got Paid $39,177 Directly From Facebook in One Month Just To Post Content.

I also recommend signing up for the Get Paid To Post course by Jeff Rose. When I saw how much Jeff was earning just from posting content on Facebook – with no products, no clients, and no big audience – I bought the course right away. In this course, you learn how to qualify for Facebook’s Monetization program, find content that performs, and use tools to schedule everything in just a few hours a week.

3. Sell printables on Etsy

Selling digital printables on Etsy is another great work‑from‑home business, especially if you like creating things and want something that can earn semi‑passive income.

Digital products are awesome because you create them once, and Etsy delivers them automatically every time someone buys.

Here’s how this works:

1. Create a product such as a planner, checklist, wall art, calendar, invitation, bookmark, or activity sheet.
2. List it on Etsy with clear descriptions and good pictures.
3. When someone buys, Etsy sends the file automatically.

People buy printables all the time, including myself! I recently bought one that is helping my daughter learn how to write her name, for example. Yes, I could possibly make this myself (but it wouldn’t be as nice, and it would take a very long time for me to do). Printables are so affordable that it makes sense just to find one that you like and buy it, which is why people buy printables.

One great way to grow and make more money by selling printables is to start with one design and remake it for different uses (for example, a “thank you card” turned into teacher thank‑you cards, sports coach cards, school bus driver thank-you cards, etc.). Holidays and events like graduation or Valentine’s Day can be huge revenue drivers as well, so don’t forget to create themed products early and get them listed.

You can learn more about this popular work-at-home business idea at How I Made $6,161 in Just 4 Months With a New Etsy Printables Shop.

I also recommend signing up for the Earn Money Selling Printables free training. You’ll learn printable ideas, how to get started on Etsy, and how to actually make sales.

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4. Bookkeeping from home

A bookkeeper helps a business keep track of its money. They keep track of how much money comes in and goes out, organize receipts, send out invoices, and check that everything adds up correctly.

Bookkeepers do not file taxes, but they help make things easier for accountants by keeping everything nice and ready.

You don’t need a finance degree or years of experience, and many people start with basic bookkeeping training (if this job sounds interesting to you, you can take this free bookkeeping training on how to become a bookkeeper for free by clicking here) and learn as they go. There’s demand from small businesses of all types.

This can be a reliable source of monthly income, especially if you find clients who need support month after month (typically, bookkeepers are hired on a consistent monthly basis).

You can learn all about how to get started at How To Become a Bookkeeper With No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide).

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5. Newsletters

A newsletter lets you reach people directly in their inbox.

You can start a newsletter about: budgeting tips, healthy recipes, parenting hacks, home organization, travel, or whatever topic you enjoy.

People sign up for newsletters because they want helpful tips sent straight to their inbox – no scrolling, no algorithms, just useful content that is enjoyable to read.

I am subscribed to many newsletters that I really enjoy reading, and I actually enjoy opening them because of the valuable content they send out. I personally send out newsletters as well, and I have received many emails over the years from readers who have told me that they really like them.

You can make money with a newsletter in ways such as:

• Affiliate links – Recommend tools, books, courses, or products and earn a commission.
• Ads or sponsorships – Companies pay to reach your readers.
• Paid subscriptions – Some creators charge a monthly fee for premium content.
• Selling your own products – Like print-on-demand merchandise, an online course or book, and more.

To start your own newsletter, I recommend:

• Using a newsletter platform like Kit – They used to be called ConvertKit, and I have been using this company for almost 10 years.
• Give away something free to sign up – People love getting a free checklist, guide, or printable when they join your email list.
• Send consistently – Weekly newsletters keep your audience engaged.
• Use strong calls to action – Ask your readers to share your newsletter with a friend – that’s how you grow organically.

You don’t need a blog to start a newsletter, and some people use platforms like Kit or Substack to build their entire business. It’s a great low-cost option if you want to work from home, earn extra money, and build a loyal audience over time.

6. Freelancing

Freelancing is one of the best ways to make money from home fast, especially if you don’t want to start a blog or shop right away.

Freelancing was actually one of the very first ways I made money online. I started by writing blog posts as a freelance writer, managing social media for others, and doing virtual assistant work. It helped me build confidence, learn new skills, and earn money.

You can freelance in many areas:

• Proofreading – Help writers fix grammar or typos.
• Virtual assisting – Manage email, calendars, or customer support.
• Social media management – Post on social media platforms for businesses and websites so that they can reach new customers.
• Graphic design – Make graphics, guides, web designs, and more for businesses.

Freelancing is flexible and beginner friendly – and it can turn into a long‑term business or a stepping stone into something bigger.

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7. Print on demand business

Print‑on‑demand is where you sell physical products like T-shirts, candles, gifts, journals, mugs, and totes, without buying inventory.

You upload your design to a platform like Printful or Printify, and when someone buys, the product is printed and shipped for you.

Your design could be something like a funny quote you thought of, a picture or pattern you designed, or something for specific audiences (like golf lovers, teachers, gamers, etc.).

I have bought print-on-demand items many times over the years, and I really like these types of items because they are usually more unique and personal. For example, my husband is really into mangos and growing mango trees, so I was able to find him a shirt with a mango on it. It is a super simple design, but it’s not something you can find at Target or other places because it is so unique.

You can learn more about this at How I Make $7,500 Monthly Selling Print-On-Demand Gifts.

I also recommend signing up for her How to Make Money with Print-On-Demand free workshop. In this workshop, you’ll learn how Emily made $500,000 in two years selling gifts, the best types of products to sell to maximize your earnings, and how to start this side hustle on Etsy.

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Make Money With Print-On-Demand Free Workshop

Want to learn how to make money selling print-on-demand products on Etsy? Check out this free workshop and learn how Emily made $500,000 in just two years.

Sign Up Here

8. Become a travel agent at home

I never thought I’d say this about myself, but I recently used a travel agent for the first time, and it was so easy.

Using travel agents is coming back, especially as people want help planning perfect trips. Plus, using a travel agent typically doesn’t cost a person any extra money, so they make planning a trip so much easier.

Travel agents make money from commissions from bookings – hotels, tours, and cruise lines pay travel agents a commission. Some travel agents also charge planning or itinerary fees in addition to commissions.

To get started:

• Join a host agency – Many travel agents start by partnering with a host agency that gives them training, booking tools, and support.
• Choose a specialty – You can become a cruise expert, family travel planner, luxury trip specialist, adventure trip expert, and more.
• Build a website and social presence – You can post travel tips and sample itineraries – people love content that makes their dream trips feel real.

Travel planning is one of those jobs where your love of travel becomes your work – and it’s a win/win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions you may have about the best work-from-home business ideas you can start right now.

What is the best business to work from home?

Blogging is one of the best because it’s flexible, low-cost to start, and has many different ways you make money. You can blog about something you enjoy and then earn from display ads, sponsored partnerships, and affiliate links. Other great options include selling printables or physical products, creating a course, or starting a newsletter.

What is the most profitable business to start from home?

Blogging with affiliate marketing, selling digital products, and freelancing are some of the most profitable. These don’t cost much to start and can grow into full-time income. They also have high profit margins since you don’t need a store or inventory.

How to make $10,000 a month working from home?

I recommend that you pick one or two high-earning ideas like blogging, printables, or freelancing. Then, be consistent, grow your audience or client list, and stack your income streams. It takes time, but with focus and effort, $10,000 a month is possible – I’ve done it myself.

Can I start a work-from-home business with no money? What is the cheapest business to start from home?

Yes! Ideas like blogging, freelancing, and selling printables can be started for free or under $100. Or, if you have expertise in an area, you may even be able to start a consulting business. You don’t need a big budget to begin. There are also in-person jobs you could do, such as taking care of a pet or dog walking (like on Rover), or if you have a camera, then you could start a photography business.

How long does it take to make money from home?

It depends, and there’s no easy answer to this. Freelancing can make you money within weeks. Blogging and digital products take longer but can grow into semi-passive income over time. The more time you put toward everything in the beginning, as well as hard work, the faster you may be able to make money.

Do I need to quit my job to start a home business?

Nope! Most people start their home business on the side, then grow from there. You can work on your business during evenings, weekends, or even nap time if you’re a parent. I started my business on the side of my full-time job.

Is working from home legit?

Yes, as long as you avoid scams. I recommend that you stick to business ideas with real products or services, and always do your research before signing up for anything. If something sounds too good to be true, make sure you do a lot of research on it and make sure it’s real!

Top Work From Home Business Ideas – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on the best work-from-home business ideas.

I have been working from home and running my own business for over 10 years, and I really enjoy it. I get to work from home, be my own boss, have a flexible schedule, and I feel like I am in complete control.

No matter which idea you choose:

• Start small. You don’t need to be perfect on day one.
• Learn as you go. Real skills come from doing.
• Be consistent. Growth rarely happens overnight.
• Track what works. Focus on what gets results.

There are many types of businesses that you can do from home, and I hope you are able to find a work-at-home business idea that you like doing.

Which business idea are you interested in starting?

Recommended reading:

• I’ve Done Over 20 Side Hustles in My Life: Here’s What I Think of Each
• 9 Passive Income Ideas for Stay-at-Home Parents
• How To Make $7,000 a Month – 14 Best Ideas
• 12 Surprising Work From Home Jobs You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
• How To Start a Business With No Money (Here’s How I Did It)
• 30+ Small Business Ideas To Become Your Own Boss

The post 8 Top Work From Home Business Ideas for 2026 appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

Not long ago, I found myself over $155,000 in student loan debt, all of it from graduate student loans. Over the next 16 months, I paid off every dollar. I didn’t do so through an inheritance or Liam Neeson type special set of skills, but I did take an unconventional approach.

In this post, I’ll go over exactly how I paid off my debt and remain debt-free to this day. 

Graduation day wasn’t the relief I expected

It was a joyful weekend. My parents had flown in, and it was finally time to breathe a sigh of relief that Physician Assistant school was over.

Or so I thought.

I had just dropped my parents at the airport and was back home sitting in front of my computer. Now that graduate school was over, I figured it was time to finally, for the first time ever, total my student loan debt. 

I was in shock. It was over $150,000, and I couldn’t believe it. It was worse than I thought.

Related articles:

• How We Paid Off $266,329.01 In 33 Months
• How Amanda Paid Off $133,763 In Debt in 43 Months

How I took on six figures of student loans

Before starting school, I had never had any debt before. It was probably for this reason I very naively took on 6-figures of student loans without so much as batting an eye.

I had worked incredibly hard to get accepted into a top 10 PA program, and I figured that I deserved to go to the best school possible. The tuition alone was over $100,000.

To me, it felt like Monopoly money. If every other PA does it, it can’t be so bad right? Wrong. 

Sitting there in my apartment, graduation cards scattered around, all of the sudden I didn’t feel like I had accomplished anything. Quite the opposite, I felt embarrassed. I felt like I had made a colossal mistake. How on earth was I going to pay all this off? 

I was surprised to learn that most people are exactly like me! They have no idea how much debt they’re in.

My starting salary and take-home pay

I was set to start work for an outpatient psychiatry clinic making $110,000 a year. That was a standard starting salary for a PA. After taxes I would be taking home about $75,000.

Which meant that even if I never spent a single dollar for the next 2 years, I would still be in debt.

Yikes. The future felt bleak. 

Deciding to pay off my debt as fast as possible

True to myself, when I had a problem, I hit the books and the spreadsheets. I read a handful of the top personal finance books, all of which told me to keep my debt for a decade plus and invest instead because my interest rate was lower than average market returns.

I mapped out my net worth projections over the next 20 years according to this plan, and to my horror, I was going to have a negative worth for 5 years! “Expert” advice or not, that just made zero sense to me. I was supposed to go on vacation and maybe get a nicer car or a nicer apartment, feelin’ great and livin’ large, all while being completely and totally broke? But I was supposed to tell myself I was building wealth that whole time? 

I just couldn’t accept that.

I didn’t want to bury my head in the sand and wait 5+ years to have anything to show for all the hard work I’d put in. Waiting 5 years to have a net worth of $1? That was just not for me. Not to mention the anxiety, stress, and emotional toll of carrying $150,000 of debt for years with monthly payments that matched the average mortgage.

So, I decided to go against all the personal finance pundits and take a completely opposite approach. Not only was I going to pay off my debt, I was going to do so with an enthusiasm and speed unknown to man!

Dead set on my new goal, I calculated how long it would take me to pay off all my debt if I cut my expenses to the bone and worked extra jobs.

According to the math, I could be debt free in less than 2.5 years if I worked an extra job and seriously cut my spending.

I figured I could do anything for 2 years. It didn’t feel like that long of a time, especially considering the payoff would be a lifetime of debt-free living. That tradeoff felt more than worth it. 

Quick tip from Making Sense of Cents: I recommend checking out Empower (formerly known as Personal Capital) if you are interested in gaining control of your financial situation. Empower allows you to aggregate your financial accounts so that you can easily see your financial situation. You can connect accounts such as your mortgage, bank accounts, credit card accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and more, and it is FREE.

Creating a vision for a debt-free life

Before I started working extra jobs or cutting my expenses, I needed to get clear on the vision of life that I wanted. I knew I couldn’t just push myself through an enormous task like this, I needed something to pull me through.

And that something was a vivid, compelling, and totally irresistible vision for the life I wanted for myself. A life free of massive payments and endless anxiety around money. I sat down and wrote down exactly how I wanted my life to be and how I wanted to feel every day. I described it in extreme detail, and after I was done writing, I made a vision board based on what I’d written. I set it as my desktop background so that I’d see it every single day. If you want to make your own vision board, click here to access a free template!

Along with my vision board, I wanted a visual representation of my debt, too. I went ahead and made a paper chain for all of my debt. Each chain represents a dollar amount, and every time you make a payment, you cut off the chains. I hung them on my bedroom wall where I would see them every day. Cutting off those chains with every payment was so motivating. I could see my progress every time I looked at them. This exercise really helped me feel excited to pay off my debt. Here is a video tutorial for how to make your own paper chains of debt.

Along with my paper chains of debt, I also made my very own Game of Thrones themed debt payoff coloring sheet. Every time I made a payment, I colored in a space. The end of the sheet was the Iron Throne. To download my 75+ page booklet of debt payoff and savings coloring sheets, download my free Debt Freedom Starter Kit here.

The paper chains and coloring sheets might seem silly, but they really made a difference. They take advantage of a unique aspect of paying off debt as a goal. Unlike many other goals, there are tangible, regular, and measurable results along the way. Because of this, there are so many ways to see and celebrate your progress.

Coloring in my sheet and cutting off my chains were truly fun for me while I was paying off my debt. And looking at them every day kept me focused on why I was working so hard. 

Cutting my expenses

Now that I was set up with my vision for my amazing debt-free life, my hundred+ paper chains, and my coloring sheet, it was time for the real work! 

The next thing to do was to cut my expenses. I went through my bank statements line by line and highlighted everything I felt I could live without for 2 years. Because it was such a short amount of time, most of the things in my budget were on the chopping block. Surely, I could go without a vacation or a nicer apartment for only 2 years. Saying no to these items felt so much easier when I knew I could have them right back after I was done paying off my debt, and an even better version. Once I was out of debt, I would be able to afford an even nicer apartment, or an even nicer vacation because I wouldn’t have massive payments to worry about. When I thought about it like this, it didn’t seem like much of a sacrifice at all because I was trading up in the end. 

For every expense I cut, my debt-free date got closer. I wanted to spend as little time possible working overtime and missing weekends with friends, so I was motivated to reduce my spending as much as possible. Certain expenses just would not be worth extra hours at work to me.

I got really creative to reduce my bills. I called my car insurance provider and asked for a lower rate (which worked!) I switched from contact lenses to glasses, which saved me $800 a year. I stopped highlighting my hair and started cutting it at home in my bathroom mirror (results may vary). I started eating the free lunches provided at the hospital I worked at, too.

Again, these cuts weren’t exactly fun, but they weren’t that big of a deal. I could have a hack job haircut and glasses for 2 years if it meant a lifetime of no payments.

With every cut I made, the future life I wanted so badly moved closer and closer on my calendar.

Increasing my income

Now there’s only so much you can reduce your expenses. So, even more important to my debt payoff journey was increasing my income. I was so motivated by the idea of being debt-free for life that I was willing to work any (legal and ethical) job available. The first thing I did was try and get overtime at my current job. This is what I’d recommend as it’s often the highest paying option, especially if you can get an overtime differential. 

I was a new grad so I couldn’t ask for a raise, but I’d recommend that too if possible. Your salary compounds just like investments (and debt) so asking for a raise can have massive effects on your future income.  

I started working evenings and weekends, but because my employer was in the middle of switching software systems, there wasn’t much work for me yet. In the meantime, I went back to my high school roots and started babysitting again. I also posted flyers in my apartment building offering home cleaning and pet sitting services. Building management ripped them off the walls tout de suite, but not before I got a job! I was now going to be pet sitting an adorable dog while taking virtual patient appointments, effectively increasing my hourly income. 

I appreciated the opportunity to babysit and pet sit, but these only paid me $15-25 dollars an hour, far less than the $50/hour I could be making as a Physician Assistant. In between working those jobs, I was applying for other PA jobs like a madwoman. Indeed hated to see me coming. I was applying to probably 15+ jobs/week. Because I was a new graduate student and had no experience, I was not a very attractive candidate to most employers. This meant I had to work harder to find employment, but I was determined and knew I could do a good job.

In addition to applying to jobs online, I also reached out to my alma mater and asked if they had any teaching opportunities for the PA students, and they did! This went on to be one of my favorite jobs, as I absolutely love to teach.

Landing higher-paying PA work

After several months of trying and failing to find a second PA job that would fit with my already full-time schedule, I got an interview for a virtual psychiatry job that let you set your own hours. I was really excited, until the recruiter told me over the phone that they didn’t hire new graduates. I was actually able to convince the recruiter over the phone to make an exception and let me go on to a second-round interview. I was set on becoming debt-free, and if I had to push my way through, so be it. I ended up getting the job, and not long after I started, they offered to promote me to full-time work. This would be the first of many, many roadblocks on my debt-free journey that I had to work around. Don’t be discouraged if sometimes it seems like the odds aren’t working in your favor. Stay persistent and committed to your goal, and you’ll get there, just maybe not in the way you imagined.

Around this time, I finally heard back from a fellow alumnus of my PA program who I had been very annoyingly emailing asking for a job on his hospital consult team. They offered me an open position, but it was only for 1 day a week. I was really interested in the job, and it was better than nothing so I said yes. 

I had to wait a painful 3 months for my hospital credentialing to be approved, but soon enough, I was officially employed at my now 4^th job. Shortly after I started, it turned out they needed me a lot more than 1 day a week. I was able to work multiple open bonus shifts in this position which really helped me increase my income and start making meaningful progress on my debt. 

A very demanding schedule

It was around this time that I noticed there were serious management issues at my first full-time job out of school, the one I had been working at for 6 months. They also cut my salary unexpectedly and then cut all my overtime. I knew that I needed to leave, so I started the job search yet again. Luckily, also through networking, I found another outpatient job that was a much better fit.

Applying for, interviewing, and starting what ended up being a total of 5 jobs in 7 months was beyond grueling. I had little experience as a PA, so I felt very insecure and had a lot to learn. I was incredibly nervous before each job and full of so much self-doubt that it felt crippling at times, but I pushed through. I realized the more insecurity I could handle, the more I could grow as a clinician and person. 

With each job, I surprised myself. I was able to learn quickly, and every job gave me great patient experience that helped me with the next job. I worked so much to pay off my debt, but it had the added bonus of making me a much better and more well-rounded Physician Assistant.

Once I was steadily working at all 4 jobs, my schedule was madness and objectively insane. I would wake up at 5:30am and drive to my office where I would take virtual appointments from 6am to 9am for job #1. Then, I would start seeing patients in the office for job #2 from 9am to 2pm. I would then hop on the bus or on the metro (or on a good day I got to borrow my boyfriend’s car) and make my way to my job in the emergency room at a local hospital. I would work that shift from 3pm until 11pm. Then I’d go home, pass out, dream of debt-free days, and do it all again. 

I was working about 90-100 hours a week depending on the week. During this time, I was able to pay off over $10,000 a month to my debt, which felt amazing.

Pushing through and staying motivated

One tip I’d recommend is to tell others about your debt-free journey! My coworkers were so supportive and would often help me by offering me their open shifts first. Take advantage of people’s willingness to help. Better still, some coworkers of mine started paying off their debt, too!

I worked every weekend for over a year. One time, I worked 63 days in a row, had one day off, and then worked another 50+ days in a row. Looking back, I am shocked at how much I was able to work. But to be honest I didn’t feel as tired or as miserable as you’d think. I actually liked working that much because I was getting regular positive reinforcement in the form of regular paychecks which went towards my debt. It felt so satisfying to see my loans shrink faster and faster the more I worked. 

In my opinion, burnout comes from working when you don’t want to, or when someone else or some outside circumstance is making you. But when you’re working extra hours because you want to, you don’t feel burnt out or resentful. In fact, because I paid off all my debt, it turned out to be a form of burnout prevention in my career. 

All told, I was only working 80+ hours for less than 12 months of my debt-free journey. It felt like the time flew by, and looking back it was such a short amount of time to sacrifice for a lifetime of gain. 

If you’re in debt and feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or wondering if you’ll ever get out, I’m here to tell you that I get it. I’ve been there. My debt once felt totally impossible, too. The truth is that it is possible to become debt-free, no matter how grim your finances may look now. The first step is not increasing your income or starting to coupon with fervor, but to change your beliefs. The moment you accept that debt freedom is possible and worth it, the results will inevitably follow.  

Author bio: Arden paid off $155,000 of student loan debt in 16 months by simplifying her life, working multiple jobs, and refusing to settle for financial stress as “normal.” Today, she runs She’s Financially Free, where she teaches women how to transform their money mindset and finally take control of their finances. Her work focuses on shifting beliefs, empowerment, and designing a life you love that’s free of money stress. Arden lives with her husband and daughter and is passionate about helping others experience the freedom she found. Download her Free Debt Freedom Starter Kit by clicking here.

What would your life look like if your debt was completely gone? How much debt do you have?

Recommended reading:

• How We Quit Our 9-5 Jobs and Built a $1,000,000+ Online Business to Reach Financial Freedom
• How I Retired At Age 30 with $500,000
• How Our Family of 5 Went from House Poor to Debt Free in 3 Years
• How I’ve Paid Off $29,000 In Debt By Living In a Van

The post How I Paid Off $155,000 of Debt in 16 Months appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

I read 70 books last year, and so far in the last week, I have read 6, so reading is definitely a passion of mine. If you’re a fan of reading like I am, you may be interested in learning how to make extra money with this hobby.

In this article, I’m sharing:

• How to make money as a book lover
• The easiest side hustles for book lovers to start
• How much money you can realistically make with these gigs

And more!

If you want to make extra cash or turn reading into a full-time income, this post shows you how to make money while reading. 

Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books

Best Side Hustles for Book Lovers

Here’s a list of the best side hustles for book lovers.

1. Start a book blog

If you love books and have wanted to start a blog, running your own book blog can be a fun side hustle for book lovers. 

You can monetize a book blog in many different ways, such as through the Amazon Associates affiliate program and by sharing affiliate links to books you mention. For example, you could write an article about your top 10 favorite books and then include referral links to them – here’s an example of what that looks like on this blog 15 Best Money Books To Help You Change Your Life.

Other ways to make money blogging include display ads, sponsored posts from publishers or authors, and even selling your own digital products like reading trackers, book club guides, printable bookmarks, or reading journals.

I have been blogging for years and so has my sister. While I now run my blog part-time, my sister (and the owner of the blog you are reading right now) has been blogging full-time for over 10 years. So, there are definitely options if you want to make a part-time or full-time income!

I recommend reading How To Start a Book Blog and Make Money if this is a side hustle you are interested in.

2. Library

Working at the library is one of the best jobs for book lovers if you love reading and connecting with people.

There are all kinds of jobs you can get at the library, including jobs as a library clerk, assistant in the various departments, scheduling specialist for the special events, running the children’s program, and obviously, a librarian (which requires a master’s degree).

My local library district has over 100 positions for all kinds of jobs, and it’s really quite interesting to see what’s required to run a library.

I’m actually currently interviewing for a library position as a library clerk because I’ve always wanted to work at a library, so wish me luck!

3. Sell book-themed printables

If you want to take your side hustle online, you may want to try selling book-themed printables like reading trackers, reading challenges, and printable bookmarks.

There’s a huge community online of people who purchase and love printables, as these can be bought once and used again and again. This is also a great side hustle because you only have to make the printable once, list it online, and then it can be purchased again and again. 

I recommend signing up for the How To Earn Money Selling Printables free training. You’ll learn printable ideas, how to get started on Etsy, and how to actually make sales.

Recommended reading: How I Made $6,161 in Just 4 Months With a New Etsy Printables Shop

Free Training: Earn Money Selling Printables

Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.

Sign Up Here

4. Sell bookish merchandise

One of the most fun bookish side hustles is probably selling bookish merchandise like print-on-demand mugs, shirts, tote bags, and stickers with funny and cute bookish sayings.

I recommend browsing Etsy and other online creative shops to get an idea of things you can make into merchandise and what customers like. Here’s an example of bookish merch that you can sell on Etsy.

Since these are print-on-demand, you don’t need inventory, as these special platforms do all of the heavy lifting for you. However, you need to have some sort of audience and do marketing to get people to buy your stuff from these platforms. 

You can learn more at How I Make $7,500 Monthly Selling Print-On-Demand Gifts.

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Make Money With Print-On-Demand Free Workshop

Want to learn how to make money selling print-on-demand products on Etsy? Check out this free workshop and learn how Emily made $500,000 in just two years.

Sign Up Here

5. Proofreader

Proofreaders get paid to read through articles, books, manuscripts, and more. They’re in charge of finding errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation and correcting these before they get published. You don’t need a degree to get started in this field, just a strong attention to detail and training is good to have too.

You can find proofreading jobs on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelancing gig websites, and once you get some client work going, it’s easier to get jobs through word of mouth.

You can learn more about becoming a proofreader in this free training by clicking here. This free workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader.

Recommended reading: How To Start A Proofreading Business And Make $4,000+ Monthly

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Proofread Anywhere

This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.

Sign Up Here

6. Sell short stories

If you love not only reading but also writing, selling short stories is a great way to make money.

You can write stories for magazines and online platforms that pay for fiction. Many publications pay for short stories in the romance, sci-fi, mystery, and fantasy genres, with payouts ranging from $25 to a few hundred dollars.

You can also publish short stories on Amazon Kindle, Wattpad’s paid program, or sell them as digital downloads on your blog or website. 

You can learn more about this in 14 Places To Sell Short Stories For Money.

7. Make bookmarks

If you want a simple and low-cost side hustle to get started in, you may want to try making bookmarks. You can make bookmarks from crochet, cross-stitch, and more, and you can find patterns for bookmarks on Etsy. 

You can also design your own bookmarks and include inspirational quotes, cute and cozy illustrations, seasonal themes, or genre-specific designs.

8. Sell used books

If you want to make money selling items, one way is by selling used books.

You can resell your own books or source books through garage sales, library sales, Facebook Marketplace, or thrift stores. Genres that sell the best include romance, fantasy, self-help, and newer textbooks.

You can list used books on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Amazon, Mercari, and even locally through apps like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. You’ll want to take high-quality, well-lit photos and price competitively to sell items quickly. 

You can learn more at 16 Best Places To Sell Used Books For Cash.

9. Write romance novels

If you enjoy writing, writing romance novels is one of the best ways to make money through self-publishing. People love reading love stories (and there’s a huge demand for them right now!), which means there’s an audience ready to buy your book.

You can start writing short novels or stories and publishing them on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, where you’ll get royalties anytime someone checks out your book on Kindle.

Many authors decide to go all in on one subgenre, like cozy small town romance, enemies to lovers, travel romance, second-chance romance, or fantasy romance. 

Recommended reading: How to Make $3,000 Per Month (or More) Self-Publishing Romance Novels – Without Writing a Word

10. Become a book reviewer

A book reviewer is in charge of writing honest reviews for blogs, magazines, websites, or even their own blog. Certain publishers and companies pay for reviews (like Online Book Club), while others offer free books (such as Netgalley) for writing reviews on platforms like Goodreads. 

You can also make money reviewing books by sharing your affiliate links when you talk about said books on your social media or blog. It’s a fun way to make extra money just by helping others find new books. 

Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Review Books (14 Sites That Actually Pay)

11. Narrate audiobooks

Do you have a clear, engaging voice? If so, you may be able to make money as a narrator.

With audiobook narration, you turn books into audio recordings that people can listen to and enjoy on platforms like Audible and Spotify. You don’t usually need professional experience to start, just a few things like correct pronunciation, a quiet place to record, and good pacing.

Many beginners start on platforms like ACX, Findaway Voices, or Voices.com, where authors and publishers go to connect with narrators. As you build your experience and skills, you can take on bigger projects and negotiate higher rates. 

You can learn more in How To Become A Voice Over Actor.

12. Host a paid book club

Hosting a paid book club can be a creative way to make money as a book lover, especially if you like connecting with people and building community.

You can run a virtual or in-person paid book club and charge a small fee for access to group discussions, Zoom chats, reading guides, printable content, and bonus content.

You’ll want to pack as much value as you can into your book club so people stay in the book club and get excited for the upcoming months to come.

13. Work as a virtual assistant for an author

If you want to work behind the scenes, work as a virtual assistant for an author. Authors need extra help all the time, so if you have a love of books, then this could be a fun job to have. You can find jobs for this on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr by typing in “virtual assistant for author” and seeing what kind of jobs come up.

You can also work for a publishing agency, which my friend once did and loved. She found her job through Upwork.

A virtual assistant job includes a variety of tasks, including administrative work, helping manage a newsletter to their readers, scheduling author readings, connecting with customers and answering questions via email, managing social media profiles, email marketing, and so much more. 

14. Write your own book

While not easy, you can write your own book, which is one of the most rewarding ways to make money from your love of storytelling and writing.

You can publish your book through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or other self-publishing platforms. Each time you make a sale, you earn a royalty. You can also sell digital, print, and audiobook versions to increase your income. 

Recommended reading: How I Made $2,000 in 1 Week by Writing an eBook

15. Design book covers

If you love art and illustrations, a creative way to make money in the publishing world is to create eye-catching designs for authors. You can create illustrations and covers using platforms like Canva, Procreate, or Adobe Illustrator. You can sell these as custom designs or premade templates for authors.

Authors love finding covers that match their genre, so niching down can really help you stand out.

You can sell your services on sites like Etsy and Fiverr, or even on your own website. And, don’t forget to build a portfolio, gain experience, and slowly raise your rates.

16. Work at a bookstore

If you like connecting with people, working at a bookstore is a classic way to make money doing something you love. Keep in mind that this job requires a lot of customer service and working with all kinds of people. You’ll also be stocking shelves, organizing events, helping customers find their next read, and working the cash register.

Many stores give employee discounts for bookstore employees, early access to new releases, and the chance to connect with a community of book lovers. This is a great job for someone who enjoys working with the public and in a bookstore setting.

17. Start a book-themed Instagram account 

If you love social media, starting a book-themed Instagram account is a fun way to talk about your favorite books.

You can share book reviews, book hauls, bookshelf decor, reading challenges, and themed photos of your current reads. When you slowly start building an engaged following, you can make money through affiliate links, brand partnerships, or even sponsored posts with book publishers.

I recently came across a social media account where the person travels to different places mentioned in her favorite books – and she’s built a loyal audience who loves following her literary adventures. It just goes to show that when you combine creativity and passion, there are so many ways to make money as a book lover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the best side hustle gigs for book lovers.

Can you really make money as a book lover? 

Yes, but how much money you make depends on a lot of things. You can expect to make anywhere from just earning free books to a few thousand dollars a month, depending on the side hustle you start, how much experience you have, and how much time you put into the side hustle. 

What jobs can I do if I love books?

If you love books and reading, there are so many jobs and side hustle opportunities for you! You could get an entry-level position at a library, work at a bookstore, or start your own business selling bookmarks or other book-related items.

What’s the easiest side hustle for book lovers to start?

The easiest side hustle for book lovers to start is likely creating book-related printables, bookmarks, selling used books, or working at a bookstore. All of these have a semi-easy entry level to get started. 

Do I need a degree in English or literature to start these side hustles? 

You do not need a degree in English or literature to start these side hustles. In fact, none of these side hustles require a degree other than becoming a librarian (but there are plenty of other library jobs where you don’t need a degree that you can apply for).

How much money can I realistically make from a book-related side hustle?

The amount of money you can make from a book-related side hustle depends on the side hustle and how much time and effort you put into it. A proofreading or editing job’s starting pay is around $20 to $30, whereas starting a book blog can take a while to turn a profit, but it can be worthwhile if you enjoy blogging. I recommend choosing a side hustle you enjoy, as it will make working easier if the pay isn’t quite enough yet. 

Can I start a book side hustle with no money?

Yep! There are tons of book side hustles you can start with no money, including getting a job at a local library, selling used books you already have, working as a virtual assistant for an author, or working at a bookstore. All of these jobs require zero upfront pay.

17 Best Side Hustles for Book Lovers – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on the best side hustles for book lovers.

These side hustles give you the ability to make money while doing something you love – reading. And, with all of the different options above, you can probably find a job with some flexibility that works for your schedule.

There are so many great side hustles for book lovers, and I hope you find one that you really enjoy!

Do you want to make money reading books? Are you an avid reader?

Recommended reading: 

• 13 Ways To Get Free Books Online And Sent To You
• 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures

The post 17 Best Side Hustles for Book Lovers appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

I still remember hanging up the phone after turning down the opportunity I thought I had worked my entire life for – an offer to move onto the road as a police officer.

At the time, I was working as a jail deputy, the job that was supposed to be my stepping stone into law enforcement. But instead of feeling excited, I felt crushed. I sat in my car and cried, knowing I had just walked away from the career I had spent years chasing.

My wife Brittany was teaching full-time. We had $40,000 in student loan debt. And now I was questioning everything.

But deep down, I knew I couldn’t stay. Working in the jail left me depressed and hopeless – it felt like I was doing time with the inmates.

That moment of breaking down was also the beginning of our breakthrough.

Fast forward: Brittany and I now run a seven-figure online businesses, with our brands The Savvy Couple and The Savvy Mama. We’ve been featured in Forbes, paid off our debt, and built a life of complete freedom where we homeschool our kids, travel when we want, and live life on our own terms.

And it all started with $50.

Related content:

• How I Retired At Age 30 with $500,000
• 12 Passive Income Ideas That Will Let You Enjoy Life More
• How We Travel Full-Time With 4 Kids and 2 Dogs
• How Our Family of 5 Went from House Poor to Debt Free in 3 Years

The Spark: Michelle’s Income Report Changed Everything

After leaving law enforcement, I took a huge pay cut to work as an office manager at a college – dropping from $30 an hour to $13.

From the outside, it looked like a step backward. But I knew I needed that space to find my purpose again.

Around that time, Brittany and I stumbled across Michelle’s Making Sense of Cents income reports. Seeing her share openly about blogging income changed everything. If she could do it, maybe we could too.

One night at the dinner table, we had a heart-to-heart: this life isn’t working. We wanted more freedom. I was done with 9-5 jobs – I knew I wasn’t built for them. I needed to be my own boss and in control of my time.

We’d always been obsessed with personal finance. Our family and friends constantly came to us for money advice. So we decided to launch a blog – The Savvy Couple – to share what we knew.

We were so excited. Nights, weekends, holidays – every spare moment went into building it.

Nine months in, after countless late nights, we finally earned our first $50 online.

I must have refreshed PayPal fifty times that day. When it cleared, I sprinted downstairs, grabbed Brittany, and we danced in the kitchen like we had just won the lottery.

To some people, $50 is nothing. To us, it was everything. It was proof we weren’t crazy. It was the spark that gave us hope.

Two weeks later, I quit my job at the college. It was the last job I would ever quit.

If you’ve ever thought, “$50 isn’t much,” let me tell you: your first $50 online can change your entire life.

Freelancing to stay afloat

Without a paycheck, I had to figure things out fast. I turned to freelancing – teaching English on VIPKid and doing digital marketing. Upwork was an incredible resource for finding freelance work. 

Within two months, I had replaced my income. Meanwhile, The Savvy Couple kept growing.

Brittany wasn’t fully convinced the blog would succeed, but she had complete faith in me. That faith carried us through the messy middle.

Finding My WHY

Not long after, our first daughter was born. Brittany went back to teaching, and I became a stay-at-home dad while running the business.

Every morning, I’d kiss her goodbye as she headed off to school. I cherished those moments, but I also felt the weight of them. Brittany was missing milestones with our baby. I was missing my best friend.

She’s been my best friend since 9th grade, when we first started dating. My heart hurt every day she was gone for so long. We wanted this business to give us freedom, but I realized I didn’t just want my freedom – I wanted hers too.

That’s when I got the vision. I had already quit my job. What would it look like if Brittany could quit hers as well?

So I started writing two simple letters on our bathroom mirror: RB.

RB stood for Retire Brittany.

It became my promise. My why. The reminder that every late night and every sacrifice had a purpose.

And every time I saw it, I knew exactly what I was fighting for.

Scaling: Six Figures, Then $46,000 in One Month

By 2018, all that consistency paid off – we hit six figures.

In 2019, the business exploded past $500,000. That was the year Brittany finally left teaching to join me full-time.

We had made a deal: if we could hit $10,000 each month for six months straight, she’d leave. It was a tough decision – teaching came with stability, benefits, and a pension.

But then the month before she was set to resign, we made $46,000 – more than her entire year of teaching.

We took it as a sign. Brittany handed in her notice, and we’ve never looked back.

That same year, we paid off our remaining $25,000 of student loan debt in just five months. Cutting our lifestyle by 40% and attacking debt with everything we had gave us the freedom to take bigger risks.

Forbes Features and Seven Figures

In 2019, our story was featured in Forbes for the first time, and that exposure helped our business explode.

By 2023, The Savvy Couple and The Savvy Mama were generating $100,000 per month in semi-passive income (Forbes feature here).

Then in 2025, The Savvy Mama, Brittany’s brand helping moms simplify life with home systems, was featured in Forbes again.

That makes three Forbes features for Brittany so far. I’ve got one more to catch up to her. 😉

What Financial Freedom Really Looks Like

Freedom isn’t about yachts or private jets. It’s about choices. It’s about being in control of your most valuable asset, TIME. 

For us, it means:

• Waking up without alarms
• Homeschooling our girls
• Midday workouts
• Spontaneous family vacations
• Empty calendars

Looking back, it’s surreal: from “doing time with inmates” to living every day as a gift.

The 5 Steps That Made the Biggest Difference for Us

We didn’t get here by accident. We followed a process that anyone can use.

We now call it the FREED Method.

F – Find Your Vision

Your vision has to be bigger than your fear.

For me, it was two simple letters on our bathroom mirror: RB – Retire Brittany. That vision pulled me through the hardest days, the late nights, and the moments I doubted myself.

For you, it might be traveling the world, working from home so you can be with your kids, or finally paying off that last student loan. Whatever it is, you need a vision that excites you so much it drowns out your excuses.

Action step: Write down your vision. Get super specific about what you want your life to look like. What would your ideal day consist of? How would freedom change the way you wake up, spend time with your family, or end your workday?

My first vision was quitting my job and making money from home. Then it grew to retiring Brittany so she could be home with our family. And eventually, it became reaching financial freedom in our early 30s.

Your vision will evolve as you grow, but the important part is starting with one that’s strong enough to carry you through the scary first steps.

R – Reclaim Your Time

Even reclaiming just 5 hours a week adds up to 260 hours a year, and that’s over six 40-hour work weeks you could put toward your freedom. Imagine what you could build with that kind of time.

Action steps:

1. Track your time for 7 days. Be brutally honest – where are the leaks?
2. Cut 1–2 hours of wasted time daily. Netflix binges, endless scrolling, hitting snooze – it all adds up.
3. Reinvest that time into your freedom project. Use it to learn, create, or grow something that moves you closer to your vision.

Tool tip: Use Google Calendar, RescueTime, or even a notebook – what matters is tracking and reclaiming those hours with intention.

E – Eliminate your money stress

Eliminating money stress isn’t about becoming rich – it’s about creating mental space to dream again. When every dollar has a plan, you stop lying awake at night worrying about bills and start asking bigger questions: What do I actually want my life to look like?

Action steps:

1. Create a zero-based budget. Give every dollar a job so you’re in control, not guessing where your money went.
2. Build a $1,000 emergency fund. This small buffer turns everyday surprises into minor speed bumps instead of financial disasters.
3. Attack one debt aggressively. Pick the smallest balance (snowball method) or highest interest (avalanche method). Small wins create momentum fast.

Tool tip: Rocket Money, YNAB, Google Sheet. Just get started. 

E – Explore Income Streams

Here’s the truth: flipping items and surveys can give you quick wins, but if you want freedom, focus on scalable income streams.

4 Proven paths:

1. Affiliate marketing – Michelle showed us it’s not about being salesy – it’s about helping people. Quick start:
   
   • Sign up for Amazon Associates (5 minutes, free).
   • Create content about 3 products you already use.
   • Add links, publish, share.
     
2. Digital products – Create once, sell forever (ebooks, courses, printables).
   
3. Content creation – Blogging, YouTube, or social media that builds trust.
   
4. Bonus: Marketing agency – Package skills like SEO, ads, or social media and help local businesses.

Quick win goal: Make your first $50 online. It can change everything.

D – Design Your Escape Plan

Don’t just dream of freedom – design it. Dreams stay fuzzy. A plan gives you a clear path forward. The more specific you get, the more inevitable your freedom becomes.

Action steps:

1. Set income milestones. Aim to replace 25%, then 50%, then 100% of your current paycheck. Each milestone proves you’re closer to walking away from your 9-5.
2. Build a 12-month roadmap. Break it down by quarter. What needs to happen in the next 90 days to move closer to your goal?
3. Review and adjust monthly. Life changes – your plan should adapt with it. Track progress, celebrate wins, and reset the course when needed.

Tool tip: Use Trello, Asana, or even a simple whiteboard to track milestones where you’ll see them every day.

The Cost of Waiting

Here’s what I wish someone told me: the hardest part isn’t building – it’s deciding to start.

If you wait another year:

• Your kids will be a year older
• Your debt might grow
• Your dream will feel further away

But if you start today, a year from now you could be celebrating your first $1,000 month. Or even handing in your resignation.

How We Quit Our 9-5 Jobs and Built a $1,000,000+ Online Business to Reach Financial Freedom – Summary

When I turned down my law enforcement dream, I thought I was losing everything. But this was making room for something bigger.

We started with $40,000 in debt, a laptop, and $50 that gave us hope.

Today, we have financial freedom, time freedom, and memories we’d never trade for a paycheck.

Your freedom story starts with a decision. Make it today.

Author Bio: Kelan & Brittany Kline are the founders of The Savvy Couple, a family finance and lifestyle brand that helps people break free from the 9-5 and build a life of freedom. After paying off $40,000 of debt and leaving their traditional jobs, they scaled their blog into a seven-figure business and have since launched The Savvy Mama. They’ve been featured in Forbes multiple times and are passionate about helping others design their own escape plan. Grab their free Financial Freedom Starter Guide today – the exact roadmap we used to go from $40K in debt and stuck in a 9-to-5 to building the life we once only dreamed about. It will take you from feeling overwhelmed to knowing the exact first steps to create your escape plan.

The post How We Quit Our 9-5 Jobs and Built a $1,000,000+ Online Business to Reach Financial Freedom appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

Affordable homeownership is rarely just about finding the right house. Instead, it’s about navigating financing decisions that can shape long-term financial stability. Mortgage lenders play an important role in simplifying this process, helping borrowers understand options, manage costs and move forward with confidence.

By examining how modern mortgage lenders operate and thinking about important factors when selecting one, prospective homeowners can make more informed and smarter financial decisions.

Understanding the Role of Mortgage Lenders 

Mortgage lenders are financial institutions that provide loans to individuals looking to purchase a home. Unlike mortgage brokers, who act as intermediaries connecting borrowers with lenders, mortgage lenders underwrite and fund the loans themselves. This means they assess creditworthiness, verify income and determine the terms that align with both the borrower’s financial profile and the lender’s risk parameters.

Lenders play an important role in the housing market by making sure that buyers receive financing that is sustainable and aligned with their long-term financial goals. Beyond simply providing funds, lenders guide borrowers through complex loan options, explaining interest rates, repayment schedules and potential fees. This guidance can help prevent financial missteps and support responsible homeownership.

How Mortgage Lenders Help Streamline the Homebuying Process 

The homebuying process can be overwhelming, but mortgage lenders simplify many of its most complex steps.

One way they do this is through prequalification and preapproval. Prequalification gives potential homeowners a snapshot of how much a borrower may be eligible to borrow, while preapproval involves a deeper review of credit history, income and debts. This distinction helps buyers understand their budget before house hunting, saving time and reducing disappointment.

Modern mortgage lenders also leverage digital applications and document processing systems, enabling borrowers to submit information online and track their loan progress in real time. In-house underwriting further reduces delays by keeping loan evaluation and approval under one roof. This end-to-end approach minimizes the need for third-party intermediaries, preventing common bottlenecks and miscommunication.

By streamlining application and approval processes, lenders make it easier for buyers to navigate paperwork, meet deadlines and ultimately close on a home faster. The result is reduced stress and greater confidence throughout the homebuying journey.

Mortgage Lenders and Financial Wellness 

Mortgage lenders can promote financial wellness beyond just providing funds. By giving tailored guidance on loan types, interest rates and repayment schedules, lenders help borrowers make choices that align with long-term financial stability. Selecting the right mortgage can prevent overextension, protect credit scores and create opportunities for wealth building through home equity.

Structured advice from lenders also aids in budgeting and planning. Borrowers gain insight into how different loan terms affect monthly payments, interest costs over time and potential savings. For example, choosing a fixed-rate mortgage might give a person predictable payments for long-term planning, while adjustable-rate options may give short-term affordability but require careful consideration of future interest changes because rates can go up.

Working with knowledgeable lenders encourages informed decision-making, reducing the risk of financial strain and enabling borrowers to focus on building equity, maintaining savings and planning for future expenses. The right lender can guide buyers toward choices that support both homeownership goals and overall financial health.

Benefits of Working With an Independent Mortgage Lender 

Independent mortgage lenders have distinct advantages compared with larger banks or traditional brokers. Unlike brokers who may pass a loan and personal information to multiple institutions, independent lenders maintain control over the entire lending process, from application to underwriting and funding. This approach provides borrowers with greater transparency, reduced risk of miscommunication and a more personalized experience.

Independents also provide access to a broader range of loan products. From VA and FHA loans to construction, jumbo, modular and Non-QM options, borrowers have more opportunities to find financing that matches their unique needs. In-house underwriting makes sure that loan approval and management remain consistent, preventing delays often associated with third-party involvement.

Another benefit is the focus on customer-centric service. Independent lenders often emphasize providing advisory guidance rather than commission-based sales, supporting borrowers in making well-informed decisions rather than pushing products. By combining expertise, flexibility and end-to-end processing, independent mortgage lenders can simplify and tailor the homebuying journey.

How to Choose the Right Mortgage Lender for Your Goals 

Selecting the right mortgage lender is an important step in achieving affordable homeownership. Several factors can guide borrowers toward a lender that aligns with both financial goals and personal preferences.

Transparency and Communication

A lender that clearly explains loan terms, fees and repayment options allows buyers to make informed decisions without surprises. Technology is another important factor. A chosen mortgage lender should be accessible. Lenders that provide online applications, document tracking and digital signatures simplify the process and reduce delays.

Reputation and Reviews 

These give you insight into service quality. Borrowers can gauge reliability, responsiveness and customer satisfaction by reading past client experiences. Asking pointed questions during initial consultations, such as “How quickly are loans typically processed?” or “What support is available if documentation is missing?” can reveal the lender’s attentiveness and flexibility. Online research, verified customer reviews and referrals from real estate professionals can help narrow down credible options.

Regional Availability

Location and infrastructure are important considerations. Lenders familiar with local real estate markets, regulations and property taxes can provide practical guidance tailored to the borrower’s area. This localized expertise can translate into smoother approvals and fewer delays. For example, individuals seeking a mortgage lender in Georgia may prefer institutions with physical offices and local loan advisors who are familiar with state-specific requirements and local housing trends.

Where Can You Find a Mortgage Lender? 

Assurance Financial stands out as an independent mortgage lender in Georgia that can streamline the path to affordable homeownership while supporting long-term financial stability. Operating as a full-service residential mortgage banker, the company positions its team as loan advisors rather than traditional commissioned loan officers. It emphasizes guidance, clarity and borrower education.

One of Assurance Financial’s defining advantages is its end-to-end loan processing under one roof. As a Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac seller-servicer and a Ginnie Mae–approved issuer, Assurance Financial underwrites and manages loans internally rather than outsourcing big steps. This structure reduces processing delays, minimizes data sharing and ensures consistent communication throughout the loan life cycle.

Borrowers also benefit from access to virtually every major residential loan product available, including VA, FHA, jumbo, construction, modular home and Non-QM loans. This breadth allows loan advisors to tailor financing solutions based on individual financial circumstances rather than forcing borrowers into limited options.

Technology further supports Assurance Financial’s efficiency. A modern digital application platform enables borrowers to submit documentation, track progress and receive updates quickly and securely. These systems contribute to a smoother experience from application through closing.

With an average 4.98-star rating across thousands of reviews, Assurance Financial is widely recognized for both service quality and reliability. For those seeking a mortgage lender in Georgia, the company has expanded its footprint with new branches in Warner Robins, Springfield and Gwinnett, offering localized expertise alongside national lending capabilities. Assurance Financial offers a strong solution aligned with affordable homeownership goals.

Loan and Behold

Mortgage lenders do more than provide funding. They also guide, advise and simplify the journey to homeownership, helping buyers make strategic financial choices while reducing stress.

Independent lenders, like Assurance Financial, combine expertise, in-house processing and personalized support to make sure that borrowers have access to the right loan products and technology-driven convenience. With proper guidance, achieving homeownership becomes less of a leap of faith and more of a confident step forward.

The post How Mortgage Lenders Streamline the Path to Affordable Homeownership  appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

What most people don’t realize is that you don’t need to be an accountant or have an accounting degree to become a bookkeeper.

This is something you can learn at home and actually make an income doing!

I know how overwhelming it can feel to start something new. But becoming a bookkeeper is actually a lot more beginner-friendly than many people think. It’s flexible, doesn’t require a college degree, and many people start without any background in finance or accounting.

In today’s article, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to become a bookkeeper with no experience, step-by-step. I’ll also share how much beginner bookkeepers typically make and how to gain the confidence to get your first client. I’m keeping everything simple and straightforward, so that even if you have zero knowledge about bookkeeping today, you can get started right away and know what to do next to find remote bookkeeping jobs.

Note: I recommend signing up for a free training on how to become a bookkeeper, find high-paying clients, and avoid mistakes. You can sign up for free by clicking here.

Best Ways To Become a Bookkeeper With No Experience

Below is what you need to know if you want to become a bookkeeper without a degree or experience.

What is bookkeeping and who hires bookkeepers?

First off, let’s start with what bookkeeping actually is.

Bookkeeping is the process of tracking a business’s financial transactions – things like income, expenses, and profit. Bookkeepers help keep records organized and accurate so business owners can make better decisions (and have everything ready come tax time). You are not doing their taxes, though, so don’t worry about that.

It’s not the same as being an accountant. Bookkeeping is more about day-to-day tracking, and it’s something that many small businesses outsource because they don’t have time to do it themselves.

And that’s where a bookkeeping career comes in.

You don’t need to work for a big company to become a bookkeeper. Many online bookkeepers work remotely for solo entrepreneurs, online business owners, consultants, and other small businesses. These business owners need help staying organized, and they’d rather pay someone else to handle it.

I actually have a few friends who are bookkeepers – they all work from home and run their own businesses by doing freelance bookkeeping for small businesses. Some are doing it to make extra income, and for others, it’s their full-time business.

Bookkeeping is especially helpful for people who want to work from home or earn money on the side. It’s a great fit for people who like details, routine, and helping others behind the scenes.

And, yes, there is a lot of room for new bookkeepers! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is expected to be around 170,000 new jobs in the bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing industry each year over the next decade (so, over 1,000,000 new jobs!).

How much do new bookkeepers make?

Most entry-level freelance bookkeepers earn between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on their skill level and the clients they take on. That means even working part-time hours can bring in a couple of thousand dollars each month.

Some beginners start with just a couple of small clients and earn $500 to $1,000 per month. Others grow into a full-time business and make $3,000 to $5,000+ per month once they build up experience.

There are also bookkeepers who scale even further, turning it into a six-figure business by taking on multiple clients or even hiring a team. But to start, even just one or two monthly clients can help you make a nice income each month.

Why bookkeeping is beginner friendly

There are a lot of reasons why bookkeeping is a great job to start, even if you have no background, like:

• You don’t need a degree and there are no educational requirements
• You can learn the skills online
• Many clients care more about reliability than credentials
• You can work flexible hours and choose your own clients
• It’s quiet work that many introverts love
• You can start slow and grow over time

This is one of those rare side hustles or businesses that doesn’t require a lot of money to get started. In fact, you can get started with a laptop, internet, and some free work tools.

Skills you need to become a bookkeeper

You don’t need to be a math genius, but there are a few skills that will help:

• Attention to detail – Catching small errors and staying organized really matters as a bookkeeper because you want to avoid mistakes and actually help businesses with their financial management.
• Basic number comfort – You should be okay with simple math and patterns.
• Communication – Especially if you’re working with clients or asking questions.
• Software skills – You don’t need to know these already, but you need to be open to learning the different bookkeeping software and tools like QuickBooks, Excel, Wave, and other tools.
• Want to learn – Even if you’re starting from zero, being open to learning is important because how else will you start a new career path?

If these sound like you (or you’re open to learning them), you’re off to a great start. Don’t worry if you don’t know everything now – most people learn as they go.

Steps To Becoming a Bookkeeper With No Experience

Here’s what the beginner path can look like. These steps are designed to take you from total beginner to someone who feels ready to work with clients.

Step 1: Learn what a bookkeeper does

Before jumping in, it’s helpful to understand what the job actually involves. Bookkeepers help business owners stay organized and financially healthy by keeping track of where their money goes every day.

Here are some of the common tasks bookkeepers do:

• Recording income and expenses – When a business gets paid or spends money, bookkeepers log it in the books (their financial records). This might be entering receipts into a spreadsheet or bookkeeping software.
• Creating financial reports – These are summaries like profit and loss statements as well as balance sheets. They help a business owner see if they’re making money.
• Managing invoices and receipts – Bookkeepers may send out invoices to customers and keep track of what’s been paid or still owed.
• Reconciling bank statements – This means comparing the business’s records with what’s actually in the bank to make sure they match.
• Keeping track of payments and due dates – Bookkeepers check when bills are due and make sure payments go out on time.
• Organizing accounts so everything is ready for tax time – This includes labeling transactions correctly and making sure all the numbers are in order.

To do these tasks, bookkeepers use tools like:

• QuickBooks Online – One of the most popular programs, used by many small business owners
• FreshBooks – Easy to use and often chosen by freelancers and service businesses (this is actually what I use)
• Wave – A free online bookkeeping tool great for small businesses

Each tool has its own dashboard where you can enter income and expenses, run reports, send invoices, and more. You don’t need to learn every tool at once, but getting familiar with one is a great way to start. Many bookkeepers begin by picking just one (like FreshBooks or QuickBooks) and focusing on learning the basics.

Understanding these everyday tasks can help you decide if this kind of work fits your strengths and interests, and if it’s a good job fit for you. Don’t worry if it all feels new (that’s completely normal) – once you start trying things out, it will probably make a lot more sense quickly!

Step 2: Take a training course

Now that you’ve learned what a bookkeeper does, you may want to learn about how the tasks are properly done.

I believe that taking a bookkeeping training course to learn how to become a bookkeeper is very helpful, because this type of job training gives you a clear path to follow, especially when you’re brand new. It can be really overwhelming to piece everything together on your own, and a good course shows you exactly what to learn, in what order, and how to apply it. It gives you a career path to take.

Instead of wasting time wondering if you’re doing it right, you can focus on building real skills. A course can also help with your confidence, which is important when you’re just getting started and thinking about working with clients. That’s why I recommend looking into Bookkeeper Launch if you want a complete, step-by-step training program made for beginners.

Bookkeeper Launch is a course designed to teach you everything that you need to know, including how to do bookkeeping tasks and how to find your first clients.

I highly recommend this course because it not only walks you through how to become a bookkeeper, but it also teaches you how to start a business around it. If you’re serious about getting started, it’s a shortcut to learning everything in one place.

You can read my full Bookkeeper Launch review here.

10

Bookkeeper Launch Course

This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.

Sign Up Here

Step 3: Get real experience

Once you understand the basics of what bookkeeping is, then it’s a good time to start getting hands-on experience, as this is a great way to learn and better understand how everything works.

You can:

• Practice by playing around with different work tools like QuickBooks and FreshBooks to better understand how everything works.
• Volunteer to do the books for a friend or family member’s business.
• Sell low-cost services to build confidence and get a testimonial.
• Look for entry-level jobs or internships online.
• Search for freelance gigs on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
• Post about your services on your personal Facebook page.

The goal is to practice and get experience with real data and real clients. Every little bit helps.

Now, of course, I don’t recommend just accepting a bookkeeping job if you have no idea what you’re doing. Going back to number 2 and actually learning the proper bookkeeping tasks is very important. These are a business’s financials that you are dealing with, and business owners want them to be correct. So, taking a course such as Bookkeeper Launch can be very helpful to make sure you are doing everything correctly.

Also, check out my How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs post to learn exactly where to find clients and get paid.

Step 4: Get testimonials and build a presence

As you start helping people, ask for a testimonial. These are great for showing potential clients that you’re reliable and skilled.

Next, create an online presence too:

• Set up a website with your services and contact info. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; just a basic website with a free or cheap template is all you need.
• Create a LinkedIn profile, listing bookkeeping as a service you offer.
• Join bookkeeping and small business Facebook groups.

This makes it easier for people to find you and trust your services. I recommend that you keep tracking made-up or personal transactions (so that you can practice your skills!), create mock financial reports, or volunteer to help a friend who owns a small business. The more practice you get, the more ready you’ll feel.

How long it takes to become a bookkeeper

This depends on your schedule and how you learn best, but here’s a general idea:

• 1–3 weeks: Learn basic terms and bookkeeping flow
• 1–2 months: Feel comfortable with software and practice tasks
• 2–4 months: Land your first client

If you’re taking a course and practicing regularly, you might even land a paying client sooner. Some people who take Bookkeeper Launch get their first client within 30 to 60 days of starting.

You don’t need to rush, though. This is a skill that builds over time, and you can go at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about how to become a bookkeeper with no experience or degree.

Is a bookkeeper an accountant?

A bookkeeper is not an accountant. Bookkeepers handle the daily tracking of income and expenses, while accountants often handle tax filings and more complex financial planning. You don’t need to be an accountant to be a bookkeeper.

How much do beginner bookkeepers make?

Most bookkeepers start at around $20 to $40 per hour. With a few clients, you can earn $1,000 to $5,000+ per month.

How to get started as a bookkeeper with no experience?

You can get started as a bookkeeper by learning the basics, practicing bookkeeping tasks, learning more about different tools (like QuickBooks), and taking a course like Bookkeeper Launch. You can even get bookkeeping certifications, such as becoming a Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) or becoming a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). Also, QuickBooks Online and Xero have certifications you can get.

Can I teach myself to be a bookkeeper?

Yes! Many people are self-taught at home by using free tools, YouTube, and courses.

What qualifications do you need to be a bookkeeper?

No college degree (you don’t need a bachelor’s degree, but you do need to learn bookkeeping skills!) or license is required for a virtual bookkeeping job. Clients usually care more about trust and accuracy. However, I do want to say that this is a real job and businesses are counting on you to correctly help them with their day-to-day finances, so you want to make sure you are taking it seriously and learning how to correctly do bookkeeping tasks (like with creating financial statements or handling payroll taxes).

Is bookkeeping hard for beginners?

It’s not hard, but it does take focus and practice. It’s a learnable skill that gets easier over time because you will better understand how everything works.

How can I become a QuickBooks Certified Bookkeeper?

There are several bookkeeping certification programs, and one popular option is that you can take an online course through QuickBooks to become certified. This is optional but can help build trust and credibility.

Do I need to be good at math to become a bookkeeper?

You don’t need to know advanced math to become a bookkeeper. You mainly just need to know basic addition, subtraction, and be comfortable with numbers.

Can I do bookkeeping part time?

Yes, and many people do! It’s a great job for evenings, weekends, or while kids are in school. I have a friend who does bookkeeping work while her kids are napping or after they go to bed at night. I also have another friend who does freelance bookkeeping just on the weekends. So, it is definitely possible because you can choose how many clients you take on.

How To Become a Bookkeeper With No Experience – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on how to become a bookkeeper with no experience and no degree.

Bookkeeping is a great way to make money from home, even if you’re new. I love how flexible this career path is, and I’ve heard from so many readers who now work full-time or part-time as bookkeepers while raising their kids, traveling, or building a new career.

To start, you just need to learn how to become a freelance bookkeeper, and you can do this all from home with training that you take online (so, all you really need is your brain and a reliable internet connection), and then you can start your own bookkeeping business.

If this sounds interesting to you, you can take this free bookkeeping training on how to become a bookkeeper, find high-paying clients, and avoid mistakes for free by clicking here.

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Bookkeeper Launch Course

This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.

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Do you want to become a bookkeeper and work from home?

Recommended reading:

• 30+ Small Business Ideas To Become Your Own Boss
• How To Become a Bookkeeper and Make $40,000 Per Year
• 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)
• 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
• 25 Best Work From Home Jobs To Make $1,000+ Monthly
• 20 Of The Best Entry Level Work From Home Jobs
• 15 Monthly Service Business Ideas To Start

The post How To Become a Bookkeeper With No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide) appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

There are many part-time work from home jobs online, and that’s actually exactly how I’ve been making money for the past couple of years.

Maybe you’re looking for a part-time work-from-home job because you only have a limited number of hours you can work each week. Or maybe you want flexible work that fits around your family, travel, school, or other responsibilities. I get it – that flexibility is one of the biggest reasons I love part-time remote work.

I’ve been working as a part-time gig worker and freelancer doing all sorts of things, including jobs like writer (like this article you’re reading right now), project manager, marketing assistant, graphic designer, scheduler, and more. I personally really like part-time work because you get to learn new skills, find new career paths, and also see what kinds of jobs you want to stay away from in the future. 

In this article, you’ll learn about:

• 13 part-time work-from-home jobs
• How to make $100 a day working from home
• The best part-time gigs to start right now

13 Best Part Time Work From Home Jobs

Here’s a list of part-time work-from-home jobs.

1. Bookkeeper 

A bookkeeper is someone in charge of tracking financial transactions and organizing finances for individuals and companies. Tasks may include recording receipts and expenses, managing invoices, payroll, and financial reports.

This job is needed because many small business owners either 1) aren’t comfortable handling their own financial records and/or 2) don’t have the time for it. 

Bookkeepers can choose who they work with, set their own rates, and determine how little or how much they want to work. Many people start part-time and scale up to full-time based on how many new clients they can get.

You can click here to sign up for a free class on how to become a new online bookkeeper.

Recommended reading: How To Become a Bookkeeper and Make $40,000 Per Year

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Bookkeeper Launch Course

This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.

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2. Proofreader

A proofreader is someone who reviews text before it’s published in articles, books, advertisements, and more.

This may include fixing spelling mistakes, typos, missing words, correcting grammar and punctuation errors, and much more.

Pay ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, with more experienced proofreaders earning up to $40 per hour. You can charge per word, per project, or work on an hourly or salary basis.

If you want to become a new proofreader, I recommend signing up for this free 76-minute workshop all about proofreading. Here, you will learn how to start a freelance proofreading business. You can sign up for free by clicking here.

Recommended reading: How To Find Proofreading Jobs as a Beginner

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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.

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3. Facebook poster

Did you know you can make money by posting on Facebook?

Facebook pays creators for posting content like memes, photos, text posts, and videos. Someone I know made over $149,000 in six months by posting on Facebook, with most of the content being curated from other places (like X, Threads, and Reddit), rather than being made from scratch.

You don’t need a huge following to qualify for this Facebook program either. What really matters is daily consistency (you have to post many times each day because Facebook wants you to create content so that more people stay on the Facebook app longer) and making sure to never share anything with copyrighted music. 

I recommend reading How I Got Paid $39,177 Directly From Facebook in One Month Just To Post Content to learn more about this.

4. Blogger

A blogger is someone who creates content around a niche or topic, like finance, travel, health, food, parenting, or crafts.

I’ve been a blogger for many years, starting fresh out of high school. We make money through ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, digital products, services, selling courses, and more. You can learn more about this at How To Earn Money Blogging.

I have been part-time blogging for years, and I know many other part-time bloggers as well. Some do this because they have full-time jobs, some are stay-at-home parents and don’t have much free time, and others earn semi-passive income from their blog (such as through affiliate marketing), so they don’t have to work as many hours.

Recommended reading: How To Start A Blog FREE Course. Join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. In this free course, you’ll learn how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

5. Transcriptionist 

A transcriptionist turns audio or video into text documents.

You don’t need a degree for this type of work, but you must be good at typing (being a fast typer is important because then you can get more work done and make more money!), grammar, and punctuation. Someone just getting into transcription can expect to make around $10 to $15 per hour to start, with earnings growing as your skills improve.

Your typical clients may include marketers, filmmakers, speakers, authors, and academics. This is a great job for someone who wants flexibility to work as little as they want and work on their own schedule because transcription gigs can be done at any time.

Recommended reading: How to Become A Transcriptionist and Make $15 an Hour

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FREE Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You?

In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.

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6. Writer 

Writers create content for all types of places, like blogs, websites, books, social media, or marketing materials. I’ve worked as a freelance writer for over a decade, writing content for many different websites.

You can work freelance, part-time, full-time, or contract, and usually work remotely. I know many people, including myself, who write part-time, so I know this can be possible.

This job requires strong grammar skills, research skills, and storytelling.

You can also get into specializations, like copywriting, technical writing, ghost writing, or creative writing. Writers may get paid per word, per project, or per hour.

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This free training video shows you exactly how to break into copywriting and start earning money from your writing skills, even if you're brand new and don’t have any experience, certifications, or a portfolio. Learn how to launch your career, land hidden copywriting opportunities, and build a flexible career that works for you.

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7. Social media manager 

A social media manager is in charge of managing on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn (they may manage one or all).

They create, schedule, and publish content like posts, stories, reels, and videos. A social media manager also talks to followers and responds to messages and comments.

As a social media manager, you can either work freelance or for an agency, with entry-level pay starting at roughly $15 per hour, going up to $40+ per hour with experience. Flexibility in schedule is very common with this type of career, and there are many part-time gigs available, especially for small businesses that may not need a full-time social media manager.

I’ve worked on and off as a part-time social media manager for years, and I do some social media work for this website that you’re reading right now.

8. Virtual assistant 

A virtual assistant (also known as a VA) is someone who provides services remotely to help businesses run smoothly.

I’m a virtual assistant, and like other assistants, my tasks consist of admin support, customer service, content creation, marketing help, tech support, and a lot more. The tasks really depend on the company you’re working for and what they need. 

I started by taking inventory of my existing skills and what I enjoy doing and marketing that to companies I found on Upwork. VAs can work part-time or full-time, as the work is highly flexible and remote-friendly. Earnings vary widely, with some people making $15 an hour, whereas others can make $50+ for a high-level assistant. 

Recommended reading: How to Start A Virtual Assistant Business

9. Customer service representative

Customer service representatives are people who help solve problems and help customers.

These jobs are usually remote and part-time, with many being entry-level with no experience required. Pay ranges from $15 to $25 per hour.

Industries hiring customer service representatives the most are tech, retail, insurance, healthcare, and e-commerce. The easiest way to find these types of jobs is via any job board site, as there are usually many job listings on these types of sites. 

Recommended reading: 12 Online Customer Service Jobs To Make Money

10. Translator 

A translator is someone who translates written content from one language to another.

They may work with books (such as translating an English-written book into a different language), websites, documents, articles, subtitles, or marketing materials, just to name a few. And, obviously, this job requires fluency in at least two languages.

As a translator, you can work freelance or for an agency, with entry-level pay starting at $20 per hour and going up to $100+ per hour for specialized or experienced translators in high demand. 

11. Medical coder/biller

A medical coder/biller is someone who translates healthcare services, diagnoses, and procedures into standardized codes for billing and insurance. They also use codes to create invoices and submit claims to insurance companies.

This job requires knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems, and usually requires a special certification to increase job prospects and pay. As a medical coder, you can work in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, or remotely for healthcare providers.

Pay typically starts at $20 per hour, with that number going up depending on skills and experience. 

I recently came across someone on social media who does medical coding and billing after they get home from their day job. This is a part-time job that they work from around 5–9 p.m. each night and at home. So, this could be an idea if you’re looking for something part-time!

12. Paid online survey taker

A survey taker is someone who fills out surveys for market research companies and brands. They share their honest opinion on products, services, advertisements, or trends, and this can be done completely from home on their own schedule. 

Now, this isn’t technically a job, but it is a way to make extra money in your free time. So, if you have limited available hours but want to make some extra money, this may be an option to look into.

Payment varies, with surveys typically paying between 50 cents and $5 each, with some paying higher payouts. Filling out surveys is good as a side hustle, but not necessarily if you’re looking for a high-income source or full-time income.

Some of the best options include:

• Freecash – (my sister made $302 playing Bingo on her phone in just one week with this site, and they also have surveys and apps you can sign up for to make money with)
• American Consumer Opinion
• User Interviews (these are usually focus groups that pay $45 or more per hour of your time)
• Swagbucks
• Survey Junkie
• InboxDollars
• Branded Surveys

Recommended reading: 10 Best Online Surveys For Gift Cards

13. Travel agent

A travel agent is someone who plans and books travel arrangements for people.

These arrangements include booking flights, cruises, hotels, tours, transportation, and anything else you can think of. Travel agents can also give advice on where to travel, the best travel packages, and planning itineraries.

As a travel agent, you can work for yourself, a travel agency, or a tour company. This job requires knowledge of travel destinations and travel regulations, as well as visas and travel insurance.

Travel agents usually make money from commission (from the hotel, airline, cruise line, etc.) or from fees that they charge customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about part-time work-from-home jobs.

What makes these work from home jobs possible for part-time hours?

What makes these work-from-home jobs part-time is that you can usually choose how many hours you work each week. Most of these jobs don’t require a strict 9-5 schedule, and many let you take on as much or as little work as you want. You might work just a few hours a day, a couple of days a week, or only during certain times that fit your schedule. Many of these roles are freelance, contract-based, or gig-style jobs, which means you’re not locked into full-time hours. This flexibility is why they work so well for parents, students, travelers, or anyone who wants to earn money without committing to a full-time job.

How to make $2,000 a week working from home? 

Making $2,000 a week from home is a big goal, but it can be done with a lot of time spent working and/or effort. If you want your job to be part-time, then you will probably need a high-demand skill in fields like software development, digital marketing, copywriting, or design.

How can I make $100 a day working from home?

Making $100 a day working from home is possible with the right gigs. You can start freelancing in areas like writing, graphic design, copywriting, marketing, social media management, or bookkeeping. There are a lot of people looking to fill job listings on freelance sites like Upwork.  All you need is one job paying about $25 an hour for 4 hours to get $100 quickly (sounds doable, right?). 

Which is the easiest work-from-home job? 

The easiest work-from-home jobs depend on which work you find the most enjoyable or what kind of skills you have. Some of the easiest jobs include data entry, customer service, filling out surveys, and virtual assisting (basic tasks). If you’re someone who is good at typing, you may find working as a transcriptionist to be easy work. 

What is the least stressful work-from-home job?

The least stressful jobs tend to be jobs that have clear tasks set, minimal deadlines, and little supervision. Jobs in this category may include data entry, transcription, online surveys, and bookkeeping. If you’re looking for a low-stress job, I’d stay away from anything in customer service, as you’re likely going to deal with a lot of frustrated customers who take out their anger on you. Of course, the answer to this question, though, depends on what you personally find stressful, as not everyone finds the same things stressful in a job.

What are the best part-time work-from-home jobs with no experience and an immediate start?

The best part-time work-from-home jobs with no experience and an immediate start include data entry, customer service agent, virtual assistant/admin support, and basic content creation. Companies are constantly hiring online for these jobs, as they are in high demand. 

Best Part Time Work From Home Jobs – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on the best part-time work-from-home jobs.

I’ve been working part-time gigs for a couple of years now, and I really enjoy it.

Part-time jobs have benefits like flexible schedules, skill development, networking opportunities, resume building, and a low-risk way to try out different careers. 

Do you want to find a part-time work-from-home job? Which one?

Recommended reading: 

• How To Work From Home With Kids
• 12 Surprising Work From Home Jobs You’ve Probably Never Heard Of 
• 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
• 9 Easiest Work From Home Jobs That Require Zero Experience
• I’ve Done Over 20 Side Hustles in My Life: Here’s What I Think of Each
• 31 Best Stay-At-Home Jobs (#1 Is My Full-Time Job!)
• 21 Best Entry Level Work From Home Jobs

The post 13 Best Part Time Work From Home Jobs appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

The question for many landlords is simple – how can property management help to maximize rental income? The short answer is in the ability to drive rental rates, occupancy, expenses, and long-term performance.

Rental properties are a straightforward form of investment. Units rent, expenses go out, and the cycle continues monthly. In reality, though, property owners lose income in the small details.

The apartment may stay vacant for two or three weeks longer than it should, and the rent is a few dollars below market price. Maybe a repair is commissioned reactively rather than proactively, which is more costly. These gaps can quickly become a drain, even in strong rental markets.

For owners looking ahead to 2026, this has led to a renewed focus on professionalizing property management. The right kind can give you the structure to improve income and reduce expensive mistakes. 

How Property Management Maximizes Rental Income

Rental income is not usually determined by a single decision or improvement, but rather by a dozen or more operational choices regarding pricing, tenants, timing, and cost, which become apparent by year’s end. These moves are based on property management experience and are not made in a vacuum. 

An experienced property manager is familiar with market conditions, follows a standardized rental process, safeguards the owner’s income, and identifies opportunities to increase revenue that owners may overlook.

The following are some of the more direct, immediate ways that property management improves net rental performance.

Vacancy Control

An example of how management firms help is vacancy control. U.S. Census Bureau housing data for the third quarter of 2025 shows national rental vacancy rates above 7.1% and occasionally higher. Short cycles can have a significant impact on annual income, once rent loss and turnover costs are taken into account. Property management reduces this by minimizing vacancy cycles and maintaining stable tenancy.

Vacancy costs include lost rent, as well as marketing, administrative, and repair costs. Property managers keep units ready for rent and have a marketing plan to minimize vacancy.

Tenant screening should verify income, rental history, and payment records. The proper application procedures make sure people pay on time. Longer tenancies mean fewer turnovers and a more stable cash flow.

Pricing Alignment

A similar issue occurs with not pricing a property correctly. If rent is high, the building is likely vacant, and if it’s low, then you’re missing out on income. Without market data, many property owners rely on instinct or outdated comparisons, which can quietly cap returns.

Professional managers use comparable market rentals, along with demand and seasonality trends, to determine price rather than guess at it. Allowing prices to fluctuate with trends is vital to maintaining high occupancy rates without compromising income.

Cost Control Maintenance

Deferred repairs may be less costly in the short term, but they usually lead to higher long-term costs and increased tenant turnover. This is reflected in the property’s operating expenses and, consequently, in its income stability.

Careful management of operating expenses can improve net income rather than raising rents. Methods can involve preventive maintenance, such as scheduling, inspecting, and repairing, to prevent future emergencies. Vendor management can also help. A manager using selected trades and consistent scopes reduces repeat work, minimizes emergency-rate repairs, and helps avoid fixes that leave the property in a deteriorated condition.

This measure helps stabilize budgets and supports the property’s value for owners seeking to refinance, sell, or expand their portfolios in 2026 and beyond.

Rent Collection Systems

Eviction is rarely the first indicator of a rent collection problem. In many cases, issues come from inconsistent reminders, unclear fee policies, and manual systems that introduce avoidable errors. A good property management system standardizes the process of creating and communicating bills, notices, and violations. Using a proven provider can result in more predictable cash flow and a reduced likelihood of future documentation issues in the event of litigation.

Collections benefit from regular statements of what is being collected. They help owners track developing trends, such as rising maintenance costs, extended periods of vacancy or non-market rental rates.

Renewal Processes

The future of the housing market sends mixed signals. Freddie Mac’s multifamily rental report anticipates continued rent growth and rising vacancy rates in specific sectors, underscoring the importance of disciplined leasing and retention practices more than ever.

Optimizing rental revenue is not always about raising the rent. It can be achieved by negotiating renewals with residents in mind, timing increases, and using market justifications. In addition, turnover can be reduced by maintaining relationships and responding to service requests. Better practices are particularly useful when vacancies rise and renters gain options.

Detailed Financial Reporting

Good reporting narrows the period between when “something changed” and when “the owner responded,” ensuring landlords can make timely decisions about needed upgrades, price increases, and reserve fund planning. Reporting helps make tax preparation easier by organizing paperwork throughout the year.

Additionally, research on what renters can afford on average provides owners with insight into rental stress, cost burden and the overall rental market. This helps inform pricing and retention strategies.

The 2024 report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies shows that in 2022, 22.4 million renter households spent 30% or more of gross income on rent and utilities. The logic of retention hinges on the value proposition, pricing discipline, and service quality of rental units.

The Best Property Management Solution to Help Maximize Rental Income: Harrisburg Property Management Group

By the time the financial leaks are apparent, owners usually want more than a checklist of tasks. Harrisburg Property Management Group structures its services around specific revenue metrics. This includes filling vacancies in addition to preserving or improving rental rates, operations, and daily management to maximize net income.

People wondering how property management can help maximize rental income should check how Harrisburg Property Management Group handles leasing, residents, maintenance requests, and long-term management. The company’s philosophy is that the job is not a loose collection of tasks but rather an income-driving system.

How to Know Whether a Management Firm Will Increase Net Income

A property management relationship should be straightforward. Owners should know exact vacancy percentages, turn times, leasing standards, and maintenance costs. A manager may not have the numbers perfect on the fly, but the answers should be consistent and close to the actual totals.

Here are some conversation starters when choosing a firm. 

• Ask for a vacancy performance report.
• Inquire about how comps are selected and how often pricing is adjusted.
• Determine whether work orders have a priority and whether vendors are selected for specific jobs.
• Ask for a sample owner statement and how frequently it is issued.

Looking at the provider’s track record and the transparency of their responses helps landlords determine whether the service is a good fit for their needs.

A Stronger Rental Income Plan for 2026

Rental income increases when owners eliminate avoidable vacancies and align their prices with the market. Maintenance and collection must become more reliable and predictable. Property management’s contribution is to make daily decisions using a repeatable process that secures net performance. For 2026, audit revenue leakages and determine where management support can help close the gaps through automated and personalized processes.

The post How Property Management Can Help You Maximize Your Rental Income in 2026 appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

For many small business owners, offering a retirement plan might be a distant goal due to its perceived complexity or financial heft. In reality, employee retirement plans are growing more accessible and can be instrumental in business growth and financial success.

Why a Retirement Plan Is a Business Asset

A retirement plan is primarily an employee benefit, but it also offers significant advantages for business owners when set up correctly. Here are some notable ways in which a retirement plan can benefit your company.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

It can be challenging for businesses of all sizes to attract and retain skilled employees. Benefits can be an important deciding factor, especially for candidates seeking financial assistance and stability. A 401(k) or a similar plan signals a business’s professionalism and long-term commitment to employee well-being.

Employees who feel secure are less likely to leave their jobs. According to a PwC study, 73% of financially troubled employees would consider switching employers if they cared more about their economic well-being.

Significant Tax Advantages

Retirement plans can have significant tax incentives. Employer contributions are usually tax-deductible, and some allow business owners to defer taxes on their portions. New businesses may also qualify for startup tax credits that offset setup and administrative costs. This way, business owners can invest more in their people while keeping more capital inside the business.

Boosting Employee Morale

Employees who feel financially supported are also more likely to be engaged in their work. A retirement plan encourages consistent saving, reduces financial stress and shows a company’s investment in employees’ futures. It minimizes anxiety about employment and future planning, which can translate into higher motivation and stronger performance.

Saving for Your Own Future

One underrated yet practical benefit of setting up an employee retirement plan is that business owners can also participate in it. Owners can contribute the same amounts — sometimes more — into their workplace plan, accelerating their personal retirement savings while supporting their team.

A Field Guide to Small Business Retirement Plans

With only 59% of the U.S. population having a retirement savings plan, employers still have room to improve in providing the right benefits for their staff. The right retirement plan will usually depend on the company’s size, cash flow, growth plans and administrative capabilities.

Here are some standard plans small businesses might want to explore.

401(k) Plans

The 401(k) is the most recognizable plan and is often the most appealing to employees. It allows workers to contribute a portion of their paycheck, while employers can choose whether to offer matching or profit-based contributions depending on the plan document. 

This type of plan is also becoming more accessible to small businesses, with third-party administrators and payroll integrations helping handle compliance and reporting.

SEP IRA Plans

A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) individual retirement account (IRA) is one of the easiest plans to set up and maintain. It requires minimal setup and maintenance costs and allows employers to contribute up to 25% of an employee’s pay.

It enables flexible contributions, which can be beneficial during times of inconsistent cash flow. However, business owners do have to make uniform contributions for all qualified employees.

SIMPLE IRA Plans

Also known as a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees IRA, a SIMPLE IRA is designed specifically for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Workers can contribute through payroll deductions, and employers are required to make either a matching or fixed contribution each year. While the contribution limits are lower than a traditional 401(k), the plan is easier to administer and is less expensive up front.

Profit-Sharing Plans (PSPs)

Profit-sharing plans allow employers to contribute to employee retirement accounts based on business performance. Contributions are discretionary, so owners can adjust amounts year over year depending on cash flow. Since these amounts can be less consistent, PSPs usually come with traditional 401(k)s or IRAs as a bonus for owners or key employees.

4 Steps to Launching an Employee Retirement Plan

Launching a retirement plan is a significant project, but it can be a manageable and straightforward process when broken down into clear steps. Each phase builds on the last, helping small business owners move from planning to implementation easily.

1. Determine Your Business’s Goals and Budget

Before choosing a plan, define what success looks like for your business. Some owners prioritize attracting and retaining talent, while others may want to focus on maximizing tax advantages or boosting their own retirement savings. Clarifying these goals first will shape any succeeding decisions.

Budgeting is another important planning step. So, you’ll want to think about employer contributions, setup costs, administrative fees and potential matching commitments.

2. Select the Right Plan Type

With your goals and budget in mind, the next step is choosing the retirement plan structure that best fits your business. Business leaders must consider factors like employee count, income stability, cash flow and administrative capacity.

For example, a consistently growing company with full-time staff may benefit from a 401(k), while a smaller team with variable profits might prefer a SEP or SIMPLE IRA. Selecting the right plan helps prevent costly fees and changes and ensures the plan aligns with real business operations.

3. Choose a Plan Provider or Administrator

The right provider can impact the execution of your company’s retirement plan. A provider handles compliance, reporting and ongoing management, helping you navigate complex regulations more effectively. When evaluating providers, look for experience with small businesses and responsive support.

4. Create the Plan Document and Set It Up

After selecting a provider, the formal setup begins. This step includes drafting the plan document, which outlines eligibility rules, contribution formulas, schedules and administrative procedures. Accuracy is important, as this document governs execution and ensures compliance with government regulations. After drafting and adopting the plan, you establish the employee accounts and finalize any account connections and contribution processes.

How Can Small Business Owners Offer Retirement Plans to Employees?

AccuPlan works closely with small and midsized businesses to design retirement solutions that align with realistic goals. Its strengths include hands-on support, clear guidance through compliance requirements, low industry fees and a strong understanding of how business owners can balance employee benefits with personal and business goals. With this provider’s support, small enterprises can confidently set up retirement programs that serve employee needs while aligning with broader financial objectives.

Saving for Your Future

Small business owners can offer retirement benefits by choosing the right plans and a realistic approach. Working with an experienced provider like AccuPlan is a choice due to its focused approach and experience with small businesses across numerous sectors.

The post How Small Business Owners Can Set Up 401(k) Plans for Employees appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

There’s a fine line between personal and professional finances for small-business owners, leading to a lot of confusion and stress. This makes it even more important to partner with a bank that can manage both account types for greater convenience and peace of mind. Finding the right financial institution requires careful consideration of your individual circumstances and needs. 

The Foundational Step — Separating Personal and Business Finances

Imagine you’re paying for groceries and accidentally grab the credit card you use for your business. It’s likely not your first time doing so, but the failure to split personal and business finances can make bookkeeping harder than it needs to be.

More importantly, it puts your personal assets at stake if your company comes across legal problems.

Opening a designated business account and tracking company expenses in a separate system clarifies accounting and streamlines tax preparation, enabling maximum deductions. It also reduces liability and improves your reputation and professionalism among clients and investors. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Bank 

It’s important to find a financial institution that supports your personal and business goals. To make sure there’s a good fit, determine whether each contender gives you the following solutions.

Account Features and Services

Look beyond basic checking and savings accounts and find a bank that helps you simplify operations and grow. This should include merchant services for receiving customer payments, incorporated payroll processing, and easy access to business lines and lines of credit as your business grows.

For personal banking, the right institution will help you manage individual wealth with high-yield savings and rewards. It should also have competitive mortgage and auto loans. 

Fees and Interest Rates

Evaluate the fee schedule for any account you’re thinking about. Banks will often waive monthly maintenance fees when you maintain a certain balance.

You must also ask about transaction limits, out-of-network ATM charges and wire transfer fees. Competitive interest rates are equally important to achieve maximum profitability.

Customer Service and Support

According to a 2024 study, 50% of small-business owners say a lack of financial literacy leads to fiscal challenges. Always opt for a bank with strong customer service for help when you need it the most.

Entrepreneurs should also make sure there are available banking advisers with in-depth knowledge of business banking. They must also have tailored advice and remain a designated contact to meet your unique financial needs and goals. 

Digital Banking and Technology

User-friendly digital banking platforms are nonnegotiable for busy business owners. A survey by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Bankers Association found that 54% of customers prefer managing their bank accounts from smartphone apps and other mobile devices. 

Your financial institution should have a seamless mobile and online banking experience to save time on depositing checks and paying bills. The ability to incorporate bank feeds with bookkeeping software is also important if you run a small business. The automation feature streamlines financial processing, reducing risks and providing a real-time overview of your financial well-being.

Choosing Between One Bank or Two 

Small-business owners must decide whether to use one or two financial institutions to manage their personal and professional accounts. Although safeguarding your assets at one bank has benefits, it also has downsides.  

Pros of Using the Same Bank

Using the same bank for personal and business finances is convenient for busy entrepreneurs. You can manage both accounts using one mobile app and login and receive monthly statements, easily transferring funds between the two and receiving a more holistic view of the entire financial picture in one place. 

Consolidating and using just one bank saves you time and effort by requiring you to build a relationship with one set of bankers and streamline your financial obligations, so you can run your business and live your life more efficiently.

There is also the possibility of qualifying for lower fees and relationship-based perks, including a higher number of free transactions, complimentary wire transfers and possible loan origination fee discounts.  

Cons of Using the Same Bank

Among the problems of using the same bank is a lack of specialization. Although it may have great personal finance solutions, its business merchant services may not be as good. By choosing just one institution, you might have to accept quality in one category but miss out on specialized features in another.

Placing both of your financial accounts at the same bank might also spell trouble if the institution has technical issues. For instance, if its digital banking platform goes down, you might not be able to access your funds. A security freeze or transaction dispute on one account might also impact the other. 

Additionally, although a single bank allows for convenient money transfers, the ease in borrowing from your business account for personal expenses might be too tempting. This habit can lead to chaotic bookkeeping and poor performance metrics, complicating tax season.

How Do You Choose the Right Bank for Personal and Business Accounts?  

The first step in choosing the right bank for personal and business accounts is to determine your financial situation and requirements, and compare them with each institution’s products and services. It may be helpful to list the essential features you’re looking for and then create a short list of contenders.

Always analyze the fine print to understand a bank’s fee structures and minimum balance requirements. You should also consider whether it can scale with your company over time. 

Ask fellow business owners for recommendations as you begin your search. Hearing their firsthand experiences could provide insight for making sound business and personal financial decisions. 

The Solution for Seamless Integration — Midland States Bank

Midland States Bank excels in personal and business banking, catering to the financial goals of entrepreneurs. Individual customers can use its diverse checking and savings accounts, including the “Totally Free Checking” option, which has no minimum balance or monthly service charge and offers free digital banking, bill pay, and paper or e-statements.

There are also several financing solutions available for mortgages, auto loans and home equity lines of credit, along with wealth management advisory services for long-term wealth management planning. 

Business owners can also tap into specialized products, such as the “Totally Free Business Checking” with 500 free monthly transactions and up to $10,000 in currency deposited each month at no charge. There is also an extensive suite of commercial banking services, from loans to treasury management.

If you’re wondering how to choose the right bank for personal and business accounts, choose a partner that can handle both everyday finances and long-term growth potential for individuals and companies. Midland positions itself as a versatile contender for a range of investment needs. 

Banking On Your Future With the Right Financial Partner

The right financial partner will set you up for success in your personal and professional wealth. It is not merely a logistical choice but a strategic one that should align with your monetary ambitions. By practicing due diligence and assessing your needs, you can make a powerful investment decision for your future, building a foundation of stability and support to move forward with confidence.

Every business owner’s situation is different, so it’s important to compare multiple institutions and account options before deciding.

The post How to Choose the Right Bank for Your Personal and Business Finances  appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.

Being a landlord was once considered one of the most popular passive income options in the real estate market, but things have changed. You may find an excellent tenant, but reaching that point could take months or even years. Then, if the occupant damages the property, falls behind on rent or makes another decision that makes them liable for eviction, the laws for eviction vary by state.

Landlords also spend significant time and expenses to find properties and make them suitable for tenants. The preparation process repeats whenever someone moves out. Repairs can also result in unexpected bills, and you must familiarize yourself with the applicable laws about fixing things in time to avoid legal troubles. These are some of the many reasons why functioning as landlords may be more trouble than it is worth.

Luckily, there are many compelling passive real estate alternatives to choose from.

1. Real Estate Investment Trusts

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) enable you to add real estate to your investment portfolio without having to buy property. They are similar to mutual funds because this strategy pools money from numerous investors, offering participants the opportunity to earn dividends without directly buying, managing or financing properties. Parties hoping for regular income get it through REITs, which are obligated to pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders each year.

Because experienced teams run many REITs, those using them as investment options get many of the real estate industry’s advantages without the potential headaches, such as property management and investment decision challenges. These possibilities also offer relatively low entry barriers, increasing the overall accessibility for people interested in real estate investment.

There are also potential downsides to think about, such as the typical sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations, which may adversely affect profitability. Investors may see similarly disappointing results during economic slumps, requiring them to carefully consider the possible outcomes before moving forward.

2. 1031 Exchange Investments

No matter which passive investment strategy in the real estate industry you choose, remaining aware of your tax obligations will help you prevent any unpleasant surprises with far-reaching complications. Many investors have become interested in 1031 exchange funds due to their tax-favorable features.

They allow investors to defer capital gains taxes on real estate sales by reinvesting the proceeds into a like-kind property. Numerous stipulations exist, such as the requirement that both the relinquished and newly purchased properties be in the United States and that you complete the exchange within a specified time limit. 

These particulars make it a good idea to speak with a provider that is well-versed in 1031 exchanges. Sera Capital operates with a fee-only, independent fiduciary model to give clients transparent and unbiased advice so they receive solutions matched to their specific needs. Its professionals can answer your questions about the best investment options to buy with 1031 exchange funds and help you make informed decisions before embracing this potential wealth-building opportunity.

3. Fractional Real Estate Investing

If you have considered real estate investing as something beyond your reach, that may be an inaccurate perspective given the rise of fractional investments. They’re a way for people to invest as little as $100 to own part of a property without taking on management responsibilities. 

These properties are usually single-family homes. You earn money from tenants’ rent payments and whenever the property’s value rises. Getting started is as straightforward as using a dedicated platform that pools your money with other investors to buy and manage the home. Although each platform charges variable fees for its services, it directly handles maintenance, tenant issues and property taxes. 

Something to know about this passive investment option, though, is that the overall returns are generally low. However, that’s to be expected given the low starting investment. 

4. Real Estate Syndication

Real estate syndication is an option for investing in residential or commercial real estate, particularly when people lack the financial resources to purchase entire properties themselves. In these arrangements, real estate syndicators take responsibility for finding and executing real estate deals and delivering the relevant returns to investors. People who like the appeal of property investing but want to take a hands-off approach appreciate this option for its ease.

However, one investor who participates in five syndications cautions that you do not have control over the ultimate performance. He recommends finding a trustworthy syndicator with a strong track record. Other investors have noted that they like how this option allows them to invest in larger-unit properties they could not access independently.

5. Peer-to-Peer Property Lending

Diversification in lending options has led to situations where people no longer need to restrict themselves to traditional ways of obtaining loans. The rise of peer-to-peer property lending is an excellent example of an alternative that allows participants to bypass intermediaries and engage directly with each other when borrowing or lending.

This passive income strategy also enables you to lower the potential risk by spreading it across multiple loans, borrowers or platforms. That way, if one of your decisions does not go as expected, the overall adverse effects should be less severe. This option also lets you get started by engaging specialized platforms, making it accessible to beginners or to people who want to start small before potentially scaling up later. 

However, this technique can be competitive, as borrowers usually receive offers from numerous lenders and accept one or more depending on their circumstances. The risk of borrowers defaulting on their loans may also be above-average on some platforms. That is particularly likely if these individuals have utilized peer-to-peer lending because their poor credit scores made them ineligible for traditional funding sources.

Moving Beyond the Landlord Role

There are increasing opportunities for passive investment in real estate without being a landlord, and it’s easier than you may have thought to diversify your portfolio. Once you choose the appropriate course of action, professional advice can help you make the most confident decisions.

Sera Capital offers access to nationally recognized 1031 exchange advisers and consultants for investors who want to learn more about that type of real estate investment. Its professionals also offer free 20-minute consultation calls to help you learn more about the best investment options to buy with 1031 exchange funds, tailored to your situation and goals.

The post Is Being a Landlord Still Worth It? 5 Passive Real Estate Alternatives for 2026 appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.