Hi everyone! Welcome to my monthly income report where I publicly share how much money I earn online via freelance writing and blogging. I am happy to report that this month was my highest income month yet by a lot! Most of this work was completed in March, as I do typically get paid one month out. Either way, I am happy!!
Last month, I shared how I don’t worry too much about increasing my income at this point in my life. With my daughters being so young, they are my focus. They do go to daycare part time and are great nappers, so I do enjoy working during that time.
This month, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I earned.
April Freelance Income: $2,797.34
Up $1,218.94 from last month.
Breakdown of my income
Usually, all of my income comes from freelancing, but the past two months I’ve also made a little bit of money blogging. In April, I made $134.02 from Google Adsense. I don’t expect to make this every month and most likely won’t see another $100+ payout until July.
The rest of my income was from freelancing. While I definitely felt busier, I wasn’t stressed and was able to complete all of my work ahead of time. I did, however, drop a client I’ve been with for more than two years. I was sad to see them go, but it was something that had to be done. Since I took that job when I first started freelancing, pay per article was low. I took in between $500-$600 per month from them and will miss the income drop, but I had to write a lot of articles to get that monthly check.
Right now, my focus is on maintaining the current clients that I have and only taking on new ones that will work with my schedule.
In other news (and completely unrelated to personal finance)…
I am somewhat on a health kick. I’m not trying to lose any weight but more looking to tone up. I gained about 35 lbs with each of my pregnancies but somehow got below my starting weight back when we moved to NC in August (my youngest daughter was one at the time). I was eating a ton, but we constantly walked and exercised which I’m guessing is what contributed to my weight loss.
Right now, I’m focusing on toning my body and gaining muscle. My diet consists of tons of vegetables, protein, healthy carbs and fruits. I have a major sweet tooth, though, so I do have the occasional cookie or bowl of ice cream. It’s all about moderation, right? I like to think I follow the 80/20 rule when it comes to my diet. I eat healthy 80 percent of the time. Another way I look at this is I usually stick to my diet on weekdays but allow myself some treats on the weekend.
For workouts, I’ve been doing a ton of researching and right now am in the “experimental” phase (which maybe I’ll stay in forever – it’s good to change it up!). I love Jillian Michael’s workouts and most can be watched on YouTube! If you’re TV has YouTube like mine, you can literally do these workout anytime without having to spend a dime. Last summer I did her 30-Day shred program and noticed such a difference in how I felt and my strength within just a few days. Right now, I alternate between a 30-Day shred video, a Ripped in 30 video and her longer one hour cardio/strength workouts.
I’m also doing Marc’s 30 Day Squat, Abs and Push-Up Challenge….but I’ve only done two days and I should be on day five. Like I said, I’m kind of just listening to my body and doing what I feel like doing on any given day.
And finally I recently found Kayla Itsines on Instagram and downloaded her free Bikini Body Guides. You set the timer for 7 minutes and go through her circuit as many times as you can. Then, set the timer for another 7 minutes and go through the second circuit. Repeat for a total of a 28-minute workout. She has different workouts for legs, abs and arms and I love the free version of her workouts so far! I think it costs $69 to purchase the 12-week program, but I plan on sticking with the free guide and incorporating other (free) workouts into my day.
Oh, and one more thing for those interested in healthy eating! I recently discovered these super healthy, protein-packed TWO INGREDIENT pancakes and have made them almost every day! My girls gobble them up and I love starting my day off with something yummy and healthy! The two ingredients are eggs and bananas. I mash up a banana and scramble two eggs together, then combine and mix well. Cook over medium heat slowlyyyy to avoid the “pancake” from crumbling or falling apart. Each pancake is just two tablespoons of egg/banana mixture. Don’t make them too big or they might fall apart. Use a thin spatula to flip the pancake and don’t force it!! If you can’t get the spatula under without ruining the pancake, allow it to cook a little longer.
Back to the blog/finance…
I have a few good posts planned for this week that I’m excited to share. I also haven’t worked much on my freelance writing blog lately but plan on changing that soon. So much to do, so little time, right?! All I know is for now I am LOVING this warmer weather with my family! We’ve been BBQing, spending all evening outside, going to parks and taking long walks. That’s what life’s all about! I hope everyone is having a great weekend!
photo credit: Flickr via 401K calculator.org
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
atGreat job with your April income, that’s so awesome!
I need to get back on the workout grind too, I gained 50 pounds with Little Miss (yikes), and have lost it all and then some, but my clothes definitely don’t fit like they used to! I really need to tone up more, I think it would help with my energy levels too. I keep hearing about how awesome Jillian Michaels workouts are, I’ll have to check those out.
Haha we are soul sisters, I just started making similar pancakes for Little Miss (and us) recently too! They are so good! I’ve been adding blueberry pieces too and then make them all in one big batch and stick a bit of wax paper between each one and put in a freezer safe bag so I can just heat up in the microwave for a super quick and healthy breakfast option 🙂
Looking forward to the posts you’ve got lined up for this week! Have a great rest of your weekend!!
Sarah Brooks says
atHi Christina!! Oooo adding blueberries sounds amazing!!! And so does freezing them – thanks for the tip! That’s the one reason I don’t make them every day is it just takes too long, haha. And yes – working out definitely improves my energy. Plus it usually inspires me to eat healthy if I work out in the morning. I would definitely give Jillian Michael’s a try!! It’s free on YouTube and most of the videos are just 30 minutes.
Hope you are having a great weekend!!
diane @smartmoneysimplelife says
atWow! That’s an amazing increase in freelance income, especially given it doesn’t sound like you’ve doubled your workload. Sticking to higher paying clients is definitely the smart way to go.
Well done!
Sarah Brooks says
atDefinitely!! But I will say I have nothing on the books now and it’s a strange feeling!!! Hoping the work comes in!!
Kyly says
atI love Shred and Ripped too. What longer cardio/strength videos of Jillian’s do you like best so far?
Sarah Brooks says
atI’ve only done two – Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout and No More Trouble Zones! I like No More Trouble Zones the best!
Jayleen @ How Do The Jones Do It says
atWoot! Woot! You’ve done awesome on your income! So what’s your secret for Adsense?
It’s so great you’re working out too! I head to the gym three days a week right after I drop the kids off at school. I’ve been working out since I was 18 and started at Living Well Lady;0) Lol! It’s just part of who I am! I’ve always loved going to the gym over home workouts but, then again, I can’t move my legs and arms at the same time. I tried aerobics and it was a mess;0)
Sarah Brooks says
atlol!!! That’s great you go to the gym so often! I hope I can be like you and just incorporate it into my life. I start, get in shape, then quit, then start again. I’m hoping this time around it’s an actual lifestyle change!!
And for Adsense…I usually make only $20-$30 per month…so my first payment last month was just from having my blog for 5-6 months. Then a post of mine got promoted by The Penny Hoarder which brought it a TON of traffic and I made like $100 in one day!! So that was this last payment. Unfortunately that traffic didn’t stick lol 🙁
Jenny says
atI have been looking to start a side job for some extra cash i could use towards paying down debt. I was wondering if you could give any helpful pointers.. how do you find your freelance jobs? do you have a post about that? i just started reading your blog and i would really like to know how to start the blogging and freelancing thing (i have been researching different blogs and info on the web) i commend you on your success and wish you much more 🙂 its nice to see that this stuff is actually real and can happen.
Sarah Brooks says
atHi Jenny! Thanks for reaching out! That’s great you’re looking into side jobs to start paying down debt! I have another blog that’s more dedicated to freelance writing – http://www.becomeafreelancewriter.com – that should be of help. Let me know if you have any specific questions!! But honestly, if I can do it you can do it!!
Kim says
atAwesome income for April! I am looking to get a hold of our finances (not much debt, just want to start saving more and investing) which is why I started following your blog, I am looking to lose weight-my babe is 5 months old:) I follow a 95/5 rule and I am not seeing results so I am also experimenting some workout routines including lunges while pushing the stroller, elliptical, lifting (5lb) weights, some yoga. AND I have a sweet tooth too! So I had to share that I made black bean brownies tonight-delish! I recommend them for anyone who needs a healthy sweet treat. Anyway, I love reading your blog and look forward to more posts:)
Sarah Brooks says
atAww thanks!! And I’ve heard of black bean brownies but always thought they didn’t sound that good. Do they really taste like brownies?! It seems like you’re doing great with your diet!! With my first, it took 7 months to start losing weight even though I dieted. My body just wasn’t losing!! Then, I finally started losing and got pregnant again lol! And with my second it seemed similar – it took a good year to lose all the weight. Stay positive!!!! Remember it took your body 9 months to gain the weight!
Jef says
atAwesome work on the income Sarah! Great to hear and that’s a decent income for you 🙂
Will be interested to hear about how the health kick goes as well, good stuff
Sarah Brooks says
atThanks Jef!! Appreciate it!!
Melissa @ Sunburnt Saver says
atGirlfriend, you’re officially making more than I am in my regular FT job!! I LOVE that you’re doing that – it shows me that my dream of working myself is totally possible 😉 Keep us posted on your progress!
Also, please enjoy that beautiful weather for me! We’re almost at 100 here, and today I burned my legs on my fiance’s fake leather seats :-/ You’re not missing a thing here! 🙂
Sarah Brooks says
atOh wow!! It was 79 here but it was actually very warm! We spent the entire day outside and I was sweating quite a few times!
And you can DEFINITELY replace your FT income and work for yourself!! Though… I will say, I have nothing on the books as of now since I quit my “steady” client lol. It’s a weird feeling but I’m hopeful work will come!!
Holly@ClubThrifty says
ati might have to try the egg/banana pancake! Sounds like it would taste really weird! =)
Sarah Brooks says
atTry it!! It surprisingly tastes like a pancake (to me!). Same texture too hahahaha!!
Gretchen says
atAwesome month! It seems like so many bloggers had good month (and lots of change!) in April. It’s unbelievably inspiring to see!
Sarah Brooks says
atThanks!! Yes, looks like a lot of bloggers had great months!! I’m hoping to slowly generate more of my income from blogging rather than freelancing, but it’ll be a long process haha!
Kristin says
atOh yeah, big money! I love reading these kinds of reports! I like seeing the difference and breakdown between freelancing and blogging. I don’t really have time to freelance on top of blog, so right now I’m focusing on the blogging income 🙂 Congrats on the AdSense income!
Sarah Brooks says
atI’m hoping to slowly generate most of my income from blogging, too! But it’s a slow start haha