December Online Income Report [and Charleston Trip Recap!]

Hi everyone!

Did everyone enjoy their holidays?! We ended up having a really nice time, despite me being homesick the weekend of Christmas. So, for New Years, instead of sitting around sulking, we decided to head out of town to Charleston for one night. We just got back, and it was such a blast! I was actually born in Charleston but we moved to AZ when I was two, so of course I have no memories of it. Charleston is comprised of eight different islands all connected by big bridges. We explored a few of the islands, stayed in the historic downtown area, went to the beach, ate lots of yummy food, looked at some neighborhoods, and just enjoyed getting out of town for the night. The girls didn’t do that well in the hotel room, so luckily it was just one night!! At this point, day trips are probably the best type of vacation because we can all sleep in our own beds 🙂

Here are a few pictures from our vacation:

Rainbow Row- A row of houses where each home is a different color!

Folly Beach! We were up nice and early, so decided to make the most of it and grab coffee, breakfast and enjoy the beach!

Cami and John at the beach 🙂

Sleeping arrangements…the reason we were up at 5:30 am!

Waterfront Park. This was picture-perfect. We plan on coming back during the summer (and hope it’s a sunny day!).

Looks like I’m off to a good start on my New Year’s resolutions 🙂

And now, let’s dive right in to this month’s income report.

December Income Report

This month, I was very, very pleased with my income. I expect January’s to be lower as I have dropped a few of my freelance clients, but I’m hoping I can make that up through blogging. I love, love, love freelancing and still plan on doing it, but I want 2016 to be a year of rest for me. Looking back at 2015, I would describe it as extremely hectic. I work full-time, was blogging three times per week, and was freelancing. On top of being a wife and a mom, which are my two favorite things in the world, it was just too much.

I’m willing to admit when my workload no longer starts being fun, so I’m making a change. As long as I am a full-time employee, my “hobby” / side hustle is going to be my blog. If good freelancing opportunities come up, of course I will consider taking them, but I’m not going to hustle, hustle, hustle this year to gain more clients. Instead, I’m going to enjoy my family, my little ones, my full-time job and my blog. I really hope this change will allow me to view my blog as more of a business. And, it will also give me so much more time with my family, which we all know is just priceless.

Let’s take a look at December’s side hustle income:

Total: $2,022.06

I am extremely happy with this number! Here is a breakdown of where that income came from:

• Freelancing: $1,740
• Blogging: $282.06

Ideally, my blogging number will be my main source of income, and that is something I will work toward in 2016. If I’m not spending as much time freelancing, that leaves me with more time to blog 🙂

Freelancing Income

My freelancing income was a bit higher than normal because I took on a one-time gig in November which was paid for this month. I also picked up a new client that started in November and was, again, paid on in December. I’m not sure if that client will continue with me, but as long as the workload is light, I will keep it.

Freelancing has been a dream come true for me, and I know I’m going to miss not dedicating as much time to it. But, I’m sure one day (like when my little ones are in school) I will go back to it if my schedule allows. For stay-at-home moms, though, it really is the perfect gig.

Here, you can see how one freelancer (and mom of two toddlers) is making $10,000+ per month!!

Blogging Income

For blogging, I made $75 for promoting a company within a post, and the rest came from affiliate income! You guys, affiliate income is where it’s at. For newbies, you earn affiliate income by promoting a product you believe in, as an affiliate. Then, when someone buys a product through your link, you’ll receive a commission. I went into detail on earning an income as an affiliate in my new book 🙂 In it, I am breaking down how exactly I am earning money as an affiliate, which programs I’m promoting, how much I’ve earned from each, and how you can get started.

My book – The Beginner’s Guide to Blogging – is now available for pre-order! But, you can get it for FREE by starting a blog through my Bluehost link! Simply sign up, then I will get an email of your new URL and you’ll receive a copy of my book on January 12 in your inbox. Feel free to email me personally at sbrooks52111 [at] yahoo.com with any questions. [This is an example of an affiliate: I am an affiliate for Go Daddy, so if you do purchase a blog through that link, I will receive a commision.]

As you can see, I’m not making tens of thousands of dollars per month in affiliate sales. In fact, I’m averaging just a couple hundred per month. BUT, I have high hopes of seeing that number grow. We all have to start somewhere. And, the more diversified you are in your sales, the more money you can potentially earn. Seriously you guys, blogging is where it’s at.

If you want to start a blog, please head over to my tutorial on how to start a profitable blog. And again, by purchasing through my link, you’ll receive my book for free!

I’ll be completely honest with you (clearly I’m in a chatty mood after being on vacation!!): Freelancing and blogging is what has allowed my husband and I to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. In the past three years that I’ve been freelancing (and, please keep in mind that this has always been extra money), we’ve had our second baby, moved across the country, broken a lease and moved into a rental house, purchased our dream home, and have lived on a pretty flexible budget. This year, one of our huge goals is to purchase a rental property – the first of many. This would not be possible if it weren’t for me freelancing. Extra money here and there (some saved, some spent; but most saved!) really adds up and can go a long way.

How was your December?! What is one of your goals for the new year, business-wise?