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In a world that constantly pushes us toward more — more things, more choices, more consumption — the concept of minimalism has emerged as a breath of fresh air. However, as we delve deeper into the philosophy of living with less, a new movement is gaining traction: underconsumption core. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Des Moines, IA, settling into a rental home in Boston, or buying a home in Savannah, GA, this way of life offers a more sustainable, mindful way to live.

Understanding underconsumption core

Underconsumption core takes minimalism a step further by emphasizing the value of what we don’t consume rather than just focusing on what we own. “Underconsumption core is the latest social media movement that takes a spin on the minimalist and simplicity trends of recent years, highlighting the ‘use it up, wear it out, make do or do without’ teachings from older generations,” explains Amanda with Useful Roots.

“It’s all about finding joy in owning, maintaining, and buying fewer things or even acquiring material items via thrifting and repurposed goods. Instead of purchasing multiples of the latest item, you’re pairing down, making do with just one, using what you have, and perhaps not purchasing at all. It’s an approach to engaging in the economy that can be better for the wallet and more environmentally friendly.”

The benefits of underconsumption core

Adopting the underconsumption core philosophy can lead to numerous benefits:

  • Less clutter, more comfort: When you intentionally reduce unnecessary consumption, your living space becomes more comfortable and serene. Renters, especially, benefit from this as it makes small spaces feel larger and more functional.
  • Financial savings: Consuming less can lead to significant savings. Instead of spending money on trendy decor or impulsive buys, you can invest in quality pieces that last or save up for bigger goals — like homeownership or investment property.
  • Eco-friendly living: Consuming less means generating less waste, which benefits the environment. “At Composty, we believe that living minimally begins with making intentional choices about what we bring into our homes. By embracing compostable, reusable cleaning tools, you can significantly reduce waste while still maintaining a clean environment. We encourage making the most of what you already own, avoiding impulse purchases, and focusing on products that are not only functional but also sustainable, helping to reduce consumption in the long term. Composty’s CEO Matt Guest says, “Our sponges borrow natural materials from the planet and, after use, give them back to nature to help it flourish and grow.”

Ways to embrace ‘underconsumption core’

Underconsumption core can significantly improve your living experience, and it’s surprisingly easy to implement small, intentional changes that create lasting positive impacts.

Shift your mindset

Shifting your mindset is key to embracing underconsumption core. It’s about moving away from the constant pursuit of more and reframing how you view consumption.

“At fulFILLed Lifestyle Co., we believe that sustainable living starts with a shift in mindset. In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to buy more, especially as we’re constantly influenced to consume more than we truly need,” explains Paige Garrity, co-founder of fulFILLed Lifestyle Co. She continues: “But what if less is actually more; underconsumption, the idea of being intentional with what we bring into our lives, allows us to focus on quality over quantity.

By reducing the excess, we make room for what truly matters — whether it’s the products we choose or the relationships we nurture. Sustainability, after all, is a way of life, and at fulFILLed Lifestyle Co., we’re here to support consumers in making choices that help them create a toxin-free, sustainable, and fulFILLing life.”

Prioritize essentials

Whether you’re furnishing an apartment or conducting your weekly grocery shop, start by focusing on the essentials. What do you really need? Avoid the temptation to buy and fill every corner with “stuff”.

“By embracing underconsumption core, we inherently buy less and utilize what we have more efficiently.  Furthermore, replacing disposable everyday items with reusable alternatives, like shopping bags, water bottles, and sustainable kitchen essentials, significantly reduces waste and conserves resources,” explains Amanda Runkle, founder of Me Mother Earth.

“These small changes not only support a greener lifestyle but also save money in the long run, as reusable products are designed to last for years. By making these conscious choices, we all have the ability to contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce our environmental impact.”

Embrace sustainability

Elizabeth Casas with Simple Living on Repeat, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and sustainability. “With the cost of living and food prices increasing, underconsumption is a new trend that people must try to save money. Avoid buying products until you finish the ones you already have and use, such as skincare or cleaning products. Shop secondhand first. Before a new purchase, try to see if you can buy gently used items like clothing, furniture, books, and toys. Buying second-hand first not only helps you save money but also positively impacts the environment, giving items a second chance and reducing waste.”

“Well-storied homes often belong to well-storied discount shoppers, dumpster divers, thrift store thrifters, and roadside wranglers with well-storied lives,” shares Paige Grose with Paige Grose Design. 

She adds, “I love expensive furniture, luxurious linens, fine china, and hand-woven rugs, but many of my most treasured and unique pieces that give our house style were found, thrifted, or haggled for and not purchased from a design center showroom. Thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales in upscale and retirement communities, trolling the streets on trash night (some neighborhoods encourage this and post items in real-time on social media), vintage and antique shops, as well as your family’s basements and attics are perfect places to start an underconsumption journey to create a well-storied home.”

Create and embrace multi-functional spaces

For renters in apartments, especially those with limited square footage, multi-functional spaces are key. Consider furniture that serves dual purposes — like a sofa that doubles as a guest bed or storage solutions that blend into your decor. “If I were going to say one thing a renter could do to create a more functional space, I would say not to underestimate the value of leg risers,” shares Mary Colmar with Salad Bowl Dress.

“You can make a kitchen island with two or more risers under a kitchen table. They’re helpful in a bedroom for your dresser or a bed to add storage space underneath. I have even used them in the living room under a couch to add the illusion of space.” Hacks like these can create a more functional and stylish space, without breaking the budget or spending impulsively.

Value quality over quantity

Quality pieces stand the test of time, saving you from frequent replacements and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. “I quit Amazon Prime to minimize unnecessary impulse buys. Instead, I put items in my shopping cart and wait till I hit the $35 minimum spend for free shipping without Prime,” shares Julie George with The Brown Girl Podcast.

“Sometimes during this “waiting time,” I find I actually didn’t need or want this or that, and then remove it from my cart. I also started investing in higher quality items that I can keep for a lifetime instead of low-quality/fast fashion junk that ends up needing constant replacement.”

Create a consumption budget

Just as you would budget your finances, consider creating a consumption budget. “Adopt a more mindful approach to spending and prioritize experiences over possessions, this will help you to focus on what truly brings value to your life,” recommends Emma with Bee Money Savvy. “Being more mindful when it comes to money can also help to reduce your living costs, allowing you to save towards long-term goals such as a first home or retirement.”

Reflect, remember, and adjust

“People have this strong belief that somehow happiness comes through spending on things and experiences. That if we only owned a nicer item, and splurged on a vacation, that we would be happier,” explains CEO and content creator, Save My Cents, Inc.

“Research has proved this to be the opposite. After meeting a certain minimum level of lifestyle, then additional levels of happiness gained from spending on nice-to-have items are diminishing — meaning the more money you spend, you don’t necessarily become equally happier. Knowing this is powerful because it means that you have to learn to derive joy from your current life. Lean into the strength of the good relationships and friendships you have. Take comfort and have gratitude for when you do have abundance — such as a decently paying job, payable skills, and good mental and physical health.”

Less, truly is more

Underconsumption core is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative lifestyle choice that encourages us to prioritize what truly matters. “When I coach Americans to spend less, I coach them to have gratitude. When you see everything that you “get to” enjoy, then you don’t feel the need to buy more to be happy,” Save My Cents continues.

“By embracing this philosophy, we can redefine minimalism and cultivate a life filled with purpose, sustainability, and fulfillment.” Underconsumption core offers a refreshing perspective that invites us to slow down, evaluate our choices, and make room for what genuinely enriches our lives.

Source: rent.com

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Do you want to learn how to become a photographer? Many photographers are making $50,000 and over each year. Today, I have a great interview to share with you. I interviewed my friend Sydney Hampton on how to become a photographer. I actually met her when I hired her to take my maternity photos, and…

Do you want to learn how to become a photographer?

Many photographers are making $50,000 and over each year.

Today, I have a great interview to share with you. I interviewed my friend Sydney Hampton on how to become a photographer. I actually met her when I hired her to take my maternity photos, and later on my newborn photos. We stayed in touch, and I recently asked her if I could interview her for this article.

Sydney is a photographer who focuses on family, couples, maternity, branding, and newborn photography.

The demand for this kind of photography is high, and many people are looking for quality photographers for these types of photos.

Are you wondering questions such as:

  • How much money can a professional photographer earn?
  • Is there room for new photographers?
  • What equipment does someone need to become a photographer?
  • How many hours does it take each week to run a photography business?

If so, these questions, plus more, will be answered in today’s interview about how to become a photographer.

Today’s interview will help you get started and perhaps even introduce you to a new way to work at home.

Recommended reading:

Tell me your story. Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Sydney Hampton and I am a wife, mom, and photographer. I am the face behind Sydney Hampton Photography. I love being a photographer and helping others figure out their path in the world of photography.

I am also the creator of The Mom Photographers, a group that helps moms who are photographers get more organized, manage their time better, and grow their businesses so that they can grow their business while balancing life as a Mom. The Mom Photographers is a community, educational hub, blog site, and we have a podcast on Spotify that features moms who are photographers and business owners.

What kind of photography do you do?

I do several types of photography, but currently I focus on family, couples, maternity, and newborn. Maternity and newborn have my heart, but I have also done many other types of photography including weddings, senior portraits, and business and branding photography.

This year, I am really focusing on family, maternity, couples beach photography and in-studio sessions such as newborn and business branding. As a photographer in a prime vacation destination, I tend to do a lot of beach mini sessions and have found that men and children are usually not up for full sessions. This has helped to truly launch my business to another level where I am able to do mini sessions weekly.

Here’s a picture of me photographing on the beach.

Why did you decide to become a photographer? How did you get started?

I have always loved photography and really started getting into it in about 2006 when I was in high school. I grew up with photography all around me; my Dad was a professional sports photographer. So from a young age, I learned how to shoot in manual and learned important key things like composition.

Like many though, I really thought of myself as an amateur, especially being around family members like my dad and his brother, my uncle, who also is a photographer but an amazing wildlife photographer. After the first 2 years of college, I put my camera down for a few years. When my father passed, I inherited his camera and really picked it back up as a way to connect with him. 

To be honest, it was my husband who gave me the confidence to become a professional photographer. After watching me for 2 years continuously take photos of landscapes, our van, and dog on road trips and seeing the passion I had for it, he convinced me to take a leap and go for it.

I truly decided to become a photographer as a way to do what I love, and maybe make some money. With my husband’s support, we were prepared for it to make nothing, so the risks were low. 

In the beginning, I attribute all of my success to the military community! As a military spouse, I was able to reach out to the military spouse community and have clients that I still service 5-plus years later and in different states! The support from that community has been ongoing. I was able to grow a following on Instagram and Facebook, which really helped create my business as a Florida Keys vacation photographer. Having followers and clients who shared my work regularly, allowed me to establish credibility and book new clients.

What do you like about having a photography business?

My favorite part about having a photography business is that I get to be with home with my kids all day every day. Having the freedom to create my schedule, be with my family, and to be creative is beyond any financial benefit. While this year has been my busiest and most financially beneficial year thus far, I have made sure to dedicate time to doing things with my kids where I can set my phone aside. I have found that the biggest blessing has been to step away from work and not be worried.

I love how diverse photography as a career is. For example, it can be very simple like just stock photography on the side, or just weddings or you can open a studio and become a portrait and newborn photographer… Or you can do it all! You can photograph events such as weddings for thousands per wedding, do family sessions, maternity, business advertising, even sell products like landscapes, start blogs and podcasts, create courses, write books, and more. Just like with many other opportunities, the sky is the limit – it’s a perfect career for someone creative and driven, yet also great as a side gig.

I have been fortunate to see many sides of photography from just word of mouth within a small community with a few clients to over 400 clients so far this year alone. I have loved that I get to meet new people with each shoot and that I am able to connect with people from all walks of life.

I believe in growing and learning from others, which is part of why I created a community called The Mom Photographers where I host a podcast/blog and talk with other moms who are photographers about all the topics we face. Things like how do you edit with kids, what does workflow look like when you have kids, and ways to get started. Through The Mom Photographers, I will also be releasing educational videos, courses, presets, and doing hands-on/virtual workshops.

How much money can a professional photographer earn?

Again, it’s all flexible. You can do it very part-time and only make a few thousand a year or you can make a million. It truly depends on a few key principles such as the amount of time and effort you want to put in, the quality/ consistency of your work, and the type of photography you choose to do.

On average, most photographers can expect to make about $50,000 in a small town or non-tourist destination.

In a tourist destination or bigger city it is easy for a photographer to make $75,000+ with the right tools in their pocket and a quality consistent product. Now, I’m not saying anyone who just buys a camera can walk out and expect to make $75,000. It takes professionalism, some business knowledge and having a quality product that people want to buy. It also takes time, but working with a mentor or shadowing a photographer are ways to speed that up. I have also found that those who do start with a mentor or who work under an established photographer their first year tend to make more money and be more successful in the end.

I am actually mentoring 5 photographers currently and just hosted a styled shoot with 12 other photographers. To me, connecting with others is key! So to be able to host a shoot that I create and make money is a blessing.

What equipment does someone need to become a photographer? Do they need to spend a lot of money to get started? 

Someone looking to get started will need a camera, a lens, computer and a few programs to help make them successful such as Lightroom. To get started as a family, couples or wedding photographer I definitely suggest having a professional level camera/lens set up.

I always suggest shadowing and making sure it’s what you definitely want to do before you invest in equipment. Knowing that this is the right path for you is step one.

I actually have a free course called: Is Photography Right for you? My goal with this course was to lay out a realistic expectation of what all is involved to start and be successful in the photography industry.

Below is some more in-depth information on what equipment you need to become a photographer:

  • Camera – I highly suggest starting with a Professional camera. I suggest going with a mirrorless camera. I am a Nikon user, and I suggest getting the best camera you can within your budget. My top suggestion is the Nikon Z 6II which you can find lightly used for around $1300 or Nikon z6III $2500 which was just released in summer 2024. It’s good in low light, sharp, and easy to use. If it is out of your price range, then go for the Z50 would be my next suggestion (which is $1,000 brand new or used around $750). I currently have 2 cameras, a Nikon Z 6II and a Z8 which is my new camera, I went with the Z8 over the flagship Z9 for 3 reasons.
    • 1.  It’s smaller and lighter
    • 2.  It uses the same batteries as the Z 6II.  
    • 3. It was the same performance but less expensive.   
  • Lens – I definitely recommend when you buy your camera to not purchase it with a kit lens. Buy a lens appropriate for the work you would like to do. Example: family, maternity, or portraits – go for a 35mm or 50mm lens with an f-stop of 1.8 or lower, then later add lenses such as 85mm, 50mm, 35mm, and 70-200mm. I like to shoot with a lower f-stop because I like the subject isolation and blurred background. For Family, Maternity and newborn I definitely suggest having a 50mm and a 35 mm. My favorite lens is my 50mm 1.2 this lens gives dreamy background and crisp images. The kit lens often does not hold value for resale well, and it’s better to just buy the camera body without it. Nikon just released a 35mm 1.4 lens which is $599.
  • Computer – I use an Apple MacBook to do all of my editing. I edit on Lightroom primarily and also on Photoshop. I also use several other programs to assist me in saving time that I go more in-depth with in a few of my Mom Photographer blog posts (Aftershoot, Portraiture, Imagen AI, and Topaz). For newborns and Portraits, I love Portraiture!
  • Website- You can actually start your website for free through Pixieset. I have been using them for 6 years and they are amazing, I love how everything is integrated. It is not only the host site I use now but how I book clients and deliver galleries. Pixieset also has a print store, and is always looking for ways to improve. Once you do get more involved and find yourself needing to upgrade the prices are still reasonable at $19/month and up. You will still need to get your own url from a site like GoDaddy and you can connect that to your Pixieset.

With those things, anyone can start. The list grows with what type of photography, so I suggest starting simple in one type of photography, like aiming for just family or just branding.

Note about the camera purchase: You can start with an older camera or with what ever camera you have. The goal with starting with an older camera would be to learn to shoot in manual, as well as to learn composition. Just definitely plan to set aside money to upgrade to a professional camera as soon as you can so that you can provide clients with a quality product. Also depending on the photography route you choose you could also start with a camera like a good drone! Think landscape, real estate, marketing, weddings or a way to earn income while saving up for your professional camera. Lots of professional photographers love to work with people who can provide drone video and photo images.

Here’s a picture of one of my recent maternity pieces (underwater).

What is your typical work schedule? How many hours does it take each week to run a photography business?

My typical work week varies depending on the time of year. I have weeks where I maybe work 5 hours and other weeks where I work 30 plus. But in general, even at my busiest, I still have freedom to do things with my family that matter, like church 2x a week, dance class 2 days, or enjoy time with my family and our little farm.

Each morning, I spend the first 15 minutes checking all emails, scheduling social media posts, and responding to DMs. I often also find that my best editing hours are between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. because I have a two- and four-year-old! Batching content is also a great way that I save some time.

Is there room for new photographers?

Many may say no, but I say Yes!

Lots of room, and there will be room for anyone new. In any industry, there is always someone who is burned out, not driven, not open to changes in the industry. There is always a new style, but even more so, there is simply just a huge range of customers and what they are looking for.

There’s someone who wants a $100 shoot or a $10,000 shoot. So it’s important to know where you want to fall in there and to aim for how to build your business and create the quality product worth what you want your target market to be.

For new photographers, you can be a second shooter or an associate shooter for a well established photographer. This is a great way to start while still working a regular job and never have to edit anything except what you want for your own personal use. This is something most photographers, including myself, don’t know before taking the plunge to be professional.

Looking back, this is the perfect approach for someone with a job or a busy life not wanting to ruin their name doing free shoots and never gaining repeat clients. It’s also a great way to learn and cash flow everything while not taking huge risks.

Also, I am a strong believer in being a business with insurance and everything you need to be legit. You can start as a luxury photographer without having to spend 10 years to get there, but you need to be able to create a luxury product consistently, and that does take some time and guidance from others such as mentors. You will need honest feedback from someone who knows photography well.

Can you list the steps to get started with a photography business?

First make sure its something you want to do, my suggestion is shadow someone, watch Youtube videos or take a course like my free course: Is Photography right for you?

Next is get a camera, or even rent one, to learn how to shoot in manual and to build a portfolio for Instagram and your website. You should have 50-200 unique edited images that you feel, and others honestly feel, show the quality of what you would like to charge for your website. 

I have found that honest criticism is key to success, so being able to hear someone say, “No, I would not pay $350 for your work,” and why is important. All friends and family will always sing your praises, but you need to know what clients or potential clients think when they look at your website. Be open to criticism, and allow it to help you grow, don’t ever let it set you back!

What are your best tips for someone who wants to become a photographer?

Find a prominent photographer in your area to shadow, or mentor under. You can even shadow or mentor under me from anywhere in the world. I also can help you find a reputable photographer in your area. Shadowing is really a great way to start.

My biggest tip, keep learning. The industry is constantly changing, growing with it is key!

Always accept criticism and be open to seeing your work through the eyes of others even if its discouraging at first it will help you to grow in the long run and eventually you will become your harshest critic.

Figure out the style you want to portray and use a preset to create consistency in your work.

Build a website and social media following.

Shoot as much as you can, even if it’s your neighbor or kids.

I do offer a mentorship program with an in-person and a virtual mentorship option. You can find the mentorship program information by clicking here.

What are your goals for your photography business for the future?

My goals for this year, now that I have hit a 6-figure-income photography business, is to create passive income. I would also like to grow and spend more time with my family.

Knowing that our family would like to possibly add another little one in the future and that I tend to take off up to 6 months postpartum, having passive income or finding ways to keep my photography business moving while I am out has been my goal.

With this in mind I created a team this past year, started another blog and a podcast. I also created The Mom Photographers to not only achieve my goals but also to help other moms have a one-stop shop to learn, grow, vent, and connect with other moms who are photographers. The Mom Photographers is a Facebook group as well as a website, blog, podcast, community, and educational hub.

I will be releasing a few courses in the next 6 months: 

  • Is Photography Right for You?
  • How To Get Started as a Professional Photographer While Being a Mom
  • The Mom Photographers Course for Established Professionals Looking To Grow and Dedicate More Time With Their Family
  • Kids- College guide to photography as a Job: with a focus on growing wealth at a young age and avoiding debt.

I will also be going more in-depth with the podcast and YouTube, adding free educational information, weekly tips, advice from experiences myself and others have learned, business trends, and ways to grow.

My financial expectation this year is to hit $175,000 and 3-5year goal is $1 million/year. I always aim to set realistic expectations and my goals are higher. Over the last few years my income has grown each year by 50-100 percent, so for me a competitive goal keeps me motivated.

I am fortunate to have my husband, a retired military warrant officer, to be my support system and help me in all aspects. My husband is my rock who not only homeschools our kids while I do shoots but also drives me to each shoot and helps me stay on task. Without him, I would be nowhere near as successful. It is imperative for anyone’s success that they have a good support system if they have kids or a family.

We are also fortunate to have zero debt including our home – our mini modern farm, as we call it! Complete with our 4 dogs, 2 cats, 10 ducks, and 13 chickens.

Photography has very much been a financially freeing stream of income that has allowed us to live in a million-dollar paid-for home on top of my husband’s retirement from the military. It also allows our children to grow up with the unique opportunity of having both parents with them every day. I am 34 and my husband is 45, we believe in being debt free and cash flowing everything. Making Sense of Cents often talks about the many benefits of financial freedom, and how to grow wealth. When I mentor photographers I also make sure to include how important it is to not build a business on debt, and that saving for three categories is imperative- taxes, emergency fund, and equipment upgrades.

Helpful links:

Do you want to become a photographer?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card has a limited-time welcome offer for new cardholders that could help with travel goals in the next year.

Those who apply and are approved for the card through Oct. 31, 2024, get this sign-up bonus: Earn five category 1-4 Free Night Awards to use at Hyatt hotels after spending $4,000 in the first three months of opening the account. This offer includes domestic and international properties.

Compared with the card’s previous sign-up offer, this bonus is much more straightforward and easier to attain — although it’s also less flexible. Here’s why.

The card’s former offer enabled you to earn up to 60,000 bonus points, but in two different tiers: It awarded you 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening the account. And then, for the first six months, you earned 2 points per $1 on spending that would otherwise have earned only 1 point, on up to $15,000 spent.)

The new offer of five free nights is certainly less complicated. But depending on how you book at Hyatt, the previous offer might have allowed you to redeem those 60,000 points for even more than five nights, assuming you booked lower-category properties.

Even so, if the Hyatt family is your hotel group of choice, you should easily be able to extract enough value from this new offer to more than make up for the card’s $95 annual fee. As a cardholder, you’ll also earn ongoing rewards in a variety of categories:

  • 4 bonus points per $1 spent with your card at Hyatt hotels, including participating restaurants and spas. Properties under the Hyatt umbrella include the Park Hyatt, Miraval, Andaz and Hyatt Place. (On top of that, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels by being a member of the World of Hyatt loyalty program.)

  • 2 points per $1 on dining at restaurants, airline tickets purchased through the airline, fitness club and gym memberships, and local transit and commuting.

  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

You can redeem points for hotel stays, room upgrades, eligible purchases at select Hyatt locations and more.

In addition to the sign-up bonus, the card also offers a free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your cardholder anniversary, and an extra free night in a similar property if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. As a cardholder, you’ll also get automatic Discoverist status, which makes you eligible for a 10% bonus on points earned on eligible purchases, an upgrade to a preferred room (if available), late checkout (if available) and waived resort fees on Free Night Awards.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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The closest I got to Halloween as a child was through classic movies like “Hocus Pocus” and “Casper.” That’s because I grew up in a religious household that chose not to celebrate Halloween.

Since I didn’t embark on the adventure of costume wearing as a child, it’s become a first-generation tradition in my household. Although fun, my third year in, I’m realizing how expensive this costume business can become.

Americans are expected to spend about $104 on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation. If you’ll be participating in spooky season festivities, keep reading for a few mom-approved tips for how to save on costumes.

Set a budget to avoid spooky spending

If you’re anything like me, when it comes to spending on creative ventures, you become a kid in a candy store. However, splurging on a Halloween costume can be counterproductive to your financial goals.

Karen Heffren, a mom from Tucson, Arizona, and owner of the DIY blog Desert Chica, says she’s always been frugal, and that’s no different on Halloween.

“When it came to costumes, I didn’t want to spend $25 on a costume that wasn’t great and my kid would wear for an hour,” she says.

Consider setting a hard limit on how much you’ll spend. If you’re unsure how to calculate what you can afford this year, remember your costume money should ideally come from your discretionary income. That’s what’s left after you meet all of your core financial needs.

If you use the 50/30/20 budgeting system, costume money should come out of your 30% wants category, while 50% goes to needs and 20% to debt and savings.

Push your creative boundaries with a DIY costume

You’d be surprised how much you can save by making a Halloween costume using items around the house. Heffren was first inspired to DIY Halloween costumes about 17 years ago when her family became a single-income household. She shares DIY costume ideas on her blog to help people who may need inspiration and says you don’t have to be a super crafter to use this option.

“You just have to be able to think about what skills you have, and then just modify your ideas to make it work,” she says.

Inspired by my research and interviews for this article, I plan to be Whitney Houston this year and have all the items I need at home already. I’ll use a black leather jacket, big hair, red lipstick, a white shirt and leggings. There are multiple resources you can consult for DIY costume research, such as Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, blogs and TikTok.

It’s also important to keep track of your DIY costume spending along the way so it doesn’t end up costing significantly more than a ready-made costume. If it does cost more, the extra expense may be worthwhile if the costume can be repurposed, which we’ll discuss more below.

Choose costumes that can be repurposed

Kalia Johnson, a content creator and mother in Dallas, made a grape costume for her son last year, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving because most of the items are still functional. The inspiration for the costume came from her son playfully putting balls from his ball pit into his onesie.

“The reason why I like this costume is because we still use all the items that we used for the costume,” she says. “He still uses ball pit balls. He still uses the bamboo sleeper as pajamas. He still uses the beanie if it [is] cold outside.”

The only items Johnson bought were the leaves she used, and they cost a couple of bucks.

Heffren, too, is a firm believer in using items that can be repurposed. She uses hoodies as an example.

One of her most memorable costumes was Olaf from the movie “Frozen,” and she used a hoodie and felt fabric to make it. Another example? Heffren says you can use a white button-down shirt, cardboard, an angry face printout, black slacks and some felt material to create the Anger character from the “Inside Out” movies.

Heffren recommends using duct tape or sewing items onto the costume base so you can easily repurpose it or fix mistakes. I plan to take this advice and use a hoodie and felt material to build my son’s Sonic costume this year.

Consider using pre-loved items

Using secondhand items for a Halloween costume is another way to save money.

Some places where you can buy a used costume or items for a DIY piece include Facebook Marketplace, eBay, OfferUp or your local thrift store. Keep in mind that one of the challenges with getting a ready-made costume may be finding one that you like and that comes in your size. If you want to coordinate costumes with loved ones, going this route could be difficult.

Heffren says people should remember that costumes don’t have to be perfect. That means you don’t have to coordinate your entire family’s costumes, nor do you need to turn costumes into a grand and expensive DIY project.

“I think you just have to set realistic expectations and it’s just for fun, you know? It’s not Picasso, right?”

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Editor’s Note: Options are not suitable for all investors. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Please see the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

While most investors are familiar with buying and selling shares of stock directly, investing in options is another way to put money behind stock price movements.

Options are a type of derivative contract that allows the investor to buy (or sell) a stock, or some other asset, at a certain price within a specific time period. The two basic types of options are known as “puts” and “calls.”

Options trading is a popular strategy for day traders, because it offers the potential to make profits within a shorter time frame, as opposed to owning shares of stock outright, and waiting for the price to move in the desired direction. Options trading can potentially generate returns, but it can also amplify losses, making it a risky strategy.

Key Points

•   Buying a call option gives an investor the right, but not the obligation, to buy shares of an underlying asset at a specific price and by a specific date, to potentially profit from a price increase.

•   Buying a put option gives an investor the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares of an underlying asset at a specific price and by a specific date, to potentially profit from a price decrease.

•   The buyer of a call or put option must pay the seller a premium for the options contract, assessed per share.

•   The price at which an option can be exercised, as specified in the option contract, is called the strike price.

•   Options trading involves risks, including potentially substantial losses.

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Overview: What Are Options?

In options trading, an option contract is a derivative instrument that’s based on an underlying asset: e.g., stocks, bonds, commodities, or other securities. Thus, the buyer of an options contract doesn’t purchase the asset directly, but a contract with an option to buy or sell that security. For example, with stocks, also called equity options, one contract represents 100 shares.

Options come in two flavors, as noted above: calls and puts. For the sake of simplicity, this article will refer primarily to stock or equity options.

Options Buyers vs. Options Sellers

An options buyer, also called the holder, has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the underlying asset at the agreed-upon price (the strike price) by a specific date (the expiration). Buyers pay a premium for each option contract, which is assessed per share. If there is a $1 premium per share, at 100 shares, the total cost of the option is $100.

The potential upside for an options buyer could be unlimited, depending on their strategy. And since an options buyer is not obligated to exercise their option — meaning to actually buy or sell the underlying stock at the price agreed to in the option contract — the most they stand to lose is the premium paid for the option.

An options seller, also called the options writer, is on the other side of the trade. In this case, if the options holder exercises the contract, the option seller has an obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset at the strike price.

The potential upside for an options seller is the option’s premium. Their potential downside depends on whether they’re selling a put option or a call option. More on this below.

Trading options requires familiarity with options terminology, since these strategies can be complex and come with the potential risk of steep losses, depending on the strategy.
💡 Quick Tip: How do you decide if a certain trading platform or app is right for you? Ideally, the investment platform you choose offers the features that you need for your investment goals or strategy, e.g., an easy-to-use interface, data analysis, educational tools.

What Is a Call Option?

When purchased, a call option gives the options buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy 100 shares of the underlying asset at the strike price, by the expiration of the contract.

Buying a call option can be appealing because it gives a buyer a way of profiting from a stock’s increase in price without having to pay what could be the current market price for 100 shares.

If the price of the underlying asset rises above the strike price, then the buyer may choose to exercise their option, paying less than what it’s worth on the market and potentially selling shares for a profit.

For a call option buyer, the profit is determined by the premium they pay and if, and by how much, the price of the security rises above the option’s strike price before it expires. The maximum potential upside is unlimited since, theoretically, the price of the underlying asset could continue to rise. The maximum potential downside is limited to the premium paid for the option.

Conversely, the seller, or writer, of the call option has the obligation to sell the underlying shares to the buyer, if the buyer exercises the option. The seller’s maximum potential gain is limited to the option’s premium. Their potential downside is unlimited, since they must sell shares at the option’s lower strike price, no matter how high the market price has risen.

Example of Buying a Call Option

If an investor buys an option with a strike price of $50 for a stock that’s currently worth $40, the option will be “out-of-the-money” until the stock rises to $50. If the premium is $1/share — meaning they only pay $1 up front — then the investor will only be risking $100, not $4,000.

If the stock is trading at $55 on or before the expiration date, it would make sense to “exercise” the option and buy the stock for $50, thus giving the investor shares with built-in profit thanks to the difference between the strike price of $50 and the value of $55. In this case the profit would be $4/ per share (or $400), minus the premium paid: a strike price of $50 gives the investor the right to buy 100 shares of a stock worth $55, with a premium of $1 per share.

On the other hand, if the stock has not risen enough in price, the investor can just let the option expire, having only lost the price of the premium, rather than being saddled with shares they can’t profit from.

Recommended: A Beginner’s Guide to Options Trading

What Is a Put Option?

A put option gives the investor buying the contract the right, but not the obligation, to sell the underlying security at the agreed-upon strike price, by the expiration date of the option.

If buying call options are a way to profit when the price of a stock or other underlying asset moves in the right direction, buying put options can be a way to profit from the fall of a stock’s price, without having to short the stock (i.e. borrow the shares and then buy them back at a lower price).

Purchasing a put option contract gives its buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares at a certain price, at or by a specified time in the future. The key difference between buying a put vs. a call option is that the put option becomes increasingly valuable as the price of the underlying asset decreases. A put option buyer is hoping they can sell the underlying asset at a strike price that’s higher than the market price.

For the put option buyer, the maximum potential upside is the difference between the option’s higher strike price and the price at which the option is exercised (minus the premium), while the maximum potential downside is limited to the premium paid.

Again, the put option seller is on the other side of the trade, and is obligated to buy the shares from the put buyer, if the buyer decides to exercise the put option. The put option seller’s maximum upside is the option’s premium. Their potential downside extends to the difference between the option’s higher strike price and the lower market price at the time the option is exercised.

Example of Buying a Put Option

As an example, let’s say a stock is worth $50 today. If an investor thought the stock’s value could go down, they might buy a put option with a strike price of $40. Let’s say the premium for the option is $1, and they buy a contract that gives them the right to sell 100 shares at $40. The premium, then, is $100.

At the time the investor buys the put option, it’s out-of-the-money. If the price remains above $40 until it expires, the investor will not be able to exercise the option and they will lose the premium.

But if the stock has dropped from, say, $50 to $35, the option is in-the-money and if they were to exercise the option, they’d profit from being able to sell shares for $40 that are worth $35, pocketing $5 per share or $500, minus the $100 premium, leaving them with $400, minus any brokerage fees.

Risks of Options Trading

Option trading can be a useful way to manage risks in a volatile market and potentially profit from movements in stocks one doesn’t own. Again, an investor buying options only stands to lose the premium they pay for an options contract, though the cost of premiums can accrue if purchasing multiple options contracts over time.

However, an investor selling call options or put options, who is obligated to either buy or sell an option’s underlying assets per the terms of the options contract, could potentially see substantial losses. This is especially true if they don’t understand the potential downside to the trades they’re executing.

The Takeaway

Option trades may appeal to individual investors because they offer a way to potentially see a gain from movements in a stock price, without having to own the underlying shares. If an investor isn’t able to exercise the call or put option they purchased, they’ll lose the premium they paid for that contract. However, selling a call or put option can be high risk, potentially leading to significant losses.

Investors who are ready to try their hand at options trading despite the risks involved, might consider checking out SoFi’s options trading platform. The platform’s user-friendly design allows investors to buy put and call options through the mobile app or web platform, and get important metrics like breakeven percentage, maximum profit/loss, and more with the click of a button. Currently, investors can not sell options on SoFi Invest®.

Plus, SoFi offers educational resources — including a step-by-step in-app guide — to help you learn more about options trading. Trading options involves high-risk strategies, and should be undertaken by experienced investors.

Explore user-friendly options trading with SoFi.


SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below:
Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.

1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.

2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.

For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.

Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOIN-Q324-061

Source: sofi.com

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Gen X Women On Average Believe They Will Need Over $2 Million to Retire Comfortably – More Than Any Other Group of Women, According to Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study Worried About Wealth: Gen X women report higher levels of financial anxiety about retirement preparedness “Generation Zeal:” Gen Z women plan to retire nine … [Read more…]

Apache is functioning normally

Gen X Women On Average Believe They Will Need Over $2 Million to Retire Comfortably – More Than Any Other Group of Women, According to Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study Worried About Wealth: Gen X women report higher levels of financial anxiety about retirement preparedness “Generation Zeal:” Gen Z women plan to retire nine … [Read more…]

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Do you want to learn how to start a travel blog? Starting a travel blog can be a fun journey that combines your love for travel and writing. You have the chance to share your adventures, tips, and personal stories with a wide audience. Starting a blog changed my life. When I began Making Sense…

Do you want to learn how to start a travel blog?

Starting a travel blog can be a fun journey that combines your love for travel and writing. You have the chance to share your adventures, tips, and personal stories with a wide audience.

Starting a blog changed my life. When I began Making Sense of Cents (the blog that you’re reading right now!), I had no idea that sharing my writing would lead to financial freedom and the ability to work from anywhere.

For nearly a decade, I’ve traveled full-time – by RV, sailboat, and plane – and it’s been an incredible way to live. Along the way, I’ve shared my experiences, travel tips, and stories, and it’s allowed me to connect with fellow travelers from all over the world.

Whether you want to turn it into a business, a career, or just a fun hobby, a travel blog lets you connect with other travelers and inspire them to explore new places.

Creating a travel blog doesn’t need to be expensive. With some basic steps, you can set up your blog and start sharing your travel experiences in no time. This guide will help you understand what you need to get started, from choosing a domain name to setting up your website and reaching your first readers.

Quick note: I have a free How To Start A Blog FREE Course you can click here to join. Join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog? In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

My background with blogging

Over a decade ago, I started my blog, Making Sense of Cents, without much planning. I stumbled upon an article about a blogger and thought it would be fun to share details about my own life. At first, it was just a hobby with no real expectations.

I didn’t even realize you could make money from blogging back then. But around six months in, a blogger friend introduced me to my first advertiser, and I earned $100. That’s when I really started to see the potential.

Since then, my blog has grown far beyond anything I could’ve imagined, and I’ve earned more than $5,000,000 over the years. Blogging completely changed my life, giving me the freedom to work from anywhere.

What kept me going was my genuine love for everything related to blogging but also my love for travel. That passion made it easy to dedicate time and effort to grow the blog into what it is today, because I love running an online business that allows me to travel whenever and wherever I want.

Now, I’m excited to help you start your own blog and find success too.

What is a travel blog?

A travel blog is a website where someone shares their travel experiences, tips, and advice. The person who writes it, called a travel blogger, posts about the places they’ve been, activities they’ve tried, and things they’ve learned.

Many travel bloggers also give recommendations for places to stay, eat, and things to do. It’s a way to inspire and help others plan their own trips.

Travel blogs can focus on topics like budget travel, luxury trips, family vacations, solo adventures, and so much more.

Some examples of topics that a travel blog may cover include:

  1. Destination guides – Detailed information on must-see attractions, hidden gems, and local tips for specific cities, countries, or regions
  2. Travel itineraries – Pre-planned routes for weekend getaways, road trips, or long-term travel, outlining where to go and what to see
  3. Local travel tips – Yes, you don’t need to travel by plane in order to be a travel blogger! You can write articles on things to do in your own town.
  4. Budget travel tips – How to travel affordably, including finding cheap flights, budget accommodations, and saving money on food and activities
  5. Solo travel – Tips and advice for solo travelers, including safety, making friends on the road, and building confidence while traveling alone
  6. Family travel – Tips for traveling with children, including family-friendly destinations, packing lists, and keeping kids entertained (such as listing the top travel toys)
  7. Adventure travel – Guides on activities like hiking, diving, surfing, and more, plus how to plan an adventure-focused trip
  8. Cultural experiences – How to engage with local cultures, learn about traditions, and have authentic travel experiences
  9. Travel gear reviews – Recommendations and reviews for travel gear like backpacks, luggage, cameras, and more
  10. Traveling sustainably – How to reduce your environmental impact while traveling, from eco-friendly accommodations to responsible tourism practices
  11. Travel photography tips – Advice on taking beautiful travel photos, including photography tips, gear recommendations, and photo spots

You can pick one or more of these topics to focus on. When you stick to one or two areas, it does help you become more known as an expert in that field, though.

Recommended reading: What Is A Blog, How Do Blogs Make Money, & More

Who can start a travel blog?

Anyone with a passion for travel can start a travel blog!

You don’t need to be a professional writer or photographer. You also don’t need to be a full-time traveler.

Starting a travel blog is a great way to document your adventures and connect with others. Whether you’re traveling full-time or just on weekends, your travel blog can become a helpful resource for other travelers.

Why should you start a travel blog?

Starting a travel blog has many benefits.

  • It lets you share your adventures with friends, family, and a worldwide audience.
  • You can also make money from your blog. If your blog gets popular, you can earn through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.
  • Blogging can help you connect with other travelers. You may meet people who share your interests. This can lead to friendships and collaborations. I have met so many amazing people through my blog, which has been so nice over the years!
  • Having a travel blog is like having a digital scrapbook because you can look back and remember all of your trips, which I think is absolutely amazing. A travel blog kind of “forces” you to write down your memories and take pictures.

Starting a travel blog can be a fun and rewarding way to combine your love for travel with new skills and opportunities.

How To Start a Travel Blog

Below is how to start a travel blog and make money, step by step!

1. Choose a travel niche

Choosing a niche is the first step in starting a successful travel blog. A niche is a specific topic or focus area for your blog. Picking the right niche helps you stand out and attract readers who are interested in that topic.

Think about what you love most about travel. Do you enjoy food, adventure, or culture? Your niche could be anything from luxury travel to budget trips, or even solo adventures.

Another great idea is to think about who you want to help with your blog. Are you writing for families, couples, or solo travelers?

It’s also smart to see what’s trending. Wildlife travel, romantic getaways, and travel for digital nomads are popular niches right now. Research what’s trending and pick something that excites you.

Once you have your niche, you can create content that matches what your readers are looking for. This way, you make sure your blog is both fun to read and useful.

I recommend starting a self-hosted WordPress blog through Bluehost.

2. Start a self-hosted WordPress blog

To start a travel blog, you’ll need a blogging platform. WordPress is my favorite choice, and it’s what I use for my blog.

WordPress is where you create and manage your blog posts. It’s like the main hub for your blog. You can log in, write new posts, add pictures or links, and publish them for your readers. It’s a simple tool that makes running your blog easy. Plus, one of the best things about WordPress is that you don’t need to know how to code. It’s user-friendly and has lots of ways to customize your blog.

Here are the steps to start a self-hosted WordPress blog:

  1. Get a web hosting service. A popular choice for new bloggers is Bluehost (you can start your own blog for as low as $1.99 per month).
  2. Install WordPress. Most web hosts have a one-click installation to make it as painless as possible.

You can see my full tutorial for this at How To Start A WordPress Blog On Bluehost. There are step-by-step directions included here if you want more detail and/or want to see screenshots of the exact things you should click on.

Plus, if you use my tutorial, you can get the lowest pricing as well as a free domain name!

3. Pick a travel blog name

Deciding on a travel blog name is a big step. You want it to be fun and easy to remember. It’s also good to make it tell what your blog is about.

Here are some more tips:

  • Think about what makes your travels special. Are you an adventurer, a foodie, or a luxury traveler? Use that in your name.
  • Using “.com” is the best choice. It’s what most people type first.
  • Avoid names that are hard to spell or have numbers in them. Simple is best. You don’t want people to get confused or forget your name.
  • Before you decide, check if the name is available on social media. You’ll want the same name on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites.

Take your time and have fun with it. Your blog name is the first thing people see, so make it catchy and memorable.

Don’t forget, you can get your domain name (your blog name) for free when you sign up for Bluehost! Click here to claim your free domain name.

4. Design your blog layout

With a travel blog, your site design is very important.

Your travel blog’s design and layout are important because readers like to see a clean and easy-to-navigate blog design. It makes it easier for them to find what they are looking for, and this helps to keep them on your site longer.

Plus, we’ve all seen a bad site design in the past, and when that happens, usually you don’t stay reading that blog for very long (right?!).

So, your blog design is important because you want readers to continue reading and to even come back in the future!

There are three options for designing your travel blog:

  1. Creating your blog design yourself (DIY such as with paid or free themes)
  2. Paying a blog designer for a custom site design
  3. Buying a premade blog layout – this is what I recommend bloggers do!

Doing it yourself is usually the cheapest, but it can take a lot of time. Paying for a custom site design is usually fairly expensive.

My favorite option – I’m a big fan of simply buying a premade blog design. They are a lot more affordable than a custom design and look amazing. One premade blog design site that I recommend is Restored 316. Restored 316 is super easy to use and they have a lot of great blog design options, especially for travel blogs.

Please click here if you’d like to go the easy way and get an affordable premade blog design (this is what I recommend).

Here’s what my About page looks like.

5. Make important pages for your blog

To make your travel blog successful, start by setting up your main pages. These pages help your readers easily navigate your site.

Your important pages should include:

  • Homepage – This is the first impression visitors get of your blog. A clear and organized homepage helps readers quickly understand what your blog is about. Clearly state what your blog focuses on, such as destinations, travel tips, or itineraries, and provide links to your main sections.
  • About page – Share your story here and explain who you are, why you started traveling, and what kind of travel experiences you write about.
  • Contact page – Make it easy for readers, tourism boards, or brands to reach you by listing your email address.
  • Privacy Policy page – Outline how you collect and use data, especially if you collect any personal information. For legal templates, you can search for these online or buy a premade privacy policy here.
  • Disclosure page – If you earn money through affiliate links, sponsored trips, or partnerships, you need to be transparent about it.

6. Start social media accounts for your travel blog

Creating social media accounts can be super helpful for growing your travel blog.

Social media allows you to share your pictures, travel tips, and stories, making it easier for people to find your blog and follow your adventures.

Social media is especially helpful for a travel blog because it allows you to reach a larger audience and engage with readers in real time. Posting pictures and videos of your trips on Instagram or TikTok, for example, can inspire people to visit your blog for more detailed itineraries and travel advice.

The social media platforms you can start include:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • TikTok

You don’t have to be active on all of them, but claiming your blog name on each platform is a smart move to keep your brand name consistent. Then, I also recommend adding social media buttons to your blog so that readers can find you on social media from your blog.

7. Create a blog post plan

A blog content plan is a simple way to organize what you’ll write and post on your blog.

It helps you stay on track and reach your goals, like getting more readers or making more sales.

A good content plan includes a list of topics, post titles, when to publish, and the goal of each post (like promoting something or helping your readers).

It can also include keywords, picture ideas, and how you’ll share your posts. It’s basically a guide to keep your blog running smoothly and growing.

Your travel blog content plan doesn’t need to be complicated, though. It can be as simple as a list of trips or destinations you want to write about. How detailed you make it is up to you.

Here are some blog post ideas for a travel blog content plan:

  1. 10 Budget Travel Tips for Exploring the World
  2. How To Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway
  3. How To Travel Abroad for the First Time: A Beginner’s Guide
  4. Top 5 Must-Have Travel Apps You Need
  5. How To Pack Light for a Two-Week Trip
  6. How To Find Cheap Flights and Save Money on Airfare
  7. 10 Underrated Travel Destinations You Should Visit
  8. Best Travel Hacks for Families with Kids
  9. Top 5 Beach Destinations for a Relaxing Vacation
  10. How To Travel Full-Time and Make Money on the Road

8. Write your first post

Writing your first post can be exciting and a bit scary. I think pretty much every blogger is a little nervous to share their first blog post – this is completely normal.

Here are some things to think about when writing a blog post:

  • You can easily start with an introduction. Tell your readers who you are and what your blog is about, and share a bit about why you love to travel.
  • After the introduction, get into the main content of your post. Share your travel experiences, tips, or plans.
  • Divide your post into short paragraphs because this makes it easier to read. Use bullet points or numbered lists to break up the text.
  • I also recommend that you include photos to make your post more appealing. Pictures of your travels can help bring your story to life. It is a travel blog after all, so readers most likely want to see pictures!
  • Then, I recommend that you end your blog post with a call to action. Ask your readers to leave comments or share your post with their friends.
  • Remember to proofread your post before publishing.

9. Find ways to make money with your travel blog

You can make money from your travel blog in many ways, such as:

  • Placing ads on your blog. Companies will pay you to show their banners or links. This can be a good way to earn an income.
  • Affiliate marketing is another great option. You can recommend travel gear, hotels, or tours and get a commission for every sale made through your links. It’s a win-win for both you and your readers. I have a free ebook to learn more – Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers.
  • Sponsored posts can bring in extra money too. Brands might pay you to write about their products or services.
  • Selling digital products like travel guides or ebooks can also be profitable.
  • You could also sell paid memberships. Members could get access to exclusive content, special travel deals, or even a personal Q&A session with you.
  • Running webinars or online courses about travel planning can help you earn money. People love learning and are willing to pay for good advice.
  • Don’t forget about social media. You can get paid for sponsored posts or partnerships on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
  • Freelance travel blog writing – There are websites, such as larger travel blogs, that will pay for content as well.

10. How to grow a travel blog

To get readers to your travel blog, you need to promote it.

Here are some ways to get pageviews on your blog:

  • Share your travel posts and photos on social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
  • Guest post on other travel blogs. This can introduce you to new readers who are interested in travel.
  • Email marketing is one of my favorite ways to grow a blog. You can persuade readers to subscribe to your newsletter and send them updates and new travel posts regularly. If you are looking for a way to send newsletters or emails to your readers, I recommend Convertkit.
  • Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to help your blog appear in search results when people look for travel tips or destinations.
  • Create helpful video content: Many travelers love visual content, so creating travel vlogs or short clips on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok can bring traffic to your blog.
  • Create downloadable resources. Useful resources like packing checklists, travel itineraries, or budget travel guides can get more readers to your blog.

My favorite guide that teaches many different strategies to grow your pageviews is 21 Strategies I Used to Increase My Monthly Page Views from 17k to 400k+ in 10 Months. If you are a new blogger, check out this resource! The author went from 17,000 monthly pageviews to 400,000 and shares all of her best tips in this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a travel blog can be exciting and rewarding. Many people are curious about how to get started, the costs involved, and if it’s possible to make money. Here are some common questions about making money with travel blogging.

Do travel bloggers make money?

Yes, travel bloggers can make money. Many travel bloggers earn income through advertisements, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products or services. Of course, not every travel blogger makes money, but some do.

How much does it cost to start a travel blog?

Starting a travel blog can be affordable. Here are some common expenses:

  • Domain name: About $10 to $15 per year
  • Web hosting: Around $3 to $10 per month

Initial costs can range from $50 to a few hundred dollars. You’ll spend more if you get a custom design or pay for freelance writers, though, of course.

Is travel blogging easy?

Travel blogging can be exciting but takes a lot of hard work when it comes to writing, photography, and social media. It involves:

  • Creating regular, high-quality posts
  • Promoting content on social media
  • Engaging with readers and other bloggers

It requires passion and dedication, but many find it rewarding.

What are the disadvantages of being a travel blogger?

While travel blogging has perks, there are challenges too, such as inconsistent income (earnings can vary month to month); it can be time-consuming (creating content and maintaining a blog takes a lot of time); it can lead to travel stress (constant travel can be exhausting); and privacy concerns (sharing personal experiences can sometimes feel invasive).

Who are the most popular travel bloggers?

Many successful travel bloggers have become well-known. Some of these include Nomadic Matt, Anna Everywhere, The Blonde Abroad, Expert Vagabond, Adventurous Kate, The Points Guy, Y Travel Blog, and Jessie on a Journey. There are many more travel bloggers, and then there are also travel Instagrammers, travel YouTubers, and more!

How To Start a Travel Blog – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to start a travel blog and make money.

I’ve been running this blog that you’re reading for quite some time now, and it’s one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made.

If you are thinking about starting a blog, I highly recommend trying it out! It can be done relatively affordably and all from home, so I think it’s worth the try.

Starting a travel blog is a fun way to share your adventures and connect with fellow travelers around the world. When I first began blogging, I had no idea it would lead to me being able to earn a full-time income and allow me to travel full-time. Whether you’re looking to turn it into a career or just want to share your travel tips and stories, creating a travel blog can open up new opportunities to explore the world and inspire others to do the same.

Reminder: I have a free How To Start A Blog FREE Course you can click here to join. Join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog? In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

Do you want to learn how to start a travel blog?

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com