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Making money while at home - an idea

By
Home Builder with The Flooring Girl

I really hope most of you are staying at home!  I'm on Day 29 of my self quarantine.  Of course, I'm right in the epicenter and immuno compromised, so I'm being safe.  Trying to tune the world out now...because the news around me here in New York is not so pleasant.

 

Anyway, I know many of you are making the best of bad situation and turning lemons into lemonade.  There are all sorts of thing I know you are doing to help your business in the long run (and I'm trying to do the same).

 

And, I know that some of you are even helping your immuno compromised clients and neighbors, and that warms my heart.  Even the smallest thing now can make a huge difference. I'm so thankful for my peapod deliveries...and for my brother who delivered my prescription (as many of the UPS centers keep getting closed down for Covid).

 

Anyway, while I am stuck at home, I'm very lucky that I can earn an income from home.  As many of you know, a little over 3 years ago, I had to take a 2 year hiatus from my flooring business (due to a non compete).  I had to figure out how to bridge the gap for 2 years (and I'm in a high cost of living area so that made it extra tough).

 

I decided that I would try to monetize my blog.

 

I didn't even know this was possible until a year before (I wish I had known sooner).

 

Yes, it was slow at first.  I earned around $1,500-$2,000 a month for most of the first year from my blog (and I took on 2 part-time jobs to make sure I could stay afloat).

 

But, by November of that year, my blogging income went to $3,300 and in December, it was $4,100...and then it just kept going up and up.

 

By month 19, I earned $10,000 profit. And, by month 27, I got up to over $20,000 a month.  (Yes, my journey was faster than others because I had an existing blog, knew SEO (thank you ActiveRain anda) and I was VERY determined.

 

It's now been 13 months in a row of earning at least $20K per month...and a couple of those were $28K months.  I was $238K in debt 3 years and 3 months ago; now I'm down to$59K.

 

Yes, the virus that shall not be name impacted my income in March...it impacts everyone.  I was on track to make $25K...but only got $20K which isn't so bad (LOL).

I expect to earn less these few months, but I'm sure it won't be too bad. And I will work to improve it (I'm a fighter), so we'll see. I will get the debt paid off soon enough (yes it will take longer than I thought it would in February, but it will happen soon enough.

 

So why am I telling you this?

 

Well because if you are sitting at home stewing about your business or getting bored, stop that right away.

 

Figure out what you can do at home to grow your business.

 

And, if you have extra time beyond that and/or you want to try an additional income stream, consider monetizing your blog (or creating an additional one in a different niche).  Pick a hobby - something you enjoy.

 

If nothing else, it will be a new project for you to get your mind off of things.  And, maybe later, you can make some extra income, too.

 

One of my favorite ways to monetize is via the Amazon Associate program.  I usually make at least $7,000 a month just from that (and I still did in March. This article can help you on that (if you're interested).  How I earn $7,000 a month on Amazon Associates

 

I may also have an article on how to start a blog on wordpress (in case you're not sure). I'll see if I can find that for you, if you have an interest.

 

Anyway, this may be a way to turn some of your stay at home time into something productive.  And, if you're a few years away from retirement, this may help you if you start now, so that if you want to retire in 3-5 years, you can have a source of passive income...like I do.

 

Yes, I will get my debt paid off soon, have a very healthy income and now I have a real retirement plan.

Comments(32)

Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Debbie. I really apreciate you sharing this with us today. Great information.

Apr 04, 2020 06:26 AM
Scott Seaton Jr. SLS Home Insp
SLS Home Inspections-Kankakee Will Iroquois Grundy Counties - Bourbonnais, IL
The Home Inspector With a Heart!

I had no idea that there was that much passive income from blogging. Well done and best to you. 

Apr 04, 2020 06:29 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Debbie,

Amazing! What a cool thing to do. This is definitely a more portable career than a physical store. I am thrilled with your success.

Apr 04, 2020 06:46 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Thanks for the inspiration and the ideas of how to use this time to create something that is long lasting and passive income.

Apr 04, 2020 07:10 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Debbie, I do remember that you mentioned this a few years back, and I thought about it, but didn't implement it. This is an excellent retirement option for passive income as you mentioned. Now is a great time to re-think about doing this, and taking action. 

Stay Safe and out of Harms Way! You've always be a great contributor to AR.

I am not hearing that Texas might become the next Hot Spot after NY. We are on lock-down for another month here. 

Apr 04, 2020 08:23 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I'm so happy to hear of your success Debbie. Very impressive!

Apr 04, 2020 09:05 AM
Anthony Kirlew
Group 46:10 Network @ eXp Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Helping You Make Fiscally Sound Real Estate Deals!

<<Well because if you are sitting at home stewing about your business or getting bored, stop that right away.>>

Thank you for saying this. I never want to sound like I have all of the answers to life, but when I hear that entrepreneurs are bored, it kind of surprises me. 

As entrepreneurs - especially in real estate - we need to always be prepared for market shifts. We also need to understand how to pivot and/or dig deep. If any real estate agent out there is bored, I hope they have had a personal phone call (not an email or Facebook message) with every one of their clients, prospects, and past clients. If not...well... now you aren't bored. :-)


Apr 04, 2020 09:32 AM
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Hi Debbie, I remember your "dire" days! Sounds like you made a great recovery and I applaud you all the way.  Stay safe, stay healthy and thank you for the encouragement!

Apr 04, 2020 12:38 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Grant-Yes, all the deliveries are behind. Peapod is booked for13 or14 days, amazon is way behind. Lots of demand, not enough help, issues w/ them getting supplies, people getting sick, having to sanitize, etc. It's hard on everyone.

Sheila - Thx so much.  I hope it's helpful.

 

Apr 04, 2020 02:06 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Scott - Me either. I had no idea.I wished I had learned sooner.  And, thank you.

Dorte - Yes, it's definitely easy to do anywhere, even if you move. Or travel (under normal circumstances). 

Nick - You're welcome. I wish I had started sooner.

 

 

Apr 04, 2020 02:10 PM
Stephen Turner
House Broker Realty - York, PA
The BIG Guy of NEW HOME SALES

Impressive! Great story that shows that we do need to have multiple streams of income. I'll have to check out your other articles and see how you've done it as $50 on Amazon has been my max. Maybe I need to stick with it longer too? It's easy to give up after 2 months without results I had been dreaming of

Apr 04, 2020 03:19 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Debbie Gartner,

I'm not surprised you have been so successful! Good for you and thank you for sharing your success!!

Apr 04, 2020 05:02 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Debbie,
What a blessing that you've been building this over time. It's a life saver now, isn't it? 

Stay safe!!!

Apr 06, 2020 03:18 AM
Debbie Gartner

Carol - Yes, a huge blessing.  Things are down now (obviously), but I'm doing well enough.

Apr 06, 2020 04:09 AM
Carol Williams

That's great to hear!

Apr 06, 2020 04:11 AM
Francine Viola
Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA - Olympia, WA
REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

What a motivating story!  This couldn't have come at a better time to hear this message! Thank you!!

Apr 06, 2020 11:45 AM
Debbie Gartner

So glad this is timely Francine Viola .

Apr 06, 2020 04:05 PM
Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO
Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

Wow that's quite a bit of money each month from blogging!  Good for you!  Hope that income stream keeps producing for you.

Apr 07, 2020 05:49 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Thanks so much, Mary. Yes, things are going down somewhat now (of course), but still doing well.

Apr 08, 2020 06:28 AM
Wendy Rulnick
Rulnick Realty, Inc. - Destin, FL
"It's Wendy... It's Sold!"

Debbie - I just did this with my latest blog post, thanks to YOU! It felt very natural to use the technique in what I wrote about. ! I am sure I have a lot to learn, but you have inspired me!!!!

Apr 09, 2020 07:46 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

I love it.  I think I need to follow your path since retirement is a few years away.

Apr 09, 2020 11:56 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Wendy Rulnick oh good, I'm so glad. Yes, make it natural.

Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089 So glad that this can help you with the long term.

 

Apr 09, 2020 12:18 PM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

As always, you are an inspiration, and a bit of a kick in the keister. I need to buckle up and do it. 

Hope you are well.

Apr 13, 2020 05:53 AM