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Get Started Blogging- Week #12 Balancing Blogging & Family Life

Filed under Get Started Blogging by Jennifer Billy on February 6, 2012 at 3:07 pm {no comments}

If you have just joined in on the blogging series, you can go HERE to catch up.

This is the final article in our blogging series. I hope that you are enjoying your adventures in blogging and finding a good routine. I know that my biggest struggle with blogging is balancing my time between my blog and my family time.

The reason I have decided to be home is so I can be with my kids. Sometimes I find myself spending too much time on the computer and not enough time with my kids. There is definitely a difference between being home with the kids and spending time with them. I want to make sure that I always have a good balance of blogging and quality time with the family.

The best way for me to keep this balance is by having a schedule and goals. I have my certain times of the day that I work on my blog. First thing in the morning I try to go through my e-mails. Then while the kids eat breakfast & lunch I work on getting my daily posts up. Then while Emma is at school and Jonathan is napping I work on articles that need more concentration. I also have a daily goal of the posts I need to get published everyday. Once I get those done I turn my attention to things around the house. If I find some down time after that, then I will turn my attention back to my blog.

One thing that I have found out is that I will never get everything I to do accomplished. It is just impossible. I used to get overwhelmed trying to keep up with all the other blogs and post every deal that comes my way. This just drove me crazy! There is no way that I can do that and it is a sure way of burning out by trying. So now I just pick and choose what to post with the time I have.

The best advice I can give is to write down your goals and make a schedule and stick to it as best as you can. You will have to revise it as you go. Also keep a note book to jot down ideas you may have during the day. This way, when you are sitting down to blog you know what needs to get done and you will be more productive.

This Weeks Homework

~ Make a blogging schedule and a list of goal for the things you want to accomplish each day.

~ Leave me a comment letting me know how you keep your blogging and family life balanced. What works the best for you?

Hopefully this series has been some help to you. I do still plan to add posts periodically when I have some great finds to share with you. And as always, if you ever have any questions or need any help please let me know. You can leave a comment or send me a message through the contact page or at moneysavingsecretsblog @ gmail.com.

Guest Post- Debt Settlement Companies: Buyer Beware

Filed under Money Management by Jennifer Billy on January 26, 2012 at 2:54 pm {no comments}

Some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions every year are people resolving to get out of debt and save money and debt reduction companies know this. People looking for a quick fix to solve their debt problems are often targeted and end up being swindled by a con artist company. Debt does not go away overnight, but you can eliminate your debt with patience, sacrifice and hard work.

What is Debt Relief?

You may have heard companies offer to get you out of debt fast and guaranteed, but you may not know what that offer really means. Most companies work as a negotiator between you and your creditors to try to settle on a reduced amount owed.

Can Debt Relief Help You?

If you are overwhelmed by a seemingly insurmountable mountain of debt, it may be helpful to consider a debt relief program offered by one of these companies. However, despite their claims of getting you out of debt fast and easily, debt settlement does not always work, is not always easy and can negatively impact your credit score.

How Do Debt Relief Companies Work?

Their premise is they will act as a negotiator on your behalf to settle for a significantly reduced amount. While this sounds good in theory, some companies may not be transparent about all the charges and fees they will apply. Companies often take their payment up front rather than splitting it with your debt payments and it could take months before you see any of your debt reduced or eliminated.

Buyer Beware

The debt reduction and debt management industry is ripe with con artists and scams. You have a better chance at getting scammed by one of these companies than you do finding a good one. You can settle your debt on your own by talking to an authorized supervisor in charge of your unsecured debt. You do not have to hire a third-party member in order for this to happen. You should also be aware that it can hurt your credit score by showing your account is settled, rather than paid in full.

How to Reduce Your Debt

Start by prioritizing your debt into three categories. The first category is for small debt that you can pay off relatively quickly, the second is for moderate debt that you can pay off within a year’s time and the third is for any debt that will take longer than one year to pay. As you pay off your smaller debts, reallocate those funds to pay above the minimum monthly payment on your moderate and large debts. It may take working longer hours, or seeking help from a debt counselor, but you can eliminate debt on your own.

You didn’t get deep in debt overnight and you are not going to get out overnight either. Debt reduction takes hard work and sacrifice, not quick fixes that leave you worse off than you were before. Before entering any debt reduction or relief program, know what you are signing up for and avoid ending up in an even worse financial situation.

Author Bio-
This is a guest post written by Suzan Bekiroglu. Ms. Bekiroglu is a published author, freelance writer and editorial and SEO consultant. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida, she faced the obstacle of paying over $24,000 in student loan debt. Ever since, she has sought to educate others on debt. She also writes about general personal finance and money saving tips.

Get Started Blogging- Week #11 Networking with Bloggers

Filed under Get Started Blogging by Jennifer Billy on January 16, 2012 at 8:00 am {no comments}

If you have just joined in on the blogging series, you can go HERE to catch up.

This week I want to talk about the importance of creating relationships with other bloggers. The first year of blogging for me was very lonely and unprofitable. I was trying to do things on my own and thought that other bloggers were my competition and unwilling to help. Well I was completely wrong. The more I reached out, the more I was embraced. I felt like such a fool for not doing this sooner.

Having other bloggers to network with is crucial to YOUR success. Now, I belong to Facebook groups, online communities as well as have formed relationships with other bloggers.

The Advantages of Networking with Other Bloggers

Share Information- It is very hard to share everything in your niche on your own. As a deal blogger I would go crazy trying to put together all the deals and coupon match ups each week. Now I work with other bloggers to do this. I get my drug store and grocery store deals from other bloggers and in return I share my diaper deals with them. This is a win win situation. Not only do I have less work putting these deals together, but by sharing deals on other blogs I get a link back to my blog post which creates back links. This also in beneficial to my readers because I can provide more deals and help them save even more.
Get help- If you can not figure something out or need some advice, you can always ask another blogger. It is nice to have someone that understands what you are going through to turn to. In exchange you can be there when they may need help. Sometimes just having someone to talk to that understands can help.
Support- It really helps to have a group of bloggers to support each others. I have a great group that I belong to that helps by sharing others content. It could be doing shout outs for others giveaways or sharing Facebook pages to get more followers or even re-tweeting or liking blog posts.
Friendships- Blogging can be very lonely at times. Forming friendships can really help with this. Sometimes all it takes is some encouraging words to keep you going. It is also nice to have someone to vent to when it seems that the negatives are out weighing the positives. For some reason one negative comment or response can really weigh you down. But having someone to talk to can help you see all the positives you have going.

Where to Find Other Bloggers

Send a Message- If there is a blog that you have been following and really connect with, then send the blogger a message. Just make sure if you are asking for help, that you have at least tried to find the answer on your own. But if you are just wanting to connect with them then feel free to send a message or leave a comment on how much you enjoy their blog and how it has benefited you. I don’t know anyone that dislikes getting good feedback!
Join Forums or online Communities- Do a search for a forum or community on your blog niche. If you are a deal blogger or couponer WeUesCoupons has a forum just for bloggers. They also have a great affiliate program. Blogelina’s Online Rewards Community is another place for bloggers to get together and ask questions and support each other. Not only can you find some tips and information for your blog in these groups, but you can connect with other bloggers to begin building relationships.

Forming relationships with other bloggers has not only helped me save time and help me to improve my blog but it has also helped with my success. My traffic and followers as well as my revenue have increase significantly. It is not just a recommendation to have a group but it is a necessity!

This Weeks Homework

~Start making connections with other bloggers. Join a group and start participating.

Mamasource – Dave Ramsey Money Education Bundle for $45!

Filed under Daily Deals by Priscilla on January 10, 2012 at 10:57 am {no comments}

Mamasource by Mamapedia – Dave Ramsey Money Education Bundle for $45 plus FREE shipping! This is a $120 Value!

Includes: The Total Money Makeover book and workbook, 2 DVD Lessons from Financial Peace University, The Money Answer Book, Starter Envelope System, and Dave’s Budgeting Software

Receive 5% cash back on your purchase when you shop through Ebates.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation in the form of money or credit. By clicking the link you are helping to support Money Saving Secrets Blog.

Mystery Shoppers Needed!

Filed under Mystery Shopping by Jennifer Billy on December 2, 2011 at 9:50 am {no comments}

I just got an e-mail from DSG Associates stating that they were in need of mystery shoppers. I have worked with DSG Associates for about a year now and have completed a few jobs for them. The jobs have been fairly easy and they paid in a timely manner.

Here is what they are in need of-

-18-29 year olds in AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI, NV, DC, DE, MD, NC, VA, WV to do telephone insurance jobs. The jobs need to be performed this week, so respond quickly if interested! They are paying $50-$65!!

I have done this before and all you have to do is call an insurance company they ask and get a quote. Then just complete the survey. I usually do mine by phone.

To apply-

E-mail- jennifer@dsgai.com
Call- 800-462-8765
Online- www.dsgai.com

Please let them know that Jennifer Billy referred you. My IC# 270123. If you are interested it one of these jobs I would call to increase your chances of qualifying.

If you are interested in Mystery Shopping but do not meet the requirements, you can still apply to become a shopper and they will contact you when something becomes available.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation in the form of money or credit. By clicking the link you are helping to support Money Saving Secrets Blog.

Guest Post- 10 Easy Ways to Raise Money for College Text Books

Filed under Saving Money by Jennifer Billy on November 29, 2011 at 6:00 am {2 comments}

Take a cue from other students who are earning money in creative ways

As the recession worsens and college and university tuition costs rise, students are finding new ways to deal with smaller family budgets while still pursuing higher-education and the expensive textbooks that go with it. Students might be working more and spending less on eating out or vehicles. And other students might even opt to go with textbook rentals rather than purchase their college textbooks outright.

If you’re a student struggling with the costs of college, here are 10 ways that others like you are raising the funds to go to college and buy college textbooks:

1. Get a job

In any college or university town, there are many jobs waiting for you on or near campus. Look for a part time job in a place that is willing to hire college students—that way they will be prepared to adapt to your student schedule.

2. Tutor other students

Are you an A student in English, Math, Science or Sociology? Well, post tutoring services around campus and charge for it. You can bet there are other students who aren’t doing so well and who could use the extra attention. Plus, you don’t have to pay for an office if you use the library, cafeteria or even Skype.

3. Rent your textbooks

An easy way to save money on college textbooks is to rent—rather than buy them. You can also photocopy versions of your textbooks and offer to sell them to other students for a nominal fee.

4. Get an internship

There are many organizations looking to hire students for paid internship or work-study programs for a few months. This way, you earn some bucks and learn some valuable real world skills in your profession of choice.

5. Offer to do odd jobs for elderly neighbors and family

Tell your friends and family that you are looking to mow lawns, shovel driveways, babysit, provide dog walking and pet sitting, clean homes and garages, plant flowers, and grocery shop for elderly neighbors in exchange for a small fee. Not only can you determine your working hours, but you’ll be shocked at how many people need help and will pay for the smallest of chores to be done around their homes.

6. IT repair

Are you handy with a PC? Know your way around a laptop? Offer to repair computers or hook up new systems for a fee.

7. Make jewelry

Take a look on marketplace sites like Facebook, Ebay, Etsy or Craigslist where shoppers will pay a pretty penny for a snappy new bracelet or necklace. If you have a knack with beads, make your own jewelry and list it online for sale. You can generate a pretty decent part-time income from online sales.

8. Get in the holiday spirit

Offer seasonal services—such as snow shoveling, raking leaves, delivering poinsettias, or offer to wrap holiday gifts.

9. Office assistant at large

Ask your professors if they are in need of an assistant to do things like answer phones, make photocopies, do research or even wash their car.

10. Official note taker

Offer note taking services—even if it’s just in the classes you take. Think about it this way, you’re taking the notes anyways, so all you need to do is photocopy and sell them to your classmates. If you’re notes are well organized and clear, you’ll soon find a lot of eager customers

Author Bio

Tina Jacobs is a registered nurse and freelance health writer who has written for numerous print and online publications ranging from education to health topics. Tina is a proud Georgetown University and plans to expand her portfolio while she waits to take her nursing licensure via the NCLEX exam. Most days, Tina can be found studying or writing in her beautiful bay window with her cat, Oscar, for company

Get Started Blogging- Week #9 Increasing Your Traffic

Filed under Get Started Blogging by Jennifer Billy on November 7, 2011 at 12:05 pm {2 comments}

If you have just joined in on the blogging series, you can go HERE to catch up.

By now you should be blogging away. Now that you have created this amazing blog, you need to get people to visit and follow it.I have a list of 5 FREE ways to increase exposure to your blog and hopefully creating more traffic.

Blog Directories

Blog directories make your content more “visible” to other bloggers. When blogs link to your content it creates inbound links and higher search engine ranking for your blog post. Here are just a few Blog directories that you can submit your blog and RSS feed to. You will be asked to add a description of your blog. You should have that written and ready to go.

1. Blog Frog

2. Best of the Web Blog Search

3. Blogarama

4. Blog Catalog

5. Bloggapedia

Each time you create a new blog post, your RSS feed will update automatically in these directories.

Leaving Comments

Leaving comments on other blogs has many benefits. You are forming connections with other bloggers. Chances are they will check out your site and also comment on your blog. When you leave a comment you are also allowed to add your blog address when filling out your info. Also, if the blog uses Comment Luv, it will also display your last blog post. If the blog allows, use a post that is relevant to the post you are commenting on.

One very important thing to remember is to actually read the post and leave a relevant and informative comment. DO NOT just leave something like “nice post” or include links in your comment. This is just spam and will most likely be deleted. Another benefit of leaving a good comment is that it may catch the attention of others reading the post, making them want to learn more about you by visiting your blog. So make sure to add value to the post. The blogger and the reader will both appreciate it.

Blog Hops

Blog Hops are a great way to gain new followers. There are a ton of blogs that host blog hops. You can join in by adding your blog or post to the linky. The host usually requires you to follow them. Once you submit your blog you can then visit the other blogs on the list and they will visit you. Leaving a comment on the blog you visit as well as following will increase the chances that they will do the same for you.

Guest Articles

A great way to create exposure to your blog is to write guest articles. You can contact other bloggers and ask if they will accept guest posts and their requirements. Most bloggers will then allow you to add an “Authors Bio” at the end of your article including a link to your blog.

Thinks to keep in mind when writing a guest article-

Topic should be relevant to the blog or to their readers.
Article should be unique and not used on any other site, including your blog.
Make sure it is not promotional, but informative, entertaining or enlightening.

Not only will this help create inbound links, but hopefully get the attention of the readers to get them to visit your blog and become a follower.

Submit Articles to Directories

You can also submit your articles to directories like EzineArticles. This can help get your article more exposure and credibility then just adding it to your blog, thus creating more traffic to your blog. The article does have to be original and not used elsewhere. You will be able to add a bio to the site allowing the reader to learn more about you by visiting your blog.

This Weeks Homework

~ Submit your blog to some directories.

~ Leave at least 5 comments on different blogs.

~ Join in on some blog hops.

~ Write some articles that could be submitted to other blogs or directories.

Have you been blogging for awhile? What is the best source you have used to increase your traffic?

Get Started Blogging- Week #8 Earnings & Expenses

Filed under Get Started Blogging by Jennifer Billy on October 31, 2011 at 8:59 am {no comments}

If you have just joined in on the blogging series, you can go HERE to catch up.

This week I am going to continue on our topic last week about monetizing your blog and talk about your legal responsibilities that comes along with that. I am only going to be touching on the basic here. I am not an expert in the law so if you have any questions or concerned please consult a lawyer or accountant.

Disclosure Policy

The first thing that you are going to need to do is add a Disclosure Policy. The FTC requires you to clearly state your relationships between manufactures or products you write about. You can be fined for not doing this. I have added a Disclosure Policy page as well as add a statement at the end of any post that contains an affiliate link or review. Not only is this a law but it is also ethical to let your readers know that you may receive compensation for promoting a product. If you need help writing this, go to DisclosurePolicy.org. Just fill in your information and they will create a policy for you to add to your blog.

Privacy Policy

You are also required to have a Privacy Policy on your blog to let your readers know how information is collected on your blog. You will need to do this to be in line with state and federal laws as well as for Google AdSense regulations. I got help writing my policy from AaronCook.com.

Taxes

You are also going to be responsible for reporting and paying taxes on the income you earn from your blog. I do recommend finding a tax consultant to help you with this. However, you are going to want to have a system in place to help tax time easier. Make sure to keep a record and receipts of all expenses. This includes all your hosting and domain fees as well as anything else that goes into running your business like, internet expenses, cell phone and mileage. You will also need to keep tract of all your income. Companies will only report your earnings and send a W2 if you make over $600 with them.

I have an accordion file labeled monthly that I place everything in. Then at the end of each month I tally everything up and log it. I also have an ING Direct Electric Orange Checking Account that I use for the business. If you sign up HERE, you will get a $50 bonus after making 3 card purchases in 45 days. If you have not done already, you are also going to need a Paypal account. Many companies will send payments to your Paypal as well as take payments.

This Weeks Homework

~Add a disclosure policy

~Add a privacy policy

~Get a system set up for taxes

~Keep adding to your blog!

Make sure to share your blog with me so I can follow you!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation in the form of money or credit. By clicking the link you are helping to support Money Saving Secrets Blog.

Get Started Blogging- Week #7 Monetizing Your Blog

Filed under Get Started Blogging by Jennifer Billy on October 24, 2011 at 10:40 am {no comments}

If you have just joined in on the blogging series, you can go HERE to catch up.

I hope you are enjoying blogging so far and are continuing to add some great content to your blog. This week I want to talk about how you can actually make money from your blog.

There are several ways that you can monetize your blog. I am going to talk about each one as well as give you some companies that you can sign up with. Just so you know some of these companies also have an affiliate program that will pay you for referring others. This gives you an additional way to make money and of coarse I will be sharing my affiliate links when applicable and appreciate your support by signing up through them.

Selling Ad Space

Selling ad space on your blog is a great way to make money. You can add advertising to your sidebar from different companies or bloggers. The amount you will get will depend on your page rank and traffic. Price also depends on the position of the ad. Advertisers are usually looking for space above the fold (visible without scrolling down).

It may take some time to get your traffic up before actually being able to sell ad space, but you can start will Google Ads by signing up with Google AdSense or by adding banners from Affiliate sites.

Affiliate Marketing

With affiliate marketing, you get paid when a reader completes some sort of action such as clicking, purchasing a product, signing up for a newsletter, providing an email address, printing a coupon or subscribing to something. There are a lot of affiliate marketing companies out there. Here are the ones that are my favorites and I am personally using-

Google Affiliate Network

Make sure to chose programs or products that fit your nitch. You will also find companies that may be more specific to your blog. If you are doing a deals or coupon blog let me know and I can share some more specific programs.

Sponsored Posts

You can also make money by writing a sponsored post for companies. You can include their desired links as well as topics they would like covered but do make sure that the views and opinions are completely yours. You do not want to lose the trust of your readers.

I have been contacted directly by companies but you can also sign up with sites that can connect you with companies that are looking for bloggers. I am currently using Social Spark. I have received many offers from them and get to chose the ones to take.

Reviews/Giveaways

You may not make money doing reviews, but can receive some great products. Companies will send you their product to try and review. They may also give you the opportunity to host a giveaway. Not only is this a great opportunity to try new products but you can also use them as gifts. Just make sure to give a truthful and honest review. Again, always have your readers in mind when writing anything. Do not write for advertisers.

I do get contacted by companies to do reviews, but you can contact companies also to see if they would let you review their product. I also belong to some sites that will send me products to try and share my opinions. Here are some of my favorites-

Vocal Point

BzzAgent

Pssst

You can definitely make some good money blogging. However, it does take time. Never loose focus on who you are writing for and the purpose of your blog. You will never make anything if your readers don’t trust you. So focus on writing good content and the money will come.

This Weeks Homework

~Sign up with affiliate programs and start promoting some offers.

~Add some ads to your sidebar.

~Continue adding some great content to your blog.

Join me next week when we will be discussing disclosure and privacy policies.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation in the form of money or credit. By clicking the link you are helping to support Money Saving Secrets Blog.

Get Started Blogging- Week #6 Adding Widgets

Filed under Get Started Blogging by Jennifer Billy on October 17, 2011 at 8:00 am {no comments}

If you have just joined in on the blogging series, you can go HERE to catch up.

By now you should have your blog up and have some article written and waiting to post. At this time you can add your ‘About Me’ page. To do this, go to the left sidebar in your dashboard and click ‘Add New’ under ‘Pages’. Then just add your About Me article that you have already written.

You are also going to want to add a ‘Contact’ page. If you installed the Contact Form 7 plugin then you can use the following code along with something like this-

Questions? Comments? Send me a message:
contact-form 1 “Contact form 1″ <———place in [ ]

Then go to the settings for your Contact form and make sure to fill in the e-mail address that you want messages sent to.

You can also add your first article that you should have written describing your blog. Make sure your readers know what your blog is all about and why they should follow you.

You are now probably noticing that your sidebar seems pretty empty. The rest of the week you are going to focus on setting up some Google accounts and learning how to use Widgets.

How to Manage Your WordPress Widgets

Your widgets are items that go in your blog’s sidebars. To manage your widgets:

Click “Appearance” in your Dashboard (on left hand side)
Click “Widgets”
Drag the widgets of your choice into the appropriate sidebar. If you want to add html codes then use a ‘Text’ box.
Add a title if desired
Click “Save”
Now go to your blog and you should see it there!

Here is a list of Accounts & Sites that you should set up-

1. Feedburner- We now need to set up your RSS feed. Feeds are a way to distribute your content beyond just the visitors to your blog. Feeds give your subscribers automatic updates through readers or e-mail. You can set up a free account through Feedburner. For some step by step instructions to Feedburner head over to Wpbeginner. You can add a feedburner icon to your sidebar as well as an e-mail subscription box.

2. Google Analytics- You are going to want to set up a Google Analytics account to be able to track and analyze your blogs traffic. Find out who’s coming, from where they are coming from, which pages they are visiting and how long they are staying.

3. Google Friend Connect- Adding GFC to your blog is a great way to show social proof that your visitors have come to the right place. After setting up account, add the widget t your sidebar for visitors to join.

4. Google AdSense- If you are wanting to make money from your blog then you may want to consider setting up a Google AdSense account. This program enables publishers in the Google network to display ads that are targeted to your site and content. They can earn revenue for you either on a per-click or per-impression basis. You are allowed to add up to three different ads to your blog and one to your feed.

It will take some time before you start making money with AdSense and some trial and error on the placement. I have had the best outcome with one 728×90 ad in the header, 300×250 ad on the top sidebar and 160×600 ad in the lower sidebar.

5. Google PageRank- You may also want to add a PageRank checker to your blog to display your current Google PageRank. Pages are ranked from 10, being the best to 0. Your PageRank is the value that Google has given to your blog. Increasing inbound links to your blog will help increase your PageRank.

6. Submit site to Google- HERE

This Weeks Homework

~Add ‘About Me’ page
~Add ‘Contact’ page
~Publish first article
~Set up Accounts
~Continue writing.

Join me next week when we will be monetizing your blog.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation in the form of money or credit. By clicking the link you are helping to support Money Saving Secrets Blog.