A financial analyst turned digital nomad now earns $1.5 million annually from her blog — and documents everything along the way. Michelle from Making Sense of Sense started by publicly tracking her debt payoff journey in 2011. Three years ago, she was making $13,000 per month from blogging, which seemed like success. But she's since 10x'd that income while living full-time in an RV with a 95% savings rate.
Michelle's story shows what's possible when you combine authentic personal finance storytelling with strategic affiliate marketing and consistent content creation. She breaks down her approach to understanding reader needs, maintaining a conversational writing style, and leveraging Pinterest for traffic. Her transition from documenting personal struggles to building a million-dollar business demonstrates how blogging can become a viable career path, not just a side hustle.
Beyond the income strategies, Michelle offers insights into the digital nomad lifestyle — the practicalities of RV living, how she structures her workday around exploration and outdoor activities, and the mindset shifts required to embrace location independence. Her transparent approach to sharing both successes and struggles has built a strong community around her work.
Key Topics:
-
Introduction to Michelle Background and initial motivations for starting her blog.
-
Michelle's Blogging Journey Evolution from documenting personal finance struggles to building a successful blog.
-
Understanding Affiliate Marketing Strategies on how to leverage affiliate marketing for income.
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
Free FI Planning Tools + Community
FI calculator, expense audit, Coast FI tracker, local groups, and 750+ podcast episodes.
No password needed. Free forever.
Living as a Digital Nomad Insights into her RV lifestyle and the freedom it provides.
Pinterest as a Marketing Tool Tips on utilizing Pinterest for blogging success.
Michelle's Hot Seat Questions Rapid-fire responses that highlight her personal insights and experiences.
Key Quotes:
- "Sharing personal journeys empowers others to take charge of their financial future."
- "Conversational writing builds connection: Engage your readers authentically."
- "Visual appeal is vital for online success: Make your graphics pop!"
Related Resources:
- Michelle's Affiliate Marketing Course: Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing
Top Travel Card
Ready to unlock a world of free travel? Start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
$95 annual fee | Earn 100,000 bonus points
Best Card for Side Hustlers and Business Owners
Side hustlers! With the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card you can earn free travel from your business expenses.
$95 annual fee | Earn 100,000 bonus points
Most Flexible Travel Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can be used to offset almost any travel expense.
$95 annual fee | Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
ChooseFI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. ChooseFI and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
Free FI Planning Tools + Community
FI calculator, expense audit, Coast FI tracker, local groups, and 750+ podcast episodes.
No password needed. Free forever.