the nest

the nest

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Taking a leap...

There just might be some changes to my blog in the future.  It's been a personal blog for me and the few select friends who read what I have to say.  I've gotten enough positive feedback over the last few years that I've decided to be more intentional about it and to be honest, use it to increase my income.

I've been leary of advertising on my blog as it feels sketchy to me.  Not sure why, but it does.  That being said, if it is a simple way to bring in some additional income, why not?

With one child out of college (with loans), one in college (with loans), one in High School looking at college (most likely with loans), finances have been on my mind.  I know I'm in good company when I say that while my husband and I have a very comfortable income (mostly his), a comfortable life, and a strong support network, we still live paycheck to paycheck.  Over almost 25 years of marriage, this has been our primary source of discord.  The only thing we ever seem to fight about is $.

We've tried a number of budget programs and are currently using one called YNAB (http://www.youneedabudget.com).  It is super easy, links my phone to hubby's phone to the desktop to my iPad etc... No excuses not to keep it updated and pay attention.  4 basic rules to follow and we are hopeful that if we can stick to it, we will slowly find our way out of debt and begin to save better for our future.

Managing the funds we have is one way to find our way to a less stressful financial life.  Increasing my income (even for the short term) is another.  As a small business owner, there is nothing consistent about my income.  As I work to grow my business and expand the reach of Music Together  (https://www.musictogether.com) through Arts from the Heart, llc (http://www.artsfromtheheart.net), I need to be investing in teachers and materials and locations and marketing etc... Maintaining my small draw, let alone increasing it, is a challenge!

I've contemplated lots of ways to supplement my draw - teaching Community College classes  (they all have my resume and application), working part time for another agency (great interview, didn't get the job, would have been tricky to manage logistically), adding programming to my center (working on it, but takes time and energy and I'm a little short on both!).

This brings me back to the blog. I love to write. I love to contemplate. I love to engage with people on topics I'm passionate about. I have blogged sporadically mostly because it's been for my own self, but perhaps if I had more of an external "purpose" for it I would engage in blogging more.  If blogging more and hosting some advertising on my blog could supplement my draw, how could that be a bad thing?

Here is where I need your thoughts - what would you like to see my blog about?  What would you like to know, think about, discuss, hear my thoughts on?  While this started as a blog about launching my children, it has really become more a blog about me launching my thoughts, ideas and passions out into the world.  Share your ideas with me and maybe they will show up in the future!

I'm committing to blogging a minimum of 1x per week to begin and then we will see where that goes. If you want to keep up with me, subscribe.  Let me know what you think. If you really want to support my effort, click on an ad (but only if you really want to!)


6 comments:

  1. Hi Jane! I've lurked on your blog on occasion, and I think your perspective is great and much needed! I know the "having it all" discussion has been debated to death, but I still find it fascinating to read women's personal accounts of navigating marriage, family, and a meaningful career. What sacrifices were worth making, what worked, etc. And how can we advocate for policies that make the balance between work and family easier and gender equality the norm, while accepting that our personal decisions may sometimes follow "traditional" gender roles. I know that potential conflict weighs on me as I envision what my life will bring. It's nice to hear from women who have lived it. :) Good luck!

    PS I just started YNAB-haven't gotten into the habit of being faithful with it, but I really like the concepts to far.

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    1. so good to hear from you Shannon! As a child of the 70's, hearing messages that women can have it all, do it all and be all, while being raised in a traditional home with a stay at home mom, these are never ending debates in my head! A great resource is a book called "Sequencing". Haven't read it since my kids were much smaller, but it offers the perspective that women can have it all, just not at the same time :-) Looking forward to engaging more on these topics as you "live" them!

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  2. DO allow ads. They should be targeted to your audience. Do stay true to yourself and write about what you know. I love reading your blog and often click links from FB so why not from your blog? Go for it Jane! Don't be afraid to succeed. ;) It won't mean that you "sold out."

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  3. Thanks so much for the vote of confidence!

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  4. Thanks! I will check it out. Love thoughtful book recommendations.

    Also, re: ads, I read a lot of blogs and I don't find them to be off-putting. I think most digital age consumers know and respect that high quality content takes time and effort, and people generally are happy to support the bloggers they like. As long as they aren't pop ups and are clearly marked (in the case of "sponsored" posts, etc.), I don't mind them!

    Looking forward to what you come up with :)

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  5. I think the mindset of ads has changed for everyone. Where it used to be in your face, spammy and annoying, brands are realizing that they need to be targeted and offer real advice & info, and make it fit the site they're on. So I think it's all good. You can place ads unobtrusively and monitor them to make sure they fit your philosophy and content.
    People who want to read a quality blog 'ad free' just don't realize the time and money that are put into keeping a site up and running smoothly!!! :) I say go for it and best of luck to you!!!!

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