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Title: Navigating Side Hustle Struggles: A Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Best Side Hustle for You

By: Lauren Zeiner

Introduction

Side hustles—let’s talk about them! I’m all about the idea of making extra money alongside my full-time job. The flexibility and the potential for passive income are huge draws for me. Although I haven’t yet found my “magic bullet” side hustle, I’m staying persistent, learning, and working hard every day. I truly believe that with the right strategy, I can crack the code of side hustles and achieve financial freedom!

In my side hustle journey, I’ve tried a variety of things: entering sweepstakes, writing this blog (yes, you’re reading it right now!), introducing affiliate marketing (like this super awesome stair stepper https://amzn.to/3FikXnf ), flipping thrift store finds on eBay, and even playing the lottery. I haven’t hit the jackpot yet, but I’m keeping a positive attitude. I know success takes time, and I’ll get there eventually. I’m staying the course because I’m confident I’ll find a side hustle that works for me.

The beauty of side hustles is that they offer the flexibility to work whenever you want. But here’s the truth: you won’t achieve true success unless you are disciplined, focused, and dedicated to putting in the work. As the famous quote by Gary Player goes, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” That’s the reality of side hustles—success doesn’t come easy, but with effort, you can make it happen. Are you ready to put in the work and stay focused on your side hustle goals? I know I am!

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned while navigating side hustle struggles is how to build a website and implement Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Getting my content discovered by more readers has been a game-changer. I’m also diving into affiliate marketing, and I’ve seen some success with earning commissions off my Amazon affiliate links, like this great insulated lunch box https://amzn.to/4ht1nBT .

Another challenge I’ve faced is finding time to work on my blog. Balancing side hustles with a busy schedule isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely doable if you stay organized and committed.

Along the way, I’ve made some classic beginner mistakes, like trying to sign up for affiliate programs too early when I had hardly any blog traffic. Needless to say, I was rejected—after all, the brand wasn’t interested in working with an unknown blogger. But hey, that’s how you learn! I’m now focusing on building an audience and growing my blog’s visibility. Consistency and reputation are the keys to long-term success in any side hustle.

How to Stay Motivated and Focused on Your Side Hustle

Staying motivated in your side hustle journey is all about having a clear reason behind why you’re doing what you do. For me, it’s about sharing money-saving tips and helping others succeed financially. Over the years, I’ve found a number of ways to save money, and I want to share these tips with you because I truly believe they can work for you too!

The path to side hustle success can be tough, but the payoff is worth it. If you have a reason why you’re hustling, it will help you stay focused during the ups and downs. Whether you’re trying to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or create a nest egg, knowing your “why” will keep you moving forward.

Share Your Side Hustle Experience!

I’d love to hear about your side hustle journey! What have you tried that’s worked for you? Drop a comment below and let me know. I’m always open to trying new ideas, and who knows—your tip might be the next big breakthrough I need!

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Smart Shopping: How to Avoid Impulse Buys and Find the Best Deals

I was recently at a local pharmacy when I discovered an amazing deal on a product I’ve been curious about. This pharmacy offers an app where you can access all their deals and coupons. As a frequent user of the app, I couldn’t resist exploring the latest discounts. The excitement I felt finding a $5 coupon for Oil of Olay Mini Super Serum (0.4 oz) was real! It was priced around $25, so with the coupon, I paid just $20. Thrilled with my find, I couldn’t wait to get home and brag to my friends about the deal.

But one of my friends asked, “Did you check Amazon to compare prices?” I hadn’t. I assumed that the coupon was a great deal, but I decided to check. To my surprise, I found the same product on Amazon for just $16.00! You can see it for yourself here https://amzn.to/3DfwFhQ (Note: I do earn a commission if you make a purchase).

I felt crushed. How had I missed this? As someone who’s always on the lookout for great deals, I was blinded by the allure of a simple $5 discount. In the end, though, I realized the deal was still decent, but the experience taught me a valuable lesson about smart shopping.

The Importance of Informed Shopping Decisions

This experience made me realize how crucial it is to make informed purchasing decisions—whether it’s for everyday essentials or big-ticket items. Emotional impulse buys, like the one I made, can lead to mistakes. I didn’t take the time to research alternatives, and that’s where I could have done better.

Now, before making any purchase, I always compare prices across different retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and other online stores. By doing this, I can ensure I’m getting the best possible deal.

Smart Shopping Tips to Save Money

1. Know Your Needs vs. Wants

Understanding the difference between needs and wants is key to smart shopping. Needs are essential items you can’t live without, while wants are things that aren’t necessary. Before I go shopping, I make a list of what I truly need, whether it’s groceries, clothing, or sports gear for my family. I stick to the list and look for sales and coupons for the things I need.

When I do have a “want,” I plan for it within my budget. If the item doesn’t fit within my budget, I walk away and continue researching for better deals. This strategy helps me avoid emotional impulse buys and ensures that I stay on track financially.

2. How to Find the Best Sales and Deals

Timing is everything when it comes to sales. Shopping seasons such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, end-of-season sales, and holiday promotions can offer massive discounts. For example, January is a great time to buy post-holiday clothing items like ugly sweaters and holiday dresses, which retailers often discount significantly.

To find the best prices, I use Google Shopping to compare prices across different retailers. I also subscribe to store newsletters and use deal-alert services to stay updated on special offers.

3. Avoiding Common Shopping Pitfalls

Impulse purchases can quickly derail your budget. I used to struggle with impulse buys, especially when I saw something beautifully displayed in-store. My emotions took over, and I convinced myself I needed it. To curb this, I’ve implemented a 24-hour rule: if after 24 hours I’m still thinking about the item, I check my budget and decide if it’s truly worth it. More often than not, I forget about the item completely within a day.

Conclusion: Empower Yourself Through Smart Shopping

Reflecting on my experience at the pharmacy, I now realize how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement of a “good deal” without considering whether it’s the best deal. I learned that research and comparison shopping are essential for making smarter decisions. By sticking to a shopping list, prioritizing needs over wants, and comparing prices across multiple stores, I can still snag great deals without falling victim to impulsive decisions.

Smart shopping is about being strategic, informed, and mindful with every purchase, leading to long-term savings.

I encourage you to start applying these shopping tips during your next trip to the store, whether for groceries, clothes, or gadgets. 

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Why I Play the Lottery: Dreams of Winning Big and What Keeps Me Playing

Introduction:
I’ve always played the lottery ever since I turned 18. Although I’ve never hit the jackpot, the dream of winning big keeps me going. This year, I decided to play more consistently, and I’ve chosen three sets of numbers to play each time. I’ve heard that sticking with the same numbers increases your chances of winning, so I’m committed to this strategy.  It is about $18 per week – I have made this part of my monthly budget.  

Why I Play the Lottery Regularly
Some say playing the lottery is like throwing your money away, but I disagree. The excitement of dreaming big is worth the small investment. In fact, I’ve won a few small prizes already this year, which has only fueled my belief that I’m getting closer to the jackpot!

The Dream of Hitting the Jackpot
The night before a big drawing, I love going on Redfin to browse mansions I would buy once I win. I imagine what it would be like to drive a luxury car, like the Rivian R3 (my new dream car, replacing my old desire for a Porsche 911). I think about flying on a private jet, having a stylist shop for me, and supporting charities I care about. This wonderful dream of winning is my favorite daydream!

Lottery: A Fun Dream or Serious Gamble?
Though I’m not a big gambler, playing the lottery gives me hope and joy. Sure, the odds are slim (the odds of winning are only one in three hundred million). Still, it’s about the dream and the possibility, not to mention you can’t win if you don’t play.  It’s not just about winning money – it’s about the life-changing possibilities that come with that win. I don’t see it as a waste of money but rather a small investment in a dream.Conclusion
The lottery is my way of dreaming big without needing to spend huge amounts of money. Whether I win a small prize or hit the jackpot one day, playing gives me something to look forward to. Who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be flying in that private jet, giving back to the causes I care about, and living in a mansion. Until then, I’ll keep playing, and keep dreaming.

How to Avoid Pitfalls in Las Vegas: A Day of Wins and Losses

Las Vegas is often referred to as the city of excess – a place where bright lights and the allure of quick wins can easily lead you to spend more than planned. I have found myself in this very situation while staying in a beautiful Airbnb and trying to stick to a budget. Even though I packed 10 sandwiches and drinks for the three of us and thought we had a solid plan, I still ended up spending more money than we anticipated. But with a few key “wins” along the way, I learned some valuable lessons on navigating the temptation of Vegas without breaking the bank.

Circus Circus: A Rollercoaster of Choices

Our first stop was Circus Circus, where we wanted to ride some rollercoasters at the Adventure Dome. I had read online that you could pay per ride, so I assumed it would be a more affordable option. However, when we arrived, we learned the price for unlimited rides all day would be $60 each. There wasn’t a pay-per-ride option like I was hoping. 

After taking a look at the rides and deciding that $120 was a bit too steep, we made the decision to pass on the unlimited ride pass. Instead, I told Lulu we would find another rollercoaster elsewhere in the city, hopefully for a better price. So, while we didn’t go on the rides, I consider that a win. We avoided spending money on something that wouldn’t have been the best fit for us.

The Temptation of Sparkles: A Jewelry Store Pitfall

Later, I found myself tempted by a beautiful platinum gold charm with natural diamonds spelling out “l-o-v-e” at a jewelry store inside a casino. It was on sale for 50% off, and to top it off, there was a promotion running that offered an additional discount. The sales lady was friendly and eager to make the sale, and for a moment, I thought about buying it.

But here’s the thing – I’m a yellow-gold girl. If that charm had been yellow gold, I would have likely walked out with it. But since it wasn’t my preferred color, I walked away with $500 still in my pocket. This was definitely a win, as I resisted the temptation and saved some cash!

Designer Dreams: A $229 Blouse/Blazer/Poncho That Almost Stole My Heart

Next door, I wandered into a cute boutique with tons of designer clothes and accessories. After browsing through the racks, I found a sharp-looking black and white blouse/blazer/poncho that looked amazing on me. When I checked the price tag, I was shocked to see it was $229. Ouch! As much as I loved it, I couldn’t justify spending that much on an item I didn’t need. Once again, I walked away, saving my money for something more worthwhile. Another win!

The Roulette Table: A Gamble That Didn’t Pay Off

I figured I’d try my luck at the roulette table – after all, maybe today would be my lucky day! I could just see myself hitting it big and going back to the boutique and the jewelry store and buying whatever I  wanted!  I exchanged $25 for chips, placed them strategically on the table, and watched the ball roll. When the ball landed on number 30, none of my chips were anywhere near it (and my dream to buy, buy, buy!) I lost the $25, but in the grand scheme of things, I wasn’t too upset. I stopped at $25.  I know better than to keep going, chasing luck – no thank you!

A Day of Wins (and Some Losses)

In the end, while I did have some small losses throughout the day, I felt like I came out ahead. I learned that Las Vegas is full of temptations – whether it’s overpriced attractions, sparkling jewelry, or fancy clothes – but the true win is knowing when to say no. By sticking to my budget and walking away from a few things that weren’t essential, I kept my spending in check and still had a great time.

For anyone heading to Las Vegas, remember that it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment. But with a little planning, discipline, and the ability to walk away from certain temptations, you can enjoy the experience without falling into the money pitfalls that many others do. Stay mindful, and your Las Vegas adventure will be just as rewarding – if not more so – than any expensive souvenir or gamble.

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Breaking Free from Debt: My Journey to Financial Freedom

Breaking Free from Debt: My Journey to Financial Freedom

I’ve found myself caught in a whirlpool of financial debt, spinning in circles with no clear way out. The weight of bills, unexpected expenses, and poor money habits have made it harder to stay afloat. But I’ve decided it’s time for a change. I need to take control of my finances, break free from the cycle of debt, and start saving for the future.

A strict “money diet” might be just what I need—trimming unnecessary expenses, building better habits, and finally creating a financial plan that works. I am not a financial expert. I am a regular, hard-working, middle-aged woman with a good sense of right and wrong. This blog will document my journey, sharing insights, struggles, and strategies to get back on track. If you’re in a similar situation, let’s do this together—one smart financial decision at a time.

What is a Money Diet?

A money diet is a structured plan designed to help you track spending, set financial goals, and make better decisions about how you use your money. It’s like a diet for your finances—except instead of cutting calories, you’re cutting unnecessary expenses.

Like many people, I’ve been on countless food diets, but I’ve never attempted a money diet. If the principles are similar—discipline, tracking, and making intentional choices—then I’ve got this!

My Approach to a Money Diet

I’ll try all the fads if this is anything like a food diet! This will be a fun, enlightening journey, and I want to take you with me to financial freedom. Along the way, I’ll explore popular budgeting methods, cost-cutting strategies, and creative ways to boost savings.

Join Me on This Financial Journey

If you’re struggling with debt or simply want to take control of your finances, let’s do this together. I’ll be sharing budgeting tips, frugal living hacks, and money-saving challenges. Whether you’re looking to eliminate debt, build savings, or develop smarter money habits, we can make cents of our finances—one step at a time!

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