Skip to Content

Answers to some questions!

Hey guys!

When I wrote my post about affiliate links and such, you guys had a few questions that I wanted to answer.

And I wanted to clarify a few things.

So, first up: I have several hundred dollars of blog-related expenses every month, between hosting and DNS and email delivery services and whatnot.

BUT, my blog does earn more than it costs each month.

I think some of you read the original post as me saying that I shell out several hundred dollars each month without turning any profit at all, and I just need you to know that I am not that generous. 😉

Much as I love you all, if my blog was putting me in the hole each month, I’d have called it quits a while ago.   I mean, I’m frugal, after all!

I’m not becoming rich off of my blog and Mr. FG isn’t quitting his job or anything, but I’m also not digging into our family income to keep this up and running.

I use the income from ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links to pay for the actual monetary costs of my blog and for the taxes I owe, and then what’s left gives me something for the time I spend on my blog.

You guys also had questions about Amazon affiliate links. So, here’s the deal with those:

When I link to something on Amazon, Amazon keeps track of that visit for 24 hours, so anything you buy within that 24 hour period gives me a little commission, even if it’s not the exact product I linked to.

So, you can always help out bloggers by using an Amazon link on their website when you’re going to make a purchase, even if you’re not buying something the blogger recommended.

Most commissions I get are a dollar or less, but they do add up over time, and I’m grateful for all of them!

Someone else kindly asked if there are any other ways to support my efforts here.

Aside from supporting the companies that advertise on my blog (like Hungry Harvest, Grove, and so on), I’d be so grateful if you shared my blog with people you know.

If I write something that’s helpful to you, then could you share it with a friend, click “like” on Facebook, email a post to a friend, or pin a post on Pinterest?

And this isn’t monetary, but boy, when you guys leave encouraging comments or send encouraging emails letting me know how my blog has helped you, that really lifts me up and inspires me.

When you blog, the audience is somewhat invisible, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that there are real people out there who can benefit from what you write.

So, hearing from you all, whether it’s questions or comments or encouragement, really means the world to me.

And that’s the fuel that keeps me writing.

(I’m pretty sure that’s true for zillions of other bloggers too, so, take a second and show your favorite writers some love when they help you out with their words! It’ll mean a lot to them.)

You guys are fantastic, and I’m so thankful you all choose to spend a part of your day here with me.

P.S. The purple plant in this post is a red leaved hyacinth bean, and you can buy the seeds on Amazon right here (yup, that’s an affiliate link!).   They produce easy-to-save seeds each year, so you should only need to buy seeds once.

Save

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Holly

Friday 29th of September 2017

Hey, Kristen!

I am way late to the party, but I wanted to offer up a big appreciation for the work you do on The Frugal Girl. I don't comment very often, but I read a lot, which may be surprising as I am a single girl in the city and probably not your usual audience. Nonetheless, you are such a refreshing individual that I get tons of inspiration, even if our circumstances are very different.

I find you so authentic and honest, and I really admire the way you prioritize your life. In the world of crazily curated social media accounts, where the flavor du jour is a lot of humble bragging or "everything is perfect here" messaging, you are a breath of fresh air and a force for good! Visiting your pages brings peace and stillness to my day, and usually something really inspirational I can implement in my own way to bring contentedness and care to me and those around me. As you can imagine, these are pretty rare feelings for a web page to inspire!!

So, yes, I've been a quiet admirer for way too long. Now I am reminded of just how much work this takes, and I am so grateful that you undertake it! Please keep up the good work for as long as it nourishes you, and may the rewards The Frugal Girl brings you grow ever more satisfying!

Many thanks and happy weekend, Holly

Kristen

Saturday 30th of September 2017

Aww, thank you so much! I'm so happy that my blog feels peaceful and still. Yay!

Thank you for reading. :)

Karen

Thursday 28th of September 2017

hi kristen. long time reader, I buy TONS of stuff on Amazon (way into the four digits) for my business and wonder if you can make a quick link up top so I can get you all the dollar bills that would generate for you? I won't remember to look for a reply but if you put a little link up top?

Katie Nicholson

Thursday 28th of September 2017

Hi Kristen, I first found your blog 4 years ago when I moved to a new area and had an Aldi in my life for the first time but I wanted tip on how to shop at Aldi. You delivered and I have been following your blog ever since. I wanted to thank you for this blog entry about your costs associated with being a blogger. I am a new blogger and I really like it. I guess I hope that someday it might make money but right now I am just enjoying the ride. I enjoy reading your blog and the information on how to be frugal, which is the way I like to live my life. Thank you, Katie

Traci

Wednesday 27th of September 2017

I took the plunge and ordered an Internet Mattress of my very own, instead of spending an extra thousand dollars to get a brand name one at the furniture store. Thanks for giving me the confidence to give frugal a chance!

Walnut

Wednesday 27th of September 2017

I came to your blog for your bread recipes and I have stuck around because you're a really delightful blogger. I like that your posts are cheerful and upbeat and filled with practical examples of frugality.

Oh! And thanks to your blog, I have a robust collection of pyrex food containers! Thanks for the recommendation all of those years ago.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.