My name is Kelly Whalen, and I’m the mom behind the Centsible Life where I write about family, finances and fulfilling your dreams on a budget.
Mainly I’m a mom to 4 adorable rascal (2 boy and 2 girls) but I manage to squeeze in a mean social media addiction, writing, and consulting in between tackling the Mount Everest sized laundry pile and reading bedtime stories to the kids.
It’s not always easy to balance blogging and my family, but I do it because I love social media, writing and my family. There’s nothing better than squeezing in some work time before the kids wake up in the morning, or answering emails and meeting deadlines until 11pm (or later). It doesn’t hurt to have a super supportive husband either.
Why did I start a blog?
In 2007 we purchased a home, and we ended up stretching ourselves a bit too thin. The occasional emergency, and living slightly beyond our means equaled growing our debt, not our net worth, and we knew that had to change. The more we learned about personal finance, the more I wanted to share, and soon my blog was born.
Blogging has lead to a whole new life for me. I now run a small social media consulting business with a partner, make a decent (and growing) income from blogging, and have been so fortunate to have many experiences I would never otherwise have been able to participate in.
What’s so great about blogging?
The best part about blogging though is the relationships I’ve formed with other bloggers. The Yakezie network is a prime example of the kind of wonderful things that happen for all of us when we work together. I truly believe that through opportunities like the Yakezie Writing Contest we will be able to not just inform, earn money, and offer support to one another, but we will make a difference in people’s lives.
Wow. I’m always impressed at people’s ability to get it all done with 4 kids. I barely can keep up with laundry with 2. I look forward to reading your blog.
It’s practically a full time job in and of itself! Thanks!
Great job Kelly! I really enjoy all the stories from the members, and I can relate in some way to all of them. At some point in our lives, we’ve all had an “AHA” moment and really took control of our finances. Then, we felt lead to help others with their finances as well. Great job, and keep up the great work.
That’s one of the things I love is reading all the stories from members, and the submissions. It’s fascinating how we all come from such different places in life but all find our way to fiscal responsibility.
It sounds like you have your hands full but are enjoying a successful work at home situation. Glad to hear your story!
Ha! That’s one I hear quite often. My hands may be full, but so is my heart. ;)
You’re a one woman machine! So happy you’re with the Yakezie. I nominate you write a blog post on time management tips to blogging and entrepreneurship.
I second that!
I wish. It really helps to have such a supportive spouse. I’d definitely be up for that!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kelly Whalen, Elle. Elle said: @Yakezie Member Post: The @centsiblelife http://t.co/W2yDVKo #yakezie Go Kelly! […]
Kelly, Glad to see your member post at last!
We’re both running around the same area here and I’d be surprised if we don’t bump into each other at some point like at Wegmans or something (well it’s more likely you’d see my wife than me there unless you’re in the beer section)…..but we probably wouldn’t recognize each other anyway since we’ve never physcially met :)….just seen each other on the small screen.
Gotta love Wegmans! :)
Hi, Kelly – I just visited your blog and left a comment because I enjoyed your article about meal planning. I agree with Elle and would love to read a posting about how you manage your time. Thanks for a good article and I wish you continued success with your blog and consulting business.
Thanks for stopping by the blog, and for both your kind comments.
And I thought I was busy! I knew you had kids, but 4? Yowsa. Been a fan of your work for a while, and am so glad you’re joining our ranks here at Yakezie. Welcome!
Yep, I have always been an overachiever. ;) Thanks!
Wow, 4 little rascals! That’s a lot of work. We just had a baby and one is wiping the floor with our asses. How do you find the time to blog???
They do grow up. ;) My kids are 5 and over-otherwise I wouldn’t be able to keep up with it!
Hi Kelly, kudos for being able to keep up your productivity despite all the distractions. I too enjoy getting up early while the kids (3 for me) are still asleep so i can get an hour worth of work done. It’s probably my most productive time.
I’m more of a late night person, but that quiet time is so worth it!
Oh, I hear you on the early morning quiet time. Yes, it’s so much easier to get things done without distractions. We also have the same mix of kids (2 boys, 2 girls). Would love to see a post by you about social media skills. Congrats on your successes and best wishes for the future!
Oh wow-I didn’t know that! Very cool. :) My girls are in the middle, and the boys are the bookends.
Would love to share a post on social media tips.
I know what you mean about finding that extra time to get things done. Sometimes that’s so satisfying and productive. Anyway, glad to read your member post and welcome aboard!
Thanks!
Wow, I’m sure that you constantly have your hands full with 4 kids and your blog, and your side business! How do you manage it all?
I do whatever is highest priority first, and the family always comes first.
Wow, 4 kids and a house can be quite a handful. I love checking in on your site!
It is. :) Thanks!
I will totally take lessons from you when (if?) I have kids. It’s enough with the dog, business and BF. Add 4 kids? Man! I don’t know how you do it. Do you sleep?!
Ha! Yes, but not as much as I should. I don’t know a dog can be a lot of work too! Not exactly the same as kids, but definitely good practice.
Hi Kelly, Thanks for the “window into your world.” I’ve been a fan for a long time. So happy to know you a bit better. Looking forward to more visits to your blog. And I appreciate your personal response to the occasional question.
Hi Barb! Thanks for your very kind words. The feeling is definitely mutual.
Wow that’s amazing you can do all that with four kids! Thanks for sharing your story
They do keep me busy!
Enjoyed your member post. Very inspiring. I thought I had it bad balancing the Mrs., work, and blogging. Little did I know! :) Continued success!
Sounds like quite the juggling and wearing of different hats!
Your new business sounds exciting! Here wishing you the best of luck with it!!!
Thanks! It’s a fun gig. :)
Congratulations on making it through the challenge! Moms really do it all :) Good luck with the business and blogging!
Thank you! We do. It’s a good gig though. :)
Great to finally see you here! Hard work keeps you out of trouble doesn’t it!
Look forward to working with you here at Yakezie!
It sure does! Good to see you here as well. :)
Juggling four kids and a blog is no small feat! Nice to learn more about you, Kelly! :)
It’s not always easy but every day is something new! Thanks.
Wow, 4 kids and you still find the time – you are my hero!
Well they are mostly in school all day-so I needed something to do! ;)
Welcome Kelly!
From reading your post, I feel like you are a very resourceful person. That is great that you were able to find more income instead of letting your debt grow like so many others do when they find themselves in a similar situation.
I try to be! I think the key is to cut expenses wherever you can, but eventually you have to focus on making more money, and fortunately blogging and social media has become my passion and now my job!
Kelly,
You are an animal! You are juggling more than I could even imagine right now.
Probably too much. ;)
Kelly, glad you’re part of the Yakezie. It was great to meet you at BlogHer. Hopefully, we’ll meet again.