I’m going to be straight with you: August brought in $33,429.84. Some months it’s higher, some months it’s lower, but on average I sit around $30K a month. I’m 54 years old, I work about four hours a day, and my business is built entirely around freedom. No employees. No daily meetings. No endless client calls.
As I said in the video, “I’m as authentic as they come, which means I’m going to tell it like it is. I’m going to tell you straight and then you do with it whatever you want.”
This post isn’t about bragging, and it could always be better. It’s about showing you what’s actually possible, what the breakdown looks like, and what levers you can pull if you want to build something similar.
And oh by the way, I forgot PINTEREST which is around $1,000 from blog ad revenue.
Why I Share My P&L
Sharing income reports makes a creator vulnerable. People pick them apart, dismiss them, or assume it was luck. But the truth is, these numbers tell a story of seasonality, platform shifts, wins, losses, and persistence.
“I want you to see fluctuation. I want you to understand that there could be one moment where you’re banking and the next month you’re tanking. It happens all the time.”
That’s why I’m pulling back the curtain. Here’s how $33,429.84 breaks down.
1. Software Affiliate Income: $11,569.09
This is my longest-running and most dependable stream of income. In August, it brought in $11,569.09, which has been a consistent range for years.
When I first got divorced at 45, this was the stream that kept me afloat.
“I remember when my affiliate income first hit $2,000 in a month. I was just over the moon… it was the first time I realized this could actually be a real business.”
That $2,000 gave me proof of concept, even though at the time I was still job hunting.
By the time software affiliate marketing hit six figures a year, everything changed. “When it hit six figures, it changed my entire life. I knew I had choices. I knew I could build my business my way.”
How It Started
Back in 2015, I was teaching real estate agents how to build WordPress websites. Every time I shared a tutorial on plugins, themes, or hosting, I included an affiliate link. People were already asking me what tools I used — so I turned those recommendations into income.
This is the model I still use today. Anytime I create a YouTube tutorial, a blog post, or even a short-form video, the tools I naturally use in my workflow get linked. No forced promotions. No chasing products I don’t believe in.
Why Software Works
The power of software affiliate marketing is in recurring revenue. A customer who signs up for a monthly tool — email software, hosting, analytics, video editors — pays you a commission every month they stay subscribed. Over time, these stack. That’s why the number grows steadily even when you’re not pushing hard every single day.
Think about it: if you recommend a $99/month tool and the affiliate program pays 30%, that’s $29.70 per customer. Ten customers = $297/month. A hundred customers = $2,970/month. And that’s for one tool. Layer in several tools and the numbers compound.
Today’s Strategy
In August, $11,569.09 came in from multiple tools I actively use and promote, including:
Each of these fits into my actual workflow. When I record a video on how I manage content in Airtable, I link my Airtable affiliate. When I show how I chop a long video into shorts, I link Opus Clips. It’s natural and authentic because I’m only showing what I truly use.
Lessons After 9 Years in Software Affiliates
“We overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in five.”
This stream proves it. It took years of consistent blogging, YouTube uploads, and audience-building for the recurring base to solidify. But once it did, it became a six-figure pillar I can count on every single year.
The takeaway? If you’re starting now, give yourself a 2–3 year runway. Consistently create content around tools you use. Add affiliate links in every video description, blog post, and email. Don’t expect overnight income, but know that once the machine starts working, it can scale into five and six figures without trading time for dollars.
Pick up my guide where I lay out my affiliate marketing system.
2. Amazon Influencer: $818.20
In August, I earned $818.20 from the Amazon Influencer Program. That’s not life-changing money on its own, but here’s the part that matters: it required almost no effort.
I uploaded fewer than a dozen videos, and the commissions still rolled in. That’s the beauty of Amazon’s scale — the traffic is already there. Your job is simply to create short, simple product reviews that live on Amazon’s platform.
As I explained in the video, “Amazon Influencer is just basically where you review products you have… a quick product review, upload it, and if somebody buys that item after watching your video, you get a commission.”
Why Amazon Works
The commissions aren’t huge — usually 1–4%, sometimes up to 10% with bonuses. But Amazon is where people already go to buy. That means these short reviews sit directly at the point of purchase.
Unlike YouTube or TikTok, where someone might have to take multiple steps to buy, on Amazon the viewer is literally one click away from the product. That frictionless experience is why even a small percentage commission adds up.
My #1 Seller: Cat Products
For me, pet products dominate. “My number one seller is pet products on Amazon. That’s not true on TikTok, but it is true on Amazon.”
One example is my cat tree. I snapped a simple picture of it, uploaded it to Pinterest, and Amazon started running ads on my image. Now that cat tree sells every single day. The commissions are small, but they’re consistent.
This has me thinking about testing a micro-niche — like reviewing multiple high-quality cat trees. It’s a way to go deeper in one product category without cluttering my home with boxes of random products.
How I Create Amazon Influencer Videos
This is as simple as it gets:
- Grab the product I already own.
- Put the camera on a tripod.
- Record a 30–90 second video showing why I like it.
- Upload to Amazon Influencer dashboard.
There’s no heavy editing, no script, no music. It’s straightforward and authentic. For example, here’s exactly how I’d review my Brümate mug:
“I love my Brümate mug. Let’s be real, I bought it for the lemons. But it’s leakproof, it has a stainless steel straw, and it keeps ice solid even in Vegas heat. That’s why I use it every day.”
That’s it. Thirty seconds, done.
The TikTok Connection
A lot of my Amazon content actually comes from TikTok Shop. If TikTok sends me a product — like a lamp, a pet fountain, or makeup — I check if it’s also sold on Amazon. If it is, I upload the same video to Amazon Influencer.
This way, one video works in two places: TikTok (for higher commissions) and Amazon (for evergreen traffic).
The Truth About Amazon Earnings
I’m not here to sugarcoat it. You’re not going to get rich off Amazon Influencer alone. “For the most part, you’re not going to get rich off Amazon Influencer.”
But as part of a portfolio, it makes sense. It’s steady, it leverages content you’re already creating, and it taps into the largest shopping site in the world.
If you’re someone who already loves unboxing or sharing favorite finds, this can easily become a $1,000–$2,000/month side stream without much extra work.
If you’d like to learn more, check out my guide where I lay out my affiliate marketing system.
3. LTK (Like to Know It): A Few Hundred Dollars
In August, I made just a few hundred dollars through LTK (formerly RewardStyle, also called Like to Know It). This isn’t a major part of my business, but it has brought me some surprising wins over the past year.
Here’s the reality: I’m not a fashion blogger. I don’t wake up every day excited to try on outfits and upload daily mirror selfies. But when I do put effort into it, the platform responds.
“People sometimes refer to me as a fashion blogger because I’ve made $20,000 on one bikini that I tried on at 50 years old. I was 53 last summer, I had a bikini video go viral, and I made 20 grand on that bikini.”
That single viral hit shows what’s possible with affiliate marketing. I was just standing in a bikini talking about it — not a big production. The commissions stacked up because the video circulated and people bought directly through my LTK links.
That win was TikTok though, not LTK.
How LTK Works
LTK is built for creators who share fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. You upload photos or videos of yourself in an outfit or using a product, tag the shoppable links, and followers can purchase directly. You earn a commission on the sales.
The brands are strong — everything from Free People to Nordstrom to Amazon fashion finds. If you’re the type of creator who naturally shares daily looks or home styling, this platform has incredible potential.
Why It’s Not My Main Stream
For me, the bottleneck is consistency. “I don’t take the time to put all my clothes on the LTK app. I don’t love trying on clothes every day.”
It’s not that I can’t do it — I’ve proven it works when I show up. It’s that it doesn’t align with how I want to spend my time daily. My joy is in digital marketing, teaching systems, and building digital products.
That’s why I only dabble in LTK. Sometimes I’ll upload jeans, a sweater, or a bathing suit, and it’ll bring in a few hundred dollars. But it’s not a pillar of my business.
Who Should Lean Into LTK
If you’re someone who loves fashion content — standing in front of the mirror, snapping your daily outfit, styling new pieces — this could be a major income stream. LTK works best when you build a dedicated following inside the app, treating it almost like Instagram.
For me, it’s an occasional side stream. For someone else, it could be a six-figure lane.
If you’d like to learn more about affiliate marketing, I created a great starter kit with my affiliate marketing guide.
4. TikTok Shop: $948.21
In August, I earned $948.21 through TikTok Shop — my lowest month ever on the platform. To some, that number might look small compared to past wins, but it’s important to see the whole picture.
I’ve had months on TikTok where I cleared $20,000, and I’ve had single days over $5,000. The difference isn’t the algorithm, the commissions, or the products — it’s me.
“At my first reaction, it’s embarrassing because I’ve had $20,000 months. I’ve had $5,000 days. But the truth is I barely uploaded any videos.”
That’s the honest truth about TikTok: it pays when you show up consistently.
Why I Pulled Back
Right now, TikTok isn’t where my passion is. I burned myself out chasing product deals, accepting free samples, and trying to keep up with the flood of boxes arriving at my door.
“I had hundreds of boxes. My recycling bins were ridiculous. And I just don’t like all the cheap stuff I’m getting from out of the country.”
I gave myself permission to step back. Could I have made $9,000 instead of $948 in August? Absolutely. But I didn’t make the videos.
And that’s an important lesson: TikTok Shop is a lever you can pull when you want to, not a job you have to keep grinding at every day.
How I Use TikTok Shop Now
These days, I keep it simple. If I already own something (like my Brümate mug), or TikTok sends me a freebie, I’ll record a quick video. Thirty seconds of showing why I like it, why I use it, and I post it.
That’s it. No spreadsheets of trending products. No overanalyzing. No stockpiling inventory.
Sometimes those quick, off-the-cuff videos perform better than the ones I overthink.
It might change, but lately, I appreciate the “ease” of it.
My Average and My Outlook
Even though August was under $1,000, my average this year is still about $4,000/month. And in Q4 (holiday season), I expect it to spike — just like it did last year when TikTok Shop alone pushed me into six figures.
“If I really decide this fourth quarter that I want to pay off those college loans, I know I can. I just have to show up and make the videos.”
That’s the beauty of TikTok Shop: you can scale it up or down depending on your energy and your goals.
What TikTok Shop Teaches You
TikTok Shop is proof of two things:
- Consistency matters more than skill. When I uploaded daily, my numbers were explosive.
- Joy matters more than hustle. When I burned out, I pulled back — and the income reflected it.
If you’re starting fresh, don’t chase every trending product. Start with what you already use and love. Build trust first, then layer in more offers.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a TikTok shop affiliate, I created a TikTok Shop Affiliate Content Kit.
5. Affiliate Partnership: $4,482.14
In August, I earned $4,482.14 from an affiliate-style business arrangement that came out of one of the hardest seasons of my life. This income stream is unique because I don’t run it, I don’t manage clients, and I don’t show up for it — but I still get paid every month.
The Backstory
Years ago, right before my divorce, I built a marketing agency. I had my daughter, my sister, and my two brothers all working for me. On paper, it was a solid business, even valued around $500,000. In reality, it was heavy, stressful, and breaking me down.
“I was barely able to not cry every day during that first year after my divorce. I was stressed about being a single mom. There were times when everybody else was getting paid at that table except for me.”
And I didn’t love the client services grind. Endless requests, phone calls, and trying to be the “perfect leader” — it wasn’t my lane.
The Turning Point
One day, I was done. I couldn’t carry the burden anymore. I didn’t want the weight of clients or the constant strain of managing family employees.
Instead of selling the business (which I easily could have), I handed it over to my brothers. The deal? They would run it, take the clients, keep the revenue — and I would keep a 10% affiliate-style cut of everything that came in.
“I gave them the company. Didn’t sell it. Gave it to them. And I held a 10% interest in the company, but not an ownership interest. More of an affiliate interest.”
That was years ago, and to this day, I still earn $4,000–$5,000/month from that arrangement.
How You Can Replicate Something Similar
Now, not everyone has a marketing agency to hand off — but the model is repeatable in other ways.
If you can generate business or influence, you can negotiate deals like this. A few examples:
- Startup Partnerships: Approach a company you believe in and offer to drive them traffic. Instead of a one-time payout, negotiate a recurring percentage of all sales you refer.
- Industry Collaborations: If you’re already building an audience (YouTube, TikTok, blogging), partner with niche companies for long-term rev-share instead of one-off campaigns.
- Service Business Handoff: If you’re leaving a business you built, structure your exit to include an ongoing commission or affiliate cut, rather than walking away entirely.
It doesn’t have to be digital software. It could be gym memberships, pet products, meal delivery kits, or any service where customers stick around long-term.
The Big Lesson
This stream taught me two things:
- You don’t have to own it to profit from it. Influence and customer generation are currency. If you can send sales, you can negotiate for ongoing income.
- Residual beats transactional. I don’t have to manage a single client. I don’t make a single call. Yet every month, this line item shows up.
And that’s the freedom piece. The more affiliate-style deals you can stack, the less you’re tied to trading hours for dollars.
6. Ebooks: $624.80 (and already scaling)
In August, I earned $624.80 from ebooks. At first glance, that’s a small line item compared to my affiliate or coaching income. But here’s why I’m so excited: this stream is already doubling and scaling month over month. By September, my payout jumped to $1,400, and I can see the trajectory heading straight for six figures.
“This ebook business is going to be six figures on its own. I can tell by the trajectory. I can tell by my joy for it. And I can tell by the response.”
Why Ebooks Now?
Years ago, I wrote ebooks as lead magnets for my real estate and website businesses. Then I stopped. Everyone was moving to courses, so I did too.
But in 2025, I saw a creator casually say she made $200,000 last month selling ebooks. That stopped me in my tracks. I realized ebooks weren’t dead — they’d evolved into bite-sized, actionable digital products that buyers still want.
“I was scrolling Instagram and saw somebody say she made $200,000 last month selling ebooks. I thought, you did what? People are still buying ebooks? I couldn’t believe it. And I thought — I was made for this.”
How I Create My Ebooks
I don’t overcomplicate this. I go on a walk with my phone and dictate ideas into ChatGPT. I brain dump stories, strategies, and steps from my actual business. ChatGPT organizes it, plugs holes, and acts like my editor.
“I created the ebook by going on a walk. I took my phone with me. I took ChatGPT with me. I dumped all this information. It outlined everything I said, and then it caught the gaps — like, you should have given a better example here. And I filled it in.”
That workflow allows me to create ebooks quickly. I’ve already built about eight ebooks in just a few months.
Why Ebooks Sell
The key is specificity. Each ebook solves one clear problem or teaches one strategy. Buyers don’t want to wade through a 12-module course — they want a fast, actionable guide they can download today and implement.
And because ebooks are low-cost (mine sell in the $27 range), they convert cold audiences from Pinterest, YouTube, or TikTok into buyers fast. From there, many turn into coaching clients or repeat customers.
It’s not just income — it’s a funnel.
Expanding Beyond Digital Marketing
I’m already testing ebooks in other niches. For example, my home and garden blog could easily have ebooks — “50 Cozy Cottagecore Garden Ideas” or “10 Best Printify Products to Sell on Pinterest.” With Pinterest traffic, those could sell on autopilot.
And ebooks are just the beginning. Once you learn the process, you can spin up templates, spreadsheets, and other digital downloads with the same workflow.
The Takeaway
$624.80 may look small, but it’s the fastest-scaling stream in my entire business right now. It requires no shipping, no clients, no overhead — just my knowledge packaged into short, specific, useful guides.
If you want to replicate this, don’t start with a giant course. Start with one ebook. Pick one problem you’ve solved, brain dump your process into ChatGPT, and package it into a simple PDF. Price it affordably, link it everywhere, and let it start converting.
I created a guide to creating an ebook business.
7. Facebook Rewards: $150
Yes, Facebook pays. No, I’m not focused on it. Some creators earn thousands here. For me, it’s not worth the time. In August, I made $150 from the Facebook Rewards program. That’s pocket change compared to my other streams, and I’ll be honest — it’s not a lane I care about right now.
“To me, it just doesn’t interest me. I’ve heard people say they’re making thousands of dollars there. I just don’t have a desire to sit there and play around and post on Facebook all day.”
That’s the raw truth.
What Facebook Rewards Actually Is
Facebook Rewards is Meta’s version of creator payouts. They pay you for posting, engaging, or hitting certain milestones on the platform. The specifics change constantly, and sometimes only select accounts get access.
For some creators, this turns into thousands per month. If you already love posting memes, stories, or short-form videos on Facebook, this can be a lucrative “bonus stream.”
But for me, it’s just not where I’m putting a lot of energy just yet.
Why I Don’t Lean Into It
I’ve built my business around freedom and focus. Every platform I invest time in has to tie back to long-term assets like affiliate income, ebooks, coaching clients, or YouTube growth.
Facebook Rewards feels more like a distraction. Yes, I could grind out content there and probably scale to $1,000–$2,000 a month. But that effort doesn’t compound the same way my YouTube channel or ebook library does.
“It’s another lever. If I cared about it, I could turn it up. But it’s not where my passion is.”
Yet. (We will see)
Who Should Use It
If you’re brand new and don’t have other income streams yet, Facebook Rewards could be a great entry point. You’re already posting anyway — might as well get paid.
But once you have higher-value streams running (like software affiliates or digital products), it becomes hard to justify prioritizing this one unless you already thrive on Facebook.
The Lesson
Not every opportunity is worth chasing — even if it pays. For me, Facebook Rewards is nice coffee money, but not a pillar. I’d rather double down on scalable systems like YouTube, ebooks, or software affiliates that compound over years.
8. YouTube Ad Revenue: $931.40
In August, my YouTube ad revenue was $931.40. On its own, that number isn’t huge — but don’t underestimate what YouTube actually represents in my business. YouTube is the engine that drives everything else.
“YouTube is one of those things where I give it a lot, and then I go do other things, and then I give it a lot, and then I go do other things.”
That ebb and flow shows up in my numbers. I’ve had months over $4,000 in ad revenue. But more importantly, YouTube fuels my affiliate income, ebook sales, and coaching clients.
When you add it all up, YouTube is worth closer to $20,000 a month for me.
Why Ad Revenue Fluctuates
When I show up consistently on camera, my channel grows. When I stop, ad revenue dips. It’s that simple.
I’ve also experimented with formats:
- Faceless videos – quick tutorials without me on screen. Some worked, some didn’t.
- On-camera videos – these consistently perform better. People want to connect with a face, not just a voice.
“People do like to see the person on the camera. They want to relate to you. They want to feel connected to you. And it’s hard when you can’t see somebody.”
Now that I’ve returned to two on-camera uploads per week, my channel growth is climbing again.
Why YouTube Is My Favorite Platform
If I had to cut everything else and keep only one platform, it would be YouTube.
“If I had to keep one thing, it would be my YouTube channel because I really think it builds audiences, it builds trust, and it converts higher to things.”
That’s the key: YouTube builds trust. It’s long-form, searchable, evergreen. A video you publish today can still bring in ad revenue, affiliate sales, and coaching clients two years from now. TikTok doesn’t do that. Facebook doesn’t do that.
AdSense vs. Ecosystem
Some creators obsess over AdSense numbers. I don’t. For me, the $931.40 in August ad revenue is just a bonus. The real money is in the ecosystem YouTube creates:
- People watch my tutorial, click my affiliate links, and buy the tools I use.
- People binge my videos, realize I teach from the trenches, and join Blueprint Coaching.
- People see my expertise and buy my ebooks and digital products.
That’s why I can confidently say YouTube contributes ~$20K/month to my business, even if the ad revenue alone looks small.
The Takeaway
Ad revenue is nice, but it’s not the reason I show up on YouTube. I show up because it builds the trust that converts into everything else.
If you’re building your own business, don’t obsess over the pennies-per-view payout. Use YouTube as your hub. Publish content that solves problems, show your face when you can, and direct people toward your products, affiliates, and coaching. That’s where the money is.
If you want to build a strong Youtube business, pick up my guide where I lay out my Youtube system. It’s creative & systematic at the same time!
9. Coaching & Courses: $14,235.26
In August, my coaching program and digital courses brought in $14,235.26. This was the single biggest line item for the month — and it’s the part of my business that feels the most personal, because it’s built directly from what I’m doing in real time.
“I coach from the trenches. I don’t say ‘this is what you should do.’ I say, ‘this is what I’m doing, here’s what’s working, and here’s how you can do it too.’”
That’s the difference. I’m not teaching theory. I’m documenting practice.
Blueprint Coaching
My main offer is Blueprint Coaching. Twice a month, I run live group coaching calls (about two hours each). In between, members connect with me inside a private Facebook group where I answer questions and share resources.
That’s it. Two scheduled appointments per month — and zero employees or client calls filling up my calendar.
For August, the revenue from coaching alone pushed me over $14K, and the structure keeps it scalable without sacrificing my freedom.
Why It Works
- Trench-level teaching. Members don’t just hear concepts — they see the exact workflows, income reports, and tools I’m using right now.
- Guest experts. I bring in friends and peers who are excelling in areas I’m not focused on.
- One guest shared how she did $500,000 in brand deals in a single year.
- Another showed how she launched a membership site that pulled in $70,000 on launch.
- Another is making $250,000 a year as an over-50 fashion blogger on YouTube.
- Community accountability. Members learn not just from me, but from each other.
Why I Turn Down Brand Deals
One thing you’ll notice missing from my income report is brand deals. I’ve been offered plenty — $1,000 here, $5,000 there — but I’ve turned them all down.
“The second I accept a brand deal, I now work for somebody. I’m working for their paycheck. It’s not just commission-based. They’re expecting something out of me. And if they come back and say, ‘We don’t like how you presented this, do it again,’ I would be so mad.”
That’s not freedom. And for me, freedom is non-negotiable. Coaching lets me build recurring income without losing autonomy.
Now, I’m not saying that I will never do them. If it the alignment shows up, and I can retain my freedom, it’s a maybe.
We will see! That’s the joy of FREEDOM – choices!
The Takeaway
August’s $14,235.26 from coaching and courses wasn’t just about programs. It’s a reflection of how I run my entire business: by riding the waves instead of fighting them.
“I follow my joy. I follow my passion. I give myself permission to play and move and shift. And when I do, the income reflects it.”
That’s the real key. My business ebbs and flows — and I let it. Some months TikTok explodes, some months Amazon holds steady, sometimes coaching surges, and sometimes ebooks climb fast. I don’t panic when one stream dips because I know another one is rising.
It’s not luck. It’s seasonality, energy, and strategy working together.
- Seasonality: Q4 always spikes with holiday shopping. Pinterest traffic climbs in fall. Coaching often grows in January when people reset their goals. Recognizing these cycles keeps me from stressing about the dips.
- Energy: When I’m excited about ebooks, I lean in — and the sales follow. When I burn out on TikTok, I pull back — and that’s okay. My joy fuels the work, and the work fuels the income.
- Needle Movement: Every stream may not hit every month, but taken together, they keep the needle moving forward. That’s why my income averages around $30K a month even though no single stream is always stable.
This approach gives me freedom. I don’t have to cling to one platform or force myself into a hustle season I don’t want. I can shift my focus, follow the energy, and trust that the portfolio holds.
“If one thing is dipping, something else is going up. That’s the point. The overall income is always rising. And I get to build it around the life I actually want to live.”
The August Total: $33,429.84
Not my biggest month, but solid. And more importantly, balanced. If TikTok dips, ebooks rise. If coaching steadies, affiliate income fills the gap.
That’s the key: multiple streams that complement each other without burning me out.
Final Thoughts
I built this business for freedom. Four-hour workdays (sometimes more, sometimes less, but we are looking at recent averages). No employees. No daily appointments. And yet, multiple six figures a year.
“If one thing is dipping, something else is going up. That’s the point. The overall income is always rising. And I get to build it around the life I actually want to live.”
Want to build something like this? Start with one platform. Add one affiliate offer. Create one digital product. Give it time. What looks impossible in one year can completely change your life in five.
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