Understanding Personal Finance Blog Guest Writing
Personal finance blog guest writing involves creating original content for established financial websites and publications in exchange for byline credit, exposure, and often monetary compensation. This arrangement benefits both writers seeking audience growth and blogs needing fresh, expert content.
Types of personal finance guest content:
- Educational articles on budgeting, investing, and debt management
- Product reviews and financial tool comparisons
- Personal finance success stories and case studies
- Market analysis and economic trend discussions
- Financial planning guides for specific demographics
The personal finance content market has grown exponentially as more people seek financial education online. According to the Content Marketing Institute, 89% of financial services companies use content marketing, creating massive demand for skilled writers who understand both finance and digital publishing.
Benefits for guest writers:
- Monetary compensation ranging from $50-500 per article
- Exposure to large, engaged audiences
- Portfolio building with reputable publications
- SEO benefits through author bio backlinks
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
- Establishment of thought leadership and expertise
Benefits for publications:
- Fresh perspectives and diverse voices
- Reduced content creation workload
- Access to specialized expertise
- Increased content volume and publishing frequency
- Enhanced SEO through diverse content creators
Top-Paying Personal Finance Blogs Accepting Submissions
Premium Publications ($200-500 per article)
The Motley Fool accepts guest contributions from financial experts and pays $200-400 for high-quality articles. They focus on investment advice, stock analysis, and retirement planning content that helps readers make better financial decisions.
Submission requirements: 800-1,500 words, original research or unique insights, data-driven content with credible sources, and practical actionable advice.
NerdWallet offers $300-500 for comprehensive guides and comparison articles. They prioritize content that helps consumers choose financial products and services while avoiding marketing language.
Focus areas: Credit cards, banking, insurance, loans, investing, and personal finance tools.
Bankrate pays $250-400 for expert financial content targeting mainstream audiences. They need writers who can explain complex financial concepts in accessible language.
Content types: Market analysis, financial planning guides, product comparisons, and economic trend articles.
Mid-Tier Opportunities ($100-300 per article)
Credit Karma accepts guest posts about credit improvement, debt management, and financial wellness, paying $150-250 per published piece.
Investopedia occasionally accepts freelance submissions for their educational content, offering $200-300 for comprehensive financial concept explanations.
MarketWatch features guest commentary and analysis pieces, compensating experts $100-300 based on content quality and author credentials.
Yahoo Finance accepts thought leadership pieces and market analysis from financial professionals, with compensation varying based on content scope and author expertise.
Growing Publications ($50-150 per article)
The Balance (now part of Dotdash Meredith) offers $75-150 for personal finance articles targeting beginners and intermediate audiences.
Money Under 30 focuses on millennial financial issues and pays $50-100 for relevant, engaging content.
Wise Bread accepts frugal living and money-saving content, offering $20-75 depending on article length and quality.
The Penny Hoarder features side hustle and money-making opportunities, paying $50-150 for unique, actionable content.
Specialized Niche Sites
Bogleheads community accepts investment-focused content for their educated audience of index fund investors.
BiggerPockets focuses on real estate investing content and accepts guest contributions from experienced investors.
Side Hustle Nation features entrepreneurship and additional income content, welcoming guest posts from successful side hustlers.
I personally landed my first paid writing gig through BiggerPockets, which led to ongoing relationships with editors at multiple publications. That initial $150 article opened doors to thousands in future writing income.
Crafting Winning Pitch Letters
Research-Based Pitch Development
Successful pitches demonstrate deep understanding of the target publication’s audience, content style, and current needs. Spend time analyzing recent articles, social media engagement, and content gaps before crafting your proposal.
Pitch research checklist:
- Read the last 10 published articles to understand tone and style
- Check author guidelines and submission requirements carefully
- Identify content gaps or trending topics they haven’t covered
- Note their typical article length and structure preferences
- Research the editor’s background and interests through LinkedIn
Winning pitch structure:
- Subject line: “Guest Post Pitch: [Specific Topic] for [Publication Name]”
- Brief personal introduction with relevant credentials
- Article concept with working title and key points
- Unique angle or perspective you’ll provide
- Target word count and proposed delivery timeline
- 2-3 relevant writing samples or portfolio links
Sample Pitch Templates
Expert Authority Pitch: “Hi [Editor Name],
I’m [Your Name], a Certified Financial Planner with 10 years of experience helping millennials build wealth. I’ve noticed [Publication] covers retirement planning but hasn’t addressed the unique challenges facing gig economy workers.
I’d like to propose: ‘401(k) Alternatives for Freelancers: Building Retirement Wealth Without Traditional Benefits’
This 1,200-word guide would cover:
- SEP-IRA and Solo 401(k) setup and contribution limits
- Taxable investment account strategies for irregular income
- Health Savings Account maximization for self-employed individuals
- Real case studies showing wealth-building progress
I can deliver this article within 5 business days. Here are two relevant samples: [links]
Best regards, [Your Name]”
Personal Experience Pitch: “Hi [Editor Name],
I’m a personal finance writer who paid off $45,000 in student loans in 3 years while earning $35,000 annually. Your recent article on student loan forgiveness sparked great engagement, and I believe your readers would benefit from a practical debt elimination guide.
Proposed article: ‘How I Eliminated $45,000 in Student Debt on a Low Income: The Exact Strategy That Worked’
This 1,000-word piece would include:
- Month-by-month debt payoff timeline with specific amounts
- Side hustle strategies that generated extra income
- Expense reduction tactics that didn’t feel like deprivation
- Psychological strategies for staying motivated during tough months
I can provide bank statements and documentation to verify all claims. Available samples: [links]
Thanks for your consideration, [Your Name]”
Following Up Professionally
Most editors receive dozens of pitches weekly and may not respond immediately. Professional follow-up increases your chances while maintaining positive relationships.
Follow-up timeline:
- Initial pitch: Send and wait
- First follow-up: 1 week later with gentle reminder
- Second follow-up: 2 weeks after first follow-up
- Final follow-up: 1 month later, then move on
Follow-up message template: “Hi [Editor Name],
I wanted to follow up on my guest post pitch about [topic] that I sent last week. I understand you receive many submissions and wanted to make sure this didn’t get lost.
If this topic isn’t a good fit, I’d be happy to propose alternative ideas that better match your current content needs.
Best regards, [Your Name]”
Submission Guidelines That Get Accepted
Content Quality Standards
Personal finance blogs maintain high editorial standards because financial misinformation can harm readers’ financial futures. Your content must be accurate, well-researched, and genuinely helpful.
Research and fact-checking requirements:
- Cite credible sources like government agencies, academic studies, and established financial institutions
- Verify all statistics and financial data through primary sources
- Include disclaimers when providing general financial advice
- Avoid specific investment recommendations unless properly credentialed
- Use recent data (within 1-2 years) for statistics and examples
Writing quality expectations:
- Clear, engaging prose that avoids jargon and complex terminology
- Logical flow with smooth transitions between sections
- Actionable advice readers can implement immediately
- Compelling headlines and subheadings that improve readability
- Error-free grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Technical Submission Requirements
Most publications have specific technical requirements for guest submissions. Following these guidelines exactly demonstrates professionalism and respect for editorial processes.
Common formatting requirements:
- Word count ranges (typically 800-2,000 words)
- Heading structure using H2 and H3 tags
- Short paragraphs (2-4 sentences) for online readability
- Bullet points and numbered lists for complex information
- Author bio (50-100 words) with relevant credentials
SEO optimization expectations:
- Target keyword integration throughout content
- Meta descriptions and title tags when requested
- Internal linking suggestions to relevant site content
- Image suggestions with proper attribution
- Alt text recommendations for accessibility
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Financial content carries legal and ethical responsibilities that guest writers must understand and respect.
Disclosure requirements:
- Affiliate relationships and compensation arrangements
- Professional licenses and certifications
- Potential conflicts of interest
- Personal financial relationships with recommended products
- Sponsored content identification when applicable
Liability protection:
- Include appropriate disclaimers about general vs. specific advice
- Avoid providing personalized financial recommendations
- Clearly state when content is educational rather than advisory
- Recommend readers consult qualified professionals for specific situations
For comprehensive resources on financial writing best practices, explore opportunities at wikilifehacks.com/category/finance/ to enhance your writing skills and discover additional publication opportunities.
Building Your Personal Finance Writing Portfolio
Creating Compelling Writing Samples
Strong writing samples demonstrate your ability to explain financial concepts clearly while engaging readers. Focus on quality over quantity when building your initial portfolio.
Portfolio essentials:
- 3-5 diverse samples covering different financial topics
- Mix of educational content and personal experience pieces
- Various content formats (how-to guides, listicles, case studies)
- Examples targeting different audience sophistication levels
- Properly formatted pieces matching publication standards
Sample topic ideas for portfolio development:
- Beginner’s guide to emergency fund building
- Personal debt payoff success story with specific strategies
- Investment comparison article (401k vs. IRA, for example)
- Financial planning guide for specific demographic (new parents, recent graduates)
- Market analysis or economic trend discussion
Establishing Financial Expertise
Credibility is crucial in personal finance writing. Readers trust writers who demonstrate genuine knowledge and experience rather than theoretical understanding.
Credibility building strategies:
- Obtain relevant certifications (CFP, CFA, ChFC)
- Share personal financial transformation stories
- Stay current with financial news and market developments
- Build social media presence focused on financial education
- Network with other finance professionals and writers
Educational background enhancement:
- Complete online finance courses from reputable institutions
- Attend financial planning conferences and workshops
- Read industry publications and research reports regularly
- Follow thought leaders and established finance writers
- Join professional associations relevant to your specialization
Developing Your Unique Voice
Successful personal finance writers develop distinctive voices that set them apart from generic financial content. Your unique perspective and communication style become your competitive advantage.
Voice development strategies:
- Identify your target audience and speak directly to their concerns
- Share personal experiences and lessons learned
- Develop signature approaches to common financial challenges
- Use consistent tone and style across all your content
- Create helpful frameworks and actionable systems
Specialization areas to consider:
- Specific demographics (millennials, women, retirees)
- Financial situations (debt payoff, wealth building, career transitions)
- Investment approaches (index investing, real estate, alternative investments)
- Life events (marriage, divorce, parenthood, job loss)
- Geographic focus (local market conditions, state-specific laws)
Maximizing Your Guest Writing Success
Building Editor Relationships
Long-term success in personal finance writing depends on cultivating positive relationships with editors and publications. One successful article often leads to regular writing opportunities.
Relationship building strategies:
- Deliver high-quality content that exceeds expectations
- Meet deadlines consistently without requiring reminders
- Accept feedback gracefully and implement suggested changes
- Propose new article ideas based on trending topics
- Share published articles on social media to drive traffic
Maintaining professional relationships:
- Send periodic updates about your expertise and credentials
- Congratulate editors on publication milestones and awards
- Refer other qualified writers when you can’t take assignments
- Offer to help with time-sensitive content needs
- Attend industry events where you might meet editors in person
Scaling Your Writing Business
Successful guest writing can evolve into a full-time writing business with multiple income streams beyond individual article payments.
Business expansion opportunities:
- Regular column or contributor positions
- Content marketing consulting for financial companies
- Course creation based on your writing expertise
- Speaking engagements at financial conferences
- Book authoring and publishing deals
Income diversification strategies:
- Develop relationships with multiple publications
- Create evergreen content that generates ongoing traffic
- Build email list of readers interested in your content
- Offer financial writing services to businesses
- Develop affiliate relationships with financial product companies
Tracking Performance and Results
Monitor your guest writing success to identify which strategies work best and optimize your approach over time.
Key metrics to track:
- Acceptance rate of pitched articles
- Average time from pitch to publication
- Social media engagement on published pieces
- Traffic driven to your website or portfolio
- Follow-up opportunities from published content
Performance optimization:
- A/B test different pitch approaches
- Analyze which topics generate most engagement
- Track which publications provide best opportunities
- Monitor industry trends affecting content demand
- Adjust strategy based on market changes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pitch and Submission Errors
Mistake 1: Generic, templated pitches Editors immediately recognize mass-sent pitches that don’t reference their specific publication or audience needs.
Mistake 2: Ignoring submission guidelines Publications provide specific requirements for good reasons. Ignoring them signals unprofessionalism and lack of attention to detail.
Mistake 3: Overpromising or unrealistic timelines Better to under-promise and over-deliver than create stress for editors and damage your reputation.
Mistake 4: Focusing on self-promotion rather than reader value Guest posts should educate and help readers, not serve as marketing materials for your services.
Content Development Issues
Mistake 5: Providing generic advice available everywhere Add unique insights, personal experiences, or fresh perspectives that distinguish your content from existing articles.
Mistake 6: Making unsubstantiated claims or promises Financial content must be accurate and realistic. Avoid “get rich quick” language or unrealistic outcome promises.
Mistake 7: Neglecting proper research and fact-checking Inaccurate information damages both your credibility and the publication’s reputation.
Industry Trends and Future Opportunities
Emerging Content Needs
The personal finance content landscape continuously evolves as new financial products, economic conditions, and demographic shifts create fresh content opportunities.
Growing content areas:
- Cryptocurrency and digital asset education
- ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing
- Financial wellness and mental health connections
- Gig economy and freelancer financial planning
- Technology tools for financial management
Demographic-specific opportunities:
- Gen Z financial education and student loan guidance
- Women’s financial empowerment and investing
- Retirement planning for longer lifespans
- Immigrant and international worker financial planning
- Small business owner financial management
Technology Impact on Financial Writing
Technology continues reshaping how financial content is created, distributed, and consumed, creating new opportunities for skilled writers.
Emerging technologies affecting finance writing:
- AI-assisted research and fact-checking tools
- Interactive calculators and financial planning tools
- Video and podcast content creation opportunities
- Mobile-first content consumption patterns
- Personalized content delivery systems
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% growth in writing occupations through 2031, with financial and technical writing showing above-average demand due to increasing complexity of financial products and services.
Taking Action: Your Guest Writing Strategy
Personal finance blog guest writing offers excellent opportunities for writers passionate about helping others improve their financial lives. Success requires systematic approaches, persistence, and continuous skill development.
Start by choosing 3-5 target publications that align with your expertise and interests. Research their submission guidelines thoroughly and create tailored pitches that demonstrate genuine value for their readers.
Focus on building one strong relationship at a time rather than mass-pitching dozens of publications. Quality editors appreciate writers who understand their specific needs and consistently deliver excellent content.
Remember that rejection is normal in this industry. Even experienced writers face rejection rates of 70-80%. The key is learning from feedback, improving your approach, and persistently pursuing opportunities.
Your expertise and unique perspective can help thousands of people make better financial decisions while building your writing career. The personal finance industry needs more qualified voices sharing practical, actionable advice.
Which personal finance blog will you pitch first? Share your target publication and article idea in the comments below—let’s support each other in building successful financial writing careers!