About Me

Hey there! I am Emma Brooks

A few years ago, I was stuck in a cycle that felt impossible to break—working as a marketing coordinator at a mid-sized firm, staring at spreadsheets, sitting through endless Zoom calls, and living for the weekend. I had done everything right—got my degree, landed a stable job, and paid my bills on time. But deep down, I felt like I was treading water.

How It All Started

At 23, I was making $45,000 a year, barely saving anything, and drowning in student loan payments. I’d scroll through Instagram, watching people my age travel, work remotely, and build businesses. I wanted that freedom, but I had no idea where to start.

Then, one random Tuesday night, I stumbled across a blog post about freelancing. It wasn’t some flashy “make six figures overnight” scheme—it was a simple guide to making extra money online. That night, I stayed up until 3 AM researching.

I started small—offering social media management for local businesses. My first gig paid just $50, but it felt like proof that there was another way to make money. Over the next two years, I expanded into freelance writing, built an Etsy store selling digital planners, and dabbled in e-commerce. Some ventures failed miserably (looking at you, drop shipping), but others took off.

You can follow my personal journey on Pinterest and Instagram. Here I share my more personal space. See you there!

Why I Created Finsides

I started Finsides because I know how overwhelming it is to escape the 9-to-5 grind. The internet is flooded with advice, but no one really tells you what actually works. I wanted to create a no-BS guide to financial freedom—real strategies, honest advice, and actionable steps that help you make money, save smart, and design a life you love.

And no, I’m not here to tell you to stop buying coffee. ☕😉 Instead, I’ll show you how to earn more, work smarter, and take control of your financial future—on your terms.

Let’s build your dream life together. It starts today. 🚀

Scroll to Top