In 2016, I quit my job of 9+ years, became debt free, networked with some incredible people, started my first GoFundMe campaign, started my own website, co-founded a new business project, went to more music festivals and gaming events than I can remember, qualified for my first Credit Card in over 8 years while earning 110,705 bonus point miles my very first month and discovered how to wake up every day with a sense of purpose.

I never thought that my life would change so drastically in such a short period of time. It’s crazy to think that this all happened because I took that first step to pursuing my own dreams just a short while prior. It’s definitely been my best and most life changing year to date and the beginning on an exciting journey ahead.

Here is how I did this December and what my plans are for 2017 and beyond.

For the sake of completion on a year in review, I decided to also include the totals of each of my income streams for all of 2016 as well.

December Update

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This month, I finally had a chance to start on Simon Sinek’s Start With Why after finishing Tim Ferriss’ 4 Hour Work Week.

I originally wanted to purchase this book for myself for Christmas, but a friend happened to have it at his place and he offered it to me after I told him I had my eye on it (shout outs to Harry Kong!) after a few other friends had recommended it.

I also got to spend some time this month out in Los Angeles to see the The Chainsmokers, who put on an awesome show and brought out the legendary Backstreet Boys!!!

The nostalgia was real!

(Thank You Silverio Travels for the video clip!)

My eBay dropshipping store has slowly been growing. We are currently at 5,813 items and increasing every day, thanks to my wonderful virtual assistant. I’ll be training her to assist me in processing orders so that my 1st eBay store will be entirely hands off by the first quarter of this year so I can have at least 2 more stores up and running by the end of 2017.

 

As mentioned earlier, I was very fortunate this year to have been able to pay off all my debts. By doing so, I finally boosted my credit score high enough to allow me to qualify for Chase’s Sapphire Reserve credit card which offered a promotion for 100,000 point miles if you spend $4,000 within 3 months.

With my dropshipping business model, this was simple, as I spent more than double that amount each month on product purchases alone. With the 110,705 point miles I earned, the flight I plan on taking to Asia this year will be paid with no expense out of pocket!

 

I attended a music festival called Countdown NYE (Thanks again, Harry!) and closed out 2016 with awesome Trap artist, NGHTMRE.

I had an amazing weekend with family, friends, and loved ones and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to end the year.

 

Now that we’re all caught up, let’s get into the income report I prepared for this month!

INCOME REPORT

Income from Ebay

During the month of December, I set a goal of $2000 but fell just shy of it due to a few returns that cut in to the profits.

To be completely honest, I expected much higher sales numbers this month, but it seems like more people did their shopping through brick and mortar stores this year. Nonetheless, I still came out at the end of December with a total of $1973.98 – only $26.02 short of my goal.

Not too bad for only working 4 hours a week on this business!

Total eBay Profit December: $1973.98

Total eBay Profit 2016: $15,761.11

Income from Cashback

Cashback was something I wish I took more advantage of when I first heard about it a year ago. I completely ignored it thinking it wouldn’t make much of a difference.

I discovered that I earned about $2000, that I otherwise wouldn’t have received (for FREE), since July this year.

If you’re a big online shopper like I am, make sure you read my article here to see how you can start saving today. Why not get paid for something you’re doing already anyway?

TopCashBack – DEC: $235.62 | 2016: $1437.01
Ebates – DEC: $29.10 | 2016: $364.31
Splender – DEC: $0 | 2016: $54.90

Total Cashback Profit December: $264.72

Total Cashback Profit 2016: $1856.22

Misc. Affiliate Income

With the launch of my new website, I started looking for ways to monetize it while still providing a valuable service.

I started recommending products on Amazon, web hosting services that I liked, and courses that I took on Udemy and in turn made a commission on each purchase.

 

This is an ongoing learning process for me and I hope to continue to update these products and services so they continue to be beneficial to everyone.

Total Misc. Affiliate Profit December: $20.33

Total Misc. Affiliate Profit 2016: $121.92

Income Breakdown

 

2017 and Beyond

On top of automating my eBay business entirely and creating 2 new stores, I want to stay on the path of personal development and read more books this year. I also want to pick up a new outdoor hobby as well as learn to video edit to document my journey in Asia. I will continue to make new posts, document my findings along the way, and strive to pursue even more revenue streams this year.

In 2017, I want to continue help spread my message of happiness by making life what you want it to be.

Just a little over a year ago, I never would’ve believed that I could make dropshipping the vehicle to entrepreneurship and happiness for me. It brings me to tears to know that I was able to accomplish one of my biggest goals in life this year and I’m excited to see what the New Year brings for everyone.

I want to personally say Thank You for taking the time out of your day to follow my journey. You may not think it matters, but to me it means the world. If you’re a reader, let me know! I’d love to hear from you using any of the forms of social media below:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch.TV

I also made a Facebook Page for my website here. Be sure to give it a like!

Love you all!

“You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.”

– Jim Rohn

How was your 2016? Share your successes in the comments below!