How I Saved Money and Time Recording My Podcast

I have had my podcast, The Money Exchange, for a little over a year. I was recently asked, what did I wish I knew when I started my podcast? One of the things I wish I had known was I could record for free, yes $0.00, noting, zippo. When I first started my podcast, I thought it was important to be in a studio with expensive equipment, so I went on a search for one near by. I connected with someone who had access to a studio which he gave let me use at a cost and he was also provided editing services. This studio was 20 miles or 23 minute drive one way or 40 miles 46 minutes round trip and longer if there was traffic. I was excited and ready to record my 1st episode. I was then told the access to the studio was limited to certain days of the week and they time slots that were on a 1st come, 1st serve basis. I said, no problem - let's get started. I had guests lined up and I was ready to go. The picture above was in this wonderful studio. I was working with a great young man, who helped me get started. After a couple of situations where I had to reschedule guests due to the limited schedule or the studio closing due to weather, I decided to post a question in a FaceBook group asking other podcasters how did they record their podcasts. Many replied back with Zoom and a few shared with me the type of microphone  and headset they used that would work perfectly with my laptop. I went on Amazon and purchased both, I believe it was a one time investment of $69-$89 but never used it.  I am not that great with some types of technology so I was a little hesitant in trying this approach. Then one day a guest that I had tried to secure a date and time for the show could not make one of the available and said to myself I will try Zoom for this episode and I did. I am so glad I did. It was awesome!  I was in the comfort of my own home and gained back almost 2 hours in my day on 'podcast" day. I still have to get it edited but using Zoom saves me time by not having to drive back and forth now I simply look my the schedule and confirm with the guest. I travel a lot, so using this platform also allows me the ability to record while I am on the road. It is so convenient and easy to use. Had I known this when I first started I would have been able to secure others guests and save a lot of time and money on the process.

Prior to Zoom:
In dollars, I paid for:

• Studio time
• Gas to drive back and forth
• Editing
• Graphic creation/editing for social

In time, I spent:

• 40 minutes or 43 miles in the car (without traffic)
• approximately 45 - 60 minutes recording the episode 

After Zoom: 
In dollars, I pay:

• For editing
• A one-time investment of $69-$89 for the microphone and headphones 

In time spent:

• 30 minutes recording.

I am excited to share, The Money Exchange podcast is now available on Apple and Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, and Pandora. We have had great guest on sharing financial tips. Pictures below using my laptop and Zoom at home and on the road. Loving it!!! 

Any questions on how I got started or other things I learned in my podcast journey, please leave a comment. 
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