Great question. Instead of giving you my response I read the other experts' response to you and I back what Trent said.

The exception though, that i wouldn't write the articles first. Develop your content first. So that when you invite others for feedback and their support on their own case Studied they have good selection from you to read, and have something they like. There is no point in kissing media butt if once you have their attention you give them no reason to talk about you.

To your question:
There are two types of monetization (both are lifestyle businesses) :
1. Revenue through paid sponsorship. You know this, Google Adwords to begin with. Then if your traffic increased significantly you can pursue your own ad revenue. Similar to what Instagram influencers do each time you see them take a pic with a bottle of some pills or juice blender or something.except that this will be static image with referral/affiliate linkage to third parties ecommerce.

2. You focus on your niche right, but you take it a step further and find a niche whithin that niche. Like saving money on everyday life for who? Or for what goal? This allows you easier spreading of your idea because it eliminates your need for explanation as to what specifically or for whom? And thus makes your message clearer. But better yet it allows you to become an expert in the field! Is a niche, but once your an expert in that niche your universe expands! In this case your expertise and single minded niche dedicated traffic, will be leveraged to sell a specific product you 'endorse' by making every other article an article about a particular product that helps people save money. A lot of use use this by leveraging Amazon and posting a picture of the item with a link to Amazon affiliates and the posting this one pinterest, fb and even having Google ads! (Budget this depending on your item of sale)

The lifestyle business is not as glamourous as people who make money touting this make it seem. The idea is that if you are starting off with below average financial responsibilities , there is no need for you to fall into the cycle of getting into debt to 'grow' a lifestyle blog can give you what you need to live a good life because you have little to no debt. Once you grow it substantially you can make a lot of money and then it can be glamorous however for the majority of bloggers this is more of a weekend spending money type of deal. But trust me, the more your targeted niche is the better.

Give me a call if you would like to chat a bit more!