This is not meant to be investment advice, but when I started nearly a year ago, my ultimate goal was to power up as much as possible. I wanted to increase my vote strength and work my way to dolphin and eventually whale.
By doing that - even when STEEM prices were way low, I kept working at it. It was a timely blessing that STEEM and SBD were doing so well in the market because 2 power downs allowed me to pay for a week's house rental for one son's bootcamp graduation; travel with a Disney weekend for another son's graduation from bootcamp (with his fiance), and a new computer for my other son.
It didn't happen overnight and it's not been easy. If you look at the amount of comments/posts I've left, it's pretty significant but the key for me has always been engagement. I will RARELY swing by with "nice post" on anyone's blog. COMMENTS are the life blood on Steemit. You may even find days when your comments earn MORE than your posts. It happens -- quite frequently actually. Consider this as you build your tribe and navigate the Steemit waters :)
Thanks so much for your advice. It is very helpful. I actually powered up a bit today. That is why if you look at my wallet, I have little steem dollars right now, I put them either into steem or steem power. I am learning, little by little and do so appreciate the advice of others as I try to negotiate these waters. :-) I too will leave thoughtful comments when I view a post. I want to make long term friendships as much as I need to make some money. Thanks again, @merej99, I am so grateful for your guidance!!