3 Tips for Sticking to a Tight Budget

[@jenniemaceachern1080]

Truly grateful that this channel is back with direct, relatable, and immediately applicable and actionable advice!

[@mappedoutmoney]

Hey thanks Jennie, that means so much. Really glad this was helpful.

[@mappedoutmoney]

Let me know what your favorite thing to spend money on is! Quick Jump Sections 0:00 - Intro 0:33 - Tip #1 2:45 - Tip #2 6:03 - Tip #3

[@hbmartin64]

#3 eating out after church with friends and just plain eating fast food

[@mark_getset_go]

I like spending money on my garage. To be more specific, my home gym and woodworking. During the pandemic, I've made the switch to working out at home. I've had to purchase some additional equipment to round out my typical movements. I've found I really like working out at home. I do miss the community of my gym, and will go back eventually, but in a different manner. Due to the pandemic, I also started focusing on some DIY home improvements with my wife. I stumbled upon woodworking and found it to be very satisfying, even relaxing. My profession is in IT security. Working with my hands is the kind "change of pace" that brings a smile. Overall, my wife and I have been honing in our spending to be about experiences, rather than things. Our house is a sanctuary and will continue to get dollars assigned appropriately. But, we are learning to spend less on stuff that doesn't bring a meaningful experience to our lives.

[@mappedoutmoney]

Love it Mark. Big fan of all of that. Have you seen "Woodbrew" on KZbin? If not, check them out. Some of the best woodworking KZbinrs out there. Totally get the enjoyment of working with your hands after being at a computer all the time. Appreciate you sharing,

[@mark_getset_go]

@@mappedoutmoney Thanks for the tip! I had not seen Woodbrew and their videos look great. I've been watching Steve Ramsey of Woodworking for Mere Mortals. His channel is focused on people with small spaces and learning the basics. Woodbrew will be great for inspiration and growing in the hobby.

[@mappedoutmoney]

@@mark_getset_go Oh nice, that's cool. I'll definitely checkout what Steve Ramsey is doing. That sounds helpful.

[@HibiscusHigh]

Awesome! 😊

[@erakkovaatainen148]

I live on tight budget always. Even when I made better money. I feel like money doesn't buy happiness. I mean you need money, but as soon as you have basics covered you are satisfied. I do not live to work, I work to live. You can live as minimalist with tight budget for months on one payroll. This is what I could, but I didn't. When you get better paid work, you are going to spend... I spent too much even when I was "tight". Now I am tighter and my income is less, but I live happy and satisfied. These tips are so great, thanks!

[@hmspain52]

Love the sign in the background (sorry, my mind wanders at times) "MAKING IT UP AS WE GO""

[@mappedoutmoney]

haha, I'm glad you noticed it! I was wondering if anyone did :)

[@byamberkri]

@@mappedoutmoney I noticed it too! I love that sign as well 🥰

[@conureron3792]

Need to apply that 1% better a day to my weight loss, too!

[@mappedoutmoney]

haha, it works in all sorts of areas for sure!

[@fafa1648]

In my experience, exercise and financial health go hand-in-hand. I've found if I'm exercising, I'm likely on top of my budget. On the flip side, when I'm being super lazy, no tracking calories, and not exercising, I'm pairing that with horrible spending habits.

[@LibbyWebbp]

After starting YNAB in March of 2020 - and having a call with you Nick, we’ve been able to really dial in our budget and focus on our future early retirement plans and seriously increase our investment budget lines. It’s exciting to keep finding more money in our budget to move to our investments. Grateful for your advise. This video is spot on! It can be depressing when you feel like you are just sacrificing all the time, but having a vision of what you’re working towards makes it so much easier. Great job!

[@mappedoutmoney]

Thanks Libby! So glad y'all are still pushing forward and dialing in your budget. I can't wait till I get an email announcing your early retirement :) It'll be here before you know it

[@kencigrayson8586]

I spend money on my nails once a month. We also have a lady clean our home. I have zero guilt. I'm providing income for 2 great ladies in our community and it takes so much stress away. I realized when the house was a wreck I wasn't able to be the parent or wife I want to be.

[@mappedoutmoney]

Love that Kenci. Sounds like a win win win all around!

[@devlinfae]

I definitely needed this. Had to cut out a lot to focus on essentials and debt, and it’s been hard.

[@mappedoutmoney]

It's definitely not easy, but it will be worth it. Keep your head up friend. Thanks for watching!

[@eleanort2149]

Great advice! So much better to spend on what's important vs. having guilt for buying things that don't matter.

[@mappedoutmoney]

Totally agreed Eleanor, appreciate you watching!

[@michaelboulware1240]

Once again, very helpful video.

[@mappedoutmoney]

Thanks Michael!

[@lesleydonnelly2622]

Love this video, really sound advice. Made me think of what I want to next. Thank you

[@mappedoutmoney]

Thanks Lesley! So glad it was helpful for you!

[@conureron3792]

I do enjoy spending on my conures. Looking, in fact, to expand the aviary. So I started a fund to get another aviary for a couple of birds. Also, “spending” on investments. Yeah, I shouldn’t be investing when I am still trying to pay down debt! I just got caught up in it. That joy does wane when the market drops, though. I think, now, I need to get back focused on paying down the debt - at least for the next 6 months. Once “debt-free” I can look at investing some more or accumulate savings - to build my emergency fund.

[@mappedoutmoney]

I love this Conure Ron. We're big animal people as you know, and totally understand the investing. Both paying down debt and investing help build wealth in the long run, so I'm glad you're doing both!

[@ht3099]

Would love to see more YNAB related videos for small businesses and profit first videos!

[@mappedoutmoney]

Thanks S F! Good to know and appreciate you commenting.

[@andrewmiles2204]

How are the kayaks coming?

[@mappedoutmoney]

haha, they aren't! We finished saving the money up a few months after I made a lot of those YNAB videos, and then... after more thought.... we changed our minds. We decided they would be too troublesome to mount on the truck and use, so we shifted the money elsewhere. Now that we're in a house and near the water, they'll be back on the list this year!

[@notyourtype404]

Great advice!

[@mappedoutmoney]

Thanks Becca!

[@hollybudgets3452]

Pets for me too Nick. Although I think I need to increase this area of my budget a bit so need to find a few places to cut from 😃

[@mappedoutmoney]

Heard that! Those pet expenses add up fast. Thanks for sharing Holly :)

[@QuesttoFIRE]

Solid advice😎🔥

[@mappedoutmoney]

Thanks! Appreciate it

[@TheBencowher]

Great video! Its the trajectory not the current state

[@mappedoutmoney]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@faithtownsend6225]

I love spending money on books. I keep telling myself that I need to stop, but now..... I can just budget for that spending.

[@robdogracing]

Nick mentions McDonald’s, KZbin advertising McDonald’s... 🤔

[@mappedoutmoney]

haha, it knows!