ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: How I manage my money on payday: Income, Expenses & Savings

[@nischa]

From this video: Click File and Make a copy to use the Intentional Spending Tracker (free): nischa.me/intentionalspendingtracker

[@milenavu]

Hi Nischa, I can't seem to download it

[@praveen4snaveen]

@@milenavu I got the email after 10 mins.

[@Jonauz]

It does not seem to be working..

[@SonNguyen-zy2go]

@@Jonauz same for me

[@Jonauz]

I just figured it out, at least for my case. I assume I had signed up for some content previously using my email, and this time, it fails to send, because email is already registered. You have to use new email (silly), and it might work. (I had to do so with email alias)

[@SiaukemLam]

Money doesn’t grow overnight, but with the right investments, it can grow exponentially over time.

[@АллаМаклак]

Patience is key in investing, just as it is in gardening. Watch your wealth grow over time!

[@CodieSanchez-d6x]

Thanks to my financial adviser, I’ve experienced the benefits of being in the market long enough to see substantial growth.

[@Benjamin-t9f5b]

Oh, really? I have never thought of that as an option. Can I ask who it is you've been working with? I bet I could use some help myself.

[@CodieSanchez-d6x]

Nicole Anastasia Plumlee can't divulge much. Most likely, the internet should have her basic info, you can research if you like.

[@Benjamin-t9f5b]

Thanks for sharing, I just looked her up on the web and I would say she really has an impressive background in investing. I will write her an e-mail shortly.

[@celecha]

I actually like manually paying my bills and not setting up direct deposit. It works for me because it reminds me how much I'm spending and reminds me to check my budget more often

[@mohammedosman88]

same here

[@richgale165]

A word of caution from a real world experience, if something happens and you're ill/in hospital, these bills may not be paid (even though the money is available) and add stress to an already stressful situation for those around you. Hopefully it never happens, but for the peace of mind I would urge consideration to automate the critical ones!!

[@Tidbit0123]

​@@richgale165 This is a great, and unfortunate point I have never considered before. Thank you :)

[@ARMYStrongHOOAH17]

Same! I view AutoPay as analogous to giving someone a key to your home and telling them to come in and take whatever they say you owe them. I got burned once by my Cell service provider. I sent a phone back that I did not like and they said they inspected it upon arrival and deemed it to be damaged (it was mint condition when I shipped it to them, and it was wrapped and packaged very well). I had autopay set up and they automatically drafted $300 from my bank account to "cover the damages" while I was in the process of disputing the damage claim. I don't remember if it overdrafted my account or not, but if it did, do you really think they'd cover the overdraft fees after my dispute was resolved? Since then I've decided no more AutoPay. If I can't manually pay, I find a different service provider. Plus, as you mentioned, I find the routine of sitting at my desk and handling my finances while sipping my coffee very empowering and satisfying. I pay all of my bills on payday or the Saturday after so I no longer cut the due dates close.

[@frankfei9130]

It is good idea, but a better idea would be having a monthly review of all your expense using excel or a personal finance app like mint. That way you know how much u are spending regardless of how you pay your bills

[@hashassassin830]

Nischa, I've been a fan of your videos for over a year, but this one is a mark above the others. The more budgeting advice, the merrier are we viewers. Keep up the hard work, and thank you!

[@nischa]

Really glad it's helpful!

[@hashassassin830]

@@nischa One video request if I may: paying down out of control credit cards correctly and efficiently, as well as general advice for credit cards in general

[@prestigious5s23]

@@hashassassin830 I'll second this! MY CC is 4k the last year as I' keeping a family of three afloat on single wage so struggling big time to get it down.

[@smnimtiaz]

I wonder why are such useful life tips not taught at an early age. These are simple concepts yet critical in defining success or failure! You rock Nischa! Keep educating us!

[@ArchanaRajasekar]

Ya I had the same thought too... We r thought so many things we hardly use in life.. money is something everyone needs to know about and not even a basic lesson on it😮

[@NenadRadibratovic]

Nothing of life importance is not taught in School and it's for reason. They ( whoever they Are, AI, aliens ) keeps humanity in low evolution stage with focusing on negative emotions. Humanity is enslaved. They were so over-advantage over us that they gave us all tech. in the last 50 years , just so that we can wake up and start running for our dear life.

[@duppy623]

But hey, the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell!

[@CorieCupcakes]

to balance chiefs to indians population.

[@jackstevens5691]

Have you spoken to a regular teenager recently? There's no WAY you get them to sit down and focus on subjects like mortgages, pensions and savings, or at least it is very very difficult to do so.

[@afamolisedumkwu1618]

Your video pop up whilst I was studying and my goodness I am now binging on them. Literally covers every aspect very detailed but yet very clear, precise, eloquent, understandable concept, infographic is amazing, no jargons. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏I am grateful I stumbled on this.

[@dragonphoenix8]

I like the 3Fs: Fundamentals, Fun, Future. These groups help me to identify which things I must keep in the budget (fundamentals), which things are optional (fun) and how I'm going with long term savings (future). Very easy to use.

[@mickdaggy4091]

Pro Tip: Never own a boat. Always have a friend who owns a boat.

[@spokenpriestess]

GREAT TIP! 😂 I'll keep this one in mind 🤌🏾

[@janapeiffer51]

😂🎉

[@MindGymMeditations]

😂😂😂

[@journeyfurthur6396]

My dads boat was named “Idle Money” 😊

[@user-uk7xi6nx9b]

😂

[@SandraChirs5m]

Investments are the roots of financial security; the deeper they grow, the stronger your future will be."

[@AgnesGiselaA2]

The deeper your investment roots, the stronger your financial security will be in the future.

[@MatthewAidan4ns]

Exactly! With my adviser, I’ve cultivated deep investment roots, strengthening my financial security for the future.

[@JamesOliverr7s]

I would love an introduction to an adviser who can help me strengthen my financial roots.

[@MatthewAidan4ns]

My CFA NICOLE ANASTASIA PLUMLEE a renowned figure in her line of work. I recommend researching her credentials further.

[@JamesOliverr7s]

Thank you for this amazing tip. I just looked the name up and wrote her.

[@davidthomson7815]

I agree Nisha. As a fellow accountant I had a similar spreadsheet every month of the year to take account of expenditure/income patterns. I also recommend regularly monitoring your bank accounts. I use IT for savings investments and tax returns. You can make Tax returns easier by collected the data through out the year. Cash savings use ISAs £20k a year income/gains tax free. As well as running expenses keep a list of assets and liabilities. Well done Nisha with this clip.

[@ladymallowyt]

Thank you for sharing the tracker. I love how simple it is. If you're a compulsive spender like I was, one thing that really works for me is having a separate debit card for spending on things like groceries, clothes, shopping, and eating out. I have a standing order with my main account which sends an amount once a month to my spending debit card. It really helps me save money on things that I don't need

[@jordanmabou962]

i can't download the tracker any idea?

[@ladymallowyt]

@jordanmabou962 did you click on the link in the description?

[@jordanmabou962]

@@ladymallowyt ok i get it thanks

[@LuisSilva-xi7qq]

never thought about this!!this is an a mazing advise. my accounts are all over the place at the moment.

[@sebastianlilavois3412]

love this idea, thanks for sharing!

[@iamtomwood]

Nischa, I don't think words can explain how grateful I am for this video. I've been trying to get my finances under control for longer than I care to admit. But this spreadsheet has really got me dialed in and the future has never looked clearer. I've had spreadsheets before to track my income + outgoings, but this simplicity of this sheet hits differently. Thank you! I'll come back to this video in 6 months time when I'm finally debt free, and will continue to use the sheet!

[@nischa]

Gosh just reading this now with the biggest smile on my face! So pleased!!

[@sabrinacordeirot.4363]

And, did it help?

[@iamtomwood]

@@sabrinacordeirot.4363I forgot I left this. 2 months ago I became debt free! Obviously the spreadsheet didn’t clear my debts for me, I had to do that work! But damn right this spreadsheet helped me dial it in every week! Thanks again Nischa!

[@jacquelineallen-joseph3830]

Using your spread sheet this month. I'm so excited. Sometimes you realize that you have enough to reach your goals and you can see where the waste is. Just setting up spread sheet has given me this info. Instead of shooting in the dark, I have clarity. I LOVE IT!

[@mintywoodfine2047]

I can't download the spreadsheet - all I get is the instructions of how to open it. Could you tell me how you did it? Thank you!

[@rubryc1557]

Should have watched the video sooner instead of saving it for later. I came up with a tracking Excel as well at the start of the month, but your sheet is way better. Thank you for making it available for free. And I wanna thank you because it's thanks to you that I started monitoring my money this year, and my life has improved 😊

[@nathanmoore7120]

Can you use this spreadsheet on Excel? If yes, how do you open it in Excel as it is a Google spreadsheet?

[@rubryc1557]

@@nathanmoore7120 there's an option to download it. It will ask you in which format. And then you can use it as a regular file.

[@spikeydude114]

I think this is a great approach to make the Needs/Wants/Savings more practical and concrete !

[@muhammadtufique6742]

First of all, I really appreciate your accent and fluency and secondly you've delivered tremendously well the topic. Thanks for sharing.

[@hysse040]

I love her content and how she breaks its down and makes it easy to understand!

[@TabzDabz]

Thank you so much for this tracker, Nisha. I've already tracked my last month and can see now where I have to improve. Let's say there's work to do :D Keep it up, I'm so happy that I found you!

[@nischa]

It's a pleasure! Short-term pain, long-term gain :)

[@jimmiepatrum]

@@nischa I love "short-term pain, long-term gain." It's going to be my new mantra! Diane

[@mintywoodfine2047]

I can't download the spreadsheet - all I get is the instructions of how to open it. Could you tell me how you did it? Thank you!

[@TabzDabz]

@@mintywoodfine2047 Hi! Sorry I didnt see your question sooner. It's been a while that I downloaded it, but you should get a link or a download to the email that you provided. Did you figure it out yet?

[@vicioustide]

Started tracking my money at age 22. It truely works if you do it on a daily basis! Same with tracking exercise and calories on a daily basis!

[@andysikora3160]

It is actually very important to have control over your expenses. Very helpful tips

[@robertalbert9922]

You are like a motivational speaker. Very enjoyable. Uplifting to the disposition. Bravo!

[@vijayshah4880]

Nischa, in simple words “ YOU ARE THE BEST” keep sharing

[@aneesa4252]

Just downloaded the tracker. I’ve used various ones throughout the years, but this one, especially with the percentages, is absolutely my favourite. Thank you!

[@riyahiranandani8148]

Can you share the tracker please? Link is not working

[@mintywoodfine2047]

I can't download the spreadsheet - all I get is the instructions of how to open it. Could you tell me how you did it? Thank you!

[@aneesa4252]

@@mintywoodfine2047 Have you checked very bottom of the spreadsheet where there are then various options to click on?

[@masonminister3505]

Would love if you could do one around credit cards and the use of them. I recently got a lower credit score because I stopped using my credit card as much as I had in the past, just couldn't fathom that logic. Thank you for such amazing, clear and simple videos Nischa :)!

[@msKita43]

Exactly, what I needed today since it's the first of the month. I was just writing down my expenses while at work lol. I've just been writing things down on a lined sheet of paper when I'm at home. They get folded and misplaced all the time. I mean things get paid on time and I'm not drowning on debt but it's not consistent. Thank you!

[@BeyondEducated]

A fantastic structured video on managing your finances. I've created my own to my needs but used the % for the 'money buckets' which is quite eye opening actually. In practice the hardest part about this exercise is the discipline to stick to the 'fun' and 'savings' bucket even if it is automated.

[@miiarttv]

I have the same excel sheet system but this is waaay better! In my excel sheet, I can only see the percentages after the month is done - and regret the overspending I’ve done 🥲 But yours will show the progress as soon as I input the amount! Thank you for this, will surely use this asap! Love your content as always! Cheers from the 🇵🇭✨

[@SvetaKuzn]

Thank you Nischa for this tool and wonderful explanation ❤ Watched it 3 times, but gladly its pretty short for the big value it makes. I have a different system for keeping track and plan my spendings, but tried this view and it gave me more understanding of how i could rebalance my money based on this 3f system. I did tweak the percentage values, i put 60/20/20 and this seems work perfect for me. I have small kid and working remotely, so i switched transportation to nanny in my essentials 😌

[@grfk22]

Thank you so much for this! I always feel so overwhelmed with tracking/saving/planning. Have you maybe done a relevant video for freelancers or small business? That would be so helpful to start off!

[@K114LED]

I have been using something similar for a very long time, key note to take from this video is to analyse and reflect on your spending once completed the spreadsheet.

[@__ThisisJ__]

Hi Nischa. I got your sheet and it's really good. I was using a Notion free template but with yours, the "actual %" of the spending is a great way to track. Thanks for the share and your work. Cheers.

[@sirheisenberg4459]

Every week I buy more of whatever is the lowest percentage of my portfolio and try to keep everything around 10%. Please what could be my safest buys with $400k to outperform the market in 2024?

[@NorthCarolinaForward]

I'd avoid the index funds, mutual funds, or specific stocks for the time being. The 5% fixed incomes are the safest bet for now. Save your cash for when the market actually shows sign of recovery.

[@PremSteve-yg4de]

Many people minimise the importance of counsel until their own feelings become overwhelming. A few summers ago, following a protracted divorce, I needed a significant push to keep my firm solvent. I looked for licenced advisors and found someone with the highest qualifications. She has contributed to my reserve increasing from $275k to $850k despite inflation.

[@SavannahMitchell-b3d]

I've been looking to get one, but have been kind of relaxed about it. Could you recommend your advis0r? I'll be happy to use some help.

[@PremSteve-yg4de]

'Rebecca Nassar Dunne’ is the manager I use. Just research the name. You'd find necessary details to set up an appointment.

[@type-r3x]

She appears to be well-educated and well-read. I ran an online search on her name and came across her website; thank you for sharing.

[@Chessbox09]

Really appreciate what you do for us Nischa. You really genuinely care about financial literacy. These pdf/videos/courses and other resources that you provide are such a welcome suprise. Thank you!

[@AW2011S]

I started filling in a budgeting book in 2020 and it really helped to focus my spending and making note of saving etc. I used to use spreadsheets but found that after working on a laptop all day, I never updated it daily but I do with my journal.

[@amybaitley6791]

I really like how you have broken the budget up into the 3 Fs, thank you so much for making it easy and not intimidating.

[@joshuanapoleon6874]

Thank you very much Nischa for making this template resource free to download. I'm a final year student and this will help me prevent lifestyle inflation. Thanks a lot !

[@CharleneCong]

Great job Nischa! I just launched my personal finance KZbin channel, and your video served as a fantastic source of inspiration! 🥰

[@corriedf]

Your videos are always so incredibly informative but I loved the organization and breakdown you provided in this one especially. Thank you for making finance and budgeting easy for the average person to understand.

[@amaan-aaa-786]

Thank you for this tracker! The video was easy-to-follow and actionable. I'd go a step further with the non-spending 'Fun' bucket using Peter Komolafe's approach of listing your non-essential spending in a hierarchy of importance. I used to think that all non-essential spending needed to be cut down to max my income-expenditure gap but putting down the ones that mean the most to me (e.g., gym memberships) makes it easier to justify which non-essentials are worth keeping and which could actually be cut.

[@Italianized_]

@nischa, you are always surprising me with your content. So simple, easy and valuable at the same time! I admire your work, you are doing a really good job!

[@M0stlyH4rml3ss]

Thanks a lot for this, @Nisha! I've watched a number of your videos in the last few days and the clarity with which you set out your advice is really helpful.

[@sheilaopatchen2267]

Oh my gosh!!! I have a “budget to actual” excel file that I started when I was in college over 2 decades ago. It has made it through countless computer crashes and life changes. I showed it to my husband when we were dating and he laughed and said I was being way too organized about it. But now, if we ever want to do something like buy a car or whatever it is that would change our budget, he asks me if I have an updated budget we can look at….i always have it on the ready. I am an accountant also so I guess it’s just part of how my mind works hahaha! 😊

[@ld5714]

I found your channel about a month ago and have been watching ever since and like it very much. This video is particularly good and I'm planning introducing your channel and this video to my son as he's going through some challenges right now. You are incredibly attractive, intelligent, and I absolutely love your accent and pronunciation of words (I'm in the US) altogether it's a killer combination. Keep up the great work and solid, relevant content Nisha! Thank you.

[@olesyaherfurth3016]

At last, I have a clear overview of managing personal finance. Cordial thanks, Nischa🙏 .

[@tuneshiaroach7393]

i think this is easier than the one I have. I am not consistent enough to open my budget book. I need a simple digital spreadsheet like this.. thank you Nischa

[@jimmiepatrum]

How have I not seen your channel before? I just downloaded the spending tracker and I will be studying it tonight. Thanks much. Diane

[@nitinjain6919]

I see your video first time, I must say, you are a Keeper, elegant and intelligent.

[@beab8738]

I have a very similar excel sheet after getting tired of apps. It's the same as yours from the 3 categories to the 50/30/20 rule and automatic percentage. I do include a tick box which I go through each month. It's easier than creating a new budget each month.

[@brandyannhunter2099]

This tick box version sounds interesting! Would you consider sharing a copy?

[@nainashrivastava-v8b]

I'm following you from my 3 accounts now, and I'm super glad i did . Great work with the worksheet! More power to you !!

[@mxmus08]

My banking app automates this process of tracking your spending across different categories, which I find useful. The template is a good idea if your are serious about taking ownership of your finances. Looking forward to the free masterclass, and thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge.

[@paid2chalk439]

I downloaded your tracker a few weeks ago and we LOVE it. Thanks so much!!!

[@Kimanixo]

Love how you explain things! Very calm and direct

[@mpink8907]

Nischa! I've been following you for a while now and have binge watched your videos for the last year, but THIS tracker has by far helped me with my finances. Thanks so much, it's really helping to shift my mindset!! One question: Do I track expenses right after I get paid end of the month (so JAN 25th - FEB 25th) or do I track spending on a month to month basis?

[@Sam-ue4rv]

Giving/Charity should be in all the columns.. more you give more you shall receive..😊

[@Azureandfabricmastery]

Thank you for the tracker. Useful and informative. I have been watching your videos every sunday and now managing my money much better than before!

[@binkyandgunther]

omg congrats on 1 mil nischa!! you are so awesome in the personal finance space. keep up the good work 😊

[@AzharKhan-zr6jz]

Hi Nisha, I’ve been watching your videos and finding them informative. This one in particular is really helpful. Thank you.

[@sabineSermuksle-se1zx]

as a student who wants to do more for my future, this is amazing, thank you!

[@lakesnlawns222]

Great, as always, and so timely for me. Thank you so much for the tracker!! You saved me some time with that. Much love 💕 from Canada 🇨🇦

[@marielledejong4278]

Thank you Nischa for this video and added tracker! It has been just so easy to fill out and it was such an eye opener especially to see where most of my money is going to! Started this year with a lot more clarity on how my financial situation is at the present and where the options are for me to get it balanced in the coming year! I always have struggled with a variety of sheets and systems to keep track of my finances, but your easy and clear tracker , especially those percentages!!, just makes me coming back to it, even just for fun! Thank you so much for all your videos and all the work and love you put into them! 💖

[@ellg6719]

Can you help me out please. Despite the instruction I CANNOT USE THE FILE

[@JimmyA-ku5gg]

The mic setup is fantastic! A welcome change, best of luck to you and your channel!

[@lifes_questions]

Thank you for this video!! So enlightening. 🙏🏾 I LOVE the idea of the 3 F’s! 🤩 I already created my monthly budget for June, but I will definitely implement this strategy for July. I will tweak the “Fun” category to include “Essential” and “Non Essential” fun. There are elements in the fun category that nourish my mind, body and soul and are non-negotiable. However, to your point, the question I ask is “Is there a less expensive option that will bring me the same amount of joy, happiness and/or fulfillment?”

[@albertoalvarez7623]

Thank you again Nischa! Love the lighting on your video, the feel is looking great.

[@DavidChijioke-hc8ub]

This was really helpful Thanks a lot Nischa

[@aaisha...]

This is such a useful video Nischa! Can you make a video to explain step by step how taxes are paid in the UK for those that are doing side hustles/freelancing while still having a day job? I want to start a small business from home but the idea of calculating taxes is making me anxious. Thanks in advance! :)

[@jimmytran6517]

Nice video! You should consider putting the "future you" column before "fun". You mention pay yourself first, which is what I ascribe to. Folks should consider defining their savings rate first and then see what's leftover for everything else.

[@MrMarshEnglishClass]

I am a total Excel Spreadsheet nerd when it comes to our household finances. My wife pokes fun at me for it, but I know she appreciates the time I put into keeping things together for our family. I am totally geeking out on this video and nifty spreadsheet you shared. Thank you!! I imagine I can swap out categories and add more if I need to. I'm curious if you still hold to the 50-30-20 percentages (as you referenced so many changes we now face since 2005) or if you have another suggestion. I also think it is interesting to count my pension in the beginning. As a teacher, I have a large amount deducted for my pension, but I have come to just live without it. I also like how you suggested having separate accounts for different savings. I am going to look into that with my Ally account. Thanks again!

[@natkim9876]

Nischa, you are so amazing! You make the future a brighter place ✨

[@itskellyyb]

So helpful as ive just bought my own place so paying bills is quite new to me thankyou 😊

[@Remmo_Uk]

Thank you so much Nischa! I'm just about to change jobs and take a massive wage cut (50%) in order to do something else that makes me feel happier and healthier, yet I'm so worried that I won't be able to make ends meet. Your video and tracker have given me a starting point (and confidence) for being more in control and understanding not only how to make the most of what little I will have in the midst of massive rising costs, but also what I extras (if any!) I can afford.

[@GlobalizeEmpathy]

Youre intelligent, helpful and absolutely stunning and elegant. Thank yoy for taking the time to make helpful content on your channel.

[@ProsperityGrowthPower]

00:05 Effective money management is crucial to achieving financial balance and control. 01:39 Calculate your total income by including all sources of income and deducting taxes. 03:16 Allocate your net income into three buckets - essential needs, enriching experiences, and future investments. 04:57 Step Two: Month at a Glance - Fill in the color-coded columns for fundamentals, fun stuff, and future you. 06:32 Automate bill payments and categorize expenses for better money management. 08:04 Assign categories to your expenses and track your spending 09:44 Setting up automatic transfers into a separate savings account is recommended for paying yourself first. 11:11 Reflection on spending and adjustments for better financial management

[@lordverbik1589]

Nischa this is the best budgerter so far. You have made some before. I had some from other creators. But this one is so simple and easy to use! Exactly what I needed. Thank you! Btw there is a easily fixable mistake in one condition. The "actual %" of "future you" colour is supposed to be (J10) > but it actually (J10) < ..... That's why it's red when below 20%

[@nischa]

I’m really glad! It’s meant to be that way round as it’s meant to flag up if you’re saving less than you aim to :)

[@tiffany_sant]

Finally! A budget spreadsheet that makes sense! Thank you!

[@pixeldebris72]

Thank you so much for this. I tried to make the Google sheets myself and couldn't figure it out. I appreciate you!!!🥰

[@shreyanhce315]

When peopke told me everyone need a man or a suger momma , I say all we need is knowledge ! ❤ thank you nischa u are a true blessing ! Self love is the best form of love and self financial stability is the best kind of financial support 🎉

[@LivingGuy484]

This seems like a great tool, the only thing I can think to add is a "Remaining" section next to total, to see how much budget is left

[@simplyaizhan]

Could you please do a video on investing in gold? Buying gold jewellery vs how else to invest into gold and is it worth it?

[@MrRisseh]

Being aware and in control of personal finances has lead to positive personal balance sheet and greatly reduced money related anxiety. When updating excel next time, gotta look through the 50-30-20 -lens.

[@Mujcanal]

great content as always. I hope this will help you: start budgeting, simple excel spread sheet is enough. You will see magic then !

[@iainmacpherson2726]

@nishca. Like any business cash flow for the family budget is the "most" important aspect that always seems to be overlooked by budgeting calculators....add a date of anticipated expenditure to the spreadsheet and see when you (or hopefully don't) dip into the red....

[@teekaymoneychannel]

Love this video, the importance of money management cannot be emphasised enough

[@codedfotography]

your videos have become my weekly routine

[@TheChefAli]

Thanks for a simple way to track my budget. I've created my own budget spreadsheet, but it was more complicated. QUESTION: How do I incorporate my side-hustle expenses in the spreadsheet?

[@DaveM-FFB]

FYI, the biggest fail on credit card budgeting is failing to manage "unexpected" expenses. In my experience, most (but not all) unexpected expenses should be expected! People regularly spend money to attend weddings and funerals. People go on vacation. Household appliances break down. Cars need maintenance, etc. Don't put these types of expenses on a credit card if you cannot pay for it in full when the bill arrives. You need to fund a savings account (monthly) for unplanned, but not unexpected expenses, along with other infrequent expenses, so you will have an available bucket of money which will allow you to pay for unplanned and infrequent expenses, so you don't wind up maxing out your credit cards.

[@alchaudhari]

Thank you Nischa! Great planning tool. I am going to try it for 2024. I am loving it already.

[@lindahughes9207]

I set the same amount of amount of money aside every month that must go into investing after paying all my bills, half my side hustle money is thrown into my existing emergency fund, like to have at least 2+ years of expenses saved(yes a good buffer). Other half of side hustle money is set aside for a vacation, I do my own facials & nails and trim & dye my own hair, the money you save is huge!!

[@godwin_njoroge]

I keep coming back to this video because I’ve found it to be so helpful. Thank you so much Nischa

[@gblakney]

Nischa: just started working with this tool, and it's already yielding valuable, actionable insights! Question: Say I go out to dinner and put the $100 tab on a credit card, then when I fill in the tracker, this gets lost in debt service. I assume that all these categories are cash-based. Debt service is a fundamental, but I incurred that debt in a "fun" category. How should I track this?

[@rubenfresco2212]

I have a question: what's your way of tracking big expenses in a way that keeps your monthly totals and percentages meaningful? Do you record the entire expense in the month it occurs, or distribute the cost evenly over several months?

[@gyangupta9995]

You are right, Its all about will power. I believe Compounding habits leads to success

[@emmaquenby2324]

Hi Nischa, I heard you say in a recent video (can't remember which one now) that your monthly shopping budget is £120 which just amazed me!! Please could you do a video on how you keep your shopping budget so low? Thank you, Emma :)

[@Ptaszqq]

I've done the numbers today and I'm positively surprised. My career sky rocketed in the past 3 years and even though my salary is really high I felt anxious about money and still felt guilty with spending. Apparently saving 50% gives me a room for a guilty free spending. Hope I will sleep calmer now :D

[@rickydoa9198]

mind me asking what you work as?

[@Ptaszqq]

@rickydoa9198 I'm a software engineer, currently senior role. I've put a lot of investment into self education. I have no degree but I was never cheap on courses/books/workshops and it really pays off

[@Teeagz]

This is such valuable advice ❤ definitely going to interpret this spreadsheet into my life

[@ivanangeli]

I also have "investment" bucket where I put 50% of my neto income. 40% goes on fundamentals, and 10% on fun. But can;t be doing that anymore :) After couple of years of doing so my income has raised 300%, but fun is still small, and my wife wants some luxury in our life (like a comfy bed, modern kitchen apliances and similar, noting fancy, just to stop living frugal life). If we do it for one and a half year more, our house will be fully paid off, and we will own bussiness that brings us new house every 3 years. I just can't do this to her, being on zero at the end of every month, so I plan to take a year off frugal living, buy all the stuff for house that are one time buy (like a new bed, apliancess, furniture (again, nothing fancy, something that works good, though), and have some funds alocated to the savings, so we have backup - THEN, I plan to pay off house - in next 3 years I hope financiall situation in world will be good and I will also update my bussiness in those 3 years to raise the amount we bring home every month

[@george7246]

Thank you so much for this advice. Love the way you make everything seem so simple. Have a super day!!! Love your honesty and the great vibe you give off. Take care!

[@sgt_hobbes]

I tend to use a budgeting app. The trick to budgeting apps is you need to verify all the transactions are in the right category at least ounce per month. I suggest doing it on payday so there's not that many transactions to fix

[@stephaniesmith2991]

Absolutely love this - I only wish I had it earlier. My only question, where would house renovations go?

[@Mary-fy8st]

🥰 love it. Your template is simple. Mine I've downloaded and converted my bank statement as this is already categorized. Then I'm gonna follow your excel format with the fundamentals coming fr the bank statement. Now I can assess easily.

[@roslynnpieters4969]

Hi. Very simple but effective. 2 Questions: 1. If you use your credit card for most of the expenses (I. E. Dining out, Entertainment, etc) how would you categorize the paying the credit card expense and the fun expense without duplicating the amounts? 2. If you are paying off specific debt already, would that be fundamentals?

[@declanjennings896]

I would suggest you transfer your cc balance to a low interest loan and clear that debt and treat as a fundamental repayment (debt obligation) and any additional spending goes into its own column each month Then clear your cc balance each month via 100% direct debit so no interest paid