August 2020 Paycheck Budget Recap | Budget Tips + Expense Tracker

Ryen & I are talking about our August budget numbers! Not only do we show where our dollars went, but we also discuss our failures and what financial goals we were able to accomplish.
What do you do with your budget after the month is over, and you’re ready to begin a new month? Most people don’t realize it, but your spending throughout the month gives you some incredibly helpful information.
One of the first steps to creating and sticking to a realistic budget is tracking your expenses. Your spending is the underlying foundation for creating a budget and ensuring that your budgets in the future are successful.
If you are not aware of where your money is going, you can’t make the best decisions for your dollars. Today, I am going to show you how to extract all of the vital information from your expense trackers using three helpful worksheets.
➡️ HOW I TRACK MY SPENDING: bit.ly/3aIe89I
➡️ HOW TO USE A BUDGET CALENDAR: bit.ly/2IzF2Vj
➡️ FINDING YOUR WHY: bit.ly/3aJUryj
➡️ THE BUDGET MOM'S FINANCIAL FREEDOM STEPS: bit.ly/3cfJXsp
➡️ HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE CASH ENVELOPE METHOD: bit.ly/2vQJaO5
➡️ HOW TO CREATE A PLAN OF ATTACK TO PAY OFF DEBT: bit.ly/2wDETxF
➡️ USING LAST PAYCHECK OF THE MONTH TO COVER BILLS IN THE NEW MONTH: bit.ly/363m9oC
➡️ HOW TO CLOSE OUT YOUR BUDGET: bit.ly/2Ltmtnp
➡️SAVINGS CHALLENGES IN 2020: bit.ly/2MUInRw
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
07:09 Category Breakdown
14:42 Debt & Savings
18:24 Spending Comparison
25:27 Conclusion
ABOUT ME
I'm the blogger behind www.thebudgetmom.com. I have a rambunctious 6-year-old son, live in Washington, and I'm passionate about helping people with money management and personal finance. Let me know what you like to learn more about! Leave me comments and suggestions on my video and let me know!
YOU CAN FIND ME AT:
📝 BLOG: www.thebudgetmom.com
📘 FACEBOOK: / thebudgetmom
📸 INSTAGRAM: / thebudgetmom
📌 PINTEREST: / thebudgetmom
GET STARTED
➡️Start Here: www.thebudgetmom.com/start-here/
➡️Free Email Course: bit.ly/2UYgNFf
➡️Free Resources: bit.ly/2PDmTHz
➡️GET 10% OFF my popular Budget-by-Paycheck Workbook - Coupon Code TBMKZbin bit.ly/2CR7U9n

[@tanissacarter]

Would love to see a video of Ryen doing her from beginning to the very end. Especially since she still currently has debt

[@tspacefullstop4161]

Since doing the Budget by Paycheck, which I started in January..I know where my money is going. I was invited to a end of year work dinner, the price was enough to say no but I could emphatically explain my reasoning. 1- I'm saving for a Christmas trip with family. (Christmas sinking fund) 2 - I am looking forward to another Christmas work dinner thats within my budget. Having such clarity is a game changer for me, it allows me to feel confident and to be organised with my finances!

[@ayannafraleymoore5265]

I really, really love and need this! I know it’s been a challenge for you to find content for your KZbin channel, so thank you for continuing to do these budget recaps. I learn something new each time, AND the repetition of information is important as well. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@mai_world]

Thank you so much for sharing w/ us! This is a process every month. Watching you two is like hanging out with girlfriends. Such a crack up.

[@organicallyhannah]

Your dark hair looks amazing. Really suits your features

[@pollydolly9723]

You guise 🥰. Still learn something every time! I have started to plan out my 2021 budget, and am going to make a “me” envelope, even if it means that I cut back my food budget. I really think it will feel great to not have to feel I am “stealing” from myself when buying a new mascara or lunch with a friend.

[@LittleWilliams91]

I have one called "self care" for this exact reason! Clothes, beauty (pedicure, etc.), lunch with a friend, coffee, all of that. Makes me feel good knowing I'm not stealing from other areas, like you mentioned.

[@rev.ruthe.gallot9103]

I really like these comparisons videos that are so positive. You show that the tools can be used in a number of different ways and that there are different categories/priorities/goals for different people and neither is "wrong" or exclusively right. It is about looking at your own situation, setting your own goals, and working toward them. Great video

[@kyleleesherman1201]

I Love watching you both so much! You ladies are changing my life! You both are So beautiful. You are helping so many people. I want to do what you ladies do.

[@IndieAccords]

I love the budget recaps. Thank you so much for doing them every month. They keep me motivated to keep budgeting

[@Jesus-kt5dc]

*Honestly your natural hair color looks absolutely beautiful.*

[@ResourcesWithMarie]

I WISH YOU SOLD A HIGHLIGHTER SET....YOU ARE THE CREATOR OF THE HIGHLIGHTER METHOD.

[@turisteandoentexas]

I agree! She is a pro! Definitely ♥️

[@AHStanley94]

Ryen is so pretty and I just love her personality. 🥰

[@jillrobertson2841]

Same. I think she's cute as a button.

[@thebudgetmom]

You're so sweet!! Thank you!! 🥰 - Ryen

[@thebudgetmom]

@@jillrobertson2841 Thank you!!! 🥰 - Ryen

[@kristinarawlings2258]

You guys always have so much fun! I love it. My husband and I each have allowances and they change every month according to what we need or want.

[@njhendritrini3234]

I am finding that I like the analysis that this step sparks. It helps you to see what is important to you.

[@teresadavis5985]

You literally look like Joanna Gaines with your black hair!!!👍👍👍

[@babe8917]

TERESA DAVIS oh yeah they really do look alike

[@candy2325]

TERESA DAVIS omg yes!!

[@njhendritrini3234]

She’s building a empire like Joanna Gaines for sure.

[@michellemorales401]

I love how you ladies have similarities and differences and how they both make total sense. I simplify at the end of the year, like Miko. However, monthly I break it down like Ryen. 😁 My August was off by $9.34. My categories I was over in was Debt, Savings, Groceries and Medical. I was under in Gas & Miscellaneous, which are both huge WINS for me. 💙💜💙

[@verebudgets4828]

I am loving your videos about budgeting! Thank you both for sharing!

[@jadiecakes3241]

I needed this, seeing you guys still go over budget. Ive blown my budget for this pay period. I had a terrible haircut on friday so not only am i paying to have it fixed tomorrow (because no way am i going back to that salon), but i also bought a dress i didnt need today because it made me feel better about myself.

[@turisteandoentexas]

Just so your comment and I was like...thats me...Don't worry,! I think we all do that once in a while. Investing in yourself should never be a bad thing. You can do more amazing when you feel good and if one dress does that, so be it. You should include a little spending extra for yourself every month. ♥️

[@jenlibertowski3984]

Love this. So helpful to see two different budgets! And I love "her life is not on pause while she's paying off debt.

[@TheFinancialFreedomDiary]

Love this recap! After I'm deft free, I have been worried about how to handle the different savings that I need to do. Watching this help me understand that I need to prioritize my savings.

[@CornflowerBlues5]

Great video. I love watching you two together. When Ryan starts giggling, I always laugh too, it makes me so happy ☺️. Thanks for helping us get financially savvy!

[@phyllisandrews3277]

Love these recap episodes!!

[@prayersponytails6227]

I love bloopers! Yay for explaining an allowance! My husband and I have one too 👍👍

[@yvonnejohnson2109]

I just wanted to tell you I was able to pay off one of my debts today.

[@jadiecakes3241]

congratulations!!

[@DelfiaC]

😲 Thank you thank you. I have been looking for this type of budgeting for a long time.

[@melodymonfort9504]

Thank you for all of the great info. I can't wait to get my workbook boxed set.

[@budgetingtracytravis3118]

I have been bing watching your videos. I noticed the hair change a couple videos ago, was talking to the TV " OMG she changed her hair. It looks so good." LOVE the new hair.

[@gibythankam6735]

I was just wondering when the video is going to come😊 and voila🎉 Love your natural hair, looks great on you. More power to you.

[@cupcakes873]

Love all the breakdowns and organization of it!

[@desteepooful]

I have struggled with this page in the BBP workbook and this gives a good explanation

[@fatyel7580]

I like your friendship/ work relationship. Thanks for sharing these vids they r so helpful and inspiring ❤️😊

[@sylvia5642]

I enjoy your videos so much 😂😂😂 Ryan is a very good dog mum 😍 And to Miko: I love your ombre nails. Thank you for sharing your numbers

[@bargainmama5860]

THANK YOU so much for all the ideas.

[@rosemarykusak2812]

I learn so much from this. Thanks for sharing.

[@drossoftapps8208]

You can carry out the calendar method using the Saru app available on Android, iOS and Windows. It has a nice calendar with category and account icons that will help you manage your budgets and track your expenses. In addition, it indicates the balance that you will have in your accounts on each day of the month.

[@luv2cook5]

This was helpful..i started my 52 week challenge in August when you posted the video..I'm doubling the amount every week..saving for a bed and a couch..thank you miko i pre ordered the BBP book as well I'm really looking forward to it but also kinda nervous because i wanna do everything right ..thank you 💕

[@jennythomas3208]

Thanks for the wonderful videos. could you please do a video showing us step by step how you track using receipts etc. do you use a trackers on your envelopes or your receipts or both?

[@Birdmom1823]

Love your videos so much 💜💙💜💙💜💙

[@vanessathemobilenotary]

Woo hoo another video love u Miko ❤

[@hopejackson9521]

Love you two!

[@ruthwailes2690]

Next month when you do your month end recap, can you show us what you do with you sinking funds pages please.

[@Breatheandbudget]

Yes!

[@michellemorales401]

Miko has some videos on IGTV on her Sinking Fund pages and how she totals them up for the year and shows how to use the trackers. Sorry, I don't have the exact link to share, but hop over to her IG. The Videos go waaaaaaaay back to when she still had debt and lived in her tiny apartment. 😊😊😊

[@ruthwailes2690]

Michelle Morales Thanks Michelle - I’ll check them out.

[@ghofrane799]

Love this!

[@lialuver]

Great video and thanks for helping so many for feeling financially secure. I’m new to your channel and wondered if you had any videos on budgeting once a month paychecks?

[@LupitaGo2]

That’s an amazing idea.. I also am not using my Fun money because I live in California and in the most strict county due to COVID19 so I am going to give me a personal allowance.. thank you😁

[@beatrizaceiton2685]

I've been debt free for about 6 years or more. 30 dollars per month on groceries on total I've spended since January. Groceries is my only thing to spend money. 🇨🇦❤

[@jennwendel9432]

You should do a video on what’s covered and not with your pet insurance.... you probably have thought of that, but thought I’d mention it, as that is good to know!

[@carolyneastman6095]

The volume is back....yay!

[@blaqt107]

Miko with or without highlighting you look great. I liked the highlights on you. I'm in the service, so I can't do highlights, I have to keep it natural. So I get excited if someone does something to their hair.

[@nancyval325]

Didnt know you couldnt have highlights while serving! Hair coloring is routine for some and never thought that's something one would have to give up. Thank you for your service!

[@sharonostrowsky37]

Ryen - Like you, our last paycheck every month also goes towards the next month. We understand how to carry over income and handle the bills but where we get stuck is this: How do you decide what to put in the “monthly budget” column when you close out the month? Example - if in the last paycheck you decide $300 is for groceries, when you close out that month’s budget, how much of the $300 would you count in the “monthly budget” column vs count in that column when you close out the following month?

[@amandavelong83]

Thank you for talking about when you overspend in a certain category and how you handle it. That always confused me!

[@pamanderson4321]

I love your Channel and the budget recaps (I have learned a lot!) I wanted to purchase a Budget Workbook but they were pre-sold, will you have another shipment of the coiled Budget Workbooks to purchase?

[@blancahull7085]

Do you know when the full size Budget By Paycheck will be available again?

[@lucilavazquez5506]

Will these amazing workbooks come back?

[@jenniferwilliams3093]

I love your videos! Please tell me that only the pre order BBP workbooks are sold out and not all of them??😩 my sinking fund was finally enough to get one and some cash envelopes and a Filofax wallet and they are all sold out. Please give me hope that I can try again in October to get one lol

[@suemiller294]

LOVE YOUR NATURAL HAIR COLOUR!! I HAVE A ?... in Canada, they like you to use debit...harder than a cash envelope during Covid . Any suggestions other than adding a column allocating what you should use ??

[@GingersnapMomma722]

I need your budget workbook to be available like NOW because I finally have the money for it & NEED to get it to start my journey 😭😭😭

[@SWATFORGODMINISTRY]

SAME

[@julie7035]

I was wondering how high are the chances to get the budget planner in October or November? I'm really afraid I won't get one the next time either.

[@brroookkeee]

I feel like you’ve mentioned Ryen is your assistant? So do you pay her yourself? Is that her only job?

[@mommywag123]

I sure hope the workbook comes back in stock for preorder! Not sure how it gets sold out on pre order but it did.

[@crystalgale15]

She explained why in her IG. The geist of it is, she had a pre order so that her TBM team (they are only 4 people) will have enough time to package all the orders and ship them out during the launch day. TBM is a debt free company and she only sells whatever she can afford in their budget. Don't worry, they will have more on the actual launch day on October 15 as they are making more right now. 😊

[@mommywag123]

That makes sense. I don’t get on IG often so must’ve missed it. Thanks!

[@spudman12382]

Question.... when we buy food for the cat and 2 dogs and cat litter I assume that should go in the pet funds correct?

[@iw1646]

Hi! Are long-term saving included in zur your sinking funds? I never know how much to put aside for eg house repairs in the (hopefully far) future. Do you have a tip for that? thanks for your videos anyway!

[@katiepilgrim7983]

Where do you get your paper to make your sinking funds or how do you go about making your own? Love your channel!!

[@melanielester2106]

Hi..... If you subscribe to The Budget Mom blog/emails there's a free resource library of printables 🤓

[@darcyfox6674]

When will the Filofax be back in stock?

[@morganroyFS]

It would be so great if you could do a graduate student budget. I am on the struggle bus with this. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@lizethsolis7620]

The only thing I’m having a hard time processing is savings and sinking funds and how that looks on your expense tracker! Please help

[@elsaperales3943]

How do I start???? Do you have a KZbin video where do you start?

[@SLRoth]

I came across a FB video of Kumiko doing her cash envelopes. That totally grabbed my attention, because I have never been able to manage my money. My checks are around $800-$900 every 5th and the 20th. They are gone within 4 days of being paid. This paycheck I'm going to invest in this method and see how well I can do. I'm super excited to follow along with y'all. Even more excited to finally budget my money and let all the living from paycheck to paycheck stress out of my life. Are y'all using the Living Rich Planner in this video or which one is it? Not sure what to purchase to get started.

[@sasscoze3091]

She has a lot of free downloads on her website and sends out freebies every Friday as well to her email newsletter subsciber list. That may be a good place to start. She also has so many helpful videos on her website and Instagram feed including IGTV. Good luck!

[@josephinetirado2758]

Hi there....I know that your new paycheck by paycheck planner launched on 10/15. I was unable to order it then. Will you be selling the again?

[@averildaniels7479]

Do you think you will ever have a digital option on your book because I like doing things on my iPad. Pllleeeaaaseee..

[@karinapark2299]

Same!!

[@docomo279]

just to clarify (struggling newb here)... to get the september start balance, you take August total monthly income 3976.02 and minus everything in the where did my money go ?

[@alaska340]

Where can I get this notebook ?

[@prettybirdie17]

Miko, when do you account for an expense on your checking's expense tracker? I am a cashless spender and always get confused if I should mark it the day I actually made the purchase or if I should mark it once it clears. I feel like if I wait until it clears when it's so close to the end of the month, then it will not be an accurate summary of my month's spending.

[@Breatheandbudget]

She adds it to her expense tracker once it posts.

[@Athenaslife]

Where can I buy this workbook? Thanks for sharing... I just found you and I’m so excited about getting started.

[@MarkitaD]

Budgetbypaycheck.com or thebudgetmom.com

[@abnaprn]

Next time you spray /neuter look into programs through the Humane society. SNAP is in many states

[@fkahlo.]

My partner doesn’t like the idea of a personal allowance. He said no 🙅🏻‍♂️lol

[@megand8979]

Is the checking account cushion included in the starting balance?

[@Sara-qs8ps]

YES :-)

[@michelledowell2608]

HELLO how can i purchase this work book

[@debbieescobar2203]

I love👍🏻 the video but it was a bit blurry for me.

[@SimplySam23]

Do you consider the monthly amount due for car payments and school loans Bills or Debt Payments. For some reason my brain considers it another Bill. If I pay more than the amount owed that month, then I would be considered it Debt Payment. On Ry's breakdown of Debt & Savings- she has her car and school loan Bills as money toward debt, but if she is just paying the amount owed each month, isn't her extra money just going to savings? I'm asking because I'm struggling to pay off both a car and school loans as well.

[@thebudgetmom]

Hi Samantha! I do count my minimum payments as a bill, however I categorize it as debt when closing out of my budget. I typically always make extra debt payments throughout the month. I hope this answers your question! -Ry

[@soravelora]

I’m so early omg 😂

[@beccaannhome]

Love your videos! I understand most of your process. But I don't understand putting your starting balance money into your income at the beginning of the month. Then at the end of the month you count that as savings you did that month. Aren't you basically counting that money over and over every month??

[@Breatheandbudget]

Her starting balance is what she had left over and since it will be used in the new month, it is counted as income. Also for the most part any money in her checking she rolls over is her checking account cushion which she keeps consistently at $1,000 and replenishes it when needed. However, if she does tap into it, she has to track it in her starting balance since she’ll be counting the transactions she spent it on. Hopefully that makes sens

[@JesusFreakJene]

I have about 18 accts and I have my biweekly checks transferred into my accts. I have now been able to save for my yearly house insurance, auto insurance and my home taxes. Ive had my savings 1K and havent touched it. This part boggles my mind. When I see colored columns, my brain freezes. I cant move forward. I think I may be a numbers person and not a color person. At my work, they use a program that shows appointments highlighted in colors and I cant use it. I stare at it and my brain freezes. Any ideas of what other styles may work for me to track my expenses? I want to tighten up to get more saved. Thank you.

[@ruthwailes2690]

Try using different shapes at the end of each row, so like a star for groceries, a circle for gas, a square for pets, etc. And then add up all the stars, all the circles etc to get your category totals

[@lillyvanshtup8595]

I am not a highlighter person either. What I do is, I made boxes with titles above them and wrote whatever I spent inside the box. So in the expense tracker page, I have a box for groceries, another for personal , savings etc. Make them as big or small as you want. Thankfully there are multiple pages so you can have several boxes. At the end, you just tally everything underneath that box and then proceed to "Where did my money go". Also makes it faster..... For me at least.

[@JesusFreakJene]

@@lillyvanshtup8595 That sounds like a great idea. I will work on the way you explained it. Thank you.

[@taramcdowell6342]

You could still write everything out the same way and just make sure the category column is labeled clearly. Then when you go to tally everything up at the end of the month, just look for the category words and not the colors

[@maureenpluthero8543]

What kind of car did you buy where the payments are $500 a month? Seems expensive.

[@Sara-qs8ps]

its a Ford Focus, the same as I have

[@Ravenlove2012]

Sometimes it's the interest. I have a car that's 425 a month. Half of what is owed in interest apparently. Its nuts for a 2011 car

[@shayannecialfi9005]

I have a Toyota Rav4 and my payment is $500 with only 3.5% interest cars can be expensive

[@TigerLily_YT]

Does anyone remember which lash serum does Miko use? Is it LashFix? I've been trying to find a video about it on her Instagram, but cannot see it there anymore.

[@cgbehles4]

Lash Boost by Rodan & Fields

[@TigerLily_YT]

@@cgbehles4 thank you so much!

[@AmbitiousHarley]

I want to be consistent.

[@michc4742]

Does Chris budget? It seems like his portion to the household is small.

[@averildaniels7479]

Why not call it celebrations instead of holidays because that is more encompassing... just a thought.

[@daynawilton5576]

My mom recommended your channel to me but I’m afraid I see a number of issues with this breakdown. Mathematically, these percentages are non-sensical if you’re using your previous month’s savings as income, because you’re double dipping. If you don’t spend the money this month or the following month, it’s considered savings both months? I get that putting pen to paper makes you mindful of your spending and that should be enough to get you into the mindset of saving, but to pass this off as analytical data is kind of silly, especially as you’re manually writing it in, tallying by calculator (so much room for human error) and rounding up. Also highlighting things only visually speaks to how many times you bought something in a category, not how much you spent. I think these workbooks are more for a meditative practice than for analysis. Instead of percentages, It may make sense to just use the totals and compare them month to month to month or compare them to previous year. If it’s all written down, it may be hard to pull that information as needed.

[@mirainoivuyo984]

I don’t use this workbook or system for the reason you stated but I do watch the videos because I like the message she promotes about being mindful about your spending through tracking. There’s value in this kind of busywork and it’s helped a lot of people. My left brain dominance keeps me from doing it this particular way because I agree about the math being kind of weird and being unable to extrapolate the handwritten data easily. Month to month is probably good if you’re just starting to budget but not for very single month for the rest of your life because every month is different and your sinking funds come into play to throw it all off along with other “life” things.

[@Breatheandbudget]

If she saves money in one month but spends it in another month, it is added to that month as income because that is the month it will be spent. It isn’t double dipping. In the month it was saved, it was tracked as income and then moved to savings. In the month it was used it was reintroduced as income and tracked once spent. Hopefully that makes sense.

[@mirainoivuyo984]

Yeah I’m not too sure if double dipping or double counting is happening either. The money that was saved gets reintroduced with the intention of being spent so it’s not saved again. The comparing percentages from month to month is probably more the issue. If you added say $2000 from sinking funds for an unrelated expense, your “income” is higher and therefore that effects your spending percentages even if your behavior were the same. Like you said, it may make more sense to compare amounts than to compare percentages month to month. Percentages may make sense if doing like a yearly or quarterly overview. How does one do that in this workbook?

[@brookekahue76]

@@Breatheandbudget If you reintroduce it as income, that's counting it twice.

[@Breatheandbudget]

Brooke Kahue I just don’t see it as double counting because we are reintroducing the income in a different month than we originally put it to our savings/sinking funds. If we don’t reintroduce it, then our expenses would not match the “income” of that month.

[@joannamoore4477]

I just got my cat fixed at $280 . I have full insurance and also got zero back 🥹