BBP REAL LIFE BUDGET | Single Mom + Living in Orange County

It’s time for another Real Life Budget. We asked my readers to submit their REAL information. Real spending, real debt, and real savings goals.
I am taking those real-life numbers and showing you how I would organize and budget that information using my Budget By Paycheck® Method.
In this video, we are going over Chelly’s financial situation. Chelly lives in Orange County, California, and is a single mom to two children. Chelly is an Administrative Assistant, and she does receive some state assistance. Chelly has done a great job with reducing her bills to only necessities, and she has some major financial goals that she’s working towards.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
03:47 Why & Personal Story
05:08 Income Schedule
05:30 Debt Picture
05:48 Fixed Expenses
07:00 Variable Expenses
07:29 Savings Goals
09:20 The Budget by Paycheck Method
14:46 My Recommendations
➡️ 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
ABOUT ME
I'm the blogger behind www.thebudgetmom.com. I have a rambunctious ten-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

[@MoonlightBlisss]

I miss the budget planning videos. I don’t care if they are repetitive. Being able to watch them and have that new content helps me start motivated and less lonely on the journey.

[@angiladavis-smith6848]

I know her priority seems to be getting a house, but I think if she used part of the house deposit money and paid off her car loan it would free up an extra $300/mo she'd still have a good chunk of money left and her emergency fund. She could start building back up the house fund with the $300, plus buying a house right now isn't the best idea with the economy the way it is. Just a thought.

[@candy2325]

I agree ☝️

[@jcroche1995]

I agree. This is what I was coming to comment.

[@brookenigh]

....and a helpful thought at that! I love how your thought was non-judgmental and another great perspective.

[@Nieyonce]

😭 Good for you Shelly 👏🏻 some of us are 40k plus in debt she should feel so good!

[@SpellFinder]

This budget video had perfect timing! I’m going through the same thing where I’m having to look at all of my goals and decide which ones are more important to me. I can’t find everything I want. It’s time to decide what to prioritize.

[@leixmoon]

I love your real life budget videos! I've learned so much from them. I'm a working (first-time) mom and have been "adulting" for the past two years when I left home and joined the military. Learning how to be independent and how to balance everything has been tough. Although my checks aren't where I would like them to be, I'm so thankful the military offers great and affordable daycare. Knowing my son is being well taken care of while I'm at work reminds me just how blessed we are at the end of the day. Thank you for all you do!

[@alomtz10]

I had to watch this one again ❤ I’m single mom as well, and struggling with BARE minimum in the Bay Area, Ca. It sucks when you are left behind to put everything else 1st but can’t make it financially nor time for yourself mentally on all this. “I have a dream and goal, I will make it” ❤

[@briannamassey5150]

Get so excited when a budget breakdown video is posted!! 🎉

[@scottb6269]

Excellent advice. Some other thoughts... 1.) Look into a less expensive phone plan like Google Fi. Purchase a Motorola 5G phone for around $80 or less. They work fine and will save tons over time. Google Fi plans are $20 per month plus $10/GB for data or look into with Mint Mobile for $20 per month including 10/GB data. This can save you $50 a month ($600 per year). 2.) Use the house savings to pay off the car. Once the car is payed off, restart the house savings account and add in the additional $300 that would have gone to the car payment plus the normal amount that you would have been saving for the house. I can not say enough about the power of being debt free. 3.) Think about different ways to celebrate the holidays to save more money. the current holiday amount of $1,600 is almost half of the annual car payment. AWESOME job. Stick with it and you will reach your goals sooner than you think.

[@the_caffeinated_hustle]

I love these types of videos! Always gives me new perspectives for my own budget! Thank you!

[@KisnCozns51]

Kumiko, I so appreciate your channel! I've been using it to share with the young people around me so they can get a head start on getting their finances in order. I also appreciate these RLB's! This practical minded person really loves how you break things down in step by step order. Well done! A couple of questions: 1) Have you ever thought of having some follow up videos with the RLB's and check with how the client actually took your advice and what was the result after 6 mos?? It would be great encouragment for others to see that what you're suggesting really works! 2) Have you considered making a homeschool high school curriculum that would teach your basic principles and set the next generation up for success? DR has something like it, but I like the practicality of your system, more likely because I like to be hands-on with my finances. Again, thanks for great content!

[@ggtriestobudget]

I absolutely love her videos! I couldn't have made better turning coming across them more perfectly. I love how she puts everything into perspective.

[@libbysworld7649]

Miko, I LOVE THIS RLB! Probably my favorite one so far.

[@hanab837]

I loved this video and your explanations, Miko. We are evaluating our sinking funds for the remainder of the year and for 2023, and this was really helpful.

[@laurynpawl6839]

I really enjoy seeing this perspective. Always gives me something to think about.

[@mizzelleve]

Shelly you’re doing such a good job ! Keep going 💫💫

[@lindacee2893]

I missed these videos, thanks for starting up again!

[@amandacourtney8143]

Delighted real life budgets back 🙌

[@SeanWilliamsofficial]

Love your videos. Any chance that you are able to do a follow up day 3-6 months after your recommendations to see how the folks are going? ❤

[@vinnyboomba9948]

We send Billions to other countries yet our people struggle. Love these budget analysis.

[@PureLace]

I was thinking the exact same thing. She makes that much and still requires assistance?!?! Our governments are greedy and only pretend to care about their citizens. Here in Canada our government continues to raise taxes on everything, inflation is wild. Literally getting to the point where you have to choose between staying warm or eating and with our cold winters I can see a lot of people going hungry just so they don't freeze to death. All the while those extra tax payer dollars are going to other countries for unnecessary reasons.

[@mariannedressler6784]

Love listening to strategy’s!!!! Very helpful.

[@Justtryintomakeit]

Love these videos thank you

[@lilithofedom]

i love these types of videos where you review the real life situations. My favorites! The more the better i say. thank you for this one.

[@keyeligarcia2074]

Awww yayyy Miko!! I was waiting for these videos. I remember you mentioned it that these would come up. I was waiting for this every Saturday since. I loved watching these while cooking. Thanks!!❤

[@thebudgetmom]

So sorry for the late upload! We had some issues on the backend that took a little longer than expected in the editing process. :-)

[@keyeligarcia2074]

Not sorry needed!! This type of videos are so worth the wait. Actually of our your content is. 😊

[@Lynker]

These are my favorite videos of yours!! I make just about the same as this person, except I still live at home.

[@candy2325]

Great video! She’s doing amazing with her savings! This video definitely helped me reflect and think about my top priorities and work at one thing at a time. Before, I was too stressed trying to save and pay off too many things at once and felt restricted. So now I’m working on my emergency fund to be funded by February and then work on my medical debt in full force next

[@aj_ohler87]

I just discovered your channel today and I am mind blown. I would be interested in having you do a review of my budget. How does that work? What do I have to do? I love how you explain everything. Very down to earth and explained simply. Love it.

[@mioangel1227]

Love it! TFS!

[@saraangel6696]

i would take money from the house payment and get rid of the car loan debt, and then throw everything back to home and sinking funds. buying a home right now it's not a good idea, and vacations are definitely not necessary, they can do staycations. i would keep funding electronics because with kids, a computer is a very important tool and if it breaks down you can cover part of the cost with electronics instead of the emergency fund. but yeah, i would get rid of the debt and then go from there. getting a home with no other debt would be a lot more manageable.

[@colorsofavon934]

Real Life Budgets are my favorite. 😃

[@annmariejones4511]

I love these videos so much…would love to see some follow ups with these folks too!

[@thebudgetmom]

Yes! I always reach out to get follow-ups, just most of the time I don't get responses

[@annmariejones4511]

@@thebudgetmom that’s such a bummer! It makes me wonder if they follow your advice or if they just keep doing the same thing and nothing changes for them…keep rocking, I’m loving your channel!

[@arleymarino8155]

@@thebudgetmom You did my real life budget maybe 2 years ago and I would love to do a follow up!

[@Mrsmadison45]

Fabulous video

[@michellemorales401]

GREAT JOB SHELLY!!! 👏👏👏👏 I usually have a similar issue as Shelly. Too many goals led me to lose my focus. We paid off 1 credit card balance because the interest rate jumped from 14% to 27%. We also paid off my car! 🥳🎉👍. Whoohoo!!! This saved $500/month! On the flip side, we recently charged about $1000 on a low interest credit card. This made me feel like we took a step backward. However, it didn't deplete our savings. AFTER WATCHING THIS VIDEO, I decided to pay off that new credit card balance with saved sinking funds and Hubby's overtime this week! Miko & Ryen- THANK YOU for these Real People Budgets!!! 💙💜💙

[@powsser]

I’m planning on self-funding my maternity leave with savings. I’ve used the BBP method for years, so I plan on paying myself an “income” to keep budgeting. I would love to see a budget plan for someone in a similar situation!

[@abigailschwab288]

Hi Miko, I was wondering if you could branch out and do more self-employed budgets. I am self employed and it’s difficult for me to budget with having an inconsistent income.

[@mandysemmens1567]

Love your videos and suggestions, but I was distracted by your beautiful sweater. Where did you get it?

[@susanwhitbeck4210]

That is the hard thing on prioritizing things on what to tackle first. I have such a huge list of goals and necessities its hard to know where to start.

[@lolgriffin3243]

Our expenses are so high here in Australia! Our car registration is nearly $600 in our state and we have to get an added compulsory insurance which is another $250 (on top of regular insurance). Fuel has always been really expensive but worse now. Food? Don't even go there! The list goes on...

[@gensdebtfreedream]

That’s so high! I’m so sorry you have to go through that. I stress already with this bills and they are not nearly that high.

[@BudgetwithLevi]

Shelly !! You should look for a good realtor right now! You might be closer to buying a home than you think, and if the economy it’s not good you will already know what to do for when the time is right ❤

[@josheenamhyanne]

Are you guys making a new budget workbook for the new year?

[@mrsdls]

That’s where I’m from. I had to move because of how expensive it was.

[@geetakumar1795]

Does anyone know why I can’t find the budget mom budget by paycheck workbook ?!? Is it sold out ? Will there be a new available??? I’m in desperate need of one :( just bought the book by the way !! Excited 😊

[@christopheradalla5631]

Is your work book still available? I can’t find it in your website.

[@emmamarquez9091]

Anyone know if there will be a 2023 savings challenge this year?

[@diamondpaintingcajun]

Where can I buy the BBP workbook the big one not boxed set?

[@bigphilly7345]

How does someone have nearly $30,000 in the bank and the state gives them eggs, milk, bread and who knows what else? “It’s high cost of living in California.” Okay, but she can clearly afford household staples. Stunned no one else has pointed this out. Anyway, still a great video. I sub specifically for these great breakdowns.

[@julia.md2b707]

It would be helpful if you asked them what it being covered by the sinking funds.

[@carmenramirez5176]

When are you guys going to come out with this years planner 😮

[@lekeshahill2477]

Thank you for this video. It was very eye-opening and gave me some motivation. How do I get you to look at my budget? I truly believe it would make a huge difference in my life

[@thebudgetmom]

Send your information to [e-mail] :)

[@louv66]

My idea would be place that $21000 into a certificate deposit for a year or so and have that incurring apr interest there’s some 3.5 - 4 percent apr available take full of the somewhat high rates for cd’s. If they aren’t planning on getting a house within the next couple of years .

[@patriciapification]

❤️

[@latoyaallen1402]

So I can't help but look at that gas amount for the month. She must live next door to the Fire Department or getting a ride to work. Gas prices are pretty high.

[@stacydavis5598]

Are the full size budget by paycheck workbooks not available? I can’t find them on the site:(

[@pbudinsky1]

She’s not printing anymore this year they are all out of stock🥺

[@stacydavis5598]

@@pbudinsky1 oh no!!! That was my plan for Christmas gifts for several people 🥲🥲.

[@thebudgetmom]

We only have the boxed set and printable versions available. We will restock the full-size October of 2023

[@deniseprichett2619]

@@stacydavis5598 I love the boxed set BBP!!! I don’t know why more people didn’t love it. But it would be a really nice gift to people to get them tracking their spending and then they could get the bigger version next year.

[@CDEgirl]

Can I submit one of these? My husband went on Workers Comp making half his regular pay. I feel like we're drowning.

[@marneangel7]

Did i miss how much she is contributing each month for the emergency fund and down payment?

[@aunnahr8833]

How do I submit one? We need help!

[@michelleadams5609]

That really is a high cost area. I don't have kids but I take care of my parents and have a lot of student loan debt. Unless you make over$140000, it is rather impossible to make it here. God bless Shelly! Please don't buy a house for the next three years when the market bottoms out

[@Sun-ocean-beach]

When will the 2023 budget by pay check be ready

[@pbudinsky1]

Not until October🤨

[@thebudgetmom]

We only have the boxed set and printable version until we restock the full-size in October of 2023

[@staciv1064]

I barely make $2,000 a month I need a better job for sure!!

[@elizabethashton9590]

With the child support, shouldn't her monthly income be $5100 and not $4600? And that's $60,000 cash, so it makes sense she's doing OK.

[@rainadavis2889]

Are you able to do my budget please !