CREATING BUDGET CATEGORIES | Budget Tips

[@Havanah2006]

I started using Miko’s formula Nov 2018 & was debt free July 2019. I am still in awe that it was such a short period of time and now only Mortgage debt left - I use her formula every single paycheck. I swear by it 🥰 thanks Miko - Brisbane, Australia 🇦🇺

[@kimberarchuleta1689]

You have helped me get out of dept and we are now saving for a house! I cannot thank you enough for all your information. Hugs from Montana

[@melissastack5983]

Thank you so much for this video! I just received the box set this week (11/23) and opened up the Nov book and started right away. It's an eye opener on where I was spending my money when I wrote it down! $729 on what I call "Stupid Spending" when I could have put it towards my Credit Cards!. Here's to 2022 financial freedom!

[@allisgrace1313]

I REALLY appreciate when you do very focused videos like this! It's definitely what helps me learn best! Your a great teacher!

[@Honeypop252]

Labeling the highlighters is such a good trick.

[@marigarza9201]

I was lucky BLESSED to work 2 jobs at the beginning of Covid paid off 12G’s towards my car but started to slack off on my budgeting (exhausted) Will get back on track, I miss it and most importantly it HELPS!!! Thanks for all the great videos!

[@michellemorales401]

Streamlining my categories really helped me to minimize the budgeting process and save time when closing out my budget. Also, once upon a time Orange (Eating Out) dominated my expense trackers. Now PINK (Debt) dominates my expense tracker. It takes time to get things to be the most EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT, but it's worth it! 💙💜💙

[@xxmstooexclusivexx]

Thank you so much for doing this! After scavenging around the internet for printables to start with and found a few here and there but NOTHING LIKE YOURS!!!😍… once I clicked the link for the budget categories sheet I quickly found every single sheet I was looking for and then some it made my day and saved me valuable time. Your the GOAT thanks again

[@melissaandreag]

I love this! I agree that it’s important to decide the right amount of budget categories for yourself. I’m totally guilty of the “personal allowance” being broad and it’s usually anywhere between $200-$400 depending on the month. I don’t mind though! I know most of my personal money goes to skincare, by far lol, but it greatly varies per month.

[@natashaa1611]

I jumped on the cash budgeting in January and found this is absolutely great I have found out where my money has been going and have saved money and paid off 2 debts it's an amazing feeling I am so happy I found the budget mom

[@brireid8064]

Hey Miko, Would you do a video for us who are in college and what advice/tips on what we can do to set us up for a good future?

[@lsanndrabrackins8169]

Wow, just the fact that you are asking that question now and budgeting is a plus. I had no idea about budgeting at your age…

[@brireid8064]

@@lsanndrabrackins8169 thank you. I try

[@margaretderrouel5715]

I love how you have transactions all fit into categories, I get confused sometimes where to put them but this makes so much sense I'm going to do this thank you for teaching me something new ❤️

[@thebudgetmom]

I am so glad it helped!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Generally speaking, when you have to categorize or organize something, if you have to think about where it goes, you're probably going to stop using it before too long. Go broader with the categories. If you decide that a category is too broad, you can always add a new category that can logically split it into fewer items.

[@BrittneyKeiona]

Ahhh THANK YOU FOR THISSSS!! I remember a little while back I had to take a screenshot of an IG post of yours that showed your labeled highlighters, so that I something to sort of guide me. It was very helpful, and now this video, ON TIME! The more I highlight month by month the more my spending is more visible and I know where/what I need to cut back on or realize if there is a new category that I need to actually start budgeting for.

[@starrchick28]

I had been looking for this video for weeks, never quite had time to watch it as I had tried doing my own categories numerous times with lessons (not failure). I finally got time to watch this and it helped breaking down the categories, letting me have insight on what is truly what in my own budget. Thank you so much Miko!

[@KatieKat-RN]

Best highlighters I’ve ever used! The colors are so pretty too, and have such a great variety of colors as well. Such a great video! ❤️

[@marcywilson6055]

I had to comment and say THANK YOU for letting us know about Ally bank. When you said the word ‘buckets’ a light bulb went off and I saw it as a method I could really use and stick to. I made a colorful and visual spreadsheet showing where every paycheck is going. When we get paid, I update it and make adjustments as needed if we were short or had extra money. I look forward to using my guide and adding money to each bucket and watching them grow. It’s made it fun and maintainable as well. We also started using one rewards credit card for every eligible expense and that visibility has helped keep everything in one place, so at the end of the month, when I get the bill, it should match what I have put into the budget buckets. ❤ Thank you!

[@1time4younme]

This is a very helpful video. I recently got off track with my budgeting, but I am really excited to refocus on budgeting. I know you've explained about budgeting categories before, and I've implemented those ideas, and really enjoyed budgeting. But, something about this video just opened my mind up even more. Thanks so much for all the work you do to continually provide us with help. It is much appreciated! Janet.

[@jennlorence]

Ugh! I struggle with my household category.. but I’m going to make this chart for next month and utilize it going forward-great!

[@LivingSwedish]

I really got into budgeting. It's kinda cool 😎 😂

[@thebudgetmom]

😍😍😍😍

[@thevictoriagoogin]

It really is!! And I'm by NO means a # person...like need a calculator to check my calculator 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ but it's so fun.

[@diamondsandpearls899]

No lie it’s kinda impressive ❤️🥰 especially seeing the results of your discipline

[@teresamunoz91]

I definitely needed help with this. However, one area i have a hard time budgeting is gas! Esp with rising prices. I live in California and where I live it is currently $3.99 a gallon. 4 months ago I was spending $60 a month on gas and this month I spent $120! I am driving the same amount

[@ABCD-si7px]

Can you car pool?

[@bcase5328]

I could say there are about three classes of categories: Fixed, Variable, Irregular. How detailed you really need a category to be may depend on which class it is within. Maybe, Irregular is only irregular if viewed monthly rather than annually. This is something you can work out over time using it.

[@diamondjanedoe4317]

Thank you for this printable. I need this because I can’t keep all the categories consistent! There is only my boyfriend and me and our grocery budget is $600. I’m going to break out groceries, delivery, and eating out. It’s really the Grubhub that kills us because of all the fees. Even pizza is now $60 to be delivered!

[@as052909]

Delivery is a killer! I make what I call pantry pizza everything is on hand always. Pillsbury hot roll mix. Jar of pizza sauce and shredded cheese(always in my freezer along with pepperoni or other toppings). So easy and fun to make and usually the same or faster than delivery!

[@brendahowell5946]

Oh my that's not good!!!!. Make a menu for lunch and supper. then go grocery shopping only get what's on list. Skip junk food get fresh fruit an vegetables in small amounts since it goes bad quickly. It may take awhile to get use to but it pay off in lot ways!!!

[@toniawilcox6959]

I know the budget category tracker is a freebie, but this would be an AWESOME addition to the workbook!!! the page right before the months start?? Just a thought for next year. :)

[@jennnance867]

Miko would consider doing a video where you walk us line by line of writing out an expense tracker? Maybe for a month you’ve already done so we can talk real numbers? I understand writing down when I spend money, where it came from and where it went but I get confused about money coming in as income, money coming in from another account and how to show this from a savings expense tracker to a checking account expense tracker. Also, if I set aside $150 for groceries for two weeks why can’t I just write down that I spent $150 on groceries instead of writing down the multiple transactions it took me to spend the money? I love the program and it is changed my life and for one I am owning my debt, making plans and making some serious attempts to pay it off! I feel like I’m missing the big picture if I can’t get a handle on the expenses tracker - I’m never going to be able to proceed to close out my budget! 😳

[@thebudgetmom]

OHH! I love this idea! Yes! I will look into this and thank you so much for the wonderful feedback and suggestion!

[@latoyamitchell7095]

Agreed! Would totally benefit from this type of video as well!

[@jenniferm.3842]

I’m trying to set this up and I’m very confused about the page at 5:27. Why are all of these payments classified as savings? Like a costco charge? I don’t understand.

[@financechannel5815]

Thank you so much for explaining the budget categories. This will help me out with my personal budget plans.

[@amandaramsay5934]

I loved the break down of categories. So helpful.

[@sleepbootbianca]

Hi Mike, I would like to thank you for your free printable!! Very kind of you! I live in THe Netherlands so I can’t use them always one on one, but they already served me great in my budgeting our family-life! Kindest greetings, Chantal

[@shalimarlittle8374]

How does tracking work with trips to places like Walmart, Target, Costco where I’m spending in multiple categories on a single receipt (i.e., new bathing suit, groceries, and printer paper)? Do you sit with each new receipt and break each item down by category with the highlighters?

[@OvOwlEyes]

That is exactly how I do it. At first I just grouped them all together because I just wanted to get into the habit of tracking everything. After a couple of months when I felt like I had a good enough handle on my routine I started to break them down. (Home, child, me, food) I also split up the taxes between all of the items evenly (you don't have to do this)

[@username00009]

At Costco, you can request a subtotal on your receipt. You would need to load the items on the belt by category, and I would probably put the little divider in between each category to keep things from getting mixed up. Other stores should also be able to do subtotals, but Costco employees are very familiar with subtotals due to people bringing guests to shop.

[@lisacarr3824]

thank you so much! your advice is priceless. I wish everything wonderful for you! thank you

[@teresawatson6401]

Thank you for this video. I was hoping you would have some guidance on how to set up budget categories. This is only my second month and have had an interesting time figuring out where to put things that make sense to me. But, this video was very helpful!

[@thebudgetmom]

I am so glad it helped!

[@susanappleby3425]

Great video. Do you just make categories for your cash envelopes or do you also do sinking funds? I liked seeing your expense tracker. When you use sinking funds do you put it in your category or mark it as sinking funds. Been following you for about 6 months working on this. Have made good progress. Thank you for what you do!!!

[@lindsaystudebaker1727]

Buying your budget by paycheck workbook was the best thing I’ve ever done for my budget. Thank you!

[@definitelyclari8266]

I really appreciate your wealth of knowledge you are sharing.

[@LucasDanielSantoro]

Kimiko! Where do you put your clothing expending? Books? Videogames? Home appliances? Etc. Should I make a category for each one? I struggle with the forecast. How would I know how much will the shoes I plan to buy cost? Or if I will buy a book or not next month and how much will it cost? Please help me! You are my go to person when I have personal finances questions.

[@thebudgetmom]

How much or how often do you buy those things. Videogames would go under my fun category, clothing for me is Misc but that's only because I really don't buy new clothes very often, but I can understand why some people might want this one as it's own category, especially if you are buying kid's clothing, home appliances would fall under my household category, shoes would go under your clothing category ;-)

[@vanefreja86]

@@thebudgetmom I was about to ask the same. I think I will put my clothes under misc. And shoes in a sinking fund. I buy clothes second hand, but want to build a collection of good quality shoes that lasts a long time and are made to fit me. I feel it is a good investment- your feet carry you through life. 🤗

[@kathrynparker6428]

I love your videos! They are so clear and helpful! ❤️

[@chrissyosartscraftsanddesi5643]

I'm going on my first Cruise ever🎉🎉🎉 I'm so excited and u guys help me Prepare💯 In fact I'm over prepared 😂

[@TaylorBudgets]

Gotta print that out. Thanks 😊

[@DearDebt]

I love how you make these videos so easy to understand. Budgeting can feel really overwhelming at first! ❤️

[@ritafletcher86]

I love your KZbin channel keep up the great work and encouraging your fellow youtubers like myself may you have a wonderful bless and safe 2022 thank you so much

[@MoneywithDan]

So you need to write your expenses down on paper after looking at you bank statement each month and use the category highlighters to organise. Got it! Thanks 🙏

[@SR_DBD]

I'm reaaaalllly not a fan of manual tracking. But u definitely got something good going here. Really like the setup, specially with the highlights

[@goddessgaea19]

I ordered my planner…I’m so excited

[@aliciak6753]

This is very helpful....Im going to be tracking in AUG an your ideas have me off to a good start....thanks!

[@matemahe]

Today's the 1st of August how you doing?

[@carolynnsuga8995]

WhT markers do you use??

[@karentraficante2611]

This is very helpful. Thank you! I’ll try this out :)

[@Never4GottenTimes]

One thing I noticed is there is no where for clothing to go? How do you categorize this and do you have a cash envelope for it?

[@mjax8614]

I am happy with my categories now. Just wondering whether to start afresh each month or to carry over the plusses and minusses from the previous month. One category can be very variable.

[@monikap2067]

Hello, this is really helpful. Could you advise what is the different between holidays and vacations? And why should I separate them? Thank you

[@thebudgetmom]

Holidays is for spending on Christmas gifts, gift cards, cards, etc. I like to keep mine separated because I like to know past spending to set new holiday spending goals in the future.

[@trenitymeridith2064]

Thanks you for sharing I'm still a beginner and I'm going to try this system out this month in june 2021 for my birthday

[@MsDesignDiva]

This is genius and I think I'll do this but when I do it I'm gonna do it digitally in a spreadsheet, because I love spreadsheets, lol.

[@janeknight3597]

The best video I have seen on this. Brill

[@thebudgetmom]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Babydoll_bre]

Omg I love this, can't wait to order everything 😍 and start budgeting

[@irisperez117]

Can you make a video on how you organize your receipts? I am terrible with receipts! Unless you already have a video then, I am totally bypassed it on my binge watch of your videos.

[@nancynewman6592]

Excellent information. I have always been into planning my budget ahead of time, in that as a musician, my income was never the same. The Ramsey method helped with that, with sinking funds etc. However I started your colour categories, and have a developed a system that finally works for me... not too busy and not too spare Just right :) This video will help a lot of people get started with confidence.

[@123kirmizi]

yayyy. I have been waiting for your video. You should post more videos please

[@angelicac.477]

How about adding a category for allowance for teens? What is your opinion on that?

[@symone2179]

New subscriber thank you sooo much I’ve been trying to get this budget down I will start this 🙌🏾

[@kenal3568]

You make me motivated on doing this. Thanks.

[@rebeccajudd7270]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@seasonalliving2881]

do you track fixed expenses (like bills) or just variable spending (groceries, gas, etc)?

[@jocypare6019]

I have a question. do you itemize your receipts??. for example you go to Walmart you buy a few categories do you separate those??,

[@Kawale04]

im wondering the same

[@erikaramirez6558]

If it’s a lot of items you could separate the transactions when you load them on the conveyor belt. That way the receipts are just that one category. Or if it’s only a handful of items you could itemize.

[@FutureGrowAcademy]

❤ Awesome Video as always! 🌟 I really enjoyed the way you explained it. Tips For Creating An Effective Budget- 1. Know The Purpose Of Your Budgeting 2. Make an Irregular Expense Plan 3. Know Your Income 4. Determine Your Monthly Spending 5. Set Reasonable Goals 6. Track Your Spending 7. Try Out Different Budgeting Plans 8. Create An Emergency Fund 👉 Stay connected & keep up the great work.

[@mary-katepauta6690]

I just started the cash envelope system and have my budget sheets all figured out. Do I just go to my bank and ask for the bills that I need?

[@specialk8927]

Yes

[@blessedmamags7796]

ATM 🏧 or yes a Teller

[@efsaturn]

I saw someone that printed out labels to pu in their pens so the always use the correct color sometimes the are so close.

[@necoleonline]

These are some great tips. Thank You

[@ashleyeifeldt708]

What category do you put Amazon and Costco memberships under? I currently have them under a subscription/membership category but I know D+ can go into fun/ent, and I have a work related one that I would put into my office/work category, but I'm lost on the Amz/Costco ones.

[@donnagomez2680]

Miko, I am loving your budget book that I bought myself for Christmas and have used it religiously. And I am doing my categories but I am unsure which category makes sense for the income tax fee our accountant charges us. Misc won't work because it's a planned for annual expense, but it's not a household or utility or shelter category either. Please help point me in the right direction.

[@Simply_Helen]

Thank you ! 😊

[@Courtnos302]

Thank you

[@specialk8927]

Just ordered some markers and another budget book on Amazon

[@becky1178]

Miko does her own nails?! I need the deets!

[@lauriegentle4083]

How do I find your website to find the printable? Thank so much for all information you are helping me out of debt.

[@ambersawyer6305]

I struggle when it comes down to a store that sells all of the things. I find it too tedious to sit and subtract the things that go to different categories and add state tax and all of that.

[@blessedmamags7796]

For me, for example, walmart, if I buy food, car oil, light bulb and Vitamin, it all counts as groceries. Just adjust grocery category accordingly.

[@ambersawyer6305]

@@blessedmamags7796 okay. Makes sense. So if you buy kids clothes, vitamins, toys, food...do you itemize that recipt then? That was more of what I was getting at...if I go to Meijer...it is a place for all things. Not just grocery and household items. Could be buying gifts, gift cards, pick up our scripts...all the things in one store. Also, I thought of another thing that keeps confusing me. We have our electric and gas bills set up for auto pay. But the bill cycle dates overlap months like 4th of March through beginning of April...then the bill is taken out the end of April... How do you nicely budget for those kind of things when they don't fall in a specic month cycle. We pay the bill a month later technically and it confuses me when trying to put it in our budget

[@nitaprice5332]

I separate items at store inform cashier I will have to checkouts. No issues. I will admit I was embarrassed at first, however, all cashiers have been very kind and accommodating.

[@blessedmamags7796]

@@ambersawyer6305 yes unfortunately I would seperate clothing and RX ... Groceries and cleaning supplies and light bulbs all lump into groceries category for me. I have done Dave Ramsey budget for 17 years now, it's very precise. 😁❣️

[@blessedmamags7796]

@@ambersawyer6305 Gifts for people go under Gift category. I once had 53 budget categories hahaha 🤣😂.... It's less now lol ❣️

[@tinawilliams9163]

Hi! I just discovered you and the BBP method last week. I’m starting right now in March. Should I go back to February to track my spending and figure out my categories? Thanks!

[@lorienleigh]

Do you consider debt payments a budget category?

[@pollydolly9723]

Yes, it is a “debt” category. If you watch the monthly budget recaps on KZbin, Miko’s assistant Ryen has student loan debt. You can see how she tracks it 😊

[@samanthaduggan4376]

Thankyou you have helped me so much x

[@kamiksss]

I love that we have the same name except spelled differently mines Kamika 😉 when I first heard you say your name I was like, hey when did I do a KZbin video 😂

[@h.smith.6586]

This made sense to me more than other videos 9n budgets that I've watched. Question: is your house paid off because I didn't see where you put that bill.

[@aprilmay4992]

Yea she bought it in cash, she has a video on that

[@edimops7285]

Say whaaat?! Is Tuesday the new Saturday?! lol ...also, super timely since I was debating about a few things just the other day. Thank you!

[@thebudgetmom]

I was a little late posting Saturday's video 😍

[@edimops7285]

@@thebudgetmom that’s okay! Also, I would totally be into watching a video of just the bloopers 🤣 ☺️

[@thebudgetmom]

@@edimops7285 Ohh! I have one here on my KZbin and it's hilarious!

[@murielf.lopezsilva2508]

Hi!! Wondering where we can access the resource library? Thank you!

[@mksugerman1500]

Great instructions!

[@ericamarie0]

This was so helpful

[@sergiocaldera8797]

Hi. In what category will you put Costco and Sams club membership?

[@ms.rivers6474]

Where do yall put walmart purchases!? Thats the hardest store to track for me

[@nitaprice5332]

Food = food. Cleaning supplies = household, etc. what will help sort before checkout. Inform cashier how many separate purchases. Boom...one receipt per category. It may help bring a sorting carrier to place in shopping cart.

[@shantelleganon7314]

I'm like this with Target, I buy groceries and household items there. I was considering being a pain and splitting up the purchases at checkout.

[@ms.rivers6474]

@@shantelleganon7314 Yeah Im about to do the same. @Nitaprice had a good idea though with using sorting carriers. That should at least make it a little quicker.

[@lausol1108]

I needed this video

[@jennifergrooms4153]

This may be a silly question but I've never done the envelopes of cash before. I sew and would def need a category for that. I get a lot of my sewing stuff at Wal-Mart but will also get some groceries, beauty and health items, etc in the same trip. Do you just check out once and then reconcile your envelopes once you get home? Or do you check out separately for each category?

[@erikaramirez6558]

Separately. She loads the conveyor belt by each category w/a divider. That means ppl are waiting behind you longer but it saves one extra step when you get home.

[@pollydolly9723]

Hi Jennifer, I am also a dressmaker. I have a cash envelope for “clothing/fabric” that I stuff every time I get paid. If I have a big project coming up, I won’t spend any of it for a couple of months to save up for it. I am trying to sew my stash this year to try to save.

[@bodacious1556]

May I have a copy of your color coded categories please. I need one. Awesome video by the way. I am now a subscriber. Love the way you explained things. God Bless You.

[@danasata5878]

Do you have a tutorial on how you record a charge that has several different categories on the one entry?

[@ashleyeifeldt708]

I total up each category and record it separately once I confirm each of my totals adds up to to the total bill. If that makes sense.

[@danasata5878]

@@ashleyeifeldt708 👍🏼

[@kushtyler1614]

Miko it seems overwhelming but I think I may be able to handle it. I was never one to budget. But I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck when we make enough money to live a comfortable life.

[@fondcello]

Waiting for you since Saturday Mrs Miko

[@thebudgetmom]

I was a little late😍

[@fondcello]

@@thebudgetmom still love you anyway lol.

[@vzimmer1951]

My problem is trips to Wal-Mart. One trip might include 5 or 6 different categories. How do you keep track of those categories?

[@jennifergouine9278]

What pen do you use that won’t smear

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

IMHO, it's better to have too few categories that you actually use, than too many that you won't use them. You can always add categories over time if there's an area where you decide you need more information.

[@sandraesmeralda9816]

Where would you put rent under?

[@lindsaydantuono9025]

How should track monthly reoccurring bills that get billed to a credit card? For instance, we have our cable/internet bill autopay on our CC every month, same for our car insurance. I’m sure I have a few others I’m not thinking of right now. I know you don’t use credit cards but we are more or less a cashless family that has one single credit card that my husband and I use for everything we possibly can (the Costco card) mainly for the rewards. We have had the card for 5 years and have never let the balance roll over to the next month so never going interest. It works for us. So I’m trying to figure out if your system can work for us given that we don’t really use cash. I want to try out your boxed set.

[@username00009]

Personally, I would track those transactions as if they were hitting your normal bank account. You aren’t carrying over the debt from month to month so it’s not debt in the sense of something you are paying off over a period of time.

[@saraibucciarelli1821]

I never know where to put the bottle water or the KCup coffee. Household or groceries? LOL

[@kxs9698]

what do you do when several categories falls into one transaction? Do you just put the cost for each category seperately on the expense tracker?

[@UstsjerIstsjanf]

helpful

[@mspbonita5317]

Thank you for all your tips and you are so beautiful!!

[@thebudgetmom]

Thank you so much!!