Daily Habits to Live BELOW your Means with this Simple Living Hack!

[@angela.braniff]

Are you trying to create a bigger gap in your income vs expenses to live below your means? I'm sharing how you can use a simple index card as a daily habit to live below your means! #frugalliving #savingmoney #simpleliving 🌲Grab your FREE Christmas Budget Planner + Gift Tracker Here: bit.ly/3sagVqP

[@got_style]

Thanks Angela: Just used your 4questions (sans card) to save myself $15. Doesn’t sound like much, but on my fixed income, it is! A couple more decisions like this one will widen my gap nicely😻

[@ngd268]

Another question I ask myself is: “would I still buy this if no one ever saw it?” it made me realise that how many vanity purchases I used to make to try to impress others.

[@Wilixer]

love this!

[@davelaz5582]

Always met the budget, was with my wife for 26 years before she died and raised two sons. There were a lot of things we did not buy and me and my late wife were more interested in living simply than becoming rich and materialistic. Married in 1987. went one one vacation (unless you count the Wisconsin Dells, we are just three hours away) our entire marriage. We rarely went out to eat and we always bought used cars. All shopping was done at Walmart or similar stores. We decided to be traditional. I worked as an attorney and my wife did not work. I opened my own office so I could set my hours to be with the family. Now it has been 10 years since she died. I live in a home that is fully paid for, semi retired at 66 and making just enough money to provide for the necessities. Now I chose to make just enough money for staying home and not going out or dating or socializing but I am content and happy and at peace.

[@jennibennecke669]

You speak of your wife so beautifully. Thank you for sharing.

[@dominiquejones1091]

Thank you for being the parent giving us the talk many of our parents didn’t know to even give us

[@jessicakallen]

I reckon 😏

[@MrDosanjh28]

Yes!!

[@d.b.7444]

😂 I taught my daughter this and she feels Budget is an evil word.

[@kathrynsuch]

Yes!

[@audball217]

Something I’ve found helpful was unfollowing brands and influencers that made me feel like I needed something, and needing it right now. It has taken that temptation from me.

[@amyeli33]

I have noticed that on Instagram all I follow are people that have brands. Basically, Instagram is a big advertisement for me.

[@CookingwithYandP]

Anyone else like the video before it even starts because you know it’s going to be good? 🙌🏼

[@johnclaybaugh9536]

Nah. Thrifting is horribly difficult for many of us. Ans oh god, she just made the comment about not knowing how many boys are here. Well, men know how to spend wisely. And many times women take our money. And then we don't have underwear because that's not important to our wives.

[@abrareads]

Dave Ramsey talks about the 4 walls (food, shelter, transportation and clothing) as the first part of your budget to make sure your basic needs are met. The book the total money makeover is a great guide especially if you are new to budgeting and how to live below your means.

[@brookescanlon5888]

Actually clothing isn’t part of the four walls. It is lights and water.

[@taylorverner3978]

It comes across controversial in some circles because I am a SAHM, but I still work on a cash budget. As we pay all of our bills, I take out $x from each paycheck. And that’s my grocery money and kid “fun” things. It keeps me accountable and from sliding into bad habits of spending money because I’m bored. We revisit the amount every quarter to make sure it’s a reasonable amount. My husband is a great financial planner- me, not so much- so this has worked great for us

[@sharelleshobbies]

I think the 4th question on my card will be: Do I have space for this item? And do I have time to care for it?

[@ashleysmith4386]

Angela, Hi! I found you randomly when I was looking for something homeschool related I think over the summer. We are exactly the same age, got married the same year, both homeschool and I have 6 children in the same age range of you. You have been such a delight. I’ve appreciated your honesty, love for Christ that shines through, your humor, and so much more. This video honestly maybe is my favorite of all I’ve seen here. So many laughs. 😂. Lots of truth too and great wisdom shared! Thank you 😊 Blessings, Ashley

[@monicasalas1127]

😂😂😂I am loving the “new”? Direction this channel has taken. they’re very informative. And you are hilarious I love your personality.

[@granmabern5283]

Thankyou 😅Great pep talk. I moved from “ would this give my kids Joy?” To” maybe my grandchildren would like this...someday!”😅

[@rb7454]

Keep giving us practical advice on how to be good mothers and home makers. Some of us didn’t have an example

[@AmyJost1976]

Y'all knw how I budget for Christmas? I buy all year, but in SEPT I ask my kids give me a list of 3 things so it will be a surprise, 200$ max and I buy 1 present every payday ( 2x monthly) no debt no stress, no shopping after everything is sold out.

[@robinf9994]

Love your content... I relate to every topic! I was just talking with my employees yesterday about this... They argued that "living within your means" was the way to go... They don't think about the extra money you can have if you live below your means. You can save, invest and just have financial freedom if you live below your means. I just got blank stares from them 😂

[@jvee7471]

Another great video!!! Your content is what needs to go viral not silly dancing people....

[@PaintWithWheat]

Awesome advice!! Oh girl, waiting to make purchases is huge for me! I get shopper intoxication too easily. Making myself wait is a great way to cure that, sober up and make a solid choice!

[@sarahflorida7510]

Angie, this is Sarah all the way over from Austria, and I just want to say: you are so cool and funny, I especially loved your wit in this video, and you make your videos such high-quality - I really love them! And the way you present things is real smart as well - that illustration of how much a trillion is really hit home! I've been watching your channels for years and I especially look forward to your holiday content. Sending love!

[@wwpajerocat7292]

What really helped me to live below my means (after facing the facts of a budget) was to use the principle of paying yourself first. What this looks like for me is having 3 bank accounts. One for needs (rent, food, transport, health etc) one for wants (yay! Spending money for drinks, pretty things and clothes, gifts etc) and one for savings (this is saving for future like a house, pension kids university etc not a holiday). When you get payed you set up an automated payment into the other two accounts. This follows the 50%, 30% 20% rule which makes you stay on a budget without having to worry about it or do anything difficult.

[@beth3535]

I just added a third account for long term savings. I also put aside money each month for annual expenses (two large tax bills and home/auto insurance in a regular savings). I receive SS and a small income from a side job-40% of which goes into a 401K. Altogether, it’s 60% of total income saved if I keep to the budget. But the 5.1% savings acct is where I’m focused now-just wish I had started earlier with the long term savings account.

[@Kheshire]

i almost didn't watch this video because the title did make me feel uncomfortable. Its that inner fear of "poor". You hit that right on the nail in the first few minutes. Great video as always. Thank you for sharing the variety of great content.

[@Jenandpipsqueeks]

You are so freakin hilarious appreciate your humour with such a dry subject - perfect timing with Christmas ❤

[@morganwickman8451]

The way I just scream laughed imagined eating those beans crying 😂😂 THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!

[@wwpajerocat7292]

I have been following you for years Angela and this is one of the best videos that you have made recently. Your personality shines through, you add in hilarious images that i can imagine flow through your head as you speak (some of those obviously didnt make it on youtube hahahhaha), but the content is down to earth and great advice

[@taniahunnisett6030]

You're so funny.😂 You brightened up my dreary morning. Thank you. I will be doing the 3 x 5 cards, not only for me, but for my husband who is a terrible impulse buyer and my daughter. Also thank you for the free xmas planner too. Bless you. ❤

[@JessicaLee.3]

I love these kinds of videos, especially as we gear up for the holidays. We decided to go with an experience as the big ticket item for our 3 kids this year for Christmas by getting season passes to the nearest theme park that (2hrs away) that includes drinks and meals so we don't have to spend money in the park. They will still get some small things, but they will get more long term enjoyment out of this experience than they would any toy that gets tossed aside after a month.

[@kizzlefam734]

"That's what she said" 😂😂😂 You're amazing!!!

[@meastrau4772]

Looove your humour! And all these helpful ideas and thoughts. So grateful greetings from Germany for you 💕and the algorythm

[@annamajerus6280]

Whoever did the editing 👏🏼😂 had me chuckling all throughout!

[@katiej8596]

One of your funniest videos! 😅 Loved this topic and the guidance.

[@sharronbush886]

First time seeing any of your videos! It just "popped" up! Thank you! Love your humor and your personality!

[@noelhorseman1109]

Love this! We all need a little dose of reality sometimes! ❤

[@linp1268]

Great advice!! So valuable!! You are wise and truthful!! You tell it like it is. We need that!! Everything is so expensive these days and it is so easy to go down a rabbit hole financially but much harder to get out. Thanks Angela!!

[@kmiki2590]

Loved this so much, told me what I needed to hear and made me laugh during too! Lol Thanks ❤️❤️🩷

[@bethdykstra8315]

Well said! Let’s live within our means as mature ADULTS!

[@jessicastarkey8148]

Thank goodness for Angela 😇

[@Dreblueskies]

For me it depends on the item for sure, if it is a planner or stationery related or books I have to really tell myself to STOP 🛑 back away from the computer and not check out. I don’t need marketing I create my own FOMO from checking out what others have. Great video!

[@kerricline7934]

This felt very real and authentic from you. Thank you for this video.

[@peggythomason2100]

Great reminders, thank you. We are newly retired and making good financial purchases is imperative. Using some creativity with what you already have and being thankful you at least have that.❤ 2:32

[@rharvey2124]

Those words mean FREEDOM.

[@brittabeveridge1514]

Hahahaah you had me laughing as I’m working in the kitchen preserving the harvest from our garden for the winter months ahead! Thank you so so much for sharing this card of important questions with us all! And for making it FUN! Even if at times it is SO HARD! 🤣 oh boy. 😅

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

This lady reminds me of traditional women from the past and all to be meant in a good way!

[@gracewithfive9024]

Lol This woman is so awesome !!!! So funny🤣🤣 thank you for all the amazing advice and encouragement.

[@susanspianostudio7057]

You are so funny Angela! I love it. Speaking truth. ❤️🎉

[@a45cal]

I know this is an older video so you might never see this comment. But I had to comment to say I grew up in the Carolinas but haven't lived there in a long time now, so I haven't heard "hell and a half of Georgia" in over a decade. That reminded me of my sweet Southern mom and grandmother. Thanks for the nice Southernism and memories. ♥

[@acrobaticanna]

Such amazing yet practical ideas.

[@ambers181]

This is great! I feel like I need to Marie Kondo my schedule too! 😅

[@melissayoung463]

You are hilarious!!! Great reminders for us all!😊

[@southernlycait]

Thank you for teaching me things I didn’t know while also giving me some good chuckles along the way😂😂

[@hartleyfamily5451]

Loooooove this video!!! Great intelligent humor with stuff I need to hear.

[@pamelaruth6909]

OMG I laughed so much during this video!!!! You made my day, thanx a bunch..... TFS and take care.............

[@maryanntaylor7806]

Very well said ❤️

[@Good_News]

Loved this video - you had me laughing out loud SO many times!! Such truth! 🤣❤️

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen! Way to go Girlfriend so smart and funny🤣🤣🤣❤️🙏

[@maryjanegibson7743]

Well done. If people would do this one thing from your video --- to honestly answer the 4 questions --- many would be well on the way to financial freedom. Financial freedom is not the same thing as wealth, but it's just as good. You don't have to be rich to be comfortable and happy.

[@m-i-s118]

Love this, needed this, thank you ❤

[@AestheticsAndEdification-f6u]

some of my favorite words. I find freedom in structure.

[@PrettyIntelligent]

This is right on time!!!

[@angelowhite4701]

My wife and I call it simplifying our lives. We used to want everything do everything. We still do a lot but mostly tailored everything to where she could stay at home. After many years she wanted to extra money and just to be involved with people. Not compromising her mental and physical health so she works from home 15hrs. a week making arrangements for the elderly for transportation to and from their doctor appointments. She decides if and how many days and hours she works but never over 15. My wife became like a different person when she became a SAHM and now SAHW. I saw the woman I married again. Happy, joyful, vibrant. Not worn down, exhuasted, irritated. Conversing with her became so much easier.

[@Goldfinch821]

As always, smart, practical advice! Hairstyling skills make such a difference if you're trying to cut expenses. Could you do some videos on how you style your own hair and save $$$? Or share a link on how to DIY some of your styles?

[@natecanale7889]

Priscilla here! WOW - I loved your video. Keep it up.

[@susanjaderberg690]

Love this video editing and content! ❤️

[@kristinelaybourn5929]

My grocery list is written on a index card. Any want items are marked with stars. Last December I fell in love with a pair a donut, print vans shoes. At the time there was only money to get shoes for our daughter. I was sad to leave them behind. I Went back a month ago to replace my daughters shoes which we bought in August from a different store. My doughnut shoes were still there and they were marked down. I wear them daily.

[@skeinofadifferentcolor2090]

The timing of this video is perfect as the month of November is going to be excruciatingly tight budget wise. By the way, those who lived without wisdom were the ones to die in the Red Sea. Still an applicable metaphor. 😉

[@womeninadjusting7329]

This video saved me $70 😅

[@randihadfield8170]

This was a great video and fun! I feel inspired.

[@fulviab]

Brilliant, thanks! I will do it!

[@jasonpowers3094]

I love that you love Christ & I love your outfits

[@normaavilachavez159]

I love the way you deliver your messages 🤣🤪

[@callieruth3941]

I love watching you videos. ❤️ I feel like I'm gleening advice from an older beautiful sister. . 😊

[@Dragonfly20233]

I laughed so hard when you said that about debtor's prison. I remember for the first half of my twenties I was a paranoid mess bc after learning about debtor's prison in HS I thought it was still a thing! 🤣Sincerely though, I think the problem is that people have straight up given up. With the state of the world people are like YOLO and since they are so deprived of meaningful social, family and community connections their isolation makes it easy to "hide" these spending choices(i'm as guilty as the rest) and they don't have any behaviors of value(church or volunteerism or community involvement) to replace the habit of spending with.

[@leonahanson9127]

Me and my daughter went to a second hand store about March and bought a whole outfit+shoes for $15.00 each took them home and got on the Internet and found new prices on them and we found out that we bought $1500.00 worth of clothes for $30.00 we like do this once a year one outfit a year .we found out that rich people donate for a tax right off

[@Yess-Moran]

Where have you been all of my life?! You're hilarious 😂

[@Jen-zz7nv]

You should go stand in front of Congress and share your wisdom. Lord knows they need to hear it. They just love to spend our hard earned money.😢

[@narrowpathfarm]

Amen!

[@cindiblazer8621]

Many of us actually need nothing. We have excess .

[@mrsstrople]

True, I think we're just lacking friends to just spend time with. Whenever I'm with family and friends I have no desire to buy anything.

[@forestgreen916]

a flippin' hilarious ! thank you : )

[@loramcclamrock5549]

great talk, loved the ending. Recap on the questions??

[@evalindell2757]

Brilliant! 🙌😂

[@JujuWils]

What lip product are you wearing?

[@pj595]

Lying on the floor eating kidney beans out of a can😅 Too funny!!

[@sarahboutwell4391]

We were so pour when I was a kid that I didn’t have a pillow. I would wait for my baby sister who had a pillow to fall asleep to take her pillow and then fall asleep. Years later I told her that I did that. She was I was wondering why I wouldn’t have a pillow when I woke up.

[@kelle30]

Love that nail color and the use of Padme 😂

[@coolhomeschool2267]

A nice thing in Switzerland, you dont get a credit card, if you dont earn enough, so easy.

[@johnclaybaugh9536]

The purpose of credit cards is to spend more money than we have at the time. I can have a job and still get deep in credit card debt.

[@coolhomeschool2267]

@@johnclaybaugh9536 I would never spend money, which I dont have.

[@maverickmacgyver]

I love it. If you add spaghetti and diced tomato those kidney beans will brilliantly cheap and epically delicious. MacGyver Everything!

[@marixoxo20]

Looking radiante ❤

[@PrettyIntelligent]

Go forth and subtract!!! 😂❤

[@cassiefitch5521]

I make my needs spending such as bills very easy with auto payments that I keep track of dates on my calender. For wants spending like clothes and home decor, I make it as hard as I can on myself. I refuse to save my card information in any site and keep my card in an inconvenient place so maybe my laziness will win out. I also try to keep things on a sites "wishlist" or "shopping cart" for a while before purchasing it. If it's something i was able to forget about, then i know i didn't really want it that bad. Sometimes shops just get rid of the things in your cart or they go out of stock before you could buy it. In those cases, i think it was just a sign that it wasn't meant to be. I've had my fair share of stupid splurges that I'm trying to stay away from now a days.

[@beth3535]

Buying second hand -books clothes, household items, etc. is the way lots of people get what they want at fractions of what even sale prices offer. I’ve done this for years; in fact, I don’t think I’ve even been in a regular store (even online) for years.

[@cassiefitch5521]

@beth3535 plus utilizing the library to switch up book choices, and they usually have sales on books too every now and then. I'm wrapping up library books to open each night for an advent this Christmas and may only purchase a few space thrifted books to keep. I recently found out I can get thrifted books online too. Right now, online is the easiest with two under two.

[@kathrynsuch]

Oh that's a good point of view to have..."is this a spend I'm willing to prioritise?"

[@m0503893]

You had way too much fun with this one 😂😂

[@As-fk1rb]

😂 that's what she said wasn't expecting that.

[@crawleyr4919]

Thanks!

[@katiehamilton3915]

your little edits/inserts make me LAUGH out LOUD XD

[@lauriewolomor7435]

Those funny weird analogies😍

[@DrMaryVision]

Do I need it/already sort of have it/right now/is this the best price and worth the money? Also helpful for me: is there something else I want more? That something could be “I want to eat out today” or even “I want out of debt!!!”

[@Peg06]

Nice Fibonacci reference, dude.

[@christinamo7]

*hell and half of Georgia* I am adding that phrase to my lexicon. ROFL

[@samjones9465]

Thank you

[@gigialexander8562]

I know this sounds ridiculous, but I wanted to k ow where you got the vase in the background? Thank you for the informational vlog.

[@gracetaylor6244]

We worked our entire lives on behalf of public service and so we knew we'd eventually be living on social security only plus any savings. We always lived frugally and worked well into our 70's because we not only loved our jobs but because we wanted to delay collecting social security retirement in order to get the maximum. Health problems suddenly appeared and we both had to retire. Even with substantial savings, high ss retirement benefits and careful spending, there is no way we can "live below our means" when we can't get out of the grocery store without spending less than $100 a week for the essentials. Furthermore, Medicare is NOT free and we pay far more for those premiums than we did for our private insurance while working. Our home and car insurance premiums continue to rise, taxes continue to rise, utilities continue to rise. There's no fat in our expenditures to trim. I did the math: our savings will be gone in 7 years and we won't have enough to live on after that.

[@elizabethvidrine7936]

Subscribed🎉🎉

[@catherinecorn2371]

We have a rule in our house that we only purchased what we really, truly, actually like and it must generally serve 2 purposes. For example, buy fewer pieces of clothing and never anything trendy, stick to classic styles and colors. Buy second hand if you can, or trade with someone. You can buy a larger size and have it tailored to fit like it was designed and created just for your figure. We also wait for things ... Often we can snag things we want and need for a super deep discount or free. And... If you cannot comfortably hand over cash for it, then you don't really want or need it, so leave it.