How I budget as a single mom | Low income, $3,400 per month | April Week 1 2024

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

Yes, do a weekly budget. And for those saying your budget is not low-income are crazy. I'm in NJ my rent alone is over $2000. a month.

[@crystalclearbudgets]

$3,400 is a low income for a single mom. If she wasnt sharing rent with her parents it would then cost her about $1,600 for rent then you would all see its low income for a single mom of 2. Remember wages and prices have gone up so the monthly low income has increased and has changed as well. Also it depends were you live. Everything costs differently where you all live. So dont tell her $3,400 is not a low income for a single mom. It is!

[@Sunny-b4q]

I would say it's a low income for anyone that's living on there own with or with kids. Not bad for young person who lives with parents or roommates.

[@lifebeyondthesalary2458]

We are a family of 3 still at home (technically 4 but oldest is almost 30 & out on his own), & we make between $5k-$6k/ month & that’s with hubby working 2 jobs &several streams of income… but we also pay out the wazoo for insurance (seriously, it’s ridiculous ~ though we have recently changed insurances as the previous one was CRAZY!!! As in just for our house insurance alone (not even including the 2 paid for vehicles) would have been $12K this year (last year the house insurance alone was $8K & seriously almost wiped out our emergency fund). We are working on getting our baby emergency fund back to at the very least $5K ($20K would be better, but we’re getting there), especially as we are trying to wipe out our debt. Currently working on adding more streams of income. I’m a SAHM & we homeschool our 9 yr old. This year between inflation & all of the commitments that we have going on, it’s all trying to murder our budget. If 1 more thing comes up that costs $400-$500, I might just scream like a psychopath. $3400 a month IS EXTREMELY LOW income, especially these days with inflation being nuts. She’s doing an amazing job!!! I wonder if, as a self employed person, if it’s possible she could get an HSA or something like it. Having an HSA the last few years as significantly lowered our medical costs like you wouldn’t believe. Might be something worth looking into.

[@jackierincon325]

Mental health is very important. Always prioritize it. My kids are all grown up. But when they where small my mental health was a big struggle for me. I suffered from severe panic attacks. I am very grateful that I had my dad and my stepmom who saw that something was wrong and stepped in to help me.

[@mariadrukker2557]

Great video, I've been considering how to stretch my budget further while also planning for the future, including investing in a 401k plan.

[@louisahernandez]

As a single mom too, budgeting is crucial for me too. I've found that setting strict spending limits and tracking every expense helps me stay on track. But investing for the future, especially with a 401k plan, is something I'm still figuring out.

[@camela8445Mar]

I hear you. Investing with a low income requires careful planning. I've been exploring low-cost index funds through my 401k plan as a way to gradually build wealth. It's a long-term strategy, but it's important to start somewhere, right?

[@Linda.xing-tj2fh]

Absolutely. Investing in a 401k plan can provide a valuable opportunity for retirement savings, even on a low income. I consulted an advisory firm

[@Sanchyfab]

I've been thinking about seeking help from an advisory firm too. What is the name of yours?

[@Linda.xing-tj2fh]

The name of the firm is FOLMAR ADVISORY.

[@lynnhensley4326]

I use a regular composition notebook. I have a weekly and monthly budget in pencil.

[@queendomcafe]

Hey, Jordan. First, I want to say how proud I am of you. You worked hard on your KZbin channel and your Etsy shop to be where you are today. It wasn't easy, as I have been here long enough to see your transitions in your life. You have been consistent in what you do, even if life throws a curveball. You know how to be resilient. You are very aware of people's differences in income. However, we all should understand that it comes from your hard work and dedication to your channel and Etsy shop. This is inspiration that we can also do the same if we make the commitment to do what you do on a consistent basis. Just know that someone on the other side of this screen understands you ❤.

[@Chevy2Tyme]

You are right- Jordan is very resilient. I love her storytimes not b/c I'm nosy, but b/c her ability to rebound or bounce back, to just deal with what comes, is amazing.

[@heathermoreland6015]

I think the paper budget is great and I think a check in would be helpful and inspirational. 😊

[@JordanBudgets]

❤❤❤

[@bessiesimmonsmusic1368]

I have been doing paper budget for past few years. Helps me stick to it

[@tamilynn3404]

Fellow Iowan, single mom with low income and new sub! Great video! Thank you for the transparency!!!

[@kimmatura3564]

Just! Back to back Jordan Budgets!

[@JordanBudgets]

❤❤❤ Yass!!! ❤❤❤

[@jenndpbudgets]

You priorities what’s important to you and the boys. And yes being emotional about a big move is normal. I moved 2 hours away from my friends and family about 3 years ago for safety reasons. It took me about a month or so to adjust once I got a job and everything it made things easier.

[@JordanBudgets]

❤❤❤

[@ownyourbold]

Jordan, I am so excited to have found your channel. I've been a single mom for almost 8 years and it seems to get harder & harder. This is so inspiring and I've realized I need to do a weekly budget not just monthly. I would also love to interview you on my podcast about these things if you're up for it!

[@Purple_Glimmer_Budgets]

This was fun to watch. I love to see how other people budget it gives me inspiration on how to tackle mine.

[@JordanBudgets]

Thank you! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@darlenehuff8411]

I think a monthly budget and weekly check would be nice. It is hard to move to a new place, but it will take time to adjust. One thing that could make you like your new home is that you dont have to worry about hurricane season now.

[@anichol2587]

I'd like to see this weekly budget each week! Thanks Jordan!!

[@nurireed8471]

Great video 🎉 I love shopping at Aldi's. I like the app because you can put your groceries in the cart and get a around total before you shop. I always forget my list and I add things all week that I need. Summertime I start grilling abd cooking for my family on Sundays .You will get everything straightened out. It just takes time.

[@jenniferzink8303]

When we moved from Illinois to Texas my hubby knew people but I knew no one. So I totally understand, I go through spurts but still the best thing we did for our family. Yes you said Aldi correctly make sure to leave a quarter in the car. 2 to 3 lines is all I use on my budget sheets ever so often I might have 1 extra but not very often. Also I believe you are not too far from the Field of Dreams I did hear it costs now but it is amazing to visit.

[@tcslife4794]

Go to the local library and get cards. They will have summer programs for the kids. Also see if they have passes to local museums and possibly the zoo. Living History Farm is an option also.

[@JordanBudgets]

Very smart, thank you! ❤

[@homesteadingwithapurpose9681]

Yes I would like to see the weekly budget.

[@lindaflores2663]

The budget is a realistic low income. Do you include your household & personal items in your grocery budget. I did before and was always going over budget. Once I separated it(still buying it while at the grocery store)I was able to stay on budget & have enough food.

[@shannonstout2798]

Yes!Weekly budget videos! We are starting to really work on our budget. My question is, do you need to be one month ahead in order to divide bills weekly to pay? If I do that now, we can’t pay anything this month. Does that make sense? It does in my head!😂

[@Breakthrough_Victory_]

I think it will be interesting to see how you shop groceries with a tight budget. Hope you'll do some videos in the future on that

[@ginamoffett1973]

Yah❤Jordan video, back to back. I don’t think there is any thing wrong with you putting your guys mental health and becoming part of the community first. 😊

[@JordanBudgets]

❤️❤️❤️

[@brennanleyen]

Great information. Thank you!❤

[@sherinamitchell]

I love budget with me videos

[@heatherwilson8295]

I really enjoyed this video, also I go to Aldi all the time and I love it I usually stay under my budget for groceries. 😊

[@cindychapman9210]

Great. Cash stuffing. I also do a monthly . The pet paycheck. Budy.❤

[@sisterseeker1]

I am even lower than that for a income for my husband and I last year the total was $2300.00.

[@KerriWithaK]

Yes, definitely set money aside for exploring your new area!

[@JordanBudgets]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@midwestbudgeting2088]

Great video Jordan. That’s so awesome your in DesMoines. I know in prior videos you have talked about your children’s health issues, and your not far from such a awesome children’s hospital in Iowa City❤️also we say Aldi like “ALL-Dee” so similar to what you were saying☺️

[@moniemoneyandlife5101]

I have 2-4 income stream just for myself depending if I do my side gigs on top of my full time job. I also have my husband income as well.

[@dottylewis4469]

Thank you Jordan, this video really helped me get organized with my budget. God bless you & Family Jordan, thanks again🥰👋🏽

[@mfndz7162]

I never considered breaking my budget down by how many weeks are in the month. It just makes it seem so much easier.

[@shannonstout2798]

Yes! My question if you do this, wouldn’t you need to be a month ahead on bills?

[@Tricia747]

Aldi is great for fruits and vegetables. Not a huge selection but it is all very nice. I would like to see monthly and weekly budgets.

[@anichol2587]

Loved this video!

[@laurapellett7797]

really enjoyed this

[@JordanBudgets]

Yay, thank you! ❤️

[@livinglifewithmama8292]

Aldi it's like all-dee and there's no S at the end.😂 You will LOVE Aldi cheapest place to shop.

[@PamAwrey]

Great video thanks for sharing your life with us! I like paper planning for sure Im old school lol Im in Michigan and we also have Aldi. Their produce and fruits really are much cheaper 🙂

[@amynorris6390]

Aldi has come so far! It's a HUGE money saver.

[@JordanBudgets]

I'm so excited about it! ❤❤❤

[@kellycashbudgets3971]

Loving this idea

[@ThisChickBudgets]

Great video!!! Aldi is my fav store! 😂

[@tracycushman4836]

Great video. Thank you!

[@stitchbudgets3031]

Aldi = all d (how i say it lol!). I loveeee shopping there

[@susanpacheco8318]

Great video💜💜

[@JordanBudgets]

Thank you!!❤️

[@adventuresofcarrieandclark5623]

Do you pay for health insurance, carpayment, or retirement investing?

[@santagonzalez1222]

Hello Jordan, awesome video, thank you for sharing. Thank you so much, Blessings

[@JordanBudgets]

Thanks for watching!❤❤❤

[@EllieandGinger]

We do a majority of our grocery shopping at Aldi’s (All-Dee’s lol) and a little at food lion. We could still do a lot better with grocery budget though 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@JordanBudgets]

ALL -DEE's, thank you!!! hahaha. The aldis near me are pretty small, is that typical? I feel like it's priced well though and has everything I actually need. I think I'm going to try to do a once-a-week haul for about $100 at a larger store and then run in to Aldi's a few times a week to fill in the gaps needed for dinners.

[@EllieandGinger]

@@JordanBudgets yeh they are all small but they have everything we need except we are a little picky on a few name brands but for the most part, we’ve liked all of their branded items. And a lot of them are dye free, etc

[@My2CrazyKiddos]

💜💜💜

[@jessicaleibret8772]

Hey Jorden one more question. So your printable like one month ahead do you send those to us or we have to print them ourselves?

[@JordanBudgets]

If you purchase something that says "printable", you print it. If you purchase something that doesnt have the words "printable" on it, it should be a physically shipped item. If you have any questions about specific listings, like you aren't sure what it falls under, please feel free to message me on Etsy with the link of the item in question so I can look it over with you. =) ❤️

[@jessicaleibret8772]

@@JordanBudgets ok great thank you!!!

[@budgetwithfatima6530]

Hello 👋 Jordan , awesome stuffing ❤❤

[@JordanBudgets]

Thank you 🤗❤

[@jasminejanay3016]

Where did you live in MS? I’m from MS and still live here.

[@SunshinePeralta-q4t]

How do I do a weekly budget when I get paid practically once a month

[@ChronicallyExhausted]

You are in Des Moines!!! I work in Grimes, IA-which is a suburb of Des Moines!!! I would absolutely love to meet you and help you out however I can!! I'm not a stalker I promise- just a midwest mom of adult children!

[@WealthIsFreedomBudgets]

I love your name 😅 that’s how I describe myself…chronically exhausted

[@StarletOfDavid]

These numbers don’t sound low at all. But then again, when I finished high school in 2004 I thought 1,000 dollars net was a sufficient income for one person. It all has to be taken into perspective.

[@mystcxprns]

Great job! Sounds like you guys will be exploring and making friends very soon!

[@JenniferD.-wt4uj]

I'm sick, but I'm watching your video today hun.

[@JordanBudgets]

I'm so sorry you're sick, I hope you start feeling better soon! ❤

[@JenniferD.-wt4uj]

@@JordanBudgets Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️!

[@A.M.Independent.Consultant]

Thanks...new subscriber

[@amandagutierrez9994]

Is $3400 before you take taxes out? Is it part of what you leave in the business account for business expenses? Have you said and I just miss it 😅

[@JordanBudgets]

lol you didn't miss it! I didn't explain taxes in this video. My income is low so I don't end up owing much at this point in the business. The taxes I do pay, I just pull from the business bank account when the time comes. If this was a secondary income or I had a husband (with an income) I would need to put a lot more of this money towards taxes.

[@amandagutierrez9994]

@@JordanBudgets perfect explanation, thank you!

[@BarbaraMoore-ju1he]

🥰🥰🥰

[@SunshinePeralta-q4t]

Single mom of 2 as well

[@lynnb1768]

Weekly budgets, please.

[@JordanBudgets]

I'd love that too! =) ❤

[@marylandmonroe]

Sounds like you're doing well! The grocery store is ALL-dee. You can save that other pronunciation for your friend Al. 😉

[@BookishBudgeter]

Over here in Australia we sat it Al-dee so it sounds weird when I hear Americans call it All-dee 😂

[@TrappedQue]

Nah, $3400 is definitely NOT low income.

[@kalistabest6511]

I enjoy your videos a lot, but I certainly would not consider $3400 low income. That's coming from someone that lives in NY where the cost of living is some of the highest in the country.

[@JordanBudgets]

I see where you're coming from, as I do get a comment or two like this every time I share my income and consider my family "low income". I do not consider us below or at the poverty line (we aren't) but considering the median household income for every state is significantly higher than what I make, I consider us low income for that reason. Most families are not living on a single income at or around $3,400 per month in 2024. I'm always curious to hear from others though as to what they consider low-income for a family of 3. ❤️

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

According to your state you are almost $500 a month below the maximum income level to get free lunch if the boys were in public school. Therefore you are considered low income.

[@MERSINGTV]

Good job sist

[@JordanBudgets]

Thank you!! ❤

[@margigannon1748]

$3400 is not a high income though because that’s like about like $40,000 a year that’s not like too much

[@johnnytieszen]

Me and my wife make $2022 in a month so $1011 each thats low income

[@khaylahall-booth7817]

Omg that is working for free… is that part-time?

[@johnnytieszen]

@@khaylahall-booth7817 SSI

[@kimmatura3564]

I do like the new proposed schedule. And sprinkling in vlog style videos. I remember your grocery haul and meal prep and I thought “nope, not for me”. Turned out that were a fan favorite. I actually miss them.

[@JordanBudgets]

Yes! Thank you for the idea! ❤❤❤ I think it's a great schedule and I do have some fun/different ideas I was thinking about sharing on Wednesdays but I think I'll share those over the weekends when I have them filmed. ❤

[@cherish8821]

🥰💙

[@MsVeeTheVisionary]

Aldi's, pronounced All-Dees

[@christinateresabrown]

First I need to know how to get $3400 a month. That’s A LOT.

[@JordanBudgets]

Etsy and youtube, I'm very thankful for my job! =) ❤️

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

It's not a lot. My rent alone is over $2000 a month. That would leave me with less than $1400 to pay all my other bills. If her boys were in public school they would qualify for free lunch. That is how little her income is.

[@marissamae57]

To the people saying 3400 is not low income, think again. My household is just me and my boyfriend making $4600 and we can’t afford much. I can’t imagine over $1000 less AND 2 kids Props to you Jordan! 🎉

[@keithcasey866]

I could not listen to 10 minutes of rambling before you get to the point. Absolutely frustrating. Good buy

[@JordanBudgets]

Bye Keith, thanks for trying!

[@Calladita07]

$3400 a month is not a lot my rent alone is $4050 in California this is consider a low income Jordan you got this it takes time to adjust 💪 🙏 ❤❤

[@rocoosp70]

I cannot watch this with your hands, moving all over the Paige

[@Thatperson-kt3mu]

I cannot read your comment with so much spelling mistakes.

[@LilRedBudgets]

Great video! ❤