How Much Should We SPEND? (Our FIRST “Extra” Funds Budget Meeting) - Our Debt Disaster

[@carrieteeps6224]

One of our kiddo’s favorite birthdays was when we had a “sponge water fight” at a park. Just picked up some cheap 3-packs of sponges at the dollar store and brought some buckets/coolers for water stations in our area. The kids loved it (and no water balloons to fill). Bonus was, we had those sponges for summer water fights at our house for years.

[@CullenandKatie]

This is amazing!! Love this idea!

[@samanthabee3]

I feel like you guys dont even understand how much you have helped people with your honesty and the reality of life. I'm so thankful that you all have been doing these videos. They have helped have helped us repair the struggles we have been having financially in our home.

[@Anniemarie823]

About the car. If you have any thoughts of selling before you pay it off you need to make sure you aren’t waiting until you are upside down in the loan. The longer you keep it and the more miles you put on it the less you are going to be able to make off it. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you owe more than it’s worth!

[@ChristiPosner]

You guys totally have got this concept!! If you didn’t see my last comment, I want you to realize that $8000 a month will not allow you to prepare for all of these sinking funds as long as you are in this house. (I showed in my last comment how your income will only be able to cover your needs for survival.) There are tons of other ways you can make extra money to fund these but don’t want you getting discouraged if you feel you can’t save from your income!

[@abbyz6614]

Idea: every Christmas, we get a Costco membership from my in-laws. This is one of my favorite gifts! They love that it's a totally useful gift and we get a "free" membership- win/win. Maybe hint to your relatives that you want a Costco membership for Mother's Day if they want to get you something. Then save it until it's time to renew your membership.

[@Karisa1316]

Personally, I would not spend money on movers at all. I would never pay for something that I could do myself. That’s just me though.

[@Arkiegirl26]

You said it but didn't budget it, but back to school expenses. That's expensive and needs to be planned for

[@MrsPickens]

Hey guys! Y’all are my new nighttime routine. I watch y’all while I nurse my baby and have some adult show time

[@hannahwyant4431]

Brad & Rachel extended the invitation for y’all to go visit them!

[@wunderwriter1]

I use a spreadsheet. I categorize by fixed (property taxes for example), variable (holiday, vet bills, etc.) and periodic (tow club, Costco membership, car tags). I track deposits and withdrawals on the same sheet, and move everything needed for the month over from savings to household checking the first of every month.

[@TooCrazy99]

I love throwing parties for my kids, but always try and keep it very “kid-centric.” I don’t worry about feeding a meal or snacks, just make cupcakes from a box mix and maybe decorate very simply according to the theme. Turns out, kids don’t care if the party is Pinterest worthy, so I don’t worry about that, but I do have fun with some cute touches and streamers of course. I don’t invite families, just my kid’s friends. We play age appropriate games, make a craft, and other activities that go along with the theme. I do a lot of using what I have, making things myself, dollar store, and collecting supplies on clearance (holiday clearance are treasure troves for party favors 😊). I probably average $50 a party and always have very happy kiddos. You’d be surprised what fun and simple ideas you can find online. Past themes: Doctor, outer space, camping, ballerina, three little pigs, science party, wild animals, Egyptian, and cats & dogs. Good luck!

[@ashleymckee1140]

When I was growing up my parents would always at least have a little family party with cake and ice cream but we rarely had big parties. They would ask us if we'd like to use our birthday budget for a party and invite our friends or go do something special with our immediate family and maybe one friend. Example, my brother would often choose bowling and my parents would let him take a friend along and pay for us all to go. We way preferred that to a party. In all the years we had the choice I only chose the party once. Those experiences are some of my fondest memories now. As the kids get older that might be a fun idea.

[@darianleigh1890]

don’t forget the option for low cost pet care. we get all our vaccines and a check up and heart worm prevention from a pet “clinic” as opposed to an actual vets office and it cuts the cost in half. we still have our regular vet for major things but the low cost clinic has saved us a boatload

[@sherryturner8729]

Brad and Rach have invited y’all for a vacation! Go check out their vlog!!!

[@findingvikki7469]

Katie, I crochet water balloons (works kind of like the sponges but they can be washed and last longer) and my son and his friends love them. If you don’t crochet, I would love to make some for the kids.

[@debbyford5209]

We do not buy gifts for our kids birthday. We do the party and the gift pile from guests and grandparents is enough. It wasn’t until they were in their teens they realized we didn’t buy a gift. Although, throughout the year. They do not go without the extras.

[@rachelw849]

Don’t forget Halloween, money for costumes and candy

[@OneMamaToAnother]

Something to consider is the dates that the once or twice a year payments are due. If your car tag is due on the first but you don't get paid until the 7th then you actually need the total amount available the month before. Same type of thing with Christmas. If you'll be taking money from a later paycheck in December then it may be too late so having it all by November makes more sense. Some of our sinking funds I didn't hear you mention are: Halloween, dental, eye checks, home and car insurance (is that what car tags is?), home maintenance, and family pictures. Also, an idea to skip water bottles is to borrow someones large camping water jug thingy and fill with ice and water.

[@valeriej291]

We have 4 kids. 3 bdays are all clustered in the fall so we use our family vacation as all 3 of their “parties”. We spend $40 on gifts for each, $5-20 for homemade cake and decorations, and $20 for eating out on their birthday. Our library has a membership to the zoo and science center that you can use for free. You just have to reserve it for the day you want to go so we use that free service for their special birthday thing if we aren’t going on any vacation. For Christmas, we save up all of our cashback from our CC and that is our Christmas budget. We don’t exchange gifts with adults anymore for any holidays.

[@paigeedrington3001]

When you are able, stocking up on gifts after Christmas clearance is great. Also the dollar tree is great if your or others kids are obsessed with painting, crafts etc. Most of my kids Easter baskets are coming from there and we also got several activities for my niece for her bday and she thought she hit the gift jackpot- Little did she know we spent less than $10

[@marysummers9274]

Don't forget mother's day in may and father's day in June. Oh, and you can write out April's budget with March's minimal payments. Then when you get the new amount, just change it on your paper.

[@rosebud7105]

As for the moving sinking fund. If your house sold tomorrow and you had to move in 60 to 90 days (the average timeline) how much would you need to save each mth? For those type of questions I always look at the worst case scenario and calculate from that.

[@jennifershaw4756]

For sure have a birthday party within your budget just as you are planning. We used to do it on the cheap and the kids always had fun.

[@lifejourney48]

Brad and rach called you guts to come down and visit them

[@geomaxa]

here from brad and rach's channel they asked us to tell you they want you to go visit with them xXx

[@kellim1823]

The budget mom also has a really good checking account cushion built up which might help with categories that are in between envelope categories and sinking funds that come up once a year or every few months.

[@AllegedlyMaybe]

Black light parties for young kids is so fun... they are super affordable on amazon (gift card) and you can have them wear white t shirts and they can use washable neon paints.... and get glow sticks and cheap beach balls that will glow and just make a favorites playlist of his favorite songs.... young kids love glow in the dark stuff! Just an idea. Use the theme "your glowing up"....

[@jessicabotello1321]

My parents never bought us birthday gifts for us. Our birthday party was the gift it’s takes money, time, effort to throw a party. We would just get a birthday shirt and that would be our gift. Never got a toy or anything from my parents . And it’s not a bad thing and I never resented them. I appreciate all the non monetary values my parents taught me. No allowances , it was our way of helping the family. No birthday gift our parents threw the party. Something to consider in the future. They’re young now and things only giving $3 for helping with the sticks but when their 15 years old they aren’t gonna wanna help with the house because they understand that $3 is nothing and would rather refuse. And then you just end up paying your own teenager $20 bucks to help the family 😂

[@cassandralyne]

I couldn't recommend sinking funds more! Just since January I've been able to put away over a thousand dollars and I have 12 funds, which I know is more than a lot of people. But I feel so much more prepared and confident nothing will break my budget. I keep them in a safe and keep the cash on-hand. I didn't want to create 12 separate savings accounts, but I know that works for some people. I have: 1. Holiday (christmas) 2. gifts (for everyones bday) 3. car maintenance 4. bedroom (doing 52 week challenge to redo our bedroom) 5. pet 6. clothes/shoes 7. home repair 8. summer (fun money for this year and saving towards next year summer camps) 9. medical (co-pays/vitamins/prescriptions) 10. disneyland 11. personal event 12. new macbook pro

[@stephaniewilliams5347]

This was so helpful! Have been trying to figure out a method to figuring out how much for each sinking funds. Thank you. Love your channel!

[@gypsykate5288]

Lol I wanted to pop Cullens hand when he was chewing his nails. I do that to my husband all the time!

[@charlottemartin8529]

Got to say thank you to you guys. My finances were in bad shape but your videos have motivated me to face it and do something to help. You mentioned the budget mom so also watched her videos. Going to take time but thank you for getting me motivated and on a route to sort my finances out. Thanks xx

[@3keys2myheart]

When my girls were little we would do 1 joint birthday party to save money and time. With one birthday in September and the other in November, we would usually plan something around Halloween to invite their friends and extended family. They are 3 years apart, and it allowed us to save significantly on the party expenses.

[@Tamolwv]

We use Google Calendar and have a shared one called Bills. This gives hubby a glance at what is due and how much. We use an Excel budget instead of writing it down on paper. I am doing some of the things that you see TBM do, along with DR, but the acts didn't have a name like budget by paycheck. It's neat to see how people come to the same way of doing things.

[@SuzanneM7]

Great video! It helped me as I’m just about ready to start some sinking funds. What about a sinking fund for you and Cullen, for those times when you want to celebrate, wedding anniversaries etc? I think that would be a great way to set a little amount aside each month and still be able to have a date night without any guilt? X

[@daughteroftheking4266]

Katie you call the vet and get a price for shots and flea and heart worm meds to help budget that. I had to do that . I now know I have to budget just for flea and heart worm is $110 a month. I was completely floored, I was thinking it would be like $400 for the year. So glad I called and got the numbers. Another we did I don’t know if you would call these sinking funds but we started a envelope for amazon prime $110 year so we divided that by 12 and that much in an envelope to get out of checking account, other subscriptions, home maintenance ( this includes light bulbs, filters, week killer, bug spray, water filters,and so on) we literally went on Lowe’s website priced everything thing out that we know we must have to run our home and divided by 12. Same with our sams membership. I hope that helps but that was the only I felt secure enough to take our budget to a zero dollar amount is if I knew everything was accounted for.

[@nancygraves673]

Glad to hear you speaking of TBM. She is incredible and I have learned so much from her. I follow her religiously and have her TBM workbook which is awesome. I have 7 sinking funds and you will see how great you will feel when you set them up and start contributing to them. Honestly you will sleep so much better when you have that money set aside for future things coming up. You guys are doing great! Thanks for keeping it real!

[@madamkiwi1094]

I did it wrong and worked things out yearly that were yearly but forgot to work out that some things I only had 3 or 6 months before it needed paying. So now I do a yearly small calendar so I can work things out from how many pay packets I have till that bill is due. Great channel

[@JVHarberden]

I love our sinking funds so much!! I used to be stressed out about all the things and I never had any idea how much money we actually had saved. But now I know exactly how much we have saved AND I have money set aside for some big yearly or quarterly things.

[@elizabethevans9056]

Debtkickinmom is a fabulous resource for cash envelopes and sinking funds 😍

[@stockmom5508]

"Oh Eff! Easter! lol

[@amyverlinden853]

You guys need to go visit Brad & Rach!! They extended an invite :)

[@skatergirl8019]

I'm learning so much for you all!!

[@beatricek3801]

go over to Brad and Rach.. they invited you to Missouri for vacation..

[@mariesilver5349]

Love this and the numbers. Keep sharing!!!

[@samanthaannis3189]

If you haven’t, make a sinking fund for your anniversary 😊

[@shelleymorales7711]

On the pets front...We have 5 dogs, a cat, and 2 guinea pigs. We "spend" $200 a month. I don't actually spend that much but the remainder is put in our sinking fund. Our sinking funds are put in Capital one and I have a checking account/card that links to those sinking funds accounts and use that to pay. We have vacation, hoa/home repair, pet, car repairs/maintenance, kid/summer care, Christmas. That has been so helpful for us. We pay for vet visits, heart worm preventative, food, and misc. they may need. Hope that gives you a different idea of what may be needed.

[@ChristiPosner]

Did you forget the car maintenance that is due ASAP?

[@MJeanzy]

I loved The Budget Mom's video and I love this one too! Thanks so much for sharing. Y'all are doing great and I'm cheering for you!

[@OneMamaToAnother]

Another thought too is you mentioned getting some deposits back. Will you need to pay those to new companies when you move?

[@EuphoricASMR_]

I’m addicted to these videos! Helping me so much 🥰🥰🥰

[@jordanwilliams9300]

I LOVED this one. I

[@debbiegivens7205]

Everyone has a few things that are Nonnegotiable in their budgets and in their life. Like your children’s birthdays or Christmas, if those are super important to you which they should be then you put what you need to put in there that you feel comfortable with and it doesn’t break your budget. And don’t feel any guilt just enjoy it!!🎈🎈🎈🎈lol had to leave ya a few balloons!!! One for each of y’all 😂

[@kdlhome]

One Big Happy Life has a one year spending plan which might help with planning your overall yearly budget, and then you can develop your sinking funds. Wendy Valencia has a yearly budget too, which she plus in all the yearly expenses listed so she does not forget them. Worth checking them both out. : )

[@MsCjwoods]

I love these videos! Check out Pinterest for doggy parties, tons of cute ideas that can be created with Dollar Tree products! I love this idea too, it gives you such a clear picture of what to say and how much.

[@lynseywinter9188]

I’m on a tight budget for gifts it got to the point where I was getting the same gift sets for Christmas, birthday , mother’s and Father’s Day. So now I get a big present for Christmas and birthday etc

[@christinemacleod2145]

We only buy gifts for kids under 16 for Christmas, no adults... usually got a Christmas centrepiece for parents.. my husband and I only buy for each other’s Christmas stockings and we buy for our kids.. sending you both strength and patience through this budget process..

[@jpeterson2150]

Isn't it amazing just how many different expenses come up every year? It's no wonder that no matter how much money you earn it never seems like enough until you create these sinking funds. But you are so right...once it's done the peace and security is immeasurable! 😁

[@wandadavis2468]

What I did to save money. I learned how to clip my puppy’s nails and express his annal gland. As gross as that may seem, it’s not that bad. I would but him in the tub express the gland (wearing rubber gloves) and rinse him off. Then I would give him a bath. I also learned to trim his hair. It saved so much money! The gland and nails don’t need to be done that often. I’d give him a bath every 3-4 weeks depending on how dirty he got. It’s funny because they are like children, it’s a bonding time

[@LindsayDroke]

we have a birthday fund for others birthday's and we do twenty dollars a month. I put 200 a month in for Christmas and that will also help cover gas and food.

[@AllegedlyMaybe]

Katie I have "pen envy" I want the pen your holding... I love pens lol and pencils lol

[@heatherabner]

Don't forget car insurance too!! I prioritize our sinking funds by bills due and then things we would like to spend money on, of course some being more of a priority than others. Bills due: car insurance (paid every 6 months) Amazon prime (annually), phone bill (annually, we use mint mobile and it is great!!), Water (due every other month). Other stuff: car and house maintenance, home improvement (just a focus of ours recently, as Miko says saving and paying off debt is possible), we have a general gifts category, Christmas, technology emergency funds, and saving for "vacation" which I just round up to the nearest $10 mark because I like even numbers. So this month I think we but $1.57 in it. Haha every little bit counts!!

[@gypsykate5288]

I’m a gifts person for my love language and I understand how frustrating it can be to have a budget when you want to show love that way. Glad that y’all aren’t taking that away and you are planning for birthdays and all! Great job!

[@laura8933]

Buy gifts that are on sale and that way you will save some money. Also try the dollar store you might be surprised by what you find that make a good gift

[@honeypie99]

What about taking the kids to a thrift store and let them pick our their own outfits for Easter. That would be a minimal expense and I think the kids would love it.

[@tracycook7355]

Guys head over to Brad and Rach they have just extended an invitation to your family going over to stay with them for a holiday. You should so link up with them they are like you great fun

[@CristinSierra]

🤣 my tags expired in September and I didn’t get them paid until January and I totally tried to avoid cops because of it

[@kerrilt]

You can call your veterinarian and ask for an estimate of cost for what each pet is due for. That may help you plan better.

[@dsf114]

Hey Cullen and Katie, you have an invite over on Brad and Rach's channel! Would love to see you all together!

[@cynthiabarlock7925]

I get 1500 a month 950 just on rent 150 on excel 120 on internet the rest is gas and what ever else it is so hard i love these videos but i can't save at all i live month to month no left over money plus i have 5 kids life is so hard

[@rachelcahill1353]

You should get the punching balloon Walmart has them for cheap and kids love them

[@user-dv8bs7tb5c]

I'm glad her channel is helping you guys out.

[@Zexuxx]

For birthday parties check Sam's Club! They have awesome cupcakes/cakes that look and taste awesome! They're only like $15-$20 or simple confetti cake with ice cream! :) Dollar Tree and Dollar General has awesome birthday decor! We just get red baron pizzas and walmart brand 2 liters sodas! Also when it comes to moving I would just do it yourself and your friends. Also with shoes try TJ maxx, Ross or any outlets! :)

[@karenmuller2895]

Are your car tags due by a birthday month or just yearly from when you last paid them. Mine goes by my birth date and it doesn't matter if I paid late the year before. Are you sure you have a full 12 months to save.

[@meggadegs1978]

Our sinking funds are: Christmas Gifts Birthdays Travel Extra Curricular Orthodontist Teaching Supplies (I’m a teacher) Hair Clothing Car Maintenance Home Maintenance Health Entertainment

[@Ibsingintoo]

Just wanted to say a couple of things about this video. First, when you move, ask your friends and family to help you so that will cut down on the cost. Also, check out Groupon. They have had some moving company groupons in the past for like $80 for two hours of moving. Now, I will tell you this because I found this out after the fact. The two hours starts as soon as they leave the office NOT when they get to your location. Ok. Second, do NOT feel obligated to buy gifts for everyone. Brooks and Gaines, yes, but, everyone else will just need to understand. Since my husband lost his job in November, we were not able to do gifts. We had bought some things for each other during Black Friday before we knew he was officially (yet unofficially...crazy story) losing his job. We spent time with family and hoped they understood (most of them did).

[@beautywithcolie]

I love watching your videos! I love how real you guys are. I had stopped watching for awhile bc I just didn't feel connected anymore. I'm so proud how far ya'll have come and getting everything under control!! Love ya'll! Side note! OMG ya'll's car tags!! Those are so high! Ours in Texas are like 70 something for the year!! when you said 400 and 600 I about spit my coffee out! But seriously stay on this path and keep up these awesome videos!

[@tnmingle]

I totally agree with you that last video on the budget mom was awesome! I’ve been paying stuff early just to say it was paid and love seeing the budget work 😁

[@missy_7899]

I've done every single birthday party for my nieces for the past 10 yrs, my eldest niece is 14 and youngest is 5 and for the 5 yrs old I've kept it simple with going to the park "free" little ceasers pizza for 9 people that's 3 pizzas "$15" beverages we just do a byob "bring your own beverage lol. I make cupcakes with boxed mix and tub frosting "$5" and then a few gifts which thru the yr when I see a good clearance deal or when I go to a kids consignment event and find brand new toys I pick those up for Christmas/birthday. Party supplies like plates, balloons, table cover, gift bags I get the $1 stuff from Walmart or I go to dollar Tree so less than $10 so in total about $30 + cost of gifts super simple pretty and she has a blast

[@rachelcarter2443]

Katie you are going to get so good at this budget stuff. Isn't it fun?

[@nancypeteja6560]

It makes perfect sense...you have to do what is right for your family! I'm paying off medicals right now and I have hardly any money left over for food, so hopefully I can get there in a few months. Thanks for helping me out!!? 👍💖

[@trixyk295]

Our family does secret Santa gifts for the adults with a price limit per gift. Talk to the family to see if that's something they would be willing to do. Saves everyone money while still being able to give gifts.

[@33snowgal]

Short term we have car insurance, vacation and gifts and kid sports. Long term though we have house maintenance (we will need a new fence and ac) and saving for new cars (we’ve never had a car payment because we are saving 5-10 years ahead of needing them!)

[@mamakirk2]

I agree with you. You can’t tell kids we are not having a birthday party. Dollar Tree has a lot of birthday decorations.

[@heidib7026]

Check out Marriage and motherhood. She has several videos on debt and sinking funds.

[@sophiehudson7508]

It might be worth making a sinking fund for buisness, so for like if you need a new camera/lights/laptop or something so you're planning for that rather than using emergency funds. Love you guys and this series ❤

[@findingaway5512]

Dollar tree Easter. Throw some quarters or other change in some eggs. 😊 And do a hunt. The easter bunny bring us stuff for fairy houses and gardening things.

[@jennyhanna2590]

I’m the opposite. I hate taking money out of the snowball to just sit there. I instead do it month by month and take just what I need out of the snow ball, it makes me for intense to side hustle those funds anyways.

[@debrawronker4932]

Our cars are do for tags in December and January and our taxes on our property are do every February and March. Since our home is paid off we have no mortgage to worry about.

[@kelcygraves889]

You need to ask your vet about 3 year vaccinations on their rabies vaccine and the DHLPP vaccine. They have three that you can do. As long as they are older than 2 years they should have them. If you get there vacc done the same time as last year then they should be counted as a 3 year. I've worked in a vet clinic for the past 5 years, and we do 3 year vacc. If the owner ask about them.

[@Lawrencemarsh2626]

I ADORE you guys!!! Been following for awhile and have always enjoyed your videos but wanted to thank you SO much for introducing me to Dave Ramsey.

[@jackelynwelling8310]

Sink fund ideas: Valentines Day Birthdays Easter Beach house fund Back to school/ clothes maintenance Car maintenance/car tags Copays Christmas Pet care Life insurance policy Costco/Sam membership Sitter fund

[@debrawronker4932]

After my brother and sister and I started to have a family, we got gifts for the nieces and nephew. We would make a gift or buy one for $10.00 . Christmas time all the stores have &10.00 gifts Walmart and Target , Ross, this is in California I don't know if Alabama has sales like that.

[@HighFamily821]

We were just at a Puppy Dog theme Birthday Party! The parents found these awesome balloon dogs on Amazon! They were a HUGE hit! You can use them as decorations AND a favor for the kids to take home. Two birds with one stone and they are not expensive! www.amazon.com/Walking-Animal-Balloons-Pet-balloons/dp/B076HJHPV6

[@maryryan9597]

Cullen & Katie, check out Brad and Rach ‘s channel, they have invited you to come there for a holiday.

[@tictac-m6f]

Hope this is not a stupid question, have you guys considered get a FP?

[@crazylicious85]

You tubers Brad and Rach want you to visit! I feel like you guys would hit it off and be great friends!!!

[@busymama6714]

A couple of more money saving ideas.....you can contact your local ASPCA if they have low cost vaccines or know of vaccine clinics if your animals are generally In good health and just need the shots. Also you can try thrift store for your children for their dress clothes. Since they grow so quickly at that age, the clothes look brand new and you can get mega deals. Go to a nice neighborhood and they will have all the high end clothing for a fraction of the price!!

[@SFN_Movies13]

"There's nothing better than a flame broiled whopper on a 5 gallon bucket." Now that's a Tshirt I'd wear. Lol. I love y'all. We also have to have birthday parties for our kiddos. You just do when they're little and they're used to that. Do what you need to for your family and don't worry about these comments, y'all. I'll still be here, relating to EVERYTHING you say. ❤

[@julesb.382]

The guy with tag was in my town! 😂😂