How Our Family of 4 Lives on $1900 a Month (Realistic Frugal Budget)

[@MissNatssySunshine]

Thank you for sharing

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thanks so much, you’re awesome!

[@caroleaustin8858]

You will go far in life if you’re starting now!!! Go for it!!

[@AntiFeministWoman4Freedom]

We support a family of 3 on one income. We spend $2500, but we do have a mortgage. Zero credit card debt, car loans etc.

[@papster33]

Thank you for sharing. I do think there are some missing items however. Where are things like health care costs, car maintenance and repairs, gifts, and since you have an Amazon subscription - you must be buying things from there. I think most people under estimate their actual/complete annual monthly costs.

[@jessguzman7676]

I have no opinion for your frugality but I truly appreciate you sharing this video because it motivates me to do better and improve my finances like yours!

[@Suzy12678]

Crazy low expenses - our HO and auto alone is $1500/mth. We’re debt free too, but it’s crazy to see the differences. Thank you for all of your videos! Lots of great info

[@jillsteigauf323]

Thanks for sharing this. I feel like we are similar in so many ways. We are mortgage/debt free and frugal, but by not miserly. It’s nice to see a window into how others budget. By far our biggest expense is food/groceries. We eat 90-95% of our meals at home and cook with lots of organic vegetables/meats. This is our choice, but my SO also has an autoimmune and has major food allergies. So his food is his medicine. We average between $1k-$1400/month (including pet and household items). We have almost zero waste. This includes feeding a family of 3 and occasionally others who join. This is larger than our mortgage ever was and it feel like it almost doubled with the recent inflation. Hard to wrap my head around! For us, (and I taught my kids this) it’s about conscious choice. Just like you, Sara, we worked and sacrificed to get to this place. Everything in my mind has a cost/value amount that is triggered before I put money towards it. We used to be in a place of living off one small income (with 3 kids) by absolute necessity. Now that the debt is gone and 2/3 kids are out, I don’t want stuff or clutter, just good relationships and time with family and friends. Maybe sprinkle in some fun travel and house maintenance😊

[@mangopuppybaby]

After 2 years they raised our internet quite a bit. My husband was able to negotiate a 6 month lower rate. May be worth a try.

[@inacecilia]

Thank you for your transparency! Those are relatable expenses. Thank you for inspiring me to pay off my mortgage!

[@frugalcreativeliving]

Thanks for this breakdown! Its really helpful to see the actual numbers and expenses of other frugal people to see where you're doing well or could stand to make more adjustments!

[@silmuffin86]

The only thing I disagree with is the no credit card part. As long as you only buy what you need, and you pay it off in time, their cash back is literally free money! I pay literally everything with my card: groceries, gas, my daughter's ballet, my son's gymnastic, all the bills... And then I put our cash back in our savings account. It may not be a lot, but it's literally money they give you.

[@shantakoa8596]

Wow. DEBT FREE is the key keywords ❤🙏🏾

[@lmagas-om9dp]

If you're going to pay for Amazon Prime, switch to annual billing, and I think it works out to just over $10 a month, you just have to pay it up front.

[@diner51214..]

thanks so much for sharing this information, i'm a reformed (still a work in progress) spendaholic..tired of the debt ball and chain...

[@bnbtemple5936]

To let you know again, Sara, how much i enjoy your videos and the many and varied topics you cover. Appreciate as well your transparency.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thank you so much!

[@saversavvy2670]

All of my family have tracfones. The most anyone of us pay is 20 a month. I have a 120.00 phone but my kids choose to buy theirs at dollar general for 30.00. I get a 25.00 phone card that lasts me 2 months. So 12.50 a month for me. 🌞

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

This was so interesting. Thank you so much for sharing. You are doing a wonderful job.

[@dizzysdoings]

My biggest expenses with the house are taxes and insurance. And, of course, the mortgage. I'm a widow, so I live alone and have been able to get my electric bill and grocery bill way down. I line dry everything. My house is 100% electric. But in the winter, I burn wood. The wood stove heats the whole house and I normally get all my wood for free. My biggest expense outside of the house is my horses. If I didn't have to drive out to take care of them every day, I would spend very little in gas. I also rent a field instead of a traditional boarding arrangement. Buying everything myself and doing my own work is so much cheaper. This year I am spending more on hay than normal, but that's because we've only gotten 0.5" of rain since the beginning of August! So they don't really have any grazing left. My plan is to move out of this area to a cheaper state where I can walk out of the house and take care of the animals.

[@esskeller9676]

My son also has special needs. He's gets Medicaid and is eligible for meal delivery through Medicare. We did try meal delivery but it was based on the nutritional needs of elderly people so... The quality was like school cafeteria food so mediocre. To me, it's worth it to spend money on groceries and cook at home instead.

[@rohitsengupta6822]

Thanks for making this video and pointing out what many don't realize. My spouse and I survive comfortably on very little money because we do not owe money on cars or have student loans, plus my spouse is a great cook and former restaurant owner so we prefer to eat at home.

[@lovelife7343]

Family of 5 living on $1700 a month . I only can do it because of no mortgage and no car payment.

[@swaziswimmer]

Love this!!!! Similarities between us are uncanny (married, 2 adult sons, careful budgeting, own our home, etc). The one thing you don't mention is medical expenses-- large portions of our budget has to be allocated to that, unfortunately.

[@kelliezimmerman9621]

Thank you for your honesty and transparency! Great video

[@robinbatts8498]

I really appreciate the breakdown/transparency! I’d love to see your grocery/menu plans! We are empty nesters, and I still budget $800/month for groceries, and more around the holidays. How do you handle home and auto repairs/maintenance? Do you have a sinking fund for that? Also, what about healthcare? Those 2 items (home/auto and healthcare) are the largest line items in our debt free budget. Although our health insurance is covered, our deductibles etc are budget line items.

[@leedezern6862]

We got hit by a tornado in December 2023. Our homeowners insurance paid much less than the repairs Don’t assume they will pay for it.

[@beth3535]

My taxes and annual car and house insurance (currently) is $40 less than what my mortgage used to be - 30% of total budget now. My total monthly costs (with spending, meds, doctor, pet, personal) are the remains of the pie. It allows some spending and meets my 50% saving/spending goal. Getting bills down involved car/mortgage payoffs, cutting media, low phone, controlled spending, sinking fund management (and patience), changing how I cook and buy groceries, buying used, etc. it’s also involved developing my interests and working part-time.

[@rubaidasharmin4579]

In Bangladesh our average salary is $335 USD. We have to pay rent, food, education and medicine bills all in that amount of money. Suppose if l get a salary of $1900 USD per month, l can buy a piece of property within 5 years of time.

[@wandacarr668]

How much do you pay for rent, food, education, and healthcare?

[@shaunagidwani6498]

Thank you,dear Sara for all your videos !

[@dora9368]

Thanks Sarah. Love that you are a frugal family of 4

[@jayceeloves]

Your videos motivate me so much! Keep them coming.

[@tracyaf6084]

You’re doing amazing! Your grocery bill is enviable especially.

[@debbiedorsey2371]

Great video on expenses! This helped me for my own budget! Thank you!

[@jadealex1616]

You have a great presenting style, I very much enjoyed this video 🙂

[@caroleaustin8858]

We are a family of just two. Our 4 walls equals 2600.00 hundred a month. We have no house payment and no car payments! But insurance on both the house and car and home taxes cost me 835 .00 a month. And as you all know they will go up again next year. We do have a hospital bill that that will be paid off this year so that will bring it down.!

[@carmenn5609]

I really thank you for sharing your breakdown of your monthly expenses, I wondered if it was normal for my breakdown. I was seeing similarities between yours and mine. I'm mortgage free but there are the Home taxes at the end of the year and home insurance and car insurance, it can easily add up, I can't imagine adding a mortgage to pile. So I think I'm doing good in keeping expenses under 2K for a family of 3. This was very helpful. I will start doing a vacation savings envelope system. Working on Emergency funds also. Thanks again! Would love to hear how others are doing.

[@donnarakitzis2719]

Thank you for breaking this down. It was really helpful.

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I am glad it was helpful!

[@sharondunn6513]

I get that the 26 year old may not be able to make a financial contribution but even if your 23 year old is living at home until he can get on his feet why is he not covering some of his expenses. Also I think I would cut way back on the subscriptions and read more books which you can get free or for very little. My only streaming is Prime which has other benefits. I am getting Brit box but will probably cancel. There are so many things you can get for free on you tube and other places that provide entertainment. Some universities offer free classes online. I'm just being nit picky. I am impressed on how you have kept your expenses down.

[@DawnRK3204]

Our kids have all worked at least part-time since they were 16 and have always paid for their own cell phone and car insurance/gas/etc. The oldest now has his own family, the middle one is working on PhD, and youngest just moved back home to finish his degree (still works).

[@AngelaMastrodonato]

And you admit this in your last sentence, her overall expenses are low so exact expenses are irrelevant. The idea is to focus on priorities and not be wasteful.

[@jillgott6567]

My expenses are almost $1,200/ month for just myself $900 out of that is my rent. I do not have credit cards. Using part of an inheritance, I made the final payment on old medical debt of $754.00. It is GONE ! However, I did research insuranxe coverage and switched to AAA for a yearly savings of $330.20. I found an awesome deal on beef and chicken so I stalked up. I was able to get $51.97 worth of meat for just $25.98 a savings if $25.98. Then, a store I rarely go to but like was having a 40% off $30 purchases. I Buying only what I needed I came up with three $31-$32 purchases. Savings were $38. All of that in one week $330.20+ $25.98+38.00 = $394.18 savings I'm pleased ! .

[@flohough1870]

Thank you for sharing this, I think a lot of people can use this information as a guideline for their own budgetary needs. We are in a very similar situation, zero debt and approaching retirement, so I've been running the numbers so I'm sure we can cover our basic needs with our basic retirement income. So far it looks good! A little planning goes a long way. Love that you have a vacation account, we used to do that back when Christmas clubs were a thing. Now due to health issues and a dog that suffers from extreme separation anxiety, we aren't traveling like we used to, but we do other things closer to home like go to concerts, nice dinners out periodically. (And speaking of concerts, how about that fiasco with our boy Dave? 😟)

[@TraceyBergum]

What's the fiasco with Dave?

[@flohough1870]

​@@TraceyBergumcheated on his wife and now has a baby with some other woman. The Foo Fighters are on "hiatus" for who knows long over it.

[@naomikirsch8158]

Any expenses for water, heating, garbage and health care (premiums etc.)? Your videos are always informative. Thank you!

[@kathsarazin]

What about healthcare, dental, vision, clothing?

[@jacki6301]

Do you have a budget for medical expenses?

[@cherylwood446]

I love the way you're sharing your budget. 😊 Did you miss water sewer and trash by chance? We are preparing to retire shortly on limited income

[@allikat1352]

Of course I don't know her bills, but we live in the country so no sewer and no trash. But most towns here in my area have sewer and trash included in the water bill. But not on country water services.

[@lovelyletter7460]

There’s a lot that was missed: medical, water, gas, heat, hot water just to name a few. 🙄

[@cherylwood446]

Yes medical? I am hoping to retire on very little So these expenses are important to me

[@tinac945]

Did she mention Electric?

[@Relaxing-Gentle]

Thanks for sharing . What do you for health insurance?. That is expensive in my household.

[@livingthedream923]

My husband and I spend $1900 a month JUST on health insurance. I was wondering about that too.

[@cjhoward409]

Our expenses are $2,800 a month. No mortgage, no credit cards, no car loans. But we do go bowling once a week with friends. And my husband drives far for work. But our biggest expense is food/toiletries. And we have big gardens and fruit trees. 🤷🏼‍♀️ But if we had to cut back more, we could. We don’t have home ins. YEARS ago we started saving and we have enough to cover our own emergencies. Think about it… if you pay $150 a month for home ins. Live there for 30 years and DONT make a claim , you get none of that money back. That’s $54,000 that could’ve been saved in different areas, for retirement. $54,000 invested could give you triple or more that amount. Something to think about

[@hoosierpioneer]

In Indiana, ins is required with a mortgage. I wasn't able to buy my home outright.

[@mangopuppybaby]

Do you have to have your house paid off to not have home owners insurance?

[@cjhoward409]

@@hoosierpioneer True. But we don’t have a mortgage

[@cjhoward409]

@@mangopuppybaby With a mortgage you’re required to have ins on it. Same thing with auto loans. You have to have full coverage. But once it’s paid off, you can opt for just liability ins.

[@JD-tn5tb]

If you go 30 years without problems, yes you save that money but what happens if a year from now, your house burns down or some catastrophe hits? Your biggest investment is gone. quite a risky way to live.

[@autumnsmith3585]

Your voice is Very soothing.

[@h.douglasnadeau4931]

Maybe this has been addressed in previous videos, but I'm wondering about other categories like health insurance, dental, vision, gas heat, water/sewer, gifts, haircuts, clothes, house maintenance, car maintenance?? -- Barbara

[@wandacarr668]

What about health insurance?

[@jennesont4791]

I have learned from this video that we are getting gouged in Canada! High speed internet, cell plans, property tax, home insurance are all significantly more where we live compared to your numbers (and we have the cheapest cell and not high speed)

[@shannonsanchez8081]

Just curious about health insurance and medical expenses. I didn’t see those listed in your budget.

[@lovelyletter7460]

Exactly. Nor heat, hot water, gas etc.

[@kathyleighton9091]

I assume the one son must get state assistance where he is severely handicapped. Hubby is retired so probably gets Medicare.

[@JeanStAubin-nl9uo]

You are doing great!

[@thankfulandthrifty]

Your expenses are similar to ours here in rural Maine. We are also debt free. Curious about your healthcare as that is an added BIG hunk to our budget. Also, is your heating included in your electric? If so, that's a really good price!

[@Tom-sg4iv]

Your groceries are quite low for 4 adults, but everything else is much cheaper here in Europe. Also living debt free and retired at 42, so trying to live frugal.

[@chasingawesomeness7648]

No..Health Insurance, Property Taxes, Real Estate Taxes, House Insurance, Fuel/ Transportation expenses?,

[@Rita-ic9tv]

She discussed property taxes and fuel

[@debbieacevedo7571]

@@Rita-ic9tv all, except health insurance, were discussed.

[@lovelyletter7460]

Property taxes don’t pay for heat, hot water, gas, medical expenses etc…

[@chasingawesomeness7648]

@@Rita-ic9tv I clearly need to watch this again 😂. Thanks

[@katherinetyrrell8810]

In Missouri, we have real estate taxes AND personal property taxes (every single December on vehicles/boats/RVs etc. already purchased many years prior). Ours will be $920 this year for a 2007 van with 150k miles, a 2014 van with 215k miles, and a 2022 SUV with 30k miles. We paid sales when we bought them, but have to pay again every year. Taxation is theft.

[@stacyrae5027]

That budget is completely reasonable.

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

Thank you for the video

[@cathyallshouse2572]

I could do that too if I didn't have a mortgage/rent. Keeping a roof is hugely expensive. But necessary.

[@PamelaBriggs-c8z]

I recently discovered your channel, very informative even though I cannot relate to everything, since I live in Western Europe and some things work different over here. Thank you for your transparency! I am just in the process myself of preparing the first draft of my 2025 budget. I am a 56 year old female, homeowner, single, no children and debt free since a couple of years (I had a mortgage only). I am a life-long saver, my parents taught us to always make sure to save money and not spend everything and I am forever grateful for that. Seeing your budget, the accountant in me woke up and I feel I miss a few lines, lol. What about clothing or is this included in personal care or the miscellaneous line? Same goes for car maintenance / oil change / new tires. Any budget for small repairs / maintenance in and around the house? I miss a line for water / sewage / waste management. Do you pay car tax in the US? Also, what about healthcare insurance / medical costs? Apart from the bills, that I pay either through electronic banking or are processed by the companies by direct debit, I pay as much as I can by credit card. I never run up a credit card debt, in fact it gets paid by direct debit around the 5th of the following month. I find it easier to track my expenses that way. I keep my budget in excel and I update it monthly for my actual expenses, I keep all my receipts, also for the occasional cash payment. This spreadsheet has everything in it, a section with all the money coming in and a section with all the expenses going out (by category) and I thick of the bank balance at the bottom of my spreadsheet with my bank statements, so I am sure I don’t miss anything. If I could give only 1 piece of advice it would be: “cook your own food”. As a challenge for myself, I am not going to buy any clothes in 2025. I have done this once before and it worked, with the exception of a pair of bath slippers and sunglasses that broke down and I needed to replace them. Greetings from Europe!

[@PamelaBriggs-c8z]

With: If I could give only 1 piece of advice it would be: “cook your own food”, I mean this as a general advice to people who are looking to save money, not specifically to you as it is clear you do a lot of home cooking.

[@Moonblossom62]

Mint Mobile is super easy to use.

[@PeriwinkleRabbit]

Can you give some insight about health insurance? That is our biggest expense by far. Thanks!❤️

[@theresajohnson9497]

“I have a thing about Amazon.” 🤣 Me too….

[@cathcolwell2197]

Rent or mortgage depends on where you live sort of dictates everything

[@Devie-q9g]

You would be proud of me. Budget. I spend $25 in gas PER MONTH and I don't even use all the fuel. Live 7 minutes from work and grocery stores are the same or less.

[@JD-tn5tb]

I did not hear you mention any type of water, sewage, trash bill. I also didn't hear you mention any bills for medical insurance premiums.

[@Joan-o5r]

I live in New York City and internet alone is $110. Which personally I feel is ridiculous

[@livingoncoffee]

I have basic cable with Verizon $52 a month, Basic has a lot of channels that are sufficient.. Fyi

[@BSGSV]

Wow, hats off to you. That is truly well done! I am retired and have no debts or mortgage (I own my home), but I spend and average of $2900/mo or $36,000/yr for a single man which is no where near as good as your performance. Of course my expenses might be slightly higher than yours as I drive a newer BMW and live in an expensive area of California (high prop tx, gas costs, food costs, insurance costs etc...). I also love Amazon and occasional toys within reason. My low annual burn rate (compared to the rest of America) is the reason I was able to retire early. Even though I can afford to increase my spend, I do not. I am hardly living in austerity: I eat out with friends occasionally, have the latest phone, eat well etc. But I don't spend more than about $500/mo of income doing any of that. If I need to make a one-off major purchase (car replacement) I will use saved wealth to do that. While my monthly spend may seem wasteful, it means I live a relatively luxurious life well, well, well, within my means.

[@glendawright2721]

Roku has car show and it free 😊

[@susana5345]

Health insurance was not mentioned? Do you have that?

[@Rita-ic9tv]

Church and donations are a big chunk of my monthly expenses - non- negotiable. As well as long term care and life insurance, donation to my granddaughter college fund and gifts

[@lovelyletter7460]

Wow! You must live in an inexpensive area. Under $300 for taxes?! The taxes for my 842sqft condo in a suburb of Boston are $400 a month. Food for 4 adults $400 a month. How?? Each time at the supermarket is at least $100 for us several times a week and I’m a family of myself, husband and 9 year old who barely eats. I also have no mortgage and have a $553/month in condo fees that includes all utilities except electricity. Where’s your heat/hw/gas/home repairs etc costs? I think I missed those. Our Verizon internet is :$39.99/month Mint mobile for 2 phones is $33/month

[@mindicardello3842]

What about healthcare? Life insurance?

[@rachelday9585]

I think it's not bad. We are a family of 5 and live on about $1500 a month with a mortgage.

[@Devie-q9g]

Can you imagine if you had house payment and car payments for everyone in house on top of the 1900

[@christynr1388]

Do you pay for health insurance?

[@rachg123]

I'm curious about health insurance - if you have coverage and how much?

[@lovelyletter7460]

No response to that I see.

[@Megan9689]

If we didn't have our mortgage payment, our monthly expenses would probably be about 1100$ or less for just my husband and I. We have no debt besides the mortgage. One decrease we've made recently is we shopped around for a cheaper garbage service and thankfully 1 other company now services our road(where before it was monopolized by only 1 company). We got rid of recylcing service and take it to the township hall to their bins that are paid for by our taxes already.

[@CourtneyRobinson]

Thank you, great video. May I ask what you’re doing for health insurance?

[@shannonrose4916]

Did I miss the part on your medical expenses?

[@IdaMaySmith]

Did I miss water, sewage, and heating costs?

[@IdaMaySmith]

And do you pay quarterly taxes for your business? Just some things I’m thinking about..

[@CatahoulaBlue-nq2ri]

No mortgage. This is why.

[@laundrygoddess4]

Not necessarily. I'm mortgage free and can't do that. I have $1000 in medical a month

[@michelealexander9900]

Right! No Mortgage, no rent!

[@laundrygoddess4]

@@michelealexander9900 she left out a lot in her budget. I have a paid off house and there needs to be insurance, property taxes, a sinking fund for maintance and repairs. A lot of things she didn't include.

[@michelealexander9900]

@@laundrygoddess4 I believe she did mention insurance because of the numerous hurricanes and property tax that she saves every month at a time.

[@laundrygoddess4]

@@michelealexander9900 she didn't mention an amount for health insurance or sinking funds for repairs

[@patienceowusu5986]

Thank you so much, but what about health insurance and retirement

[@maryprincipe8200]

I have Spectrum phone and internet for $65/month and got a new Samsung $799 phone. I work from home.

[@jacquefessenden9570]

Go Bills!

[@laundrygoddess4]

Completely unrealistic for most who live in a more urban area. I'm frugal with food and I spend 650 a month for three adults. Now I'm in Canada so that adds a bit but I'm knowledgeable about us costs. Your car insurance is wildly cheap and gas amount is also very low for most. I see no sinking fund, which is a monthly expense, for Home repairs, car repair and purchase fund etc. I think you're omitting a lot. Medical costs are also a thing that isn't mentioned. House insurance?

[@gordonroxanne1294]

She pay $127.00 a month for home insurance.

[@laundrygoddess4]

@@gordonroxanne1294 bet medical insurance is a lot more... Omitted.

[@andrewminjiras5745]

Can you recommend a book about budgeting? And would you consider a few budget sessions via email or texting. Of course, I’m willing to pay for budget advice.

[@wandahall4435]

Sara ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊 Great ideas 💡

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

Thanks so much!!!

[@sharongenco3716]

Buffalooo! ❤️ 💙

[@clarisahernandez5280]

Would a Walmart+ membership be good for you? Mine comes with Paramount+ and claims $5.99 cost.

[@maureenrischard3154]

What does your family do for medical insurance?

[@debbieacevedo7571]

Debt free as well with no mortgage. $860 a month in property tax unfortunately. :(

[@shellyvinsant4542]

How do you only shop 3 times a month. We always need fresh fruit and veggies

[@melissaweber4622]

How do you get 3 phones that cheap with Verizon? I pay close to 200 with 3.

[@Savage11-b7e]

People are blessed because I have $73.00 each month so I sell my clothes out my closet to be able to have money for utilities.

[@cjhoward409]

What do you do for work ? I’d get a second job if need be. Some little side hustles.

[@shantakoa8596]

$221 for insurance 😮for me alone is close to that but I’m in NC tho’🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Shopgirl1]

No water bill, house insurance, life/health insurance….dog/cat vet/food?

[@patm.6685]

For what state is this?

[@annamariamusolino5653]

Ciao Sarah, video molto interessante. La tua amica in che Stato d'Europa si trasferira'?.Io abito in Italia

[@jejunamja]

I have to admit I wonder what you eat That's pretty good totals on food maybe here in Southern California it's just more expensive

[@JenniferGee-t4k]

Agreed. I have lived in upstate New York and now live in SoCal. The cost of living is much higher here!

[@mkeen1808]

$2k is a fair amount for a careful family. We have plenty of stuff, little need for more furniture and a life time supply of everything else from my parents and in laws homes....

[@saraconklinfrozenpennies]

I think it only works well if you’re out of debt and don’t have robust housing payments.

[@laundrygoddess4]

​@@saraconklinfrozenpenniesnot having high medical costs is handy too. My medical is $1000 a month.. In Canada!

[@Rita-ic9tv]

I thought medical in Canada was free?

[@laundrygoddess4]

@@Rita-ic9tv hospitals and drs are free. Dental, vision, physio, all that kind of stuff isn't free.

[@dazza9859]

Single man here living on Ireland for that money.!!!!😮