How To Setup a Zero Based Budget | On a Debt Free Journey | Dave Ramsey Inspired

Hi guys!
Todays video is a long one! But with good reason. I get asked all the time how a zero based budget can be made or setup to fit people's need so I just decided to make a video as detailed as possible for anyone who is starting to understand. But like always budgets are so personalized that I can't promise that this method may work for you. Everyone is different along with their finances and what can work for me may not work for you. Lastly just know this is a take on what Ive learned through my debt free journey and that Im not a financial expert and won't have all the answers for you (so please keep that in mind). Part 2 of how to break down a monthly budget into regular paycheck budgets will be coming soon!
I hope you enjoyed- it was a long one- but totally necessary,
Erika
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[@jazmynr12]

One of the best examples of a zero based budget on YT. I could see how hard you prepared beforehand and by your explanations could tell how you genuinely want to help other people, who are possibly new to budgeting, understand the basics!

[@erikalifevlogs]

💕 thank you!

[@clair233]

I agree

[@teresaclutter9757]

Great job!!

[@Mochi_Stars97]

Im so not skiping ads in this channel.

[@erikalifevlogs]

🙌🏽 you help me a lot without even knowing it! Thanks so much! ♥️

[@SunnyDoesLife]

Binge watching all these debt free videos and realizing I’m not as bad off as I thought

[@erikalifevlogs]

😂 thats good! Im glad because no one wants debt!

[@Malix15]

Same lol

[@katrinalenz3809]

This may sound silly but thank you for the positive background noise while I wrote my own budget. I find it so much more motivating to listen to people talk about their own journey as I am just beginning mine.

[@erikalifevlogs]

I do the same! Im always having e.michelle in the background when Im budgeting !

[@katrinalenz3809]

@@erikalifevlogs between you, her and shay I know I'm in good budgeting motivation hands!

[@KourttneyL]

THANK YOU. I have debt and I am a visual person. Seeing all of my stuff on paper works so much better for me .

[@erikalifevlogs]

You’re welcome!

[@latinaar1budgets]

Can you add the bi-weekly breakdown so that my daughter can understand how you do it....lol...she says you explain it better.

[@hugskissesxoxoashley9925]

Love this! I don’t understand why people are judging your choices! You said it best - budgeting is personal! I think you are being super reasonable and REALISTIC. And 5.5K subs?!?!?? CONGRATS!!!

[@candy2325]

I just paid my LAST credit card payment yesterday and it feels so damn good! I only have two credit cards, but man the way I was spending like I was in Congress was insane! I leave my credit cards at home and act like they don’t even exist lol. This video is great! I agree about writing the numbers down, it makes it more “real” and shakes you up. I checked my credit report last night and I found a collection that I need to get my hands on to pay off. I hate that it got to that point 😫

[@Lak3rsfolife66]

Why haven't you cut up the credit cards yet tho

[@jaywalters9448]

Spending like I was in Congress took me out! 😂😂

[@candy2325]

Giovanni Torres I did! Just recently

[@BethKnox32]

Maybe cut them up

[@altyd493]

Been watching you from the start. I love how you reinforce that you totally don't need stickers and fancy books etc - even a simple piece of paper each month is enough. Scrap paper if you don't have a pad. That's how I budgeted for over a year and then branched out to a simple 30c note book following that. The key is being disciplined enough to tell your $$ where to go!

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I’ve been debating using a spreadsheet or getting a book since I really like physically writing. Has a paper budget worked well for you?

[@candy2325]

@@ciannacoleman5125 I love budgeting by paper. I use a bullet journal and write my budget stuff in there and use fancy highlighters to make it cute 😊

[@michelleholt2007]

When I first started, I would sometimes write on the back of utility bill envelopes until I got my financial planner. Still just use plain notebook paper to rough draft my budget on.

[@lavernewebb7308]

I was expecting you to list 4 things when you said 4 walls. Smiles

[@BadBrad119]

4 walls are Shelter, Food, Transportation, and Clothing. The roof is likely the emergency fund

[@camilliacollier4448]

Me too! LOL!! I Loved that - I'm definitely gonna use it!!!

[@BRYCKTORIA]

@@BadBrad119 Or using D.Ramsey's definition: food, shelter, transportation (for me rent, renter's insurance, gas & electric, food, car insurance, gas for car, toll pass). I had my car payment in the 4 walls, but moved it to debt. I literally have been revived by this simple order of things (putting the four walls first), because I used to pay bills before I bought groceries and often went without. I hope you like this additional info.

[@tamikow7630]

Initially I didn’t understand why you were being so snarky with your comments around people not questioning you but I’m glad I made it through to get the full content. This was a great video!!!

[@opinion2159]

From 21 down to 5 or 6, well done! ;)

[@erikalifevlogs]

Thank you!

[@morgangilmore8553]

Love the bravery you have. It takes courage to share your debt you have with people! So many people avoid opening up about debt because of the social shame that can be brought with it. Love love love the openness you have! Keep up the good work 💙

[@erikalifevlogs]

Thank you

[@irishernandez628]

Girl! I’ve watched countless videos on budgeting lately and I’m scared to jump on the ship, but this broke it down in a simple way that I’m not scared. So for the month of October I’ll be doing this, I’m on my way to watch the 2nd part now. I appreciate this video! ✨ God Bless.

[@erikalifevlogs]

Im glad to hear! Dont be afraid to spam me with questions 😊

[@nosirrahm]

How is it going, Iris? I hope you figured it out.

[@samveney]

Thank you, thank you for creating this video. I'm a single mom of 2 and I'm working on my debt journey in 2020. I admit...I've made some pretty lousy choices and my debt is ridiculous. But I'm determined to get debt free and show my children how to budget and do better than I have. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you and I appreciate the time you took to explain everything and make it clear. Awesome video.

[@dawna-ba-da-bing]

I appreciate real numbers. I never understood why people cared if strangers knew their income. Big deal.

[@BRYCKTORIA]

probably in case their family, friends, or neighbors watch ... especially if they have family members who feel entitled to your money! lol

[@jaclynsbasics3615]

This is so awesome! Not bragging but I am currently not in debt but my financial goal is to save, save and save! And if my husband and I ever get into debt I feel like I learned from these kind of videos so it hopefully won’t be too bad. 💕

[@erikalifevlogs]

No such thing as bragging because I cant wait to be debt free and trust me Ill be the first to scream it out loud.

[@troyl.jackson3449]

I love when people show how the different budgeting techniques apply to their life! I tried creating a video explaining different budget techniques then realized the best example is explaining my own budget breakdown. Love the content!

[@jenniesgenuinegems]

I love your attitude about debt!! We've all been there. Keep chugging along! THANK YOU for going into so much detail!! It really helped me.

[@dreammore4868]

I wanted to CRY when I was getting sued for my $3,000 credit card debt, I wasn’t paying it every month and they sold to debt collectors (a law office) and I ended up settling with them and paying a $1,700 lump sum to end that debt with them. I got lucky. Seeing your debt makes me feel silly but also makes me hope you’re doing good mentally because I was a ball of stress. I’m glad you’re choosing to help others figure things out, good luck and stay strong!

[@xoxoashleymichelle]

Ugh I love your video! It’s so nice to see real numbers. And I’m glad to see another fellow SoCal person doing this.

[@Vonnie1490]

I’ve been watching your videos for the last week and I’m so happy to stumble upon your channel. To finally watch someone who has a similar salary as me, even tho my debts are a bit higher, but they’re all student loans. It just makes me feel like I can be done!!! Thank you for taking the time to explain this 💗

[@eav0461]

First time viewer, just wanted to say I love your handwriting! Great video, thanks for sharing ☺️

[@okayiestmom8078]

I have been watching lots of videos on this process. Yours is the easiest to follow and learn from. Bonus is that your hand writing is amazing.

[@dshondarj]

Thank you for always being transparent with us. You really help me a lot throughout this journey and I appreciate you! The zero based budget does seem to work for me and I like it.

[@erikalifevlogs]

Thats awesome to hear!

[@jenniferducat1123]

This was the best and most real explanation of a monthly budget I have seen so far. My husband and I are working on a new budget and this helped so much. Also, thank you for linking the pen, it looks amazing. Thank you for being so real and open about a real budget.

[@HistoryHighwithLisaMarrie]

This has been so helpful. I pulled out my paper and starting workiing right along with you!

[@toschaferguson5749]

Thank you so much for sharing and helping those that need help with budgeting. I’m sorry that you hear negativity from others.

[@laurennicole9298]

This video came up while I was looking at some other budgeting videos, and wow you explained it the clearest. Trying to figure out a budget seems really ominous, but you just laid it all out so simply. Thank you for the great video!

[@Glo297]

I love that you are so transparent. You give me real numbers and showing your struggles is so helpful.

[@erikalifevlogs]

Im glad to hear it helps!

[@megkocik]

I recently started watching your videos! You’ve been such an inspiration to me to start paying off my debt. Keep up the good work!! 🥳

[@erikalifevlogs]

😍 so happy to hear! Thank you so much

[@mathildaandmike]

We are doing the same method as well and we love it! It’s so eye opening to see exactly what we spend our money on and then aggressively hit our financial goals. Thank you for these tips!

[@kelsihughes]

This is awesome and I love it for me, being a senior in college!! Also love that planner paper!

[@viancamartinez7020]

Omg !!! Girl .. thank you so much... For having the time to show us how to start! I will star do it for next month...

[@jj-bu6yb]

i loved watching this! i started today my journey on zero-based budget! THE BEST video on youtube! i can tell you genuinely want to help others

[@deb4053]

THANK YOU ERIKA FOR A VERY SIMPLISTIC BUT INFORMATIVE LESSON IN ZERO BASED BUDGET.

[@s.shiff17]

Honestly can't wait to start budgeting, you make it sound so easy and relatable!

[@PrincessJazzmyn]

3 words. Honest! Transparentcy! Real!. Thankyou Queen for being straight forword no sugar coding!

[@EdGarrrFlores]

This was amazing! I got a lot of golden nuggets from watching you do this. Thanks for demystifying budget planing.

[@ea6390]

I'm only like 13 minutes with watching and so far, I like how you made this breakdown so simple!

[@SKPaquette77]

Thank you for being so vulnerable to help people who need guidance on how to budget and get rid of debt. 🙂

[@TorB44]

I’m really glad I came across your YT. This is the most realistic budget based video. Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@AskJaeSix]

Well this is soooo helpfullllllll. I just started budgeting. I've tried it in the past and always end up feeling lost... But thisss is what I'll be using

[@jennifershaw8409]

Absolutely loved your video! Thank you so much for being realistic and explaining everything in detail!

[@MC-zx3vp]

I love you being real by being positive and honest. You are awesome by sharing how you are taking responsibility and making it work. I hope you achieve all your goals and dreams.

[@sarataveras3827]

This was the most simple video ever! Thank you so much!!!! Loved this!

[@goode2shuz177]

One of the best, if not THE best videos I’ve seen showing a zero based budget. Excellent job!

[@erikalifevlogs]

Thank you!

[@linneafristoe3277]

Erika, don't let the mean comments get to you! You are young and getting on top of your finances! Kudos to you! And thank you for being so open and honest about your financial situation. For every naysayer, you are probably helping 5 others!

[@pamayers8681]

This is an excellent video and you are doing a wonderful job. You really do a good job of taking the shame out of debt and money.

[@saphyradarkstar3410]

Great video!!! This is one of the best explanation of the zero-based budget videos on the internet. Thank you.

[@mel_budgets]

Love love love , this helped me out a lot. Thanks for showing everything most you tubers beat around the bunch and make it confusing. Your videos are so informative. Awesome job in getting down to 5 cards Wow 👍🏾

[@erikalifevlogs]

Thank you! It had been a journey! But glad to be in it. Cant wait until Im at the finish line 🤩

[@christinamccloskey]

your budget videos are helping me so much as i begin my budget journey! i feel like im just drowning in debt at the moment so i need to take control of it. thank you so much for these videos!

[@erikalifevlogs]

You are welcome! I was in your situation once! Im still not out of debt but I can finally breathe!

[@jessicaantonio6227]

Super simple, thank you for taking the time to break it all down. I absolutely loved your video

[@lig8413]

Thank you for sharing, very easy to understand. I love watching these videos to see how I can tweak my budget. Great job!

[@shurdellanderson7645]

Thank you for being real and honest. I really appreciate it. This will help me to get on track and get out of debt.

[@tamikajones6970]

Great video. I have been doing a zero based budget for the past few years and it has helped me tremendously. I am looking forward to the paycheck breakdown video.

[@laurenbrasington7968]

I make 1800 for two people. Im happy to find a budget that is actually realistic. Thank you for being so honest about real world things like debt. Keep up the 👍 good work.

[@varinderlitt2305]

Great job explaining! Keep doing it. Clarity is so important!

[@tamisha4023]

Very informative and relatable. I just started budgeting this year and your videos keep me motivated! Thank you!!! 😊

[@pixistyx]

Thank you for speaking about how personal budgets are! So many people don't understand how personal budgets are for each individual person.

[@theashleywiley]

Omg you’re a lifesaver! I’ve been wondering what I can do to better manage my money and pay off my debt and this has helped immensely! I’m so happy I found your channel. I’m binge watching now! This video really made me realize that when I wrote my income and bills down on paper, I’m not as broke as I thought. I just needed to find your video to better manage. Thank you so much!

[@erikalifevlogs]

So happy to help!!

[@arneetraammacklin]

Love this I like how you broke it down now I'm not so confused with my budget I finally understand the system so thanks again.

[@erikalifevlogs]

Yay! Im glad it helped. Budgeting can be confusing !

[@yessieXblubay]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been embarrassed of my debt. Today, I started paying off 2 of my credit cards. I need to call the other 2 or 3 to get my numbers

[@karengraves3900]

Watching in 2021 - wow! This is what I needed. So real (thank you for sharing your actual numbers...beyond helpful and inspiring). So simple using pen and paper. Love it and can't wait to do my own!

[@hoteluytihouseofmorel5541]

I think this is such a well thought out video. Thank you for being vulnerable in order to help others.

[@endianicole6240]

Great video! Much more relatable then other videos I’ve seen. I also liked how you kept it real lol! No judgement zone! Awesome!

[@smacfarlane4416]

Thank you so much for this breakdown. By far the best explanation!!

[@JolieUTU]

Love the use of real numbers, very helpful! And good tutorial on Dave Ramsey's zero-based budget! Thanks for the explanation!

[@LILLYROSE-hv5cd]

I am so glad I found you. All the other people on Dave Ramsey are not detailed like you and complicated. Don't worry been there...the only difference my page was filled up on one side. Now I am down to 3 credit cards and 1 personal loan. I have used the snowball effect for years.

[@waterswaters1705]

I just now saw your video and I am so happy to see someone be real about their income and debt:) Nobody’s perfect you’re right people need to back off being negative and get it together 👍⭐️

[@toppopqueen]

Thank you for being so open and honest about this!! I found this super helpful 💜💜🙏🏼😊

[@sonialariviere4700]

wow its the best learning video I've seen for money budgeting. thank you sooooo much.

[@mariacastillo3090]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I’m old and wish I’d had this information when I was your age.

[@KayleighExOh]

I love how open you are with this video it actually does help

[@erikalifevlogs]

Happy to hear!

[@lynnwales2937]

This is AMAZINGLY helpful!! Thank you!!!!

[@audreyhaney2833]

Thank you so much!! This video was so much more relatable to my own circumstances. Great video!! Love the visuals

[@erikalifevlogs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nicoleguerra3510]

Thank you for using realistic numbers. I appreciate you making this video! ❤️

[@allisonrodriguez13]

This is the most helpful budgeting video I have seen.. and I’ve seen a lot!! I just subscribed to your channel! ❤️❤️

[@erikalifevlogs]

So glad to have helped! And welcome to my channel! ♥️

[@sassyrmg]

Amazing explanation and demonstration! Thank you for sharing.

[@barnhill96]

thank you so much. this is one of the best videos that I have seen!

[@jessireyes5307]

Awesome video! I really appreciate you sharing your expenses . It gave me a better picture of my personal expenses.

[@brianajohnson8172]

You’re a great teacher!🤩 Thank you for putting in all of this effort for us!

[@erikalifevlogs]

thank you for watching!

[@rediscovering_tanyah]

I am just starting budgeting. I am so glad I came across your channel. You made it so simple and realistic. I don't have credit card debt but I have slot of stuff in collections. Thanks for sharing.

[@aliciag429]

Thank you I'm just starting to budget and pay my debt! Very detailed and helpful! Thank you!

[@latinamckinnie7628]

Omg, Erika! Thanks for the video. Very detail and realistic. Look forward to many more of your videos sister❤️

[@erikalifevlogs]

Glad it helped!

[@claudiaarce8883]

Your video has been a pleasure to watch. Your explanations were on point. I have done Dave Ramsey system before with some tweaks and it works without sacrificing EVERYTHING. Great job.

[@berniceporter9989]

Thank you sweetheart for being so transparent with your finances. This was very helpful ❣️

[@erinthomaslawrence519]

I love what you say about debt! Thank you for sharing and helping others!

[@yeahgirl11]

Thanks for taking the time to make this for us!

[@amyp6135]

Thank you so much. I was finally able to understand creating a budget. It’s not just an arbitrary thing now.

[@erikalifevlogs]

It doesn't have to be! you can always include fun while paying off everything that is priority. Its just knowing where your money is going at all times

[@jevanyaflowers3705]

Thank you so much for this!! It really opened my eyes in a way I didn’t expect ❤️

[@erikalifevlogs]

Happy to hear!

[@lifewitherica5485]

You did an awesome job breaking everything down

[@frugalfrugal1307]

Thank you so much. You have no idea how much you've helped me. Peace and Love.

[@meliss9536]

Um, THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING!! I have a budgeting system which isn't super far off, but I am going to follow and do this by this video.

[@tiatish_]

I realize this is an old video but I'm playing it while I work out my numbers. I printed out 3 paychecks and 3 bank statements... crunching numbers! Thanks for being real with your situation and info! I'm looking forward to see your newer videos to see how you're doing!

[@TheEssenceofEboni]

Awesome video. THANK YOU! Thank you for being so transparent.

[@CourtneyBriee]

Such a helpful video! I appreciate your transparency with your budget and you were very informative!

[@pumpkin4539]

Congratulations on your journey. So brave of you to face your debt head on and put it out there for everyone to benefit from. Hope you have done well over this 1 1/2 years.

[@moniqueholmes2836]

Thank you for example I am working as I go I feel the same way. When people who judge don't have life to do. Thank you for being a real person with low income

[@nitabe8653]

You have the best video that I have found on how to do this type of budget. New subscriber here!!

[@klyannguerra3418]

Thank you so much for this detailed explanation I really needed this because I didn't understand it on any other video seen.