Investing 40% of my Income & other HUGE Budget Changes in 2019

[@BudgetGirl]

Download my free budget template here: bit.ly/bgbudgettemplate

[@libbyreed8588]

You've come so far! You are winning!

[@eviefieseler1093]

The money you will accumulate over the years will make things easier for you, but always remember that your future will be bright *because you are smart, capable, happy and very much actively involved in living your life.* Every one of your videos teaches me something. Thanks so much, Sarah.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you!

[@batirtzeurkiaga4973]

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@lynns.1855]

So happy for you! I've watched you throughout your debt journey. Its so thrilling seeing how far you've come and how happy you are now!

[@stephy8429]

You have proven what you can do without debt. I try to convince my youngest son, the difference in paying interest and making interest. The delayed gratification, is the hardest. Great job Sarah. You seem incredibly happy ! ☺️👍🏻🌻☀️

[@JillyC5]

Don't be embarrassed to talk about how much you are saving, most people would just think how great it was they've now got more money every month and adjust their spending up until they didn't even notice it any more. You're an amazing example.

[@barbramighall4518]

You are so blessed.....blessed with intelligence, determination, discipline, and focus. I am so VERY impressed by you. You are a shining example for young people. Older people too, LOL!

[@ancillaarria]

The amount of times Sarah says the word “grateful” makes me absolutely beam with joy! What a wonderful example of the true purpose of money - to bless us not own us. You go Budget Girl!! 💜

[@runaway21]

You're rocking it!

[@emilydonleycpa]

You are killing it! Splitting rent is the BEST! And it's so awesome you took advantage of when youtube was paying more to pay off your debt! You have truly put yourself in such a secure position!

[@mariaretired9711]

You are an inspiration

[@accountforwastingtime]

Congrats on the raise!! I followed a similar journey- from being around the same age, majoring in communications/journalism, career path to the range of salary and amount of debt I was trying to pay off. I wish I found you a couple of years ago! I found you this year when I was in a pinch and realized cutting back on groceries was going to be key. Your groceries hauls seriously were a game-changer for me, and I successfully was able to stick to very tight budgets while still eating each day thanks to all of your ideas and how open you were able how much you were spending. That way I was able to see that I could definitely realistically do the same! You've shown what all you can accomplish when you really take ownership of yourself, take responsibility and learn how to tell yourself no and truly budget and work your butt off through these times!

[@BudgetGirl]

I'm honored to have helped! Thanks so much for watching!

[@galehalke2956]

Wow...your story continues to be so inspiring! Your family must be so proud of you.! Love your videos,!

[@FrugalEnthusiast]

I love your content. Thank you.

[@lynncyclopedia22]

Just gotta say... I found your channel recently and I've been really enjoying following your journey... But giiiiiiirl you straight up predicted the future in this one! At the 11:54 mark, you say "if the world shuts down." I had to look twice at the date you posted this lmao

[@BudgetGirl]

Maybe i need another stream of income as a psychic!

[@nizzy777]

Thanks for sharing. I officially became debt free in May of this year!! Im looking forward to the next phase of saving, investing, and giving. It is such a wonderful feeling to have zero debt!

[@ahikernamedgq]

Good for you!!

[@kimpatterson8741]

Would love to see how Jacob is doing with his budget!!

[@cfinn9652]

Your efforts have paid off. There was no luck, pure focus on a goal! Anyone can do it!! Thanks for being a great example to others.

[@BudgetGirl]

Budget Girl Thank you for your support and for watching!

[@micheledickey4066]

I was going to say the same thing. Sarah, YOU made this happen!! I love that you use the term blessed because you are truly blessed for sure! Congratulations!!

[@mrsbs7146]

FINALLY!!!!!! (hehe, LOL) I love to see what you make in your "Budget Girl" side hustle because I love to see the fruits of people's labor, plus I'm nosy too LOL!!! Congratulations on saving so much money!! You seem so much happier since being out of debt. Happy 2nd debt free anniversary!!

[@heatherj3030]

You are doing so amazing!

[@kah9157]

You have worked so hard and it has paid off!! It is so inspiring to see how far you have come and that it is possible for anyone!!

[@TheMeganExperience]

It's so amazing to watch you grow! I remember watching your videos years ago when you first started. It is so insprirational to watch! I use you as an example whenever I'm speaking to someone and they are saying they can't succeed because they are single or have a lower income. I'm like LOOK AT THIS NINJA!

[@josephhogue]

Great update Sarah. Interesting idea having both an emergency fund and medical fund. I think it's a great idea.

[@maryannraemisch6061]

I haven't watched in so long and I'm back and bingeing today! You are KILLING IT. I've missed watching and am so in awe of you.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks Mary Ann! Hope you're well!

[@libraryminnie7674]

You are gonna be an everyday millionaire!! You have more eating out and what looks like better meals at home and some new clothes. That is a far cry from broke budget girl. Keep up the great work!!!

[@clair233]

It's amazing how you've stayed on track, it's a pleasure to watch. Thanks for sharing. Love from London x

[@kelliezimmerman9621]

Congratulations Sarah! You are an inspiration to me. Great job investing and not letting lifestyle creep take a hunk out of your money now that you are debt free. You are such a blessing!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you for your support and for watching!

[@nicolewalters5039]

This is the Budget Girl I love, real numbers real motivation, real goals! Thank you!

[@sonyabracho2347]

You are such an inspiration to me. Paying off my student line down to zero fees impossible. Watching your journey has given me hope. Congratulations on your success!

[@susanhamey3867]

Awesome!!!

[@joanmilano5302]

Wow! What a difference from when you were living in Louisiana - I remember those days well. Good job!!!

[@sharonhelleman7378]

Awesome, you're rocking this! My own situation is shifting too. I'm purchasing a house for combo owner occupied and rental suites. Once that is done I'll be should be able to save about 50% of my income. So excited!

[@natalieclack4776]

❤️ your channel, you’re living the dream! 😀

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

This is such wonderful news. I am so excited for your future. I love the breakdown. It is amazing to think about what you started at .

[@debrad1636]

You are still inspiring me girl. Keep up the good work!

[@julieall_is_good90]

You are so inspiring! You keep me on track. I mention you to my coworkers regularly. They are around your age so I’m hoping to get them to watch you. I’m older than you but I really enjoy you! ❤️

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you!

[@janethrydziuszko4573]

Great work - congrats on your investments. You've learned such valuable lessons about how to enjoy your life. It isn't about money. But having no debt is a great feeling.

[@marabookstagram]

You're killing it, Sarah! Your budget videos are so motivating! ❤

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you MJ!

[@socratesaristotle101]

My income is down to zero. I have left my teaching position in Canada to look after my ninety-three year old mum full-time. We are living frugally with no debt but things are still tight. My mum is worth it. She is such a blessing. I promised my mum, years ago I will always take care of her. My granddad was beaten to death by the patient in the next bed. I will never see my loved ones put at risk again.

[@LisaVanGemert]

I"m so happy for you! I love the example you are to so many. I would gently caution other viewers that there is no benefit whatsoever to using a middleman for investing. Just go straight to Vanguard (my choice) or Fidelity and use their free (Fidelity) or very, very low cost (Vanguard) investment vehicles. Read "The Simple Path to Wealth" and follow it. You do not need to be a finance genius! Again, great job, Sarah!

[@cfinn9652]

Great advice! A third party simply takes a little cut and then that is less that one has to invest.

[@okiebrown6201]

My only caution by not using an investor pro is that when a fund or part of a stick within that fund is not doing well, it can bring it down. My investor sells & trades for a better performance stock with in the fund. I personally would not know when to trade out. It’s only happened 3 times in last 6 years but he saved me money. I think it’s worth peace of mind. Just a thought but kudos to those that can watch their investments!

[@LisaVanGemert]

@@okiebrown6201 The issue is that you don't NEED to watch investments. Just invest in an index fund. No need to watch it. The only people really making money off of investment advisors are the advisors.

[@thisishowweroll8649]

@@okiebrown6201 Soooo many people think that! The truth is NO ONE knows what the market will do next. Not fund managers, not "investment pros", and not you or me. This is mathematically proven in academic study after academic study. Yet you are going to hand over one- to two-thirds of YOUR MONEY (that is the cost of all those extra fees over an investing lifetime) to an "investment pro", who cannot do a darn thing for you. Ask the "investment pro" to guarantee in writing that you will come out ahead from using his/her services and you will quickly see what I mean.

[@BigAmpEnvy]

I totally agree, We used an advisor for years and never really saw any major growth other than what we were putting in. Since switching to index funds, we are finally seeing major growth and do not regret losing the middleman. There is a video with Jack Bogle (inventor of index funds ) that was so eye opening to me and ultimately was the deciding factor for me to change to index funds www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/retirement-gamble/ If you don't have time to watch the whole thing start at 23:50.

[@ella_encantada]

So inspiring Sarah!

[@janab.]

Great news! I mean you are killing it!!🙌🙌🙌

[@blueowl8928]

You are killing it!! The sinking funds part was also very helpful for me to watch and gave me some new good ideas for my own budget. Thank you!

[@emilyswinarski]

This is AWESOME!! So happy for you! Also, I love the color of your living room wall!!!

[@lbarge69]

Congratulations. You are doing so well and inspiring xx

[@aydinasivertsen8139]

I am so proud and happy of you! You are doing great ❤️🔝!

[@rebeccabaord5762]

Love watching your videos. So encouraging and positive. Thanks for your example.

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I save about 25 percent. I am over halfway to saving 20 grand. Once that happens I am uping my investments.

[@phatpeechez]

Way to go! So glad you're killing it.

[@selenacope899]

Congrats on investing so much! It sounds like if you keep this up, you could be financial independent very soon! I hope to be close to saving 50% of our income in the next two years. We are currently saving and investing 40% of our income.

[@BudgetsKale]

This is so amazing!!! How cool to see your amazing next steps 🙌🙌

[@jenniferwebster405]

Very true strong words about your journey. So inspiring

[@sandrafromscotland]

Good for you Sarah 💜 TFS

[@TheBudgetBounce]

This is so awesome, Sarah! I am so excited for these awesome changes in your budget and life! We are still over $200k in debt. We will be in our early 50's by the time we are debt free, and we have hardly anything saved for retirement today. So we are going to jump to 50% for retirement and savings when we finish BS3. Baby steps 5 and 6 will be worked in around that. Your journey is so inspiring. Thanks so much for continuing to share with us!

[@vivianwhatley4058]

I'm so glad to see that I'm not the only older person trying to get out of debt so I can save for retirement. It's a constant battle at my house because my husband lives in the moment and can't see the benefit of having no debt. At least once a week, he mentions buying something on credit whether it's a storage building or riding lawn mower... It's certainly a struggle, but if I can stay on track we'll be debt free in about 12-15 months and I can't wait to start building wealth!!!!

[@TheBudgetBounce]

@@vivianwhatley4058, just 12-15 months left? That's awesome! Congratulations and just keep on going!!

[@micheledickey4066]

I watched the garage sale video that you spoke of in your video of about how much KZbin paid you. I heard about it from someone but I’m not sure who. You and your friends were sooo dang funnny and I just got such a kick out of it. We don’t have debt so I didn’t think your channel would be something that I would need in my life. Well today I got a notification that you liked my comment so I clicked on the link that goes along with your liking my comment and watched it again. Then I started watching your new stuff and I just love it. I’m now going to subscribe. We are out of debt but just saving money and not investing. I feel like we are afraid to invest so we just haven’t. I’ll be watching to see what kind of investing you are doing. I’m so happy for you hat you are debt free!! Thanks so much for all of your time an effort on these videos. Oh and for being a teacher! My hubby is a teacher as well.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks for joining the fam! Investing is totally scary at first, but so important to get into simply because just saving at 1-2% won't adequately prepare you for your future. I hope my investing videos and resources help you become encouraged to dip a toe in and see that it's not that scary!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks for joining the fam! Investing is totally scary at first, but so important to get into simply because just saving at 1-2% won't adequately prepare you for your future. I hope my investing videos and resources help you become encouraged to dip a toe in and see that it's not that scary!

[@azshoppingprincess4298]

😘You’ve come a long way girl!! I remember watching you in the old apt. and all the issues you had there🤪 You look 😀

[@Natalie_11188]

So proud of all you’ve accomplished Sarah. Once I’m in baby step 4/6, I’d like to save/invest 35% of my take home pay.

[@Natalie_11188]

Yes a double income household makes things so much cheaper!

[@patriciaseier2800]

Good going sarah. You have discipline, determination and perservarance. God bless you. I do miss rory though.🐕🙂

[@AshCashBudget]

I budget my boyfriend the same way you do. Lol that sounds weird. What I mean is that I have all the bills in my budget and then add his portion as income. We don't budget together either. I'm seeing the retirement stage on the horizon. I'm not sure exactly how much yet. I know for sure the 15% towards retirement plus I'll have a bunch of savings goals. Maybe it'll be somewhere around 30-35%? I make about 42k at my regular job. I love seeing what you do with your money since we are so close in income.

[@BudgetGirl]

it would honestly be such a pain to change the autopayments and I figure it's the same thing. :-) 30-35% is amazing! Very cool to hear.

[@andreamccall5375]

that's so awesome. happy for you because you deserve it. Hope to reach this level.tfs

[@Practice_Kindness-1st]

You are leading by example! First you did you D.R. debt-scream, next you'll be interviewed by Chris Hogan! Loving your journey!

[@MKTutorials4u]

So happy for you. I have seen your complete journey of debt freedom. Save for house and purchase it for yourself.

[@QuesttoFIRE]

Ooooh looking forward to the investment video! I love seeing how others like to invest!! I share mine as well- I’m a fan of the M1 platform!🧡💪🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@HumdrumCurio]

I currently put 35% of my takehome pay towards debt and I can’t wait to put it towards something else when I’m debt free...savings, investing, tipping the pizza guy... anything but debt payments LOL

[@Elena-er7zp]

Been waiting for this. I am in BS456 and it’s so hard to find many videos about these steps.

[@BudgetGirl]

I'm so happy to provide them! I hope they help!

[@normabrown5057]

Rockstar- you are so inspiring 🙂

[@lizbowman8830]

I’m 7 months into my debt free journey! You’ve have a big roll in keeping me accountable. Currently I’m putting around 34% of my income to debt. I started the year with about $46,000 of debt and now I’m at about $40,000. I’ve a long way to go but I love watching that number shrink! I should mention...that INCLUDES my mortgage! So after 3-4 years I will own my home completely!

[@bnzimusa]

Love this but cant wait for your investment accounts video

[@megablessedgram]

Sarah, I've been watching you for YEARS, and have been very inspired by your determination and focus on getting out of debt. I've watched your brother and sister-in-law visit you for holidays. I was impressed that you are a believer and a Christian. I heard your Dave Ramsey "I'M DEBT FREE" scream. And was so very happy for you ❤️. God has blessed you and honored your decision and mission to get out of debt. From watching some more videos of yours, I believe He has also blessed you with a very nice boyfriend. Don't take this wrong. Please. I'm not judging. You see, I know the feeling you must have had when you were finally out of debt. And the feeling you get now dividing so many bills in half with your boyfriend. You say you're planning for your financial future. That in itself is a wonderful thing. But I'm wondering why you're compromising your faith and trust in God now? What about thinking on your eternal future and relationship with Him? Sure, we could all save a lot more money by living with our significant other before marriage. But is it worth it? I know you are a big Dave Ramsey fan. And I know what he would tell you if he knew your roommate was your boyfriend. I've heard him tell others. He wouldn't like it that you're choosing to live together outside of marriage. He doesn't tiptoe around it. And neither does God. I'm telling you this in love. Just sharing the Gospel with you. As a friend. It's hard for me to watch where you came from and then end up in a compromising living situation. Please take this comment from my heart as one who loves the Lord and loves you too. I'm sure your boyfriend is wonderful, so therefore worth waiting for. And so are you! 💗😘xo

[@leanneheath]

I'm hoping that when we get out of debt "AGAIN' that we can save and invest about 50% of our income.

[@SilkandButterflies]

For 2019 my excel spreadsheet estimates 74,12% of my income is going into saving/investing.

[@BudgetGirl]

that is incredible! congrats!

[@ouvickie]

That's so AWESOME!! You're doing so well and it's all because you were hustling, budgeting and sacrificing to pay everything off! Now you get to "live like no one else", as Dave Ramsey says. You and Jacob have such a bright future together, because you've been so smart and I'm SO proud of you!!!

[@okiebrown6201]

Sarah, gave you thought about an HSA through work? These are investable accts once you hit a limit! I too am a state employee & went from an HMO to a high deductible plan. Scary but it’s been actually OK. I then had to start a medical sinking fund of $150 to make sure the deductible is covered so I won’t touch my HSA. Hoping to start investing in a few more months Best of wishes & you are so inspirational

[@BudgetGirl]

Hi! I have looked into an HSA, and it's offered through my work, but the amount of interest I can earn off that money is comparable to how much I'd save putting it there pre-tax. one day with a family and more appointments and people, it'll likely be worth it, but for just me, I like just having med funds in a savings account. Great question!

[@nikkitahill4767]

I know this was a year ago but i love your top lol and also isn't it scary investing in stocks? 💕

[@Megan_Truly]

Thanks for your budgeting template, I think I accidentally requested approval to edit your template, ignore the request. I was just trying to make a copy on my Google Docs, I did finally get one on my Google Docs that was a copy that let me edit it! :)

[@BudgetGirl]

Haha no worries. I get emails daily asking for requests to my last budget shared like this. No helping it.

[@BudgetGirl]

Also glad to know it works!

[@peaceandshine]

GOALS

[@allyc8105]

You're amazing! Makes me want to make a channel and document my debt free journey. I'm at 36,600 from 48,300.

[@allyc8105]

Holy crap this was so long ago. I actually started with 54,300 debt now it’s 17,500. I also have 40k invested and 22k pension fund so far through work.

[@betsywilliams3666]

Once I'm debt free, I'll be focusing on my emergency fund/savings. After that I leave Korea, and move home back to IN.

[@georgiabraun9675]

What is an index fund?

[@Edbeatty91]

🎉Sharing expenses😊. Our life works by me bringing free/cheap rent & utilities with my job & Hubby bringing good health insurance👍 DINK TIME!

[@jsm2165]

Budget Girl are you investing in Ellevest?, If yes what is your opinion of Ellevest?

[@rochellethundercloud346]

I'd put some in various sinking funds/emergencyfunds. You may need to replace or repair your car,Rory might need medical care,you,or Jacob may have a large medical emergency, etc. Always boost emergency funds and sinking funds. You can also start now for operation Christmas child.and,you can give more,now. Bonus.great job. I may be able to send you some books I've read,and thought you might like.

[@BudgetGirl]

There are sinking funds there for general, christmas, car, travel and rory.

[@BudgetGirl]

There are sinking funds there for general, christmas, car, travel and rory.

[@HibiscusHigh]

🙌🙌🙌👏

[@rebeccasal7128]

I went on your website to look for template... not having too much success. Can you help me navigate through please

[@BudgetGirl]

I'm so sorry about that. It just disappeared. Here you go. bit.ly/bgbudgettemplate

[@rebeccasal7128]

@@BudgetGirl thanks girl!

[@georgiabraun9675]

What is sinking fund?

[@jessicao3092]

Does your boyfriend have debt? Has he changed any money habits since he met you?

[@BudgetGirl]

We have a video on it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZXKinpoe9uYn6c

[@katiewompus]

When I make $2k/year more than you but only bring home $2600/month because of my state and county’s insane taxes! And I don’t get healthcare/retirement or any benefits like that.

[@M_SC]

Here is an idea that is usually put forth as feminism, and it is, but in this case it may help a man. Surprisingly, dividing costs of rent/mortgage, electric etc in half because there are 2 people is not actually fair. What is fair? It depends on the peoples' salaries. like this: add up the 2 incomes. If person A makes 60% of the combined income of both people, he/she should pay 60% of the rent/electric etc. and person B who makes 40% of the total income should pay 40%. If person A makes 73% of the total, he/she should pay 72% of the household bills, and person B would pay 28%. That's true equity. you dont have to physically combine your finances to apply this concept.

[@sharlenehayden2412]

Esther B. This is what my boyfriend and I do with our monthly fixed expenses, then we split variable expenses 50/50. Works great for us. I believe she’s mentioned in the past that their incomes are similar, so 50/50 works for them.

[@usflin]

@@sharlenehayden2412 Same! :) Both my partner and I have made more than each other at different times in our lives. We adjust the budget accordingly to reflect whoever can afford to pay more when circumstances change. We split it 50/50 when we had similar income levels.

[@somojojo]

I selfishly miss when you were a single independent women paying down debt! Hahaha sorry it was more motivating for me. You're doing so good though now.

[@loe3175]

10 people don't know how to follow a budget.

[@lorrainea.285]

Lowered fitness cost & upped restaurant cost....ok😂😂

[@oliviasmith5967]

hmmm is a boyfriend a good investment? asking for a friend

[@kaitlynanne9022]

You are an inspiration