My PERSONAL Monthly Retirement BUDGET 🤑

I had several requests to make a video about my monthly retirement budget. There’s such a range in people’s living expenses! No one can tell you how much to budget or how much you need to live on. We all have such different expenses. I’m sharing my own personal budget and how I’ve planned for health care and inflation. If you want to plan for early retirement, this video is for you!
Subscribe: / @happyonmonday
**I am NOT a financial planner! This is just the story of my personal financial planning for retirement. You should do your own research and talk with your financial planner before investing.
Personal budget spreadsheet
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[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

You are financially free, before your KZbin income. You are doing fantastic. Keep up the great work.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@gregalber4468]

Happy for you. You are great planner and deserve your happy Mondays

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! ☺

[@rachelcrossen8136]

I’m glad to see you included gifts and saving for your next car. So many leave these out

[@CB-sx8xh]

I find the cheapest way for me to eat is to cook batches of food and freeze portions, and then cook a bit of rice to bulk each portion out. For pets I would recommend offering to pet sit for friends and neighbours. This is what I do, I get my pet "fix", it saves them a lot of money not having to pay for boarding kennels, and they give me gifts to thank me :)

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! GREAT ideas!! I do have friends and family with adorable pets too. 😃

[@CB-sx8xh]

@@HappyonMonday I see some adorable pet-themed future videos :) I would be interested in what pet boarding costs are. I went with my neighbour (who has 2 dogs and a cat I regularly pet sit) to a book launch yesterday and she was talking to a fellow who pays $200AUD a day for boarding his dog. She said to me later "thank you so much I didn't realise it was so expensive"

[@HappyonMonday]

@@CB-sx8xh That's a great idea! 😃

[@stevesilver7437]

Pets like rice with a little fat added and it’s better for them than dog food 😊

[@HappyonMonday]

@@stevesilver7437 Nice! 🐕

[@elziemcmillion]

You're doing an awesome JOB! your budget is great, that's what most people problem is they don't have a budget. Keep up the excellent work and love your detail explanation.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@donnanorris4733]

I have used the same spreadsheet for years! Love it!

[@HappyonMonday]

Oh cool! There's such great stuff available on the internet. 😁

[@sherribrink5664]

One of your best videos ever. Thanks for your transparency. This is exactly how we budget month.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@coreysmith5141]

Great job! Keep the videos coming.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! 🙂

[@KevinsHeaven]

Love your budget. You’re doing a great job.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! 😁

[@daniellem5175]

Hi Julie, thanks for sharing your budget. It's helpful to see how others do things. Being debt free is so important! You are doing great!!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! 🙂

[@managingmonasmoula9811]

Very interesting. These are great things for me to think about when I retire. I plan to retire 3 to 6 years from now. Thank you for sharing this video with us. 💯✅

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! Everyone's expenses are so different! 🙂

[@marydawkins2673]

Thanks for sharing your actual budget!!

[@HappyonMonday]

You are welcome! 🙂

[@user-zl2wu4yv6c]

Thank you for being willing to share. It's helpful to see your categories and how you make it work!

[@HappyonMonday]

You are very welcome! 😁

[@OurRetireEarlyJourney]

Great planning and discipline end in predictable results. Great job as always!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! 🙂

[@JTsRetirementCountdown]

Great vid!!! I agree the mortgage is the most important to live on less. Love your style and your openness with the budget!! Take care.. JT

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! Yes, paying off my mortgage was a game changer! 😁

[@monikaw1369]

Thank you for the great information!

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! 😃

[@user-rc4zk1zs7g]

Thanks for talking about your budget and being an inspiration for those of us who are thinking about retirement, but are not there yet.

[@HappyonMonday]

You are very welcome! ☺

[@Grannystipsandtricks]

Love your videos! We are retiring this year and thankful for the extra ideas. I didn’t think about turning 61 this year and saving on our home taxes. I really liked the length of this video too. Not too short and not too long 🎉

[@HappyonMonday]

Thanks so much!! ☺

[@francisebbecke2727]

You seem to be better organized than I am. Your an inspiration.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thanks! 😊

[@StephsHealthMatters]

That spreadsheet is great!

[@HappyonMonday]

I'm glad you like it - I love spreadsheets! 😁

[@sherriegray1447]

Great job on the budget. I enjoy watching your videos. Keep them coming. You are encouraging me to retire early. Even if I retire two years earlier. You are teaching me how... THANKS 😂😂

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you and you are very welcome!! 😁

[@corydoyal8709]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m 61 and trying to position myself for a successful and unstressed retirement. I too am considering starting a YT channel to share thoughts and experiences and to try to help others who are finding their way on the path to retirement. Keep up the great work!

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome!! It's fun! 😁

[@kmiller1427]

I just started watching you and I appreciate the information you share! I'm about to retire and am not yet able to claim social security. I downloaded this spreadsheet and found it very helpful along with your own budget, which i found a helpful comparison to what I'll need. Now i need to find your video on the bucket system :) thank you!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you and you're welcome!! ☺

[@carakerr4081]

My husband like you is a spreadsheet budget guy and he tracks everything we spend and we do a monthly budget each month. We are not yet retired we live on a 5k monthly income and are saving for retirement in 15 years. Thank you for your transparency it’s very helpful 🌸🙏

[@HappyonMonday]

That's so great! Tracking is so helpful. You might even be ready before 15 years! 😁

[@traceylankford8579]

This is so helpful. I'm a spreadsheet nut too. I like how you broke everything down. We use a credit card (that we pay off each month) for all of our purchases, so it'll be pretty simple to go in and plug in our numbers on the freebie you provided. I'll see what it looks like. I'm a bit nervous. Thanks for sharing!

[@HappyonMonday]

You are very welcome! I use a cash back credit card too. Good luck! 😃

[@auntiali9344]

Glad I caught your channel. I have a car that is 14 years old and has 72k miles. I'll be holding onto that for a while.

[@HappyonMonday]

Awesome! I'll be holding onto mine too! 😁

[@TheBudgetWarrior]

Great budget! Paid for home is really important. Would you consider a grocery haul vid?

[@HappyonMonday]

That's an idea! I'll put it on the list - thanks! ☺

[@moneywithjustliving5258]

New Subscriber here. Wow, I love your journey. Thank you for sharing.

[@HappyonMonday]

You are very welcome! 😃

[@deanna4863]

love your content

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@tomliu6358]

Good for you!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thanks!

[@sallyprzybil2404]

For a recipe, a favorite of mine is fresh baby spinach with cut up chicken breast on top and raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I’m on low salt diet and raspberry vinaigrette is usually the lowest salt. Also, for your garden, put in some berry bushes, raspberries and blueberries, as these are expensive at the store. Also asparagus comes back year after year, also a pricey vegetable at the store. Lettuce and spinach can also be grown in hanging baskets and are both decorative and tasty. I look for chicken breast on sale and buy a family pack, then divide it up into individual portions when I get it home then freeze it. Home made soups are actually easy to make and tasty. They also freeze well in plastic containers. Another favorite of mine is quiche, basically it’s an egg pie and you can add almost any vegetable you want. I also cook for one. I’m thinking about getting a vacuume sealer for meals I want to freeze.

[@HappyonMonday]

Great ideas!! I actually eat spinach salad at least 5 nights a week. I eat a lot of asparagus too! I've thought about growing it, but have no experience growing it. I'll have to google it. My son has a vacuum sealer. I've been thinking about that too! Thanks for the great ideas! 😁

[@tims4558]

Thank you for the video. Today was my last day of work. I am officially retired 😀 👍. Tomorrow is my 59th birthday. I am also seeing Sammy this summer! In Ohio. Looking forward to that show in late July. Thank you for the video. Interesting to compare budgets. You have broken down your categories nicely. I enjoy your videos. Keep them up 🙂

[@HappyonMonday]

Congrats on your retirement! 🎉Nice - a fellow Sammy fan! 😁 Thank you and enjoy your new freedom!!

[@lulucly]

Congrats on retiring 🎉

[@johnc4789]

I do not know what you do for the groceries but we use Costco's executive membership card and the Costco Citi Visa. Each give 2% back at Costco, and the Visa gives 4% back on the Costco gas. Costco groceries are also significantly cheaper than our local grocery stores. We make use of a couple of extra freezers in the garage, and a vacuum packer to bring home the larger packs from Costco. Love the COLA on the pension . . . new adjustment starts July 1st.

[@HappyonMonday]

I go to Costco about twice a month and local grocery stores about twice a month. I have a 2% cash back card that I buy groceries with, but I do not have the Costco membership that costs extra money. They ask me all the time! I'll have to look more into that - thanks! 😀

[@abrahams.lincoln6749]

Love it. 👍👍🇺🇸

[@GwenMotoGirl]

Thank you for sharing your actual budget! I too am a budget nerd and enjoy budgeting and seeing other budgets including yours. I also eat healthy and stick to real foods. I too won’t compromise there. Your gift budget looks similar! 😊 My net is also similar at $3,677. I have a small mortgage. Not included in my net income is one rental that nets $725. I don’t count that income because I don’t ever want to be dependent on that income, but it more than covers my mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance and flood insurance. I retired from state government. I was hired when health insurance was covered 100% for the retiree. Medicare will be primary when I turn 65, but I’ll still have state health insurance as secondary plus prescription coverage with tiered co-pays. I have good dental and vision insurances for $33 per month, also through the state. I’m very grateful to be retired and to have scaled back my life to make this possible. I’m grateful for healthcare coverages. I live well on my net income and I don’t take this for granted. It’s just me, so I get to decide where my money goes and how to prioritize. Before I retired, I searched a lot for examples of individuals living on $3,500 per month and I couldn’t find anyone. Thanks again for sharing. SAMMY fan here! Enjoy. My dog is my life mate. ❤

[@HappyonMonday]

I love this!! 🥰 I also won't compromise with healthy foods. Health comes before saving money to me. It sounds like you have planned well. It's so great that you have health insurance! Enjoy what you've worked so hard for! 🤗

[@GwenMotoGirl]

@@HappyonMonday thank you!!

[@johnnyboyvan]

A very good budget. 👍

[@HappyonMonday]

Thanks! 😁

[@nedas9187]

Your kids and grandkids are lucky to have you.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@M_SC]

Recommend planting clover or other native less thirsty lawn cover

[@HappyonMonday]

Hadn't thought of that - thanks! 😃

[@kenny8351]

I'm 57 and I'm on track to retire at 59. I plan on signing onto the ACA to cover the gap years, and by pulling from 3 buckets my income should allow me to qualify for lower premiums. Nice video!

[@HappyonMonday]

Awesome! Sounds very similar to my plan! 😄

[@leisure057blank3]

I love love love peoples budgets. I would say your small pension is bigger than my small pension which I actually thought was pretty decent size. My after tax is $2835 a month. Where I live your income has to be less than $40,000 to be able to freeze property taxes, so it doesn’t work for me.thanks for showing us.

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! My pension will only be $800 a month pretax! Yours is less than that? Every little bit helps though. There's quite a difference between states about freezing property taxes! 😄

[@leisure057blank3]

@@HappyonMonday oh no, I misunderstood. Mine is $2835 after taxes

[@HappyonMonday]

@@leisure057blank3 Oh ok! Yeah the rest of my $3,400/m will come from savings, investments, and side income. 🙂

[@ProfChris]

I've had Kaiser for almost 30 years and have not had any problems. I know not everyone likes them but I have never had an issue. My sister went through breast cancer treatments with them and was treated well. I also had Kaiser in Hawaii when I lived there for 18 months and it all was good. I'm semi-retired and have an ACA plan through my state WA and pay a bit less than $200 a month and it's worked fine with Kaiser. I'm pretty healthy and exercise regularly but in my early 60's so stuff just starts to break down periodically:-) I wish you well and have enjoyed your journey.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you for sharing your experience with Kaiser! I've read reviews and Kaiser has better reviews than most of the others avaiable to me. ☺

[@ProfChris]

@@HappyonMonday I think it's more about finding the right doctor within the system. That's worked for me. Best of luck!

[@SeniorSparkle]

Thank you for sharing your detailed budget. Recently looked into continuing kaiser after retirement and found they have different low income options which I'd qualify for once retired.

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! Kaiser seems like a good company. I just don't have any experience with them.

[@SeniorSparkle]

@@HappyonMonday I do understand the hesitance as I know in years past I considered changing to a less expensive option offered by my employer but change is hard. I have had kaiser for almost all my life (minus 4 years no ins) that is where my two children were born many moons ago also. It is very convenient having evreything in one place.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@SeniorSparkle Yes, change is hard! Thanks again for sharing your experience!

[@regineb9245]

Great info! I’ve been tracking my expenses for a little over a year. I think I could also manage on a $3,400 monthly budget. Food is my biggest expense too closely followed by homeowner’s insurance (I live in FL). I started baking bread a couple of months ago. It’s so much easier than I thought!

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome! I've heard that it's expensive in Florida. Groceries are outrageous! I think making things from scratch will help. If I made homemade bread I would eat it all. 🤭

[@regineb9245]

😂

[@GwenMotoGirl]

I’m in TX and can relate on homeowners’ and auto insurance premiums. Mine went up a lot in the last 2 years. I was also surprised that my homeowner coverage was canceled because I don’t have ducted central HVAC. I live in the mountains and many have mini splits. This is recent, but there are few insurers in Texas who will cover homes with mini splits. FL residents are paying so much!

[@HappyonMonday]

@@GwenMotoGirl It's crazy how much more expensive homeowners insurance is if different states! 😳

[@traybern]

BREAD MAKERS have been around for MANY DECADES!!!

[@sallyprzybil2404]

I got a dog when I retired. Very expensive. I did not get her at a shelter. All the shelter dogs I saw looked like Pit Bulls and I’m afraid of them. I did travel and had no one to watch her so I had her in a kennel/day care. Was about $500 for the week. Sometimes I regret getting the dog.

[@HappyonMonday]

😬 Those are my fears! I just love dogs so much. I'll have to really think about it. 🙂

[@keepingitreal618]

😢

[@muniondalenewyurk6777]

@@HappyonMondaymy single coworker’s dog passed away 2 years ago. She also loves dogs, but decided to not get another pet because she wanted to travel more to visit family. So she sometimes walk her neighbors dog or keep their dog when they go on vacation for a week or two. She will occasionally “visit “ their dog after dinner or on a weekend. She loves this arrangement because she has contact with a pet without the expenses or extra $$ it costs to take care of a pet (vet bills (yearly checkup, pet food, pet accessories (collar, snacks, flea collars, pet shampoo, kennel bills). Not to mention upkeep of cleaning after them . Also there are animal shelters and adoption centers that need volunteers to walk their dogs, feed pets, clean up cages , socializing them in a yard together ect that you can get fulfilled with helping out in your community. So there are alternatives to being with animals you love without adding more high expenses to your budget. Your health is extremely important and health insurance is extremely high and goes up more each year. Just a suggestion, best wishes from Long Island, New York! 😊👋🏽

[@traybern]

SUCKER!!!!! HIRE a HIGH SCHOOL kid for $20 a day to come over and feed and walk, and play.

[@nutria12247]

HVAC tune-ups/maintenance twice a year is probably something you could cut back on, if looking to trim the budget.

[@HappyonMonday]

That is true! It's a little less than $200/year. They clean it, tune it up, whatever is needed. But then if something goes wrong, there is no overtime or after hours charges. Things like that. 👍

[@rachelcrossen8136]

I spend the same on groceries. It makes me feel better that you do too 😂

[@HappyonMonday]

It makes me feel better to hear others day that too!! 😁

[@Whatsup571]

oh julie, i found the sheet. Thank you... when people say "down below", it was always difficult for me to find it.. as there are many links. Thank you. I will use it.

[@HappyonMonday]

Oh good! You're welcome 😊

[@kimmer1622]

As far as a pet goes, you may want to check with your local shelter. Our shelter has a senior dog program where is you are of a certain age and get a bit older dog, there is not cost and vet bills are covered. Great way to save a life! ❤

[@HappyonMonday]

Oh that's so cool! I'll look into it! 😊

[@muniondalenewyurk6777]

@@HappyonMondayI adopted my dog 10 years ago for my daughter’s bday (she is 20 now ) from an animal shelter when he was a puppy (mixed breed , but who cares? ). The animal shelter covered his vaccinations, neutering and medications for a year & checkups. I was given pet care information also. A wonderful experience, he is a great pet and everyone in my family pitches in to take care of him (walking him, cleaning his kennel, feeding him , bathing him ect). Even though he is a “senior citizen dog” lol 😅 .. he is very healthy and energetic for his age. Yes, the vet bills can get costly for his yearly checkup & vaccinations but it’s worth it because he is part of the family. So you will definitely need to add your pet’s expenses on your budget. Dog/pet food is very expensive, especially if you want to buy the quality dog food for him/her. Best wishes and happy retirement! 😄🙌🏾❤️

[@HappyonMonday]

@@muniondalenewyurk6777 My last dog was a shelter dog! And yes, they definitely become part of the family. ☺Thanks for sharing!

[@Whatsup571]

Hi Julie! Thank you so much! I was checking your channel to see if you posted somewhere this spreadsheet... May I ask you where you got this sheet? I want to follow you.

[@HappyonMonday]

It's linked in the description! 😁

[@themonogrammom]

You mentioned a separate video explaining how you use buckets in retirement. Have you made this video yet? I’m very interested in seeing how you allocate funds on a budget. Joe Kuhn (KZbinr) has 3-4 years of expenses in his bucket 1 and that’s not going to work for me. Thanks for your videos! 👍🏼

[@HappyonMonday]

I have one video about the bucket strategy. I'll link it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jovYgGyagJV5m8U I'm also showing my funds in buckets in the next video. I love Joe Kuhn's channel - he's the best! 😃

[@ma8643]

I retired at 50 and our budget looks quite similar. I receive an exemption on my property taxes and have ACA medical. I also have life insurance policy premium deductions.

[@HappyonMonday]

Wow great job retiring at 50!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

[@colleenstromatt4041]

Nice job! I have same pet issue want one afraid of expense! Maybe foster pet care or pet sitting?

[@HappyonMonday]

Yeah I'm really torn on this one. I would also have to figure out what to do with a pet when I travel. Someone should invent pet sharing. LOL. 😁

[@noreenn6976]

​@@HappyonMondayyou could foster a service dog, great learning experience.

[@traybern]

TRADE OFF dog care with a friend who has a dog. THEY go on vacation TOO!!!!

[@HappyonMonday]

@@traybern Yes! That's what I'm thinking too!

[@muniondalenewyurk6777]

@@noreenn6976yes, I agree with the pet foster care. In my area there is a pet shelter that accepts volunteers to walk pets, clean up their cages, socialize them while the other pets. They also have a program for you to take the pet home for a day or two to “visit” you. There are many alternative options for spending time caring for a pet that will be no cost or a nominal cost for you. My former coworker ( I retired last year at 60) lost her beloved dog. So now she pet sits her neighbor’s dog when they go on vacation for a week or two. She also periodically goes over to their house to walk the dog or spend a few minutes with him playing with him in their yard ect She can get the dog anytime too. She doesn’t want another dog, since she wants to travel and doesn’t want to leave the dog home all day by themselves while she is at work too. So it’s a “win-win” for you & the pet to take advantage of temporary arrangements for a pet too. 😄❤️

[@LP-it9jy]

yes! I’m lucky that I have a pension, but I think it will put me over the ACA limits. Doesn’t help that I live in San Francisco Bay Area so expensive.

[@HappyonMonday]

Well it might be worth checking! 😊

[@transitengineer]

Thank you, for sharing with us your monthly household budget. This was a very enjoyable video to watch. Unfortunately, I am at the other end of the spectrum because, I hate everything about the word "Budget". A good rule of thumb is to have retirement income equal to between 60 percent to 80 percent, of your working income's take-home pay. Have a private sector pension and a public sector pension which, combined provide me $4,000 per month. Each month, I try to live at or below this amount and if, I have to pull money from my savings account then, I know that over $4,000 was spent the prior month. This lets me know right away that, it is time to reduce my expenses (smile ... smile).

[@HappyonMonday]

That works too! I'm just a chronic planner. 😆It's great that you have such a healthy pension! 👍

[@transitengineer]

@@HappyonMonday Thank you, for taking the time to reply to my post. Yes, it is a blessing to have my two pensions. From reading comments from others on You Tube, it appears sadly that, the traditional pension plan is becoming a thing of the past. After my next birthday, I will also apply to start receiving social security which, should increase my fixed retirement income to around $5,500 per month. Hopefully, this will help me to be able to once again, start saving about $1,000 each month (smile ... smile).

[@HappyonMonday]

@@transitengineer Yes I believe you are right. Pensions are more uncommon today. That is great for you that you will recieve that income! ☺

[@sallyprzybil2404]

Here’s a thought. How often do you grocery shop? Typically people shop every week. In order to save money I don’t do that anymore. I shop twice a month. I get my SS check once a month. A couple days after that I go grocery shopping and do my ‘big’ grocery shopping for the month. That’s where I try to get enough to last the next month through. Then about mid month I do my ‘little’ grocery shopping where I buy milk, eggs and bread mostly. Also when I’m at my best budgeting mood I set the limit of how much I’m going to spend for that trip before I ever get into the store and don’t go over that amount. Also, about vegetables I took a nutrient course recently where the nutritionist (a PhD) said that canned vegetables are good to buy because the canning process has improved so much that they now retain almost all the nutrients. So don’t overlook them.

[@HappyonMonday]

Good ideas! Interesting about canned veggies! 😀

[@muniondalenewyurk6777]

@@HappyonMondaycheck the cans for sodium content also, be careful. Another alternative is food pantries, there are many that offer fresh vegetables , fruits and poultry. This is another healthy option to cut down on your food expenses. It’s sad but so many people don’t go to food pantries, because there is a false stigma that it’s only for homeless folks or “poor people “. Also some people feel ashamed to go to a food pantry, but there is nothing wrong with getting free food to replenish your pantry/ fridge). But more working families from all races, nationalities, different economical backgrounds are frequenting food shelters than ever today . Some of them even have pet & baby food! Some also have health & beauty aids & household necessities like toilet paper, shampoo ect The food prices are extremely high today ! I retired last year at 60 years old (22 years at hospital) and I do volunteer work at a VA food pantry. (I am also a veteran). I take home fresh veggies, fruit, a protein (chicken, ground beef, fish, seafood ect) once a week from the food pantry, saves me a load of money for my family of four (2 adult “kids” still live with me & hubby, one in college other works full time). So look for a reputable food pantry in your area that serves the community & senior citizens. Another good way to save $$$

[@HappyonMonday]

@@muniondalenewyurk6777 Thank you - that's a GREAT idea! 😃

[@mickster1780]

i definitely live on a lot less. but i'm debt free except for a small mortgage

[@HappyonMonday]

Nice! 🙂

[@wdeemarwdeemar8739]

I worked for Kaiser for 12 years and remain a KP member it is good IF you know the system but people don’t learn the system and get frustrated.

[@HappyonMonday]

Good to hear - thanks! 😁

[@Jacquie_Kirk_111]

I colour my own hair and save a bundle. I can get the color on sale at the drug store for $13.99 and I use 2 colours to create the colour depth! Works well!

[@HappyonMonday]

I used to color my own hair all the time. Then one time it turned lemon yellow! I started getting it done profesionally when that happened. I'm scared to try it again, but I might! 😆

[@Jacquie_Kirk_111]

@@HappyonMonday yikes!

[@LP-it9jy]

blown away by how cheap your health insurance is!

[@HappyonMonday]

If your income is low enough you can get a good price with ACA!

[@sallyprzybil2404]

One idea for charity giving is to do/work on a charity project quarterly. Volunteering is also a form of charity giving, instead of giving money.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes I've been thinking about that! I love this. ❤

[@muniondalenewyurk6777]

@@HappyonMondayI retired last year at 60 and do volunteer work at a VA food pantry! It’s very rewarding to serve Veterans and the community (I am also a veteran). But there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities out there in your community.. hospitals, nursing homes, animal shelters, Ronald McDonald house support families with sick children in the hospital, environmental clean up volunteers, food pantries & help serving food to homeless & struggling families ect Also gives you a purpose fulfillment to support others who are less fortunate in your community. You have the option to choose day(s)/tie that is convenient for you.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@muniondalenewyurk6777 Yes, I am looking forward to decided where to volunteer! 🙂

[@dee4435]

I"m 62 and single. My food bill is also higher than you would think it should be. And I don't buy excessive items.

[@HappyonMonday]

Groceries are just outrageous now! 😳

[@traybern]

You’re FAT, right?

[@traybern]

Watering your lawn is NUTS!!!!!

[@traybern]

@@HappyonMondayONLY if you buy STUPID STUFF.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@traybern Healthy foods are expensive!

[@magicmike928]

Hello. Can you tell me where to find the videos you link below? I don't see any links to other videos. Thanks

[@HappyonMonday]

They are in the video decription below the video! You may have to click on "...more" to expand it.

[@orenb8641]

Met life has $40-ish plans and you should be able to get dental when u get health w Obamacare. Thx for the vids!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thanks! Yes it looks like dental would be about $50/m through ACA for me. ☺

[@orenb8641]

@@HappyonMonday must be about the same everywhere, I started met life when it was $35, now its $45 I think. Delta is more expensive tho.

[@JD-tn5tb]

Thank you for sharing your expenses. I can't believe how cheap your property taxes and homeowners insurance is. I'm shocked. What state do you live in? In Tx, the median home price prop tax is prob about 7 to 8k and insurance is all over the place for people. I think it's great that you eat healthy and are willing to spend more money on groceries to get the healthier things. I'm assuming you buy a lot of organic and good quality. I think 550 sounds reasonable if it's good quality food. As far as a pet, yes, they are expensive but I think they are very worth it and nice to have when you live alone.

[@HappyonMonday]

You are welcome! I live in Washington state. It's really crazy how much difference there is between states! Yes, I buy organic, healthy food. It's just a priority for me. I love pets and am really considering getting a dog again. ☺

[@nashgirlwriter]

Ask your Doctor’s or Hospital’s billing person which insurer pays its bills reliably and with fewer disputes.

[@HappyonMonday]

That is a great idea! I was thinking the same thing! 😃

[@user-vv5ij6xd6u]

Thank you so much for creating this video and for sharing the spreadsheet! I've created something similar however I've added additional categories for things like car insurance, and WAM (walking around money). I did find it interesting that you still budget $100 a month for savings. I was under the impression that once you retired that you no longer needed to contribute to this category. I think that some of your monthly figures may be low, and some might be high, however I suspect that you'll dial it in differently as you get further into retirement. Thanks again for sharing Julie ... You ROCK! Have fun at Hagar!

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! This spreadsheet has auto insurance on it. But I love the "walking around" money idea! The $100 a month for savings is just so I can save for another car in 5 years or so. I had hoped to have that saved before I retired, but I didn't get there. My figures are just based on what I have spent in the last few years on things. But I'm sure some categories will change in retirement. ☺

[@transitengineer]

Now in my early 60's, I retired last year. My biggest surprise during retirement has been that, about every other month there is a large (between $1,000 and $3,000 each) one-time unplanned expense (i.e. out of state funeral on my side of the family, out of state funeral on my wife's side of the family, time for a new Hot water heater, and a major automobile repair, etc.). So, starting next year at least $500 per month from my pension, needs to start going into savings (smile...smile).

[@HappyonMonday]

@@transitengineer It seems like ther are always unexpected expenses! That's a good plan. ☺

[@Jacquie_Kirk_111]

FREEZE property taxes, OMG I wish I could do that. I'm Canadian and we don't have that option. My property tax is going up 30% over 2 years!! It's criminal!

[@HappyonMonday]

Gosh that's crazy! I wish you could too! 🙂

[@shaneomack5018]

60 a month in home owner insurance … would love to see that. Florida home owners insurance is like a car payment now

[@HappyonMonday]

That's funny, someone thought that was a lot! There's just such a big difference based on where you live!

[@shaneomack5018]

@@HappyonMonday Florida = hurricanes. 4 large insurance companies bailed out of Florida last year. It’s a sinking ship

[@HappyonMonday]

@@shaneomack5018 I actually watched a Bill Nye episode with my class about this a few months ago! 😀

[@shaneomack5018]

@@HappyonMonday oh I’ll have to look that up .. thanks friend. Have a brillant weekend

[@icedteamama176]

Hi there! You’re too young to have grandkids! Thanks for sharing your budget details. God bless!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! 😁I've been a grandma for over 6 years! 🥰

[@nata3467]

eating healthy is an investment in your future most likely resulting in lower health care costs overall. Pets are expensive BUT they are also a huge part of mental and physcial health. I am single and I believe my dog helped get me through a pandemic, empty nest , and next big step- retirement. again an investment

[@HappyonMonday]

I agree 💯 👍 we need to put our health first!

[@darrenoconnell9716]

Now that you're a KZbinr you can write off the Internet. Get a good CPA. Im obsessed with budgeting. Love your organization. Hugs from Florida, Carolena

[@HappyonMonday]

I hadn't thought of that - thank you!! This is all so new to me. I also love budgeting and spreadsheets. 😁

[@buyerclub2]

Yes any expense for her yt can be written off as an expense against her revenue

[@HappyonMonday]

@@buyerclub2 Awesome! 😁

[@darrenoconnell9716]

@@HappyonMonday I've been self employed a long time. It's worth it to pay a CPA bc the tax code changes a lot and he/she will be a wealth of info as to what other write offs you can have (example, computer, film equipment, a portion of your house like a home office, etc ) best wishes, Carolena

[@HappyonMonday]

@@darrenoconnell9716 I will look into finding one - thank you!! 😀

[@performingartseducator]

I asked about medical insurance and it will be deducted from my pension. I won’t have to do anything. My retirement application will alert my health insurance plan and I’ll get a subsidy which increases the longer I was in the county for education.

[@HappyonMonday]

Wow that's great! 😃

[@user-mw1xp5yh6u]

I wouldn't count on ACA coverage being available in the future.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yeah, I know that's a possibility. Yikes! I guess I'll just take it year by year. 🤔

[@melodys173]

Thanks for sharing! I'm retiring soon and testing out my own retirement budget with is not too dissimilar from yours. Things that are different for me is more for insurance including homeowners, flood, earthquake, auto, long term care, and umbrella. I also have categories for travel and hobbies.

[@HappyonMonday]

Nice! It's always interesting to see the differences between different people's budgets! 😃

[@rkw2917]

My fixed expenses are in the order of 5k per month I budgeted for this long ago

[@HappyonMonday]

Good for you! Everyone's expenses are so different. As long as you have budgeted for them you should be good! 🙂

[@melaniemcintyre6115]

$50/month is too high for dental insurance. Find your local college dental hygiene program, they clean teeth and take xrays for less than $20. You can take those xrays to a dentist and only pay the exam fee. This will cost you less per year than having dental insurance. Hopwfully you take care of your teeth and wont have many restorative issues. If you do, youll be able to use that 50/month you would have wasted on insurance towards your work. Using this method, chances are good you will spend way less than you would with insurance copays.

[@HappyonMonday]

That's a great suggestion - thank you! 😃

[@SimonEllwood]

Looks good. Your house insurance looks high but your car insurance looks really low especially for the US.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yeah I shop around for the best rates. I think my home insurance is just based on where I live and the property value. For car insurance, I have a small, older car and I'm a good driver! 😁

[@shaneomack5018]

In Florida the average homeowners insurance is $184 a month. So I’ll take hers anyday yo

[@HappyonMonday]

@@shaneomack5018 That's expensive! 😳

[@danncorbit3623]

"I can't drive 55" ;-)

[@HappyonMonday]

😆 Me either! But it's a great song!

[@mikecarlton6297]

I don’t agree that healthy foods are more expensive. Have you seen the prices at McDonald’s lately? Sadly, with inflation so high, simply eating is expensive. I still think high quality whole food is cheaper than junk. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@HappyonMonday]

Groceries are so expensive!! I was thinking that at the grocery store produce is more expensive than say, top ramen. But yes, inflation is making groceries outrageous!

[@tlr1604]

budgeting save my life-I wish they woudl teach this in high school-I know Dave Ramsey does offer a high school budget course-but I did not start until like age late 40s-it would have made marriage a lot easier if we had started from day one I am a spender husband is saver so this way both win spender gets some to spend saver knows it won't all be spent neither is good or bad-bath are nice spend and save

[@HappyonMonday]

That's awesome!! I wish they taught budgeting in school too. Sound like you guys figured out a compromise! 🙂

[@digitnomad]

You will be a queen if you spend $3k in some lower cost countries or areas.

[@HappyonMonday]

That is true!

[@nikij.6058]

Whole Foods is the most expensive place to shop. There are better choices that could lower your expense significantly. For healthcare I would think twice about a Christian ministry plan or similar. Your coverage could come into question regarding paying a high bill which you do not want.

[@HappyonMonday]

We don't have a Whole Foods where I live! Thank you for your thoughts about healthshare. I really appreciate it! ☺

[@halcooper6059]

Cut the gift category way down. Grandma isn't made of money. Quality time with mom/grandma and good memories are far more valuable.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes, I'm working on that! 😄

[@anniealexander9616]

$3400 is a lot. Good deal!

[@HappyonMonday]

Some people think it's a lot and some don't think it's enough! It's interesting. My pension is only $800. The rest will come from savings and investments. 🙂

[@retirementincolor]

Can you let me know the name of the Facebook group you mentioned about being frugal in retirement?

[@HappyonMonday]

There's a few I belong to! “Single income: living on less”, “Frugal Money-Smart Minimalists”, and “Retiring on a shoestring”.

[@52CA]

We are living on 1500.00 a month now that I’m not working. Health Insurance is paid out of my wife’s salary as she still works. We do have over 7 figures saved but don’t plan to touch it for another 10yrs. And SS is 5 yrs away.

[@HappyonMonday]

Wow that's awesome! Great planning! 😃

[@georgecon1466]

I used to plan things years ahead but you don’t know what life might throw you. Now I lace for today.

[@lauriewilliams9220]

Hi Julie, What is the name of the living on SS only facebook page? Thanks in advance

[@HappyonMonday]

There's a few I belong to! “Single income: living on less”, “Frugal Money-Smart Minimalists”, and “Retiring on a shoestring”.

[@lauriewilliams9220]

@@HappyonMonday thank you I will look into them.

[@miabrwd]

$30/month for cell phone is great. Can you share your cell phone provider and plan ??

[@HappyonMonday]

I have Cricket Wireless. I don't know what the plan is called, but you can look at the plans on their website. My daughter has (I think) Mint and only pays $15/m! 😁

[@leehaskins307]

I’m retiring soon.. i can keep my company health insurance as an option when I retire… I married and not single but they quoted me $1800 a month for a couple. so assume for single $900 a month or so.. so you quote of 200 to 300 month also blows me away.. I cant find any health insurance online at that low a rate...

[@HappyonMonday]

Wow that is a lot! The $200/month is through ACA with subsidies. My 2025 income will be much lower and I will qualify for subsidies. And healthshare options would be $300/month for anyone. But healthshares may not be for everyone. Have you checked the ACA site in your state with your projected income?

[@leehaskins307]

@@HappyonMonday yes I’ve checked ACA and I can get a lower rate.. not ur rate.. a few hundred dollars lower a month but the deductible is so high I’d rather pay the higher premium… I do live in a high expense area tho so that may also make a difference..

[@HappyonMonday]

@@leehaskins307 It definitely makes a difference where you live!

[@noreenn6976]

And your income makes a difference on what you pay for insurance thru ACA. I've used ACA, had a high deductible plan with an HSA and was happy with that.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@noreenn6976 That's good to hear - thanks! 🙂

[@leehaskins307]

7% portfolio returns sounds agressive… that has to be mostly in equities to get that return… I’m planning on 4% returns in retirement...

[@HappyonMonday]

Well even my HYSA and CDs are making 5% or more! So I'm hoping for 7%. It will depend a lot on the market. 🤔

[@leehaskins307]

@@HappyonMonday yes.. and interest rates are at the highest they have been in a couple decades.. if they go back down to 0.05% that will be a problem geting 7% returns.. my guess is they go back down to the 2% range...

[@HappyonMonday]

@@leehaskins307 Yes that could definitley happen. Usually when that happens markets are doing better though. Fingers crossed! 🤞

[@leehaskins307]

I’m blown away with you auto insurance.. you said $44 a month which is $528 a year. I also pay car insurance twice a year tho we have 2 cars… I pay $1600 every 6 months so $3200 a year. if I had one card half that would be around $1600… how do u have car insurance at $528 a year… that is a third of what I pay…. most peple I know are similar within a hundered bucks difference your number is WAY lower… dont understand that...

[@HappyonMonday]

Gosh I thought my auto insurance was high! It used to be a lot less. Inflation has driven everything up! I use Geico, but I think there are other insurance companies with better rates. I have an older car (2010) and I'm a good driver! No tickets or accidents in many, many years. It may have to do with where you live too.

[@noreenn6976]

Some states just have high insurance rates, like FL and MI. Shop around for a lower rate.

[@leedezern6862]

Wow. $3400? That’s a lot of

[@HappyonMonday]

It's a lot to some and not enough to others!

[@shaneomack5018]

A lot based on what?

[@DawnRace-bh6tp]

Sounds like you have been listening to Dave Ramsey 🙂

[@HappyonMonday]

I love Dave Ramsey! I listen to him and quite a few others too! 😁

[@user-rc7pq8on9r]

Five hundred ðollars for food what are you eating.

[@HappyonMonday]

😆Healthy foods! Mostly produce.

[@ibenglish]

Why did you block me? Do tell….

[@HappyonMonday]

I didn't block you! If I had, you wouldn't be able to comment! 😊 why did you think that?

[@ibenglish]

@@HappyonMonday every comment I posted got deleted. Glitch in the matrix? I apologize for being accusatory 👍🏻

[@HappyonMonday]

@@ibenglish No need to appologize! Your commments that I have seen, that I have replied to, are all still here! The only comments on my channel I have ever deleted were either spam or vulgar. You have not posted anything like that so I have not deleted any of your comments! ☺

[@ibenglish]

@@HappyonMonday all good my friend and thank you 🌹👍🏻

[@user-mj3ud2om4s]

Stay away from Kaiser.

[@HappyonMonday]

Really? Why?

[@wdeemarwdeemar8739]

KP is only bad when people don’t learn the system.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@wdeemarwdeemar8739 Thanks! I'll have to look into it! 🙂

[@guythecat490]

I get really depressed watching that face. Hearing that voice. Sadness. 😢

[@HappyonMonday]

Well it's not supposed to be depressing! 😆

[@aeneaslime2968]

I love the way she talks slowly bc she's a teacher.

[@aeneaslime2968]

She makes me😊 happy. She speaks like a teacher.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@aeneaslime2968 Thank you! ☺