Setting SMART Frugal Financial Goals When Money Is Tight

[@UndertheMedian]

Request the free goals trackers here: underthemedian.com/financial-goal-forms/

[@leyancuisine6426]

Hi I need a free ebook on goals tracking.

[@villamathilda6984]

2020 was a no spend YEAR! Saved so much money! Bought only food and gas! It was a sucess!

[@rosiehernandez4194]

Rule number one to save is to live below ur means I have friends who complain about not having money but they have brand new cars phones and go out to eat everyday

[@granitemoss1451]

I know a lot of folks like that and I struggle not to be judge-y about it. I have found it helps to gently move the conversation elsewhere when they begin their complaints about being broke.

[@anaarmalah3759]

I've been binge watching your videos like my life depends on it because you've been so realistic and helpful! Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge!

[@UndertheMedian]

Thank you Ana!

[@larryware1]

So nice to have you with us, Ana. Glad you are enjoying our videos.

[@kaiziah2004]

Me too Ana! The best tips, realistic and some great ideas I've never thought of! Although I'm in New Zealand these tips are so helpful!

[@emilyhart2252]

Of all the you tube posts on the subject of saving I think yours are the best. From the advice itself to the presentation I always feel it was worth my time to watch. You are very direct and concise and practical. I get so frustrated when hosts spend several minutes dithering or are not well prepared when they go on-line. Everything you share is reasonable. I feel like I have found my tribe with you.

[@UndertheMedian]

Thank you, Emily. Your kind words made my day.

[@ellengriffith1585]

I’ve also heard of no spend week which you do every month. Thought that was a neat idea too.

[@NaturallyKristen86]

I find that just setting the goal makes so much of a difference when extra funds come into my hand I tell it exactly where to go!! So exciting!!

[@UndertheMedian]

Yes! Exactly! That is why we tell people that the goals need to be written down.

[@KateKaden]

Thank you for sharing my No Spend January 🥰 Hi everyone! Hope you come visit! Love this channel and all your content. ❤️❤️

[@UndertheMedian]

You are very welcome! I am hoping to get some no-spend tips from you in January.

[@heronhouse2018]

Great job encouraging the boys to save for retirement early.

[@victorwadsworth821]

Short time goals & long time goals, the short time goals are important to let you feel your getting somewhere. The process requires lists, with the satisfaction of crossing 'done's' off the lists.

[@kstatis4388]

I just found your channel randomly. Glad I did. Thank you for your honest answers and sharing your tips.

[@watchmethriving]

So relatable! I love how you explained how you list savings goals by priority and move them up or down as needed.

[@patricialeshkow6387]

I grew up in suburbs of Richmond, Va and there is a medical school there, MCV--VCU. Classmates of mind got their braces from the orthodontist interns which was a great cost saver so check with medical schools if one is near by. Also we hang on to our cars forever. My husband believes in oil and filter changes, checking brakes every so often, plus checking tire pressure.

[@mariehappyym.3296]

I just found your channel. You are both lovely. I’m starting a no spend month for January I’ll be watching your channel to keep me motivated! Subscribed !!

[@UndertheMedian]

Keep us updated on how your no-spend month is going.

[@elizabethhenderson9934]

I am also doing no spend January, my husband is on board

[@paulafleming3889]

Good evening You have great advice. Good at big stuff not so good at little things so this year starting to look at the small things. Started evaluating my shopping list and receipts. Was able to find $20 dollars. Took that money and put it on my debt. Win win Thank you

[@jamilaonline]

I always feel instantly happy watching both of you!

[@UndertheMedian]

Awww... thank you, Jamila!

[@libraryminnie7674]

My folks paid for books, it was very helpful. Since my parents hadn’t started saving for their retirement, and I could get grants and loans, I paid for the rest myself. The added bonus to shouldering the student loans was that it gave my credit report a good solid payment history to carry with me out into the world.

[@myrellasamuels3513]

I love a good no spend month challenge. No spend November was a thing at my house this year. Fantastic and transformational if you can make it through!

[@cowgirljones35]

Absolutely Priority at top for Goals 🙋‍♀️

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I have been telling everyone about your channel. You give such great tips

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks, Money Mom! I am one of your subscribers and was just binging on you last night.

[@inspirebeinspired4388]

I think I’ve watched 20 of your videos in the last few days. I just love you guys! Thank you for the wisdom & inspiration 💕

[@tnchristian6819]

Excellent advice as usual! Love how you guys do the videos together. Hope you guys have a blessed and prosperous new year! Keep the videos coming!

[@larryware1]

Thank you, TN. May your new year be a blessed one as well.

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks TN! We do love doing things together - even after 32 years.

[@shanwilson3682]

@@UndertheMedian that's so lovely to hear that 32 years later that you still want to do things together,( all married couples in our extended family are pretty disgruntled after 30+ years married and live quite separate lives in the same home which is sad to see) we are 7 years married this month and so hope to be just like you two one day - and be still very happily married😃

[@younggandlegit1]

I learned so much from this video on prioritizing long term and short term goals . Thank you so much for your content it’s amazing . 🙂🙂🙂

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks, D!

[@myaccount9498]

Wow! Your pie chart drawing really helped me to understand how u save for multiple goals at once - even on a very low income. I'm going to watch all your "old videos" as there's some treasure chests of information which is still relevant in 2024. Thankyou Hope & Larry!

[@mariesaver7184]

☺️Have been waiting for the both of you, hope you had a peaceful Christmas this year. Just love your content it's so encouraging and helpful, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Marie Saver. So glad we can be an encouragement.

[@elizabethstrong4382]

Dental work. Always ask if your dentist offers a cash discount. Ours does--5% on fillings, exams, and cleanings! Not sure about braces, but it never hurts to ask, especially if you do not have dental insurance and are saving up to pay cash. Even 5% add up fast if you need thousands of dollars of work done!

[@UndertheMedian]

That's a great idea. We save about 3-5% by paying cash for braces. We do have dental insurance and we find out exactly what our portion will be, save that amount, and pre-pay our portion. I've never thought about asking for a cash payment price for fillings. I think when Larry retires and we no longer have dental insurance, this tip will be very helpful in strategically planning how to pay for more expensive procedures. Thanks for your tip!

[@elizabethstrong4382]

@@UndertheMedian Glad to help. I have been getting a lot of great info and ideas from you both sharing your ideas, and I really appreciate it. Keep up the good work. I love your honest and down to earth (and funny) videos. You are good teachers, and you break things down plainly so they are easy to understand and replicate.

[@marykincaid7477]

Love the idea of no spend week going to try this one seriously thank u x

[@holly_at_home206]

I recently had to replace my car a year before I was planning to. I am happy with my new (to me) vehicle and expect it to last 7 years. I have set a 5 year goal to save for my next car. I don't want to be caught short on time and money again! Thanks for this video. Looking forward to the new year and wishing you a happy 2021.

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Holly. Sounds like you are ahead now. You are setting good goals.

[@donnasr1799]

If you do a side hussle delivering pizzas or doing Uber, your car insurance will not cover you while doing that job. Make sure they have individual insurance plans that you can be sure your covered in case of an accident.

[@UndertheMedian]

Wow! That a not only a great tip - it's also a very important one. Thanks!

[@blugirl20collins4]

I just found your channel and this is the first video I have watched. I have 3 more years before I retire and am going to take your advice on setting some short term goals. This was just what needed to hear!

[@nicoleadams6742]

Make sure you're lnvesting too

[@reginagrayson2465]

You both are such an encouragement to me. I'll be writing my 2021 goals and budget tomorrow!! Thanks again!!❤

[@cindypatrick785]

Our 2008 Kia optima has 145,000 miles on it. A lot of the mileage is from trips from Oklahoma to Wisconsin or to Florida for vacations. The ride has gotten very uncomfortable, actually hurts my back when I’m in it. So since my husband still has a yr to go to pay off his 2017 truck and we have loans on our carpet cleaning van & machine, replacing the 🚘is on hold indefinitely. So instead we are putting $600 into new struts and we’ll continue driving it for awhile longer. 9:03

[@nicidevine6670]

We have only have bought 2 new car’s in our lives and they are gone now too !!! Now we have 2 car’s in the family and 1 is new and 1 is used ( we bought it from my son who was selling cars at the time ) and still have it too !!! Hondas are great 👍 cars N can last longer then any other cars on the market !!!

[@creativelauri]

I've been renting rooms out in my home for 15 years. Most of my tenants stay for several years, which really helps me so much. They usually become wonderful friends. I've rented out 4 rooms at one time but feel 3 tenants is where I'm most comfortable with. Renting rooms out has literally become a second income for me over the years. Great advice & video as usual.

[@UndertheMedian]

Wow! Thanks for your comment. How wonderful that it has been such a good experience for you.

[@lisagardner9798]

The information you shared on goal setting was very helpful. Great video.

[@candisellis185]

You two are just so pleasant. I love watching your videos. Can you share some guidance for finding a reliable, low-cost vehicle? I'd love to see a video on that.

[@margal3120]

Yes!! I agree!

[@totallyynuttzKG]

Another great vlog, cannot wait for the next one. Have gone back and watched all your past vlog...wish there was more to watch! Lol. Would love for a Q&A/get to know you guys vlog.x

[@rachaelv1140]

Love your channel! I set some goals that are really going to challenge me this year, but first step is building the cushion in my savings account and then it is go time on tackling debt. I’m going to take your advice for my next car. My goal is to save for the next two years for a car and I’m investing the money. I’m going to pay for it in cash, but then I will need to replenish my investment account. I’ll pull the money before I buy just to make sure I have it. I just started saving and my car is 10 years old.

[@UndertheMedian]

So excited to hear your goals! You can do this!

[@tobowills1909]

You guys are HI-larious 😃! The really old car while Larry discusses needing to look at other vehicles...”my eyes 👀.” Gladly, the words (Not A Contender) flash across the screen. CLASSIC 👍🏽🙌🏽! My kind of humor!!

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks, ToBo. Larry had a good time putting that photo sequence together.

[@larryware1]

That car was actually being sold on a used car lot in our city. I drive by this location occasionally on the way to work. I grabbed my camera the following day and snapped these photos. So glad you enjoyed it, ToBoWills. I love to throw some humor into the videos here and there to lightening them up. Hope didn't see this until the video was completely edited and cracked up when she saw it.

[@lindashaw9034]

I guess that I already made mine. I bought a used car for cash in July. I expect that it will last for five years. I only have $3500 saved for the next car. I expect to normally save $3000 a year for the next car. This seems a little short for the purchase of the next car. So, I plan to save $5,000 by June to add to the $3500 that I already have. I can get there. With $8500 toward the next car and $3000 more a year, I should have enough for a good used Subaru Forester. I find that there is a point that one keeps making expensive car repairs and they don’t seem to end.

[@UndertheMedian]

We would agree. We always try for $10K for a good, used car. That seems to get us reliable with fewer car repairs.

[@davidjenson7773]

Great content again. You both look great wearing darker colors while you film. David Jenson Chicago

[@DearDebt]

Great video! SMART goals are critical to your success! ❤️🙌🏼

[@juliejackman2649]

Love how your boys are already saving for retirement. I also like how you put pie charts by your goals. 😊

[@christabranigan1631]

Would you ever think about doing a video about how you came to the choice to not pay for your children's college and how you are coaching them to pay for it? College debt is so crushing for some "kids" it would be nice to know how you helped your kids avoid this (assuming they did not take loans out).

[@UndertheMedian]

We've talked to our eldest son about doing a video with us about college. He graduated summa cum laude and debt-free with his BA. He did not take any loans.

[@cindypatrick785]

Speaking of making money quickly. We have a shed in our backyard that is crammed full of stuff that needs to be gotten rid of. We know we need to have a yard sale or 2 but so far we’re neither one ready to go through all the work it will take to put one on🤦‍♀️. So maybe by spring……… We will try to recruit some of our friends to help price everything. 9:12

[@lindap6799]

Hi Hope & Larry- I showed you two to my husband as an example of a couple who always agree on financial decisions and goals- Do you two ever disagree when it comes to money?

[@UndertheMedian]

Yes, we do disagree sometimes. Shortly after we married, we set a firm rule. If we disagree on a decision, we wait and don't do anything - until we can come into some kind of agreement. If one or the other of us has a "bad feeling" about a decision, there is generally a reason for it. We wait for a day or two to think and pray about it and then meet again to discuss it. Sometimes it takes a while, but eventually we reach a consensus. I'd say it's split about 50/50 on whether we decide to move forward on the decision or give it a pass.

[@michaeldixon5059]

You two are blessed to have each other, my dad Conrad COUNTESS died July 25th and mom is hurting after 32 years ,alone she is struggling with the loss and her $ 62.00 monthly payments are meager, she's been getting little things like using $24.00 for food never gives for herself only family, I have to say that she's very optimistic about the future.

[@UndertheMedian]

We are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom is fortunate that you are able to be with her during this difficult time.

[@username00009]

Are you referring to $62/month social security checks? If so, I believe a spouse can receive their deceased spouse’s payments instead of their own - I’m not sure of the logistics, but it’s something to look into.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

This is an older video,but hubby and i have automated bill pay for internet,power and rent.as soon as his check hits,bills paid.done.no stress.no fuss.easy .we of course call within a week to make sure.and we track every cent.and i mean analyze the hell out of the tiniest purchase. My job is check what we may be running low or out of.such as kitty litter.we have a 40 pound bobcat. Cat food.things like this.then,hubby can budget in for those items.

[@analyncabatuan4832]

Hello mommy and daddy i keep watching all your videos because im learning a lot...im an feom phillipines.looking forward to your new videos.

[@kamicrum4408]

The you ngest did a combo of 2 different junior colleges& will graduate in March with a BS in plant science, he ignored if the instructor was teaching the class the way he thought it should be. He just learned what he could & gotit done!

[@liisaelts7522]

Hello, When you meet your goal (for the car for example), do you stop putting funds there and reallocate the money in different goals? Or do you continue putting them there? For example for the car, you mentioned you start collecting for the new one immediately. Would you use the leftover for the next car, like say 100 d was left over, it goes for the new car? Or would you set it into short term goal and start from zero at the car fond?

[@user-so1wr2oh1t]

Unfortunately braces were needed emergently for my child and I had to do it asap or risk something more costly... surgery and loss of kiddos permanent teeth so couldn't wait 3 years to save up 😭

[@cowgirljones35]

No spend months for us March, June, September we only pay our regular monthly bills and only fresh vegetables and fruits and dairy, eat from our 4 freezers. We are saving for new carpeting for our living room.

[@UndertheMedian]

What a great goal! I love it. And you'll feel so good using up the items that have been sitting in the freezer for so long.

[@marmartinez3545]

Love that both of you work together❤️I wish i had seen this years ago and will be using your information even though I am retired❤️keep up the good work❤️

[@melissafowler3580]

Thanks for the great tips! If you had 1 debt left and you could pay it off but it would wipe out your savings what would you do? I would appreciate your advice.

[@UndertheMedian]

We had a rule that we never wiped our out savings for any, single goal. So, no, if it would wipe out our savings, we would figure out another way to attack the debt.

[@PinchAPennyWithJenny]

Isn’t it funny how everyone’s resolutions has to do with weight, time, or money? 😂

[@emilyhart2252]

One year one of my resolutions was to say something nice to a stranger every day. That meant that I had to go out into the world and interact with people every day -- pre covid of course. Another resolution was to flirt once a month. That was lots of fun. I'm in my late 60's by the way and still one cute dame.

[@veghead5121]

Hope, your hair is gorgeous! Have any tips on haircare for us?🤗

[@UndertheMedian]

You are very kind. Honestly, I wash it twice a week and my favorite shampoo is Aussie. I use the same conditioner.

[@TucsonArizona]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing! Keep 'em coming! New subscriber here!

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Rich.

[@UndertheMedian]

Welcome to the channel, Rich.

[@ChristopherJohnsonArtist]

I'm almost 45 and low-income. I've been saving for a little over 5 years to buy land for a very small house and garden and I still need to save for retirement so I'm very frustrated. Now the house goal is short-term as I'll have the lot for building on paid off by June, but still short of what is needed to build. (going for around 70 or 80 square meters since I also need to be able to work remotely) Do you have any suggestions so I can move on to saving for retirement?

[@soraidadiaz9108]

My husband and I have the same goal, but we are stared differently, we just bought a 1975 trailer with a pull out and we're renovating it. Our plan is to buy land in Alaska in 5 years. Put the trailer on the land and then start building the house. Good luck on your plans I hope everything works out🙂

[@savebees]

Be very careful renting out a room in your home. Find out laws in your area.

[@UndertheMedian]

That is a very valid point. Thanks for making it.

[@vixxcottage]

Great ideas! Thanks for ideas and info!

[@rochellethundercloud346]

I watch several financial youtube channels Under the median Money mom Kate kaden Frugal money saver Frugal over 50 Financial diet Frugal minimalist Busget girl All should be taught in every school,from preschool through ph.d programs.and at home

[@cdogvlog5557]

I'm thinking of getting an electric bike to cut down on the amount that I use the car. The only issue is is astronomically expensive. It's half the price to get an electric scooter, but when that runs out of battery you can't just peddle. I'm just waiting for them to be done building this new bike track. Right now I'm saving for an electrician to put in some more outlets which will also mean an expensive switchboard upgrade. I think a normal bike is probably going to involve too much peddling which means I'll end up taking the car anyway.

[@UndertheMedian]

Electric bikes are interesting, but, I'm not sure about the range. When we took a weekend trip to Madison, WI, they were incredibly popular and we saw people riding them all over town. Larry and our youngest son (Phil) were going to rent a couple of bikes for a few hours to give them a try, but the bikes in the rack next to our hotel were malfunctioning and weren't charged up. So, they didn't rent them.

[@maureen8930]

Lol I like the car picture 😂👍

[@kaitlinobrien243]

Thank You 💞

[@katherinemarshall5418]

It's like you've been reading my mind to know what videos I need 😆

[@larryware1]

So glad, Katherine, you are enjoying the videos.

[@EmilyDowgialo]

Cars really have gotten expensive!! I don’t want to replace mine for a long time haha. Love how your boys are already saving for retirement!!

[@LifeOrdinary87]

Kate Kayden is amazing

[@UndertheMedian]

We think so, too. She's so upbeat and fun to watch.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We are saving for a new to us car. It will have taken us three years to save for it. We have decided to have a slightly more expensive car to last us longer.

[@larryware1]

Great strategy. We hope to get at least 8 years from the vehicles we purchase - sometimes even longer.

[@MsRoosmarii]

Saving and Investing have been my methods to improve my finances. When will you talk about investing?

[@UndertheMedian]

We are not qualified to give advice on investing. We do, however, have a series of two programs that we just shot with our personal investment planner answering questions about retirement. They will air the last two Mondays of August.

[@RetiredLovingIt]

Love you guys. So much like us. We think the same about money management 👍

[@pattypuser2459]

Great ideas! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[@UndertheMedian]

You are so welcome!

[@christinae30]

Really liked the pie chart, very visual!

[@UndertheMedian]

Thank you, Christina. We're glad you found it useful.

[@angeliiis2419]

In this day and time I would not consider renting a room to anyone. If they choose not to pay you are stuck with them until the end of the pandemic or when the govt decides that people have to pay again.

[@UndertheMedian]

You absolutely have valid concerns. We were thinking of people that were already in your social circle - perhaps someone from church. Clearly, they would have to be carefully vetted. I had roommates before Larry and I married and it was a great arrangement.

[@dollyagba9104]

Thank you for your channel. My finance had been bad. I cannot even save money because when ever I see a new shoe I go for it. I don't know how to budget my money. Each time I tired to save something comes up and I spend the money. I am going to do so the no spending challenge for January. I need some form to help with knowing how to budget. Any advice. Thank you so much for your channel.

[@larryware1]

Start by tracking your spending. That's where we started. We took one month and wrote down everything we spent. Once we knew where our money was going we could begin to assign the dollars to specific categories. That was the beginning of our budget.

[@dollyagba9104]

@@larryware1 thank you very much. I am starting right away.

[@sonyh7300]

God bless you, thank you for your videos

[@BeksWorld]

Thank y’all for all your wisdom you share with us!! Can you share your friends page...what was it Kate?

[@UndertheMedian]

Absolutely. Here's where you'll find Kate. kzbin.info/door/lhu-dkUv9icumrazpEOBkg.

[@RoyChadwick51]

Being around tight people is so draining . I honestly can’t be around them . I have never met one person who I like who is obsessed with money. They honestly leave me feeling sick.

[@intentionallycreatingmylif2281]

Thanks great information.

[@familymoney4235]

You guys are awesome. 40k with multiple kids is no joke, great work.

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks. Our income was about $40K when we bought the house for cash 10 years ago. It's more now with cost of living raises. Larry has also been doing some overtime. So, that has helped a lot.

[@maryd7896]

I didnt know you were friends with Kate Kaden!! I've followed her for some time! I love the reference and am excited to see her no spend month too

[@UndertheMedian]

Kate and I met when she discovered our channel and then I started following her channel. She's a peach!

[@rachelanderson4509]

This is all so overwhelming

[@budgetrebelgoals]

Love the video!!

[@mariannewesten3638]

January is a difficult Month to Not Spend. Because thats the Month with the Sale. And you find beautifull gifts for almost nothing.

[@janelledelgado4009]

Where do you actually put the money you save? Do you keep it in cash like cash envelops or do you have so many accounts where you keep it? If so what type of account?

[@UndertheMedian]

We have one account at.a local credit union that we strictly pay bills out of and one account at a bank for our emergency fund. If offers a higher interest rate than the credit union on that account. When I start going over the grocery budget, we go to the cash envelope system and it puts me back on track every time.

[@janelledelgado4009]

@@UndertheMedian THANK YOU! I was imagining a bunch of accounts because I wrote down my goals (a total of 15) and thought, "well should I have 15 envelopes or 15 bank accounts?"

[@UndertheMedian]

@@janelledelgado4009 , LOL! I'm relieved with you that you won't have to open 15 accounts. But, I LOVE your list of 15 goals. Way to go!

[@janelledelgado4009]

​@@UndertheMedian I know! I kept thinking well where else would I put the money? Thank you so much for your help, you and Larry are couple goals!

[@user-sy7ni6dz4k]

Are you guys in IL? Stuff you've mentioned throughout videos makes me wonder if you're a nearby neighbor (Love from Kankakee ❤️)

[@danstearns9676]

Explain how where you put your money separate accounts or do you just keep tract where the money goes Can you make it simple for us New guys

[@larryware1]

We use Dave Ramsey's "Every Dollar" to track our money.

[@UndertheMedian]

The money is all in one account. We track each category separately, using the free version of Dave Ramsey's budgeting program, EveryDollar.

[@noreenperez8666]

Oh my goodness. You all deserve a nice furniture😀😀

[@UndertheMedian]

Thank you! We think so, too! We've already replaced the chairs with leather ones. We have a plan for the couch - soon.

[@noreenperez8666]

@@UndertheMedian Great!!😀

[@dellamonk6792]

How do you budget for minor home repairs, or new things for the home? Do you have a separate category for this?

[@UndertheMedian]

Yes. Minor repairs are included in our "Home Maintenance" budget. It is a separate category.

[@lillyp.6103]

Hi Hope & Larry- do you suggest paying off the house before saving for retirement? We are in our early 30s and have 10 more years of mortgage payments.

[@UndertheMedian]

We paid off our home first. Had we to do it all over again, we would have saved for retirement and paid off our home using any additional money we gather to pre-pay the principle. Not saving for retirement early enough was one of our biggest money mistakes.

[@Sunshine_State]

Hi, are you still offering the free financial goal forms? The link takes me to your webpage but there's no link on the webpage that takes me to the forms. Thanks!

[@UndertheMedian]

Heres' a link to the page on the website. Scroll down and there should be a box to request the forms. Just fill out your name and email address in the box provided. underthemedian.com/financial-goal-forms/

[@Sunshine_State]

@@UndertheMedian Got it. Thank you so much!

[@stinejohansen8342]

When you say you recommend 20 % down payment for a house loan, do you also include interest in those 20 %?

[@UndertheMedian]

No, here's what we are suggesting. If you are paying $200K for a home, you are saving $40K as your downpayment and financing $160K as your mortgage. I hope that helps.

[@stinejohansen8342]

@@UndertheMedian Thank you. I think I understand it now. I live in Norway and we have to pay 20% cash when we take a loan in the bank. I’m working on paying my loan faster. Hopefully I will be death free in 8 years.

[@UndertheMedian]

@@stinejohansen8342 , in the US you can pay as little as 3% down on a conventional mortgage. I can't imagine putting that little down, but you can.

[@Shanmammy]

If I’m trying to pay off my house am I supposed to still put away money for a replacement car?

[@UndertheMedian]

Depends on how quickly you need to meet your goals. We prioritize every goal. If you can pay off your home in 24 months, then it may make good sense to put your car replacement fund on hold. But, if it's going to take you seven years to pay off your home, then you really can't put the car replacement on hold for that long. You will probably need to find a balance between those goals and compromise and it may take you a little longer to pay off your home.

[@stillness4610]

Wealth happens, when frugality marries multiple streams of income and a tax advantaged investment portfolio that earns at least an average 15%+ growth 📈 year over year.

[@lindashaw9034]

I save at least $100 per month for the dentist and have dental insurance.

[@saraatintochristlikeness9098]

Do you have advice for someone who doesnt make enough to save at all? We make around 30k a year while hubby is in College and I am homeschooling our children. (We have 7 kids ages 9 down to 9 months) This is hubbys last semester in College coming up and he will be taking practicum and will need 100 hours of observation time... He works 6 days a week, so the best option for him is to take 1 day off a week and go and do his observation hours. This cuts our income by $500 a month. (So he will be making right around 2k a month...)

[@lorischirmer7748]

Is there a way for you to earn a little extra cash? Cooking or cleaning for an elderly person, working a few hours when your husband is home with the kids? Look to see if you qualify for food stamps, the SNAP Program. Also, see if they have any food pantries around your area. Check to see if your church has any programs to assist you? Food, clothing, etc. It would only be for a short time while your husband finishes college.

[@username00009]

Have you looked into the website that allows English speakers to teach English online? I forget the name, but I’ve seen quite a few people on KZbin who made videos about it.

[@username00009]

Also, the Money Saving Mom blog is great, especially the posts about groceries and their early married life.

[@cc-by8uk]

We have an old VW Golf 250.000 km and maintnance cost of approx 1.000 Euro per year. Thats it. The car is so ugly nobody would steal it or break in even when we left it open. There is no fancy radio or navigator in it. I do not need a garage to protect it. And if it gets in five year the status of an oldtimer we get a tax reduction (Germany).

[@UndertheMedian]

Strangely our ugliest car was stolen from in front of our home many years ago. I had a bad paint job and it was peeling in big patches. It drove like a champ, but looked absolutely horrible. We, literally, could not believe that anyone had even bothered to steal it. Turned out, they were novices and had broken the steering column so badly that they only got about eight blocks away. We had to replace the entire steering column, but it was cheaper than a replacing the car.

[@cc-by8uk]

@@UndertheMedian Oh bad luck. Well we have this car for since my gf became 18 (now over 40). And even my mother in law want to give us the money to replace it. But to protect a new car would us cost 250 Euro a month for a garage. It just makes no sense to us to have a fancy car for 20.000 Euro and paying extra money for keeping it save. So we just say no thank you.

[@marym5631]

Hi Hope and Larry. Could you send me the link to the goals tracker? Mary

[@larryware1]

Hope's putting it in the description of this video now. Thank you, MeM.

[@UndertheMedian]

Sorry MeM M. Thanks for catching that error. I just added it in the description of the video.

[@marym5631]

Thank you. I'm not so computer savvy and thought it was something I had missed. Thanks for all you both do!!!

[@UndertheMedian]

@@marym5631 , wasn't you. I just messed up. LOL!

[@janereed2693]

I enjoy your videos. I am assuming you live in town and don't have pets. Please let us know if you ever had pets.

[@UndertheMedian]

Yes, we had a black lab/golden retriever mix for 16 years. It broke our hearts when she died. We haven't had the heart to get another dog since then. We still both dream about her and the feel of her fur. I guess when it's time to get another dog, we'll know.

[@danstearns9676]

Can you make it simpler