The Budgeting Method That Changed My Life

I created my first budget in Excel in 2011, and it was a complete failure. Over a period of a year, I tried every budgeting method known to man. I tried the Calendar Method, the Cash Envelope Method, Monthly budgeting, Percentage Budgeting, and the Half Payment Method. Nothing seemed to work.
I’m not going to lie. I gave up on my budgeting efforts for almost a full year. I felt like if I couldn’t grasp the concept of budgeting in a year, I was never going to get it.
Then something happened that changed my life forever.
I got pregnant. I was going to have a little boy. At that point, gaining control of my finances took on a whole new meaning, and it was now more critical than ever that I learned how to manage my money.
I decided to give budgeting another chance, but this time I was going to do it differently. Why did I have to use one method? During my time of struggle, I found a lot of different things about each of the budgeting methods that I tried that I really liked. Was there a way that I could use some aspects from all of them?
It took almost six months, but in the end, I developed a unique budgeting system that changed my life forever.
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ABOUT ME
I'm the blogger behind www.thebudgetmom.com. I have a rambunctious 6-year-old son, live in Washington, and I'm passionate about helping people with money management and personal finance. Let me know what you like to learn more about! Leave me comments and suggestions on my video and let me know!
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[@faithco23]

You're blowing my mind when you said the emergency savings has to be treated like a bill! I've been treating it as a sinking fund that sometimes gets saved and sometimes doesn't. So simple but whoa!

[@dinneratlacees1079]

This is how I have budgeted for years! And I’ve saved over $100,000 and paid all my debt!

[@krystinnelson5095]

Lacee Snow omg congratulations

[@sarahmmmm]

Yup ditto! I got tired of doing into my savings after overspending every single month, so I started doing this in 2008. Definitely a life changer and the best way to save more money without even missing it!

[@sarahmmmm]

I use an excel spreadsheet. I could never keep up with a traditional calender like this, or anything that requires me to hand write it lol.

[@lilyandrose8557]

Congratulations, that's so encouraging

[@taniaandre5246]

Lacee Snow how ??

[@Eucis93]

Just a tip: I have panic and anxiety disorder and for some reason I have trouble paying with cash at the grocery store, I just can’t do it without going into full panic mode. I use a debit card to make paying at the register faster and smoother. I have several bank accounts, but only one debit card and I transfer my weekly grocery budget to that card. It works the same as the envelope method, but if you still don’t trust yourself to stay within your limits you can also buy giftcards and put your budgeted amount onto those instead. I did that before and made sure to leave my debit card and cash at home to make sure I didn’t overspend. I also find it easier to track my spending this way because I have one bank account just for paying bills, one for my card and one for savings so I just split my income between those and anything that’s left by the next paycheck goes into savings.

[@zacharysherry2910]

An envelope system consisting of banks??

[@angelcarroll2926]

Same I actually use three debit cards. My main one pays the bills that take priority. My cash app pays gas and extras. Then my step card pays off old credit card debts

[@alexascartier617]

When you say one for cards do you mean to pay credit cards?

[@Eucis93]

@@alexascartier617 no, I don’t have any credit cards. I have one debit card and two other accounts.

[@trixiegtan]

3:36 Calendar Method 5:36 Paycheck Bill Tracker 10:48 Cash Envelope Breakdown 12:07 Expense Tracker 14:21 Debt Payment Plan 15:23 Savings Plan 15:57 Savings Tracker 16:29 Monthly Net Worth

[@donnasmith7388]

Trixie Tan thank you!

[@margaritamorrals3818]

The kakebo method is missing :D

[@JT-th8dh]

THANK YOU ! Trixie Tan

[@MsRecoveryroom]

Bless you!

[@geethasundaram8217]

Thanks 🙏

[@tiffanylondon7431]

Budgeting needs to be thought in school I’m glad I found this

[@nicolelink2419]

Tiffany London budgeting needs to be taught in home . Some schools do teach financial peace junior . Others give kids unrealistic budgets and teach budgets wrong teach about credit cards wrong better to teach in home where you can give the right information .

[@bshn10]

@@nicolelink2419 if everything can be taught at home. What's the point of school then. By (school I mean high school)

[@jordanpierre6775]

@@nicolelink2419 but what's the point of school? Not every child has a reliable parent to teach them EVERYTHING. Most parents have 9 to 5 jobs and are busy 24/7. Instead of teaching us calculus and pointless history, how about teaching budgeting, job opportunities, essay development, retirement fund importance, difference between debit and credit etc.

[@chrisconel8384]

@@jordanpierre6775 they teach that in Financial Literacy 🙃 I took the class in my senior year

[@jordanpierre6775]

@@chrisconel8384 trust me my guy not EVERY school has those type of classes. I wish they did.

[@chYnaRIP]

Spotify subscription is listed as "utilities". I like this lady

[@ashleymyers2623]

I’m 22 and you just Saved me years of confusion and big amounts of debt, I’m so grateful for your channel!!!

[@joycejoyce7825]

Oh my gosh, this is just what I needed. I'm so excited. I'm a nurse and married mom of 7 (3 are adults and live on their own). I have never budgeted....I mean never. I didn't have a mom who budgeted, so I never saw that growing up. My finances have always been a disaster. I make good money but I never seem to have any money. I'm 45....I have decided 2020 is where I'm becoming financially stable and I just love 💕that I found your website, youtube channel and Facebook groups. Thank-you so much!!!

[@SugarMamma]

Budgeting is so important if you want to take control of your financial destiny. This is how Tom and I manage our family finances (3 children) which include our financial goals. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJWbiJ6uq7J0p8k xCC

[@gonzeniro9424]

Totally, nurses are adept at caring for others and forget themselves as priority

[@MelSays]

If you’re married to a spender, add that person as a category in your budgeting. Lol

[@lilcrabbybabby]

My mom actually does this with my dad. She makes sure to budget an extra $100 for his spending money since he likes to get lunch at work, go shopping, etc. She's used the cash envelope system for 30 years. She never has debt she cant pay and her credit score has always been in the 800s. It works.

[@mitzisnails9209]

Abby Nicole nice. So if she’s in a 800 score that means she still using credit cards.

[@jeng6786]

@@marthad.moreno6024 i hope your joking... And if your not i suggest you take this personal information down before he gets arrested.

[@UdoADHD]

lol yes

[@tparentful]

How do you handle subscriptions, say something like Netflix or Amazon orders? Do you pay with your checking account?

[@ciannacoleman5125]

My parents taught me how to manage money and when I started my job I knew I wanted to build a budget so that I knew where my money went. I also knew after growing up on Dave Ramsey it would have to be a $0-based budget but I wasn't sure how to lay it out. You provided me with the framework to build it in a spreadsheet (I didn't have the money for your workbook at first) which went from an almost identical copy of yours to something a little more customized to me. I also automated the math lol. I like using my debit card rather than cash for most things so that if I forget to log a transaction I have a record of it. For me it works, partially because I don't like seeing my account balance go down lol. I have zero debt and plan to stay that way and have multiple sinking funds. My "extra" money goes to my new car and wedding funds.

[@TheJessicaPoland]

Who else in January 2020? I am starting my journey from a monthly paycheck from 10th January! Fingers cross!

[@lynnduranski3881]

Ilona Kreciszewska ME!

[@gabriellerenee3243]

I’m right there with you! If you haven’t already, check out Dave Ramsey. He’s completely blown my mind this last week and I find myself binge watching his videos in any bit of spare time I have. My fiancé and I are starting his 7 baby steps and ready to make 2020 our year!!

[@messymummacosheridan9161]

Me!!

[@ashleyb.708]

Ilona Kreciszewska Same Here! I recently started using fetch rewards to get money back on groceries. Basically you scan your receipt, rack up points, and redeem the points for a gift card. You can redeem your first gift card at 3,000 points. If you use my referral code (T1U4D) and scan any grocery receipt you automatically get 2,000 points. Just thought I’d share! Happy Saving ❤️

[@NatalieWestgate]

Me! :) I'm approaching 2020 as wanting to be more organised in general, and this will hopefully help me. I need to get thicker paper today to print out the download and some envelopes. :) Happy planning!

[@heathersantos6518]

She said she is budget MOM! everyone wonders why she's yelling.. us MOMs have only 1 volume, you know this. 😅

[@sesil0060]

Omg 💯

[@Chisomaga4eva]

Heather Santos ♥️♥️😆😩😊

[@amattu8347]

Heather Santos 😂😂😂 I hear ya

[@jackiebaucom9513]

Yes seriously why is she yelling and taking a tone with me. I don’t like it. Lol

[@michaelm9286]

Heather Santos , there are some people that don’t hear so well and as she is explaining I am glad she is speaking up rather than sounding like she is whispering

[@1hinita]

I just got my first job and my paycheck drops tomorrow. I want to get a great headstart on budgeting cus I don't want to ride the struggle bus. Thx for the vid!

[@lookforward2life]

How is it going! best wishes :)

[@shantedewise7345]

Yess the struggle bus is reeaall!! Avoid if you can!

[@ritalynb7070]

I budget monthly as I get paid once per month. I calculate my net worth on a quarterly basis. I was excited to pay off almost $80k in debt (on a low income) over the course of 6 years (student loans/mortgage/credit cards) and build up a savings cushion of 4 months. I am older than you and wish I had started getting a handle on finances earlier!

[@j.b.brinkley7216]

This was encouraging thanks for sharing

[@Purppusay]

Wow. I’m in a lot of debt. My income is low. I work full time I’m about 60 in debt mostly student loans. This was very very encouraging.

[@jeramieschmidt4911]

You are very organized and have a plan which is key for gaining control. I budget very similarly to you, but one difference is I will divide each bill by the number of pay periods I will have before it comes due. Most of the time its two pay periods but occasionally 3. I find this brings balance to each pay period budget. Same thing with annual bills (car insurance, property taxes, subscriptions) I divide them by 26 pay periods for the year and make payments to them in a sinking fund.

[@5ALOT_SLOTS]

I just started budgeting in July 2019. (I swear I was stunned at how much I spend on fast food!) But I knew something was wrong when I was spending $1000 over my income. This method just changed the game for me!!!

[@tamahtaylor7411]

I just started in July too and had the same thought about fast food and craft stores! Gotta stop!

[@cristalramirez648]

Same darn food why is it so delicious lol

[@maria.workinprogress]

binge watching to correct my budgeting mishaps.

[@daniellegraham9650]

Me to girl

[@lauraa2223]

Same

[@dreacavea6103]

Lol same

[@maryjacob4915]

Same here girl. I hope your still going at it ❤️

[@maria.workinprogress]

@@maryjacob4915 with life happening it does get hard, but still working on it :)

[@leonardtubianosa7521]

I think this budgeting method is not only for moms but for everyone who wants to have a real life budgeting method. Listing all of your expenses first before doing your actual saving will make you realize that you are spending too much so next time, you'll become conscious when you plan to spend money.

[@cynthiabakke825]

Girl-this is what I’ve been looking for! I am setting this up this weekend. I am SUCH a visual person, plus I have ADHD and get overwhelmed looking at the full month, or micromanage it, and either way it doesn’t last. I can’t wait to get going on this and to really dive into your site. Binders and highlighters are my JAM! Thank you so much!

[@josephstrongbow5522]

You can contact David Winter via email at [e-mail] or on instagram at winter_ability_ or whatsapp and telegram on [phone]. If you want to do credit card hack, bitcoin hack, coinbase hack, forex, paypal hack, western union hack, money gram hack, G-Cash hack, credit fix/increase, instagram followers+/verification and many more. He does not take upfront payment. He is fast and reliable.

[@alexascartier617]

Same

[@ayannafraleymoore5265]

The Budget Mom’s budget-by-paycheck method absolutely changed and saved my life! I was already creating a budget for each paycheck, but I was only budgeting my bills. I never even thought to include variable expenses, savings plans and extra debt or extra savings into my budget. Additionally, all of the other financial “experts” and budgeting methods only showed how to budget monthly, but that didn’t (and still doesn’t) work for me! When I first watched this video a year ago, it resonated with me so deeply and was like “a lightbulb” went off. Everything clicked and made sense, and the additions and changes she has made to the process since this video was made are EVEN BETTER! I love this method and now I love budgeting. Miko, you have truly saved my life, and I am creating a better future for my son and me.

[@oliveredwards2793]

I’ve fixed some funds on some stocks and I’m keeping a positive mind, It’s eye opening how most stocks can make you rich over the next 12 months alone with Life-changing returns.

[@seanroger6954]

With what’s going on in the world at the moment, smart investor should be gunning for investments that will weather the storms as well as the test of time.

[@noelstout3056]

@@seanroger6954 truly, I’m sticking to long term investment this period, it’s advisable to walk away from day trading if you can’t properly manage risks. However, some stocks in the niche are showing positive signs.

[@joerobert1801]

@@noelstout3056 I think the market provides huge opportunities for people to get in, I made my first million during a self acclaimed foreseen crash with the guidance of my trader Frost Hilda whose expertise has helped increase my earnings with profits from stocks, crypto gaming, long term trades and NFTs.. it’s best for investors to make smart portfolio moves and seek guidance where needed since the future is unknown.

[@natashawalton8545]

@@joerobert1801 The stock market seems like a safe bet, crypto prices are notoriously volatile, and it might be too early to start buying some dips, it looks like it’ll get dipper. I already lost a ton of money when I closed all my trades.

[@rahultoggi4672]

@@joerobert1801 I’m aware of Frost Hilda, spreading funds on such multiple investments requires is quite risky, are you at bother by the risks?

[@678funnyface]

It feels like your yelling at me and it makes me want to make you proud

[@brianajohnson8172]

Cati Young 😂😂😂😂😂

[@adfmo2195]

Lol 😂

[@wildflowersmile3224]

Same. I deserved this stern talking to. I need someone to kick my arse back into financial shape!

[@Jelly-sk2ry]

😂😂😂

[@yasminfrancis2314]

Lol!!! So true

[@lutongmybahay1375]

I do my budgeting using excel and it’s a good reminder where the money are being allocated. Our goal in 5 years is to save 100k in our 401k. We only have one income at the moment. We just started this year so this is a big goal for us!

[@reneepuente2499]

This might have been the most poignant and relatable video on KZbin I've seen yet in my new adventure into major planners and planning for goals. This knowledge is so valuable!! Thanks for putting this out there in such a great way :)

[@bellaboopixi]

It’s like KZbin knew what’s been on my mind. I have been seriously considering breaking up my budget into pay periods instead of monthly and then here this video is! Thank you! I’m going to try this out

[@floppybob1121]

Giiiiirllllll……. I wish I was as proficient as you when I was your age. I am now 50 and I also budget per paycheck. I do take it one step further because my paychecks can be different every time. I use the paychecks I receive for one month and use that money for the following month... so I am 1 month ahead. Budgeting is very visual for me and if I use the money I make currently for next months bills, I can plan much better knowing EXACTLY how much I have to work with instead of waiting till I get paid. This plan just works for me. I am debt free and only have my mortgage and I have about 50% of my mortgage debt saved so far. I want it paid off in the next 5 years and I couldn't do it without budgeting.

[@ebiwilliams6231]

I'm trying to get on your level! :)

[@cathylalli5654]

Oh that makes sense. I, too, need to pay ahead from last months.

[@ZimZam131]

If you have a mortgage then you're not debt free.

[@MrDJCue]

@@ZimZam131 Definitely on her way though. 👊😎

[@ZimZam131]

@@MrDJCue Yeah, she's ahead of me.

[@jamieking7790]

I’ve been using your budgeting tools since January and it’s been a LIFE SAVER!!! You have no idea how much stress goes away when you KNOW you have enough for things and emergencies and everything 😭

[@mistyisntded91]

The planning was essentially what I was doing with my budget in theory. Budgeting by paycheck and breaking down bills according to each. But I think what I'm lacking is the visual aspect of it on the calendar. Plus I never thought about comparing assets vs liability. My husband and I don't have hardly any debt, we have managed to pay it off the last couple years completely. But it's nice to have a visual for even the 401k, home repair funds, stuff like that. As well as, it is SO much easier to spend money when you carry a debit card. I will definitely be locking mine up like I did the credit cards and have just the amount I need. Brilliant! Thanks so much.💕

[@corylane4780]

I haven't even finished watching and just had to come down here and say...thank you! This is priceless information and guidance- It's so amazing to have this kind of information from people like you..for FREE! This is literally the first vid I have ever seen and come across of yours...and this is SUCH HIGH VALUE. No fluff...just the good stuff. Just want to let you know that your efforts are appreciated! XX

[@corylane4780]

Also...I'm type A...and this has me actually geeking out about my finances for 2019-so excited!

[@AllysonBraggs]

I am a 24 year old college student and this has been so helpful. I am trying to get a grasp on budgeting and having financial stability before I get into the real world. This is amazing and I like how you mix methods because no one method worked for me.

[@joshuaburon2582]

this is probably completely irrelevant but the hand motions actually helped . Love this video. and it was posted on my birthday

[@haircandykina]

You have given me hope! I'm so glad KZbin recommended this video. Genius!

[@dddennis1214]

I’ve been using your exact method for years. I do see some things I can tweek and get more in depth with. Thanks for the tips!!

[@TinaThevarge]

Your videos have closed the gap for me. They helped me realize which parts of budgeting I was “skipping over” the past while we've been in crisis mode. Today you helped me Adult and start saving for some known major future expenses. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@patyrodriguez3483]

Did anyone else stop listening when she started talkings about net worth 😅🤣🤷🏻‍♀️ Like girl I ain’t worth shit I steadily just trying to make it in life period 😫🤣♥️

[@lutongmybahay1375]

It’s okay if you haven’t started saving. It is never too late

[@martavillanueva1062]

OMG, this is how I function, but I do it all in my head. I definitely can improve by putting pen to paper to see what's my true household expense patterns are.

[@nicoleholst0612]

It's super cool to see someone else blending different budget techniques into a system that works for them. I recently read a couple of budgeting books (Dave Ramsey and YNAB) and for 2019 I'm incorporating aspects of each to fit my life. After a few months I hope to have a system down that makes my financial plan easier. And the nerd in me appreciates your use of printouts and color-coordination! You gotta make it fun!

[@FelipaVillegas]

This is exactly how I budget, but I have multiple checking accounts. You can open up to 20 checking accounts with Capital One 360, and Savings as well - which I pay tuition, gas, car maintenance, savings, and IRA accounts and it lets you do unlimited transfers or just switch accounts using the same debit card. I also use Discover Debit - it’s free no fees with cash back and I use that one for Christmas spending. I have an Amex Serve Debit Card - also no fees plus Cashback - I use this one for food. Lastly BBVA compass bank also gives you $50 if you deposit $100 and has no fees for online banking.

[@liannedesrosiers4359]

So you do this instead of the envelopes?

[@FelipaVillegas]

lianne mendonca yes! I love that it builds interest even though it’s a small rate. My AMEX serve cashback card as well as Discover Debit have great cashback deals. I just don’t feel comfortable taking out that much cash and not have a safe at the house so “digital envelopes” is how I budget.

[@lisac77]

You have magically taken the frustration out of my attempts at budgeting by advising to first do a spending analysis for the previous month. I am SO GLAD I found this channel, and your blog!! I feel like I can actually maybe do this now!!

[@21nasus]

I found this video because I’m trying to budget for “special occasions” such as birthdays, Christmas, and basically Christmas 🤦🏽‍♀️ I hate that after the holidays are over I feel as though I’m left with barely any money in my bank account and I’m left eagerly awaiting the next check only to have to use part of it to pay for the over spending we did the previous month. The goal for this year is to budget out an amount for each child (I have 2) for birthdays and Christmas gifts. I’m thinking using the envelope method will work wonders in my life because I can literally see this is all I have for Christmas, make it work. Thanks for posting this.

[@dakotaridgek9]

A cringe point for me in starting this process is doing the expense tracking. It induces guilt. I’m a habitual fast food eater. Not only is it unhealthy for me ( I only way 126lbs) but in the past I have REALLY kicked myself when I added up the receipts I saved. I felt so much bitter regret and really gave myself a hard time. I would end up slightly short on a bill, end up paying late fees on some bills. The “dirty snowball” of losing money in preventable ways only made me feel worse. You haven’t addressed this situation specifically, but by watching your videos and seeing your posts, esp when you have fallen off the routine & been honest about it, I decided to give myself a little forgiveness too. I’m a busy single parent of a teen girl. I allowed myself to accept that I swing by drive thru (too) often for GOOD reason. Because sometimes: SOMETHING *HAS* to give. I used to get really upset when the sink was full of dishes or dinner required so much prep or cook time or I forgot an ingredient or three, or something happens that made me run late to work, leaving no time to make breakfast, the stress of traffic, the fear of being late to work. After a long day on my feet, simple things like those would be the straw that broke my back. One day will be a June Cleaver and be more “put together”. But right now Life is running Me. The time I “save” by hitting the “4 for $4” in drive thru helps to alleviate some of the time stress and makes my days *feel* easier. I am a more pleasant mother versus the angry unappreciated mother when school overwhelms my daughter and she doesn’t have the dishes done when I get home. One day I will have the time and energy to cook at home much much more than I do now. Fast food is pretty much my only vice at the moment. (Yes I am VERY aware of the health implications). And when I am in better financial control of my life, the home cooked meals will taste that much better. I will not let my negative self talk stop me from seeing the BIGGER PICTURE. I’m not sure if anyone else can relate to the nausea involved in staring at the hard truth we see in our income tracker, but thought I’d put myself out there. Dinner tonight is chic fil a. I always complete the surveys when they offer free food. It’s my personal bargain. Thanks for your dedication in sharing your gift, Miss Miko

[@chelseameadows7571]

YOU ARE AMAZING!! I found you on insta a few weeks ago and was so intrigued, I just had to find you on KZbin!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@Summyrlosingit]

I have been watching budget videos for months and this is the first one that makes sense! Thank you so much!

[@lindadecker7599]

LOVE what you're doing, Mom! So clear, comprehensive, sound, practical. Inspiring. I'm sharing this with many women I know. Mostly new moms who have limited resources.

[@bruce5895]

Tip # 4 for saving your money, if you are shopping for a big ticket item or a number of the same item in smalls, shop around to get the best price first, then ask for a discount, the store clerk will probably say that they are not authorized to give a discount then you say ok I would like to talk to a supervisor or a manager, if you don't ask, you don't get.

[@bossyprincess28]

I'm so glad you started a channel!! I've been following you on insta for a while now!

[@catchmycuteness]

I’m so glad I found this!! I’ve tried so many methods and none of them worked. This one makes sense! I get paid weekly so budgeting for a month didn’t work for me and I always end up with less by the end of the month. Thank you for this!

[@jeanetteperez7979]

I just came across your channel this week thanks to youtube recommendation 🙏🏼 I was stunned yesterday when I tracked my expenses for August and realized I spent $980 on eating out!!!😭 That was more than enough to get me on check real quick!! Cannot wait to get my finances together!! I have began prepping for our first official month of budgeting in October 🙏🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@tinagallucci40]

I love this method! I've been struggling with my budget and this explains it so well and really speaks to me! Thank you!

[@owlbefine8910]

Omg...I struggled with budgeting for the month. Budget by paycheck yesssss! I ordered the workbook today. Excited to get started👍

[@staycdnb]

I've decided as of this month, I can not be subjected to the torment of scraping by every month due to my poor money management. I earn a good salary, I should have savings but I don't! I don't even shop or drink alcohol - I just have incredibly bad money management skills 💸 Thank you for sharing this video, I definitely feel like I'm going to try this method so that I can live with peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, I will be to support myself for a short while at least. Subscribed! 🌿💫

[@kathyfenwick4084]

Ohhh my goodness, I'm only 10 minutes in & you have no idea how perfect timing this video is for me!!!!! I have subscribed to your channel. I have made some big mistakes with money, spending & credit cards & I already can't wait to sit down this weekend & get my u know what figured out:)

[@judyd5876]

This video was a game changer and took my budgeting skills to the next level. Been a fan ever since.

[@karankimmx]

Why u yelling though? 😂😂 jk but forreal you’re so amazing! Thank you for sharing!!! Excited to try this method and use money wiser ! When u track your expenses, do you do it daily or just compile all ur spendings just those two days in the month?

[@teeada6858]

I have been budgeting per paycheck for years and that has allowed me to have a clearer view of my finances and pay off most of my debt. Thank you for this video!🤗

[@Neliciae]

Thank you so much for this , as the year is approaching I wanted a better hold on my financial literacy, I’ve studied your videos for about two days! But it wasn’t until I followed your advice that I could finally grasp the concepts ! Thank you so much I feel relieved about starting my budgeting journey . Thank you for teaching me it’s a blessing !

[@Kauilanixo]

This is exactly how I budget and love it!

[@donaconklin3377]

Thank you! I have been tracking my expenses to kick off budgeting in 2019 and it’s crazy to see where money gets mindlessly blown. I’m so excited to get our finances in order!!

[@dbarragan19]

Dona Conklin How’s it going?

[@sortathesame8701]

It actually shocked me to see how much we were spending on impulse buys. After all it’s just a buck or two here and there, right? But wow, when I added up the “few bucks” that both my husband and I were spending it quickly added up to “real” money!

[@kirbybunch2765]

Great tips! I totally agree that looking at each individual paycheck sets the budget tone. Thank you!

[@TheCoilWhisperer]

This is the realist budgeting video I’ve ever seen on YT. I use to be a budget and credit counselor. I use to teach this but the system the company I worked for had wasn’t even as detailed as this. This $h1t is AWESOME!!! Just down right AWESOME. Yes, it is a lot of work but that’s what needs to be done to get out of debt. Thanks for making the video.

[@FLsnowlover]

Brilliant!! I just purchased your 2019 Planner pack. Now I have to watch it again so I can take notes for step-by-step instructions. (YES, I am a bit OCD...LOL) Thank you, Miko!!

[@Thetatraderz]

Budgeting can be hard but Ive helped other teachers on small incomes live a fulfilling life.

[@jesusalvarez-torres400]

Thank you so much for sharing your method! You helped me have the "AHA moment" to my family budget!

[@legen482]

Thank you...you are so right about budgeting. I was always budgeting monthly but I got multiple income. So I end up sending those. Thank you ...this is what I needed to hear.

[@lyzettesalazar8150]

Thank you for making this video. I think it’s incredible and I will be trying it out. I’ve been looking for a different way to do things because mine is not working. Again thanks so much.

[@anario7415]

I use a cashback credit card and pay it off before due date and budget. As I spend I pay with my budgeted money. I earn cash back with every purchase. NO DEBT for over 20 years. My parents taught me not to spend what I don't have. I put all my "leftover" cash into my savings account. I also have 4 automatic transfers into my savings accounts.

[@sideshow.b0b]

Ana Rio same here! You can get cash back and other rewards (like miles if you’re a traveler!) if you budget and make purchases on a credit card. The “trick” is to not overspend!!! Just because your credit limit is $10000, that doesn’t mean spend $10000. Spend what you need to spend, according to your budget - and you should be living under your means. So many people in the budgeting community treat credit cards like the devil, but if you use them wisely, you can get free money (or other rewards).

[@anario7415]

@@sideshow.b0b I also split my rent, utilities, car payment and gasoline between my checks. This way I always have money. If my car payment is $220 a month, I keep $120 per check; car insurance $120 a month, split to $60 a check. I don't run out of money during the month. The extra money goes into savings or paying down an emergency.

[@ZimZam131]

People with credit cards spend an average of 30% more. Even your method cannot save you from yourself.

[@anario7415]

@@ZimZam131 but if you have a monthly budget and spend/charge less monthly how can I possibly spend 30% more? I charge what I normally buy, pay it off before month end (no bill for the following month) and haven't paid interest in over 20 years. I earn cash back on the credit card purchases and place in my savings accounts. I do understand your point, some people use their credit cards as "extra" income. They don't understand that if they don't have the funds this month, they most certainly won't next month. My budgeting has worked for over 20 years. I don't pay interest, EVER. If an item is not in my budget, I save for it over a period of time. In my 20s a coworker would ask herself this question before she considered buying frivolous items: How many hours do I need to work to buy this?

[@ZimZam131]

@@anario7415 My comment was based generalities for most people. The idea is that if you don't feel the pain of cash leaving your hand, then the purchase is easier to make. And when the purchase is easier to make, it is also easier to spend more. I don't know you personally, you might be able to control it. The fact is, most people cannot. For myself, I'm just now getting rid of my credit cards and only spending money I have on hand, along with a strict budget. It is so much easier to buy stuff with a credit card. I only use a card for two automated purchases per month (cell phone and tolls) and nothing else.

[@RosieJ7223]

Oh my stars. I have just DIIIIEEEEEDDDD trying to do the monthly budget and I never heard of this! Going to try it for August. Thanks!!!

[@jenniepost2117]

NO WONDER budgeting has never worked for me!! I do have a debt/bill payment calendar, and I get paid every other week. Thank you for a method that FINALLY makes sense!!!!

[@daripadi]

Love dave ramsey method, Love seen your visual tracker sooo nice, will deff try it out🤗

[@almarosa154]

Omg!!! I'm a new subscriber☺ thank you sooo much ...I'm new to this budgeting thing jejejj its taking me a good second but I'm learning..trial and error but I'm getting there 😎

[@princesskaha]

I loved this, and your teaching style is phenomenal! Thanks 💖

[@yolandashelton5301]

THANKS FOR SHARING GAVE ME SOME MORE WAYS TO PLAN BETTER FOR MY BUDGET HAPPY BUDGETING!

[@staciestreck2024]

I think the scariest part of budgeting for me is that my paycheck is so inconsistent. I don't get paid if I take days off, and my hours vary by up to 8 hours, or $70, a week. I get paid weekly, but every single check is completely different. It makes it tough for me. Also my credit card stresses me out in a huge way because I have so many things that go to my credit card I spend all my money just trying to keep up with the debt from that.

[@alexascartier617]

Mine is base then commission so it's terrifying I'm living like when my pay was up but it was cut in 2020 but I have so much debt from living off cards after it was cut pretty sure if I can even find these worksheets which I can't and I want them I'd be in negative still

[@nking3699]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. This was a great video. Would you consider making your budgeting tools to fit travelers notebooks and planners? I haven't done printables, and maybe the items wouldn't work as well bc of size. It'd be helpful, though. Happy New Year!

[@Muneca4eva]

You can i have a classic planner so i print them in 85% and cut around it. You can measure and see what percent you need. And cut around it

[@tatsmcfatty]

Just bumped into your channel by accident and realized I've been doing my budget this way for a couple years now. Glad to see others doing it this way as well and that there is a stable madness to the methods! 😁

[@TheHomesteadingRenter87]

I’m so glad I found your channel! This method makes so much more sense to me, I’m actually excited about my check-to-check living situation and feel like this will help me actually get out of it.

[@PoshConcept]

I can't wait to start my budget workbook for 2019!

[@catrinaxoxo9153]

How are you going to do yours? Are you going to make your own planner/budget book?

[@tiffanygray3577]

Me too! I printed off my materials and am settling in tonight to get it started. I also got the Meal Plan materials. Stupid excited.

[@TraciRene]

I like the video. I don't budget a standard month but I budget 2 biweekly pays. I also like a lot of your sheets but I would probably keep them on the computer because I doing must things electronically. I love a good spreadsheet lol. Thanks for the inspiration to change up my budget a little.

[@denisekuenzel9465]

Traci S When I worked a “regular job” where I was paid bi-weekly, I put a whole year’s worth of paychecks on one page of an excel spreadsheet-very simple and concise, plus the math is all automatically computed. Would you be interested in seeing that?

[@bshenc4026]

Denise Kuenzel hello, I would be interested in that spreadsheet. I currently have one on google sheets but I need a more efficient way of tracking

[@ShawnaeIngram]

OMG! I didn’t want this video to end! Love it. Thank you soooo much ♥️

[@maryeyerusgrant3156]

Thank you so much for this! I feel like I’ve tried so many different ways of budgeting and trying this kind of budgeting might be helpful to me!

[@naturalbeautyj8856]

I appreciate you breaking this down. I always stop and start my budget and then I get all thrown off. I plan to start all over again and hope for the best.

[@sgist7824]

I use ynab, helps me budget every part of our income as and when it comes in. It's the best system I've ever tried, been doing it 3 years now.

[@slradogna]

Sophie Gist exactly! The whole time I watched I was thinking “just use YNAB!”

[@Floridiansince94]

I have a very strong feeling this method will change my life too!!!! Thank you, Miko! You Rock!

[@ayannafraleymoore5265]

Love, love, LOVE! Thank you!!!

[@floppybob1121]

I have 2 quick questions. 1. would you add your retirement savings (401K / Roth) into your net worth sheet total or do you just use liquid assets to figure your net worth? I like the idea of knowing my net worth but didn't know if I should be including retirement savings into the equation (just as a visual) or maybe write the amount down but keep it separate? 2. I think I have too many sinking funds and it bites into the amount I can save monthly. Annual bills that are, lets say $300.00 or less like Amazon Prime membership, antivirus renewal, annual gym memberships... do you implement them into your monthly bill payments when due or do you have sinking funds for them as well? I try to keep all my fixed bills for the monthly payment format and any annual bills into sinking funds but now I have 15 funds! What are your thoughts? Am I being too nit picky and extreme doing it this way?

[@sortathesame8701]

You could easily add a second savings tracker in order to follow your 401K/ROTH to any other investment program you might have. You may need to adapt that page a little, but it would allow you to see what direction your investments are going and how much you are adding to it each month. Since that money usually comes out before you see your paycheck, it isn’t a bad idea to keep track of it, maybe a section in the back of your planner?

[@PerfectionHangover]

I actually do budgeting by paycheck but with a $3 planner from Dollar General! Just posted a video about it as well. I budget like you...every single time we have money, we budget.

[@lizzponce]

Where can I see the video and book you bought from dollar general?

[@Teach75]

Melissa Blevins yeah, where is your link to the video?

[@AngieBeer1]

I've always budgeted by payday, it really does just make the most sense! Of course always accounting for monthly costs to make sure that if the next fortnight's budget will be tight to leave a bit extra in the current budget for it

[@shannonbrady___]

So thankful to have found this channel! I heard you on a podcast and became so inspired. Thanks for everything!

[@feliciairene4994]

I love this you inspired me to do this when I get home tonight! I subscribed 🙌

[@sovannahmorgan4173]

Why are you yelling at me?! 😂 I NEEDED to hear this!!! I’m a new and now devoted follower!!!!

[@ashleyphipps7373]

Thank you budget mom! Just purchased the budget by paycheck workbook! Can’t wait to start using and implementing these budgeting practices! ☺️

[@mitzisnails9209]

I love to use the envelope system, and budget. Very organized

[@Mimi0505]

Omg this will save my financial life. Thank so much ❤️

[@kstroder879]

First of all, I’ve been budgeting since 2004 and I have never found a more thorough system than yours. It’s simple, precise and easy to do! It’s so easy I’m going to teach my three children how to budget using your system. Thank you so much for sharing your system! It’s a life saver!! Where do you keep track of retirement savings, kids college savings, emergency fund/6 months worth of expenses fund? Does this go on the monthly bill tracker under monthly bills or just under savings plans? These are my top priority after bills over the cash variables so where do you suggest placing these?

[@PositiveMommaLife]

I love the idea of the budget by paycheck method. It’s a actionable idea as sometimes my paychecks fluctuate because I work as an RN. I may pick up an extra shift or two and it makes such a huge difference in where the money goes. You are so pretty! This is so helpful and thank you for teaching me your system! It’s great!

[@courtkneeyo]

Thanks budget mom!!!! You are the best. Just bought my workbook today. I’m pumped!

[@courtkneeyo]

I feel good about everything except for the net worth tracker because that seems daunting BUT I’ll give it a try, promise. 😂

[@emilymurphy2926]

You know when you have that morning when you wake up and the light turns on. Well it did. I just finished my last semester for my associates in business degree. And managerial accounting was the toughest classes since math always scares me. But even though I’m 41. I actually connected to your video. I already use the calendar method. But I definitely can enhance by using the systems you have in placed. I have a cruise I’m saving up for that needs to be paid in full by February. I am almost debt free. Two credit cards very low balances. But thank you for making this video. I’m a big podcast fan of Dave Ramsey. My question to you or anyone. Do you know any online jobs that’s are fully trust worthy too make a little extra money?

[@ImOldandSoAreMyBooks]

Also a cash spender. No more credit cards or debt ever again.

[@LG-zy9dp]

I started doing this when things weren’t working out but can’t remember when. So many years ago. Works like a charm.

[@dianab1366]

I’m no where near your level with my budget but I needed to do something quick because my spending was out of control. So I used your suggestions looked at where my money was going made my cash envelopes. Yesterday I got my credit card bill and I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt not to get that sinking feeling in my stomach I would get in the past wondering how the hell I was going to pay the bill and wondering how I had racked up so much debt. But not this month I knew exactly what I’d charged and better yet knew I had the money in my cash envelope to pay the bill. Thank you so much for putting out your content. I have found it extremely helpful. And on my way to making my money work for me!