How to Improve Your Budget in 10 Minutes or Less a Day

[@jbalconi5922]

I take an old calculator (one with memory function) with me, enter my budgeted amount, and subtract the cost of things I put in the basket. I double-check my calculations of price per unit or weight, too. I like the Instead-Of List. And your joke about maintaining household peace!

[@barbchumbley9142]

Groceries are just sale items and replacing what we used each week. If we don't need anything and no sales of interest, we don't shop. Our Ameren bill will be going up so we have been using the clothes line and we have covered our West and North windows in the plastic kits. Only do 2-3 loads of laundry per week and make them full loads! Eat out only once a week that is a treat and rarely spend $20. Learned to pressure can our home made chili and planning on canning our vegetable soup as well. Have had 3 one time big expenses that we cash flowed and will cash flow a set of new tires for my Rogue. Earlier I made some phone calls and dropped our annual expenses by $643 for car and house insurance, trash hauling and cell phones. We are staying on budget at this time. Have a wonderful weekend!😊

[@judithvallembois2744]

I love that you are so proactive. Many people need to learn this but you have it covered. Excellent.

[@wendy-zarate]

I agree so much with looking over your receipts at the store. I know when you get into a rush trying to bag your groceries or find your card it gets tough to look at the register and especially for clearance or sale items. What I do is I take a picture of the sale item and the price tag just in case the price hasn't changed in the stores system. I make sure it is for that item and it's the right size/quantity just in case they need a recheck on the price I have it on hand!

[@ohmcintyre2067]

I usually buy groceries at Walmart and have begun to notice that items ring up at a higher price than marked on shelf. When I complained at customer service I was NOT offered a refund, but told “we can’t keep up with the price changing”. So now I use the scanner app to check prices as I put items into my cart. It is very inconvenient, but better than a surprise at checkout.

[@M_SC]

I believe they are then operating illegally. I think that’s more than one law they’re breaking

[@shieldoffaith8798]

Thank you all for your wisdom. You are a blessing to me and many others and you’re in my prayers ❤️🙏 im young but have made rice pillows lately to stay warm and I love it. Some people told me no one over 65 would like these as a gift but I don’t think that’s true. It helps so much. My husband doesn’t keep the heat on much in the cold months so this has really helped! If you can sew, I’d encourage you to make some to put in your bed 😊

[@rg-mi5hh]

So far, our grocery budget is still ok. We are mostly buying on sale items at a good price and cooking differently. We have really changed in some other areas such as utilities. We are using a lot less heat. We bought a couple of space heaters in case gas goes higher or becomes a funny situation like Europe, than we can use these to help out. We will stay right with them and not use them while sleeping. Our budget is constantly fluctuating depending on priorities. Probably a lot more to learn as time goes on.

[@patmartin9727]

Much easier to watch your cashier in American where all your purchases are packed for you. Here in the UK you are busy trying to pack your purchases while the cashier is scanning them. I try to stand to one side when I get through the till and look for any mistakes but it isn’t as easy as when you can watch the cashier. Also with a big shop it’s hard to remember the price of everything. I like to shop wen the store is quiet so I do not feel as rushed. I also write on my shopping list if there is an offer on or a big reduction.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

our budget has stayed basically the same ,because our income has not gone up much.we live very frugally.we have no choice but be frugal. it's the holiday season.if it's not budgeted for,it simply is not happening,point blank. we cannot afford to be in debt,so unless we planned ahead,it is not feasible.

[@chichestermaritime8174]

Thanks for your great videos. Years ago I learnt the saying 'A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist' and that has stopped me making endless purchases over the years.

[@SymonSays]

Decluttering is great at stopping you from buying new things. You don't realize how much stuff you have until you start sorting through it. It's also good for keeping a mental inventory of what you already have, and where you store it. So you know you already have a sleeping bag, and don't go buy another one.

[@Alicesgardenau]

My local store sells bags of ice and the checkout has a barcode that they swipe. More than twice I’ve been charged for ice I’ve not bought as the operator has accidentally scanned the ice barcode. So definitely worth checking your receipts before you drive back home!

[@alphadog3384]

Thanks for sharing about decluttering.

[@joannsteward6906]

I use Credit Karma. It's updated monthly and makes recommendations on credit cards, insurance, etc. plus providing your credit score. Very simple to use and you have your score within seconds of logging in.

[@amysteele9778]

I like the declutter 10 minutes a day idea!

[@AZCanner]

I had the gas company turn my hot water heater down to 120 degrees. 140 was to high in my opinion since I'm the only one home. I didn't think I would run out of hot water. I have a Christmas present box I keep all my receipts in. When income tax rolls around, I simply pull them out and use them on my tax form; but only the applicable ones. Then I use the same box for next year's return. My system works. I watch amounts on all receipts. I keep the debit card use to a minimum. I got a notice from the electric company saying the rates were going up; winter rates. My electricity went down because I have a gas heater. So I'm going to watch how I handle it. I'm going to keep the heater at around 70 and see if that works.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

God blessed you two with an ideal match. Enjoy watching two that stood strong to their vows. I was there for her but when my time came she proved unfaithful.

[@judithvallembois2744]

So sorry to say there are many in that club.

[@maryd7896]

Loved this video! Rewatching now since I missed the majority of the premiere! Lots of good info!

[@barbaravogel5420]

It would be helpful if you say "look over your receipts" instead of "scan your receipts". Some people (like me) might think you are talking about scanning them into your phone camera or an app. Looking over your receipts is a great idea. I looked my receipt over when I got to my car and realized the cashier had left the person's groceries who had been in front of me on the register and added my groceries on top! I immediately noticed the large total and looked over the items, quickly determining there were items I hadn't purchased!

[@aureliaglenn2220]

This happened to me once, too. The charge for another customer's ham was on my receipt, and I don't eat ham!

[@jbalconi5922]

In my region, there's a law that you must be paid back 2X the mistake (up to $50 iirc) if you are overcharged due to a scanning mistake at the register. "Scanning" as in the barcode is wrong.

[@breezybre2670]

I actually thought they meant scan lol...as in to put into one of those apps.

[@breezybre2670]

@@jbalconi5922 We have this too however it is only up to $10

[@breezybre2670]

When you said you put a c in red ink I was like....wait! A shopling list? Lol!!!!!

[@StephanieMT]

We just found out the bank we been at for the past 12 years because they got bought out by a new company they took money out of our account for using the atm too much. We never were told that when they switched companies. So we are closing that bank account.

[@abbeyl6115]

If you were not notified by the new bank owners that this was going to happen, then quite possibly contact your states attorney general to see if you can get your money back. They might do an investigation and this might include a class action lawsuit.

[@lynjaggi7204]

You two are so cute…and so joyful! ❤ I just love your channel and your great practical videos! Please keep them coming 😘

[@pheart2381]

I think a lot of people go shopping out of habit,rather than because they actually need things.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Retail therapy. I know of many that do that.

[@jeannehunter5344]

I love watching Ardent Michelle and Atomic Shrimp's food challenges. She makes healthy food and sometimes will buy only one carrot or a few beans, and he also forages for edible plants. This has given me a whole new perspective on frugal cooking.

[@frugaldutchmom1359]

LOL "instead of facing your wife's wreath, you can live in a peacefull household!" Larry, good luck with that ;-) Very good tips again Hope and Larry. I bet so many people are helped with your channel. Good work.

[@teenaskipper2782]

We use fetch it is great. Love your videos. Thank you for all the great money saving ideas. We implement alot of the electricity savings ideas and it has made such a difference. Keep up the good work. We need the knowledge you share . It is so valuable. Larry Good luck on your up coming retirement.

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I look over all statements with a fine tooth comb. This is such wise council.

[@kfg4046]

You guys are great! Thank you so much for your tips!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I use to keep a desk calendar on the door we checked the door before leaving. To the side I kept a bag for reciepts. If it was a $20 or more single item purchase it was noted on the calendar. After that.. month the calendar was torn off and placed in the bag . Written on the outside of the bag was the month and year. Ideal for tax day too. Account did our taxes and we got a lot back with this system.

[@libbysworld7649]

Fetch is amazing. I am going to use my current points to buy restaurant and movie gifts cards for a fun date night with my fiancé. 🙂

[@SauerPatchGardening]

Just scanned all my receipts to fetch before I watched this! This is a great month for a bunch of bonuses on fetch.

[@UndertheMedian]

I've used similar saving apps. But, Fetch is definitely my absolute favorite.

[@lisagardner9798]

Love watching your videos! You are an awesome couple! Thanks as always for another great helpful video!

[@gwenroireau6203]

Yes I use Fetch every receipt (sometimes I even scan ones that I find in the parking lot!)

[@wendysandvig7486]

Same or take receipt of friend I am shopping with 😊

[@brendayoung5727]

I love Fetch! It’s getting harder and harder to afford groceries and gas!!!

[@bacingram]

Using Fetch, Ibotta etc., and there are others all your items can be tracked. Those in power know all or most of the prepping items your buying.

[@angielay3313]

I always wondered about that.

[@billiejeanhuddleston8958]

I check all my receipts. Unfortunately, Fetch doesn’t work for me some how when I attempt to claim points for credit card it hasn’t worked. I’ve never gotten anything even back when I spent a lot of money. I love you and your families KZbin videos Under the Median

[@karimagiannakakis5061]

Can you tell me how you scan the receipts?

[@wendysandvig7486]

Absolutely love Fetch Rewards. I scan all year long and then use my points for Christmas shopping

[@joycegonzales4994]

Absolutely love fetch. I use Ibotta too.

[@justafryguy]

Me too ibotta is great!

[@deasyl]

Hi Larry and Hope, do you mind making a video on how to educate elderly parent to live frugally? Mum is 61 but she isn't able to use things up (shampoo, soap, tissue), always buy new ones, and cooking more than needed (ended up with food waste). It is easier for younger people to learn new habit, but elderly? hmm

[@hello-vs4me]

Thanks for videos use all these tips we never go out to eat

[@tannaphillips6840]

Love fetch! Great info! I mark a c for items that i have a coupon for too!!!

[@NobodySpecial509]

Oh good idea! I always forget to use coupons when I pay! 😑

[@justafryguy]

Fetch and Ibotta have been great! I highly recommend them!

[@Vanessa-pe1fo]

does shutting off your main waterheater at night help save money????

[@vickiehat1074]

Yes I true mine off intel I need it just turn breaker off and back on it works better than a instant hot water bottle. I turn off all breakers I don't need...

[@UndertheMedian]

Yes, but only if it's an electric water heater. You could put it on a timer. However, remember, if the water heater is newer, it's pretty well insulated. So, the savings won't be as high as it would be on an older unit. A better bet is to turn the temperature down to 120 degrees permanently. The factory heat setting is 140 degrees. A gas water heater could be put on "vacation" setting and then raised 30-45 minutes before you take a shower.

[@kelleymiller2337]

Good information. I love Fetch too!

[@SageGypsy]

Been a Fetch fan for years!

[@gmw6337]

I love Fetch and Ibotta!!!

[@lindataylor4374]

I list the product then put (C) for coupon then circle the limit

[@UndertheMedian]

that makes good sense to circle the limit on your list.

[@tinablair2206]

Excited to be Live!!

[@kerryjames6312]

Thank you

[@debzell3426]

Love fech it helps a lot. I use the gift card for Christmas

[@michelleglisinski4267]

fetch not available in Canada

[@rmlhardage4952]

Really have enjoyed your KZbin..great advice😊

[@juliemoore6957]

I have felt very anxious about the changing economy. Videos about shortages, prepping etc., What news sources do you two use to get good balanced information?

[@key6157]

I presume these folks don't just use one source for information. I believe they look at multiple sources of information and listen with a critical ear to figure out what is true and what makes sense. These are not the types of people who research simply to confirm their own biases.

[@amysteele9778]

These days there are a lot of mistakes with pricing increases etc.

[@tawnaparko3388]

Please check your receipt inside the store for any food or drink. All my local stores legally must dispose of any edible that is returned after removing it from the store. This is for safety but I hate to waste food.

[@justafryguy]

I use excel for our budget, once a week I sit and add all the transactions that took place in our bank account and credit card, I can see where we didn’t budget, where we did. It really helps for me to see what is going on when I’m entering into excel. As opposed to having a software doing it for me and I’m not really paying attention. If we have a busy season, it takes longer but I really can see what’s going on quickly

[@cristinaevans139]

I wish we had coupons in Australia 😢

[@almutimkerbell88]

Same un Spain😞

[@kristinpayne1825]

I have Fetch and love it.

[@breezybre2670]

Every dollar is nice bit the paid version is definitely easier as having 100's of transactions a month...manual entry gets tiring.:)

[@Gabi-lt4mx]

In a german newspaper I read that inflation in the states will go down. 😇

[@lsfunk01]

Do you guys have the app called TOO GOOD TO GO? it’s local stores selling food on the last best before date! You don’t know what you are getting but you can specify if you are vegan etc I’ve bagged one for tonight for £3 It could be bread, milk, juice, cakes, biscuits, fruit & veg etc ( whatever they sell) so I’ll collect this tonight and go grocery shopping tomorrow and work round whatever we get tonight!! It’s a great app

[@alexandriawest]

I was eating at a chain sushi restaurant for someone's birthday, right before they closed for the evening, and I saw them putting together the Too Good To Go bags. The people who came to get them were paying hardly anything for a lot of sushi! We even got four dishes free from the takeaway section because it had to go by closing time :D

[@lsfunk01]

@@alexandriawest it’s great isn’t it because it saves waste and helps people out too! And with the cost of living going up, it’s a great cheap treat. I try to go for supermarket ones so I’m getting more variety I got French bread 🥖 8 pork & leek sausages Cottage cheese Chinese chicken sandwich filler Chicken sandwich slices Juice ( it was £3 and the sausages were priced at £3.70) So we’re having toad in the hole for dinner and chicken sandwiches for work 😜

[@abbeyl6115]

Not in my area...hope so and very soon.

[@UndertheMedian]

A lot of our viewers have recommended Too Good to Go. I love this idea. It's not in our area yet, though.

[@joyceonthego8317]

At 7:35 - I will need to search online for a similar provider of credit reports available to Canadians.

[@KC-dr3cg]

"Instead of... " is a great idea

[@rachelscanlon5805]

I use YNAB but I find the paid version is worth it. It enables you to see any potentially suspicious charges on your bank accounts, without having to remember to scan them in and analyze them.

[@UndertheMedian]

My sister is a fan of YNAB, too. She showed it to me. I liked that it allowed you to really analyze your spending from a number of different viewpoints.

[@rachelscanlon5805]

@@UndertheMedian - I've never tried Every Dollar, so I don't know if it also has this feature, but I love the "reports" feature because it allows me to track how much I spent on the non negotiables (over time) so I know how much I need for my 3-6 months of living expenses. Or if I am unintentionally overspending in a particular category.

[@charleneferguson7564]

Just did a SCREENSHOT...of the credit report's link

[@defendressofsan8948]

TY sharing!

[@jennycarrier]

excelent advise! i folow most of them but cheking my rceived..i got to do that! i never do😁

[@homeboundmama9968]

I made Three purchases of small appliances, one is a dehydrator, and two small crock pots, one is the smallest you can get they is only me and my son. To run the oven anymore is a waste. I'm in the set up now that I'm no longer making more food than will leave some for him to eat later. WASTE! Is waste.

[@jaccourt9531]

I use cash only. Had my bank hit too many times. And I only have 700 a month. So I have to know what I am buying. And my credit score is froze. No one can do ID theft cause they can't use my credit, and it keeps me from buying on time, cause can't with it frozen. And with it frozen I can't get a credit report and either can anyone else. but law inforcement. So I don't worry about it. I sign up to fetch and put in your code.

[@susankearns9083]

I didn't know you could freeze your credit. Thank you. I am going to look into this.

[@jaccourt9531]

@@susankearns9083 yes when I did it I paid. I heard now it is free and you can freeze it and unfreeze it as you need it. I did it long before everyone found out about it so will need to call them as I lost my codes. And I have had it froze for 12 to 13 years. I am glad I did it. As my roommate has had ID theft 3 times done to her. Told her she should freeze it.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Great tip! I'll be checking into that.

[@abbeyl6115]

Wells Fargo stated they are running credit reports for free. But needs to be done and the checking of status online. Think these credit report is posted on a monthly basis (?).

[@TheSilverLining22]

Just finding and checking out your channel. Hi 👋🏼 new sub 😊

[@UndertheMedian]

Welcome to the Under the Median family! We're happy to have you with us.

[@natalieguffey3936]

I love Fetch

[@crymurphy]

I love fetch rewards!

[@Sunshine_State]

I love Fetch!

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@tamihill4229]

Yes I use fetch.

[@denise0223]

Hello, Just wondering Hope & Larry - Internet and iPhones for you both? (Obv, you have internet). If yes, what providers are the best deal? Thanks!! Denise from MA

[@UndertheMedian]

We use i3 Broadband for our internet and home landline. It runs us $60 a month for both combined. We love Mint Mobile for our cell phones. Mint has an AMAZING promotion coming up later this month. We'll announce it in our video next Thursday and talk about it.

[@denise0223]

@@UndertheMedian Look forward to hearing about Mint Mobile. Thanks!!

[@abbeyl6115]

Be careful of purchasing the iPhones. A recent online utube video ran a news story that many of the Chinese workers are quitting in high numbers because of their work conditions are beyond harsh and tolerable. Buying iPhones is equivalent to supporting full outright abusive slave labor.

[@tonimcguire8588]

I just got fetch on your recommendation.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

hi,family!!

[@judyluchies2492]

😇🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻thank you

[@carolyndalton7775]

😅😅I love every dollar.

[@amysteele9778]

I am gladtonearyou do get on each other when you don’t save..hee hee

[@UndertheMedian]

LOL! It was just too good of an opportunity to tease Larry.

[@DAVEBROWNE2004]

We are eating insects for Thanksgiving.

[@KC-dr3cg]

I am fasting on Thanksgiving because I don't have enough money for food and I just stretch it out

[@DAVEBROWNE2004]

I guess we should be thankful.

[@breezybre2670]

???

[@breezybre2670]

@@KC-dr3cg Have you had any luck with a food bank or pantry? Food stamps? Alot of churches put in Thanksgiving dinner. A church near us did a brunch and while my husband worked long hours I took the kids for the brunch . See if the FlashFood app works near you. Food is 50-90% off.

[@melissavazquez2953]

We bought 3 encore frozen turkey entrees and a few sides with dessert ..it was $34 and some change for a family of11

[@pineyforkpress]

Many people just shove bank statements into their drawers! Nooooo!

[@breezybre2670]

Bank statement? Do these things still exist on paper?

[@nanvaughn2258]

I love Dave Ramsey’s EveryDollar. Used it for years.

[@SticksStonesandPaintedBones]

Is it better to put money in savings or use that money to pay off debt?

[@UndertheMedian]

Depends on whether you have an emergency fund. Also how much debt and the interest rate. Never totally drain your savings to pay off debt. Keep a minimum balance for emergencies. Have a timeline for debt repayment and put any extra money you can earn to throw at the debt.

[@SticksStonesandPaintedBones]

@@UndertheMedian thank you for the reply.

[@vickiehat1074]

Pay off debt. And keep some for emergency.

[@KC-dr3cg]

@@UndertheMedian good advice/reminder..It is so tempting to pay every extra nickel on a credit card balance. Paying an extra $100 in my credit card only reduces the minimum by $2 a month when in fact keeping $100 in my savings account for an emergency is probably a better move

[@abbeyl6115]

Personally, pay off the debt monkeys first. This was your promise and responsibility and obligation as they offered you monies when you needed it. Then try and find ways to add to it the savings, either cut back on expenses or find side gigs. Even if you are in an area to pick up some nickel and dime recycling.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Budget is nill. I buy low 💩 lower.

[@breezybre2670]

There is a whole blog dedicated to the not having a budget method. They don't have one because they don't buy stuff they don't need .At pay day they take all their savings and store ot away, bills money goes to bills account and what's left is for spending/variable expenses.

[@jenniferschmitt7938]

I love fetch! I am getting ready to get my second gift card. The hardest part about that app is deciding which gift card to get! :-)

[@UndertheMedian]

I totally agree!

[@hello-vs4me]

Got alot free stuff from Fetch love it

[@jeannechin5052]

I use Receipt Hog. Do you know if Fetch is better than Receipt Hog? Or maybe we could use both.

[@pineyforkpress]

Jeanne, Receipt Hog is good, but low rewards. I use both!

[@debzell3426]

Both

[@UndertheMedian]

I have both. But, I really didn't care for Receipt Hog. Fetch is definitely my favorite. Yes, you can use both apps. Fetch will let you use every receipt for points - not just food.

[@rmlhardage4952]

I just got Fetch..gonna try it

[@carollandrum678]

Fetch is great! I redeem mine for Amazon gift cards.

[@yvettenj]

Fetch - Yupper 😊!!! Gonna get a restaurant gift card soon w/my points.

[@lisas7389]

Scan at fetch awesome and shopkicks