What I Spend in a Month as a 20-Something Living in Austin TX | CA vs TX Budget + Divorced Finances

Hey, thanks for being a safe-space to talk about weird things like money and cost of living! Love y'all!
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~Where do I live? I spent 2016-2021 in Pasadena CA but have now moved to Austin, TX
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[@Littlestrawberii]

I’m a Hispanic 22year old and a lot of people in my culture think it’s rude or weird to talk about money and I personally think it’s SOO helpful to talk about it ! How am I ever going to know how much to save to ever be on my own or save for important things like retirement or a house one day ?! thank you for talking about this it’s very very helpful !!

[@carleykatherine]

i don't think there's room for hate here. you're just living your life and being real and honest. can everyone live like this? no! and that's okay. you can't apologize for living within your personal means! this was such a fun and interesting video to watch and i loved hearing how you live and what the cost of living is in a different city!

[@MichelJanse]

Thank you Carley!! :-)

[@mikehorton5653]

​@@MichelJansehi my name is Mike Horton and I love your video very much

[@madisonwallace4429]

Absolutely loved that you filmed despite your infection! So many people probably wouldn’t have but this just reiterates how relatable, humble and confident you are. I’m going to be thinking of you when I challenge myself to be kinder to myself in my own skin. Thanks for the great vid! I would love to visit Texas

[@sdaniel6027]

ONE THOUSAND % agree!!!

[@tanyamassey9438]

You earn your money. You are blessed. It doesn’t matter what people think. This is granny. Stay safe sweet girl.

[@AnimaKinz]

I love the vulnerability of a video like this. I've lived in several, SEVERAL, places over the past decade- and it gives you a lot of perspective about the value of things in different places and in different stations of life. People can get really "stuck" thinking that there's one way to do things, but a big move or life change can show you what's valuable to you, as an individual. I think your philosophy on eating out rn is great, seeing as it's helping you mentally and physically.

[@MichelJanse]

This means a lot. It is mind blowing at how much expenses can differ from place to place!

[@Nicolelynnn]

My favorite quote is, “I make my own money so I spend it how I like” No one should judge other peoples spending :)

[@sheilavanduynfote5539]

Thank you for sharing Michel I am so proud that you are able to utilize a budget and this is so helpful for anyone living alone. BUDGETS are a necessity and everyone’s will very according to income. Have a blessed day, you are amazing for putting yourself out there on a very touchy subject.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@implorapace]

It truly is fascinating that hardships in life can make us remember to enjoy life more and to take better care of this life 💗 I loved this video! Honestly I clicked on it thinking I would just watch the first few minutes but I loved hearing your priorities and how you reason around it. To me that was very helpful, thank you 🙏

[@brendamcclure84]

Love your openness and vulnerability. This is a wonderful, healthy community that we have built here. I feel like an OG and so love all the changes we have gone through to get to this place. Thank you so much for the guidance and expectations you have given us. Watching your growth over the past year has been both rewarding as well as heartbreaking. Love ya lady!!!

[@chrissiedcohen]

Thank you for being so open regarding your expenses/budget (love the pie chart). As a 51-year old woman, I learn so much from you…thank you for that! I was not nearly as organized at your age. Also, I understand the draw of renting. Not everyone wants a home and its expenses/upkeep, and I’m saying this as someone who is a homeowner who no longer has a mortgage. You are 🌟amazing🌟!

[@anniedawson1345]

I appreciate how honest and straight up you are about money! I find this really helpful and actually useful compared to other videos! ❤️

[@christinenganga9124]

I’m much older but so appreciate your willingness to share about your expenses.

[@_Katherine_D]

As so many have said already (I always love your comments section), thank you for being so open about your finances. It is very uncommon to hear someone use actual numbers and specifics when discussing money and it is so valuable to talk more about something this important. Be proud of yourself for what you've managed to create. I started watching you back in 2018 from your videos about living in a studio, didn't watch much youtube last year until around the time you talked about your divorce and don't think I've missed a video since. I don't live in the US and am not a Christian but you are now one of my favourites to watch. I love your kindness and find such value in your introspection and outlook on life (plus we have similar taste in clothes!) Thank you for sharing this, and everything else x

[@alexamarie7368]

The way you put canned drinks in the fridge like that is genius! Opening both sides then sliding them through. My tush has been taking them out one or two at a time for decades 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@victoriaivey1331]

Glad I’m not the only one! Haha

[@jordancausey1812]

Me too!!!!

[@helenbissonnette9877]

I really appreciate you sharing about this because I make considerably less than this, it's just nice to know that I'm not doing something wrong. I feel like it's so fun to see you (and others) share products and shopping and eating out and it's great to get some perspective. It means I can still take little nuggets here and there but my lifestyle is completely different and there's nothing wrong with that. THANK YOU!

[@hannavigil2966]

I love how open and genuine all of your videos are ♥️

[@marisabender2511]

I really love videos like this! I am absolutely terrible at money management (I don't go over my means but I also don't watch it like I should) so this is really helpful to see and a good reminder to set a budget and stay on top of spending. A lot of things have changed for me in the past year or so financially, and I think after seeing this video, I need to break down where all my money goes. Thank you so much for your honesty in this video! Love it!❤😊

[@M.Beesley91]

Seeing this makes me so glad I live in a very small town in Kansas! Most cost of living items are affordable, food can be a little pricey since we only have 2 options in town and it's 60 miles to our closest town with Walmart/Sam's/Etc.

[@sonialuna4357]

I’m excited to hear all the insight you are going to offer and the break down of everything. Los Angeles cost of living is ridiculous and it would be nice to compare. Love your videos 🥰 Have a blessed Monday girlie 💗

[@gabby90761]

As a 20-something living in an apartment this is so so helpful!! Thank you for being specific, so appreciated🥰

[@RaeLeeC]

This was a great video. Thank you for sharing. We miss your Pasadena vlogs. I’ve lived here most of my life and you introduced me to so many new spots

[@raebtfl]

Your eating-out budget sounds about right. You seem to like cleaner foods at top-tier establishments, and good quality dining experiences cost (i resonate with you here). I'm passionate about food too, being autoimmune compromised, I eat the absolute best I can get my hands on. And coffee....girl, you're not alone. You work hard, treat yourself. It's a blessing that you're even able to afford to keep your lifestyle. Blessings.

[@ouachay]

I’d love an update video like 5-years and 10-years from now! Thanks for being transparent.

[@audreyrabe5187]

Loved this video! It was helpful to see how you broke up the categories and gave specific amounts

[@kathya9522]

Michel, I think you are actually spending money on “fun” stuff that could be considered business expenses because you very often vlog when you are out and about meeting up with friends, eating, drinking coffee, etc. And the fun stuff is also mental health expenses, too. You cannot afford mentally to sit home and mope. I think you are doing a great job of budgeting, saving, and having fun while literally taking care of yourself! By the way, your hair is gorgeous, girl. Sorry about the infection. Such is life when your immune system is compromised. So happy you are handling it beautifully and not freaking out about having to be on camera or trying to cover it up. You are such a great role model!

[@hettiegrubbs]

Thank you for being so open. Openness and honesty are the way we can help one another in life.

[@disneymom3519]

Great video Michel! Money is so so hard. Thx for being brave. I struggle to stay on budget- recently a friend put together a spreadsheet to help me out. Thank you for including tithing. Very important!

[@orielinIsrael]

I really love this, thanks for being so open. No one should judge another for their money. You work hard and your money is honest and God has blessed you and I pray it continues and even multiplies - you deserve it!! ❤️🌺😀

[@alexandramoody4697]

Love this! I find talking about money to be so helpful. Would love to see some kind of regular budget check in videos or savings goals check ins! Aja Dang did a long series of that with her student loans and then maintenance after that

[@amberkeever8565]

I have to say, you’re the most honest open about budget girl I watch on KZbin. It was so insightful, I live in a DEF more budget area and we have discussed trying to get to Dallas, TX with my husbands job. I’ve often wondered how COL would be living there. Ps you are so ridiculously cute even though you joke about your nose, it’s kind of unfair how adorable you are!!

[@beautygirlsguide]

Really loved the breakdown!! Thanks for sharing girl 🥰❤️

[@naomiagustina0102]

Thank you for sharing this. I’m also in the process of a divorce in TX and I’ve been curious as to what to expect when spending on living alone. Again it varies from person and wher you are but this was still helpful

[@camilledotson9782]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been loving watching budgeting and money-related videos. It was so helpful that you were very specific. Loved this video :)!

[@oliviatittle3103]

I truly appreciate how transparent you’ve been. You are one of my role models. Just the way you’ve been open about the struggle with your health (both physically and mentally) and life events. It’s refreshing to see a genuine, young, strong, Christian woman that’s stepping out of the norms in the influence world. Being vulnerable isn’t easy. So thank you for sharing your life, you’re reaching more people than you know sharing your story

[@sophies8573]

I am so impressed with this video! Thanks for being so open about your finances!

[@forevermia622]

I deeply appreciate your openness. This was super helpful. I make wayyyyy less than you and pay $125 a month for my yoga studio membership and it’s worth every penny when it helps my mental and physical health so much. So if anyone has anything to say about your gym membership cost, they probably just have different priorities.

[@sos5031]

Just love your growth.... Keep Shining

[@monicaarencibia4431]

I love that your upfront about it and very self aware that your budget can change month to month on non essential living expenses depending on your employment.

[@laurenh2816]

Thanks for being so transparent, Michel!!

[@fallonjustine2395]

thank you for making this video , i would love your thoughts on different neighborhoods in Austin that you would recommend for a single young woman looking to relocate, I am having a hard time figuring out places that are safe, well priced and walkable . Thanks for the content and i am happy you're enjoying Austin!

[@laceyesquino1876]

This is so helpful!!! Thank you for being so open about your budget!

[@iRawrzPandas]

This is so helpful for me since I’m coming out of college soon and need to work on getting to a financially independent point in my life! Also I don’t think you should feel bad about receiving cosmetics and clothes from brands because honestly those items would be amazing to donate at a women’s shelter since you have the privilege to receive these items! You’re so awesome for sharing these more private matters! Love you ✨❤️

[@allnaturalmamatobe]

This is fascinating, while there are a few things with different costs, much is the same for us here in Victoria, BC Canada which really surprises me! Thanks for sharing.

[@nataliadamascena]

Michel, your honesty is so inspiring and uplifting! Thank you so much for being opened about pretty much everything you talk about, I'm sure it helps so many people, myself included. Keep on smiling! :) xx

[@MichelJanse]

This means a lot, thank you Natalia!🤍

[@allyssumrose]

I'm impressed by your budget!! You're very mature & responsible!! Way to go Michel 👍. Have a wonderful day 😊. Prayers & Wishes Lisa Hampton 😃

[@SamWest96]

I appreciate the honesty. We're in a very financially difficult spot so those numbers did blow my mind a little bit, but we're all on different journeys.

[@butterfly-kb4cn]

You work hard for your living and there is no shame in it! Hate or negative people is just their jealous heart. You are beautiful and very blessed so live your life! 💕

[@tfeliciano1106]

I love your generous, giving heart. It encouraged me. I think that one of the benefits of tithing is that it keeps us from having too firm of a grip on money.

[@stefanilesser1396]

Thank you for being so authentic. You could really help someone considering relocating. Absolutely no judgement. You get to decide your priorities with your money.

[@sfviris5582]

Thank you for being so open and honest about your personal finances- it is pretty tabu.

[@thehumblehen]

This was so informative. I'm considering a big move one day, all states/options on the table! Thanks so much for your willingness to be open and share your heart and finances. :)

[@GemmaP22]

This has been so interesting to watch! Thank you for sharing Michel 🥰 I'm from the UK so really cool to see! I would love to invest my money but the cost of living is going up to much and some people are really struggling here! Choosing between food or heating when it's cold! So sad 🙈 So grateful for my job and what myself and my fiance earns and that we can live a fairly comfortable life at the moment! May it continue🙏 xx

[@kdallosnc]

Really enjoyed this video and I’m so impressed with your openness and vulnerability!

[@maceylynn6344]

This video just got me thinking about how we all see money and finances. I think it’s heathy to see how others live and how they budget. We all have different priorities, habits, and of course income. I think anyone criticizing is probably dealing with some insecurities in their own finances which can totally happen (I’ve definitely been in that place where it was hard to be happy for those who made more than me/lived “better” than I could because I was unhappy with my money habits/income). It’s just important to come back to earth and to not judge others for enjoying the fruit in their lives. We never know what’s going to happen and we never know how God is going to provide. Finding gratitude for what we do have is so important. Ok now I’m rambling.

[@lisebelanger1692]

Ohhhh you poor dear, I feel your pain, had a nose staph infection but on the inside of my nose, was very painful, and I hope you feel better soon. And as for the cost of living in Austin, and of course not everyone can live as you do, but you've worked hard to be able to live as you do, there's no shame in that, and you enjoy it as much as you can.

[@KeepSmiling4life]

Thanks for being so open and honest Michel. Very interesting video! I like your spending priorities and can relate to most of them :)

[@susansholisticlifestyle4572]

I love your honesty in this video!!!💕 It has given me the lightbulb moment to look into a SEP IRA!!! How did you go about finding a financial planner you feel comfortable with?

[@Boekincho]

Thank you for sharing Michel!

[@reneebrattain9712]

I really appreciate you sharing this it has been very helpful thank you! 😊

[@pa686]

Michel I would LOVE to see your vlog on the road! Please travel and take us along eve for a glimpse

[@Chrisplainjane]

I wasn’t thinking it but when you said rudolf jokes welcome then I had the song in my head … thanks! Lol 😂 you are doing great! I appreciate you sharing this for people younger & your age. It was a learning curve dealing with money when I got married at 18, then divorced at 27. I thought I was bad with money till I was single. I realised it was never me regardless of what my x husband swore blind it was me! Lol. Nothing like a nest egg to make you personally feel vindicated!! My wonderful husband I am married to now is very much the same with the money as I am. Save, save but buy what you need & by quality so you buy it once. I appreciate every month I know what to expect, it wasn’t like that before so I am grateful!

[@taylorlane6289]

This was so nice to see! You actually were honest with your budget. I see KZbinrs try to act like they spend no money when they do these type of videos. Appreciate you so much

[@fernandaandrade7552]

Michel you don’t have to explain why you have $400 fun money. You’re young, independent and auto sufficient. You can have $1000 dollars budge just for yourself, for fun and who judges you is a completely jealous person. You are my goal in life!!!!!

[@ileanacardona2248]

Also, that category is super reasonable for a single young person with no children! No shame in that. If you have it and are meeting your goals in other areas, go for it.

[@sharon_rn2066]

You make the money, so it’s totally up to you how you spend it. It’s no one else’s business! Great job!

[@aliciaa7831]

Hello Michel! Thank you for being so honest about how much you spend, I think it's really healthy to understand what an influencer's budjet can look like for those (maybe most importantly young people) who look up to you and aspire to be more like you. Even for me, a 25 year old woman working in healthcare for the last 3 years (in Sweden though) really benefitted from this! This is not a lifestyle that is obtainable for most people and I think it's so important to gain insight on the actual costs of leading a life like yours :) When I'm commenting anyways - I just wanted to say what many others already have, that I see such a beautiful development in the energy you're putting out! I truly enjoy every video you put out these days and I love your honesty and obvious kindness. You were (from what I can see in your videos) always a kind person, but it's clear that you now have found a balance that really shines through and you've been very brave sharing about your divorce and dealing with difficult emotions. It's very comfortable listening to you and following you now, I personally feel I can relate to you and enjoy your company much more than earlier :)

[@arepurposedlifewithlaura1496]

Good for you working so hard that you can afford that monthly budget!!! You absolutely do not have to share this information with anyone, but I'm sure it's extremely helpful to so many, and it's very generous of you to share.

[@devonparker9211]

Thank you for being real. I really appreciate it!!

[@hannahrimer2805]

APR(annual percentage rate) is the cost of a loan, APY (annual percentage yield) is the earnings on a savings.

[@shaileyd4846]

I love these types of videos so much!!

[@jazminereed-clark9316]

I love that you mentioned Dallas! It's crazy. I moved here in 2013 after college. My first post-grad apartment (2015) was

[@rainbow3086]

I’d love for you to do a follow up video to this such as a “what i spend in a week”

[@tammyjones6779]

Thanks for help and tips for your area of the USA. I do appreciate it very much. I am from Canada. But I may be moving to the USA in the next year or so. Thank you. 9 Love you and everything u do. Keep up great work.

[@rachelmiller5599]

This was so helpful!!! THANK YOU!!

[@daviel1005]

Really interesting video, appreciate the bravery on sharing the specifics. I imagine most people watching around the world have a little less (me included!), but don't feel bad it's aspirational! 😀

[@alexqtea]

tim his video is so helpful! i like hearing different categories u save for, helps me get my $$$ organized 😅 but also to me the gym/yoga/cycle memberships (especially when u love it) is soooo worth it cause health is so important. good investment i think😁

[@junehulton9776]

You are doing well......and living life how you should...you are young to be earning and enjoy....yes I do agree to say a little for years down the line..and above all I was always told your wealth is your health...no matter how much money you have...it cannot always buy the health...My daughter has lupus.. you look after yourself...and take care xx love listening and watching... stumbled across your videos just over a week ago Im enjoying very much x

[@susanshedd6782]

Not Rudolph. I see Cindy Lou Who. Somehow, you made a staph infection look adorable. ☺️

[@IndianaNana1]

You go, girl! You're doing great!

[@kristalnunley7205]

Hehe! Happy Monday beautiful! 💐 🐝 🍯

[@vickycarter1713]

Wow, that was very interesting, thank you for sharing. As a single woman in the UK, I don't earn or spend anything like you but it's all relevant I suppose!

[@KaylaBeautyBliss]

This video is so so helpful Michel!! Thank you so much for the specific numbers and talking through your thought process in your budget breakdown. This realness is so helpful to learn from and is so appreciated! We NEED more of this on KZbin!!!

[@MichelJanse]

Thank you for being supportive of it! I really appreciate it :-)

[@meganhenry5795]

Hi Michele! I have had a a statement h infection on my nose (by my eye)! I feel for you . Neem oil helped my go down along with hot and Cole compresses. But honestly yours is in a cute place.

[@andreavalenzuela486]

You’re so inspiring Michel 💕

[@sandiemercadomartin4899]

Sweetie, you earn it, so spend as you please. Good for you!

[@morgan3llis001]

wow that rent is way higher than I thought! makes NYC not seem so bad...

[@elbow7991]

This was very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@AnneliesVeldman]

It's really interesting to see how people budget, so thanks for sharing with us! :)

[@amyparis5756]

Thank you for sharing. It IS important! 🙏

[@mhcmhco]

the way you put your lacroix in your fridge just rocked my entire world

[@whitbrown]

Honestly, good for you girl! 😍

[@katekaufman5385]

The way you put those cans in the fridge….just changed my life!!!! Why have I never thought of this. 🤯😅 I’m new to your channel and am loving having a young adult Christian to follow and adore how genuine you are!

[@suzannestone5050]

I had a staff infection on my nose once. I feel you! I live in LA and the prices in Austin sound good, but I can’t be land locked. Lol

[@quorrakai]

Aw you are the sweetest! Thanks for sharing! Your money is yours, spend it the way you fancy! Everyone is different. 😊 I don't drink either, not only is it good for health, it's a huge money saver! My husband and I live in Arizona, we bought our house in fall 2020 before the crazy rise in prices. Our mortgage for a 3 bedroom/2 bath is 908 a month. 😁 Great area, we put a ton down. Your rent made my choke on my drink lol. But, I get it, popular city, rents are insane now. Hopefully you can get into a house soon, but, you are young and have time!

[@vanessaloop6661]

Glad to see that u r glowing 😊

[@summer-time232]

I'm a single 22 year old adult living in South Dakota. I also was married and have kids no pets right now. I pay $400 for a 2 bedroom apartment, 106.98 on my phone bill with unlimited data from Verizon, 80-85 on gas, 75 on car insurance, 25 every 2 weeks on groceries, 50 ish on electric. I don't have wifi and I flat out own my car. I only make about 1200 a month. I wont lie I very much struggle financially and my kids aren't able to live with me because I simply can't afford it. I live check to check. I think it's amazing how well your doing! Very good job and definitely keep it up!!

[@oksanaspracklen2864]

Your rent is so cheap. In Oregon one bedroom costs around 1200$.

[@TheConfidentDancer]

Thank you so much for making this video! I am really inspired by your financial literacy. What are some of the sources you learned from to develop an awareness of how to budget, invest, track finances, etc.? I'm always curious about where people learn, especially at a young age. Unrelated, but I'm also a single Christian woman living in ATX! I hope you're enjoying it here and I hope our paths cross some time!

[@lvlysticgirl]

You still look beautiful!! Loving the blonde! We are all at different walks of life and I get it. I only have 1 friend who makes as much money as me and who we can talk openly about money. My other friends make less and struggle (even in the same profession but in different states) and it is always really hard. I don't want them to feel bad. I moved to California for my job 7 years ago this fall and I have earned 45k in raises in 6 years. My friends have only gotten a few thousand dollars. I'm still way ahead, although I won't stay in SoCal forever ;) I also got rid of social media 4 years ago for mental health reasons but it also allows me to be able to pick and choose who I send my "flexes" too, lol.

[@mariaarguello9602]

i loved this video! i live in austin too so i found this really fun

[@lauriemashburn6073]

Thank you for laying it all out there. You surely have helped many. The mention of investments, savings, giving, etc is important. Investments really build over time and retirement will be wonderful with preparation. Congrats on your successes. Nothing but praise for your bold honesty.

[@carolinelvsewe]

✨✨ Awesome, HONEST, video!…So great being vulnerable. You rock!! People should remember Austin IS more expensive. Not near as much in outlying Dallas metroplex. Austin is an easy walk around town city. Dallas downtown would be similar but not as nice or safe IMHO