Of course, this is not my ENTIRE story.
Marrying my best friend, losing my mom, and having a baby are all things that have happened in just the last two years.
But these are stepping stones in my journey that have led me to where I am today.
One of the quotes that has always stayed with me is:
“Every expert was once a beginner.”
And it wasn’t too long ago that I was a beginner with finances and my budget.
This financial journey is about starting somewhere and making a step every day to get where you want to be. I am still here, taking those steps in my own life.
Thank you for letting me share those steps with you and allowing me to be part of your journey!
In the comments, share when you started your financial journey! Mine really started in 2012!
#thebudgetmom #tbmfamily #financialjourney #moneyplan #moneymotivation #moneymindset #financialgoals #debtfreegoals #debtfreejourney #personalfinanceforwomen #nojudgementzone #financialfreedom
Comment SAVINGS2024 and I will send you an exclusive link for 10% off our new Savings Goals Bundle, which includes 36 savings envelopes and trackers!
I bought the small binder from Amazon. It’s A5 and linked in my Amazon shop. See the link in my bio.
Here are the savings goals I’m saving for in cash in April:
Husband’s Bday – $67
4th of July – $17
James Bday – $58
Back-to-School – $8
Christmas – $182
Valentines – $8
Wedding Anniversary – $13
Sports – $15
What you decide to save depends on your financial situation and goals. Since I am debt-free, I can dedicate more of my income to saving for the future!
#savingsgoals #cashsavings #moneygoals #thebudgetmom #financialgoals
If you want to be prepared for an upcoming holiday or expense, start now and with what you can—even if it’s $10/mo.
For example, if you save $25/mo for the rest of 2024, you will have $250 for Christmas. If you save $50/mo, you will have $500! That’s better than $0.
When you know you have a holiday, event, or expense in the future, start saving as early as possible. Give yourself as much time as you can to prepare. Heck, start saving for Valentine’s Day in 2025. I have!
I have a holiday goal of $2,000, which includes Christmas and Black Friday shopping. I started saving for this goal in January and I am saving $182/mo to reach my goal by November 2024.
Plan, prepare, and save!
#moneygoals #sinkingfunds #thebudgetmom #savingmoney #savingtips #savingsgoals
‼️GIVEAWAY CLOSED‼️
CONGRATS TO:
@_infamousqueen_
@sierraordona
@mistynasorensen
@msjaye
@designed_by_astrid
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!! 🎉
This is a giveaway that I’ve never done before. For this giveaway, I am giving FIVE lucky people an enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
This course is jam-packed with over 60 videos and 100 printables, discussing everything from money mindset, retirement, investing, and even finances with a partner. Not only that, but it has the extremely popular Budget by Paycheck Workbook in Excel and Google Sheets versions.
Be sure to swipe through the slides above to read more about what is included in the course.
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @thebudgetmom on Instagram
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend in the comments (tag up to three for 3 entries)
4. Bonus Entry: Share this post
NOTE:
To protect your privacy and safety, please remember that @TheBudgetMom is our ONLY social media handle on all social media platforms. Any modification to that handle is NOT affiliated with The Budget Mom.
Terms & Conditions:
Winners must be 18 years of age. No purchase necessary to win or enter the giveaway. Giveaway starts 4/12/24 at 12PM PST and ends on 4/15/24 at 11:59PM PST. Only entries within that timeframe are eligible for the giveaway. Five (5) winners will be chosen at random and announced on 4/16/24. All winners will be notified via Instagram DM and has 48 hours to respond until a new winner is selected. Prize consists of free enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
Giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram.
*I apologize for the typo 😅
‼️GIVEAWAY CLOSED‼️
CONGRATS TO:
@_infamousqueen_
@sierraordona
@mistynasorensen
@msjaye
@designed_by_astrid
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!! 🎉
This is a giveaway that I’ve never done before. For this giveaway, I am giving FIVE lucky people an enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
This course is jam-packed with over 60 videos and 100 printables, discussing everything from money mindset, retirement, investing, and even finances with a partner. Not only that, but it has the extremely popular Budget by Paycheck Workbook in Excel and Google Sheets versions.
Be sure to swipe through the slides above to read more about what is included in the course.
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @thebudgetmom on Instagram
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend in the comments (tag up to three for 3 entries)
4. Bonus Entry: Share this post
NOTE:
To protect your privacy and safety, please remember that @TheBudgetMom is our ONLY social media handle on all social media platforms. Any modification to that handle is NOT affiliated with The Budget Mom.
Terms & Conditions:
Winners must be 18 years of age. No purchase necessary to win or enter the giveaway. Giveaway starts 4/12/24 at 12PM PST and ends on 4/15/24 at 11:59PM PST. Only entries within that timeframe are eligible for the giveaway. Five (5) winners will be chosen at random and announced on 4/16/24. All winners will be notified via Instagram DM and has 48 hours to respond until a new winner is selected. Prize consists of free enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
Giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram.
*I apologize for the typo 😅
When my therapist asked me this question, it changed everything for me. Here’s why.
I had to stop valuing my worth in achievements and learn that I am more than my accomplishments.
I could have answered with:
I am Kumiko Love, a national bestselling author, owner of a multi-million dollar company, creator of a successful natural skin-care business, blah, blah, blah.
Does this mean I am not super proud of what I have accomplished? No. It means I realized my worth is not tied to just those accomplishments.
After much thought, here was my answer to her question:
🩷 I am married to my best friend, who gives me ultimate support.
🩷 I am an honored boy mom to a 12-year-old and 7-month-old.
🩷 I cherish my friendships because they are my family.
🩷 I practice kindness and compassion every day.
🩷 I love to help people.
🩷 I develop new passions easily.
🩷 I love a clean and organized environment.
🩷 I cherish every single moment I am here.
I don’t know about you, but I would rather leave this earth and be remembered for those things.
List two things that tell me who you are without listing any of your accomplishments. Trust me; you will see yourself differently after doing this exercise!
#thebudgetmom #selflove #selfworth #selfempowerment #moneymotivation #tbmfamily #momboss #entrepreneurmindset #humbleyourself #whatreallymatters #selfesteemtips
Yep. I’m not going to pretend that I’m out here saving hundreds on groceries by clipping coupons or signing up for rewards programs. Do those things help? Absolutely! But the truth is…
Groceries are expensive. Period.
Your diet restrictions, where you live, and your family size all play a roll on how much you will spend on groceries. That’s why I never say “you should be spending XYZ” on groceries. There is no baseline or magic amount that you “should” be spending.
Find deals and coupons where you can. Either online or store flyers. Also, sign up for loyalty programs.
Shop your pantry, fridge, and freezer first. Your home should always be your first grocery store.
Earn cash back for things you already buy with apps like Fetch Rewards (see my highlight bubble for more information).
Have a plan and grocery list, and stick to them. Use grocery pickup to help with impulse purchases and temptations.
Oh, don’t be like me, and forget your grocery bags in the back of your car. I remembered for this trip!
And then…
You still have moments like this. It’s just the truth. Create that checking account cushion and that miscellaneous spending category in your budget for weeks where things are a little more expensive than you planned.
Life happens. Give yourself grace to do better next time!🫶
#thebudgetmom #groceryshopping #groceryhaul
#budgetlife #reallifemom #mealplanning #grocerybudget
Comment TBMWALLET and I will send you a link to our new wallet organizers!!
After a year, I am finally able to share the wallet I have been using with the world!
I LOVE how many pockets this wallet has: the zip enclosure for change, multiple card slots, large pockets for spending trackers or recipes, a pen holder, and, of course, the 6-ring binder to hold my cash envelopes!
For the launch of the new TBM Wallets, we have added an exclusive set of cash envelopes made from the same material as our indestructible ship-to-your-door sets! The envelopes will be hole-punched to fit the wallet and accompanied by matching spending trackers!
For more information, comment TBMWALLET and I will send you the link.!
#thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheck #cashenvelopemethod #cashenvelopes #walletforwomen #cashenvelopewallet #walletorganizer #cashspender
Before I create my budget, there is one thing I never skip and always do.
I create a roadmap for my spending.
So, let’s talk about why I create a budget calendar and what things I always put on it.
Creating a calendar is an excellent reminder that a budget is not for paying the bills. Completing this step before planning your spending on a budget ensures you are prepared and ready for real life. You are less likely to forget expenses that are coming up.
I always include the following things:
#1) Fixed expenses or my bills. This is helpful because I can use different highlighter colors to identify what bills I am paying for different paychecks. For example, all of the bills you are paying with your first paycheck, highlight them blue. All of the bills you are paying for your second paycheck, highlight in yellow.
#2) Events. If you have an event like your kid’s soccer game, a work lunch, or dinner out with friends, make sure to write it down and what you plan to spend.
#3) Reminders. I like to write down things that could affect my budget. Meal planning, setting up a vet appt for one of my dogs, or needing to call and schedule a dr. appt.
#4) Holidays. Hopefully, you are prepared for holiday spending with sinking funds, but if you aren’t, keep track of the holidays and write down a dedicated budget for each.
#5)Appointments. Don’t forget copays, medical expenses, or beauty appointments.
#6) Travel. I always like to mark down the days I am traveling with my estimated vacation budget. This is helpful because it will affect other areas of my budget, like grocery spending.
Your budget calendar is your real-life spending roadmap. If you plan on spending money on something, it should be on your calendar!!
#budgettips #budgeting #budgetgoals #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #budgetbypaycheckmethod #budgetbypaycheck #thebudgetmom #budgeting101 #budgetcalendar #paycheckbudget #tbmfamily
The Budget by Paycheck Method was created out of desperation. I was trying to figure out a way to manage my finances in a way that worked for me. I know I’m a visual learner, and I know that pretty things and organization are what keep me motivated and excited.
There are 9 steps to the Budget by Paycheck Method. Essentially, this method is all about having a plan for every single one of your dollars. Zero-based budgeting.
This method works with any income and any pay schedule. You just create a budget each time you are paid.
Being organized with your finances results in your dollars working for you, instead of constantly wondering where all of your dollars went.
These 9 steps are what allowed me to feel successful in my financial journey through awareness, planning ahead, and consistency. These 9 steps give you the foundation you need to create and implement a budget.
In my Free Resource Library (linked in my bio), I have a free printable that breaks down each step even further and gives you action steps to take. Just look for the printable titled “Quick-Start Guide: Budget by Paycheck Method”.
Do you use the Budget by Paycheck Method?
#thebudgetmom #budgetgoals #budgeting101 #budgetqueen #budgettips #budgetbypaycheck #budgeting #budgetingforbeginners #budget101 #trackyourspending #expensetracker #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #awarenessiskey
The Budget by Paycheck Method was created out of desperation. I was trying to figure out a way to manage my finances in a way that worked for me. I know I’m a visual learner, and I know that pretty things and organization are what keep me motivated and excited.
There are 9 steps to the Budget by Paycheck Method. Essentially, this method is all about having a plan for every single one of your dollars. Zero-based budgeting.
This method works with any income and any pay schedule. You just create a budget each time you are paid.
Being organized with your finances results in your dollars working for you, instead of constantly wondering where all of your dollars went.
These 9 steps are what allowed me to feel successful in my financial journey through awareness, planning ahead, and consistency. These 9 steps give you the foundation you need to create and implement a budget.
In my Free Resource Library (linked in my bio), I have a free printable that breaks down each step even further and gives you action steps to take. Just look for the printable titled “Quick-Start Guide: Budget by Paycheck Method”.
Do you use the Budget by Paycheck Method?
#thebudgetmom #budgetgoals #budgeting101 #budgetqueen #budgettips #budgetbypaycheck #budgeting #budgetingforbeginners #budget101 #trackyourspending #expensetracker #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #awarenessiskey
How do you choose the right target date fund?
Each fund is conveniently named to correspond with your planned retirement year. Most target-date funds are named in five-year increments, so you would choose the fund named with the year nearest to your planned retirement date.
For example, if you are 40 today and plan to work until 65, you would choose the target date fund 25 years in the future with 2050 in the name.
1) Determine the age at which you plan to retire.
2) Select the fund that is closest to your retirement year.
3) Start investing.
Please remember that even though target-date funds lean towards the “set-it-and-forget-it” and “one-size-fits-all” strategy and investing approach, you still need to review your investments periodically to ensure that your risk profile matches your goals.
#investingtips #retirementfund #investforthefuture #investinyourfuture #retirementplanning #investing #wealthbuilding #investing101 #investingforbeginners
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
The TBM Wallet Organizers are in our warehouse!! Be sure to swipe through the slides above to find more specific information about the wallets.
We received our wallets today, and we are so excited to finally announce that they will be launching Monday, March 18th starting at 8am PST.
However, if you are a newsletter subscriber, you will get exclusive access to an early-access launch starting TOMORROW! (Friday, March 15th. More information will be provided in the newsletter.)
We decided to go with a Vegan Leather Wallet Organizer in two different colors: Black and Camel Brown.
Although it’s made from Vegan Leather, it truly feels just like real leather. I’ve been using mine for nearly a year and see no signs of any wear and tear. I just absolutely love it!
For $49, you will receive the wallet color of your choice PLUS a set of eight hand-illustrated, reusable, hole-punched cash envelopes, as well as a set of matching spending trackers. (Boho plant theme)
Be sure to look for your newsletter tomorrow in your email inbox, which will include exclusive links and more information about the wallets.
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, you can head over to TheBudgetMom.Com/Subscribe
Who else is excited!? 🙌
#thebudgetmom #cashenvelopesystem #cashenvelopewallet #walletorganizer
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
The TBM Wallet Organizers are in our warehouse!! Be sure to swipe through the slides above to find more specific information about the wallets.
We received our wallets today, and we are so excited to finally announce that they will be launching Monday, March 18th starting at 8am PST.
However, if you are a newsletter subscriber, you will get exclusive access to an early-access launch starting TOMORROW! (Friday, March 15th. More information will be provided in the newsletter.)
We decided to go with a Vegan Leather Wallet Organizer in two different colors: Black and Camel Brown.
Although it’s made from Vegan Leather, it truly feels just like real leather. I’ve been using mine for nearly a year and see no signs of any wear and tear. I just absolutely love it!
For $49, you will receive the wallet color of your choice PLUS a set of eight hand-illustrated, reusable, hole-punched cash envelopes, as well as a set of matching spending trackers. (Boho plant theme)
Be sure to look for your newsletter tomorrow in your email inbox, which will include exclusive links and more information about the wallets.
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, you can head over to TheBudgetMom.Com/Subscribe
Who else is excited!? 🙌
#thebudgetmom #cashenvelopesystem #cashenvelopewallet #walletorganizer
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
The TBM Wallet Organizers are in our warehouse!! Be sure to swipe through the slides above to find more specific information about the wallets.
We received our wallets today, and we are so excited to finally announce that they will be launching Monday, March 18th starting at 8am PST.
However, if you are a newsletter subscriber, you will get exclusive access to an early-access launch starting TOMORROW! (Friday, March 15th. More information will be provided in the newsletter.)
We decided to go with a Vegan Leather Wallet Organizer in two different colors: Black and Camel Brown.
Although it’s made from Vegan Leather, it truly feels just like real leather. I’ve been using mine for nearly a year and see no signs of any wear and tear. I just absolutely love it!
For $49, you will receive the wallet color of your choice PLUS a set of eight hand-illustrated, reusable, hole-punched cash envelopes, as well as a set of matching spending trackers. (Boho plant theme)
Be sure to look for your newsletter tomorrow in your email inbox, which will include exclusive links and more information about the wallets.
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, you can head over to TheBudgetMom.Com/Subscribe
Who else is excited!? 🙌
#thebudgetmom #cashenvelopesystem #cashenvelopewallet #walletorganizer
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
The TBM Wallet Organizers are in our warehouse!! Be sure to swipe through the slides above to find more specific information about the wallets.
We received our wallets today, and we are so excited to finally announce that they will be launching Monday, March 18th starting at 8am PST.
However, if you are a newsletter subscriber, you will get exclusive access to an early-access launch starting TOMORROW! (Friday, March 15th. More information will be provided in the newsletter.)
We decided to go with a Vegan Leather Wallet Organizer in two different colors: Black and Camel Brown.
Although it’s made from Vegan Leather, it truly feels just like real leather. I’ve been using mine for nearly a year and see no signs of any wear and tear. I just absolutely love it!
For $49, you will receive the wallet color of your choice PLUS a set of eight hand-illustrated, reusable, hole-punched cash envelopes, as well as a set of matching spending trackers. (Boho plant theme)
Be sure to look for your newsletter tomorrow in your email inbox, which will include exclusive links and more information about the wallets.
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, you can head over to TheBudgetMom.Com/Subscribe
Who else is excited!? 🙌
#thebudgetmom #cashenvelopesystem #cashenvelopewallet #walletorganizer
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
The TBM Wallet Organizers are in our warehouse!! Be sure to swipe through the slides above to find more specific information about the wallets.
We received our wallets today, and we are so excited to finally announce that they will be launching Monday, March 18th starting at 8am PST.
However, if you are a newsletter subscriber, you will get exclusive access to an early-access launch starting TOMORROW! (Friday, March 15th. More information will be provided in the newsletter.)
We decided to go with a Vegan Leather Wallet Organizer in two different colors: Black and Camel Brown.
Although it’s made from Vegan Leather, it truly feels just like real leather. I’ve been using mine for nearly a year and see no signs of any wear and tear. I just absolutely love it!
For $49, you will receive the wallet color of your choice PLUS a set of eight hand-illustrated, reusable, hole-punched cash envelopes, as well as a set of matching spending trackers. (Boho plant theme)
Be sure to look for your newsletter tomorrow in your email inbox, which will include exclusive links and more information about the wallets.
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, you can head over to TheBudgetMom.Com/Subscribe
Who else is excited!? 🙌
#thebudgetmom #cashenvelopesystem #cashenvelopewallet #walletorganizer
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
The TBM Wallet Organizers are in our warehouse!! Be sure to swipe through the slides above to find more specific information about the wallets.
We received our wallets today, and we are so excited to finally announce that they will be launching Monday, March 18th starting at 8am PST.
However, if you are a newsletter subscriber, you will get exclusive access to an early-access launch starting TOMORROW! (Friday, March 15th. More information will be provided in the newsletter.)
We decided to go with a Vegan Leather Wallet Organizer in two different colors: Black and Camel Brown.
Although it’s made from Vegan Leather, it truly feels just like real leather. I’ve been using mine for nearly a year and see no signs of any wear and tear. I just absolutely love it!
For $49, you will receive the wallet color of your choice PLUS a set of eight hand-illustrated, reusable, hole-punched cash envelopes, as well as a set of matching spending trackers. (Boho plant theme)
Be sure to look for your newsletter tomorrow in your email inbox, which will include exclusive links and more information about the wallets.
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, you can head over to TheBudgetMom.Com/Subscribe
Who else is excited!? 🙌
#thebudgetmom #cashenvelopesystem #cashenvelopewallet #walletorganizer
To be eligible and qualify for an HSA account, you need to meet the following requirements (irs.gov):
1) You are covered under a high-deductible health plan.
2) You have no other health coverage
3) You are not enrolled in Medicare
4) You can’t be claimed as a dependent
If you are wondering if you have a high-deductible health plan, make sure to check out irs.gov for their definition.
I had an HSA with Lively before I got married and added to my husband’s insurance, and I highly recommend them. Not only was the platform easy to understand and use, but it was even easier to invest my contributions through my online portal.
Even though I can no longer contribute to my HSA, I still use it for qualified medical expenses. I kept 5% of my contributions in cash and invested the rest. I don’t plan on touching my HSA investment account, but I will use it later in retirement!
Let me know in the comments if you use an HSA account or have questions!
#HSA #healthsavingsaccount #financialwellness #retirementplanning #financialplanning #personalfinance #savingsgoals #smartsaving #thebudgetmom
Well, there goes my garden sinking fund. 🤣
I wasn’t planning to amend my raised beds for another 4 weeks, but the nice weather has me excited!!
BTW, these bags stink so freaking bad! 🤢🤢 If you know, you know!
I spent $127 for 10 bags of organic raised bed soil and 4 pavers I’m going to be using in the chicken coop.
I used my debit card and will transfer money from my savings tomorrow from my garden sinking fund!
It’s crazy to think in about 5 days, it will be back in the low 40s.
Happy Sunday! I will be elbow deep in stinky soil!
#budgetgoals #gardentherapy #springiscoming #sinkingfunds #savingstips #savingmoney
Tracking your spending is only the first step. The most crucial step is understanding what that spending is telling you.
Do you notice spending patterns? Is your spending aligning with your goals and values? Do you have one specific problem area you need to address and figure out?
Here are the three worksheets that help me find that information:
1️⃣ The budget category breakdown. Where did my money go in specific categories, and was I over or under budget?
2️⃣ The monthly debt and savings breakdown. Since I am debt-free, I track my investments instead. More often than not, you are working on multiple goals. I like to make sure my money goes towards goals in order of priority and importance.
3️⃣ The monthly spending comparison. I always set small goals for myself month-to-month. When I can compare spending, this helps me notice trends and makes sure I am meeting those short-term goals.
Don’t just track your spending. LEARN from it!
Give me a ❤️ in the comments if you track your spending and then never look at it again? Be honest!
#thebudgetmom #budgettips #budgeting #trackyourspending
I am back, baby!!
It’s been a while since I did a budget recap or a video reviewing my payday routine! Today, I am doing both in one video!
Trust me, this video shows a ton:
1️⃣ Full February budget recap
2️⃣ Where Did My Money Go worksheets
3️⃣ Payday routine
4️⃣ Stuffing my cash envelopes
5️⃣ Savings Goal binder
Happy Saturday!!
#thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheck #cashenvelopemethod #budgetwithme #budgetmom #youtubechannel
I wanted to do another detailed video going over my closing out process for my budget and filling out the Where Did My Money Go? worksheets!
This video does more of a deep dive into the steps I take and why I use each worksheet!
If you are struggling with filling out the Where Did My Money Go worksheets, this video is going to help!
Check out my Instagram stories for a link to watch the video or head over to my YouTube channel!
#thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #budgetbypaycheckmethod #budgetbypaycheck #budgeting101 #budgeting #spendingtracker #trackyourspending
This is called velocity banking, a budgeting strategy that utilizes a home equity line of credit to focus on cash flow more effectively. This video has been going viral as a solution to pay off your mortgage early.
Please, please, please remember that there is NOT a one-size-fits-all answer or solution for everyone!
I’m not saying @myrongolden is completely wrong, but it’s not entirely realistic, either.
The velocity banking budgeting strategy can quickly spiral and lead to more debt. In my opinion, it’s a slippery slope, and in order for it to really work, you have to not only know how to navigate that slope but also have the discipline and disposable income to make it work.
It’s also important to remember that home equity lines of credit do not offer fixed rates, and you will have to deal with adjustable interest rates, which can really make this strategy useless. The same can be said if your income changes or you suffer from a job loss.
In my opinion, learning about your relationship with money, healing past money traumas, figuring out your spending habits, and learning how to consistently, effectively, and realistically budget leads to a more guaranteed lasting change.
If you want to pay off your mortgage earlier, make an extra principal payment every month.
#velocitybanking #mortgageadvice #budgettips #thebudgetmom #debtfreegoals #mortgagefree #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney #budgetingtips
