Today, I want to celebrate a very special person!
It’s Ryen’s birthday, and I wanted to take the time to acknowledge her impact on my life.
I met Ryen at a Starbucks in Spokane Valley in 2020 when she interviewed for my first job posting as my assistant. Before she applied for the position, Ryen was a follower of The Budget Mom.
Over 500 people applied for the job, and I conducted over 150 interviews. I followed my mom’s advice to hire based on someone’s heart and values, and it was the best decision I have ever made for my business.
Little did I know back then that Ryen would not just be my assistant but also one of my dearest friends. Ryen is kind, patient, understanding, and funny, and I cherish our daily phone calls.
This year marks five years that Ryen has worked for The Budget Mom, taking on every role and becoming absolutely indispensable. Besides ALL the hats she wears (which is totally unfair to her), she has also helped me navigate some of the most significant decisions I have made for my company.
Ryen has changed the quality of my life, allowing me to step away and have more freedom and time with my family. I will be forever grateful that we met over four years ago.
Happy birthday, my sweet friend. I see you. I appreciate you. I love you.
#thebudgetmom #tbmfamily #employeeappreciation
10 years ago, I went through a McDonalds drive-through and financed a $1.09 ice cream cone.
I used my credit card to buy an ice cream cone for my son because I was afraid that my debit card would decline. I didn’t even know if I had $2 in my checking account.
That’s an experience that changed my life. That was the day I decided I was going to fight for something different. A better life with my kids.
Today, my life is completely different.
After Dante’s 9-month checkup and finding out he did not need shots at this appointment, we decided to go out for breakfast.
For many, going out to eat on a whim doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. For me, it means the world because I remember what my life was like not too long ago.
There isn’t one day that goes by where I don’t think about my life over 10 years ago. There isn’t one day when I’m not thankful I found the courage and dedication to change my life for the better.
If you are here wanting more from your life, my only advice would be, don’t wait! You CAN change your finances and your relationship with money.
One of the biggest blessings of starting my debt-free and financial journey is no longer worrying about my finances or wondering if I even have the money to go out with my family.
Today, we went out to breakfast, and I didn’t HAVE TO put it on my credit card. For me, that will always be a win.
Keep fighting. Keep pushing forward! Trust me, it’s so worth it.
#thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheck #personalfinance #debtfreegoals #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney
If you want to pay off debt, you can’t just make the payments.
You have to do the hard work to understand your debt story. You have to be ready to face hard truths and correct spending habits and patterns.
You have to be willing to learn more about yourself because it’s a lifestyle change and CHOICE.
Your debt picture won’t change long-term until you can do the self-discovery work.
#thebudgetmom #debtfreegoals #debtfreecommunity #debtfreedom #debtfreejourney #payingoffdebt
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, highlight all of the bills you are paying with your first paycheck in blue. Highlight all of the bills you are paying for your second paycheck in yellow.
#2) Events. If you have an event like your kid’s soccer game, a work lunch, or dinner with friends, write it down and what you plan to spend.
#3) Reminders. I like to write down things that could affect my budget, such as meal planning, setting up a vet appointment for one of my dogs, or needing to call and schedule a doctor’s appointment.
#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 my traveling days 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!!
#thebudgetmom #budget #budgettips #budgetbypaycheck #budgetbypaycheckmethod #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #budgeting101
#budgetingforbeginners
Sinking funds are used to save for (in advance) things that you KNOW are going to happen – birthdays, holidays, events, vacations, etc.
If you know you’re going to be spending money outside of your regular budget for something, it’s smart to create a sinking fund for it.
That way, you can save a little bit every single month or paycheck so you can be prepared for the expense when it comes around.
If you have debt, you may be asking yourself, “how many sinking funds should I have? Do I pay off debt or implement sinking funds into my life?” Short answer – it’s up to YOU and YOUR financial priorities.
My recommendation is to focus on your high-interest debt as a priority and put a little towards savings outside of your emergency fund.
You CAN save and pay off debt. Remember, becoming debt-free isn’t just about being debt-free. It’s about staying out of debt in the future.
So, if you know you’ll need the money for something like Christmas, for example, it’s smart to have a sinking fund for that so you don’t rely on your credit card when the time rolls around, ultimately putting you into more debt or back into debt.
What is one sinking fund you have in 2024? Is there one you’re most excited about spending?
#thebudgetmom #savingsgoals #savingstips #sinkingfunds #savemoney
I always recommend saving as much as possible to pay for a used car.
Whether new or used, a vehicle is a depreciating asset, meaning it tends to lose value over time.
Usually, I will tell people to buy a used vehicle over a new one.
If you have CASH to buy a new car, whether that’s considered “a bad investment or a waste of money” depends on your circumstances and priorities. If you have the cash to purchase the car outright, and it aligns with your financial goals, lifestyle, and preferences, then awesome.
However, it’s essential to consider factors such as depreciation (new cars often lose value quickly), ongoing maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and your overall financial situation.
It’s all about making an informed decision based on your needs and financial capabilities.
I also get asked a lot if I recommend leasing a vehicle. Typically, I avoid leasing when possible; however, I acknowledge that everyone has different circumstances.
Maybe I don’t like that you’re “renting” a car, paying for the depreciation of the car during the lease term plus interest and fees, and have mileage restrictions.
It’s also important to look at the long-term costs. You might get offered lower monthly payments INITIALLY, but if you lease the car long-term, you may end up paying more in TOTAL than if you had bought a car outright and kept it for several years!
#thebudgetmom #budgettips #savemoney
#moneytips #budgetgoals #savingmoney
#carloans
Comment LIVERICH and I will send you a link to get the Live Rich Planner for $10!!!!
I don’t show my Live Rich Planner often, but I finished my monthly calendar today.
This is where I can quickly see what’s happening during the whole month. It also helps me avoid double booking or overbooking myself.
I spend a lot of time working on reflection and improvement, and it’s eye-opening to look back at last year’s May monthly calendar.
It seems like a different life. A life where my mom was still alive, and I was planning on having my second child.
Today, when I compared my calendar to last year’s, all I could do was cry. I saw the entry to watch Riverdance with my mom and Doug, an activity that we never got to do together.
Organization and finances go hand in hand. I can make better and more informed decisions when I am organized in all areas of my life.
I like having my Budget By Paycheck for my finances and my Live Rich Planner for life organization. It’s a system that works for me!
How do you currently organize your life?
#liverichplanner #plannerlife #lifeorganized #planneraddict #organizemylife #lrpplanner #budgetgoals #plannerlayout #financialhabits
#moneytips
When I created my June calendar and looked at what I had coming up next month, I was surprised to find…NOTHING. There were no appointments, travel, events, or reminders. That’s odd for me, but I am embracing it.
So, my calendar is filled with bills and baseball. Now that my husband Christopher is starting baseball season back up, that will change our food budget slightly. I will keep the same $900/mo budget, but we will eat out on Sundays for dinner. I will also have to plan snacks and meals for the day, as we are at the baseball field for 5-6 hours. That’s something I will have to start including in my meal plans.
Summer months are usually more expensive for my family, as we like to travel and spend time with friends outside. After looking at past yearly spending trends, I noticed our fun/entertainment category goes up about 25%. I will be making that adjustment when I create my June budget!
Anyone else love planning ahead and creating a budget calendar BEFORE actually creating a budget?
#thebudgetmom #budget #budgettips
#budgetbypaycheck #budgetbypaycheckmethod #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #budgeting101 #budgetcalendar #budgetingforbeginners
Comment TBMWALLET and I will send you a link to our popular full-zip wallet organizers in two colors!
Imagine still enjoying the practicality and benefits of the cash envelope method but without the hassle of using actual cash.
Using spending trackers in place of your cash envelopes allows you to see how much you have to spend in each category. It gives you the awareness to make more intentional decisions with your dollars.
What do you think? Is this something you would try?
#cashenvelopewallet #cashenvelopemethod #cashenvelopes #cashspender #budgettips #cashenvelopesystem
I created my May budget so I can be prepared ahead of time for the new month.
FYI: If you copy and paste the same budget from month to month, it will never work.
Your budget should vary, especially regarding variable spending, depending on what’s happening in your life.
I am using some of my vacation savings for May, and I will transfer some money from our joint account. I am also using some of my vacation savings to cover some of our travel so Chris can play in a baseball tournament at the end of the month.
I create a budget every time I am paid, which is currently once a month. I also make my budget BEFORE getting my paycheck, so I have a plan before receiving the money!
Who else has finished their first budget for May?
#thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheckworkbook
#budgetbypaycheckmethod #budgetbypaycheck
#budgetwithme #budget #budgettips
Paying off debt is rarely just about making the debt payments.
Behind every debt-free journey lies a personal story, a deeper desire that drives us to change.
You are confronting your fears, past decisions, and the societal pressures that have shaped your financial habits.
Take a moment to reflect on your personal motivations and deeper desires for paying off debt. To make this abstract concept more actionable, create your own Financial Vision Statement. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Find a Quiet Space: Set aside 30 minutes of uninterrupted time where you can think clearly.
2️⃣ Reflect on Your Why: Ask yourself why you want to pay off your debt. Dig deep. Is it for peace of mind, to provide for your family, to pursue a passion, or to achieve financial independence? Write down all the reasons that come to mind.
3️⃣ Visualize Your Future: Imagine what your life will look like once you are debt-free. Picture the freedom, the opportunities, and the sense of accomplishment you will feel. Describe this vision in detail.
4️⃣ Write Your Vision Statement: Combine your reflections into a concise and inspiring statement. For example:
“I am paying off my debt to create a life of financial freedom and stability for my family, to reduce stress and anxiety, and to empower myself to pursue my passions and dreams without limitations.”
5️⃣ Keep It Visible: Place your Financial Vision Statement somewhere you will see it daily – on your fridge, your bathroom mirror, or as the background on your phone.
6️⃣ Take Daily Steps: Each day, take at least one small step towards your financial goal.
By grounding your debt repayment journey in a deeply personal vision, you’ll stay motivated and focused, making it easier to overcome obstacles.
Here is my statement: I want to be debt-free so I can seize opportunities with my children without relying on someone else’s money.
Have you ever asked yourself why you REALLY want to pay off debt?
#thebudgetmom #debtfreegoals #debtfreejourney
#debtfreecommunity #debtfreedom #payingoffdebt
#debtpayoff #debtfreelife
Comment BUDGET10 and I will send you a special code for 10% off my popular Budget By Paycheck Workbook!
How many of these crucial steps are you completing?
I always complete these steps when I close out my budget. Another tip that will make the process easier is to prep your worksheets a little at a time.
Work on them as you know more information so you do not have to complete the entire worksheet at the end of the month!
#thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheckworkbook
#budgetbypaycheckmethod #budgetbypaycheck #budgeting101 #budgetgoals #budgeting #personalfinance
Your WHY refers to understanding why you want to get better with your money. It’s why you are fighting for something better! It’s your purpose.
When the world seems unfair, life isn’t going as planned, unexpected events demolish your hard work, and when you want to give up, your WHY keeps you going.
Over the past nine years, there have been so many times when I wanted to give up. Having my WHY made giving up no longer an option. What I would be sacrificing was too important.
You have to ask yourself, why are you here? Why do you want to get better with your money and change your financial picture? What are you fighting for?
And when you think you have answered the question, you must ask the follow-up questions! If your why is to be debt free, why do you want to be debt free? You have to dig deeper.
Your WHY should be something so improtant to you, you get emotional thinking about it. It lights a fire under you.
My WHY – living a life with my family where I can seize opportunities without relying on debt or someone else’s money. It’s not just about being debt free. It’s how I want to live my life with my family. It’s a way of life. It’s the freedom of having options.
What is your WHY?
#financialmotivation #moneyfreedom #FinancialEmpowerment #financialfreedom #thebudgetmom #budgetgoals #moneymotivation #realtalk #financialfulfillment #debtfreegoals #budgeting101 #financialindependence #motivationalvideos
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
Today, I am doing something a little bit different! Recently, Ryen and I sat down and evaluated where we’re at with our top-selling products and what exactly those products are.
Well, here are TBM’s current top five bestselling items!
To celebrate our favorites, we are doing a 10% off sale on the following five items:
1. Budget by Paycheck Workbook (sale price = $43.20)
2. TBM Pens (sale price = $8.99)
3. Vegan Leather Wallet Organizers (sale price = $44.10)
4. Paycheck Budget Tracker Pad (sale price = $23.39)
5. Live Rich Planners (sale price = $39.60-45)
Be sure to use code TBM10 at checkout to take advantage of the 10% off sale! Sale ends on Monday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST.
#thebudgetmom #sale
I think we can all admit that we’ve felt overwhelmed at some point during our financial journey.
Sometimes, that overwhelming feeling has even resulted in giving up, frustration, or feeling unmotivated.
I’m here to tell you that there are ways to fight that overwhelm and be successful with your finances.
The number one thing I see people that are new to budgeting do is go in full force. While that’s great, it might lead to confusion and burnout later down the road. Don’t beat yourself up for not understanding every single part of the Budget by Paycheck Method. Start with one concept, get comfortable with it, and then add in other elements of the method.
For example, start with tracking your spending. Once you get in a habit of tracking your spending and how to correctly do so, implement cash envelopes into your budget. Once you have those concepts solidified and you’re comfortable with that, then maybe move on to incorporating sinking funds or close out your budget for the month.
Remember, there is no certain “pace” that you need to keep up with. Go at your own pace and ensure you are setting yourself up for success.
Give yourself grace, ensure you are budgeting for some self-care and FUN, and budget your money YOUR WAY.
What is something that you started doing to make budgeting less challenging for you? For me, I ensure I track my expenses every day. That way, I don’t feel overwhelmed and stressed trying to catch up.
#thebudgetmom #budgetqueen #budgetgoals #financialjourney #financialsupport #personalfinanceinfluencer #personalfinanceforwomen #budgeting #budgettips #financialgoals #financialfreedom #budgetingforbeginners #budgetbypaycheck #budget101 #budgetplanner
I will always recommend term life insurance. I don’t recommend any other type of life insurance. In my opinion, with other insurance types, you are overpaying for components you do not need.
If you are wondering how much term life insurance you will need, you must first determine some things.
First, you need to figure out how long you need coverage. This is called the term length. If you have children, the popular rule is to choose a term long enough to see them out of the house and through college.
Second, you need to decide on a death benefit amount, which is what I cover in this video.
Third, you need to decide on your beneficiaries.
If you want to know what factors determine HOW much you pay for term life insurance, let me know in the comments!
#thebudgetmom #lifeinsurance #insurancetips #personalfinance #financetips #lifeinsurance101 #termlifeinsurance #moneymanagement #estateplanning #financialplanning