Knitting four of my favorite new garments and setting a budget for 2024 🧶 💸 

Hello Taylor, I’m also a bookkeeper although now retired. One thing I still do is keep my own books, I balance my bank accounts and credit cards to the penny. It’s a bit over-kill I know but I enjoy it. That said, getting a handle on where your money is going is the first step towards cutting that spending. You will soon see what is essential and what can be trimmed. My husband and I saved 10% of our wages from day one. My husband died too young to see the fruits of his labours but I thank him every day for the financially comfortable life he left me. You are on the right track. The peace of mind it will give you will be worth every purchase you pass up. Take care, Theresa

My husband and I are on Baby Step #5. I love Dave Ramsey's principles. It's pretty cool to learn from someone that has been super successful but also started his business because he went thru bankruptcy. The peace of mind in having no debt beyond a portion of our mortgage left is absolutely freeing especially in this economy. We STILL budget and have budget meetings weekly years into this. Good for you for starting while you are young!

Thank you for making your knitting podcasts fresh and authentic. I do get tired of the same old fo, wip, acquisition bits on almost all knitting podcasts so this was so nice to listen to while working on a shawl project. This podcast felt more like my local library knitting group where we talk about so many different things. Hubby and I are planning on retiring within the next 5 years. We are in the process of obtaining a living trust so that the government doesn't snuff out more than it should in case someone passes away suddenly (plus I just learned that there needs to be something written for a surviving spouse/companion to be legally able to go into the other person's computer which is crazy...hubby keeps and pays all the bills, I can't even imagine not being able to go into his computer to just take over things). I do normally tend to escape by shopping so I keep myself out of sites and stores that are a trigger for me and I do a lot of self reflecting and tend to read more educational books now. One thing we don't ever skimp on is healthy organic food, yes it's a bit pricey but, in the long run, I see it as a personal and financial investment...personal for my health which means less expenses on medical bills in the future. I have personally experienced friends and parents of friends lose all of their money on the health care system (I could write a book on my personal view of the American health system and its corruption). I am also lucky enough to have a garden in my backyard that grows food for me during the spring/summer/fall months. I actually have a good friend that volunteered at a nearby farm part time and, in turn, she got her CSA from them at 1/2 off. One thing about starting on the road of financial freedom is that one actually starts really learning about themselves and learns needs vs wants and starts getting creative on saving and making some extra income either passively or creatively. Good luck in your financial adventure!!!

What a coincidence, because I just became obsessed with Dave Ramsey earlier this month, read the Total Money Makeover and Baby Steps Millionaires and am starting the Baby Steps, set up a budget and mapped out my debt payoff and savings accordingly for the next 5 years. Long overdue, I’m 53, but it is better to start now than later or not at all! Also, thanks for the garden tour - beautiful as always! 💰

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about budgeting and money. I JUST retired two weeks ago and my aim is to live almost entirely on my SS income. It does require me to budget more strictly than I've done for a while -- much like you're doing NOW, smart one! I was a single mom with 3 kids and didn't start saving for my retirement until late, so my savings are modest by some standards. But I have no debt and that's a pretty wonderful feeling -- I paid my house off in 8 years, my car is 2021 and paid for, and I pay off my cards every month. Time will tell how well I'll do going forward -- especially having lots of travel interests and new grand twins across the country! It's great to hear of your commitment to saving now when you're still in your 30s. You'll live well.

I'm not for or against Dave Ramsey - but many of his ideas make sense so don't be embarrassed to embrace what makes sense for your situation, especially when you're husband is on board. When I married my hubby 19 years ago he paid everything off at the end of the month which is something I never did. We live a little below our means and we've never had a major financial crisis our whole marriage. Yes, sometimes I would like a new car but I will trade that temporary feeling any day for the security he's provided through managing our money that way! I say embrace that lifestyle and you will have a lot of peace!

Setting a budget was the most liberating thing we did decades ago. It feels great to know where all your money goes. Best of luck!

Hi Taylor! I’ve also been obsessed with Ramsay and also Caleb Hammer(his older videos were better than his new sensational stuff) to be honest, Caleb was a big wake up call to me and I started looking into where my money is being used and budgeting. I had a bit of debt but nothing crazy and everything is paid now! No more yarn purchases if I’m not going to knit it in the next 1-2 months. I’m glad you talk about finance on your channel! I think we need to spread the words more and it might wake up other people too 😊

Yes, my husband and I have taken a Ramsey course and we followed it closely. We have been totally debt free for several years. Both cars have been paid off along with our home. We each receive an “allowance” for two weeks, we have a budget for two weeks that includes all the spending like groceries, gas, gifts, vitamins, etc and if we have money leftover from this at the end of two weeks, then we treat ourselves to a meal out. We keep an Excel spreadsheet that we call “Annual Bills”. In this account we save from ea paycheck a certain amount for each category such as car ins, property taxes, homeowners ins, vacation, Xmas money for gifts, and money for our cat in case there is an emergency. We put a certain amt into ea category so by the time the annual bill is due, we already have that amount saved and we are not trying to pull that amount together. THEN, there is the 10% we tithe to our church and the rest we save, save!!! It is truly a blessing and freeing to be debt free!! I wish you all the best!!

Congratulations on finding/following Dave Ramsey! My husband and I took the Financial Peace University class about 15 years ago and it has been a game changer for us. We have a budget and track our spending. I also track the cost of products at the grocery store so I can compare prices. 😃. Great job, I’m cheering you on.

Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey were inspirational to me and money management. Today we own our home (paid off 10 years early) 2 cars ( no financing ) and have enough money invested and saved for retirement. I no longer budget as strictly but I love understanding what I value and how it is represented in where I spend or don't spend money. Keep going! It's fun!

Interesting 🤔 I’ve always been told to pay off the higher interest debt, first. I bought Suze Ormans book years ago. Followed her advice for many years... but I’m 60 this year... and because LIFE happens , and doesn’t always go to plan . I’m trying to pay off my daughters college loan, before I retire , so I can live more comfortably. All my friends have retired early.. passed away, or live beyond their means, and go on Cruises continually.. I’m a homebody..make things work, but it’s a constant struggle. I’m tired. Good for you! Keep going 🎉

I started the baby steps a few years back and even though I've deviated from it a bit, I feel like the knowledge and process Dave Ramsey teaches is really invaluable. Money becomes a stress-free aspect of life once you learn how to manage it better. Also, please never stop talking about people, places, or things. 🤑

Hi Taylor, this is one of your best episodes. I follow you for long and I really enjoyed today's topic. Like talking to a friend. I'm really close to retirement, as a Mexican living for 18 years in Hungary when someone moves to other country and is still young, you think about so many things except retirement and it's a very important part of our lives. Greetings from Budapest

Hi Taylor. Loved the budget talk! I don't have a budget, but my husband and I pay off our credit cards in full every month. The car is paid off, and we are going to hold on to it for as long as we can so that we don't have to worry about car payments. We are paying extra on the mortgage each month so that the house can be paid off sooner so we can pay less in interest. I really used to love the Mint app for giving me an idea of our expenses each month/year. I never used it for "budgeting" but it was very helpful to be able to see like "Oh, we have been spending a lot on eating out this month (or couple of months). Need to cut back on that." Or, ""I spent how much on clothes last month?!" Lol! I need to cut back on spending so much on yarn too. I have a lot that I still haven't even touched yet.

Aucuba japonica is what you looking for. Evergreen shrub which is tough, hardy and easy to grow. Aucuba is a useful and hard-working shrub that creates structure and interest all year round. Most notable is that aucuba is one of the few shrubs that thrives in shade.I have 3 in my garden, I love them and they never dissapoint.

Hi Taylor, i've been watching you for a couple of years now, on and off...i love your current themes, garden, finance, important stuff, animals, and knitting of course...i think it is so important for women especially to take control of their personal finance...i have just turned 69 this year and my finances have been on track for several years now, but now looking at retirement in the near future, i am fine tuning what i need to do for the next stage...i wish there were more like you talking reality....it would be cool to have learned more about investing as a young person, one of my coworkers used to talk about the wonders of compound interest for investing for example...good job young woman from an older woman. Now as a gardener i have a couple of suggestions; show on you tube, Gardener,s World from the BBC, a tree suggestion is the Ilex cultivar Dragon Lady, it takes shade is slow growing columnar-ish , evergreen, and is lovely, also beautiful red berries if there is a pollinator nearby

I am a bit late, but have enjoyed a good catch-up this morning. I am test knitting a cardigan and working with Lettlopi for the first time. 🌷

I finally took time to drive in and take over my finances after 30 years in business. No one takes care of your money better then you! It’s been a great learning experience and a lot of fun. 💵 thanks so much for your content, new sub.

love the garden tour! so nice to see the spring fairies paying their visits 🧚‍♂you kept me company while i crochet a midwife blanket.

Always a great day when you post ❤❤❤

I've been on a similar budget journey with savings and investing for the last few years. I've found things to be very difficult with the current economy and cost of living increases. Getting used to saving and living on less now means it will be easier to get by on what we have once we do retire. Ensuring that sense of security for the future is so important for me.

Thanks for your video. We have a budget because my husband and I have 2 bank accounts and one joint one for our family (children, house...). We decide how much money each one of us put in for family spending. We adapt it every year in september. 2 years ago , i realised i needed to save a lot more for my retirement. My husband decided to give me back some of the money i was puting on our joint account for my retirement. Women who had children earn less than men where i live and so he decided to bring back justice at least for me. I am still saving money every months by cooking our meals, not buying new but second hand, etc.

Love catching up with you on all the people places and things - both knitting related and not!! Love talking budgeting and finances too. It’s good to gather all the ideas and do what works for you 💚

Whenever your new cardigan pattern is ready for debuting and for sale I will be delighted to purchase it. What has grabbed me is the beautiful slope of the neck area of the button band. The way it curves into the straight portion of the button band is simply delightfully sinuously perfect. No pressure! Whenever you get to finalizing all the details is fine.

Good to see you again! Your spinning is definitely goals for me. It's cool to see it can look so nice. Also your cardigan looks beautiful. No pressure to get it published! :) See you next time! 💸

No judgement for getting into Dave Ramsey, even though he’s a problematic guy haha. I found him very useful for getting motivated to get my finances in shape a few years ago! I kind of think he’s a good introductory person especially if you’ve got debt or want to really change up your habits, but he has some misleading/wrong investment advice in my opinion. It feels so good to have financial goals and start hitting them, you got this!

You’ve definitely inspired me to take a better look at my finances. My bank account thanks you lol

I loved this episode. I have the Vellichor pattern, but i do Not like the boat neck feature. Also I've only done top downs lately. I'm SOOO glad you're doing it. I hope to knit along with you. ( I test knitted your Bookkeeper and it fits me so well!) I also listen to Dave Ramsey when I'm in the car at the right time. "Beans 'n rice, rice 'n beans!" 💸💲💰

I don't know what you like to watch, and what you've already seen, but if you haven't seen Twin Peaks yet, give it a go! It's a murder mystery, but it's so much more - it's weird and surreal, dark and suspensive, there are lots of odd characters and side stories, and there are so many knitted sweaters! And the show is aesthetically beautiful, and the outfits are so 90s - perfect for our current flirt with 90s fashion!

Ooooh that chocolate yarn ❤❤❤❤❤

Hello Taylor, that cardigan is so beautiful, I'd love to test knit it for you! 💰💰💰

I am so happy to see the Chained Oblivion WIP. I knit one and it is now one of my favorite pieces!

🤑that one is kinda funny. Working on a felix cardigan for m.i.l and also have Treysta for my hubby as my work knit and a woven project bag/backpack for myself out of scraps/ recycled handwoven yarns im just trying to figure out a bit on that one i am absolutely in love with your food forest backyard

I did the Dave Ramsey steps a few years ago and have kept it up. I didn't take his class or anything, I just learned the basics on my own. It has really helped and is really empowering. We live below our means while so many we know do the opposite. We don't feel like we do without at all, but we try to make smart choices. We also put the max into our retirement. I loved hearing you chat about it!💸

Your finance talk was so relatable and nice to hear! We have a lot in common. I’m a bookkeeper too but struggled with my own finances and just created a budget for the first time last month! I like hearing about other people starting their own journey, it’s very encouraging! Thank you for opening up about it 😃

I liked the talk on budget. I feel like I need to start a budget now. Thank you.

🎉 I just found d your channel. Love it. I have been doing the Dave Ramsey suggestions for some time now. And enjoy the peace it brings. As an accountant, I have continuously tracked everything but never budgeted my finances until I heard about Dave. Now, I can't imagine not doing it.

I got into this blogger called The Simple Dollar that got me going with financial goals. If Ramsey motivates you, no shame. He's helped a lot of people. I don't budget but we contribute to 2 Roth IRAs through Edward Jones. We max them out annually. At our job (husband and I work at a private school) we contribute to a 401K the maximum amount that the company matches. I do other things too.

Hi Taylor, just stumbled on your podcast. I'm a knitter and spinner too. I can fully appreciate your dilemma with yarn and fleece purchases, especially online. I live in Canada where everything is super expensive and our dollar is so low compared to the US $. I used to shop to my hearts content and then when I go to check out and see the exchange rate, shipping and taxes I abandon the cart. The only thing I got out of that is getting a better handle on what I like. After a few times of this I can now just look and make notes. I always give myself at least 2 days to think about it. Magically, 99% of the time I realize I don't need it and don't buy it. I love your idea of writing purchases down, I do that and it helps so much. Thanks so much for a great podcast. I love how your handspun is so consistent. I am working on the emotional support chicken to use old fleece (for stuffing) not worth spinning. So much fun! Thanks again.

Loved this episode and thank you for explaining the memes in the intro 😅 I remembered years ago when I first discovered your channel I googled - 2 bold men talk about shopping - and nothing showed up Thank you also for speaking about budgeting and finances! I discovered Dave Ramsey during the pandemic ( in Eastern Europe it hit earlier as I noticed ) and I implemented the steps which worked for me ( Student loans are not a thing here) and I continued to watch other RU-vidrs - especially The Financial Diet- for general money/life advice so your thoughts are a confirmation for me that this is equally important for other people, for me living below your means proved easy after a few months of trials so I wish you good luck! Same applies for yarns and Knitting - it's incredible how much yarn people buy, how many shop updates, how much shopping is done to support yarn dyiers/collections/designers! I live vicariously through their videos because it's just too much for me

I am impressed with your budget talk! Keep it up adorable kid!

💸💸💸Inspired on several levels!! Great podcast 💰

Hi Taylor, I'm currently knitting the Polina Pullover and I'm finding it a very relaxing but interesting two colour knit. ❤💰 💵💵🪙❤

I would like to suggest a hydrangea for your back garden as they love shade. A rhododendron grows very fast and would give you a pop of color also. Budgeting is a smart move, always💸 you can do it.

Love love your podcast! Thanks for all the work you do. Regarding TV shows, my sweetie and I watched Yellow Stone on Peacock and loved the drama. Also, we started watching House again, and that's been fun. Regarding money type things, you might like Ramit Sethi. I find his take on finances to be refreshingly modern and he doesn't come from a place of fear or aggression (I sometimes get that vibe from Dave Ramsey). Good luck with all your goals! You got this!

Love your finance talks please continue! Also check out Caleb Hammer he is a younger funny Dave Ramsey who audits real people. For planting something that tolerates shade and grows 6-8 ft tall and narrow, try Podocarpus Maki aka Maki Japanese Yew.

Your budget comments are funny... I also jumped down the Dave rabbit hole about a decade ago. I struggle with him as an individual, but I do think he has some good tip/advice and I think it is worth learning as much about finances as possible (even if you choose later on to disagree with some of his techniques). I do think it was really helpful for me personally to change my mindset and I was able to pay off my student loan and car debt in about 3 years. All the haters out there can hate, but if you end up being ahead or financially sound for the future, then who cares! Also for the backyard... maybe try a few sky-pencil holly shrubs?

This was my first time listening to you, and I really enjoyed it! Your calm demeanor, content, and aesthetic are very appealing! I'm just starting my Dave Ramsey journey too 💰 I subscribed right away to your channel and I'm excited to follow you 😃

By the way, I recommend Cold case series, Outlander or The Closer ... If I am not listening to a knitting podcast I am putting one of these shows

I love your cardigan and would love to test/buy the pattern and knit it when you are ready to write it up! Also love your hair fork. I wish I was better at saving too...

Ok, so the last show I literally could not get enough of was "The Bear" on Hulu. The hype is REAL! As for financial stuff, I have been watching "Minority Mindset" here on RU-vid since 2018. I can not tell you how much I have learned from his channel about how money works. Don't let the name fool you either. It's called that because he wants you to think about money in the way that most Americans don't (hence, minority). He also has a free newsletter that keeps you up on all things financial. Oh, and he isn't boring which is a plus!

I'm thinking about rewatching Once Upon a TIme, it's available on Hulu😊

I love your garden tours!! Hope you are having better balance with knitting. I do best with 2 projects myself. Also, yes i stop spending in one category but it just goes to another fixation-for me its fabric.

Ok you love the bald and the beautiful…. Amazing taste!!👌🏼👌🏼

I knit my Vellichor a few years ago and I love it, it gets pulled out in autumn and winter mostly worn over a l/s tee. I think I followed the pattern , my sleeve width was ok but my garment is a bit oversized as I’m a loose knitter and when I knit that I wasn’t as scrupulous with gauge and adapting size as I am now. I really don’t miss short rows in this garment, it doesn’t need them. However maybe if you’re going for a more fitted top short rows could be a successful addition. Love your colours, go for it

Sweet yard.

Love your videos and you have totally inspired me to take a closer look at my finances. I actually have Dave Ramsey's total money makeover book and my goal is to be credit card debt free by the end of this year. It definitely takes discipline and intent with spending habits but it will be so worth it. I had a bad yarn spending habit when I first started knitting a couple years ago and then like you, put a small stop to it but ended up spending in other areas and there's something about "retail therapy" that is so real and so hard to change but I guess being aware of those vices in our lives is the first step of being more self aware. I wanted to know what cardigan it is that you're wearing? I love the color and pattern!

💸🤑💸Wow so much to talk about this video! Thank you for mentioning your haircare night routine! How did I miss the sock thing for your hair? I’ve heard a silk pillowcase is helpful too but I haven’t tried that. For my budgeting ( I retired @57 ) as soon as I started work I had money taken out of my paycheck to go into savings! This was money I never missed because I forgot about it! I also set up a ROTH IRA account. As for knitting…… I’m taking a week trip to Palm Springs and I’m knitting a shirt from a cone of linen/cotton yarn from Woollyknit! Love their yarns they are quite affordable and go a long way with substantial yardage. I’ve put my wooly wools away to try and get this done by next Saturday. Thanks Taylor! Hugs, ClaudiaSJI

So cool!! I live in Silver spring, MD

Thank you for yet another great video. 💙 I’m also on a personal finance journey. I quite enjoy Female Invest for that. They have quite good content on budgeting, investments and so on.

Lark Rise to Candleford is so good.

I am worried about you - because of that huge bridge accident we heard of here in Denmark. Are you ok? I love your podcast, you are yourself and I love people who dare to be themselves.

Don’t know whether you can get it in the states,but ‘line of Duty’ in the uk was very addictive viewing.

I’m not especially skilled, but I’m working on Tin Can Knits Flax Sweater and I’m going to be starting Karen Templers blog on knitting a sweater without a pattern.

Love the cardigan you're wearing. What pattern is it? I missed it if you mentioned it.

How about yew for the end of the garden? Grows slowly but can be shaped and would block the view of compost bins out on the street? I have two growing nicely in full shade. Just an idea. Will be fun to hear what you come up with.

Congratulations on discovering personal finance journey! No debts and enough savings are one of the greatest feeling of security especially as a woman. If you are lazy to make budget, move some percentage of your paycheck to savings account as soon as you get paid; forced savings. Your account will grow quickly!

Can I ask how you get your hair pinned like that? It's so pretty!

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Have you considered making your food from scratch? I make my own nut milks and soy milk from scratch and it’s a huge savings. Additionally, I make hummus and falafel from scratch. And because I cannot eat gluten often, I make my own bread from scratch, again, saving lots of money, but not feeling like I am missing something. In fact, I get joy from making these things myself just like when I make my own sweaters.

my current shows i watch are call the midwife, judy judy, parking wars, and jeff lewis hollywood house lift

Which hand combs do you have? I’m looking to invest in some right now.

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Thanks for a good episode! If you’re looking for someone to listen to on personal finance, I’d strongly recommend you need a budget (YNAB) and Erin skye Kelly (get the hell out of debt)

I like your cat

Have you watched the latest season of RHOSLC?! Would 10/10 recommend. 💕

I remember when that all went down with Naturium. I followed the RU-vidr at the time and when she made the announcement video I was like "..oh?" Like I'd already clocked that she had talked about it and was like "huh, that's weird." And then it blew up and I went back and watched the videos and I was like "ew no" and unsubscribed. Sunday Riley is another that I never used after watching dishonest practices leak (an email was leaked on Reddit from the company to employees ahead of launch detailing how precisely to set up a VPN and make a bunch of fake Sephora accounts to review the new product on. It included talking points for their new product as well as how to conceal the fact they were fake accounts by reviewing other brand products, etc). I know that a lot of companies have shady practices to manipulate public reception, but I also believe in name and shame when they are caught. I'm also petty and know there's plenty of brands out there, so I never buy from them again even if the company is no longer associated with the bad actor.

What sweater are you wearing here?

My number one 💸 tip is to make money off every cent you have. You can get over 4% interest in a high yield savings account right now- no risk no hassle. No reason not to. Never have any money sitting in an account not making money for you. You can make over 5% investing in a money market account. Slightly more effort but again super low risk and super easy. Too many people have their savings sitting in some crappy BofA or whatever savings account that only gets 0.4% interest. And that is tragic.

Magner made in Georgia I think.

Are you into Star Trek? Paramount + is the land of star trek. I like all of these. If you have Prime, I like Northern Exposure. On Hulu, I watched for the Nth time, Pride and Prejudice and I'm rewatching The Bear. I dont always have Hulu. I think you might like both seasons of Feud. On disney (when I had it) i watched a movie called Free Solo that I really liked.

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You pretty