The Right Way to do a Monthly Budget 

I’m a family of 4. (4 year old and 2 year old) Our grocery budget is $300/month. We don’t spend money on kid activities. We do free stuff-parks, library, play dates. We ask for zoo memberships as birthday presents for the kids. We just budget $50 for eating out just for the random nights where we don’t cook and get a pizza. We use Visible so two cellphones is $50/month. We don’t have any paid subscriptions. We use Tubi and RU-vid and deal with commercials. 🤣 Our frugal living has helped us to paying off $42K in debt, cashing flowing my two births, and paying off $42K off our mortgage in the last two years! I’m thankful for the Ramsey team!

One thing that’s helped my budget is buying in bulk for food and always having a list! I plan the meals I want to make and buy it in bulk and I always have leftovers. Helps me from having to run to the store every time to get something. I check my pantry and fridge to see what I have left and use up anything that needs to be eaten before I buy.

I have a weekly budget on Excel that I update daily have done this for the past three years, and it has changed my life financially

I fully support giving and helping those in need, if you are overbudget and paying off debt, why in the world would you give $500+ to charity and have someone work a second job? I would give my time and volunteer instead of giving money I don't have. When I have more money time give/no debt then give financially.

6:01 If they have a car payment, then they do not need to see the inside of a restaurant unless they’re working at the restaurant.

I'd love to learn about this part time job that pays $25 an hour. That's way more than I make at my full time gig.

I love talking about budgeting. One thing that I love to talk about with my clients is having goals. Most of the people who can't stick to a budget are those who don't have any goals or objectives. Always have goals for your money guys. LOVE YOU RACHEL. Love your videos!!!!!

Great video. The zero-based budget is changing my life. Have been doing it for about a year now and can’t imagine ever going back to not budgeting.

Wow! Just few hours ago I thought that it would be nice to have a monthly budget detailed video from you, and look what is here! Thanks a lot for your lessons ❤

Im using every dollar everyday on my savings, it really helped me alot and save alot of money, thank you rachel

Very detailed and informative. Everyone could easily follow these tips! Great work!

Nan, my grandmother, taught me how to budget when I was a young kid. Iv made BIG mistakes with money mostly getting into major debt. But the one think that had always kept me a float is sticking to a budget to make sure bills are paid

Please do more budgeting videos with EverDollar. Include sinking funds for expenses that are either paid just a few times a month on a schedule (like auto or home insurance) or just at random times throughout the year ( such as household items), changes to the budget mid month, savings funds types, transfers between funds, etc. just need more practical tips for budgeting and using EveryDollar.

The Budget Girl is on fire 🔥 She knows EXACTLY what she’s talking about

I’d love to hear how you suggest saving 3-6 months of expenses in todays inflated market/economy. When we became debt free in February by March in Canada inflation was already skyrocketing and any money we had been using to pay off debt was going to our ‘four walls’ because cost of living has jumped up by at least 50% here thanks to carbon taxes, inflation and other tax increases. There is no extra for savings. There’s barely enough to stay afloat. I thought being debt free would be more fun. 😢

If you're intimidated by making a budget: deep breath and do it anyway. You could miss an item or two, but just add them in and adjust. Iterate and make it better, and pretty soon it'll be second nature AND you'll find peace in having a job assigned to every dollar!

Love your channel! So inspiring! Happy Fall!

Thank you so much for this!

I do it this way. I calculate all of my Bills for the Month then when I get my total, I divide it into four because I get paid Each Week. I take an amount and put it into my "Other" Account so I don't touch it. Then when it is due I can pay it. Some are already debited from my account like my Car Registration Bill and at the end of the month I pay my Bank Charge Services. I live in Canada so the bills are slightly different.

Wow I need to move to Tennessee. Can’t live on this salary in NY (in the boroughs not Manhattan). Mortgage alone is 2300. I know you said this is just an average of costs. Vitamins, medical copays, kids sports, add auto quick and then emergencies. 1,000 is a nice cushion but if a car goes or something more expensive it’s back to the drawing board. Making more $ is the key.

I really like this and I 100% support giving. That said, if there is that much of a deficit and we are trying to cut costs, why would one not give a little less until able to give more? The deficit was ~900 and 500 of that was giving. I am not saying not to do those other cuts in spending. Still do those but cutting the giving to a smaller amount in this example would drastically help. Just my $0.02

I like the way your breaking it down

I do a weekly (mostly) static budget. I average out everything for the month between 4 weeks. If I have leftover money for the week it goes into my miscellaneous expenses savings account.

I say drop the $500 giving down to $100 until you can get your debts down.

One of the best things I've done was create a budget and stick to it. It took me a few months to get it down to where it is was about as exact as you can be, but I did get there. Although I am confused as to why in this sample budget Rachel is giving she has 10% going towards the church when this sample budget has depreciating debt, i.e. the car payment. That should be paid off first before giving starts ... that's what her dad teaches in the baby steps.

Rachael what do you do when you know your “pain point” is Non voluntary medical supplies

Murphy loves to visit. In the last month I had to go to the hospital and haven't got a bill for that. Yesterday the spring on my garage door broke. I only have $700 in my emergency fund so I decided to go on Utube and fix it myself for around $200 instead of $700 to $1000 for a technician. I get paid this week and started putting $350 in my emergency fund every two weeks so I still should be able to put $150 in my emergency fund. Hopefully I can figure it out on UTUBE to keep the technician away.

And they haven't even bought toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo, renewed license plates, found life insurance in case one spouse passes away, etc!

This had to be an over sight here, to give $500 a month when you’re in a deficit? Maybe reduce it down to $100 or recommend volunteering for now until the family is doing slightly better. You have to put the oxygen mask on first before you help the person next you.

What about home owners insurance? Savings?

Can you do a every two week budget as anotther example?!

Love this! Will there be a way to have a real person's budget as an example?

Will the app ever be availble for Europe ?

I’m wondering about the health insurance costs, I’ve never paid that much. She also didn’t mention anything about contributing to the savings account. I’m wondering if using percentages is a good way to start budgeting to make a person doesn’t purchase things that go over that specific amount.

Do you tithe on the gross?

I can not find a detailed explanation of how to roll over the remaining balance to the next month. I know the app doesn't do that it self but I would LOVE if it did. any one else feels that way? Hopefully they will add that feature

Would you use this app if you were a business owner?

I'm lost on one thing. Can you help me? It's a question re 'Net Income' for budgeting purposes: It is so often called 'take-home pay' in relation only to payroll. Yes, I know there are deductions from my gross that appear on my paystub. HOWEVER, what about other IRAs I pay into (outside of my employer's plan), insurances I pay premiums on (including other health insur not connected with my employer), etc, all which ARE NOT CONNECTED with my employment and are paid on my own for out of my paycheck?? In my personal budget, should I ALSO subtract these "others" to arrive at my actual net??

What about savings?

Do you have separate categories like paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, and so on?

We take out cash at the beginning of each month and use envelopes. We have "set aside" envelopes for big payments that don't occur monthly, like insurance, taxes, car repairs and registration, medical, dentist. You forgot haircuts 💇‍♂️ and dog 🐕 & cat 🐈 budget!

I don't mind doing 0 based budgets but it really freaks my husband out when the money is allotted this way. Also, Part-time jobs where I live earn minimum wage. My 16y/o makes $3/hour over minimum + tips and is treated like he won the lottery by other locals.

How do I get my budget in line when I am behind?

Hello, what category are we supposed to budget for our toiletries, diapers, wipes detergent?

So if you are over budget some people just take an extra job? how is that even possible without working yourself into a burnout? I am a single mom with 4 children and I can't work at the moment because of illness and my spending is 1500 dollars a month over budget, I was hoping to get some idea's to fix my budget but since I can't work....

Assuming groceries means food and household supplies (toilet paper, shampoo, etc)... I can't imagine how a family of 4 only spends $600 per month on groceries in today's world of wild inflation. I also can't imagine giving that much to the church if your budget is that tight but more power to you if you do... you are a better man/woman than I.

I love your idea about giving but it could never be me. I work too hard to give it away. Great video and explanation.

Hi Rachel, just curious about your Biblical conviction about 10 percent. Do you normally tithe based off your gross or your net? What scriptures do you use to make this decision? I just noticed that many people in the comments are bringing it up and wanted to know if you could share a more detailed explanation. Just a recommendation. Thanks, Rachel! 😊

The every dollar app has not been functioning properly for the past three months.. whenever I have extra I like to pay a bill in advance for the upcoming months . Ie : mortgage, which is an expense every month however the EveryDollar app will not save the payment information..

I like the idea but can't see, unfortunately

What happened to car insurance in the budget? Did I miss something?

I am creating a budget with about $1,400 plus a month. I am a single black female. I need to pay $400 to $500 in rent or living expenses. I am saving for a used vehicle. My budget is ten Gs.

I live on Canada ans your app can t not work here!!!😭😭😭

Where in Nashville does a part time job pay $25 an hour??

I put a good percentage aside to invest and live on the difference. Gotta invest in yourself first.

5:28 This is where the credit cards come into play.

I'm glad my wife and I are just naturally frugal. No budget to work up...we just neither like to spend and this method works for us to save alot. Of course this probably wouldn't work for most.

Hmmm take home pay of $5,178 seems high to me with a salary of $75,000. Does this take home pay not account for investing?

I paid off my car first. I wanted to own it before it was dead. Then my credit cards, and now my house. I have a 7% loan that is going away quickly. I got a 0% credit card. I pay 3 mortgage payments with the card, then rain money down on the card. The next month I do the same. I dumped 25% of the loan in 2 1/2 months. I'm making money on that. $640 a month on groceries is poor money management. We spend about $480 for our house, that includes our medications. These numbers sound exaggerated. No gym membership is necessary. The reason your house and credit card take forever to pay off comes down to that interest rate and fees.

Someone who lives in Nashville TN here… long story short- it’s a nightmare to live here. I’m leaving. Cost of living is insane and the average salary range is super low! Average rent and mortgage payment is now $1700-$2000 for a one bedroom living on the outskirts of the city. The cost of living has increased by 45% on average every yr with little to no increase. It’s awful!

With car debt as one of the line items this family shouldn’t be seeing the inside of a restaurant unless they’re working there😂🤣😂

The car insurance was crazy high ... also that health insurance cost is aweful, you'd be better putting that money in an HSA and paying out of pocket for almost anything.

Does the average family really pay $1,779 per month ($21,348 per year) in health insurance?? I think that figure may be the entire cost of premiums for an average family, but both employers and employees share the premium cost, with the employer typically paying majority of the cost. The employee's portion would be closer to $500 per month for family coverage. If the numbers were adjusted to reflect that change, the family would have an additional $1,279 per month, thus creating a budget surplus of $319. Maybe the family can use the surplus to put towards retirement, savings, emergency fund, faster debt pay down.

Well the "Giving" priority is incorrect. That is the last thing on the list. Do your expenses for what you need for 4 primary things: 1) Food (Don't have this you will die then nothing else would matter) 2) Shelter (House, Apartment etc.... ) 3) Water & Electricity (So you can shower for the job and cook the food you bought) 4) Transportation (Even if not making car payments you need to expense for these must haves of Oil changes, Insurance & Yearly Registration Everything outside of these is extra. Budget Priority Raking: 1) Mandatory expenses (4 listed above) 2) 10% SAVINGS (Always prioritize Savings over giving until you reach the 6-12-month survival amount) 3) After that then you can prioritize the other things in your life. Don’t fall into the 10% giving to the church trap. No matter what they say. I am not saying don’t give but don’t let them bully you into giving more than you can comfortably afford to lose. Remember you and your family are the number 1 priority on then if you have extra that you can afford then give. Thanks, love the advice you give is good. But no one is perfect and I am not by any means but this is just advice...

The fact that someone would have to get a second job just because he gave 500 bucks to church is killing me 😅

I get paid weekly. Does this work for me getting paid weekly.

Do a 1087.00 a month budget in California

If health insurance comes out of my paycheck (affects my take home pay), do I still need that as a line item???

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the reality of working families you prioritize your bills, essentials, debts. Jebus donations are tax deductible meaning more on your tax return so are HSA for medical expenses. Children outgrown clothes/shoes its gonna be more than $50 I try to go to store at least every 3 months for their needs, I come last. Personally an extra job means to me less time with my kids, grumpy, less energy if looking to boost extra income I just do some overtime 2-3 days or take those short paying surveys during spare time..

You can't outgive God. Some ways we have cut back in some areas are: using chicken leg quarters for broth instead of buying broth, buying magarine if it is on sale cheaper than butter we prefer, buying cheaper cuts of meat, smaller portions, homemade baked goodies instead of buying them, Aldis for snacks, stocking pantry with baking supplies, canned goods and now buying only on sale at a good price or low price, using mayo with vinegar and sugar instead of salad dressings, growing lettuce inside, using less shampoo, using every drop of toothpaste, turning heat down 2 degrees, no unecessary trips, and watching youtube for ideas! We may get a couple of electric space heaters in case gas prices are worse than electric. Using solar landscaping lights inside at night too.

Where is the savings account?? Pay yourself first

So what if ur monthly income isn’t always the same.

I’ve been donating too much to my lenders in interest.. I want to get out of debt so badly

189.00 for utilities. Yeah I wish. Mine is 1000.00 a month for electric, water and gas.

Giving 10% while trying to get out of debt isn’t a good idea if you ask me 😬

Ohh one thing you missed that i know can get you into trouble is not accounting for taxes on that extra job/income!

how can 1/4 take-home pay be ideal in so cal? theres NO POSSIBLE way I can find rent for $1600 a mo in so cal.. its not 2019 anymore

$1779 a month for health insurance???

✝️🙏

Interesting. We live in a rural area with 2 cities north and south of us 90 minutes away each way, so we are rural. My cell phone bill for 2 phones is $156 My cable and internet are 1 bill and its $224 that includes a land line phone but its $10 if you had that pay she is talking about you would have to cut these things. Giving, eating out, car, gym, clothing, fun, kids, misc, you would have $558 left. if you added those things back in but not the car or giving, you would have $60. You would have no savings or emergency fund. Instead of looking for a second job or side hustle, maybe look for an employer who offers health insurance

I like how the thumbnail shows her all stressed out about money….😂. She’s never had to worry about money in her life

Before getting a second job, save $517 by cutting the giving to 0.

If your over budget by 900, cutting back on 500 giving down to even 100 a month and don't buy yourself clothes or takeout. That is almost break even. I enjoy giving to church but if we are cutting down on 401k, selling cars, making sacrifices that includes the large giving budget.

Where are you finding a part time job that’s $25 an hour?! Cause I need to know!!

I'm not sure I believe those utilities. I live in a MUCH cheaper area than Nashville. Before I sold my 988 sq ft house that had new, energy efficient heat/AC, the electricity alone could get to $200 during the hottest times....with 1-2 people.

4:33 $1700/mo for health insurance is criminal... the fact that Americans are paying insurance companies nearly $200K/decade, per family, shows how bad the healthcare crisis is. It's a THIRD of the entire household income for a family. Can't wait to dedicate my life to finding the solution.

Tithing 10% is in the Bible. Never had debt fortunately. Live way below our means. We have found that you just can't outgive God. It comes back to us in some way every time. Couldn't live in any debt. There's freedom in what you can do without it always there in front of you. Best wishes to anyone trying to get out of debt. It is like losing weight. One lb. at a time. You can do it.

I'm retired, debt free and live on $2200 a month.

I don't get it- this budget outline doesn't include any savings. Income-Expenses= 0 leaves no savings

Yeah, don't know how a budget is "permission to spend." Never been able to get my head around that one.

I am sorry but who on earth pays these low bills? A family of four eats for 600 a month? 60$ for two cell phones? 60$ for cable? This is definitely not accurate and we are comparable to Nashville I believe! I don’t know how to begin if these are so not accurate . 50$ for 4 kids fun money? Where are they going lol

Good video BUT...the fact that church givings wasn't cut before getting a second job is just awful. Time is the most important thing and an extra job takes time away from family/kids/free time. Cutting church should be one of the first things to cut from expenses.

Where are those family houses for $1294 a month? 😖

maybe a real life budget would make more realistic example. average average average average kinda sounds like nobodies budget

Wow that's the median household income? Seriously? We have one of the highest cost of living here in Honolulu and our average hourly wage is like $17/hr? Thats far far less than even 60k per year. It's a little over half that. No wonder so many of us struggle so hard to survive here. Jesus where in the US is the average pay actually that high? I'd love to know so we can move immediatly :P

Parent getting a second job to help being over budget even after cutting things out but yeah….go ahead and keep that $517 to church. Riiiiight.

This example is unrealistic. You can't cut cable for just one month and the majority of people, health insurance comes out of your pay before you get it. and giving is important but if you can't afford it, then you can't give $500 if its going to put you over budget.

Lets do one for a single person

Do we just not even invest anymore?.. 😅