September Savings Challenge: Cut Back On Non-essentials!
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- Опубліковано 18 лис 2024
- I spent way more than I anticipated because of some unexpected expenses. But I survived my first month of official retirement! I think there were other expenses that I forgot about and/or didn't include that I will do better about in January when I do this again.
That’s fantastic!! Being conscious of your spending is the first step. Tracking your spending is a game changer! It will show you where your money is going. 😳
@@stephanieporter6836 Yes! I am so glad I did this. I mean I pay attention but not close enough to realize how easy it is to just throw money away on dumb stuff
Hi Melinda! Enjoyed this video and easily identified with the content. I invested in a darling insulated coffee mug (okay, it's more like a coffee keg I carry around) and I can be satisfied with coffee and creamer from home going anywhere with me. My weakness is stopping for some fast food too often in the month - I'm working on that. Thanks, so appreciate and enjoy your wise words!
@@martialbers3486 I’ve done pretty good staying away from gas station food so far. I get coffee here and there.
Thank you so much for being real and vulnerable. This video inspires me. Love your content!
Couldn't agree more!!
@@sandrathomas1679 Well sometimes I think I am over sharing but there is so much I wish I knew!!! No one talks about this stuff.
I have been watching You Tube for several years and without a doubt you are at the top of my video subscription because you are just a normal and super cool gal! Thank you for being honest and transparent. I love how you can just go from topic to topic - your comments are spot on - especially the kids - I always have to pay! I ❤️ chick Fil A! Number 1 with a lemonade! I am listening to advice as you can see 2025 is the big year for me! 🙌
@@2025Retiree Thank you for such a thoughtful comment! I tried the “frozen lemonade” CFA and was not a fan! Ice cream mixed with lemon was wierd😂😂😂 I probably should have listen to more advice before I retired🤦🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
I retired in July but started preparing myself by budgeting a year ago, as my income was going to drop. I keep a miscellaneous category in my Every Dollar budget app as well as a going out to eat category. I’m living within my budget but I want to be happy in my retirement so I buy when it makes sense. I’m frugal where I need to be so that I can have the things I really, really want. This does mean delayed purchasing though. If I don’t have the funds to purchase up front, I set aside funds or cut back on other items. At the end of my budget period if I have enough money left, I will then make the purchase. Yes to stocking up! I’m taking advantage of the October sales to stock up my pantry. Thank you for sharing your journey!
@@dorothywimberly4921 I think I’m going to have to check out your app.
I can see how early retirement may cause strain on added frivolous spending. More free time = Gee, what should I do? Good for you for hitting the brakes on spending for a month intentionally!
@@woodsparker7902 Exactly! But it gets easier not to spend as so many things change. Especially a smaller social circle.
Love the honesty! I need to have a no spend October. Thanks for the videos!
I absolutely agree with and enjoy everything you are saying and doing I’m looking forward to more videos. I’m going to try a No Spend October!
@@JudithJoice-nk7mf It really opened my eyes to where ALL money is going. I mean I keep track but this was next level.
I can’t imagine having $1500-$2000 leftover AFTER bills are paid. You should have awesome savings
@@leedezern6862 You would think 🤔 Building that up.
She is a retired teacher isn't she? Getting great retirement. I think.
@@shirlysmilesmusic6919 yes
Hello. New subscriber here. Fun and informative. Thanks for sharing your story
It's shocking how much money we waste every month.
You certainly need an emergency fund of 1-6 months of expenses. Life happens. Tires, washing machine, water heater. Stuff breaks, and it doesn't break on your schedule. We had to have a plumber and an HVAC guy iut this month. Neither was planned, but it cost $450. Having that fund available really makes life easier. It's difficult to save, but it's even more difficult to be broke.
Take out coffee, convenience store drinks, and eating out will absolutely derail your budget. I can make a pot of coffee at home for about $1, including creamer and any flavors my wife likes. I have not eaten fast food since 2018. I know that shocks people, but none of those places interests me in the least. We ate CFA so much when the kids were home that now I don't even want it. We do go out once a month, and it's virtually always Mexican.
Just being aware of how much you "waste" is a big step.
@@jdollar5852 Right?!!! We still love CFA. But yes to emergency fund and paying attention. No one talks about money and there is a lot of shame around how people manage or don’t manage their money.
You should do no spend February. Only 28 days😊
@@rich-mp6dm 😂😂😂
I need your coffee recipe. Sometimes I pack a lunch and go to a park. Walk a few miles, eat my lunch and journal.
@@AnnaleeD Love love this idea. Going to do that this week! I am going to post a pick I my coffee ingredients to the “community” tab😁
I agree a no spend month should still include some things you love to do! We are trying to eat at home more due to the cost of everything being high. Please share the new recipes you loved this month!
@@susansholisticlifestyle4572 I will always budget for the things I love from now on. I am shocked that people want my recipes so I am going to have to figure out a way to share those each time 😁
Can you share all the equipment and software you use to create you tube videos?
Because those of us thinking about retirement in the future and supplemental income; this will help! Other creators have very expensive equipment and software. But it would be great to hear from someone you is new’ish to starting a channel! Thanks!
@@susansholisticlifestyle4572 I think there is a video on my channel that shares all my stuff. Basically my phone and a mic. I’ve been trying to film outside so I don’t have to worry about lights🤷🏼♀️
@@MelindaMiller oh great! I’ll go look for the video!
LOL emotional support coffee..... that had me I used to do that with my iced tea.... yes you will have an unexpected expense every single month... I made a category in my budget for WTH now $$ and what I don't spend in the said month just gets rolled over to the next month. I do 3 no spend months a year and it truly gets easier and easier as the years go by
@@TraceyBergum You win for most creative budget category😂😂😂 I’m adding that one immediately!
This was stock-up Sept for me. All the pantries and freezers are full. I am retiring at the end of 2024 and getting all my spending done early.
@@nulldude782 I love the idea of stocking up! There are things that I use and run out of all month that I could for sure stock up on to prevent extra trips to the store
@@MelindaMiller also a great way to prevent spending creep. I only bought a few fresh items, the rest came from the gardens and the pantry all summer long. Yesterday was the 1st time I spent over $20 at the supermarket since May!
Growing up we did not have a lot of money My mom was very old school she never used credit cards she only would pay with cash and if she didn't have the money we would do without after she passed away we found out she had $100,000 saved from being a penny pincher
I think it’s great you
Melinda, I don't see a thing wrong with you enjoying your life still in retirement by treating yourself to coffee every once in a while, plus grabbing a bite here or there once in a while. It makes us happy and it's not going to break the bank as long as you don't do it all the time/everyday. It's the little treats in our day that give us a perk. I do Door Dash way too much, though, and that is expensive so I need to limit that. And sometimes it's not even that good, so then that really is a waste. 🤦
@@donna8993 oh gosh! I did door dash a ton when I had surgery and loved it!! I had gift cards then😁
I don't get "No Spend" months. It seems like it would just invite a bunch of unexpected chaos. 😅 I guess it's like going cold turkey on a diet or addiction? Anyway, just budget for things like "Eating out w/ friends" and "Eating out w/ family" and "Coffee." If you have it in your budget, then you can enjoy it with zero guilt. Put a line item of $16 a month to go sit in a coffee shop and read or work or whatever twice a month and then enjoy it!
I use Dave Ramsey's Every Dollar and there's a coupon code for 2 months of premium for free if you use "/mint" after the main web address. It is super easy to set up and use! And it makes you plan for and account for every single dollar of your income. The intentionality is what makes it work. You can set up sinking funds for things like clothes, kid's school expenses, etc.. And you probably should get them started for Prom and all the graduation stuff. 🤑
@@pamelaburleson2063 Excellent ideas! It forced me to pay very close attention this month and now I can make changes.
Okay, I have to ask....what's your favorite coffee recipe??
@@banddu7761 2 tsp Nescafé gold espresso, 4 oz hot water and blend that up. 1/2 cup vanilla protein shake, 1/2 cup almond milk, 3 tablespoons almond sweet cream creamer and ice!!!
Chiefs fan? Raiders fan here!🎉
@@SimplyKatieWalks Uh oh 😂😂😂 Those are CRAZY games at Arrowhead!
@@MelindaMiller we live in Nebraska so we always hit that game every year
Not a chiefs fan or sports fan in general-have never understood supporting that industry. But that’s just my opinion- I have my own dumb things I spend money on.
@@niki9638 I completely understand your choice not to be a fan!🤦🏼♀️
Why don't you pack a lunch and only buy a coffee
Stop buying fancy drinks
I do always pack lunch. Haven't really bought coffee in a while.
I usually have about 700-800 left after bills. But I have to be very careful & conscious about spending. And the Bay Area is expensive.
@@andrewminjiras5745 Oh my! I can imagine the Bay Area to be expensive. Thanks for sharing and being honest!
@@MelindaMiller you have a great presentation on UA-cam. Very clear.