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USING A NOTEBOOK AS A BUDGET TRACKER | ULTIMATE DIY BUDGET BOOK

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  • Опубліковано 14 сер 2024
  • Hi guys !
    Showing you my detailed breakdown on how I turned a regular plain notebook to track my budget, sinking funds and more.
    Hope it helps and inspires you if you are looking to use a notebook as a budget book of your own!
    Lets Connect : / the.merylife
    Products mentioned :
    NOTEBOOK : Target
    Highlighters : amzn.to/3AGhckM
    Pen Loop Holder : amzn.to/3hJX7kH
    Divider tabs : Dollar Tree
    Decorative Washi tape : Dollar Tree
    Cactus keychain : Michaels
    Gold labels : Michaels
    Some stickers mentioned : check out @Paperie Planning
    #merybudgets #diybudgetbook #sinkingfundstracker

КОМЕНТАРІ • 118

  • @edellshuman630
    @edellshuman630 3 роки тому +48

    This couldn't be anymore broken down and detailed. This is exactly what I've been looking for and needed I will be following this. I love it 🙏

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +3

      Thankyou! So happy it can help!! ❤️

  • @FMisunderstood
    @FMisunderstood 3 роки тому +50

    I love the layout of this. Pretty simple concept but thorough. Alot of other videos were so complicated for no reason

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +3

      Thanks! Glad its helpful 😃

  • @anamartinez8340
    @anamartinez8340 3 роки тому +13

    Love the simplicity of your tracking system. Nothing to stickery, fancy nor complicated. I want to track basic budgeting and savings in a very simple basic way.

  • @kristinacarter7595
    @kristinacarter7595 3 роки тому +19

    Exactly what I needed!! The store planners never have exactly what I need! Thanks for sharing!!!

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for watching! Glad it helped! 😊

  • @aiyeerangcasajo3465
    @aiyeerangcasajo3465 2 роки тому +2

    Very detailed, very nice! love it

  • @arfaelo3674
    @arfaelo3674 3 роки тому +10

    Love your version, not only is not as over whelming as the premade books. it also has a 'Love' touch to it. Ill definetly be adding some pictures to mine. Just to motivate and help me realize what the goal is to crunching numbers on the weekly. Thank you!- Love from Mississippi

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Thankyou! Yeah I like a more simple approach. Happy it could help! 😃❤️

  • @helismusings7390
    @helismusings7390 3 роки тому +8

    Wow this was amazing, you are super creative. I have been watching budget you tubers try to sell there planners for $30 or more and if I am on a tight budget I don’t see any need to spend all this money sense we can do it all on our own. Thank you for the inspiration.

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Your welcome! So happy it helps! 😃❤️

  • @kaylatrausch1394
    @kaylatrausch1394 3 роки тому +3

    Notebooks are my favorite thing in the world! Can be used for so much!

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому

      Oh yeah i love them! So many cute ones!

  • @xtraordinarybudgeting3680
    @xtraordinarybudgeting3680 3 роки тому +10

    I just recently started budgeting and recording. I’m using a regular college notebook for now! So I really appreciate you making this video!

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +3

      Glad it can help! Happy Budgeting!

  • @delaneypowell8236
    @delaneypowell8236 3 роки тому +2

    This is the best video I’ve found. Thank you so much.

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому

      Aw glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

  • @conchitaporter3337
    @conchitaporter3337 3 роки тому +6

    The baby ultrasound picture is beautiful.It reminds me of both of my sons ultrasounds that I’ve lost in storage.

  • @maricelg777
    @maricelg777 3 роки тому +3

    U give me great idea. Thanks for sharing your budget notebook.

  • @goalsetter7494
    @goalsetter7494 4 роки тому +7

    YOUR NAILS ARE BEAUTIFUL! Great video

  • @TheAmyb99
    @TheAmyb99 7 місяців тому

    Hi Mary! This is my first time visiting your channel and I really like the way you made your own budget book and chose supplies that are super affordable. Some of the videos of budget binders I’ve seen are very nice and attractive BUT you’re either paying for someone else’s design and product or you’re buying all kinds of supplies and things to make your own that cute. Since the whole idea is supposed to be sticking to a budget and saving money, I find that to be completely defeating the purpose. Thank you for keeping it simple and affordable!

  • @themodernquaint
    @themodernquaint 3 роки тому +4

    Love this idea! I’ve been on the fence about if I want to create my own or purchase a budget planner simply because sometimes I don’t mind the visual motivation. This is definitely inspiring to get creative with my own. Thanks for sharing !

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Thankyou! It definitely makes my budgeting system a little easier for me , so glad it can give you ideas! 😃

    • @R_U_Ready4Jesus2Come
      @R_U_Ready4Jesus2Come Рік тому

      Don't waste your money on purchasing something off of "ANY WEBSITE". I am learning this the hard way. I applaud anyone who can take something as simple as a plain notebook and make it look like and work miracles!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kudos! I wasted my money and will never do that again. Many of them start with the day of the week Monday instead of Sunday and have so many unnecessary added bells and whistles.

  • @andig.347
    @andig.347 3 роки тому +2

    Loved loved loved this!!!!! Did I say I love this!? Thank you! So practical and simple!

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much! Happy it can help! 😊

    • @andig.347
      @andig.347 3 роки тому

      @@TheMeryLife i totally started on it yesterday.

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Oh awesome!

  • @Shawntellmurphy1
    @Shawntellmurphy1 4 роки тому +8

    I love the way you made your budget book. Great video. ♡

  • @Sweetnesz02
    @Sweetnesz02 2 роки тому +2

    I am so happy I found your video. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank you so much for sharing this.

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  2 роки тому +2

      Oh i’m so happy it could help! 😃

  • @elizabethmcnamara6548
    @elizabethmcnamara6548 3 роки тому +7

    I love this! It’s full of passion and raw. Keep going girl! You have motivated me to make one too! I am a key worker on a minimum wage job and they cut my hours in half! No bonus! No nothing! This pandemic has hit me pretty bad financially. When I saw the ultrasound and photos of your son I could feel the emotion in your voice and I felt like crying. I will have to really tighten my wallet this year and learn to say no to people. Otherwise I will have nothing. ☹️
    Anyways great content! 😁

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Aw thankyou! Yes pandemic definitely changed things up but it will get better! Wish you the best you can do it!! 😃

  • @vanessaroque4476
    @vanessaroque4476 3 роки тому +6

    Such a great idea! Love the separate tracking concept.

  • @camiiii31
    @camiiii31 3 роки тому +3

    LOVE THIS!! also love that you used a very normal but sleek notebook! nothing fancy but you turned it into something amazing!

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Thankyou! Had alot of fun with it 😃

  • @falisiabailey
    @falisiabailey 3 роки тому +10

    Omg i know exactly what you mean by getting overwhelmed by already set up budget books. I feel like i have to use all of the set up and it makes me feel like im doing it wrong if i dont. Very discouraging.

    • @avarietyofthings8820
      @avarietyofthings8820 2 роки тому

      Hi! If budgeting on paper isn't for you... check out this video!! ua-cam.com/video/YzjMKxzSM2Q/v-deo.html

  • @rileighbennett5023
    @rileighbennett5023 3 роки тому +8

    If you will live like no one else now, later you can live and GIVE like no one else! - Dave Ramsey

  • @ann-uc2zx
    @ann-uc2zx 15 днів тому

    thank you for the video. I am having trouble with being motivated to budget and write thtings down. love your ideas.

  • @susannaheckert2313
    @susannaheckert2313 2 роки тому

    Thank you!!!! This works sooo much better for me. I've been looking and looking for something that can work for me and this is the only thing that makes sense! 💡 🤩

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  2 роки тому

      Thank you! So glad it can help! 😃

  • @c.mcneill4237
    @c.mcneill4237 2 роки тому +2

    Wow, I wish I had watched your video ab 5 planners ago...I love the way you set this budget book up using a notebook. I do prefer a nb for my keeping track of my bills bc you have more space to write notes if necessary. The way you broke it down was very clear & easy to understand. Soo glad you didn't put a million stickers...just a few carefully placed stickers will do ! Great...you hv a new subscriber !

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  2 роки тому

      Happy your here and that my video helped!

  • @toniharris5888
    @toniharris5888 3 роки тому +2

    Beautiful layout. Great video. I hate budgeting. You have made it fun with your budget notebook. Gave me some good ideas for my budget book. Thank You!

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому

      Thankyou! Glad it can help make it fun 😃 happy budgeting!

  • @thelifeofcwill6406
    @thelifeofcwill6406 3 роки тому +5

    i loved this video ! out of all the ones I watched this is the most simple one. what's funny is when I try to write a budget this is exactly how I do it but just on a lil sheet of paper lol..but thank you for this it was definitely helpful.

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +2

      Your so welcome! Thanks for watching!Happy it helped! 😊❤️

  • @michellelockhart5207
    @michellelockhart5207 3 роки тому +4

    You are very creative and Absolutely Love your Idea.You Rock! I will give this a try.

  • @brendaplatero1918
    @brendaplatero1918 2 роки тому +1

    Nice and simple

  • @AB_2311
    @AB_2311 3 роки тому +3

    I was looking at lots of budget notebooks and I can't seem to find what suits to my needs. I found this video and it is helpful. Subscribed 😊

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much! Glad it could help!

  • @ashleyquinones3758
    @ashleyquinones3758 2 роки тому

    Great ideas! Thank you so much for taking the time to break this down.
    I also like having a blank canvas with my notebooks.

  • @katythebeauty330
    @katythebeauty330 3 роки тому +1

    This is way more simpler and straight to the point. Some of the other ones are too much but yours is clear.

  • @ONNIESEAPRODUCTIONVIDEOS
    @ONNIESEAPRODUCTIONVIDEOS 3 роки тому +6

    I watched so many videos and this is the ONLY one that makes sense to me helps me understand and plan better thanks

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому

      Aw i’m happy it helped! 😃

  • @xoxobee13
    @xoxobee13 3 роки тому +2

    I love how you creative you got!! Love it 😊 do you have an updated version?

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +2

      Thanks! Yes actually, currently working on it and will definitely be sharing 😃

  • @bossymamabudgets3352
    @bossymamabudgets3352 2 роки тому +2

    Omg I just started watching your channel and I love you so far lol 😂 your a mommy like me. I have a baby boy who’s 8 months and have one on the way that’s due in February 2022. I love how you setup your journal 📓 like you did an amazing job inspires me to do the same now. Best part about it I won’t have to spend so much money tryna buy one. I think immA do the binder method inside tho so I can add all the cool things I want. This video was truly a blessing thank you

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  2 роки тому +2

      Aw thank you! Happy it could help! Congrats on your baby on the way 😃

  • @mindsetcoachingwithgenelle
    @mindsetcoachingwithgenelle Рік тому

    Thank you for this. A year later stumbling across this video but I am glad I found this. I definitely get overwhelmed too from the fancy budget planners out there :)

  • @FromDiamWithLove
    @FromDiamWithLove 3 роки тому +1

    Only 30 seconds into the video and already liked and subscribed! God bless you!

  • @R_U_Ready4Jesus2Come
    @R_U_Ready4Jesus2Come Рік тому

    I am late to the party! That's usually how it goes for me, though. Kudos to you for taking something so simple and making it a treasure. This is just what I was looking for. I absolutely love this! I pray you met all of your goals for the past two years and into 2023. God bless.

  • @bryannaruggiero1502
    @bryannaruggiero1502 2 роки тому +2

    Where did you get your pen? So cute!

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks! Found it at Homegoods

  • @specialk8927
    @specialk8927 3 роки тому +2

    Nice, I just bought the clever fox budget planner otherwise I would of use a spiral notebook SketchBook

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому

      Thankyou! I’ve never heard of clever fox, i’ll have to look into it. I love planners 😃

  • @themomlifeco
    @themomlifeco 3 роки тому +4

    This is so sweet

  • @jai4logic
    @jai4logic Рік тому

    Very nice and detailed. But any reason for not using a computer? Is the analog method actually better?

  • @adaiyah-zerahbahtyahudah7860
    @adaiyah-zerahbahtyahudah7860 3 роки тому +1

    Very nice. Ty.

  • @RachelLWolfe
    @RachelLWolfe 2 роки тому

    As someone who works in the automotive repair industry I'm glad to see someone budgeting for car maintenence, but please try to make it a point to save more. I always tell myself that if I can afford things I *don't need, but want*, then I should be able to set aside that same dollar amount, or more, into my sinking funds for whatever the actual *need* (vs. want) is. I can't even begin to tell you how often we do repairs on cars that are totally preventable! Preventative maintenance is a real thing, and it doesn't cost as much as people think.
    On average car repairs can add up to $1200 per year.
    Maintenance on the other hand, if done when needed is totally doable. If you do the maintenance when it's actually due, it lets you spread the cost out over time. So many people decline services that are only due once every 6 months, or 24 months, because they don't think it's necessary.... until their cars break down, and then they really don't have the money, because they've spent it on getting their nails done, (we see your pretty nails), they've spent it on expensive shoes, handbags, etc., but "can't" afford car maintenance. As someone who also likes nice things, I understand the pull to have said nice things. That said if you have a car that is falling apart due to neglect, you have issues with prioritizing things.
    Oil changes arw due every six months or 6K miles (whichever comes first) is roughly $60, if your car uses full synthetic oil. Every three months if it uses conventional oil, and no, you do not get to choose your oil type or viscosity. You must use whatever the manufacturer says your engine needs, or you'll be spending money you don't have to buy a new engine.
    Tire rotations done every oil change and run about $25.00.
    Alignments done annually whether you think your car needs it or not, because it prevents uneven tread wear on your tires. Runs about $150.00. Tires are expensive, so just take care of them.
    Brake fluid service is done every two years or every 24K miles (whichever comes first), and can cost around $199.00.
    Transmission service every 3 years or every 30K miles (whichever comes first), and can cost around $300.00.
    Coolant service every four years or 50K miles (whichever comes first), and can run about $249.00.
    Brakes as needed; $245.00... usually every three to five years, depending on your braking habits. Learn to coast to slow down, before braking for lights and stop signs. It'll save you some money on your brakes.
    Budget about $1200 for repairs annually, because break downs happen, unfortunately. Keeping and maintaining a car can be less costly than having to replace a car and have a car payment.
    If you absolutely must buy a car, get a Toyota, as they are the most dependable vehicles on the road right now. Unfortunately, domestic brands and some other Asian brands are struggling to build reliable cars, and failing miserably. 😢 Don't buy a European car unless you're ready for the upkeep and maintenance they require. They do cost more.
    Anywho.. just some financial car advice for anyone who needs it. Dealerships and repair shops really aren't trying to rip you off. I promise. At least not the honest ones. The cars that are being made now aren't the same cars our parents and grandparents drove, so they need a bit more care.
    It seems overwhelming, but honestly we tend to spend more money on things we don't need, when that money could be put towards saving for the inevitable. I tell myself this every day, too, because I like to spend.
    My heart sinks every time I have to give huge estimates for repairs, that were avoidable. I had to do that exact thing today, when I told a young girl and her father that the issues she's experiencing with her car are due to the transmission failing, because it has never been serviced. Ever. I handed them a $6,000.00 estimate. It broke the young girls heart, and her father was clearly disappointed. Now they trying to decide whether they need to scramble to find the money to replace the transmission, or buy his teenage daughter a new car. Either way, they will go into debt to do one or the other, because cars are super expensive to purchase these days, and transmission replacement is costly too.
    Cars literally aren't built like they used to be, so take care of the ones you have.

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  2 роки тому

      Thank you for taking your time to write all that and share your experience.
      But my nails are $5 press on’s from Walmart lol
      We are all trying our best which is why we are making it a point to budget in the first place.
      I just wouldn’t be too quick to judge on people’s expenses.

    • @RachelLWolfe
      @RachelLWolfe 2 роки тому

      @@TheMeryLife I wasn't commenting on your nails specifically. I apologize sincerely if it seemed that way! I too buy my nails for a great price, (Amazon) and glue them on to save money! 😊 I'm talking about those who very obviously get their nails done at a salon, and can justify the expense, but then can't afford maintenance. It takes so little money, if it's set aside a little at a time, and then when the maintenance comes due the money is there.
      I'm also always interested in where good salons are at, so if their nails look nice I ask, because good nail salons are hard to find. I used to go to a salon twice a month to get my nails done and was spending $75.00 per month, and I wasn't totally thrilled with how they looked, plus they broke all the time, which is one of the reasons I learned how to do my own nails. It's just always fascinating to me what people will spend money on, but then don't have the money for maintenance on their cars. At the end of the day, it does all boil down to choice. If one can afford both I don't begrudge them the expense at all. I just have a hard time swallowing the logic some use, especially when they get upset to learn their manufacturer warranties are void due to neglect. That's another reason to maintain a vehicle, and most people aren't aware of the fact that you run the risk of voiding your warranty if cars aren't maintained. I'm just sharing some insight from my perspective, to help people get into the habit of saving just a little more towards their needs vs wants, as opposed to getting a huge estimate for repairs or tons of maintenance that really is needed. It's something I've had to learn to do myself, and the first thing I did (when I wasn't making great money) was to cut all unnecessary expenses. It saved me so much money. It takes discipline for sure.
      I pride myself on being the most honest service advisor in the business. I've actually advised customers, on occasion, against repairing cars, when the repair costs exceed the value of the car. I don't feel it's right to take their money when it would be better spent on a newer vehicle.
      Again, my apologies if it seemed as if I was singling you out. Your nails do look great though! 😊

    • @stacieocker
      @stacieocker Рік тому +1

      I completely agree with what you’re saying. So many people see their “wants” of specific things as “necessities”. I hear far too often people complaining about their lack of money but their smoking or vaping or buying the latest makeup/hair products etc.

  • @veronicar6631
    @veronicar6631 4 роки тому +3

    Loved this one! The store planners tend to overwhelm me too! Great Job Mery! Btw..love your channel😍
    -VERO/Meli's Friend👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  4 роки тому +1

      Hi Vero!!! Great to hear from you! Hope all is well, thabks for watching! 😃💗

  • @esmeraldalopezgarcia9484
    @esmeraldalopezgarcia9484 3 роки тому +4

    Please create a pdf book to print and bind. I would purchase it : )

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +3

      Yes i can definitely create something like that 😊

  • @selenaarevalo3149
    @selenaarevalo3149 Рік тому

    Your so cute!!!! Keep it up

  • @zombeefan6428
    @zombeefan6428 3 роки тому +2

    Nicely done! Loved this idea and your great attitude and creativity!

  • @themomlifeco
    @themomlifeco 3 роки тому +5

    I will be recommending your channel to my subscribers because this is super cool

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Thankyou! 😊

    • @themomlifeco
      @themomlifeco 3 роки тому +1

      @@TheMeryLife you’re so welcome! And congratulations

  • @zaidafigueroa9559
    @zaidafigueroa9559 3 роки тому +1

    Where can I get the little planner that you show

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Its a Katie Daisy planner. From Amazon. I love it and very affordable! 😊

  • @conchitaporter3337
    @conchitaporter3337 3 роки тому +6

    Congrats on being a mom

  • @babygirldani5203
    @babygirldani5203 3 роки тому +1

    I went to target to get the same notebook and I can't find it at all.

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Oh no. I hope they didnt stop selling :(

    • @babygirldani5203
      @babygirldani5203 3 роки тому +1

      Do u another notebook that I could buy. I went online too see if they have that notebook and they don't sell it online.

    • @TheMeryLife
      @TheMeryLife  3 роки тому +1

      Not really but i’m sure they can be easy to find 😃 if not Target maybe walmart 😉

  • @ireneroland3070
    @ireneroland3070 4 місяці тому

    I have only four bills a month . And four every fortnight.

  • @herplace9827
    @herplace9827 3 роки тому

    You favor Alicia Keys 😍😁

  • @Livinlady
    @Livinlady Рік тому

    Hey you have my name and not many people have my name

  • @tiffanyhayslett7616
    @tiffanyhayslett7616 3 роки тому +1

    To much unnecessary talking in the beginning

  • @SugarMamma
    @SugarMamma 2 роки тому +1

    No matter how you do it, budgeting is so important if you want to take control of your financial destiny. This is how Tom and I manage our family finances and include our financial goals. ua-cam.com/video/rd8WkxvMAqg/v-deo.html xCC

  • @susannaheckert2313
    @susannaheckert2313 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you!!!! This works sooo much better for me. I've been looking and looking for something that can work for me and this is the only thing that makes sense! 💡 🤩