I always try to remember there are people who hava lot more money than we have but there are also those who have a lot less. I'm just thankful for what we have and we try to manage it the best that we can. Hope you and your family have a blessed year. Always enjoy your videos!
This is a true reality show! Thank you for being willing to share this level of transparency. I think these types of very frank, yet UPBEAT, discussions about money are sorely lacking in our society. I genuinely believe we have been conditioned to not talk about money, because the powers-that-be don't really want us to ever understand how money works. The less we talk about it, especially with other folks who have learned lessons, good and bad, the less we know about money and the more mistakes we're likely to make...mistakes that various financial institutions want us to keep making!
@j - I agree. Businesses can charge what the market will bear because we don't know what they charged the person next door. We won't/don't share what we paid to someone. Why? It used to be a 10% mark up was OK. Today, well, it can be much higher... So, everyone suffers being overcharged many times. Just saying...
@@BuzzRetirementGarage - I had the benefit of two, very good financial role models, and I paid attention. Also got lucky with how much the market has gone up over the last 15+ years.
You have such an "up" attitude. It's always nice to see your videos. No negativity....just good thoughts. Happy New Year to you and Mrs. Buzz. I hope 2025 is a great one for you both.
Love Your channel! I had a great teacher in high school that had us bring in a Sunday newspaper and we picked out a house and a car that we wanted to live in, then we had to go from there to figure out things like mortgages, car insurance and maintenance, and so on. Then we started to look at what kinds of jobs would give us the income needed to cover the expenses. A great eye opener for kids getting ready to head out into the world.
Now that was an excellent teacher! I don't remember having that kind of real life situation. I did take Single Survival which was mostly guys and we learned to cook and sew. Between shop class and SS I thought I had based covered but nope, no finance. Could have changed my life.
@@BuzzRetirementGarage My younger brother took that kind of class because there were a lot of girls in it...he had a lot of dates back then and he still makes great cookies!
@@k26kv31 I took typing in my senior year for the same reason! I only needed 3 credits so I took fluff classes and study halls. The girl that sat in front of me in 1978 dated my best friend after highschool. She's a Facebook friend still!
You did fine this month. Coming in $189 under your SS is great. Incidentally that will just about cover the two bottles of Tattinger champagne I bought for New Years and the wife's 80th birthday. She likes her bubbly and I figured she was only going to turn 80 once, so why not. I hope you and Mrs. Buzz have a great New Years.
Happy New Year there Buzz.... ya know, during COVID - I tried cutting my own hair (as my typical shop was closed)... I found out that I could do it just as good, without the drive over there and the wait... or the tip. Ha ha ha - still cutting it today and will continue. This has saved me about $50 or so a month and a fair bit of time. 💈
It is always so interesting to see other people's budgets. Of course I spend less on some things, much more in other areas but I really appreciate your transparency and completeness. Best to you and your wife in 2025!
Sure, everyone's expenses will be different but the key is to track them and reduce where needed. As a retired person, I certainly have the time to micromanage the budget. Happy New Year! Buzz
This is less of a budget and more of a tracking. This is critical but what SHOULD you be spending and how do you track compared to that? Some stuff is easy to predict and some not so much. It would be great to take this yearly information, create a 2025 budget, and see how you track throughout the year to that budget. It's a fairly labor intensive process but you seems to have the hard part down - the tracking part. As always best of luck!
One melt down and you are in trouble. Eventually you’ll get too sick to work. So I’m just gonna have to suck it up. I’ve been a blue collar worker all my life. I’ve been paid to fix things. That has, and I hope, will be my saving grace. Happy New Year!
I enjoy these updates! If you get a part-time job other than UA-cam, make sure it’s something you enjoy. Maybe a hardware store or a garden center come spring. Even $8-10k/year is a lot if you can sock it away and/or use it to cover big ticket items such as new cars, big medical bills, etc. Happy New Year and Go Bucks!
The best thing about retirement is I don't HAVE to do anything I don't want to do. Right now I'm comfortable with home projects and doing UA-cam. How will I feel a year from now? Who knows! Lol. Happy 2025!
Im 65 years old and still full time till the plant closes and relocates to Wisconsin from California. They said too expensive here. But I thank you for the board. Gives me an idea on the future. Not quite apples to apples, but helpful. Best wishes to you and your family Buzz for a great 25’!
As a retiree, I would recommend that you try living on your retirement budget now, before you “ have to”. It’s a way to see what adjustments you would need to make and see how comfortable you are making them.
Nice breakdown of expenses Buzz. Kind of nice to compare stuff from a different state. For example, natural gas is 30 dollars in the Summer and up to 300 in the Winter per month. Water is almost exactly 120 per month, sometimes up to 140 in the Summer. I have a small home, so property taxes 300 month. I started tracking expenses because of you, so I’m on track too figure stuff out…Happy New Year Buzz!!!!
Does your water include sewer? I don't receive a sewer charge since I have an aeration tank. Glad you're tracking! I think you're ready for retirement!
Just here to say happy new year to you, Mrs. Buzz and everyone else who sees this. Been fun watching you this year. Looking forward to 2025....which puts us one more yesr closer to retirement 😂
Well done, Buzz. Hope we all get to share those next 5 years together my friend. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and all the regulars on the weekly. Good health, happiness, and countless blessings to you all!
Happy New Year, Buzz. I think you're doing great with your budgeting. Remember, you worked for and are blessed with a paid-for home. That is a huge advantage that not all of us will have in retirement. Keep the vids coming, really enjoy them.
That's true. We are fortunate to have it paid off but we did choose something less expensive and nowadays homes are ridiculously high priced. Thanks for being here! Happy New Year 🎊
Happy New Year Buzz! Thank you again for sharing your valuable insight with all of us. I am finally 30 months from retirement as of January 2025. I have really been practicing the past 6 months what you brought up in this video = being honest with myself regarding my budget amounts.
Happy New Year to you and Mrs Buzz. I’ve really enjoyed spending the last year with you. It’s been so fascinating and your whiteboards always make me smile. Thanks for all your hard work. On to 2025!
Thank you for all of your transparent and valuable budget teaching you provide all of us Buzz. Praying for a great 2025 for you. Not hopeful for our Browns. Go CAVs and BUCKS!!
Congrats Buzz. I've been retired for 17 years. Not counting gifts and charity and a new roof , I spent about what my SS came in at. And that includes State and Federal tax payments. During my working years I was a dedicated saver and investor. I wasn't much of a spender.
I'M SO GLAD YOU ARE STILL BREAKING THE BUDGET DOWN!! I just can't get enough!!! Happy New Year to you and Mrs. Buzz!! Keep them coming!!!! Need to ask you a question? I think your email has changed. You have mine!
Thank you and happy new year! My email is buzzretirementgarage@gmail.com but I still have the other ones. I'm sure you're in there somewhere. Thanks for being here in 2024!
I’d try to live off SS as a challenge. I’d certainly make sure there’s something to fall back on. Enjoy the videos!! I still have a couple yrs, but I’ve started watching a few different retired guys channels. Happy new year!
Absolutely! I think on the low end 300k saved might work depending on your area, debt and lifestyle. Other's need $500,000 as a minimum. You have time to figure it out. In the meantime, lower debt and stack money! Happy 2025 to you! Buzz
Don’t go back to work. You paid your dues. This is the season of life you do what makes you happy. And we dumped cable over a year ago and went with Hulu tv and we are happy
A strong finish for the year! One thing that helped me in 2024 was to simplify my expenses - no house, car or pets anymore. I set up a spreadsheet that showed the budgeted amount in one column and actual amount spent in another column so I could see where I spent more or less than expected. Also using a debit or credit card (paid off in full each month) so I have a paper trail for every dollar spent.
Happy New Year Buzz ! We really need to be teaching these skills to the folks just starting out, it's just as important in your 20's as in retirement. Into another year of retirement you go - Congrats. Looking forward to the ballcap this year ! Best to you into the future - livingbthe dream like a master !!
Happy 2025 to you! Can't wait to see what this year brings! Started Medicare January 1st so there's something I've never done before. Yes, the earlier we learn finance the better off we are. I wish I had a mentor 20 years ago. Buzz
Wow! You did well in December! You guys lived well, not scrimping on much, still trending well on the food budget, cable changes incoming. You guys are sitting pretty good for 2025!
Happy New Year, Buzz, from Houston, TX! You have had quite a year on the White board. You and Mrs. Buzz have done such a great job getting your grocery budget down. I know it is hard to make changes, so "KUDOS" to Mrs. Buzz for being willing to try You Tube TV. I hope it works out for you! I agree with another commenter...I hope you opt to continue You Tube versus a part-time job. They could not possibly appreciate you like we do. Think about the merchandise shop to increase your income! Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be right for you. Thank you again, for a great year! All my best to you and your family!
Buzz, I am so glad to see the end of the month white board!!! Great to see that you came out ahead this month. Your words of advice are so true. My dozen eggs went from a little over $5.00 to $6.09 last week and yesterday I went to 2 grocery stores and both were out of stock. The person working in the dairy department said it was because of the bird flu 🙁. He did say I could still buy the tiny quail eggs for a king’s ransom!! Yikes. Happy New Year to you and your family. Wishing all of us all good things in 2025.
I appreciate you being so thorough and honest with your numbers. Unbelievable what people spend on phones. We have two Tracfone lines. $20 per month each with unlimited text and calling. 4GB of data each and unused data rolls over. The phones were about $150 each and we keep them for years. Drive repaired R-title cars and only have liability insurance which is only about $600 per year with Erie insurance. If I hit a deer or something I have to fix it and I am ok with that.
Mint Mobile is doing unlimited everything for $15/month but you pay the one year now. Thinking about it. When my car gets reduced a little more in value I may go liability only. I need to check the numbers. Thanks for the comment and Happy New Year! Buzz
Happy New Year ! Buzz, thanks for all of the great Retirement info. R.I.P Rocky Colavito - The Pride of Cleveland - You gave us so much happiness ! ! Old Schoolers really miss Municipal Stadium ~ Cherished memories
9 time all star. I was too young to appreciate him. Him and Jim Brown. The old guards of Cleveland sports are relaxing in Heaven. Happy New Year to you!
Hope the YT channel is making up the difference for you Buzz. You seem to enjoy it and it gives some flexibility you might not have in PT work. Happy New Year!
I think you did really well for it being the first year of a "new thing". With your tweaks and learning from the past year, I'm betting you'll be well into the black for 2025. Looking forward to your videos in the coming year, Happy New Year!
I really enjoy watching your channel as it provides people an example of how to develop and track expenses. It is really good for those on a moderate retirement income. By developing a monthly line item budget it clearly defines expenses. I have been budgeting for 45 years, and I am 63. I am working one more year, and currently living off my military retirement and VA benefits. This year my entire income is maxing out my 410k and putting the remainder into cash. Like you, I am hoping to help others on a fixed income develop budgets so they can live on their retirement income, and live a good life where they can do things that make them happy. Your information is valuable!! Have a great New Year!!
Word of caution on dropping dental insurance - the insurance companies negotiate significant discounts for all procedures that you won't be able to get on your own. We found this out the hard way and it really cost us when we went on our own. Ask your dentist about the difference next time you go in. I broke a crown that now requires a bridge because the dentist couldn't save the tooth. It's going to cost a couple hundred, but the receptionist told me it would have been $11,000 if I didn't have insurance!
ok, I am onboard. Lets start the new year right. I have been following for a month or so, and now is the perfect time to start. I am strict on my budget now just need to get the wife to stay on top of it also. I am using quicken personal finance to track my expenses. I am also in Ohio and find a lot of our expenses are similar. Glad to be here
Happy New Year to you and yours Buzz, truly hope 2025 will find us all happy and healthy. Thanks again for your monthly breakdown, no doubt you put effort into these videos, and thanks for your extra tips on savings. Best to you.
One benefit with dental insurance is that the rates the dentist can charge are capped. For example, a crown may cost $600 with insurance - the insurance pays whatever percentage it pays and you pay the balance of the $600. Without the insurance, the dentist is not limited to $600 and may choose to charge $800 or more. (This happens with out of network dentists too.) Cash patients do not have the protection of capped rates. However, many dentists will agree to limit their charges to insurance rates - but you need to check with them in advance. It is a good idea to get a rate sheet from them if you are thinking of becoming a cash patient - so you can make an informed decision. FYI - Dentists often like cash patients as there is no pre-approval requirement or insurance paperwork to mess with - this is why they may accept the lower/insurance rates. Many dentists do not like (or even accept) the Medicare Dental HMOs as they are slow to pay and the paperwork/approval process can be a hassle.
Great advice! They usually tell me about the cost before insurance. Their crown costs are $1,200. Our plans pay 60% of that. I could find a less expensive practice, but I like this dentist and I've seen a few in my life. I'll get the rate sheet before making a decision.
Nicely done, back in black! For the month, at least. 😅 I'm a bit of a math nerd so for me, one of the most interesting things to see at the end of the year is the total spending in each category (among other statistics). That was a pretty powerful motivator for my wife, who is not so frugal as I am. Like if you consider your grocery spending, the annualized difference between spending $859/month and $1089/month is almost $3000 per year. That is enough to cover any one (or more) of your other categories other than house taxes! That's a pretty incredible statistic that is not immediately obvious looking at the month-to-month numbers. Anyway, great video as always. Maybe I'm off the mark here but I get the sense that you and Mrs. Buzz are pretty comfortable at this level of spending, so it's pretty easy to imagine ways to make up the deficit if you were someone who did need to live entirely on social security, even if you didn't have as much SS income. That's what makes this series so valuable, and I can't get enough of it!
Miss Vicki keeps a spreadsheet for me because I'm too cheap to buy Excel and pay the yearly fee. She does have the total spend per category on it. My wife buys too much at Christmas but I'm guilty the rest of the year. Yes, we could get really frugal if we needed too but not just yet. Maybe if the market has a bad year we'll think twice.
I’m reading that if you’re in the market for any new technology, buy it now before the proposed tariffs kick in (if they actually do) after the next Administration comes into office. Tariffs are high for computers, etc since so much comes from other countries.
I faint when I hear your monthly house taxes of $450. I just paid my property taxes for the year $218.03. However, I pay a small fortune for my employer supplement to Medicare of $532.00 a month, it includes dental. Guess it all evens out. My discretionary spending is out of control but going to work on that this year. I gave up UA-camTV this year, got way too expensive. Right now I just have Hulu and BritBox. You did a great job this year.
Happy New Year Buzz. I brought in the new year watching your December update! It’s going to be interesting to see how the Social Security increase of 2.5% will help when states like Missouri just increased minimum wage by 11.8%. Looking forward to your updates in 2025!!
When you retire check with your insurance company about dropping your rates based on the daily mileage you drive. In my case it was a big drop in mileage and my insurance rates dropped.
Hi Buzz! Happy New year to you and your family! We have two extra line items in our monthly budget that allow us to budget for future expenses that we know are coming. Next car and future trips. That money flows into our "futures" bank account every month...
That's a good idea. I know the car expense is coming. I am tracking daily operating cash knowing the bankroll will have to cover the big expenses. Happy New year.
I think you showing your budget monthly is super helpful to your viewers. I would like to see what part time income added to your social security to see how that impacts and helps the budget.
Happy new year Buzz. Do what makes you happy. One day you and I (68) won't wake up. I use an antenna. I refuse to PAY to watch commercials. (Tyler, the Antenna Man on UA-cam.) Lav Mic.?
I am going to put up an antenna this year. We already checked what's in our area to receive and it's a lot. We'll get her on UA-cam TV then throttle down from there. Baby steps. Don't know the brand of mic. In garage and too lazy to look. Lol. Buzz
Happy New Year glad you made it thru 2024. Don't forget to ask utilities for Senor discount and get your Buzz Bus Pass for reduced fare. Also have they broken ground on new stadium. Part time guess services or leadership position maybe a good fit for you.
Happy New Year to you too! 28 minutes ago I got on Medicare! Lol. I have all my discount cards for sure! Don't be surprised if the Browns are moved to Columbus. This time I don't want them back.
Social security income is important to us in America. We invest in it by our withholding contributions! I will get $288.00 more next year! Yep, a whole $288.00... Thanfully I was a saver, trying to live under my means and have saved. Love your videos and ever smiling demeanor.
Enjoying the budget breakdown while I soak in my jacuzzi tub full of hot water on a cold 🥶 New Year’s Eve. Its 54 degrees right now and that is cold for me. Happy New Year to you and Buzz’s wife.
Buzz, love your attitude and attention to detail. Thanks for sharing this level of transparency. My wife and I are 5 years away from retirement. I'm new to your channel, but do you have a video on how you were able to cobble together health and dental (pre-Medicare) for yourself so cost effectively? I'd love to understand your research there. I intend to retire at around age 62-63 and health and dental coverage prior to Medicare is a big concern from a monthly budget standpoint. Hope you and Mrs Buzz have a great 2025!
Happy new year! I do have a few videos but basically, I went to a Health Market insurance agency, and they confirmed my findings on Healthcare.gov. They did add some extras that I probably would never have thought of like a sickness and accident plan through Golden rule (United Healthcare) which would write a check for $10,000 for a heart attack or other major things. My deductible on the ACA was $9,500 so she fixed me up with the plan. I ended up paying $88/month for healthcare with a $812 subsidy. UHC also had a reasonable dental/vision plan. There are Health Market insurance companies in every state. It's free to work with them so nothing to lose. Of course, your numbers will be different than mine based on your state etc. Buzz
@@BuzzRetirementGarage Perfect! Thanks for sharing. I wasn't factoring in a potential subsidy. Good to know and understand. Thanks as always for this content...so very much appreciated!
It's my birthday today! I haven't taken social security yet. I am retired though. Won't wait much longer, probably take it in the middle of this year. Take care everyone.
I always try to remember there are people who hava lot more money than we have but there are also those who have a lot less. I'm just thankful for what we have and we try to manage it the best that we can. Hope you and your family have a blessed year. Always enjoy your videos!
Happy new year everyone who enjoys this channel. Cheers
Happy New Year to you!
Don’t go back to work Buzz. Stay with UA-cam. This channel makes you happy
It does make me happy because all of you are here! Happy New Year!
Buzz couldn’t leave us, he would miss us. 😛
@@MargaretGSmith-c1q I definitely would!
@@BuzzRetirementGarage That's right! Stay "work-optional"!
This is a true reality show! Thank you for being willing to share this level of transparency. I think these types of very frank, yet UPBEAT, discussions about money are sorely lacking in our society. I genuinely believe we have been conditioned to not talk about money, because the powers-that-be don't really want us to ever understand how money works. The less we talk about it, especially with other folks who have learned lessons, good and bad, the less we know about money and the more mistakes we're likely to make...mistakes that various financial institutions want us to keep making!
@j - I agree. Businesses can charge what the market will bear because we don't know what they charged the person next door. We won't/don't share what we paid to someone.
Why? It used to be a 10% mark up was OK.
Today, well, it can be much higher...
So, everyone suffers being overcharged many times.
Just saying...
I wish I was exposed to this type of transparency with family and friends while growing up. Could have been life changing.
@@BuzzRetirementGarage - I had the benefit of two, very good financial role models, and I paid attention. Also got lucky with how much the market has gone up over the last 15+ years.
It's interesting how we look forward to your monthly budget review! Thanks for making "budget talk" so inspiring!
I appreciate each and every one of you tuning in! Happy New Year!
You have such an "up" attitude. It's always nice to see your videos. No negativity....just good thoughts.
Happy New Year to you and Mrs. Buzz. I hope 2025 is a great one for you both.
Thank you for the kind words! Happy New Year! 🎊
Love Your channel! I had a great teacher in high school that had us bring in a Sunday newspaper and we picked out a house and a car that we wanted to live in, then we had to go from there to figure out things like mortgages, car insurance and maintenance, and so on. Then we started to look at what kinds of jobs would give us the income needed to cover the expenses. A great eye opener for kids getting ready to head out into the world.
Now that was an excellent teacher! I don't remember having that kind of real life situation. I did take Single Survival which was mostly guys and we learned to cook and sew. Between shop class and SS I thought I had based covered but nope, no finance. Could have changed my life.
@@BuzzRetirementGarage My younger brother took that kind of class because there were a lot of girls in it...he had a lot of dates back then and he still makes great cookies!
@@k26kv31 I took typing in my senior year for the same reason! I only needed 3 credits so I took fluff classes and study halls. The girl that sat in front of me in 1978 dated my best friend after highschool. She's a Facebook friend still!
You did fine this month. Coming in $189 under your SS is great. Incidentally that will just about cover the two bottles of Tattinger champagne I bought for New Years and the wife's 80th birthday. She likes her bubbly and I figured she was only going to turn 80 once, so why not. I hope you and Mrs. Buzz have a great New Years.
Tell her Happy birthday from us! Enjoy! Happy New Year! 🎊
@@BuzzRetirementGarage Will do.
I like your attitude!
Happy New Year there Buzz.... ya know, during COVID - I tried cutting my own hair (as my typical shop was closed)... I found out that I could do it just as good, without the drive over there and the wait... or the tip. Ha ha ha - still cutting it today and will continue. This has saved me about $50 or so a month and a fair bit of time. 💈
It is always so interesting to see other people's budgets. Of course I spend less on some things, much more in other areas but I really appreciate your transparency and completeness. Best to you and your wife in 2025!
Sure, everyone's expenses will be different but the key is to track them and reduce where needed. As a retired person, I certainly have the time to micromanage the budget. Happy New Year! Buzz
Kudos to Mrs. Buzz for being willing to make the cable change 💃
Hopefully she's not tricking me! Happy New Year!
This is less of a budget and more of a tracking. This is critical but what SHOULD you be spending and how do you track compared to that? Some stuff is easy to predict and some not so much. It would be great to take this yearly information, create a 2025 budget, and see how you track throughout the year to that budget. It's a fairly labor intensive process but you seems to have the hard part down - the tracking part. As always best of luck!
One melt down and you are in trouble. Eventually you’ll get too sick to work. So I’m just gonna have to suck it up. I’ve been a blue collar worker all my life. I’ve been paid to fix things. That has, and I hope, will be my saving grace. Happy New Year!
You're right. Anything can happen. Plan for the best but expect the worst! Happy 2025!
Yay! The white board is back! Love these episodes ❤
Two white boards today. Finish with a bang. Lol
Wishing all the guys and gals that enjoy coach Buzz a prosperous and healthy New Year. !!! 👍
So nice of you! Happy New Year in 2 minutes!!
I enjoy these updates! If you get a part-time job other than UA-cam, make sure it’s something you enjoy. Maybe a hardware store or a garden center come spring. Even $8-10k/year is a lot if you can sock it away and/or use it to cover big ticket items such as new cars, big medical bills, etc. Happy New Year and Go Bucks!
The best thing about retirement is I don't HAVE to do anything I don't want to do. Right now I'm comfortable with home projects and doing UA-cam. How will I feel a year from now? Who knows! Lol. Happy 2025!
Im 65 years old and still full time till the plant closes and relocates to Wisconsin from California. They said too expensive here. But I thank you for the board. Gives me an idea on the future. Not quite apples to apples, but helpful. Best wishes to you and your family Buzz for a great 25’!
Thank you. Happy New Year to you too! 🎊
As a retiree, I would recommend that you try living on your retirement budget now, before you “ have to”. It’s a way to see what adjustments you would need to make and see how comfortable you are making them.
Nice breakdown of expenses Buzz. Kind of nice to compare stuff from a different state. For example, natural gas is 30 dollars in the Summer and up to 300 in the Winter per month. Water is almost exactly 120 per month, sometimes up to 140 in the Summer. I have a small home, so property taxes 300 month. I started tracking expenses because of you, so I’m on track too figure stuff out…Happy New Year Buzz!!!!
Exactly! Helpful to compare other state's living expenses. Glad Buzz will continue these!
Does your water include sewer? I don't receive a sewer charge since I have an aeration tank. Glad you're tracking! I think you're ready for retirement!
@ Yes, it includes sewer. I’m getting closer to figuring things out for sure…
Just here to say happy new year to you, Mrs. Buzz and everyone else who sees this. Been fun watching you this year. Looking forward to 2025....which puts us one more yesr closer to retirement 😂
Appreciate you being here. Say hi to the family. Happy New Year! 🎉
I really appreciate your content, Buzz. I am 56 and years (hopefully) from retiring. Wishing you and all of your fans here, a fabulous 2025 ahead!
Thanks! Appreciate you being here. Happy New Year!
Well done, Buzz. Hope we all get to share those next 5 years together my friend. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and all the regulars on the weekly. Good health, happiness, and countless blessings to you all!
You ready to chart the next 12 months or maybe I should stop being cheap and get Excel? Lol
@@BuzzRetirementGarage I've got you covered. ☺
Thank you for showing us another month. I appreciate it.
Thanks for being here. Happy New Year 🎊
Happy New Year, Buzz. I think you're doing great with your budgeting. Remember, you worked for and are blessed with a paid-for home.
That is a huge advantage that not all of us will have in retirement. Keep the vids coming, really enjoy them.
That's true. We are fortunate to have it paid off but we did choose something less expensive and nowadays homes are ridiculously high priced. Thanks for being here! Happy New Year 🎊
We, the January babies of 1960, are officially golden on Wednesday. Congratulations Buzz
We made it!
Happy Birthday to the January babies… me too 🥳
@@kristentheologus-KTechnogal Yes!
I really enjoy your videos and hope you continue! Happy New Year!
Thank you. Supportive comments such as yours give me the desire to forge ahead! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I like how you break it down every month. I like your channel. You keep it real!
Happy New Year to you too! Appreciate you stopping in! Buzz
I agree with your move to reset your fiscal year to the calendar year - less confusing in the long run.
I can't handle complication. Lol. Happy New Year!
Happy NEW YEAR to you and misses Buzz! Thank you for all the videos.
Thanks for watching and Happy New Year to you too!
Happy New Year Buzz! Thank you again for sharing your valuable insight with all of us. I am finally 30 months from retirement as of January 2025. I have really been practicing the past 6 months what you brought up in this video = being honest with myself regarding my budget amounts.
I'm glad you're doing it a few years out from retirement. You'll have a great handle on things when that great day comes! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you and Mrs Buzz. I’ve really enjoyed spending the last year with you. It’s been so fascinating and your whiteboards always make me smile. Thanks for all your hard work. On to 2025!
What kind words! Thank you. Happy New Year! 🎊
Thank you for all of your transparent and valuable budget teaching you provide all of us Buzz. Praying for a great 2025 for you. Not hopeful for our Browns. Go CAVs and BUCKS!!
Great game today! Happy 2025 to you my friend!
Congrats Buzz. I've been retired for 17 years. Not counting gifts and charity and a new roof , I spent about what my SS came in at. And that includes State and Federal tax payments. During my working years I was a dedicated saver and investor. I wasn't much of a spender.
Great job! Have a prosperous 2025! Happy New Year! 🎉🎉
Buzz I’ve really enjoyed your info. I hope you keep this channel going. It’s nice that you’re up front about everything. Happy New Year
I think I'll do three or four more years or until people get tired of me.
I'M SO GLAD YOU ARE STILL BREAKING THE BUDGET DOWN!! I just can't get enough!!! Happy New Year to you and Mrs. Buzz!! Keep them coming!!!! Need to ask you a question? I think your email has changed. You have mine!
Thank you and happy new year! My email is buzzretirementgarage@gmail.com but I still have the other ones. I'm sure you're in there somewhere. Thanks for being here in 2024!
I’d try to live off SS as a challenge. I’d certainly make sure there’s something to fall back on. Enjoy the videos!! I still have a couple yrs, but I’ve started watching a few different retired guys channels. Happy new year!
Absolutely! I think on the low end 300k saved might work depending on your area, debt and lifestyle. Other's need $500,000 as a minimum. You have time to figure it out. In the meantime, lower debt and stack money! Happy 2025 to you! Buzz
Don’t go back to work. You paid your dues. This is the season of life you do what makes you happy. And we dumped cable over a year ago and went with Hulu tv and we are happy
Yeah, Netflix subscription isn't very expensive, like cable.
She likes to watch news channels that aren't found on all the apps. UA-cam TV will fit the bill. Baby steps for Mrs. Buzz
A strong finish for the year! One thing that helped me in 2024 was to simplify my expenses - no house, car or pets anymore. I set up a spreadsheet that showed the budgeted amount in one column and actual amount spent in another column so I could see where I spent more or less than expected. Also using a debit or credit card (paid off in full each month) so I have a paper trail for every dollar spent.
Good ideas! Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉
Happy New Year Buzz ! We really need to be teaching these skills to the folks just starting out, it's just as important in your 20's as in retirement. Into another year of retirement you go - Congrats. Looking forward to the ballcap this year ! Best to you into the future - livingbthe dream like a master !!
Happy 2025 to you! Can't wait to see what this year brings! Started Medicare January 1st so there's something I've never done before. Yes, the earlier we learn finance the better off we are. I wish I had a mentor 20 years ago. Buzz
Wow! You did well in December! You guys lived well, not scrimping on much, still trending well on the food budget, cable changes incoming. You guys are sitting pretty good for 2025!
Always afraid the other shoe will fall. Probably biggest fear is getting another vehicle. Prices are so high even for decent used cars.
Congrats Buzz and Mrs Buzz, one year of the new experience under your belt!
Thanks for being here! I really do appreciate you! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
Happy New Year, Buzz, from Houston, TX! You have had quite a year on the White board. You and Mrs. Buzz have done such a great job getting your grocery budget down. I know it is hard to make changes, so "KUDOS" to Mrs. Buzz for being willing to try You Tube TV. I hope it works out for you! I agree with another commenter...I hope you opt to continue You Tube versus a part-time job. They could not possibly appreciate you like we do. Think about the merchandise shop to increase your income! Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be right for you. Thank you again, for a great year! All my best to you and your family!
You are the best and I always appreciate your comments! Let's see what 2025 brings! Happy New Year!
I can't believe how cheap your car insurance is and your property tax. You did fantastic!
Every area is different. Some higher, some lower. Happy New Year!
Happy new year Buzz and Mrs Buzz 🎉
Happy New Year to you my friend!
Love the monthly budget recap. Keep up the good work.
Way to go Buzz. Happy New Year!
Thank you! Happy New Year to you!
Buzz, I am so glad to see the end of the month white board!!! Great to see that you came out ahead this month. Your words of advice are so true. My dozen eggs went from a little over $5.00 to $6.09 last week and yesterday I went to 2 grocery stores and both were out of stock. The person working in the dairy department said it was because of the bird flu 🙁. He did say I could still buy the tiny quail eggs for a king’s ransom!! Yikes. Happy New Year to you and your family. Wishing all of us all good things in 2025.
The recalled Costco eggs so good thing I went to Sam's club. I don't want bird flu to be the problem of 2025. I like my eggs! Happy New Year! 🎉🎉
I appreciate you being so thorough and honest with your numbers. Unbelievable what people spend on phones. We have two Tracfone lines. $20 per month each with unlimited text and calling. 4GB of data each and unused data rolls over. The phones were about $150 each and we keep them for years. Drive repaired R-title cars and only have liability insurance which is only about $600 per year with Erie insurance. If I hit a deer or something I have to fix it and I am ok with that.
Mint Mobile is doing unlimited everything for $15/month but you pay the one year now. Thinking about it. When my car gets reduced a little more in value I may go liability only. I need to check the numbers. Thanks for the comment and Happy New Year! Buzz
Happy healthy 2025 New Year Buzz 🐝 & Mrs Buzz 🐝!
Thank you! You're very kind and Happy New Year to you too!
Happy New Year ! Buzz, thanks for all of the great Retirement info.
R.I.P Rocky Colavito - The Pride of Cleveland - You gave us so much happiness ! !
Old Schoolers really miss Municipal Stadium ~ Cherished memories
9 time all star. I was too young to appreciate him. Him and Jim Brown. The old guards of Cleveland sports are relaxing in Heaven. Happy New Year to you!
Thanks again for sharing Buzz
Thanks for being here! Happy 2025 to you!
Hope the YT channel is making up the difference for you Buzz. You seem to enjoy it and it gives some flexibility you might not have in PT work. Happy New Year!
Happy New year to you too!
Happy New Year, Buzz!
Happy 2025 to you! Let's make it a good one!
I think you did really well for it being the first year of a "new thing". With your tweaks and learning from the past year, I'm betting you'll be well into the black for 2025. Looking forward to your videos in the coming year, Happy New Year!
Thank you. Hopefully two years in a row without major issues but we'll see. Happy New Year to you!
I really enjoy watching your channel as it provides people an example of how to develop and track expenses. It is really good for those on a moderate retirement income. By developing a monthly line item budget it clearly defines expenses. I have been budgeting for 45 years, and I am 63. I am working one more year, and currently living off my military retirement and VA benefits. This year my entire income is maxing out my 410k and putting the remainder into cash. Like you, I am hoping to help others on a fixed income develop budgets so they can live on their retirement income, and live a good life where they can do things that make them happy. Your information is valuable!! Have a great New Year!!
Thanks for sharing! I appreciate you watching. Here's to a great 2025 for both of us! Happy New Year! Buzz
I’ve just finished my first year of doing exactly this, and can now safely say that I can comfortably retired at about age 92…😂 Happy New Years Buzz.
I hope that was a typo! Feels that way sometimes. Happy New Year.
😂😂😂
You're wonderful! This is so dang helpful!!!!
I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Happy 2025. Buzz
Word of caution on dropping dental insurance - the insurance companies negotiate significant discounts for all procedures that you won't be able to get on your own. We found this out the hard way and it really cost us when we went on our own. Ask your dentist about the difference next time you go in. I broke a crown that now requires a bridge because the dentist couldn't save the tooth. It's going to cost a couple hundred, but the receptionist told me it would have been $11,000 if I didn't have insurance!
I understand and agree. I have to look at all the worst case scenarios and determine which way to go.
Keep the UA-cam going. You have inspired me in many ways one of which is your happy disposition.❤
The song, "Don't worry, be happy" didn't fit me when I was working but now it fits like a glove! Happy 2025!
ok, I am onboard. Lets start the new year right. I have been following for a month or so, and now is the perfect time to start. I am strict on my budget now just need to get the wife to stay on top of it also. I am using quicken personal finance to track my expenses. I am also in Ohio and find a lot of our expenses are similar. Glad to be here
Glad you're here! Happy 2025 to you!
I like your positive energy! Happy New Year to you and the Mrs.
Retirement is so fantastic! Thank you for being here. Happy New Year to you too! 🎉
Buzz is awesome!
Thanks! Happy New Year 🎊
Another excellent budget review! Happy New Year Buzz and Mrs. Buzz and all your people ❤.
Happy New Year to you and yours Buzz, truly hope 2025 will find us all happy and healthy. Thanks again for your monthly breakdown, no doubt you put effort into these videos, and thanks for your extra tips on savings. Best to you.
Thanks for being a long time viewer and friend. Have a great 2025!
Lots of great tips Buzz. I think this is very helpful for comparison to everyone else who takes the time to review their finances. Happy New year
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Wishing you a prosperous and healthy new year! Marc C. out.
Thank you and same to you! Happy New year!
Buzz, love the monthly breakdown. Keep it going! Happy New Year!
Thanks! Happy New Year to you too!
Happy New Year to you & Mrs. Buzz! Thank you for your videos. Looking forward to the upcoming ones in 2025.
Happy New Year to you too! Let's hope 2025 treats us all well!
Good video Buzz. Gotta pay for rain fall…wow. Have a great 2025 Buzz and Mrs. Buzz!
What will they think of next? Happy New year!
One benefit with dental insurance is that the rates the dentist can charge are capped. For example, a crown may cost $600 with insurance - the insurance pays whatever percentage it pays and you pay the balance of the $600. Without the insurance, the dentist is not limited to $600 and may choose to charge $800 or more. (This happens with out of network dentists too.) Cash patients do not have the protection of capped rates.
However, many dentists will agree to limit their charges to insurance rates - but you need to check with them in advance. It is a good idea to get a rate sheet from them if you are thinking of becoming a cash patient - so you can make an informed decision. FYI - Dentists often like cash patients as there is no pre-approval requirement or insurance paperwork to mess with - this is why they may accept the lower/insurance rates.
Many dentists do not like (or even accept) the Medicare Dental HMOs as they are slow to pay and the paperwork/approval process can be a hassle.
Great advice! They usually tell me about the cost before insurance. Their crown costs are $1,200. Our plans pay 60% of that. I could find a less expensive practice, but I like this dentist and I've seen a few in my life. I'll get the rate sheet before making a decision.
Happy New Year! Thanks for sharing
Happy 2025! Let's make the most of it!
Nicely done, back in black! For the month, at least. 😅 I'm a bit of a math nerd so for me, one of the most interesting things to see at the end of the year is the total spending in each category (among other statistics). That was a pretty powerful motivator for my wife, who is not so frugal as I am. Like if you consider your grocery spending, the annualized difference between spending $859/month and $1089/month is almost $3000 per year. That is enough to cover any one (or more) of your other categories other than house taxes! That's a pretty incredible statistic that is not immediately obvious looking at the month-to-month numbers.
Anyway, great video as always. Maybe I'm off the mark here but I get the sense that you and Mrs. Buzz are pretty comfortable at this level of spending, so it's pretty easy to imagine ways to make up the deficit if you were someone who did need to live entirely on social security, even if you didn't have as much SS income. That's what makes this series so valuable, and I can't get enough of it!
Miss Vicki keeps a spreadsheet for me because I'm too cheap to buy Excel and pay the yearly fee. She does have the total spend per category on it. My wife buys too much at Christmas but I'm guilty the rest of the year. Yes, we could get really frugal if we needed too but not just yet. Maybe if the market has a bad year we'll think twice.
I’m reading that if you’re in the market for any new technology, buy it now before the proposed tariffs kick in (if they actually do) after the next Administration comes into office. Tariffs are high for computers, etc since so much comes from other countries.
Happy New Year to the Buzz Family. Also Happy New Year to all of Buzz's Retirement Garage subscribers.
Thank you my friend. I enjoy you being here! Happy New Year!
Awesome job living off SS Buzz! Happy New Year to you and yours!
Thank you! Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉
Love your monthly that is part of the channel ....... Have an happy new year
Thank you for being here! I appreciate you. Happy New Year! 🎉
Another great video. You are showing that successful retirement can be achieved with planning and realistic discipline. Happy New Year.
Thank you. Happy New Year!
I faint when I hear your monthly house taxes of $450. I just paid my property taxes for the year $218.03. However, I pay a small fortune for my employer supplement to Medicare of $532.00 a month, it includes dental. Guess it all evens out. My discretionary spending is out of control but going to work on that this year. I gave up UA-camTV this year, got way too expensive. Right now I just have Hulu and BritBox. You did a great job this year.
Why are you paying $532? I don't fully understand. Happy New Year!
This is such good information to think about as i prepare for retirement in a few years.
Helps us to hold the line. We have good conversations about some of the items. It helps both of us.
Always looking forward to monthly updates on your budget report, are you planning on doing a UA-cam recap! Happy 2025
Thank you! No looking back. Forward we go! Happy New Year! 🎉🎉
Happy New Year Buzz. I brought in the new year watching your December update! It’s going to be interesting to see how the Social Security increase of 2.5% will help when states like Missouri just increased minimum wage by 11.8%.
Looking forward to your updates in 2025!!
Thanks for being here and Happy New Year!
Great Video. My father used to say "the barber learns his trade on the heads of fools"
I never heard that before but it made me chuckle. Happy 2025.
When you retire check with your insurance company about dropping your rates based on the daily mileage you drive. In my case it was a big drop in mileage and my insurance rates dropped.
I have to talk to them after the Holiday and I'll bring that up. Thanks!
Hi Buzz! Happy New year to you and your family! We have two extra line items in our monthly budget that allow us to budget for future expenses that we know are coming. Next car and future trips. That money flows into our "futures" bank account every month...
That's a good idea. I know the car expense is coming. I am tracking daily operating cash knowing the bankroll will have to cover the big expenses. Happy New year.
I think you showing your budget monthly is super helpful to your viewers. I would like to see what part time income added to your social security to see how that impacts and helps the budget.
I'll do my part time income reveal sometime in January. It does help me feel better about having a lower level of savings. Happy New Year!
Happy New Years. Enjoy your channel.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year.
Looking forward to your 2025 videos!
Happy New Year my friend. Let's pray 2025 goes our way! 🎉🎉🎉
Happy New Year Buzz and Ms, Buzz!
Happy New Year to you too!
Happy new year Buzz. Do what makes you happy. One day you and I (68) won't wake up. I use an antenna. I refuse to PAY to watch commercials. (Tyler, the Antenna Man on UA-cam.)
Lav Mic.?
I am going to put up an antenna this year. We already checked what's in our area to receive and it's a lot. We'll get her on UA-cam TV then throttle down from there. Baby steps. Don't know the brand of mic. In garage and too lazy to look. Lol. Buzz
Happy New Year glad you made it thru 2024. Don't forget to ask utilities for Senor discount and get your Buzz Bus Pass for reduced fare. Also have they broken ground on new stadium. Part time guess services or leadership position maybe a good fit for you.
Happy New Year to you too! 28 minutes ago I got on Medicare! Lol. I have all my discount cards for sure! Don't be surprised if the Browns are moved to Columbus. This time I don't want them back.
Happy New Year Buzz and family!
Thank you and Happy New Year! 🎉
Good job 👏👏👏👏👏Happy New Year 🎉
Thanks! Happy New Year to you 🎉
Wishing you a prosperous New Year filled with exciting opportunities and good health.HAPPY NEW YEAR BUZZ 🙏🇺🇸
Thank you so much! Happy New Year to you as well!
Social security income is important to us in America. We invest in it by our withholding contributions!
I will get $288.00 more next year! Yep, a whole $288.00...
Thanfully I was a saver, trying to live under my means and have saved.
Love your videos and ever smiling demeanor.
Thank you.
Glad to see your looking at you grocery spending. Best if luck in 2025.
Thanks and Happy 2025 to you!
Enjoying the budget breakdown while I soak in my jacuzzi tub full of hot water on a cold 🥶 New Year’s Eve. Its 54 degrees right now and that is cold for me. Happy New Year to you and Buzz’s wife.
I saw your home tour tonight and I saw your Jacuzzi tub. Nice place. Say hello to your doggie for me. Happy New Year! 🎊
Happy New Year! Buzz.
Happy New Year to you my friend!
Buzz, love your attitude and attention to detail. Thanks for sharing this level of transparency. My wife and I are 5 years away from retirement. I'm new to your channel, but do you have a video on how you were able to cobble together health and dental (pre-Medicare) for yourself so cost effectively? I'd love to understand your research there. I intend to retire at around age 62-63 and health and dental coverage prior to Medicare is a big concern from a monthly budget standpoint. Hope you and Mrs Buzz have a great 2025!
Happy new year! I do have a few videos but basically, I went to a Health Market insurance agency, and they confirmed my findings on Healthcare.gov. They did add some extras that I probably would never have thought of like a sickness and accident plan through Golden rule (United Healthcare) which would write a check for $10,000 for a heart attack or other major things. My deductible on the ACA was $9,500 so she fixed me up with the plan. I ended up paying $88/month for healthcare with a $812 subsidy. UHC also had a reasonable dental/vision plan. There are Health Market insurance companies in every state. It's free to work with them so nothing to lose. Of course, your numbers will be different than mine based on your state etc. Buzz
@@BuzzRetirementGarage Perfect! Thanks for sharing. I wasn't factoring in a potential subsidy. Good to know and understand. Thanks as always for this content...so very much appreciated!
@@willferrell8524 You're very welcome. Happy 2025!
Great info Buzz! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉
It's my birthday today! I haven't taken social security yet. I am retired though. Won't wait much longer, probably take it in the middle of this year.
Take care everyone.
Happy New Year, Buzz! 🎉
Happy New Year in 8 minutes!