How I Automate My Finances
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- Опубліковано 10 чер 2024
- In this video I'll walk you through how (and why) I automate my finances, including bill payments and investments.
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🧐 Watch a full-length (47 minutes) companion video to this on on Nebula, where I go through my entire budgeting/financial planning process and custom spreadsheet template: curiositystream.com/thomas
📱Here's my budgeting spreadsheet template: thomasjfrank.com/free-budgeting-spreadsheet-template/
🖊 Quote of the week: “It is not hard to make money in the market. What is hard to avoid is the alluring temptation to throw your money away on short, get-rich-quick speculative binges. It is an obvious lesson, but one frequently ignored.” - Burton G. Malkiel, "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" 👈yet another great reason to automate your finances.
Is your car loan on auto pay?
Hi Thomas, thanks for another awesome video! Wondering if this full-length video is going to be on Skillshare too or only on Nebula?
@@wjrasmussen666 yep! Auto-pay all the things
@@TienNguyen-vj5yg this one's just on Nebula!
@@Thomasfrank another reason to subscribe to Nebula :) thanks for your prompt reply Thomas!
One thing that I did that helped immensely (which I learned from another finance UA-cam video), is call and have the due date for my cell phone bill, my utilities, and all my credit cards moved to the 1st of the month. So you only have to check and track money going out of your account on one day. It makes managing your bill payments sooo much easier.
I get paid 2x a month, so I moved them into two groups of about equal amounts.
This is really helpful. Thank you.
Great advice, thank you!
I have mine go out on payday, which isn't the first for me. It means that everything is covered and I know exactly what I have left.
you pay bills periodically, what's the point of moving to 1st of month?
Great video. I'm 65 years old and have been following this basic plan for my entire life. Back in the day I wrote out the checks and dropped them in the mail. Setting up an automatic payment for your monthly expenses not only makes sure you pay on time but also gives you a clear insight into what you are spending if you are not doing a budget. This approach has saved me many times when life interfered with paying attention to my bills. And believe me, life will get in the way, and automation takes one more worry off the table. If you set it up to pay a little more than your typical utility bill, if you don't have time to review at least the bill is paid. And guess what, the next month the overpayment is deducted from your bill.
Thomas is like the older brother that every late millennial or gen z needs in their life...
This comment is amazingly accurate
Well said
Exactly! Through our own research and experience let's hope we all become that older brother in the future.
100% agree!! Perfect statement 👍👍
trueee
One thing i started doing for peace of mind really was making my auto investments happen on a pay day. Having to pay rent and utility bills in the first week AND see my investment money leave the account for my bank account down to some low balances and having the floating room for a paycheck so that my balance quite literally stays close to the same is super satisfying
I feel like you and I would get along great in real life! This is how I run my stuff as well, great job.
In my humble opinion, the most important step in personal finance is to read the book "Millionaire Next Door". It's a real eye opener.
👆👆Thañks för watchîng, Reaçh oút för persönalized finànciàl cöaching..••••
Another tip (that I sadly figured out about 20 years into adulthood) is to call your credit card companies and get them all on the same pay date. All of my CCs are due on the 15th. It makes it easy for me to remember when it’s due.
It shouldn’t matter, because the money needs to be there. If it is not there, then you shouldn’t buy it.
Not possible in Canada
@@mtissink it may not matter to you, but having everything due on the same day means having to check your accounts less. Automation makes life easy.
Here in the Netherlands there are credit cards, but (I assume) 99% of all transactions is debit card.
@@mtissink Ahh I see. Thanks for that! it's way different here in America. We have to worry about building credit here. It's easy if people are responsible, but it's a vicious and predatory system for those who aren't.
This personal finance tech tree is an amazing idea!
awesome tips, Frank! thanks for sharing
Lots a good advice, but one caveat is needed. A healthy 44 year old friend suddenly fell into a coma and died two weeks later. He had everything set up on his password protected laptop- automatic payments, online statements, and billing. But no one knew his password to stop subscriptions, cell phone, or access his accounts to his final bills.
Last part is very true. I would definitely still monitor my autopay bills or have it setup to send me notifications when a bill is paid. Worked in telco and i've seen several people randomly get bills that are 100x their usual bills due to billing errors. I've also had a similar bill from my power company that I've disputed and got back $300. After you reach a certain amount in savings these amounts can fly under the radar.
100x would not fly under the radar, but I did find over $200 leaked out from stuff that should have been cancelled and wasn't.
@@boomergames8094 Again, depends on your savings. When I worked for billing in telco I would get several complaints during tax time about 10-100x and higher bills that were several months old. Most of these were business people/high paid professionals and hired accountants only once a year that noticed this/had everything automated. These bills were a drop in the bucket in terms of their overall savings and other expenses.
One thing I do is set up all my auto pay from my bank side versus on the vendor’s side. It gives me the control to dictate when and if the vendor gets their money, versus giving the vendor the permission to debit my account every period. Because how do you revoke that permission? I’ve heard of instances of people canceling a subscription but still getting debited.
Also, I send the vendor the same amount every month. For the most part, my finances don’t fluctuate much, so this works out. If it turns out that I’ve overpaid one month, then I can either ask for refund, or just take the credit and pay less the following month. But my budget doesn’t get blown up because I have sent them an amount that I had already budgeted for. But if it turns out that I’ve underpaid because of a mishap similar to what you’ve stated above, they will get in contact, trust me hahaha. But I’m that case, I can dispute the charges with my money secure in my account, versus me being them to give me my money back, and waiting 7 -10 business days for a refund to be processed.
Who needs a version 2.0 of this one! 🙌
Great video. I'm a tech guy so I was hoping the "automate" part was going to be more than just "set up automatic payments / transfers". But still great advice overall!
Same here. I have plenty accounts in differents countries (and brokerage accounts) and a real automation would have been a blessing
Very insighful, thank you so much for your help 🙏🏻
Love the idea of the tech map.. I want to do that for so many things now
This is the video i needed to see to know i am on the right track.
Nice! I am on the right track. I am already automating investments and bills. I need to look into credit card rewards. Thank you 🙏🏿
Adapt to a lifestyle, be thrifty, set a budget, save money, and make investments to live within your means. I benefited from this as a six-figure income. With this strategy, my retirement savings have increased by almost $1 million.
I use to be like this when I was younger, now I'm way better with money. I'm just not impressed with a lot of material items anymore. Having a budget and having patience is something I had to practice overtime.
how do I go about this Zach? I want to try all my options
we actually already have this integrated in our banks native app in Norway. Nice video! :D
I was cheesin when I saw the Mark Holcomb PRS that is in my room also being on your wall. Love the content, love the guitars, love the music taste. Keep it up bro!
Technologies are changing quickly, new jobs are being created all the time and schools just struggle to keep up... in 2023 everyone should learn personal finance and teach our kids!
Very interesting topic, thanks!
Hi Thomas! Do you use Excel for personal finance instead of Notion? I’m checking your free file!
The Civ comparison is hilarious and brilliant!
This is exactly what I was looking for, but this video is more about why than how.. I want the how, maybe a Notion template?! :)
Same here!
Bro I’m on my KNEES for a finance notion template from either Thomas or Ali 😂🙏
His Excel sheet is crazy comprehensive. Not sure that Notion can currently handle what his spreadsheet does
The actual automation is pretty easy and doesn't require any special tools. Just set up auto-pay or auto-transfers at all the relevant accounts.
Some tools that can help with monitoring all your balances include Personal Capital (what I use) and Mint.
Here's the Google Sheet template I use to do all my planning - thomasjfrank.com/free-budgeting-spreadsheet-template/ - unfortunately Notion just doesn't have the feature set to even come close to replicating this yet.
@@Thomasfrank Is personal capital in the same vein as Mint or YNAB? A fee and it syncs to your accounts so that you can manage them?
I wasn’t financial free until my 30’s and I’m still in my 30’s, bought my second house already, earn on a monthly through passive income and got 4 out of 5 goals, just hope it encourages someone that it doesn’t matter if you don’t have any of them right now, you can start TODAY regardless your age INVEST and change your future! Investing is a grand choice I made. Great video! Thanks for sharing! Very inspiring! I love this
Nice one Chris. Any investment tip?. I would love to know how you made it this far.
Well having monitored edge my portfolio performance which has made a jaw dropping $473k from just the past two quarters alone, I have learned why experienced traders make enormous returns from the seemingly unknown market. I must say it's the boldest decision I've taken since recently.
@@hunter-bourke21 I've been thinking about going that route. I have a lot of stocks that I have maintained, but they are beginning to lose value, so I'm not sure if I should hold onto them or sell them. I feel hiring your investment coach would make it easier to restructure my portfolio.
Mary Onita Wier, Maintains an online presence. just make a simple search for her name online.
Thank you for the information. I conducted my own research on Mary Onita Wier, It appears to be highly skilled and knowledgeable. I've sent her an email and arranged a phone call. Her expertise is impressive, and I'm eagerly anticipating our conversation.
the tech tree concept is a stellar idea to gamify personal finance
What is your tech tree app your using? Looks awesome! And thanks for this budget info...
Thanks for a clear, considerate video.
Doing a regular review of what youve automated really is key, as it keeps a connection with your finances and helps us not to be scared of managing money 👍🏾
Absolutely true. I've found stuff that I should have stopped months ago, but its automated so gets lost. I now check quarterly.
Great video!
Thanks!
I figured a few of these only recently .. for instance only this past year have I posted both income and due dates. I keep both due date and closing date which IS NOT the same. And I always put the renewal date for subscriptions, many of which come up annually.
8:40 the robots got me as a gamer. Where is the personal finance tech tree? Can I download it or is it posted?
I remember a time where banking was done in person, with cash. Imagine every week taking money out of an account and transferring it to another account either in the same or another bank. That is a long time queing. Been there done that. Whilst I miss using cash, I do find it more convenient to automate.
Hey, this is my first time seeing your channel, do you still have the Excel template? I checked the description but could not find it
Thank you for the video, this will ensure i will not be disturbed and I'll have a stress free hibernation :))
Thank you so much for creating this video! So helpful! 😊🙏🏼💛
This is the first I've seen of you and I must say you'll be getting my views. I'm always in my books and I'm always looking for bigger/better/different ways to expand my techniques.
👆👆Thañks för watchîng, Reaçh oút för persönalized finànciàl cöaching..••••
Hey Thomas, awesome video! I was wondering, what is the software you use to do voiceover when sharing your screen? I am helping people make courses and this looks like a valuable tool if you're able to do it live!
👆👆Thañks för watchîng, Reaçh oút för persönalized finànciàl cöaching..••••
I think most creators use audacity to record voice-overs :)
Dude... You've mastered the computer...
1. Tutoring
2. Counseling
3. It
4. Field Research
5. Media Skills
Very very helpful video! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻☺️ Thanks a lot for sharing with us 🙏🏻 ☺️
👆👆Thañks för watchîng, Reaçh oút för persönalized finànciàl cöaching..•••
Super hard to save with me seeing the fender acoustasonic in the background. 😆
I’m kidding. I do like it though. Good informational video!
Is it possible to get access to the personal finance tech tree, Thomas?
I automate my monthly Roth investment and S&P 500 index fund. It’s the best thing you can do for your long term financial success
I want to invest like you. Where are you doing it?
Hey, as a creator, I was thinking of posting on skill share but is nebula better ?
I can’t seem to find that walk through video anywhere has it been taken down?
That looks like fun 😄
Is this teck tree you showed in the video available anywhere?
Is the Personal Finance Tech Tree available somewhere as a resource?
thanksss
Basically use direct debits to automatically pay bills you can't avoid and standing orders to ringfence money into savings or investments to prevent you from spending it mindlessly. It's been a mainstay of banking for decades, and can be done without even having internet banking.
Do you have the flowchart somewhere? Checked the article and didn't see it either.
Thank you for sharing sharing your personal experiences in investing.
Thumbs up just because you put a Civ reference in a finance video.
Your mic sounds good
Subscribed just by reading the comments!!
What app does he use to map out his thoughts like that anyone know?
What app do you use that does all this?
How do I access the free budgeting excel sheet?
Who else wants to gib thomiss a smooch 😘 man is really out here securing future's.
I am a sentient bear watching your video! 😂 Great Video Mate
I would pay for that spreadsheet
It's free! thomasjfrank.com/free-budgeting-spreadsheet-template/
Would you share the "Tech tree" you talk about?
Do you have a video on how to invest for beginners?
160 hours averaging 14$ an hour net = 2,240 a month. Any part time / full time night jobs you (Thomas) or anyone else would recommend for me to improve my situation? I keep ending up close to zero after rent, cell phone, medical insurance, car payment, and food.
My sister’s adamant about finance automation because she doesn’t trust the biller, thinking they might overcharge her or something oof
Its been almost a year now that i didn't see new video. I hope you are doing well brother
Dope video
👆👆Thañks för watchîng, Reaçh oút för persönalized finànciàl cöaching..•••
Any alternatives for Vanguard for europe?
is that tree available for download?
great first take, you have about 1/3 of it automated right. there is still a lot more you can do
What’s the name of the Mindmaps tool? At 5:17?
Whimsical!
Seconding the cash buffer. I have used that method since the mid-80s and now into my retirement.
(:
Yo bring back that podcast dawg
I love this guy.
👆Thañks för watchîng, Reaçh oút för persönalized finànciàl cöaching..••
Extraordinary person reading this, you are not define by your circumstance or your past. It’s not what happened to you that determines your success in life; it is how you deal with those circumstances that determines your success in life! You are strong, you are capable and practice forgiveness and gratitude everyday. This will change the course of your life forever! Love you always and I believe in you wholeheartedly ❤️- Nat
This video is so crazy watered down.
Wow, I have never seen anyone create a tech tree for personal finances before. Would you be willing to share this with us mere mortals? And yes, I use my credit card the same way, to get the perks and pay off in full each month.
this video is helpful!
But how do you name all those automated transfers? For example my bank doesn’t have the option to name those automated transfers in a specific pattern. For example I would like to name the transfer as “savings for month xxx” and xxx should be the name of the month in which the automated transfer happens. Do you have some solution for that?
In my experience, you don't set them up directly with your bank - you set them up at the service where you pay or deposit. So there's no list of transfers in your online banking software.
I'd recommend creating your own list, perhaps in Notion, or perhaps in budgeting software that does it automatically for you (like Rocket Money)
For all the late teens/early 20 year olds: Credit cards are A DANGEROUS THING! What Thomas says is 100% true. You should treat it like a debit card. Credit card companies will be reaching out and offering you larger and larger credit lines. DONT USE THEM UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY! You can wait to save up for the new xbox. I know this goes without saying, but take it from someone who is now paying back for all their mistakes they made in their early 20's because I wanted to live outside of means.
This is great, thanks man!
How many people work on your team?
What a fantastic and very informative video!
Automation is such a key to a more success financial life, (in my opinion).
Consistency is so powerful and can lead to a sound financial future.
Perfectly timed 😁 ty sir.
This seems very similar to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. Thats what I am using. Otherwise very good video.
Everything you do, see and feel is a reflection of not who you are, but how you are
You got this bestie keep striving
👆👆Thañks för watchîng, Reaçh oút för persönalized finànciàl cöaching..•••
I was wondering if you can share that process flow that you outlined in your video? That might be helpful for me. Thank you.
Yep! thomasjfrank.com/techtree/
Hope you've been well man ✌🏽
You should include YNAB in your discussion… especially for 1-month buffer.
I want to find a way to automatically pay my property taxes
At 2:25 what type of account did you set up at Vangard?
I just opened a regular taxable account at the time. I believe I picked their STAR fund, as back then it had the lowest minimum investment which was $1,000.
Things are WAY different (and better) for beginner investors now. There are so many great ETFs that have no minimum investment, and it's way easier to set up a Roth or Traditional IRA now too.
@@Thomasfrankcool thanks for the response. Just discovered your channel and there’s SOOOO much info here. Subbed!
What supplies do you buy?
👆👆Thañks för watchîng, Reaçh oút för persönalized finànciàl cöaching..•••
I read the title as "How I Automate My Furnaces" and thought this was a Minecraft Redstone video.
You're a real one
When you're early but don't know what to comment
Half a million views, 14K likes and only 228 dislikes. He just said "automate your finances" without telling how to do it and then spent about 30% of the video telling use about a sponsor and how you should buy a book.
This is pitiful.
I have one question Tom. You said you use credit card only as a means to pay for what you'd be paying for anyway. At least here in Europe, this is exactly what we have debit cards for - they come automatically with creating your bank account and every card payment is essentially a proxy for bank transfer. Having "credit" cards is actually quite uncommon here (we just take a general-purpose loan if we need more money than we own). Are debit cards not common in US?
Debit cards are actually quite common here in the US. The difference is, debit cards give little (if any) perks and rewards. On the other hand, credit cards can give upwards of 5% cash back in some cases or many airline points. Of course, the downside is the interest payments if you don't pay on time. Debit cards are useful for people who have a hard time paying off their credit card bills, but by using automated payments like Tom mentions, this would not really be an issue.
Ray covered it well - we do have debit cards here; you usually get one with any personal bank account. But I almost never use mine. I do use automatic ACH transfers for mortgage, since I can’t pay that on a credit card.
But for literally anything I can put on a credit card, I do. That’s partly for the benefits - my personal card gets me 2% cash back and I have business cards that get up to 5% back on certain things.
(Caveats: my limit is high enough that i never go above 30% utilization. Going higher can hurt score. And since I always pay the full balance, I never have to pay interest. So it’s just full-on better than a debit card)
Credit cards are also better for dealing with fraud - if your info gets stolen, it’s way easier to dispute transactions with a credit card company than with your bank.
@@Thomasfrank any Credit Cards you recommend for Business
Debt cards have the danger and difficulty of getting your money back if your account is hacked or an incorrect charge is made. A customer at my store changed is mind 30 seconds after a charge was processed. Even with my help it took 3 months before the money was back in his account.
i started using your spreadsheet last year, when i was coming off of a work reassignment with a huge pay cut and needed to make sure that I could cut back where needed and keep all my finances in order. as a twenty something fresh out of my parents house, it was definitely a lifesaver. looking forward to the new content on nebula!
I'm so glad it was helpful in that situation! It came in similarly handy for me a couple years ago when I needed to reduce my publishing schedule - having all that data at hand made me way more confident about doing it :)