Hope and Larry, you have made me so much more aware of food waste and I am so grateful! My food budget has decreased by 35% and we are still eating healthfully and deliciously. I love your focus on joyful frugality. Thank you both for your tips and encouragement. They are life changing.
My daddy just passed away in March. Daddy made it so easy for me, his oldest daughter/ successor of his trust, by setting up his cremation plan 7 yrs ago. We paid $100 down and locked in a price that would not increase and the balance to be paid by his estate. Just paid his total bill, including 10 certified death certificates) $1188.50. Thank you daddy🥹 10:16
I was glad my Dad had paid for his, I only had to pay the ground opening fee for his funeral. I've been trying for years to get my mom to be prepared but she's dragging her feet so I know my husband and I will be responsible for her funeral cost just as we were when his mom passed away years ago, it's a responsibility we have planned for
I have been trying to put together a longer-term budget. Thought I had it all worked out until I remembered the Funeral plan....it'll have to wait until I've saved enough to replace my car in 2-3 yrs but at least it's in the long-term plan (now)...
Sinking funds have been a game changer for me. Especially where my car is concerned. There is money for the expected expenses and a cushion for repairs.
We homeschool with a Waldorf curriculum. I nearly had heart failure when I saw that we would need block crayons for $36. It hurt deep to buy those 16 colors but I'm glad I did. Seven years into our homeschool journey we still have the original crayons,we still use them everyday, non are broken or missing and we value them, which is a lesson in itself.
The first year after my spouse passed I also had to replace an old refrigerator, our car, our roof and some other appliances that all hit one after the other, as if I wasn’t already on overwhelm. But I found blessing in the things we had already discussed and were at least works in progress. When crisis hits it is hard to think, but what you have in practice or already discussed is more auto pilot where your brain otherwise is occupied. Spiritually and practically.
Working from home has saved us so much money. Not only the savings on office parties and gifts, but gas and car insurance costs went down. We even noticed costs savings for work clothes and lunches.
To me the best baby shower gift is a case of baby wipes, or I will make a diaper cake. Our whole extended family decided years ago that each family would give a single homemade preferably consumable item worth less than $20 to each family for Christmas. My favorite was to make a homemade meat rub for chicken, pork or beef. Bulk spices are very affordable and I would save all our empty spice jars to fill them. We don’t give toys for cousins birthdays. We would give a $25 check for their college fund. Our kid’s school requested a reasonable flat fee for supplies that then they would purchase in bulk at a deep discount and every kid received exactly the supplies they needed. We loved never having to track down the supplies and they were cheaper than us buying them ourselves. I wish all schools would do this for parents.
Condolence funds to someone widowed is also a big deal, and usually unexpected. Those that did this for me was so helpful, and last year and a couple of years ago I had several dear friends who also became widowed and it was so nice to bless them at their unexpected loss and time of grief.
Watching them die is grueling. One lives in a state where when 2 doctors concur about the terminal state she can choose to die peacefully..non of this painful absurd "battling cancer" statement...
@soleilwhitton6397 Heard on a radio station in western Minnesota..A funeral home was advertising for people to have funerals because there has been a downturn in their business. Walmart overnights a casket for under $1,000.Taking a page from Covud19 days people are doing a graveside ceremony- cheaper than cremation..many people donate their bodies to the local large teaching hospitals
A VERY timely vid. My April budget might be blown because i totally forgot my annual renewal of LifeLock, and Amazon Prime this month. 🤦🏾♀️I’m seriously considering letting one or both go. If I keep either/both I’m starting sinking funds for them. EDIT: I dropped LifeLock because unbeknownst to me, and thanks to my fave co-worker, I found out my AAA membership offers ID theft/credit monitoring service for free!🎉🎉
Insurances, oh my! Hubby has had good ins through his employer. He is retiring this summer. Between home, cars, my & our college sons' coverage and soon hubbys medicare + a medigap + part D drug plan, we will be paying more than 50% of our total budget for insurances!!! Here in the USA it is insane what seniors pay for health care!! Definitely did not anticipate that expense.😢
This year, I did my first written budget in a long time. I had to laugh at myself when I got my hair cut a few weeks back and realized hair cut did not fit any category. 😂 I made adjustments and expect to adjust again a few times as things change.
So true but being retired and single on a fixed income, I find that I have to forgo a lot of the extra costs and focus on JUST the main ones that I can afford to do. Christmas, birthdays, holiday meals small things. I can't like some people grab money out of the sky! Do I feel guilty, yes sometimes wishing my money could stretch further. But I try my best. 💙
@@lindawilson8434 of course it "could", but she could shave her head and still look great. If you haven't got anything nice to say keep it to yourself.
I'm guessing she had it cut to that length bc of her shoulder injury. It's probably painful for her trying to comb and brush her hair at a longer length.
When I subscribe to any service or have a recurring expense, I add it to my online calendar. I create a "task" 3 days before the renewal date as a reminder to cancel the charge if I'm not sure I want to renew. That way, it pops up on my screen and I can decide if I want to keep the subscription or not.
Because of you, Hope, and Larry, I started sinking funds last year. So this year, when I have to replace the tires on the car and the eyeglasses on my face, the money is in the bank! I have also redone my budget to include an amount for giving each month. Your advice has been very valuable. Thank you!
I’ve always bought “generic” or off brand toner and ink on Amazon for my printers. It’s usually 1/3 or 1/4 of the cost of brand names. I read reviews to make sure people have good luck with it.
I bought a printer to use while WFH during Covid and buy the ink from Ebay for very little cost. Best to check out ink costs before choosing the printer might pay more for the printer, but it the long term saves money.
For lunches, our state does not offer free lunch for students. I have my first grader bring their lunch 4 days a week and pick 1 day a week to eat lunch at school. Saves money but also allows them to participate with peers and have hot lunch when wanted! I also get to control what foods they get the majority of the week and can see what is eaten/how much etc.
There is a sinking fund few think of and that's an insurrance deductible fund. It not the highest priority fund for many but enough to cover the homeowner's/ renter's insurrance deductible, the deductible for each vehicle, the deductible for all the appliances and extended warranties, and a deductible for 1 in-patient hospitalization (this amount should cover an ER too). In general, you should be able to have a good 5 business days before needing to produce these deductibles so this fund can go into a less liquid account. With an actual fund, you have more options in deciding whether to go for a higher deductible for lower premiums too; or a more inclusive insurrance.
I was pleasantly surprised when I was told because I was on social security, I was eligible for a special funding by my state for any expenses my insurance didn't cover, if it was incurred by the hospital where my clinic is located. 28:09 This has really saved me. I'm in Minnesota by the way.
Here's what has come up lately: a trip for grandson's college graduation: therefore plane fare, hotel fare, gift, food. Next item: cat needs dental surgery; Then the car collapsed. All that happened after we bought new carpeting. At least we had saved for carpeting.
Always ask what you are actually paying for. What is covered. If doing any repairs,hire licensed and bonded contractors. Mechanics,go independent shop,not a dealership, because they charge insane amounts. Buying a vehicle, always have an independent mechanic go over the vehicle before you purchase. It will save you a lot of grief
Something I have done with regard to Christmas gifts is that THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, whenever I went into a store and saw something on sale and would think, "So-and-so would like that," I'd buy it (paying cash, of course). By October all my Christmas shopping was done except for little odds and ends. Not only that, there was no sudden huge expense in December and no credit card debt in the new year.
One of the best things I did was buying a black and white only printer. I did that for my office too. A lot cheaper than color cartridges! It has saved me soooo much money!
A real way with the school supplies problem is by home by sending her to school for special things like art or theater or band or chorus or orchestra or sports. You can do that everywhere. That saves half and reduces stress. If a child goes to school full-time, they only spend 12.5% of their year in school. Too much anxt and money is spent. I did it. OH look at that you have addressed this issue. Now I really admire you.
I would love to see a video on gift budgets. I can easily see over giving due to emotion. (I find that money and emotions don't mix well.). Thank you for these awesome ideas.
As far as school supplies, I have him reuse what he can every year, such as his backpack, used they same one for three years. Same pencil box, and the like. I use sinking funds throughout the year for his supplies/clothes/shoes.
Great share, guys. We have shared in holiday videos before about how people forget about the other stuff when budgeting for Christmas. We used to have a problem with forgetting about some of the once a year expenses, like car inspections and such. We now have a car sinking fun, for that. lol
Hi Hope & Larry so good to see the both of you ❤ Fantastic video as always ❤ 😊 Group meal planning for when i cannot make meals for Cowboy and myself when i have my Full Hip Replacement Surgery. Making these plans with my Bible Study Group from Church to help us. ❤
I budget starting in June for school supplies in August. I was surprised how expensive it was for my kids to do cross country in middle and high school. The high school coach was specific about snacks for the kids to eat and drink also. Many of the meets required a parking fee also. Another expense is spring time plants and mulch, this surprises me every year that I forget to budget for. I agree that medical expenses can take you by surprise too. I was surprised after having surgery this year how much I had to pay for lab fees. I didn't realize that I would have to pay for multiple lab fees.
I am an elementary schoolteacher at a low income area. Maybe a fourth of my students brought in supplies and I have purchased supplies for the remainder of the school year. One thing I have learned is that even in our small community, there are a lot of community resources that offer free school supplies. I will make sure I am advertising to parents on back to school night and on the school website times and locations. We also have a resource in my area of a foundation who provides free supplies for teachers who work in title one schools. I try to use that resource as much as possibleto cut down on the things I actually have to pay for. I would also recommend that parents ask the teacher what supplies they really need. I could get by without notebooks in the class, but students have to have pencils.
I look out for clearance on school supplies; after the month of September I start looking for deals for next year . I also threw out the year buy items I can gift 🎁 for birthdays 🎂 or Christmas 🎄
I recently had buyers remorse after going down the rabbit hole of buying pet ins. I'm retired and realized it was a huge budget breaker. 3 days later I canceled.
Good list. For those of us with pets, there is another place where we might blow the budget. Yearly check-ups and vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and heaven forbid, emergency trips to the vet. A sinking fund is a must!
So true. I just had to click one button to add something to my digital tv pack, but I had to actually call them up to remove it again, eventhought there was also a button on their side that said 'unsubscribe'. Turns out that just didn't work online and you had to call them. I guess they hope people don't want to bother with the extra step of calling in.
There was an unsubscribe button to cancel my music app. However when I pressed it, it sent me to an online person to "help" me through the process. I told them several times I wanted to cancel while they ignored me & tried to convince me to stay. It took over 30mins before they finally cancelled my subscription!
These are realistic items to consider, and years ago we made a sinking fund for these type of events come up during the year. Thanks for sharing ideas on how to help others.
Gifting expectations are ridiculous in our society. Every time you turn around someone is expecting (or even requesting) gifts or money. Bridal registries are insane these days!!! When did our society become so obsessed with expecting and asking others to give them expensive gifts for every occasion or event?
To keep costs down, make up a gift basket with two wine glasses, or champagne flutes, bottle of good wine or champagne,and chocolates... Wrap in cello Phone with a big bow for their wedding nite etc. Lovely gift for under $40.
@@sjbutler2330My ONLY gift can be a Holy Bible which can be ordered for free at several ministries. Perhaps some added home made wine or marmalade plus some nice flowers or plant for decorating the home.
Hi Hope and Larry,I live in the Netherlands,can’t tell you how helpful you’ve been,helped me out a lot,now I’m able to help and teach others, I have shown them some of your videos,great. Can I get your ebook too? Keep up the good work,thanks so much
Back to school expenses…I have two grandsons that are in school. I have worked in conjunction with their other Grandmother and together we take our grandsons, along with the list and do the “school supplies” shopping each year. We also take the boys to lunch. It is the extra thing we can do each year to help the parents. Thankfully there are no uniforms!! PS Funds to pay for this excursion is part of my emergency funds budget.
Mrs. Hope and Mr. Larry, is there any way you can touch more on giving? I just can't wrap my head around it while trying to pay off debt, but I want to understand your mindset more!
Insurance should only be for losses that you cannot pay for yourself. Never forget that insurance premiums must cover the cost of all claims, plus sales and marketing costs, and administrative costs. If you can regularly save enough to cover a kind of loss, you do not need insurance. You only need insurance for the costs you cannot bear, and for the negotiating power of the insurer. I cancelled my medigap coverage and save the cost of the premium in a sinking fund. When I have bills I use the sinking fund.
Thank you for all the informational video's that you post. I appreciate all the helpful tips you provide in addition to the emails I receive. Also, I love your haircut - beautiful!
We have a special fund for 6 months premiums for Auto Insurance. The Property Taxes are Spring and Fall for our Retirement Ranch, and Homeowners Insurance.....Annual.....❤
Funny, most physical therapist materials are sponges, tongs ,marbles red line on floor,squeeze ball or equivalent depending on injury. Cheap rubber bands a favorite but costs a fortune. Insurance lawyers government get the hell out and much cheaper. Let's go back to not sue or sue cause I said no court ever. My pay check is all. Millions of dollars. Lawyers get that
Crazy and I got hurt so yes I know. I'm smart and disability says over 18,000 a year your fine. I'm like that's a cardboard box to live in any less. Crazy, I get very little and try and work and held against me. I love this country but sad to see where it's going.😢
I use to pay car insurance in full but after my car became undrivable and I to get a new-to-me car and had to finance some of it, ,(I did have a large portion saved and my payment is fairly small) it raised my insurance. I have been saving and hope it won't take too long to pay at least 6 months at a time but for now this is what I have to do.
Hope and Larry you hat do you guys think of Lemonade insurance ❤ I would like your feedback. Lemonade reminds me of Mint Mobile in the sense that now w can pay much less for phone service va regular carriers
Can you share how some of the items worked out? I am comparing prices to the east coast, but 80 cents for Russet potatoes (at 8 pounds for $1.88) would be about 3.5 pounds or 4-5 ounces per person. Did you make them as a casserole? Sweet potatoes here were 49 cents a pound at one store, so how much did you get for 60 cents? If 2 pounds (about 2-3 large sweet potatoes), how did you make it stretch for 10 people? Can you share? Hope you got some photos of the spread! Thanks.
The sweet potatoes were a side dish. I cut them into smaller pieces. If the pieces are smaller, people will take less - especially when there were several other side dishes.
Yes medical my husband and I have been hit too. Easter he had to go to Urgent care to start 75.00 copay truckdoor smashed his thumb and infection was setting in Oh and our copay there is threw employer's insurance.
Not trying to be a Debbie Downer butttt.... We are of the age where we are attending funerals. That is another expense to consider. Travel, food, gas, hotel....
Why would you do THAT as a Christian? Either the person buried is saved by Grace (born again John 3:3) or not. Either way, it doesn't matter if you attend, they wouldn't talk to you. It's just the BODY. 🙏❤️
Christians generally think it appropriate to support the loved ones of the deceased as they go through the worst of their intense shock and grief. That’s why.
@@LauraMacMillan-el2kc They should have preached the gospel to these "loved ones" way before anyone dies. THAT is REAL Christian love! And if it is a real Christian funeral (meaning the deceased person was saved) there is in fact no reason for grief because they are WITH CHRIST which is far better! And their loved ones will be comforted and supported by GOD on earth too! So in conclusion, when somebody would NEED TO attend a funeral (just for the reason of communion with the family) and has no means to go there financially then a TRUE Christian would offer them money to buy gas, hotel etc. too. There's no other way I see it. 🙏❤️
I have a question..if you know ahead of time that your child is going on a school trip and that includes one meal that they will stop and purchase- say McDonald’s- or some sort of quick meal place. Do you allow them to purchase a meal or do you have them take lunch? I know your kids were not in public school but hypothetically if they were.
Interesting that you should ask this. Just last night, Larry handed Phil $12 to go out to eat with his friends after their jazz concert. Phil works and has his own eating out budget (which he tracks in Every Dollar), but Larry wanted to treat him. When it's a special occasion, we definitely handed over a few dollars for our kids to get lunch.
Nice hair, Hope. Ahhhh!!! Enjoy the wedding!!!!
Hope and Larry, you have made me so much more aware of food waste and I am so grateful! My food budget has decreased by 35% and we are still eating healthfully and deliciously. I love your focus on joyful frugality. Thank you both for your tips and encouragement. They are life changing.
Your hair looks beautiful, Hope!
That ache at night, Hope, is healing process. When done, no pain. I pray it lessens.
Funerals can catch you off guard. Whether you're responsible for its cost or just sending flowers.
My daddy just passed away in March.
Daddy made it so easy for me, his oldest daughter/ successor of his trust, by setting up his cremation plan 7 yrs ago.
We paid $100 down and locked in a price that would not increase and the balance to be paid by his estate.
Just paid his total bill, including 10 certified death certificates) $1188.50.
Thank you daddy🥹 10:16
I was glad my Dad had paid for his, I only had to pay the ground opening fee for his funeral. I've been trying for years to get my mom to be prepared but she's dragging her feet so I know my husband and I will be responsible for her funeral cost just as we were when his mom passed away years ago, it's a responsibility we have planned for
I have been trying to put together a longer-term budget. Thought I had it all worked out until I remembered the Funeral plan....it'll have to wait until I've saved enough to replace my car in 2-3 yrs but at least it's in the long-term plan (now)...
Funerals ..how so? Your personal family members..term life ins or donating body to science?
Or taking the time and energy and money to travel to the funeral
Sinking funds have been a game changer for me. Especially where my car is concerned. There is money for the expected expenses and a cushion for repairs.
I have a sinking fund for car insurance, car maintenance and car registration. I need to start a car replacement fund.
Every summer a couple weeks before school starts, Alabama has a tax free weekend on school supplies, including computers.
Same in New Mexico.
Texas has this too and it’s so nice.🥰
We homeschool with a Waldorf curriculum. I nearly had heart failure when I saw that we would need block crayons for $36. It hurt deep to buy those 16 colors but I'm glad I did. Seven years into our homeschool journey we still have the original crayons,we still use them everyday, non are broken or missing and we value them, which is a lesson in itself.
The first year after my spouse passed I also had to replace an old refrigerator, our car, our roof and some other appliances that all hit one after the other, as if I wasn’t already on overwhelm. But I found blessing in the things we had already discussed and were at least works in progress. When crisis hits it is hard to think, but what you have in practice or already discussed is more auto pilot where your brain otherwise is occupied. Spiritually and practically.
Working from home has saved us so much money. Not only the savings on office parties and gifts, but gas and car insurance costs went down. We even noticed costs savings for work clothes and lunches.
To me the best baby shower gift is a case of baby wipes, or I will make a diaper cake. Our whole extended family decided years ago that each family would give a single homemade preferably consumable item worth less than $20 to each family for Christmas. My favorite was to make a homemade meat rub for chicken, pork or beef. Bulk spices are very affordable and I would save all our empty spice jars to fill them. We don’t give toys for cousins birthdays. We would give a $25 check for their college fund. Our kid’s school requested a reasonable flat fee for supplies that then they would purchase in bulk at a deep discount and every kid received exactly the supplies they needed. We loved never having to track down the supplies and they were cheaper than us buying them ourselves. I wish all schools would do this for parents.
Condolence funds to someone widowed is also a big deal, and usually unexpected. Those that did this for me was so helpful, and last year and a couple of years ago I had several dear friends who also became widowed and it was so nice to bless them at their unexpected loss and time of grief.
The scary thing me is that within the last week.
4 of my friends have been diagnosed with cancer. Thyroid, pancreatic stage 4, ling..strokes...
Watching them die is grueling. One lives in a state where when 2 doctors concur about the terminal state she can choose to die peacefully..non of this painful absurd "battling cancer" statement...
@@Joce123 Oh dear
I never thought about that. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't have life insurance so families have to pay for a basic funeral. and it is not cheap.
@soleilwhitton6397 Heard on a radio station in western Minnesota..A funeral home was advertising for people to have funerals because there has been a downturn in their business. Walmart overnights a casket for under $1,000.Taking a page from Covud19 days people are doing a graveside ceremony- cheaper than cremation..many people donate their bodies to the local large teaching hospitals
Its so easy to be frugal when you dont have any friends or family. 😊
🌻🌷🎂
It is harder to make friends with so many remote jobs..and some covid29/flu issues
A VERY timely vid. My April budget might be blown because i totally forgot my annual renewal of LifeLock, and Amazon Prime this month. 🤦🏾♀️I’m seriously considering letting one or both go. If I keep either/both I’m starting sinking funds for them. EDIT: I dropped LifeLock because unbeknownst to me, and thanks to my fave co-worker, I found out my AAA membership offers ID theft/credit monitoring service for free!🎉🎉
Insurances, oh my! Hubby has had good ins through his employer. He is retiring this summer. Between home, cars, my & our college sons' coverage and soon hubbys medicare + a medigap + part D drug plan, we will be paying more than 50% of our total budget for insurances!!! Here in the USA it is insane what seniors pay for health care!! Definitely did not anticipate that expense.😢
This year, I did my first written budget in a long time. I had to laugh at myself when I got my hair cut a few weeks back and realized hair cut did not fit any category. 😂
I made adjustments and expect to adjust again a few times as things change.
I see envelope stuffers call it BEAUTY.
Make up, haircuts, mani pedis. Things like that.
So true but being retired and single on a fixed income, I find that I have to forgo a lot of the extra costs and focus on JUST the main ones that I can afford to do. Christmas, birthdays, holiday meals small things.
I can't like some people grab money out of the sky!
Do I feel guilty, yes sometimes wishing my money could stretch further. But I try my best. 💙
You sound like such a kind person to do what you can do.
❤ing the new summer length hair Hope!
It could be a little shorter
@@lindawilson8434 of course it "could", but she could shave her head and still look great. If you haven't got anything nice to say keep it to yourself.
I'm guessing she had it cut to that length bc of her shoulder injury. It's probably painful for her trying to comb and brush her hair at a longer length.
Love the hair styles in both of you..but honestly, I watch for the life changing video content
Best thing of being frugal is you have extra money to give to others. It is so much fun.
When I subscribe to any service or have a recurring expense, I add it to my online calendar. I create a "task" 3 days before the renewal date as a reminder to cancel the charge if I'm not sure I want to renew. That way, it pops up on my screen and I can decide if I want to keep the subscription or not.
Excellent.
I agree Hope and Larry! Insurance is my number highest expense!
Because of you, Hope, and Larry, I started sinking funds last year. So this year, when I have to replace the tires on the car and the eyeglasses on my face, the money is in the bank! I have also redone my budget to include an amount for giving each month. Your advice has been very valuable. Thank you!
Yes recently we've both had Dental issues and we'll need to renew our Driver's License and License Plate Tags.
On Google..I typed affordable dental..got 1/2 off the part that my regular DDS insurance didn't pay.
I love Jesus and am so blessed by your wisdom
Anybody else consider these two your internet mom and dad? Thanks, yall. I got some great ideas from this video!
I’ve always bought “generic” or off brand toner and ink on Amazon for my printers. It’s usually 1/3 or 1/4 of the cost of brand names. I read reviews to make sure people have good luck with it.
I bought a printer to use while WFH during Covid and buy the ink from Ebay for very little cost. Best to check out ink costs before choosing the printer might pay more for the printer, but it the long term saves money.
For lunches, our state does not offer free lunch for students. I have my first grader bring their lunch 4 days a week and pick 1 day a week to eat lunch at school. Saves money but also allows them to participate with peers and have hot lunch when wanted! I also get to control what foods they get the majority of the week and can see what is eaten/how much etc.
During the summer, stores like Walmart and Target have amazing sales on school supplies!
There is a sinking fund few think of and that's an insurrance deductible fund. It not the highest priority fund for many but enough to cover the homeowner's/ renter's insurrance deductible, the deductible for each vehicle, the deductible for all the appliances and extended warranties, and a deductible for 1 in-patient hospitalization (this amount should cover an ER too). In general, you should be able to have a good 5 business days before needing to produce these deductibles so this fund can go into a less liquid account. With an actual fund, you have more options in deciding whether to go for a higher deductible for lower premiums too; or a more inclusive insurrance.
Your practical guidance takes the stress out of financial literacy, planning, and budgeting. I am so blessed by your videos.
I was pleasantly surprised when I was told because I was on social security, I was eligible for a special funding by my state for any expenses my insurance didn't cover, if it was incurred by the hospital where my clinic is located. 28:09 This has really saved me. I'm in Minnesota by the way.
Where?
Here's what has come up lately: a trip for grandson's college graduation: therefore plane fare, hotel fare, gift, food. Next item: cat needs dental surgery; Then the car collapsed.
All that happened after we bought new carpeting. At least we had saved for carpeting.
Always ask what you are actually paying for.
What is covered.
If doing any repairs,hire licensed and bonded contractors.
Mechanics,go independent shop,not a dealership, because they charge insane amounts.
Buying a vehicle, always have an independent mechanic go over the vehicle before you purchase.
It will save you a lot of grief
Love your new hair & nails Hope! You look beautiful xx
19:24
Number 10 was the killer for me insurance is so expensive nowadays and hope your hair looks so beautiful❤
Something I have done with regard to Christmas gifts is that THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, whenever I went into a store and saw something on sale and would think, "So-and-so would like that," I'd buy it (paying cash, of course). By October all my Christmas shopping was done except for little odds and ends. Not only that, there was no sudden huge expense in December and no credit card debt in the new year.
YNAB has really helped me with this concept and way of budgeting
One of the best things I did was buying a black and white only printer. I did that for my office too. A lot cheaper than color cartridges! It has saved me soooo much money!
A real way with the school supplies problem is by home by sending her to school for special things like art or theater or band or chorus or orchestra or sports. You can do that everywhere. That saves half and reduces stress. If a child goes to school full-time, they only spend 12.5% of their year in school. Too much anxt and money is spent. I did it. OH look at that you have addressed this issue. Now I really admire you.
They say that to be forewarned is to be forearmed and your videos drive that point home in the best way, thank you both!!
I would love to see a video on gift budgets. I can easily see over giving due to emotion. (I find that money and emotions don't mix well.).
Thank you for these awesome ideas.
How many people are you buying gifts for?
What can you afford to spend per person?
That's it.
Once you reach that limit you are done,period
Great list, I do overlook some of these. Love the bags Delaney makes, very clever.
As far as school supplies, I have him reuse what he can every year, such as his backpack, used they same one for three years. Same pencil box, and the like.
I use sinking funds throughout the year for his supplies/clothes/shoes.
Great share, guys. We have shared in holiday videos before about how people forget about the other stuff when budgeting for Christmas. We used to have a problem with forgetting about some of the once a year expenses, like car inspections and such. We now have a car sinking fun, for that. lol
Hi Hope & Larry so good to see the both of you ❤ Fantastic video as always ❤ 😊 Group meal planning for when i cannot make meals for Cowboy and myself when i have my Full Hip Replacement Surgery. Making these plans with my Bible Study Group from Church to help us. ❤
I budget starting in June for school supplies in August. I was surprised how expensive it was for my kids to do cross country in middle and high school. The high school coach was specific about snacks for the kids to eat and drink also. Many of the meets required a parking fee also. Another expense is spring time plants and mulch, this surprises me every year that I forget to budget for. I agree that medical expenses can take you by surprise too. I was surprised after having surgery this year how much I had to pay for lab fees. I didn't realize that I would have to pay for multiple lab fees.
Hope, your hair looks great!!
I am an elementary schoolteacher at a low income area. Maybe a fourth of my students brought in supplies and I have purchased supplies for the remainder of the school year. One thing I have learned is that even in our small community, there are a lot of community resources that offer free school supplies. I will make sure I am advertising to parents on back to school night and on the school website times and locations. We also have a resource in my area of a foundation who provides free supplies for teachers who work in title one schools. I try to use that resource as much as possibleto cut down on the things I actually have to pay for. I would also recommend that parents ask the teacher what supplies they really need. I could get by without notebooks in the class, but students have to have pencils.
hope, first of all your hair looks awesome!!😊secondlyguysthe video is so awesomethank you and God bless you
I look out for clearance on school supplies; after the month of September I start looking for deals for next year . I also threw out the year buy items I can gift 🎁 for birthdays 🎂 or Christmas 🎄
I recently had buyers remorse after going down the rabbit hole of buying pet ins. I'm retired and realized it was a huge budget breaker. 3 days later I canceled.
No family that's close by, and no friends, and one doesn't have to worry about "hosting" expenses.
We pay so much for insurance each month as well- but don’t dare drop things like life insurance.
Thank u for this important information‼️ Hair & nails look pretty Hope♥️
My insurance is by far the highest category
Good list. For those of us with pets, there is another place where we might blow the budget. Yearly check-ups and vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and heaven forbid, emergency trips to the vet. A sinking fund is a must!
Insurances and taxes are brutal!
Often those auto renew things are often easy to sign up for but really hard to cancel
So true. I just had to click one button to add something to my digital tv pack, but I had to actually call them up to remove it again, eventhought there was also a button on their side that said 'unsubscribe'. Turns out that just didn't work online and you had to call them. I guess they hope people don't want to bother with the extra step of calling in.
There was an unsubscribe button to cancel my music app. However when I pressed it, it sent me to an online person to "help" me through the process. I told them several times I wanted to cancel while they ignored me & tried to convince me to stay. It took over 30mins before they finally cancelled my subscription!
These are realistic items to consider, and years ago we made a sinking fund for these type of events come up during the year. Thanks for sharing ideas on how to help others.
Love this video! And you both look great love the haircut Hope!!!!!!❤
Gifting expectations are ridiculous in our society. Every time you turn around someone is expecting (or even requesting) gifts or money. Bridal registries are insane these days!!! When did our society become so obsessed with expecting and asking others to give them expensive gifts for every occasion or event?
Agreed. I just opt out.
To keep costs down, make up a gift basket with two wine glasses, or champagne flutes, bottle of good wine or champagne,and chocolates... Wrap in cello
Phone with a big bow for their wedding nite etc.
Lovely gift for under $40.
@@sjbutler2330My ONLY gift can be a Holy Bible which can be ordered for free at several ministries. Perhaps some added home made wine or marmalade plus some nice flowers or plant for decorating the home.
Hi Hope and Larry,I live in the Netherlands,can’t tell you how helpful you’ve been,helped me out a lot,now I’m able to help and teach others, I have shown them some of your videos,great.
Can I get your ebook too?
Keep up the good work,thanks so much
Hope, your hair looks lovely. The Easter meal looks healthy and delicious.
Back to school expenses…I have two grandsons that are in school. I have worked in conjunction with their other Grandmother and together we take our grandsons, along with the list and do the “school supplies” shopping each year. We also take the boys to lunch. It is the extra thing we can do each year to help the parents. Thankfully there are no uniforms!! PS Funds to pay for this excursion is part of my emergency funds budget.
Mrs. Hope and Mr. Larry, is there any way you can touch more on giving? I just can't wrap my head around it while trying to pay off debt, but I want to understand your mindset more!
Your hair looks great! Thanks for all the information you share on your channel.
Insurance should only be for losses that you cannot pay for yourself. Never forget that insurance premiums must cover the cost of all claims, plus sales and marketing costs, and administrative costs. If you can regularly save enough to cover a kind of loss, you do not need insurance. You only need insurance for the costs you cannot bear, and for the negotiating power of the insurer. I cancelled my medigap coverage and save the cost of the premium in a sinking fund. When I have bills I use the sinking fund.
Thank you for all the informational video's that you post. I appreciate all the helpful tips you provide in addition to the emails I receive. Also, I love your haircut - beautiful!
We have a special fund for 6 months premiums for Auto Insurance. The Property Taxes are Spring and Fall for our Retirement Ranch, and Homeowners Insurance.....Annual.....❤
❤💐 Always love your budget talks and Hope love your hair and nails
I have a nickname of lurch. A couple of guys started calling me lurch mizer for using coupons in the grocery store. Also
I forgot to set up for travel expenses beyond my transportation needs this month.
Excellent points to be considered and budgeted for!
We have started keeping petty cash for incidentals like blessing a grandson who helps load firewood.
Hope you look lovely.....haircut and nails!
The basket by your daughter in law in a show stopper. I would purchase hands down.
Funny, most physical therapist materials are sponges, tongs ,marbles red line on floor,squeeze ball or equivalent depending on injury. Cheap rubber bands a favorite but costs a fortune. Insurance lawyers government get the hell out and much cheaper. Let's go back to not sue or sue cause I said no court ever. My pay check is all. Millions of dollars. Lawyers get that
We signed a do not sue policy and got discount. That didn't last long
Injury paid all medical if couldn't work your current salary. Fair right... no no no people want millions
Crazy and I got hurt so yes I know. I'm smart and disability says over 18,000 a year your fine. I'm like that's a cardboard box to live in any less. Crazy, I get very little and try and work and held against me. I love this country but sad to see where it's going.😢
Love the basket so beautiful!
Really like your hair Hope! I buy third party ink for my printer. I buy at Amazon, done it for years. So much less cost and huge savings.
Hope, your hair style is beautiful. God bless you both.
Love the hair cut Hope.
Auto tags due yearly also.
Hi Larry and Hooe love ur show amazing things u can say e money on thank u u amazing couple god bless 😮😮
Dentist. Vet. Medical. Car expenses. Appliance breaks down.
I use to pay car insurance in full but after my car became undrivable and I to get a new-to-me car and had to finance some of it, ,(I did have a large portion saved and my payment is fairly small) it raised my insurance.
I have been saving and hope it won't take too long to pay at least 6 months at a time but for now this is what I have to do.
I wish that you could share specific hospitals & city on Minnesota
Did you get your hair cut again, Hope? Your hair & nails look nice!
Hope, your hair looks very nice.
What’s a good base to determine how much to budget for home maintenance? This is the one that always busts our budget 😫
I’m going to guess dentist and eyeglasses for 1 and 2 we will see what you say
❤
Hope and Larry you hat do you guys think of Lemonade insurance ❤ I would like your feedback. Lemonade reminds me of Mint Mobile in the sense that now w can pay much less for phone service va regular carriers
We've had lemonade home insurance for a few years. It feels very "AI" working with them, but for the price, it's worth it.
Thank you for your message. I should be able to see if it makes a difference in comparison to my previous car insurance
I have 2 high school graduates to get gifts for this year a nephew and a niece
Share the gospel with them, for free. 😉🙏
Can you share how some of the items worked out? I am comparing prices to the east coast, but 80 cents for Russet potatoes (at 8 pounds for $1.88) would be about 3.5 pounds or 4-5 ounces per person. Did you make them as a casserole? Sweet potatoes here were 49 cents a pound at one store, so how much did you get for 60 cents? If 2 pounds (about 2-3 large sweet potatoes), how did you make it stretch for 10 people? Can you share? Hope you got some photos of the spread! Thanks.
The sweet potatoes were a side dish. I cut them into smaller pieces. If the pieces are smaller, people will take less - especially when there were several other side dishes.
Cars yes cost alot. 4 news tires tomorrow. Yikes!!! And gas is close 4.00 a gal. Oil change 120. Yikes!😊
Yes medical my husband and I have been hit too. Easter he had to go to Urgent care to start 75.00 copay truckdoor smashed his thumb and infection was setting in
Oh and our copay there is threw employer's insurance.
Where on earth do you get asparagus for .88/lb? Lol!! Never, ever have I seen that.
It was on sale at Kroger right before Easter.
Not trying to be a Debbie Downer butttt.... We are of the age where we are attending funerals. That is another expense to consider. Travel, food, gas, hotel....
Why would you do THAT as a Christian? Either the person buried is saved by Grace (born again John 3:3) or not. Either way, it doesn't matter if you attend, they wouldn't talk to you. It's just the BODY. 🙏❤️
Christians generally think it appropriate to support the loved ones of the deceased as they go through the worst of their intense shock and grief. That’s why.
@@LauraMacMillan-el2kc They should have preached the gospel to these "loved ones" way before anyone dies. THAT is REAL Christian love! And if it is a real Christian funeral (meaning the deceased person was saved) there is in fact no reason for grief because they are WITH CHRIST which is far better! And their loved ones will be comforted and supported by GOD on earth too!
So in conclusion, when somebody would NEED TO attend a funeral (just for the reason of communion with the family) and has no means to go there financially then a TRUE Christian would offer them money to buy gas, hotel etc. too. There's no other way I see it. 🙏❤️
In Australia our car rego is ruffly 900 a year sometikes more so expensive
Funerals...
I have a question..if you know ahead of time that your child is going on a school trip and that includes one meal that they will stop and purchase- say McDonald’s- or some sort of quick meal place. Do you allow them to purchase a meal or do you have them take lunch? I know your kids were not in public school but hypothetically if they were.
Interesting that you should ask this. Just last night, Larry handed Phil $12 to go out to eat with his friends after their jazz concert. Phil works and has his own eating out budget (which he tracks in Every Dollar), but Larry wanted to treat him. When it's a special occasion, we definitely handed over a few dollars for our kids to get lunch.
@@UndertheMedian 😊 that’s awesome. I was just curious. 😁
Amazon has some GREAT ink prices, especially if you are willing to adopt a genetic brand!