Discovering your WHY is one of the most important steps on your financial and life journey. As The Budget Mom, I believe it’s the foundation of everything. Your WHY is the guiding force that shapes your decisions and fuels your passions. Life is full of changes and challenges, and your WHY will evolve with you. After losing my mom, my sense of purpose shifted dramatically. I realized I could never fill her shoes, but I could carry her torch into the future, honoring her memory by living a life that reflects her values and love. It’s okay if your WHY changes—it means you’re growing. Each life experience, especially loss, highlights how short life is and how important it is to live it fully. Embrace the changes, let them shape your WHY, and use it to guide you toward a more meaningful and fulfilled life. When the pain of losing my mom becomes unbearable, and the reality of her being gone is heart-crushing, I remember that she lives through me. To everyone experiencing change and finding that it redefines your WHY, embrace it and let it happen. XOXO, Miko
One year. It will never seem real.
I love you, mom.
Comment 100ENVELOPE and I will send you this super cute 100 Envelope Savings Challenge Kit!
The 100 envelope savings challenge involves numbering 100 envelopes from 1 to 100.
Each day or when you have extra cash, you randomly pick one envelope and put an amount of money equal to the envelope’s number inside (e.g., $1 in envelope 1, $2 in envelope 2). Over time, you’ll save a total of $5,050.
The 100 envelope savings challenge is not just about saving money; it’s about making it fun and engaging. It’s like a game where you get to see your savings grow!
It encourages consistent saving habits, helps build a substantial emergency fund, and provides a sense of accomplishment as you see your savings grow. Plus, the random daily amounts make it manageable and flexible, accommodating different budgets.
I have wanted to start this challenge for a long time, and I am so excited to finally start. Some of my envelopes are already stuffed with cash!
Do you have any questions about this savings challenge
#savingschallenge #savemoney #savinggoals #savingsgoals #savemoneytips #savingmoney #100envelopesavingschallenge #savingstips #savemoneytime
This weekend, our baby boy turned ONE. It’s hard to believe we have a toddler when I feel like we just brought him home from the hospital. Around January, I started saving all leftover cash from my variable spending envelopes for his birthday. The amounts were sporadic, but I saved around $400 by the end of June. Chris also bought some of the cutest baseball decorations and keepsakes for our Rookie of the Year-themed party, like a custom wood bat, ball, and jersey. So cute! The decoration costs included things like the highchair garland, backdrop and balloon arch, cake topper, and 12-month photo board. The biggest expense for food was the grocery haul for the BBQ. We went with hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, and potato salad. I baked and decorated the sugar cookies, smash cake, and cupcakes. The largest present we got Dante was an electric ride-on tractor that cost around $200. If we hadn’t already saved the money, we would have never spent so much on a birthday. I am so grateful I learned how to use sinking funds and that I could give my baby boy the best FIRST birthday without guilt. What has been your favorite birthday theme? I did a dinosaur theme for James’s first birthday and LOVED it! #Budgeting #MoneyExpert #FinancialTips #FirstBirthday #BirthdayBudget #SinkingFunds #BudgetingHacks #MoneyManagement #FamilyFinance #SmartSpending #FrugalLiving #PersonalFinance
The lesson: Believe in yourself more!
It took me five years to overcome my fear of running in my first official race (besides Bloomsday), but I finally did it! I finished my first 10k!
I have run longer distances in the past, but it’s always been treadmill running. I was scared of the weather, the natural incline, and everything I could not control off the treadmill.
I wish I had believed in myself more and signed up for the half marathon. I felt extremely strong passing the finish line, and I knew I had it in me to do the additional miles.
At mile 4, I had my fastest mile ever: 9.29. I have always been a slow runner. Usually, I run a 12-13-minute mile, but yesterday, I finished with a time of 1:10:12. I’m proud of this!
The best part was seeing my husband and son waiting for me as I crossed the finish line and running this race for my mom (which I will continue to do for every race in the future).
When I got tired or started to doubt myself, I placed my hand over my heart, right where I placed my mom’s photo button. I found strength in knowing she was there with me.
Next time, I will believe in myself more and sign up for the half marathon next year. Until then, I want to have fun and practice doing more 10K runs!
#yesyoucan #runningmakesmehappy #believeinyourself
#first10k #ididthat #foryoumom #irunformymom
This year, we decided to go back to doing pre-orders. That means you can order the new Budget By Paycheck® workbook on AUGUST 20TH, but they won’t start shipping until SEPTEMBER 20TH. Why do we do pre-orders? The Budget Mom is a small business with only a few employees. Due to the HUGE influx of orders for our BBP launches, our small team needs time to package and prepare orders. We will be offering a brand new SMALL SIZE this year (with binding 8 3/4 inches wide X 9 1/2 inches tall), which will be $44. Our full size (with binding 10 inches wide x 11 inches tall) will be $48. Due to the popularity and high demand for our BBP workbooks, we can’t guarantee stock for our launches! #thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #budgetbypaycheckmethod #budgetbycheck #budgetplanner Do you like the new changes to the BBP® Workbook?
‼️GIVEAWAY CLOSED‼️
CONGRATS TO:
@_infamousqueen_
@sierraordona
@mistynasorensen
@msjaye
@designed_by_astrid
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!! 🎉
This is a giveaway that I’ve never done before. For this giveaway, I am giving FIVE lucky people an enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
This course is jam-packed with over 60 videos and 100 printables, discussing everything from money mindset, retirement, investing, and even finances with a partner. Not only that, but it has the extremely popular Budget by Paycheck Workbook in Excel and Google Sheets versions.
Be sure to swipe through the slides above to read more about what is included in the course.
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @thebudgetmom on Instagram
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend in the comments (tag up to three for 3 entries)
4. Bonus Entry: Share this post
NOTE:
To protect your privacy and safety, please remember that @TheBudgetMom is our ONLY social media handle on all social media platforms. Any modification to that handle is NOT affiliated with The Budget Mom.
Terms & Conditions:
Winners must be 18 years of age. No purchase necessary to win or enter the giveaway. Giveaway starts 4/12/24 at 12PM PST and ends on 4/15/24 at 11:59PM PST. Only entries within that timeframe are eligible for the giveaway. Five (5) winners will be chosen at random and announced on 4/16/24. All winners will be notified via Instagram DM and has 48 hours to respond until a new winner is selected. Prize consists of free enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
Giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram.
*I apologize for the typo 😅
‼️GIVEAWAY CLOSED‼️
CONGRATS TO:
@_infamousqueen_
@sierraordona
@mistynasorensen
@msjaye
@designed_by_astrid
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!! 🎉
This is a giveaway that I’ve never done before. For this giveaway, I am giving FIVE lucky people an enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
This course is jam-packed with over 60 videos and 100 printables, discussing everything from money mindset, retirement, investing, and even finances with a partner. Not only that, but it has the extremely popular Budget by Paycheck Workbook in Excel and Google Sheets versions.
Be sure to swipe through the slides above to read more about what is included in the course.
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @thebudgetmom on Instagram
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend in the comments (tag up to three for 3 entries)
4. Bonus Entry: Share this post
NOTE:
To protect your privacy and safety, please remember that @TheBudgetMom is our ONLY social media handle on all social media platforms. Any modification to that handle is NOT affiliated with The Budget Mom.
Terms & Conditions:
Winners must be 18 years of age. No purchase necessary to win or enter the giveaway. Giveaway starts 4/12/24 at 12PM PST and ends on 4/15/24 at 11:59PM PST. Only entries within that timeframe are eligible for the giveaway. Five (5) winners will be chosen at random and announced on 4/16/24. All winners will be notified via Instagram DM and has 48 hours to respond until a new winner is selected. Prize consists of free enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
Giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram.
*I apologize for the typo 😅
‼️GIVEAWAY CLOSED‼️
CONGRATS TO:
@_infamousqueen_
@sierraordona
@mistynasorensen
@msjaye
@designed_by_astrid
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!! 🎉
This is a giveaway that I’ve never done before. For this giveaway, I am giving FIVE lucky people an enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
This course is jam-packed with over 60 videos and 100 printables, discussing everything from money mindset, retirement, investing, and even finances with a partner. Not only that, but it has the extremely popular Budget by Paycheck Workbook in Excel and Google Sheets versions.
Be sure to swipe through the slides above to read more about what is included in the course.
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @thebudgetmom on Instagram
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend in the comments (tag up to three for 3 entries)
4. Bonus Entry: Share this post
NOTE:
To protect your privacy and safety, please remember that @TheBudgetMom is our ONLY social media handle on all social media platforms. Any modification to that handle is NOT affiliated with The Budget Mom.
Terms & Conditions:
Winners must be 18 years of age. No purchase necessary to win or enter the giveaway. Giveaway starts 4/12/24 at 12PM PST and ends on 4/15/24 at 11:59PM PST. Only entries within that timeframe are eligible for the giveaway. Five (5) winners will be chosen at random and announced on 4/16/24. All winners will be notified via Instagram DM and has 48 hours to respond until a new winner is selected. Prize consists of free enrollment into the Building Blocks of Budgeting Course (value = $260)
Giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram.
*I apologize for the typo 😅
Literally, the best feeling! Creating a plan to make your money work for you is the ultimate goal! If you need help, comment BLUEPRINT and I will send you my FREE budget course that walks you through every step of the process! #TheBudgetMom #moneyplan #moneygoals #paycheckbudget #budgetbycheck #budgetgoals #budget
Can having a garden decrease your food costs? Well, I have had my garden for over three years now, and as I learn more every year about self-sufficiency, here’s my answer. Preserving your harvest by canning, freezing, or drying can add to the savings by reducing the need to buy off-season items. However, my biggest lesson is that there is value beyond just financial savings. Being able to feed my family fresh, homegrown produce, enjoying the therapeutic benefits, and feeling satisfied that I am more self-sufficient than I was two years ago all add “value.” Many factors determine whether having a garden saves money, such as the initial investment, maintenance costs, the type of crops you grow, the size of your garden, the location and climate, and your time and labor. So, my gentle reminder today is that if you feel like you are not doing enough with your garden or maybe another project you are working on, YOU ARE. Remember, your reality and effort don’t have to look a certain way to matter. It’s enough. If you have a garden, do you ever feel like a complete failure when you see other people’s pantrys filled with a ton of beautiful canned goods? Like, how?!🤣 #thebudgetmom #selfsufficiency #foodpreservation #homegrownfood #grocerybudget #foodcost
I am seeing 🚩🚩🚩 all over the place when it comes to debt settlement companies.
Let me be clear: You have the right to settle or negotiate your debt yourself without a company representing you. There are no costs to do this!
STAY CLEAR AND SAY NO to any debt settlement company that:
❌️ Contacts you first
❌️ Charges upfront fees prior to settlement
❌️ Make guarantees or promises
❌️ Does not warn you of the consequences (lawsuits, credit damage, tax implications, collections, etc.)
Honestly, just say no to any debt settlement company!
Comment BYEDEBT and I will send you a video on creating a plan of attack to pay off your debt!
#thebudgetmom #debtsettlement #debtfreegoals #debtpayoff #debtfreecommunity #debtfreejourney
These are my top THREE fixed expenses that are not necessities but are non-negotiable in my life!
1️⃣ Peloton
2️⃣ Spotify
3️⃣ Cleaning Company
Everyone will have expenses that they don’t HAVE TO pay for but do because they bring value to their lives. Those expenses will look different for everyone.
What are your top three nonessential fixed expenses?
#thebudgetmom #budgetbypaycheckmethod #paycheckbudget #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #budgetgoals #budgetplanner #budgettips #personalfinance
I hit my back-to-school savings goal back in June, and I ended up saving around $400. The earlier you start preparing for rising school expenses, the less hit to your budget and your wallet when the school year starts back up. I was lucky enough to roll over some unused cash from last year, drastically reducing the monthly amount I needed to save this year. Set up a goal amount, figure out how many months you have to save, and divide your goal amount by that number to figure how much you need to save each month. For example, if you want to save $400 by August of next year, you have 12 months to save. 400/12=$34/mo. Saving $34/mo is WAY MORE doable than trying to come up with that amount last minute. The goal is to be able to afford the supplies you need without sacrificing other NECESSITIES and without GOING INTO or RELYING on debt. Set this up today so you are prepared for next year! It’s never too early to start! What is your savings goal for back-to-school? Mine is $500 for next year! #backtoschoolshopping #backtoschool #backtoschoolsupplies #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolready #BudgetTips #budgetbycheck #thebudgetmom #budgeting101 #savinggoals
Comment SAVINGS2024 and I will send you an exclusive link for 10% off our new Savings Goals Bundle, which includes 36 savings envelopes and trackers! I remember when I used to get made fun of for saving $5/mo for a savings goal. It seems like that wouldn’t make that much of a difference. BUT IT DOES. When the time comes, and you need that cash, it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Remember, saving money is all about consistency and building up the habit. It’s giving your savings a dedicated purpose, so you are less likely to spend it! No matter the dollar amount, keep up the habit!! I got the A5 6-ring binder from Amazon! You can find the link to my Amazon shop in my bio. If you would like the envelopes and savings trackers, comment SAVINGS2024! #thebudgetmom #sinkingfunds #savingmoney #savemoney #savingsgoals
Groceries are expensive. Period.
Your diet restrictions, where you live, and your family size all play a role in how much you will spend on groceries. That’s why I never say “you should be spending XYZ” on groceries. There is no baseline or magic amount that you “should” be spending.
Find deals and coupons where you can. Either online or store flyers. Also, sign up for loyalty programs.
Shop your pantry, fridge, and freezer first. Your home should always be your first grocery store.
Earn cash back for things you already buy with apps like Fetch Rewards (see my highlight bubble for more information).
Have a plan and grocery list, and stick to them. Use grocery pickup to help with impulse purchases and temptations.
Meal plan and prep for less waste and more convenience. Weekly meals don’t have to be Instagram worthy or perfect. It’s okay to make simple meals and incorporate frozen favorites, like lasagna!
Oh, don’t be like me, and forget your grocery bags in the back of your car. I remembered for this trip!
Does anyone else do weekly meal planning and shopping? What are you currently spending for weekly grocery trips?
#thebudgetmom #groceryshopping #groceryhaul
#budgetlife #reallifemom #mealplanning #grocerybudget
🎉ANNOUNCEMENT🎉 Starting in August, daily financial routine videos will be posted on YouTube! I have gotten so many messages that my daily morning money routine videos are extremely forward. To help and reach even more people, I decided to post my morning financial routine videos to YouTube going forward. They will be part of a new series on YouTube, making them easier to watch in order, in case you want to binge them all at the end of the month. 😍🤑🤣 #thebudgetmom #budgetgoals #budgetbycheck #morningroutine #financialplanning #budgeting #DebtFreeJourney
I have been debt-free since 2019 after paying off over $77,000 of debt. I used the Debt Payment Plan worksheet inside of the Budget By Paycheck® Workbook during my entire debt-free journey, and here is why I like tracking my debt progress from month to month: 🤑 SHORT-TERM WINS: Seeing monthly progress provides small victories that keep you motivated. 🤑 BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS: If you find extra money in your budget or experience changes in income or expenses, you can allocate more towards debt repayment. 🤑 REGULAR CHECK-INS: Ensures that you are actively managing your debt and making consistent efforts to reduce it. 🤑 INTEREST ACCUMULATION: You can see how much interest you are paying and how reducing your principal faster can save you money on interest over time. I always filled out my worksheet at the end of each month (or tracking period) after ALL payments were made and posted. Do you currently track your debt progress? Did this video help? Let me know in the comments! #DebtFreeJourney #FinancialFreedom #DebtFreeCommunity #MoneyManagement #DebtPayoff #PersonalFinance #BudgetingTips #FinancialGoals #SaveMoney #WealthBuilding #TheBudgetMom
I’m getting ready to close out my budget tomorrow! That means prepping my worksheets and getting my spending completely updated! I want to be more consistent with meal planning next month! What’s one thing you want to improve next month when it comes to your money? #thebudgetmom #morningroutine #consistencymatters #moneyplan #budget #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #budgetbycheck #finance
I spent $142.72 on groceries this week. I am focusing on more protein in my diet and making meal prep recipes. 🍓 Deli Dinner – $27.98 🍓 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese – $4.69 🍓 Greek Yogurt – $3.98 🍓 Baby Food Items – $29.55 🍓 Quest Chips – $17.50 🍓 Protein Bars – $16.03 🍓 Produce – $34.48 🍓 Cottage Cheese – $6.49 So many factors contribute to how much you spend on food: 🛒 How much you eat out 🛒 Dietary restrictions 🛒 Family Size 🛒 Location 🛒 Food Preference (organic) I have learned never to compare my grocery budget with others and never to fall for the one-size-fits-all amount I’m being told I “SHOULD” be spending. I currently budget $900/mo for my food budget, which includes groceries and eating out. I have a family of 4 (I share 50/50 custody with my oldest son) and live in WA. What food items do you think have seen the biggest price increase recently? #GroceryHaul #WeeklyGroceryHaul #GroceryShopping #FoodBudget #BudgetMom #MoneyExpert #BudgetFriendly #ShopWithMe #GroceryTips #SmartShopping
I love this recipe from @healthfulblondie One way I can save on my grocery budget is by planning what I am going to eat. I do this through meal planning, meal prep, or bulk prep. To make things more efficient during the busy weekdays, I like to prep all my dinner ingredients in the morning. I chop the veggies and measure out the ingredients that I can, so I just have to dump and make at dinner time! I make as much in bulk as I can for breakfast or snacks. I love to make a ton of egg bites, freeze them, and reheat them later. I also love making these overnight oats, which I customize with different ingredients and toppings! Let me know, would you eat this? #thebudgetmom #MealPlanning #mealprep #grocerybudget
Before making any purchasing decision, is there a process you walk yourself through to ensure your decision is thought out and intentional?
The truth is, all of us face impulse tendencies at times. This will look different for everyone, but we become vulnerable to purchasing impulsively when it comes to things we like.
Enter: The Financial Decision Depot
Before buying something, take some time to ask yourself some questions to ensure this purchase is serving you in some way.
By entering the “Financial Decision Depot” and doing some reflecting, it will save you from buying unnecessary things, purchasing impulsively, and even making sure that the things that you’re buying are intentional and important to YOU.
Ultimately, this will protect you from feeling regret or experiencing buyer’s remorse after purchasing something.
Do you ask yourself any of these questions before you make a purchase?
#thebudgetmom #budgetgoals #budgetqueen #financialgoals #debtfreecommunity #goalsetting #financialjourney #budgetmom #moneygoals #budgetbypaycheck #budgetlife #personalfinanceforwomen #personalfinances #moneymotivation #mymoneymyway
Do you have savings goals that you save cash for? Here is how I organize my cash savings and how I stay motivated, even when I’m saving really small amounts!
Head to my stories to click on the link to watch the full video or head over to my YouTube channel! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future exciting videos!
#savemoneytips #savingmoney #sinkingfunds #savinggoals #savemoney #savemore
It’s time for another Real Life Budget.
I asked my readers to submit their REAL information. Real spending, real debt, and real savings goals. I am taking those real-life numbers and showing you how I would organize and budget that information using my Budget By Paycheck® Method.
Today, we are looking at TBM Family member Meghan’s information. Meghan is a single mom who lives in Maryland.
She works two jobs and has had an issue using payday loans in the past. She struggles with spending, and she wants to start saving for multiple savings goals.
If you would like to submit your information to be featured for a Real Life Budget, check out my Real Life Budget highlight bubble or email [email protected]
Head over to my YouTube channel or check out my stories for a link to watch the full video!
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any amazing future videos!
#reallifebudget #budgetbypaycheckworkbook #budgetbypaycheckmethod #budgetbypaycheck #budgeting #personalfinanceforwomen #budgettips
