Hey Budget Besties!! We are 1 Full Month down from getting back on track. I can say that it has been a bit of a roller coaster but I am learning a lot about my budget and myself. Thank you for being here for the journey and rollin with me. I hope that you enjoy this video as I plan for July 🤗

Living below your means, means to cut out cable keep the internet. No shopping unless necessary, no eating out. Minimal shopping. Don’t waste electricity, doing a lot of free activities. Did it for many years finally no car note, no credit cards, no tuition and I have a little in savings for the first time. I love thrift stores ❤

When I was told to live below my means they meant for me to cut out all unnecessary expenses. Just pay for the necessities. I did it for 6 months but it felt like a punishment. Keep doing what works for you. You were the first KZfaqr I watched when I started budgeting. I’ve watched you succeed and stumble but all and all you still inspire me to stay on my grind.

Living below your means?? Doing exactly what you're doing. sometimes you're ahead sometimes you're behind because the fridge broke. Growing up, our electricity was shut off for non payment quite a few times. My parents struggled and finally got ahead in their 40's. Owning a home is more than a payment. It's stability. It's a school district. Over time, renting will outpace your mortgage. My mortgage is $1700 a month for a four bedroom home. To rent would be over $3000 in NJ. Keep going.

I definitely wouldn't move to a bad neighborhood to live below my means. That would just cause more stress. Plus these days prices are up everywhere. You may pay a small fraction less to be miserable. I think it means being frugal. Bargain shopping, maybe not going for the name brand items for everything, cutting out unnecessary spending. Maybe 1 subscription instead of 3 or 4.

Living below your means is exactly what you're doing! Sometimes it's doing things that are uncomfortable that we can live with, temporarily. For example, your Netflix - that price was what I was paying for like multi-screens and ultra HD or whatever they called it. We just went down to the $8.99 one because it was basic HD but as long as I could see the show, the flavor of HD didn't matter. We also changed the way we shopped for groceries - going to the bread store instead of buying it at a bigger grocery store, or getting essentials at Dollar Tree. You could also consider if you need the 24-hour Fitness right now, as opposed to walking around your neighborhood. Instead of Sirius, could you do the free version of Spotify or Pandora? Things like that. You're doing a no-spend July, so you know how to live below your means - sometimes life just happens. You're doing great!

Living below your means is what it seems like you’re doing. Honestly I live below my means on a monthly basis. Some months I can ball out some months I can’t. I just try to pay my bills and save money where I can. YOU’RE DOING A GREAT JOB SIS!!

Living below your means is just what was mentioned, cutting down and out unnecessary things. You have already started the process with cutting your cable bill. You are also doing it with the no spend months. Think about all of the things you would have spent money on that was not necessary or not needed. NEVER sacrifice your safety just to say you are living below your means, your home is an investment and although you are paying for it now, it will pay off for you in the future.💲

To me, living below my means is exactly what you are doing. If you can afford your House payment then you don’t need to even think about moving. You just keep doing what you’re doing. You got this! Proud of you!

To me, it means I am spending out less money than what I am bringing in.

Newbie here. It looks like you are moving forward. Keep it up. For me, living below my means was getting rid of all extras. I cut cable. I have a Roku and a Firestick. I stopped all crazy shopping trips. For me I don't get my nails done as often. I don't spend as much on hair. I don't sign up for a bunch of subscriptions. I created a budget based on monthly pay. I made sure that I had at least a $200 buffer in my account at all times. I auto save money and manually save. I created a nest egg for the future. I have credit cards that are paid off and my credit score is very healthy. I have a contingency plan for most things. I review my goals daily and weekly. This worked for me. You have to figure out what will work for you. My advice is to create a vision of the life you want. Then figure out how to execute and reach that goal. Setup 1,3 and 5 month goals. Take baby steps until you get to a better place. Have you looked in to putting your house taxes and house insurance into escrow with your mortgage? Please don't move into a situation that will make life hell on earth. You have a home that you love. You will figure it out. Moving is not the answer.

Everyone has an opinion on what you “should” be doing…. In reality, you know you and are fully aware of your financial situation. You budget what works for you! I believe we should live, we are seriously in debt and July starts my tough love budget but I’ve allowed for some “living” because if we don’t we’re more likely to fail! I did however go back to work to get us out of the hole. I love watching your videos, your an inspiration to me… and YAY to catching up on some of your bills 🎊🎈🍾 💵 👏🏼💜

For me living below my means is the same. I would have to live in the ghetto. I have already cut back on alot of my expenses and I'm still struggling. I am slowly making progress where most of my credit cards are still in the positive after the interest is charged. Also I have gotten ahead on my installment payments so I can save all of that money towards starting a emergency saving accounts with a minimum of $1000 and then start the process of paying off my debts. Essentially i am making very small baby steps towards my goal of getting a place of my own.

Thank you for being real! I am starting over on my budgeting journey and it has been rough! I'm glad that I found your channel. 😊

Thank you for sharing this- I have been trying to live below my means to save more and pay off ALL my debt- my goal is to be debt free completely. Thank you for sharing.

I’m glad I found this channel! I was watching another YTer that budgeted everything in their life and it made me anxious. Your way is less anxiety inducing for me and we get paid on the same days so I can budget along 😊

Your means = the amount of money you bring home So living below your means is living at a level that is less than the amount you bring home. You are doing all of this and paying down late payments to boot. When all your debt is gone it will be much easier.

Always good to turn a negative into a positive. So much lessons can come out of living below our means. So inspirational as always lovely ❤

Living below my means to me means not feeling entitled to spend more than I make because of how I feel. From today’s video, I see a struggle within yourself about how much you are willing to sacrifice. Wish you the best!

💲💲💲No buy July to get ready for my student loan payments to restart in October. Living below my means is almost impossible with just the regular costs of living these days but I’m giving it my best shot.

First off love those nails... I like seeing your budgetting process, shout out to the hoa getting paid off...

Living below your means to me cutting back on all expenses like cable, cheap cell phone plan, unplug all electrical stuff to save on electric, no eating out, etc. I believe you can still have those things but on a budget. My anxiety will not be able to deal with all that. I don’t watch TV so that was easy for me to drop cable. I like a good paying cell phone because I want service when in another country while traveling. I did stop eating out as much ( it’s my favorite thing to do) and I cook more at home. I see the difference in my money by making that change.

I feel like you do u an budget accordingly for you- everything is expensive and if YOUR’RE making it work let it work. I would not compromise where I live for a lesser payment in the “ hood” cause it’s just as expensive - if ur comfortable keep it pushing! I’m a 1 income household and I don’t have cable cause it’s too expensive- I’m ole school with dvds, use Hulu / Netflix, may get hbo or something else where there’s a show I want to watch then I shut it down😂 ! Take my lunch to work daily - treat myself once a week maybe ! You got this sis keep going!💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

Hey bestie! You already have a plan in place to live below your means by reducing as many expenses as you can. Keep doing what you are doing! ❤

Thank you for the motivation! I’m so happy you’re back! And real!

So inspiring! Congratulations on getting current on all of your bills! 🎉

Live below your means is to live base on your needs. For instance. If you were fine on your old salary then dont change anything when you get a raise. That rsise can go into your retirement or savings.

Living below your means…means you A: use the standard deduction for head of household as a guide to cover cost of living for housing and utilities or just housing…and your income to cover all other expenses… B: use standard deduction head of household as a guide to cover cost of living for all expenses…and income for housing and utilities…or C: use standard deduction head of household to cover A and use your income to hyper generate your income through investing by pausing as many expenses outside of housing and utilities as possible until your investments generate enough to cover all other expenses one by one until you are than able to cover everything in life you truly desire than cover…

Living below your means is budgeting budgeting budgeting. You are not overspending. But you are knowing where every dollar is going. You can live below your means without living in the hood. I'm a single mother living in an affluent neighborhood ( sherman oaks) yet I live below my means.

Live below your means mean cut your budget to bare bones and increase your income at the same time. Multiple streams of income is a must in today's environment.

You are killing it !!! Talk about staying ready and planning . I’m working on July tonight 💪🏾

I always took living below your means meant you worried about your necessities. So basically, roof over your head, keep yourself warm or cool, food, transportation (and the costs associated with those) and basic toiletries/household items. Everything else was a want you can do without. However, as @crrandle23 said, it can feel like a punishment. My husband and I are empty nesters now but as you said, the cost of everything makes it harder. You do the best that you can and it will work out. Be happy and have faith.

Same for fixed amount bills autopay, the variable ones I need to see cause I don't like not knowing how much money I have in my account at any given time.

I personally need to readjust myself when it comes to finance, but I think you are on the right track getting yourself on budget 🎉so you don't really need to move or anything like that, just maybe like you said in the video cut things like star until needed. Maybe make coffee at home instead of Starbucks every day. That's how I am going to be living below. I cancelled my fitness app subscription but still have gym subscription and just use Instagram for workout videos now. As an example. I'm in Australia so we have a different way to live but still feeling the crunch financially.

Yes, I am a Cali girl too and moved to Texas 2 years ago. I still live at home though and don't pay rent but am working toward moving out. Honestly I went from cable to none and realized I didn't need it, I could just watch Netflix or Hulu and be just fine. I know Cali is so expensive I could not make enough to live on my own there. Loved your setup and I enjoyed the conversation. :)

& I took some tips from you as well & it seems like you made the necessary changes or are in the process of some to do just that. I love your videos, transparency and you are an inspiration. Thanks 😊

My household is 2 incomes (sometimes more), so living below our means is living based on one income. But in today's economy a 1 income household with only 1 person living in it, is struggling without at least one other income.

I wish I could do a no buy July. August is birthday month for me and my kids 😩 catch me after August 😂. Congrats on getting everything paid up to date bestie! 🎉

It truly is cheaper to pay Microsoft yearly. They have different plans you can choose from.

Yeaaaaaaa! Great comment for those in the back!!!!! Cali is Cali! I’m NOT moving there either!!!!! Lol

MS Office is cheaper on annual subscription. If you don’t use any of the storage that comes with it, then you can cancel. It’s my only storage so it’s worth it to me to pay annually and use the apps. Same thing with STARZ. Cancel and then sign back up when the shows are in progress. I was able to get a year of STARZ for $40 one year. I have it cancelled for now while I watch other services I have to watch. I cycle them in/out so I don’t feel deprived and pay for the ones I must have. Again, all on annual subscription.

I have cable still & it’s 125.00 a month, my husband didn’t want to get rid of it yet. I have Netflix,Hulu & paramount +. I also bought a new tv 2 months ago & it’s an LG which has their own channels- I went a month with out using my cable, my husband is ready to get rid of cable but he wants KZfaq tv for his sports. It will be a bit less than cable. Way to go on paying off debt. See if you can watch that start show from an app or see if the channel give you the ability to watch from the web?

Good Morning Budget Bestie... Great job!!! Girllll let's not talk about birthdays for July . Whewwww. You are good for zero birthdays.. but me on the other hand I have 4. And the crazy thing is I have 3 in a row 7,8,9 then my brother bday is on the 24th. I feel you on the Sirius XM. I need mine back ASAP.. They have sent numerous discount flyers in the mail..Kudos to life insurance. May sound strange that I said that. Congrats🎉 on being current Capital One. Yessss AMen.. Ok you sound like me with the Starz. Power Book 2 Ghost is my show I like the entire Power Universe. Power Book 4 Force comes back on Sept 1st... I'm thinking about stopping Starz as well...Thanks for this video. God Bless!!! I will be starting my budget journey soon. I'm Super late ... But as they say better late than Never.. ok Cali girl. I'm in the D! Below your means that's an interesting way to put it . I think is just at a comfortable level not going in debt. Maybe should just say living at your means. On target not above but just like your doing. A Safe way of living financially, able to pay your bills and buy things you need and want without going Rogue ..staying in your lane😊❤

Honestly you’re right tho living below your means if when you finally become comfortable enough to afford life and decide how minimalist you wanna live Because do you really have a choice to live below your means when you can barely meet it ? Can you ?? Thanks for the food of thought

and another site is capital chic the oh so paper stickers really help me budget better

why don't you tv plan? like turn off the cable for two months and schedule programs you want to watch. you can write down everything you watched that you remember. idk just a thought. i don't have cable and really don't miss it. I used my big tv like 3 times in the past year, one time on a lazy sunday watched antenia, i watching a movie, and than watched a workout video. less than 5 hours this past year.

I have that same sticker book....made my envelopes with some of them.....❤❤❤

Buy the Home and Student of office usual 199.00 at best buy much cheaper

Hi Jazmine, Congratulations on being caught up!!! Great budgeting video!!

Literally below my means means moving to south la too and its not a great environment. I rather commute and pay a little more for peace of mind.

Happy July 1st & awesome budget breakdown video 😊

Have you ever looked into Dave Ramsey’s baby steps? He helped me tackle a lot of debt. And he does talk about the high cost of living in California.

You go, girl, on getting your bills down.

I started good with the NO SPEND. I went to work they marked down a patio set that I wanted so I got it🤦‍♀️ Definitely was not in the budget. So no buying for July. 😊

My capital one is 25.00 and discover is 25.00 but I am doing snowball starting with capital one and then discover. Interest is getting stupid!!!!

I love your honesty 💞

What you did once you can do again! We bought our dream home shortly after you and you inspired me with your homework binder it helped us out a lot

Here for no-spend July, I surely need it. To me right now, living below my means is simply spending less than I make, even if it's a dollar less, and not fall for lifestyle inflation.

Hey thank you for sharing with us❤❤❤❤

I think it’s going to be different for anyone, for me personally No HOA ever they control too much & I refuse to let anyone tell me what plants I can have in my yard or what color I paint my house. If you don’t work in an office/commercial space but are fully remote & never have to go into an office then you can move to a different city &/ or state. I know rents/house prices are high everywhere. I live in Phoenix AZ & compared rents here to Olympia WA where my mom lived-it’s crazy how high it is. I pay 1250 to rent my house & the owner has nothing but the absolute mim since he bought it, my mom was paying $1325 for rent on a seriously run down apt that was half the size of my house. I looked at apts in my old hometown 30mins from my mom & the rents was so much lower-look outside of the specific city you live in, maybe going 15,30,45 or even an hour away the rents/home prices would be better. I was almost debt free except my car when I got sick, I didn’t have health insurance & had to use my cc to pay for everything-I still have balances & I am looking for work I can do from home as I can’t go out & work somewhere as a 2nd job due to side effects from my illness. I know Dave Ramsey says rice & beans, never seeing the inside of restaurant unless you work there & to live below your means so one day you are financially free. Check with insurance carrier are you still getting the best rate or would you get a better rate elsewhere?

I love your nails!! :) So cute.

Thank you for keeping it real!

Great budget video. It’s great to see the other side of budgeting or the first part of it. You’re doing great. Keep doing what you’re doing.

Great video, your killing it. I know I tried that living below my means, and I feel that is a outdated concept into day world when prices of things go up and down so frequently. ❤

$$$$- Subscribed! Thank you for creating this budgeting channel! It’s very encouraging!😊

You’re doing great! I’m working my way to small savings goals. Every little bit helps.

Below your means would mean cutting the extra, nails, hair, clothing…if it isn’t essential you cut it.

Thank you for answering my question! I paid all my bills when I was paid this time. It is so freeing to know it is done.

I live in the County of Los Angeles and it is a proven fact that California is a Two-Income Household State so to "Live Below your Means" literally will means to live in a card board box on the boardwalk of Venice beach. Even living in South Central LA the housing costs are ridiculous unless you inherited the house from family or are on government assistance because investors are buying up real estate and flipping the houses to push black and brown people out. Do you and don't let someone who doesn't regulate your finances tell you how you should live especially if they don't live in Southern California themselves.

I can’t live below my means 😢 I am low income and I can’t afford a stick built so I’m going for manufactured in a park - I know it seems like a bad investment but it would lower my bills 700-800 a month because my area is such high priced. My boys are little and I co parent and they are here. I don’t want to miss more then I already do. Thank you for great video ❤ Oh btw saving for a home is a struggle! I’m not sure I’m even doing it right but I’m trying my best

Ima do 1/2 💵 sign cause I'm going to try but I just can't seem to NOT buy stuff especially when I get my credit 💳 balances below 1k I live IN Brooklyn IN the hood and my rent is still 1400 for a studio. I will not give up city living due to vision issues. I need to live somewhere that allows me to move around on my own. I also get locality pay and just moving to Jersey could be a 6k pay cut depending on the area.

Wonderful job 🎉🎉🎉

I cancelled Starz for the same reason lol! Now I’m about to prepare to add Showtime in August for the Chi.

Woo hoo! Let's gooooo!!! $$$$ Girl, run... don't walk, and cancel that Starz until your show comes back on. I do that all the time and I don't feel like I'm paying for something I'm not using. You can always reactivate later! I love your videos and am super inspired by your journey! I'm with you all the way!!!

When I went to cancel my Starz for the same reason it automatically offered me a deal of 1.99 for 2 months. Just incase you want to rewatch episodes or something.

Lord knows I’m struggling with letting the cable go!!

Hey hun. First I want to start by saying I enjoyed the video 🩷 and congratulations on the KZfaq milestone. So to give my thoughts on "live below you means". I think this varies for each person. I can't speak on what the commenter actually meant. But speaking from my own budget I cut out certain items like Sling, Spotify and a few other things because when I calculated how much I'm spending and rarely utilizing the service and or can find a free version the extra $'s didn't add up to me. I want to save for the future and retire sooner than later. Lol 🤣 However, that doesn't mean let me go cut things that provides safety. So I think it's a balance.

cut the cable. cut the cable. cut the cable. congrats on paying off the capital one bill. I'll be joining you on no buy july! let's goooooo

Living below your means to me is spending less than what you make. Sounds like you’re doing it! Do all the low hanging fruit like cutting cable, making your coffee at home vs Starbucks daily, and packing your lunch if you work outside the home. Go hard with saving for a season and reassess after the season. Best of luck!

I currently use The Happy Planner and I want to use the budget mom freebies. How do I make it fit and hole punch

Great content 🥰

I think your doing exactly what you need to do get a better control on your spending you have already recognized that’s yours problem and you have already started to do something about it I don’t think your living above your means at all❤

I ❤watching your videos

Please tell me where did you get that extra mini Happy Planner , I don’t see it on the website 😂😂😂and chat support said they don’t have it either lol 😂

They currently have a deal one time payment of 30 something dollars!

Like your nails! Beautiful ❤

Thank you for helping me to get my act together

To me, living below your means in the most basic sense mean to not spend more than you earn.

I think the phrase “live below your means” is thrown at people who aren’t rich or wealthy. I’m from California South central is unsafe. Point blank. I believe there are spenders but there are also ultra rich who are never called to task for their contribution to an unequal distribution of wealth. No one is the USA should be struggling but yet here we are. You don’t seem you have lots of unnecessary things. I see budgeting the same as dieting if you cut out everything it feels like a punishment then you binge out of having nothing. You’re doing fine in my opinion. Being a homeowner in California is no small task.

I'm in a no-spend year! 💰

Oh my goodness I just did my first monthly budget on paper last night and I almost cried of frustration. I’ve been doing paycheck to paycheck budgeting and was getting numbers right but somehow trying to close out June monthly budget never added up 😢😢 my bi-weekly worked. If there are any tips please share

Living below your means: Spend less than you make. It’s that simple.

I going to go ahead and pay my bills on payday like you do. It only makes sense so they won’t be dragged out over various days of the month. Just pay them and be done with them lol. 😊Thanks!

to live below my means would be sleeping in my. car… i’m working on making more money

💲💲💲💲I’m with you sis!!

Great video

From the outside looking in, to me it looks like you need to increase your income. California is an expensive state

No Buy July 🙋🏽‍♀

I would love to do No Buy July. With Prime Day coming up I bet I could resist the unnecessary purchases with some encouragement. I need to pay off some CC debt and shouldn’t be buying anything!!

Where can I find the no spend challenge paper you're using