How to Make a Budget That Actually Works for You

A lot of people see a budget as something that limits your freedom—I know, because I used to be one of them. But once budgeting becomes part of your everyday life, it actually gives you permission to spend! A budget doesn’t limit your freedom—it gives you freedom.

In this episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, you’ll learn:

• Three steps to make budgeting easier for you than it’s ever been
• How to get your spouse on board with budgeting with you
• How one couple learned to budget their inconsistent income, and how you can too

Sponsors pay the producer of this show, The Lampo Group, LLC, advertising fees for mentioning their services or products during programming. Advertising fees are not based upon or otherwise tied to any product sale or business transacted between any consumer or sponsor. The following sponsors have paid for the programming you are viewing:

— Zander Insurance

Resources (everything mentioned in this episode):

Download The Irregular Income Worksheet:

Ramsey Solutions YouTube Channels (Subscribe Now!)

[Bees-knees]

Watching this in 2024 - oh, if only we knew then what was in store for us over the next few years financially!

[donnaallgaier-lamberti]

Today we paid our mortage, plus our regular EXTRA $300.00 onto the principal that my 75-year old husband who works part-time so we can do this. The we put our Stimulus $1, 200 onto that same principal. Getting there slowly but surely!

[twinmama]

My husband and I don't fight about money anymore since budgeting, we fight over which bar soap we're buying and using 😂

[WeWillServeJehovah]

We have paid off $60k in 4 years. During that time I went to school to be an RN and only worked under 20 hrs a week. My husband is blessed with a good job that kept us a float. Now we are knocking the debt out very fast. Cant wait to see what amount we pay off this year.

[sherryjacobs]

I am a nerd! I feel so much more in control of my money on a budget. It definitely makes a difference when you pay close attention to where your money is being spent and SAVED!🌻Thank you!

[tinacape]

I'm single and now debt free through budgeting. When i shopped I meal planned. If I bought 3 for 2 i would put the price of that 3rd item in a jar. I bought yellow labels and took off full price from reduced. And popped it in the jar. I reduced energy. I stopped using my gas cooker. Bought halogen oven ( sold my square cookware n bought round cookware.) I bought a double induction hob the portable type. They have saved so much. I double duvet my bedding. And use hot water bottle. My big saving on laundry. I use white vinegar instead of softener. I make my own laundry powder. Grate simple soap bicarbonate of soda washing soda borax and Epson salts due to hard water. I dont buy bottled water i filter tap water. I limit my social outgoings. I do feedback survey for freebies. I drive a manual gearbox 2.8 diesel range rover ( its paid for in full no hp) and how I drive it. It uses less fuel than my old Peugeot 2 litre plus it's cheaper on road tax and insurance. And looks cool when going on bussiness lunches..making saving gives you a better out look on life. Oh my jar at the end of the month added up over the yr £8000.00 which over 3 yrs £24000 which I paid off debts. Then ad ppl claim I forgot about come through. So I bought my car.
My freezer in full my cupboards are full. So now I'm doing a no spend grocery month. I love been frugal. I'm starting tech testing where you test stuff and write a review then you get the product.

[chevychick]

Thank you for this video Rachel. I know the baby steps. My husband and I are on baby step 2. I was so confused about the budget. Not how to make one but how to get the cushion in my bank to pay the bills. I was using my credit card to pay the bills because I didn’t want to get so low in my bank account that I get charged for not having the money to pay the bills. The saving for 3 months, then See where we are at as far as the budget goes was a life changing suggestion. Thank you all so much for what you do. 🙏🙏🙏

[leipzigescobar]

Ms. Rachel thanks for starting the year with such an amazing topic. Just on new year's eve I have asked my college student daughter to get prepared for our January finances meeting...happening next week.
Also, are expecting? Congratulations and continue taking care of yourself!🎉🎉

[lifewithdt]

For my wife and I budgeting has been the key. We’ve been budgeting for the last three years and have paid off over $65, 000 towards our debt. We are so thankful for the system.

[MsSusieStone]

Getting EveryDollar worldwide would be so helpful Rachel 😊 Would that be possible? Great video as always!

[MsLee-ohhy]

Thanks for making this video! I started tracking my spending and budgeting on July 2019.

[carmenmartin]

Thank you, I really needed this today. God bless you.

[staceyb]

Rachel, I agree with you about this budgeting app. It is incredible. I feel like I have regained my power over MY money! Thanks to the Ramsey Team for such a fabulous job on this app; and it is continually improving :)

[zeesalinas]

I currently have less than $300 left to complete my Starter Emergency Fund, and should finish getting that checked off my list by next month. Then will be my dreaded Baby Step Two! I had my paycheck cut in half last year and am really struggling to make ends meet. Finding a part-time job will truly be a challenge because of my current work schedule. But thank you, Rachel, for this episode. It offers me HOPE!

[DOGGYDOG]

Once again another great video...to help us on our journey...

[jessiwimer]

I think my homemade coffee tastes better than that sugary, syrupy, sweet stuff at the coffee shops. Don't get me wrong I do like that stuff too once in a while but my blood sugar don't.

[waiyingtang]

2022 onward first youtube video is to recap this episode!!! i love Rachel !

[snackgila]

Thank you for the videom. im from borneo and wishes you well on delivering baby. In our local area, delivering baby is free of charge from goverment helps. But if it from private sectors it will cost lots of money.

I think its hard to stay on track to the budget. But thats why i watched your video. Thank you.

[alyssa]

Get some teen parents on the show! Help teen moms who are on their own!

[Natasha-tcoq]

I can so relate to this couple, especialy the wife, thats how I am, but I'm tired of feeling like this because I end up suffering, so I am ready & will change, what better way to start tha the beginning of the year. I have a large family so its hard but its doable!