HOW TO BUDGET | zero-based budgeting tips & how to start reaching your financial goals 💸(2020)

Hey everyone, this is the first video in a series of Money & Budgeting videos I have on the go for you. I wanted to start with sharing the exact steps I take every month to build a budget and tell my money where to go before the month begins. I revisit my budget almost daily, and am constantly modifying it and tracking my spending to keep my goal of becoming debt free in sight. If I didn't make a budget, my debt-free journey or my low buy wouldn't be nearly as far along as I am today.

I did film a sample budget with real numbers (as close to real-life as I am allowed to share), but the footage didn't turn out as I hoped, so I will be re-filming this for you for my next video to give you an example of exactly HOW I budget, and how fluid the process is.

Do you budget every month? How has it helped you?

MY PREVIOUS VIDEOS ON HOW TO STOP SHOPPING/LOW BUY 🛍

COME SAY HI 👋🏻

MONEY TOOLS & RESOURCES 💸

FTC: this video is not sponsored. I am not a financial advisor. These are just my personal financial experiences and tips. Please seek financial advise from a certified professional as necessary. Some links are affiliate.

#budgeting #savemoney #debtfree

ABOUT ME:🌿
Hi, I'm Christina - I'm a blogger slash vlogger slash human on the internet slash pharmacist sometimes, hence the "apothecary" theme in my name. I'm currently living in Toronto, Canada and on my channel you'll find fashion and styling videos, lifestyle content and check-in's on my LOW BUY YEAR. I'm happy to take any requests, too! Your girl is flexible (not physically). Feel free to leave me a comment below - I always make sure to read and respond, and I love chatting with you guys. Be sure to follow me on Instagram too - that's where I post my daily outfits and photography, and where I interact with you guys the most. Thank you SO much for watching and taking the time out of your day to support my teeny little channel. Love xx, Christina.

[GlowingLightstar]

This is quite helpful. I sat down yesterday and calculated my debt against my savings and planed a budget for the next 4 months. First I was shocked how much I spend on a pay later app but now I feel relieved to know exactly how much I can spend. I will note every purchase I do within the next 4 months. Suddenly I find joy in planning my finances and puchases ahead with categories from necessities to whishlist. Wants vs. Needs. Thank you for this Inspiration. 😊

[Christinamychas]

Hey babes! I hope this video helps illustrate why I think budgeting is so important. I also filmed a sample April budget for this video, but the footage didn’t turn out the way I wanted, so I’ll be re-filming that for you! 💸

Also, I talk about Dave Ramsey a lot in this video. His method and teachings on finance really resonate with me, and I will always acknowledge how much his financial approach has helped me. However, I've been disappointed with his recent approach and opinion on the COVID situation lately and other topics. His teachings, for me, bring value when it comes to finance, but I wanted to make it clear that I don't agree with a lot of his opinions otherwise, especially on the current situation the entire world is dealing with. Stay well. 🙏🏻

[AngelaSchmidtcharismakitty]

Your videos are targeting me in my life in all the right places. I need this so much. I’m going to sit down with my finances in just a few minutes. It’s going to suck, but I know I’ll feel better and be better for it. Thank you for the inspiration and all the helpful information. I’d love to see an update about where you are with your finances and your journey towards being financially free. Keep up the great content!

[damatanna]

I connect so much with your channel, mainly because of the shopping addiction that left me knee deep in debt. Now I’m reading the Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and budgeting, doing the low buy by only buying things I need (like replacing something I use daily etc). So far I’ve been able to pay off one credit card. Thank you for sharing your journey, it’s really inspired me.

[lupegarcia]

Loved your video, great tips! Dave Ramsey has improved my life! I’ve paid off 2 credit cards in 2 months with 2 creditors left to go. Now his face haunts me when I want to make an online purchase, so I’ve stopped!

[MicahRion]

I love the YNAB software for zero based budgeting. It works so well for me.

[heatherp]

I cant tell you how valuable your videos are for me on several levels. From shopping addiction to budgeting to wardrobe, makeup etc culling to styling. You have it ALL for me. Im so happy to have found your channel. Stay safe and thank you for ALL you do! 🙏❤

[budgetwitht]

since starting a zero based budget i have been able to recover from a shopping addiction and lazy spendings! I will never go back!👏🏼💵

[SunshineSM]

Oh my!! Last 3 days all I have been doing in the internet is looking at budget videos and taking tips from a lot of them. And here you are with a budget video. 😊😊

[wonderlandbby]

When you described your pre budget situation, I didn’t think anyone can put my struggles into words!! I appreciate this video, I’m definitely going to try using these tips and hopefully chill out on my shopping addiction. 😫

[Voldemort-kxsn]

I already paid off half my credit card debt with the help of your videos !

[leanneanderson]

Christina I have been watching your videos for a few months now and I really enjoy your channel. I feel like your videos are getting better too (all the b-roll in this video in particular!). I think it's important to share good things when you notice them so that's why I wanted to pass along the compliment :) . Have a great day and stay safe in all this. Thank you for the work you do in keeping the rest of us safe. From a fellow Canadian, Leanne :)

[shelleysimpson]

Loving the content. A massive Dave fan too - I haven’t listened during the covid crisis but will have to check it out to see what his thoughts are during this time - I also skip through the religious stuff - not my thing - but I find him really motivating really enjoying your financial tips - thanks :)

[TanzaniteHayley]

I’m so scared to do a budget but I really need to do one! My income has been changing the last couple of months and once I know what it is going to be (around 23rd April) going forward I’m going to do my budget.
However I feel a little impatient and I want to crack on with it lol.
I need to start an absolute no buy now that we are in lockdown! Hope you are well Christina 😘 xx

[myrnaj]

#StyleApothecaSquad!!!💜🙋🏾‍♀️ Yess I soo needed this right about now so Thank you for this and Happy Sunday. 🤗❤

[THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Yay! Love this video. Huge help for so many.

[kathrynp]

I have never had a budget but will check out the Dave Ramsey method. I have certainly cut out my spending on clothes, skin care and makeup since watching your channel, thank you 🌺

[amiraloves]

I have been quite intimately (lol I love when people mention that in regards to tracking spending) tracking what I have been purchasing, and it is quite horrifying how much you spend on shopping. haha...I did a 50 day cold turkey and it has really helped set my priorities...but a budget is key...do you have a video on what you say in your head before purchasing clothes/makeup/shoes etc..? I would love to see that xo

[alonacomerfordeasybudgetin]

People are always stressing about money. Setting goals and going after them is a smart first step to get your money under control. Zero based budget works for some, but there are many other options out there.

[randomsam]

nice video you deserve more subscribers.. keep it up