How to Create a Budget with Monarch Money (Full Tutorial)

Start budgeting smarter with Monarch Money (free trial + 50% off your first year): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney If you're working toward financial independence, knowing exactly how much you earn and spend is essential. In this video, we walk you step-by-step through how to create a budget inside Monarch Money. Whether you prefer a detailed category-by-category budget or a simpler flexible system, you’ll learn exactly how to set up your plan and track your progress. Before building your budget, we cover three key steps: • Connecting all your financial accounts • Customizing your spending categories • Reviewing your transactions for accuracy Then she walks through both budgeting options inside Monarch: • Category Budget (detailed control) • Flex Budget (simplified, big-picture approach) By the end, you’ll have a clear system to track your income, control your spending, and make progress toward your financial goals. Carpe diem. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Why Budgeting Matters for Financial Independence 00:30 Meet Natasha Carrillo, M.Ed 00:45 Step 1: Connect Your Accounts 01:05 Step 2: Update Your Categories 01:30 Step 3: Review Your Transactions 02:00 Category Budget vs Flex Budget Overview 02:30 How the Category Budget Works 03:15 Using Historical Data (and Why to Be Careful) 04:00 Setting Income and Expenses 04:45 Staying on Track Throughout the Month 05:30 Introduction to the Flex Budget 06:00 Fixed vs Flexible vs Non-Monthly Expenses 07:00 Setting Your Flexible Spending Limit 08:00 Budgeting for Groceries and Shopping 09:00 Rollovers Explained 09:40 Adjusting Budget Categories 10:15 Final Tips for Success 🔗 Resources Mentioned Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to sign up. I only recommend tools I personally use and trust. Monarch Money https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney 📘 Own Your Time (My Book) https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 🎬 Credits Host: Natasha Carrillo, M.Ed Video Editing: Hinz Video Thumbnail Design: Ardi, The Thumbnail Wiz YouTube Channel Management: Michelle Ahmed _____ MARRIAGE KIDS AND MONEY: This award-winning YouTube channel is dedicated to helping families build wealth and thrive. Each week, Andy Hill shares actionable advice and tips for family financial independence. Also, he interviews personal finance experts, families who've achieved financial independence and work optional parents to inspire you to do the same. BIO - ANDY HILL: Andy Hill, AFC® is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping families build wealth and happiness. Andy's advice and personal finance experience have been featured in major media outlets like CNBC, Forbes, MarketWatch, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and NBC News. With tens of millions of downloads and views, Andy’s message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world. When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a Soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing in his hammock. ✅ CONNECT WITH US Order My Book "Own Your Time": https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Follow On Instagram: http://instagram.com/marriagekidsandmoney Read our Blog: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com Listen to our Podcast: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/podcast-archive/ Subscribe to my YouTube channel today to strengthen your family tree and live financially free! HOW WE MAKE MONEY & DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone, and this content has not been provided by, reviewed, approved or endorsed by any advertiser. Information shared on this channel is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.