Frugal Friday Jan 9, 2026 More going out than coming in?

Let’s get into numbers:

Ok, so it’s been a couple of years since I posted a Frugal Friday blog for the first and only time. But I plan to get back to it this year, so here is the second post.  For sure, times haven’t gotten any better and a lot of us are looking for ways to save money. When I was a young mom, I was a stay-at-home homeschooling mom of six. Saving money became a way of life. Now, I think it’s easier than ever to find ways to save money, because there is so much technology available these days. You know when I check the amount of time I spend on my phone apps, the grocery store apps always beat out the other apps. To me, they are crucial to saving money, but I’ll get to those specifically in another blog post.

To recap the last blog, you need to write down all your expenses. (that includes grabbing a coke and chips at the convenience store) And there are lots of cool, free apps to record your expenses, as well. (If you have a favorite app, leave a comment!) My personal preference is still pencil and a notebook. I keep a little notebook in my car, as well. But you find something that you like. To recap your expenses you can review the blog here.

🧮 Step One: Add Up Your Income (or lack, thereof, because sometimes it feels like that).

Write down all your regular monthly income. If you and/or your spouse have steady jobs, this is pretty straightforward. If your income changes from week to week, take an average of the last 2-3 months to get a ballpark figure.

Include:

• Wages (after taxes)

• Child support or alimony

• Social Security or disability

• Side hustles (babysitting, baking, crafting, favor, etc.)

• Government assistance

• Any other money you can count on regularly

Add it up. This is your monthly income total.

💸 Step Two: Compare to Last Week’s Expenses

Now take the totals from your expenses list last week and compare. You might notice one of three things:

1. You’re in the black. (Great! You’re spending less than you make!)

2. You’re breaking even. (There’s nothing left, but nothing negative either.)

3. You’re in the red. (More money is going out than coming in.)

If you’re in that third group, don’t panic. That’s what this series is for.

🧠 Step Three: Make a Simple Spending Snapshot

Draw a simple chart (or just write it out if you’re a notebook person like me):

• Monthly Income: $______

• Monthly Expenses: – $______

• Difference: $______ (Positive or negative)

This gives you a snapshot of where you are right now.

✂️ Next Week’s Teaser: Where Can You Cut?

Next blog, we’ll dig into those expenses and talk about which ones are needs vs. wants, and where you might be able to cut without feeling deprived. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t mean you can’t have coffee, but maybe you make it at home. Same for hamburgers. I, mean, I’m in Texas and I’m a Whataburger girl, but dang, what used to be fast, affordable food got expensive!)