Question

What is the one thing from TBM that you’ve implemented that has made the biggest difference? For me, it’s been the checking account cushion! As a longtime Dave Ramsey fan, I struggled with the zero-based budget and more times than I care to admit, it lead to overdraws at our bank. That lead to frustration, guilt and hopelessness, which lead to throwing in the towel more times than I can count. No more! I know my balance, my account is hardly used since living money is mostly in cash, and every dime coming out of our checking is accounted for! What freedom from stress, anxiety and worry! I had no idea how much my account stressed me out until I had an accounted-for cushion in it! I think we’ve finally found a method that works for us!  

Answer 1

I love having the cushion! The budget to the zero without a cushion always gave me bad anxiety. Each paycheck I see what’s leftover and then budget in a cushion. I hope up get it up to our highest bill soon. At least 1k tho is our goal.  

Answer 2

How did you decide on the amount for your cushion?  

Comments

@fullback69 for me I decided that if we were to get stranded somewhere and didn’t have much cash, and no internet to transfer funds that I’d want to have enough to tow my car, get a hotel and buy some food. So for us that was $1, 000. We aren’t there yet - currently at $200 - but once I hit $1, 000 I’ll probably cut back a bit on how much I’m putting in the checking account cushion. I still want to put $ into it even after I hit the $1k.  

Answer 3

Also curious on how you decided on a specific amount!  

Answer 4

Sinking funds!