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Theyre childfree now but want to start a family soon.
We knew we needed a big chunk of change before having kids, Mark said.
It wasnt easy, but we made it happen.
Heres a look at how they got it done.
Before, they were paying rent, buying food and setting some aside for savings but it wasnt calculated.
We realized we were spending money in kind of wild ways way too many Switch games!
They made a pact to stick to their new budget no matter what.
Both had to be fully committed for this to work.
Their combined take-home pay is about $7,500 per month.
Were lucky to have good jobs, Mark said.
But living in L.A. isnt cheap, and we like to go out.
Housing: $2,200
They rent a decently-sized one-bedroom apartment in North Hollywood.
We thought about moving somewhere cheaper, Mark said.
But… we just dont want to!
We love where we live.
Transportation: $200
They own one car outright they bought it used and share it.
This coversgas, insurance and maintenance.
I can actually walk to work so sharing a car isnt a big deal, Mark shared.
Food: $600-$800
This includes groceries and occasional meals out.
They cook most meals at home and pack lunches for work.
We got really into meal prepping, Mark said.
I blame my YouTube addiction!
But it really does save time and money, and we eat healthier too!
Utilities: $200
This covers electricity, water, internet and their cellphone plan.
Were pretty careful about energy use, Mark said.
It has to be insanely hot out for me to turn on the AC!
We had to cut back here, Mark admitted.
But we still do stuff, we just supplement it with free activities like hiking and the beach.
Its expensive, but health is something we dont want to skimp on, he said.
Debt Payments: $600
Theyre paying offsome old student loansand a small credit card balance.
Were throwing extra money at these whenever we can, Mark said.
The sooner theyre gone, the more we can save.
Its not sexy, but its necessary, he said.
Savings: $1,500-$2,000
This is the big one.
Theyre putting away a big chunk of their income into savings.
Its a lot, but thats what it took to hit our goal, Mark explained.
We treat it like a bill that has to be paid.
How We Cut Costs
Reaching their savings goal meant making some tough choices.
Now we wait 24 hours before buying anything nonessential.
Cheaper Date Nights
Instead of expensive restaurants, they started cooking fancy meals at home.
Weve gotten pretty good at making restaurant-quality food or at least close, Mark said.
Im actually the most embarrassed about this one, Mark shared.
Its kind of a fun game at this point, Mark said.
A game where the prize is about $200 savings a month in groceries!
Side Hustles
Both picked upsome extra workto boost their income.
Mark does some home nursing shifts, and his husband is a Task Rabbit.
We decided we didnt want to kill ourselves with extra work, Mark shared.
So were not goingfull out, but some months are slower at my work so I can swing it.
Staying Motivated
Saving such a big chunk of money wasnt always easy.
Seeing that line go up kept us going, Mark said.
It was like a game we were determined to win.
Rewarding Milestones
They set mini-goals and celebrated when they hit them.
Nothing big,maybe a nice dinnerout, Mark explained.
But it helped break up the grind.
Its freeing, actually.
Teamwork Is Crucial
Both partners had to be fully committed for this to work.
If one of us slipped up, the other would help get back on track, Mark explained.
Were closer because of it.
It Gets Easier
The first few months were the hardest, but it became routine over time.
Now saving feels normal, Mark said.
Well probably keep a lot of these habits even after we reach our goal.
Small Changes Add Up
Lots of little savings here and there made a big difference.
Its not about depriving yourself, Mark said.
Its about being smarter with your money.
Mark and his husband proved that withdedication and teamwork, big financial goals are achievable.
If we can do it in expensive L.A., anyone can, Mark said.
It takes work, but its worth it to set ourselves up for the future we want.
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