Help with Envelope System

[Cheapskate79]

Hi all, I have read alot about the envelope system and really want to try it. I think I will be able to save alot of money but I am confused about how to get started. Do I have to wait until the first of the month or what? Like when my hubby gets paid this week, the whole check is going for rent so I can't really take out any future expenses. Do I need to be a month ahead of my bills in order to do this? Any help would be appreciated!

[Diolla]

You can't start until you have cash to put in the envelopes, if the entire check is going to rent where were you going to get the money to spend on things like gas, groceries etc?

Except for Ima most of us that use the envelope system use it for the everyday, face to face type spending and just use our checking accounts to pay bills like rent, electric.

I have caxh envelopes for food, household expenses (like batteries, light bulbs, tp) pet supplies, allowances, gasoline, medical, gifts, clothing and entertainment. When I first started I would put money in each of these envelopes each payday and not touch my checking account until the next payday.

If there is no money to put in the envelopes then you will have to wait until there is. The beauty to the system is you can't spend money you don't have.

Hope that helps.