How to Make an Envelope Budget: the Perfect Way to Organize Your Money in College.

Money management is a big deal, and there is no better time to start learning how to master this skill than while you are in school. However, the envelope budget will work no matter what stage of life you are in. Take the time to see if the envelope budget can work for you. It is easy and takes less than an hour to complete.


Glossary 
Budget - A financial plan or structure

What you need

Pen
Sharpie
Notebook
White envelopes
Cash
Calculator

Step 1: 1. Make a Yourself a Budget

Take your notbook paper and pen, and answer the questions below. Use your calculator as needed.

How much money do you make/reciee every month?
What are your bills each month?

Step 2: Divide Your Spending Into Catergories

These are only examples, customize your catergories to meet your specific needs.

Food
Gas
Clothing
Entertainment
Bills
Savings

Step 3: Label Your White Envelopes

Using your sharpie write a catergory on each frontside of your envelope.

Step 4: Decide How Much You Want to Spend

Write the amount of cash you are willing to spend in each categroy on your notebook paper.

Step 5: Insert Cash

Take you cash and place the actual dollars into each envelope that corresponds with it's label.

Step 6: Congratulations

Your envelope budget is complete. Simply store your envelopes in a box or safe until you need them. At the beginning of each month, repeat step 5.

Step 7: Tips on Using the Envelope Budget

1. Only spend the money in your envelopes in the catergory you decided upon. When the money runs out do not keep on spending.

2. Make realistic spending goals for youself so you can remain within your budget.

3. Find out what works for you and adjust as needed.

4. At the end of the month if there is money leftover, transfer it into your seavings envelope.