cash envelopes for budgeting

How to Use Cash Envelopes for Budgeting

Budgeting takes some discipline, and some find that it works best if they use cash envelopes to organize and categorize the budget expenses better. While this is an idea that has been around since the Great Depression, it is a practical way to keep from overspending and get on track with money.

Fast loans offered by Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. can help bridge the gap for emergencies until you have enough in savings to cover unexpected expenses. So, if you haven’t set the cash envelopes for budgeting yet and don’t have the emergency fund on hand, don’t hesitate to apply for your quick cash title or payday loan today!

How Do Cash Envelopes for Budgeting Work?

This method of budgeting is incredibly simple and is highly recommended by financial experts as it involves looking at money visibly as you spend it. That means seeing how much is left every time you spend some.

The idea is to assign a specific envelope to each of your monthly expenses and put your paycheck meant for that particular expense into it. You only spend what is in that envelope for that budgeted item.

This is a sure way to prevent you from overspending your monthly pay. It will stop almost all credit card use. The cash envelopes for budgeting are also a good way to make sure you have money for crucial things.

How Many Envelopes Should You Have?

You want the envelopes to relate to your disposable income as that is the easiest to spend. However, some people will create an envelope for every monthly bill.

Some of the most helpful envelope categories include:

  • Eating out
  • Gas
  • Medicine
  • Groceries
  • Clothes
  • Entertainment
  • Car maintenance
  • Gifts/Cards

How to Determine What Goes into The Envelopes?

Sitting down and figuring out your budget for each envelope is the toughest part of implementing this system. This involves thinking about your priorities and establishing needs over wants.

Subtract your non-negotiable expenses from your monthly pay, things like your rent, car insurance, utilities, phone, or any credit card payments. What is left is your disposable income. Now, you divide that into envelopes.

Gas and groceries need to take top priority. The rest can be distributed based on what you like to buy.

The Pitfall of the Envelope System

One major pitfall of using cash envelopes for budgeting is the temptation to shift money from other envelopes if you run out. That defeats the purpose of the envelopes. The key thing to remember is when to say NO both to yourself and your friends. It is a lesson in discipline.

The Advantage of Using the Envelope System

The primary advantage is the cash envelopes for budgeting keeps you from spending money you don't have available. You will also be proud of yourself when you find some still have money in them at the end of the month!

How Does It Work?

Don't take the entire envelope with you every time you go out. Take out only what you plan to spend. Put any change back in that envelope when you get back.

What About Buying Online?

A lot of people make online purchases and that can complicate your cash envelopes for budgeting system. Don't use your bank card but put some money from your preferred online purchase categories onto a free pre-paid debit card and use that card to make online purchases.

What About Emergencies?

The best advice is to also put some money aside in savings for emergency expenses. However, it doesn't always work out that way.

That is where other types of lending like title loans come in handy for those trying to build their life. Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. offers title loans, payday loans, and lines of credit.

quick cash loans

A title loan is when you borrow money against the value of your vehicle. You pay off the loan with your future paychecks. At Tennessee Title Loans, the application process can take as little as 30 minutes.

What's the Process?

You fill out the application on the website and a loan representative will call you to discuss the details and create an appointment in the nearest store for you. You will need:

    • A driver's license or another form of state-issued identification
    • A clean title to your vehicle
    • Proof of income
    • Your vehicle for inspection

Representatives will explain the loan's terms to you and inspect your vehicle. The paperwork is processed for approval. Those approved will receive the money the same day.

How Much Can I Get?

The loan amount you can get from Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. is between $300 and $2,500. You keep your vehicle during your loan repayment period as long as you pay on time. Those with no credit or bad credit can still apply. The vehicle must be in your name to get a title loan.

Apply for Your Quick Cash Loan Today!

Title loans online, payday loans, and lines of credit should only be used for emergencies like a car or home repair, urgent medical bills that can't be delayed until payday.

Using cash envelopes for budgeting works well to get you back on track with your finances or when you are just starting on your own.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Louis Tully

Louis Tully is a full-time finance writer offering financial expertise to everyday consumers. He understands the core values of finance and used his writing talents to share his own experiences with money to his readers. His articles teach how financial failures can easily become successes by making new habits and creating realistic goals.