Cash Envelope Categories: What to Budget For First

Starting with too many envelopes is the fastest way to quit. Pick four to six categories where you tend to overspend with a card.

Common first envelopes: groceries, gas, household items, eating out, personal care, and fun money. Bills that autopay usually stay out of cash.

To set amounts, look at what you actually spent last month in each category, then trim a little. The goal is honest numbers you can stick to.

Add one savings envelope from day one — even $10 a paycheck. Pair it with a printable savings tracker so you can color in progress and actually see it grow.