Switched from a monthly budget to a weekly one and it changed the game

I used to plan my money for the whole month, but I'd always run out of grocery cash by the third week. Last month, I split my $600 food budget into four $150 weekly envelopes. Having that smaller, specific amount to work with each week stopped me from overspending early on. I actually had money left for fresh produce on the last weekend. Has anyone else found weekly planning easier than monthly?

3 comments

3 Comments

sarah_patel252mo ago

Absolutely changed my system too. I started using cash envelopes for my "fun money" and it stopped me from draining my account on little treats by the 15th. Seeing the actual cash shrink makes me think twice about every coffee.

lopez.quinn2mo ago

Tried that once and it totally backfired. I just felt broke all the time staring at empty envelopes. Switched to a separate debit card for fun money instead, so it's still digital but capped.

mila_murphy212mo ago

I used to think cash envelopes were too old school, but that part about seeing the cash shrink actually makes sense. It forces a physical limit that a digital number just doesn't. I might have to give it a real try this month.