Question

Payday (once a month ) is a few days away, but I needed a few groceries. had to rob my $5 challenge envelope. I had $60 in there so I was able to keep my total under that $54. 83.  how do y’all not dip into other envelopes throughout the month?  

Answer 1

Just adjust next months food budget, or try and meal plan. I’ve had to move money around a little the first couple of months.  

Answer 2

You learn to go without, or readjust your plans. If the money isn’t in the right envelope, then that’s tough luck.  

Comments

BUT, also, if your just starting out, it’s common to have to adjust and readjust until it gets right. But also look back and see why you ran out. Was it because your envelope isn’t getting enough; or because you impulse bought or bought things you didn’t need

Answer 3

I still rob from Peter to pay Paul in my cash envelopes. I am not saying it's right but it gets me through the month and I record each "stolen" transaction.  

Answer 4

Even though you did "steal" from savings, you at least had the cash to do so in order to get fed and make your food last until payday instead of using a debit or credit card. Still a win. You can always save your $5s another month and try again.  

Answer 5

Thanks y’all! I am very new to TBM. I’ll keep your suggestions in mind as I go on!  

Comments

@irreplaceable you will love it! If I was going to stay in McMinnville we could be budget friends!  

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@identification5 where are you off to now?  

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@irreplaceable back to St. Pete! Love it down there

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Oh yes! I loved Clearwater so I can imagine further south would be AMAZING!  

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@irreplaceable next time you visit Clearwater, we need to get together and have lunch!  

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@identification5 for sure!  

Answer 6

At least you had something that you could use for groceries! Total win!  

Answer 7

Maybe having a $5 challenge is too much right now. Start with a $1 challenge. $5 is too much for me for sure.  

Answer 8

I haven't had to take anything out of savings yet, but sometimes I overspend in one area, and underspend in another and it balances out. I'm still tweaking my budgets. This past couple of months I've had my parents' dog while they've been on holiday (still another month to go! ) And he's cost me £75 so far and it looks like I will need to take him to the vet tomorrow, so extra costs. My parents will reimburse me as they were keen that I shouldn't have to pay for him as he's not my dog, but that won't happen until they get back. For now it's coming out of my buffer fund.  

Answer 9

It took me months to come to terms with my grocery budget. For us it's just expensive. I use to rob Peter to pay paul but I eventually got that worked out. I think it took me 4 to 5 months to work all the kinks out.  

Answer 10

I just started and have no clue what actually needs to be in each envelope. It was a guess when I started. If I need $ from another envelope I'll take it and not feel guilty about it, especially if I'm feeding my family. When I have my $ amount figured out I won't have to steal from another envelope. If you have tracked spending for months and KNOW how much is NEEDED and you still have to take from another envelope then you could be overspending. Go over your books and see where the issue is.  

Answer 11

Did you track your spending for at least two months in order to come up with the amount to put in your envelopes? You may not have allocated enough money for food. That is what happened to me my first month. I went back and took a second look at my expense tracker. I had missed a large purchase from Trader Joe’s. Once I added that it, then I was all set for the next months.  

Answer 12

It took me 6 months before I got my food budget under control I now get $100 a week for just me but I am a diabetic and have serious food allergies