StuffoThe Stuffo field guide
Your first three budget envelopes
A small budget you can keep up with is a useful starting point. Choose three categories that reflect your own expenses.
Choose categories you recognize
Groceries, transport and fun are examples, not a prescription. Use names that make it obvious where a purchase belongs. You can add other categories as your routine develops.
Assign money you have
Write the amount you are planning with, then choose your allocations. An amount in an envelope is part of your plan; it is not a transfer between bank accounts.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Money to plan | $500 |
| Groceries | $100 |
| Transport | $40 |
| Fun | $30 |
| Left unallocated | $330 |
$100 + $40 + $30 + $330 = $500. This example is not a complete household budget.
Leave room to decide later
You do not have to allocate everything immediately. Keep unallocated money distinct from what remains inside an envelope so you do not count the same money twice.
Try it on paper first
The blank worksheet is free to use without an email address. Print it, save it as a PDF from your browser, or download the CSV to use in a spreadsheet.
Open printable worksheetDownload CSVTry the free calculator → · Plan a paycheck
Prefer envelopes on your phone?
Get Stuffo on Google Play ↗Android · English · One USD budget. You record transactions manually.