Not working?

**Ashley01** · 12-22-2010, 01:38 PM

I have been trying the envolope system and using just cash and it is not working at all! I end up spending money from different envolopes for the wrong thing, and then breaking a bill and having lots of change and putting it in my change jar but then not having much left in the envolope. I know I'm doing something wrong but I like the idea of saving my change. How do you make it work?

**Tess B** · 12-22-2010, 02:03 PM

sounds like maybe a self-discipline issue?? dipping into other envelopes for things which are not the specific intent or target? it might not be such a BAD thing in the big picture, as you are seeing the consequences of bending the rules a bit. i know sometimes that's the way i have to learn stuff!!!

if you're saving change to the point where there's not enough $$ to finish the primary mission, then that's a bit like robbing peter to pay paul....can't buy gas but look at my shiny full change jar. i'm kind of a novice at all this, but it sounds like you just have some kinks to work out so that they system works FOR you, not against you.

**Russ** · 12-22-2010, 02:16 PM

Have you read this thread? maybe it will help.

The Envelope System, for Beginners

**MaryCarney** · 12-22-2010, 02:59 PM

Maybe you are needing to 1) allocate more $$ to each category and 2) supply your envelopes with smaller bills to start with.

**Greebo** · 12-22-2010, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

Maybe you are needing to 1) allocate more $$ to each category and 2) supply your envelopes with smaller bills to start with.

And 3)

STOP CHEATING THE SYSTEM

Don't allow yourself to use money from the wrong envelopes! Your breaking your commitment to yourself when you do that!

**sunshine** · 12-22-2010, 04:24 PM

At first, it takes time to figure out exactly how much to put into each envelope. . . once you get it figured out though - it shouldn't be an issue. . . you should not have to steal from another envelope for a different category. By 2-3 months it should be a smooth process.

**madjen** · 12-22-2010, 04:49 PM

Have you sat down and written out a budget as to where your $$$ is going before trying the envelope system?

I don't currently use the envelope system but DH & I plan to start as soon as we figure out exactly where the $$$ is going in the first place.

**Ashley01** · 12-22-2010, 05:17 PM

I don't feel like I'm cheating it tho, I get paid about 5-6 times a month and I try to write up where all that Money goes but end up not having enough in my groceries so I take from a different envolope and then don't have enough left in it. It would be way better if I only got paid twice a month cause then I'd have more to work with?

**sunshine** · 12-22-2010, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by Ashley01

I don't feel like I'm cheating it tho, I get paid about 5-6 times a month and I try to write up where all that Money goes but end up not having enough in my groceries so I take from a different envolope and then don't have enough left in it. It would be way better if I only got paid twice a month cause then I'd have more to work with?

If you are taking from one envelope to fund another - it's cheating the system.

you have to manage with what you have! How do you figure you'd have more to work with, by getting paid twice a month, vs 5-6 times a month? the income would remain the same, just dispersed differently? Right? So you have to learn to manage your spending, in accordance with your income - hence what the envelope system is set up to help you do.

**Ashley01** · 12-22-2010, 05:38 PM

More to work with at a time. Maybe I just need to be more decipline with it.

**sunshine** · 12-22-2010, 05:54 PM

yeah -- you have to learn to work with what you have on hand . . .not keep borrowing from the future.

**Ashley01** · 12-22-2010, 06:06 PM

That's exactly what I do. I put 50 a month away for car repairs but don't take the 50 until later on in the month this month I need to get my car fixed early so I had to take that money from else where.

**MaryCarney** · 12-22-2010, 07:24 PM

That should have come from your emergency fund.

**MissSeetonFan** · 12-23-2010, 12:35 PM

Yes, check out the thread on the envelope system. It is very good! Good luck with getting things under control.

**krbshappy71** · 12-23-2010, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by Greebo

And 3)

STOP CHEATING THE SYSTEM

Don't allow yourself to use money from the wrong envelopes! Your breaking your commitment to yourself when you do that!

Would someone please tattoo this backwards onto my forehead?

Thanks Greebo, you always speak the truth.