The envelope system doesn't work for everyone. Some people really dig it. I hate it. Hate it. I hate going to the trouble to pull cash out every paycheck when I don't normally use it. I hate using cash. Cash has no magical power over my psyche and I don't get any feeling of anxiety watching it disappear. Why would I? I still have money in the bank. When it does get spent up, it's like it just disappears with no record. Then there's all the little things that pop up during the pay period that I just don't know what to do with.
I even bought the Dave Ramsey envelope wallet and messing with those envelopes and their little flaps every time I want to buy something is such a huge pain that I don't do it for long.
Before anyone points out that the system didn't work for me because I 'cheated' or lack discipline, I want to point out that in the past I've been able to live off of very little without spending anything that wasn't completely necessary. Self discipline isn't that much of an issue with me when it comes to spending. To set up arbitrary limits when I was perfectly capable controlling my spending just seemed silly.
Judging by some of Ashley's other posts, I really doubt self discipline is the issue. And calling it "cheating" when her bills are paid, her kid is taken care of and she has money in savings just doesn't seem fair. I really don't want her to beat herself up over it.
Ashley, I got two ideas for you. First, you might try just logging your expenses for a month in order to make sure that you really know what you spend on groceries so that you put the right amount in your envelopes. And I really think you need to leave your change in the envelope you got it from.
If you decide to try another system, you might try what I do. Plan out your paychecks by deciding what you're going to put toward bills and savings. Plan for other expenses that might not be included in your budget categories, like if you're planning a trip to the movies or to buy new shoes. Make sure that after all these things are taken out, you have a buffer that you can use to buy groceries and gas and other small things with. If you're getting paid 5-6 times a month, you can't screw it up too badly because you won't have to wait long for a new paycheck.
I don't know of anyone that endorses this method aside from me, but I did this for months and paid off a lot of debt with it. I still do it, and I'll probably always do it this way. IMO, the envelope system might be really good for people who have problems controlling their spending and need to see where their money is going. I'm just not one of those people, and I don't think you are either.