Budgeting by Hand

Once a month, I get a fresh piece of ledger paper (the old accounting paper—Google it for a quick download or make your own spreadsheet). I do all my budgeting transactions that way:

I plan out my month and give my money a task—like a job. I do my best at zero budgeting (giving every single dollar a job to do). It’s not easy but it keeps me from overspending. The cash I get at the bank on payday goes into actual envelopes, by categories. This keeps me disciplined.

Being able to physically put my money on paper is powerful. I’m still skeptical linking my about bank account to an app or online program. I’d rather do my online banking, automate any recurring transfers (like my savings) manually on Payday.

This takes less time than having to straighten out ID theft or errors.

Putting the recurring categories on the paper and photocopying for the year helps me.