Envelope Budgeting Method Recap + More Free Ways to Budget

The new year is a fresh chance to start right with budgeting, saving, and keeping a close eye on expenses. The envelope budgeting method makes it simple. I'm back on budget this year and ready to be the cheapest bastard alive, here's the budget for January:

Groceries:  $200
Car's Gas:   $40 
Thrifting:   $50*
Fun Stuff:  $75
*  I may raise the budget and get more merchandise depending on how much I sell locally.

If you want to join in on the fun, here's the rules: 

1.) Don't spend over the cash amount in the envelope.  2.) Once the money's gone, it's gone! No switching money to other envelopes. 3.) Make it a game, try to have money leftover by the end of the month.

Use Google Documents to Track Spending:

  
I've fallen off of keeping track of everything single thing I buy with Google Documents but I'm back on the wagon! Google documents is free, fast, easy-to-use and even collaborative. I love how it can be accessed and edited from anywhere and it's my favorite way to keep track of expenses and edit documents for work.

Write It All Down in a Note or Budget Book:

 The pens are from a color-coded merchandise inventory system a friend and I may try.

I found this Household budgeting book on clearance at an office max years ago, I'm reviving it this year to track everything I spend like I used to. I also love to track my merchandise and spending in a composition book. It's old-fashioned but it makes everything more tangible and just works for me. Added bonus for having a non-digital back-up for spending.

I'd love to have smart phone aps and web applications to recommend but I haven't found one I like yet. Do you have one you like to use? I'd love to read your recommendations in the comments.

How do you keep track of your spending? Are you going to budget for the new year? Now's a good time to start, it's harder once the year's already in swing.

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Back to Budget: The Envelope Savings Method - How Do You Save?

I love taking being a cheap bastard to the next level by setting a budget and sticking to it- or going the extra step by going under my budget. I started doing the envelope budget method at the start of the year but fell off it when my envelopes ripped apart from frequent use. Bad excuse, but I want to get back in the habit this December and into the new year!

Here's what I'm thinking of for December:

Groceries: $150 
Car's Gas: $40 
Thrifting:  $30
Fun Stuff: $25

I know that's super low for December, but a lot of my gifts have already been purchased- and  a lot my gifts are going to be prepared food items. (I'll share recipes later!) Want to play along and get back on track with savings? Here're the rules...

Envelope Budgeting Saving Method Rules:

1. Never over the amount in the envelope.
2. Never switch cash from one envelope to the other.Once money is out, it's out!
3. Make it a game, try to carry over as much cash as possible to the next month! 

I'll follow-up with how I did at the end of next month. It should keep me accountable and maybe inspire you to get reckless spending under control. I love using this method to save because it makes your spending tangible and forces you to get creative to keep on track. You look for free events, carpool, pack lunch instead of buy it, and hit the thrifts for essentials to save.

What Methods Do You Use to Save? Planning any financial new years goals already?

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The Buy Nothing New Follow-Up: My New Retail-Free Life

This January I announced my pledge to Buy Nothing New for 2011. Nearly 10 months in, it's time for an update on my new retail shopping-free life. Here's what I've learned during my Buy Nothing New Challenge. 

 I'd always wanted a yellow bar cart. One "came to me" this past week at the flea market.

Thrifter's Patience: I used to get impatient and rush to a retail store if I thought I needed a supply. (For example, last year I gave in and bought bookshelves from Walmart.) Now I know to wait. Be patient, make hunting and thrifting your routine and the items you need will find you, eventually.

Retail Lust is Gone: Sometimes I would prowl retail shops and lust for items; especially furnishings from Target and World Marketplace! Now when I visit these stores on supply runs nothing interests me.

Hooked on the Thrift Adventure: Retail shopping is boring compared to the hunt and challenge that comes with thrifting, flea market hunting, curbside seeking, and dumpster diving. I live a beautiful life on a dime!

Rare Retail Purchases are More Special: Okay, I confess. I bought one new thing. I was asked to meet friends in an alien landscape; the mall. While waiting for them at Forever 21 this dress screamed to me. It reminded me of arcade games like Pacman. I had to have it. I guilted over the purchase for days, but this turned out to be my favorite dress. I get many compliments every time I wear it.

A funny side affect: Twice while supply shopping at Target I nearly haggled on the already-discounted merchandise! (Inner thought: "This $4.00 calendar is old, I should ask for $2.00...oh, this isn't the flea market...")

You can definitely see my Buy Nothing New challenge has me buying less, being more patient, and spending consciously. I rarely even shop at thrift stores now, I can't wait to challenge myself even further!

Could you go a year without retail shopping? What thrifty challenges do you take?

 Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.