Budget each pay, not each month
In shortPlan every payday on its own, so each pay lasts until the next one.
Most budgets are monthly, but many people are paid every week or every 2 weeks. The two don't line up, and that's where budgets fall apart.
So plan one pay at a time. Each pay only has to last until the next payday.
- Write down what lands in your bank each payday, after tax.
- Take out what this pay has to cover: its share of rent and bills.
- Share the rest between your envelopes, until nothing is left without a job.
- Next payday, do it again.
Paid every 2 weeks? You get 26 pays a year, not 24. So a monthly bill needs a bit less than half of it from each pay.
Your first plan is a guess, and that's fine. Change one number after each payday.
In Stuffed, the Budget tab shows how each pay is shared out. Payday fills your envelopes to match.
Try it in Stuffed
7 day trial on the App Store
Want the long version? Read How to cash stuff on fortnightly pay.
Related
- Bills that don't match your payThe simple sum that turns monthly and yearly bills into an amount each pay.2 min
- Payday: open your payOpen your pay, see where it goes and fill your envelopes in a few taps.2 min
- When your pay changesCasual, shifts or gig work? Plan on a low pay and let a buffer cover the gaps.2 min