Budgeting basics: the envelope idea
Give every category a monthly limit and stop budgeting in your head.
Budgeting is not about spreadsheets — it is about deciding before the month starts how much a category may cost, and noticing when reality disagrees.
The envelope method is the oldest version: put cash for groceries in one envelope, leisure in another. When an envelope is empty, that category is done for the month. Digital envelopes work the same way, just without the cash.
Start with three envelopes, not fifteen: groceries, leisure, and the one category that always surprises you. Set limits you have actually hit in a normal month — the point is honesty, not ambition.
A limit that is 20% too generous still beats no limit: you will see the drift months before it becomes a problem.