Free Envelope-Style Budgeting Template

Get started with manual budgeting. This simple template helps you track income, assign categories, and spot spending leaks—like subscriptions or BNPL—without connecting your bank. Privacy by default. You can also read budgeting tips or start a free SeaBird account to track this template digitally.

How to Use the Template

  1. Enter Your Income: Start with your monthly take-home pay.
  2. List Categories: Use 8–12 realistic ones (customize as needed).
  3. Assign Amounts: Budget totals should not exceed income.
  4. Track Spending: Update actual amounts manually.
  5. Calculate Remaining: See what's left in each "envelope."
  6. Review & Adjust: At month-end, note variances. For BNPL, allocate full cost upfront.
  7. Tip: Use a spreadsheet for auto-calcs or print for paper tracking.

Educational only; not financial, investment, or tax advice.

Blank Template

Blank monthly envelope budgeting table (fill in each column)
Category Budgeted Amount ($) Actual Spent ($) Remaining ($) Notes (e.g., Subscriptions)
Income Total[Enter monthly income]---
Groceries
Gas/Transportation
Eating Out
SubscriptionsList items & review for cancels
Essentials (Utilities, Rent)
Fun/Entertainment
Debt PaymentsInclude full BNPL upfront
Savings/EmergencyAim for 10–20% of income
Other (Health, Gifts)
Totals[Sum budgeted][Sum actual][Budgeted − Actual]Check: Actual ≤ Budgeted?

You can copy the table above into a spreadsheet like Google Sheets for easy editing.

Example Filled Out ($4,000 Income)

Example monthly budget completed for $4,000 income
Category Budgeted Amount ($) Actual Spent ($) Remaining ($) Notes
Income Total4000---
Groceries500300200
Gas/Transportation20015050
Eating Out15010050
Subscriptions1008020Netflix, Spotify – Cancel unused?
Essentials (Utilities, Rent)150015000Fixed costs
Fun/Entertainment200100100
Debt Payments5005000Includes full BNPL for $200 purchase
Savings/Emergency6006000
Other (Health, Gifts)250150100
Totals40003480520Under budget – Roll over to savings?
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Disclaimer (Educational Use Only)

Educational use only. This budgeting worksheet and any accompanying notes are provided by SeaBird Solutions, LLC (“SeaBird Budgeting”) for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, and using this worksheet does not create a client, advisor, fiduciary, or other professional relationship with SeaBird Budgeting.

No recommendations or guarantees. Examples, categories, and amounts shown are illustrative only and are not tailored to your situation. Past results or sample budgets do not guarantee future outcomes. Your financial circumstances are unique; you are responsible for your own decisions and results.

Independent verification. While we aim to keep materials current and accurate, SeaBird Budgeting makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the content. You should independently verify any information that is important to your decisions.

Consult a professional. Before making financial, investment, tax, or legal decisions, consider consulting a qualified professional (e.g., a licensed financial planner, accountant, or attorney) who can provide advice specific to your circumstances.

No sensitive data. Do not write bank logins, card numbers, PINs, one-time passcodes, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive personal information on this worksheet. SeaBird Budgeting is not a bank or lender and will never ask you for credentials to use this template.

References and brands. Any third-party services, products, or brands mentioned are used only as examples. No endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation is implied, and all trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Use at your own risk; limitation of liability. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, SeaBird Budgeting and its owners, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or costs (including without limitation direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages) arising out of or related to use of or reliance on this worksheet or the information contained in it.

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Contact. Questions or concerns: support@seabird.biz+1-240-834-2035seabirdbudgeting.com

SeaBird Budgeting provides educational budgeting software and materials; it is not a bank and does not provide financial, investment, or tax advice. No guarantees of outcomes. Brand names in examples are illustrative only; no endorsement implied.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this budgeting template?

Enter your income, assign amounts to categories, track spending, and review monthly. It's manual for mindful control.

Can I use this with SeaBird Budgeting?

Yes! Import your categories into the app for real-time visuals and insights. Get started free.


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