Complete Beginner Budget & Cash Envelope System Setup

Today April is sharing a complete tutorial on how to start your budget and envelope system from step 1. Everything from creating your budget, to selecting your envelopes, to finally tracking your savings challenge games!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Let's Begin
01:38 Basic Calendar Setup
04:19 Income & Expense Setup
09:02 Envelopes & Savings Setup
22:20 True Budget Setup
23:47 Savings Challenge Envelope Setup
25:50 Savings Challenge Tracker Setup
28:12 Let's PLAY!
37:21 Thank YOU Ko-Fi Supporters!!
🧡 2 Sister Bees Etsy 🧡
2sisterbees.etsy.com
🍯Games & Templates Used 🍯
Complete BUDGET Kit: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Emergen-BEE Set: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Trim the Tree Set: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Birthday Set: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Universal Trackers: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Cash Stuffing Trackers: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Blank Dashboards: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Household Dashboards: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Vehicle Dashboards: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Bee Prop Money: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Woodland Prop Money: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Busy Bee Playing Cards: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Rainy Day Savings Book: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
Sunken Treasure Game: 2sisterbees.etsy.com/listing/...
💸 How to Get Ahead Video 💸
• 💰 Behind On Monthly Bi...
👀 How to print your text on dashboards 👀
• How To Add Custom Font...
💵 All about PROP MONEY 💵
• Budgeting & Prop Money...
🔻 Download Adobe Acrobat Reader 🔻
get.adobe.com/reader/
🛒 My Setup Items 🛒
Samsung Tablet: amzn.to/3M0NTAq
Tablet Case: amzn.to/3FeNXZB
Tablet Keyboard: amzn.to/3ZYoQnt
Electronics Cleaner Spray: amzn.to/3trzVBf
Calculator: amzn.to/3txGuCB
Cash Stuffing Holder: amzn.to/46PFkRk
A5 Sprinkles Envelopes: amzn.to/45tgpSj
A6 Sprinkles Envelopes: amzn.to/3FeWifV
A5 Envelopes: amzn.to/48AzoNo
A6 Envelopes: amzn.to/46sxT2e
Lamination Machine: amzn.to/40a90Xf
Lamination Pouches: amzn.to/3Qf8gwt
Savings Challenge Paper: amzn.to/3ZzGDkK
Tracker Cardstock Paper: amzn.to/48B24G4
Holographic Sheets: amzn.to/46Psjqy
Paper Trimmer: amzn.to/46wGS2c
Craft Glue: amzn.to/3t6vZWq
Cricut Paper Smoother: amzn.to/467aio3 (Alternative)
Some Cute Scissors: amzn.to/3EXQSWD (Alternative)
Alcoholic Markers: amzn.to/3PTl6Py
Cheaper Markers: amzn.to/3rRjEoR
🎶 Daytime TV Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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[@abrittisbroke4542]

"I don't know, hypothetical person, why do anything-" When I tell you I felt that in my soul🤣🤣

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

😆 Thanks for sharing the laughs with me 🥳

[@JustOnePageAway]

You won me at “wear those Walmart bobos for a while and get out of debt.”😂😂😂 No really, this is a great video. New subbie.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Haha I'm so glad someone gets my humor! Hey Chantal 👋 Thanks so much for being a part of the hive! 🐝

[@user-ti6xr3om6y]

I read this as "wear those Walmart boobs" and I was very confused 😂😂😂😂

[@MsPenny05]

I’ve been searching a video that starts from the very beginning. Thank you so much for this!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

It makes me so happy to know it helped you! Happy savings! 😁

[@chelybeann]

I’m so glad you showed the games! I’ve never seen this before. That looks like so much fun!!! I love that it creates a connection between money and fun. Ugh this might change my outlook on saving completely. Glad I found y’all’s channel! ❤

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hello there 👋 Oh! I love that you may have found a new way to connect with your finances! It definitely has helped me. I feel like I know what to do to save. Keep us posted on your adventure! ❤️ 🐝

[@kudokrochet]

I agree! Savings challenges help me keep saving and make it fun at the same time! Budgeting should be more than just spreadsheets with numbers.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yes!! I'm in total agreement with this! ❤️ Thanks so much for watching!

[@tlew9429]

I’m not a cash budgeter but I use a separate checking account for bills and sinking funds which includes my “other expense” money as a bill that I transfer to our second account. This way you are never short for obligations. Everything else: “other expenses” - groceries, car, fun etc comes from the other account.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yes! It just makes it all so much easier to follow where your money is. Love this! ❤️ Thanks for watching 🐝 👀

[@mimig126]

I started doing all cash budgeting and although it worked and helped me stay on track, it was too time consuming for me so I did this. I now have a separate account for bills, one for sinking funds, a High yield savings account for long term savings and my spending money for the week for essentials/ “me money” stays in my main account. It just makes it so much easier for me .

[@jclyntoledo]

Yes! That's exactly what I just started doing. Just got a second checking account that's going to be my "other expenses" card while the first checking account will stay for rent and bills. The "other expenses" account /card will be my new discover cashback debit card. Although I'll still allocate the cash binders for things like beauty and groceries. The rest will be money saving challenges I'll use to pay off debt, or use for dental, travel, getting a car etc. Once I get 800-1000 I'll turn it into a bank account or cashiers check to either grow the money or for payment purposes.

[@rachelsmith6194]

Yes to rounding up! I started doing that just do that I don't have to track cents, that's it. Makes things so much easier.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hello there 👋 Yes! It makes it so much easier to track everything. Thanks so much for watching 🐝

[@TammyByrd53]

TFS❤❤❤! I like the Rainy Day ☔️ booklet! Learning new ways to budget!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thanks for hanging out with me Tammy 🥳 I'm so glad you're inspired ✨️

[@emtdispatcheronabudget]

Thank you so much April. I love how you explained everything. I love your channel. 🥰🥰

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you for hanging out with me! I'm so happy you are funding use in it! ❤️

[@rinab8670]

Thank you April, I certainly needed a refresher course.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thanks so much Rina 🐝 ❤️

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Thanks. Clear explanations! Excellent!!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let me know 🐝 ❤️

[@lillian.m.hansenND]

Great directions. Thank you! 😊

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

🐝 ❤️

[@brandi1719]

Thank you for sharing April❤ I look forward to your videos and Jen's. Yes, learning to live within your budget. 🐝🐝🐝

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Your support means a lot to both of us. Thank you Brandi ❤️

[@nickysinclair8436]

Love your video. Super clear! 😊

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yay! Thank you so much! I'm so glad it's coming across understandable 😌 Thanks for watching!

[@TeenaBoyett]

You make it so fun!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

🥳 I'm so happy you enjoy it! Thank you Teena ❤️

[@islandlady1698]

Great video April! Thanks for sharing.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you for watching! 🏝

[@DeannaT12345]

Loved this video. I am loving everything you do.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you Deanna ☺️ Nice to see you!

[@jenniferthurman1282]

Thank you April! I always learn something new, I may be going from cash to digital in 2024. All the fun challenge games have made my money journey fun! ❤

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

That's one of the things I really love about this journey. Is how we can all change and adjust how we save and what works for us. If you give digital a try, let me know how it goes for you!

[@tanyaoverman8484]

Great video! Simple and easy to follow along.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you! It makes me so happy when I hear it was understandable and easy to follow ❤️

[@rezenaenendu6001]

April, ty so much. It was very helpful. I needed this. U & J r awesome.😁

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yay! I'm so glad you found it helpful 🥳

[@linneaphillis6128]

Awesome video April. ❤ Keep up all the amazing work

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you Linnea ☺️

[@juliebugg20]

Thank you. Great video.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi Julie 👋 Thanks for watching 🐝

[@lisandraaponte5419]

I’m so bad at this budgeting. This was very helpful thank you 🙏🏼 💖💖💖🥰

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Haha we all are 😆 That's why we're all trying together ❤️ You are probably doing much better than you think ☺️

[@williamwarren9448]

Thank you !!! Great rational !

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi William 👋 Thanks so much! 😊

[@wendykasper5400]

Thanks for all the great information.😊

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hey Wendy! Nice to see you! 👀

[@guadalupegallardo8695]

Thank you for this video! You motivated me to cash stuff with prop money ❤

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yaaaaay! You can do it! It requires a little more will power. But it can be done! ❤️ 🐝

[@BlessingsAndBudgets]

Thank you for this video ❤❤

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you for watching 👀

[@claretaylor7739]

Love the video 😊

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thanks Clare 😊

[@deborahgaston4557]

Greetings! I’m not sure how I found your video, but I’m glad that I did. I loved your content and now I’m a new subscriber 😊 I’m new in my budgeting journey and I really appreciate how you explained everything!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi Deborah! Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and subscribe. Good luck with your savings adventures 💛 🎈

[@melissaladd6857]

This is a great video!😊 helpful😊😊

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

I'm so happy you found it helpful 🥳 Thank you ❤️

[@aprilbudgets]

This was a great video I love how much you try and help everyone❤ Already went and got the Christmas Challenge ❤

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

There she is! Hihi! 👋 I hope your week treats you well 💗 🐝

[@jordanruth0809]

I have actually been thinking to be a digital budget person because I use only my debit and credit card and little cash. This was well worth watching and now I know what I need to do for prop money. I love the prop designs. Thank you for sharing because my mind need to get organized and I know my income will be.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you so much Jordan! I'm thrilled that you got some ideas 💡

[@carolyndalton7775]

Great video!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thanks so much Carolyn ☺️

[@carabudgets]

New subbie!! Love your videos on both channels!!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi Cara! Welcome to the hive! 🐝 💛

[@angeljefferson2984]

Love the video April, I have different binders for each thing and my BF laughs about it. I am glad you showed & said the binders get "beefy" because it's a true struggle but multiple binders help and show real success when they get full. It's fun to have challenges that help save & you are so creative with everything you come up with. I wish you could print everything for me because my printer makes everything look so dull compared to the sets you sent me. I am so excited for new June Treasure games & scratch offs 🐝❤️🐝

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

I can totally understand why the multiple binders now! Even stuffing less envelopes. It just makes more sense and is easier to manage ❤️ Thank you so much Angel 😇

[@nicolebanks7213]

It could be the paper you’re using. Try a heavier paper like a 24lb paper. The higher the number, the better the quality is

[@biggestloserkawai]

hi april karina.. you made me so happy with this video

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hello lovely Karina! Thank you so much ☺️ ❤️ I hope you are having a wonderful day ✨️

[@sarahschreffler5407]

I use a plain envelope for receipts and day to day spending. I started out with 1 envelope per week but that was too much so I folded the envelope in half and one half is for tracking the first week and the second half is for tracking the second week. All envelopes go inside and I only have to replace the envelope in my purse every other week. This works for me.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yes. Keeping it simple. Love it! ❤️

[@tamikajones6970]

Great video April ❤ I will be adding the Christmas challenge to my list.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hey Tamika! 👋 Nice to see you girl! I hope it helps you save for the holidays! 🎄

[@tamikajones6970]

Thank you and it will help me to save for the holidays. Have a great day!

[@carolyndalton7775]

😊 for some challenges I use an 8/12 X 11 three ring binder and use a full sheet challenge andI’m able to put an A6 envelope on the rings.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

That is a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@carolyndalton7775]

@@2sisterbeesstudio and cheaper since most of us already have three ring 📕 s

[@judithprice215]

Beautiful job. I do part digital and part cash. Always something to think about as things evolve.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you Judy ☺️ I hope all is well with you! I'm really enjoying the hybrid of both methods. It's really cool how many things you can change up to make it work for you ❤️

[@judithprice215]

@@2sisterbeesstudio Doing just fine here! Still dealing with insurance company over y burst pipes but thanks to you all I have not had a freak out moment. Your videos have helped keep me grounded as well as the really creative support materials and your special care of all of us...Thank you!

[@jclyntoledo]

Omgosh yes! This is exactly what I'm trying to do now but I'm very new to budgeting. I'm so glad I found more ppl doing hybrid versions 🥰🥰.

[@IoneEvans]

I love your prop money and how you use it. I'm not fond of the "real" looking prop money. I really may have to try that method.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

I admit at first I didn't understand the real benefits prop money could bring. But as time goes on, it fits more and more for me 😊 I couldn't use the ones that look more real. I know I'd accidentally think it was real 😅

[@denisemeyerhoff-qp9df]

Have a good night

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

You too Denise! 🐝

[@moneywithjustliving5258]

New Subscriber...I love your channel.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi there! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! It's nice to meet you! ❤️

[@aussiebudgets]

New subscriber. 😊

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

YAY! Welcome aboard! 🐝🐝

[@pamelajackson5573]

New subbie as of today

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi Pamela! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Welcome! ☺️

[@cynthiamartinez6583]

Pinta bonito esa

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

☺️

[@jenericbjacobsen]

WOOP FIRST 🎉

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Haha 🥳 Hi there 👋

[@deborahkojima3977]

Thank you for this Video & Downloads. One of my big problems has been that I never set up a proper budget! Imagine that! I did so many things wrong and had a hard time in this area.Well, no more! This time I will get it right! I love this and have printed it out and will be using monthly. This will help me to stay on track financially and not only save more, but really be in control of my finances. It is never too late! So glad you started this 2 Sister Bees Studio Channel. Much thanks to you & Jenn. 2 Sister Bees is a financial lifesaver! Thank you both!!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

I am so excited to hear that you are going to make a budget!! You can do it! I can't wait to hear your progress ❤️

[@joannam.9276]

💚

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

🧡

[@submittotheplan]

New subbie here!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hello there! 👋 Welcome to the hive 🐝 🐝 I hope you find some ideas and motivation to save! ☺️

[@rhondasue2890]

In your video you have prop money with the bee theme in lower amounts but on your etsy shop you only have it available as high amounts. Is it possible to change the amounts in the pdf before printing?

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

All denominations are included in the Etsy purchase. I just haven't had a chance to update the listing 🐝

[@nagarpoe]

Very pretty budget sheets! Just a little request if possible... could you shake a little less the paper while talking cuz it could get a little blurry/shakey quality? Keep the the great work!!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thank you! I'll do my best. Good news is I'm using mostly digital sheets myself soooo that should help 😊

[@mae1813]

Another lefty..... Yea!!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yay! Hello lefty friend! 😁

[@Nakiyo11]

I enjoyed this video and it was very me. Some ideas of what I wanted to do for my own cash budgeting business. I want to start. Do you have any videos or tools that you use to help you design? Your prop money to design your scratches for your membership. And just everything that you designed? Any help is appreciated. Can't wait for next video

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

HIhi! I've been asked this so many times, and I hate to disappoint you but there really isn't any quick answers to this. I have been designing webpages, branding businesses and marketing for over 25 years. The best advice I can give you is to just "do". Depending on what it is you want to do, learn as much about it as you can. Try new things. And every day, teach yourself. I still do this, every day for my business. I have considered doing classes on SkillShare or something where I could maybe help a lot more in a "classroom" setting. Maybe it's something for 2024. :)

[@Nakiyo11]

@2sisterbeesstudio Good morning, I completely understand. Thank you for you insite. If u did do sometype of classes I would enroll. I think it would be fun if u had the time

[@oldschoolbudgets]

Hi April. New subscriber here

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hello there 👋 Love the channel name!! Welcome to the hive 🐝 Thank you for taking the time to comment ☺️

[@sarahdiamondart]

Do you sell the dashboard for each envelopes like insurance, tax &tag , house upkeep please help

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

I do as a digital download. Here is the shop link: www.etsy.com/shop/2sisterbees?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1359814517&section_id=41095299

[@finanzasfamiliaresargentina]

Me suscribo

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hello 👋 Thank you ☺️

[@feliciastanton-europe2942]

I love your video, but I have a question: what about paying yourself first. Would that be an option?

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Anything is an option. It's your budget and your money. You make it work for you. But the whole idea is to get those bills paid first and out from under them or to a manageable level. But whatever works for you is what matters.

[@cynthiamartinez6583]

I hate to bother you because exquisite video but maybe you wouldn’t mind sharing where you got the saving challenges index cards ? I probably won’t get them myself because I don’t like to copy people (style drift) but I can start thinking how I can incorporate that into my life

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hey Cynthia! Do you mean the dashboards where I added the words "Savings Challenges" - They are from our Etsy! Here is the link: www.etsy.com/shop/2sisterbees?section_id=41095299 I also just did a video on how to add your own text to them if you want to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5uwhGesrMR4etk

[@jesuszubizarreta]

Looks so fun that way. I have the bee money but it only came in 100 500 and 1000 how did you change the dollar amount? I'm definitely not tech savvy 😅

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

I actually updated those. Message me on Etsy for the updated file ❤️

[@jesuszubizarreta]

@@2sisterbeesstudio I will thank you ❤️ 🐝

[@mkdice]

New subbed here. You said there were monthly games, like the treasure hunt that came with its own dice. I could not find it in your shop. Where can I go to get it?

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi Melissa! Thanks for subbing! The kits that I create monthly tend to sell out within a few hours of being launched. But the membership clubs which have 2 tiers are located here and are currently open ko-fi.com/2sisterbees/tiers and here is an FAQ about the kits and clubs ko-fi.com/post/Membership-Club-FAQs-I2I6KJ603

[@brittanychoice5197]

Is this template on your Etsy page?

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

The budget kit? Yes it is. Here's the link: www.etsy.com/listing/1477551815/

[@tanyasbudgetandchaoticlife3116]

💞💞💜💜

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

💛 🐝 👋

[@FitilagiFaanunu-fr1vw]

I love your products can you deliver to Tonga?

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi there! You should be able to purchase any of our digitals off of our Etsy shop 100%. I am honestly not sure where all Etsy ships to, but if you've purchased before from there then you should be okay. :) Thank you so much for watching from Tonga! That is so awesome! :)

[@teresacalderon502]

So I’m new to this channel. Are your trackers or the things you are using free to print?

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi Teresa! Welcome to the channel! The budget and expense sheet has a free version in our library here: drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1VRf2dzNHV84v-oLIbufEnM3LlNcDpXcr There's also a ton of other free resources there. But most of the other things in this particular video are in our Etsy 🧡

[@singandplaywithmomo8126]

I am trying to find these sheets where do I get them

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi there 😊 Everything I use in the video is directly linked in the description box 🌷

[@denisemeyerhoff-qp9df]

Hey

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Howdy 👋

[@tamihill4229]

Do you have a esty shop. I saving challage that need no computer. I am currently saving for a computer

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yes we do Etsy.com/shop/2sisterbees

[@amyfletcher4749]

If you afraid of spending too much...get 2 accounts. One for bills and one for spending.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Yes, that's what I'm doing 😁 It works very well for me

[@someOtherTexan]

Can you add details for your calculator? I felt silly before but decided to ask. There are others in the Amazon shop.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

www.amazon.com/shop/2sisterbees/list/1DWNSQA7SHWAG?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsf2sisterbees_MKDE84FXDTK11AJQCCYV Sorry about that :) It's added now!

[@someOtherTexan]

@@2sisterbeesstudio aw! You're the best! Thank you. ☺

[@courtneyraehadley]

I could never use fake money cause the real money would be available in the bank & I would just spend it and say screw what my envelope says I have in it lol

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Totally understand. Years ago, I would've been the exact same way. 😅

[@sharenread8677]

You forgot 1 more $10.00 bill. Sharen

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Thanks Sharen ❤️

[@tiffanibudgets]

I love the idea of digital but I’m not disciplined enough for that yet 🫣 Seeing the cash right now has helped me stay on track! I’m in love your prop money 💙 Great video and very informative ☀️ Love y’all vibe over here!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hi Tiffani 👋 Thanks so much for commenting. It's good that you can say to yourself you aren't ready to digital stuff. It can be very hard reminding yourself that you don't technically have that balance you're seeing 😅 Cash stuffing is so great to keep on track. Good luck with your savings! 🐝 💛

[@tiffanibudgets]

@@2sisterbeesstudio thank you ☀️

[@paulalyons4906]

I agree, Tiffani. I'm watching this and imagining all the ways I'd mess this up! Good video though.

[@tiffanibudgets]

@@paulalyons4906 😂😂 I’m in love with that prop money though!

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

@@paulalyons4906 Haha! I hear you! You can always use cash instead and keep it simple 💛

[@queenscashing]

Hello, I’m new here. Here for another video with your channel. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to another one soon. Hopefully we can be friends and you can come over by me. I have been watching your videos, I am also new to this community and would love to stay touch with you. I bought Several Binders and the cash holder already and play money, now just putting together my budget spreadsheet. Looking forward to create great friendships…Thank you so much for sharing.

[@2sisterbeesstudio]

Hello there 👋 YAY! Welcome to the community!! 🥳 I can't wait to see you grow in savings and friends! ❤️