Learn How It Works
Ready to start cash budgeting but don't know where to begin?
Cash budgeting can be a simple, visual way to take control of your spending and become more intentional with your money. But you don't need to buy anything to get started.
In fact, we don't want you to spend money on budgeting products if they aren't already within your budget.
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Start with understanding your money
Before you start cash budgeting, the best place to begin is by understanding exactly where your money is going.
Our Finance Breakdown Sheet will help you break down your income, regular expenses, spending and savings. It gives you a clear starting point and helps you see what you have to work with before creating your budget.
Enter your email address at the end to receive your FREE Finance Breakdown Sheet.
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Once you know your numbers, you can start building your budget.
1. Start with your income
Work out exactly how much money you have coming in and when you receive it.
2. List your essentials
Bills, food, transport and other regular expenses come first.
3. Decide what you're saving for
Think about upcoming expenses and your goals — Christmas, birthdays, holidays, car expenses, emergencies and anything else you want to prepare for.
4. Give your money a job
With zero-based budgeting, you plan where your money is going before you spend it, so that your income minus your planned spending and savings has a purpose.
5. Choose your cash categories
Decide which areas of your spending would benefit from using cash. You don't have to cash budget everything.
6. Start small
You don't need 20 envelopes and a perfect system from day one. Start with a few categories and build from there.
7. Review and adjust
Your budget isn't meant to be restrictive or perfect. Life changes, and your budget can change with it.
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You don't need our products to start budgeting.
Marigold England exists to make budgeting feel more enjoyable, organised and intentional, not to encourage you to spend money you don't have.
If a budgeting binder isn't in your budget right now, that's okay.
Start with what you already have. Use envelopes, jars, paper or whatever works for you. Once you've found a system that works for you, you can decide whether investing in a budgeting binder is right for you.
Your budgeting journey should start with your budget, not with a purchase.
When the time is right, we'll be here to help you take your system to the next level.