I’m just getting started with Goodbudget and I think I’m a little confused by the interface. First, I love the whole envelope budgeting - it’s what brought me here.
The envelopes go by monthly, yearly, or goal budget, but you can add bi-weekly income. I took my bi-weekly budget goal and multiplied by 2 to get my monthly goal. Also set the income for every two weeks. The way the interface reads, though, it looks like it’s going to fill the envelopes with my monthly budget every two weeks.
I’ll take another look when I’m less tired, but am I reading everything incorrectly?
Welcome!
It sounds like you’re trying to force two things together that don’t have to be combined. First, bi-weekly income will amount to more than 1/2 a month’s budget overall because of the two “extra” checks you’ll get each year. Maybe that’s what you want, but it’s just something to think about. Second, you’re trying to force your bi-weekly income into a monthly budget, but you don’t need to.
You’re on the right track setting up your budget, but instead of making it bi-weekly just budget monthly. Your income and budget are independent, so you can do a fill as often as necessary. Ideally you’ll have a buffer of one month’s balance when you fill envelopes in the 1st, but until then just set up different fills for each paycheck and distribute thee money as needed. For example, if your rent/mortgage are due on the 1st, use the second paycheck to fill that envelope, or just put half the amount in each time. Remember to change any envelopes you don’t want to fill to “Add 0”.
You’re in complete control of your Fills, and it’s a step a lot of people overlook. Once your budget is established, you’ll need to determine how to put money in those envelopes. Whether you fill them halfway each paycheck, stagger by due dates, a little of both, or build up enough to fill them all at once (the ultimate goal) is up to you and your priorities.
Hope that helps!
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