Star Light Ministries

Whether you are thinking about getting out of sex work, feeling the push of the “new” economy, or just trying to figure out a better way to handle your finances, the Envelope Budget can work for you. It’s really basic and works great for working with cash.

First, write a list of all your expenses. Don’t leave anything out. Here’s a stab at it:

Rent or House Payment, including any condo fees.
Utilities, including gas, water, and electric (If your bills vary greatly, month-to-month, then think about getting the “budget” plan for your bill. The utility company will charge you the same amount each month, the total year’s usage divided by 12 months.)
Phone, including mobile and land line
Cable and internet
Car Payment
Car Insurance
Car Repairs (You know you have them, even if it’s just oil changes and new tires. If you don’t know how much to budget, consider the price of 4 oil changes and one set of tires for one year, and perhaps one major repair ($600?), then divide that total by 12.)
Health Insurance
Loan and Credit Card Payments (one envelop for each!)
Food (just what you spend at the grocery store for a week multiplied by 4)
Eating Out (One or two meals per week)
Alcohol, Tobacco, and/or Drugs (You know you’re going to use it, you might as well be honest and budget it!)
Clothing (Be realistic here!)
Entertainment
Savings (Should be at least 10% of your income. Remember to pay yourself first!)

Next, add up your monthly income. You know you work 4 or 5 nights a week, you know a good approximation of the amount you’ll make. I know it will vary, but estimate low—it’s always better to have money left over!

Once you figure out your approximate monthly budget by adding up all of your expenses, and you’ve got an idea of how much money you’re gonna make, you’re ready to get your envelopes out.

For each expense, start an envelope. Write on the outside of the envelope the category of payment. Then write, in the corner of the envelope, the due date for this bill. Always include enough time for delivery. If your rent is due on the 1st of the month, write the 26th on the envelope.

Go to work. Bring home cash.

You’ve figured out that you’re going to work 20 shifts this month. And your total expense each month is $2000. Therefore, you’re going to need to make $100 each shift to make your payments. Let’s break that down a little more.

Rent $700
Phone $100
Utilities $150
Food $120
Cigarettes $90
Car Payment $100
Car Insurance $70
Health Insurance $100
Savings $200
Clothes $70
Eating Out $100
Entertainment $200

Divide each of these numbers by 20 (the number of shifts you’ll work). That’s how much you’ll put in each envelope each day. For instance, in your car payment envelope, each shift you’ll put $20. By the end of the month, you’ll have all the money you need for that bill.

Obviously, you can’t send cash to many of the companies you owe money to, but you can deposit it into your bank and write a check. Or you can buy a money order to send the company. Just remember to keep your receipts.

Tomorrow… cutting expenses!