If you are not familiar with the envelope system, it is when you label different envelopes with the different categories from your budget (ex. food, gas, misc.). If you are trying to cut down on the amount of times that you use the ATM, this may be worth a try.

To get started with the envelope system, grab some envelopes, a marker, and your family budget. Although some people use this for every category on their budget, you can use what you are comfortable with. Once you have labeled your envelopes, look at your budget to see how much money you have allotted weekly for each category. Once you have your figure, you may want to write that on the envelope as well. At the beginning of the week, place the proper amount in each envelope, and once it is gone then you are out of money for that category.

This is a great way to track how much you really spend, as well. If you know that you only have a certain amount that you are aloud to spend, and you will not be making anymore withdrawals for the week, you are a little more likely to only spend what is necessary.

Photo Credit: GlennPeb