Getting Started

Welcome to Zenvilope! This guide will walk you through setting up your first budget and getting started with envelope budgeting.

Step 1: Create Your Account

1. Navigate to the Zenvilope homepage
2. Click "Sign Up" or "Register"
3. Enter your email address and create a password
4. Verify your email (if required)

Step 2: Create Your First Budget

After logging in, you'll be prompted to create your first budget:

1. Name your budget: Choose a descriptive name (e.g., "Personal", "Family Budget", "Business")
2. Add a description (optional): Add notes about what this budget is for
3. Select your currency: Choose your primary currency (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP)
4. Click "Create Budget"

TIP

You can create multiple budgets! For example, keep your personal and business finances separate.

Step 3: Add Your Accounts

Next, add the accounts you want to track:

1. Navigate to the "Accounts" section
2. Click "Add Account"
3. Fill in the details:
   • Name: e.g., "Chase Checking", "Savings", "Credit Card"
   • Type: Checking, Savings, Credit Card, Cash, etc.
   • Starting Balance: Current balance (as of today)
4. Click "Save"

Repeat for all accounts you want to track.

INFO

The starting balance should be the actual balance in your account right now. This gives you an accurate starting point.

Step 4: Set Up Categories

Categories are your "envelopes" where you'll allocate your money:

1. Navigate to the "Budget" section
2. You'll see some default category groups and categories
3. Customize them to match your life:
   • Edit or delete categories you don't need
   • Add new categories for your expenses
   • Organize them into groups

Example Category Structure

Bills

• Rent/Mortgage
• Utilities
• Internet
• Phone

Daily Living

• Groceries
• Gas/Transportation
• Dining Out

Savings Goals

• Emergency Fund
• Vacation
• New Car

Fun Money

• Entertainment
• Hobbies
• Shopping

Step 5: Budget Your Money

Now comes the core of envelope budgeting - giving every dollar a job:

1. In the "Budget" view, select the current month
2. Look at your "Available to Budget" amount
3. Allocate money to each category by entering amounts
4. Continue until "Available to Budget" reaches zero

TIP

Start with the basics: Budget for your immediate needs first (bills, groceries, gas), then allocate to savings goals and fun money.

Step 6: Record Transactions

As you spend and earn money, record transactions:

1. Navigate to "Transactions"
2. Click "Add Transaction"
3. Fill in the details:
   • Account: Which account the transaction is from
   • Date: When it occurred
   • Payee: Who you paid or received money from
   • Category: Which envelope this affects
   • Amount: How much (income is positive, expenses are negative)
4. Click "Save"

INFO

Transactions reduce the available amount in their category. Watch your category balances to avoid overspending!

Step 7: Reconcile Regularly

Compare your records with your bank statements:

1. Check your account balances in Zenvilope against your real accounts
2. Add any missing transactions
3. Fix any discrepancies
4. Mark accounts as reconciled when they match

TIP

Reconcile at least once a week to catch errors early and stay on top of your finances.

What's Next?

Now that you're set up, explore the guides:

• Managing Budgets
• Working with Accounts
• Understanding Categories
• Recording Transactions
• Envelope Budgeting Concepts

Need Help?

• Check out the detailed guides in the sidebar
• Review the Envelope Budgeting concepts
• See the Budget Months guide for understanding monthly budgeting

Happy budgeting! 🎉