Best for: People who overspend easily, families with many spending categories, anyone who needs visual clarity.

What It Is

The Envelope (or Category) Budget organizes your spending into clear categories that each receive a set amount for the month. You only use the money assigned to each category, helping you stay disciplined without overthinking every purchase.

How It Works

• Your income is divided into categories (groceries, gas, personal spending, etc.).

• You track spending throughout the month in each category.

• The template shows whether you overspent or stayed under.

• Total category amounts cannot exceed your monthly income.

Why It Works

• Stops overspending by giving each category a firm limit.

• Provides clear visual insight into where your money goes.

• Makes it easier to focus on individual spending habits.

Best for: Beginners, people who want a simple structure, and anyone improving balance between lifestyle and financial goals.

What It Is

The 50/30/20 Budget divides your income into three simple categories:
50% Needs • 30% Wants • 20% Savings or Debt Reduction

How It Works

• Needs include housing, utilities, food, transportation.

• Wants include entertainment, dining out, and non-essentials.

• Savings/Debt includes emergency fund, debt payoff, and goals.

• Your spreadsheet automatically calculates each section based on your income.

Why It Works

• Creates natural balance between spending and saving.

• Simple enough for anyone to follow consistently.

• Helps prevent lifestyle creep.

Best for: People who want full control, structure, and precision; anyone serious about maximizing every dollar.

What It Is

The Zero-Based Budget assigns every single dollar to a purpose.
Your income minus your planned expenses must equal zero — meaning nothing is left unassigned.

How It Works

• You start with your monthly income.

• Every dollar is assigned to a category (spending, saving, debt, goals).

• Tracking your actual amounts ensures you stay aligned.

• You always know exactly where your money is going.

Why It Works

• Offers unmatched clarity and control.

• Ensures no money slips through the cracks.

• Helps you stay accountable all month long.

Best for: Anyone wanting simplicity, fewer decisions, predictable bills, and a stress-free financial routine.

Dunn Right Signature Budget System (4-Account Method)

This is your primary specialty system — designed to remove daily stress, reduce decision fatigue, and automate healthy money habits.

What It Is

A simple, structured money-flow system using four accounts:

1. Bills Account – protects all monthly bills

2. Allowance Account – covers groceries, gas, personal spending

3. Standard Savings Account – short-term goals and sinking funds

4. HYSA or Money Market (optional) – long-term savings and emergency fund

How It Works

Every payday:

1. All income enters the Bills Account

2. You move money into each bucket:

   • Bills

   • Groceries & Gas

   • Personal Allowance

   • Savings

3. Leftover money (after planned amounts) goes to savings automatically

Why It Works

• Bills remain fully protected — no accidental overspending

• Daily spending becomes natural and instinctive

• Your savings grows without stressful tracking

• You always know exactly what is safe to spend

This system simplifies your money life so you don’t have to manage every transaction. Your accounts do the work for you.

This is a simplified version of your signature method for clients who prefer fewer accounts but the same structured guidance.

Accounts Used

1. Bills Account

2. Allowance Account

3. Savings Account
   (HYSA optional)

Why Some Clients Prefer This Version

• Fewer accounts to manage

• Still offers structure, predictability, and clear money flow

• Works well for clients who are overwhelmed by multiple accounts or have different banking limitations