What does the envelope method primarily aim to control?

The envelope method primarily aims to control spending in various categories by using physical envelopes to allocate specific amounts of cash to different spending categories, such as groceries, entertainment, and utilities. Users take the cash from each envelope when making purchases in that category, which helps prevent overspending. When the money in an envelope is gone, spending in that category must stop until the next budgeting period begins. This method encourages discipline and accountability in managing personal finances, allowing individuals to visualize their cash flow and adhere to their budget in a tangible way.