Im much money do you think an inmate need to start them out

It should be an amount that does not interfere with you taking care of your needs first. Inmates will always have enough to eat, so whatever amount you send gets them the little extras like candy, chips among many other things.  The typical spending limit is about $300-340 per month. But that is not including phone time or email. Whatever you can send will be well appreciated but do not go hungry sending more than you can afford.