diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d4d3a23..bd7e522 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -13,9 +13,10 @@ A PHP-based Telegram tip bot for the Salvium (Monero fork) cryptocurrency.
 
 ## Installation
 1. Clone the repo
-2. Update `config.php` with your RPC, DB, and Telegram Bot credentials
-3. Run `salvium_tipbot.php` as a Telegram webhook listener
-4. Schedule `salvium_tipbot_monitor.php` using `cron` for periodic checks
+2. Copy `config.sample.php` to `config.php` and fill in your credentials
+3. Update `config.php` with your RPC, DB, and Telegram Bot credentials
+4. Run `salvium_tipbot.php` as a Telegram webhook listener
+5. Schedule `salvium_tipbot_monitor.php` using `cron` for periodic checks
 
 ## Requirements
 - PHP 8.1+
diff --git a/config.sample.php b/config.sample.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ef7f5ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/config.sample.php
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+<?php
+return [
+    'SALVIUM_RPC_HOST' => '127.0.0.1',
+    'SALVIUM_RPC_PORT' => 28881,
+    'SALVIUM_RPC_USERNAME' => 'rpcuser',
+    'SALVIUM_RPC_PASSWORD' => 'rpcpassword',
+
+    'DB_HOST' => 'localhost',
+    'DB_NAME' => 'salvium_tipbot',
+    'DB_USER' => 'your_db_user',
+    'DB_PASS' => 'your_db_pass',
+    'DB_CHARSET' => 'utf8mb4',
+
+    'TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN' => 'YOUR_TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN_HERE',
+];