diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 1ca2fce..bd70049 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -27,3 +27,6 @@ sketch
 
 **/service-account.json
 >>>>>>> 18ffdb861cdf24a7ebaea8c6f91205ed97a03c98
+
+# Misc. secrets (API keys, GCP credentials, etc.)
+.env
diff --git a/backend/README.md b/backend/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..85d5b31
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+# FamilyBTC Backend
+
+An easy to use and easy to manage Bitcoin wallet catered to families with members in all stages of life.
+
+## Development
+
+### Environment Setup
+
+Obtain a JSON file with credentials for a Firebase service account. Then,
+
+```bash
+echo "GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS=`base64 -i PATH_TO_CREDS_FILE`" > .env
+```
diff --git a/backend/server.js b/backend/server.js
index bee9e15..fecb636 100644
--- a/backend/server.js
+++ b/backend/server.js
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+require('dotenv').config();
+
 const { app, PORT } = require('./app');
 const debug = require('./utils/debug');