Do you want to start using cash envelopes for budgeting, or maybe you’re looking for something to better organize your money envelopes?
Look no further! A cash envelope wallet will help you manage your cash envelopes easily and ensure you stick to your budget.
When we first started using a cash envelope system, it amazed me how easy it was to stay on budget and how we were actually saving money.
But, just carrying them in the bottom of my purse where they were a jumbled mess was not working for me.
I needed something functional to hold my envelopes to fully unlock my budgeting potential.
So, today we’ll discuss the best cash envelope wallets to help you stay organized and manage your money like a rockstar.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost, if you purchase using the links below. Please see my earnings disclaimer for more details.
Contents
- 1 What is the cash envelope system?
- 2 Benefits of using cash envelopes
- 3 Best cash envelope wallets and why they’re good
- 4 Divvy Up Magnetic Cash Envelope Wallet
- 5 Free cash envelope template
- 6 Get FREE cash envelopes!
- 7 Frequently asked questions about cash envelope budgeting
- 7.1 Does envelope budgeting work?
- 7.2 How much should I put in a cash envelope?
- 7.3 Why do cash envelopes work?
- 7.4 What cash envelopes should I have?
- 7.5 How to start using cash envelopes
- 7.6 What do you do with the leftover money in your cash envelopes?
- 7.7 What is one potential downside of using a cash envelope budget?
- 7.8 What to look for when choosing a cash envelope wallet?
- 8 Can you use an envelope system without cash?
- 9 Conclusion
What is the cash envelope system?
A cash envelope system is a way to budget your money by using cash to pay for specific categories in your budget.
Most people don’t use cash envelopes for their entire budget. Fixed expenses like your mortgage, insurance, and car payment most likely are paid online or through your bank account.
Cash envelopes are usually used for discretionary spendings such as groceries, gas, and personal care.
With cash envelopes, your budget becomes tangible, making it less likely to go over budget.
Benefits of using cash envelopes
Cash envelopes force you to stay on budget because you have a hard limit on the amount you can spend each month.
This has two benefits:
You stop overspending
You can’t overspend because you only have a certain amount in your envelopes, and the money needs to last to the next paycheck.
When the money runs out, it’s gone. Therefore, you start to question every purchase and if it’s necessary.
You save money
When you’re able to stay on budget, you can save more money because you’re not overspending.
Saving money motivates you to become more intentional with your purchases, saving you even more money and reaching your financial goals.
Best cash envelope wallets and why they’re good
Let’s take a look at the best envelope wallets and why they will help you manage your money better.
Three Way Cut Envelope Budgeting System Wallet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| RFID protection | All 12 envelopes may fight tightly depending on the amount of cash inside |
| Comes with a wristlet | |
| Tabbed for easy envelope identification | |
| Nice size wallet comparable to other wristlets | |
| Envelopes are laminated and waterproof |
The Three Way Cut wallet is a cute and affordable RFID-protected wristlet wallet. Inside it has plenty of room for your cards, a zippered pouch, and a pocket for a checkbook or receipts/coupons. The 12 laminated waterproof envelopes fit nicely into the binder, which can be removed if you need more room. At $22, this wallet is stylish and functional.
This all-in-one cash envelope wallet includes:
- cash wallet with binder note
- 12 monthly budget sheets
- 12 tabbed laminated envelopes
- 24 sticker labels
- yearly budget sheet
Anconkton All-in-One Leather Cash Envelope Wallet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple colors | Zipper only comes in gold |
| Enough room for everything without being bulky | |
| Zips up for added security | |
| Very similar to Filofax organizer but with all the extras | |
| Comes with a pen and extra stickers for more organization |
This cash envelope wallet by Anconkton is a great alternative to a Filofax organizer. Inside, you’ll find tons of places for your cards and a zippered pouch for coins with pockets on either side to hold your checkbook, coupons, or receipts. You’ll find a removable binder note that holds 12 laminated waterproof envelopes. For $22, this wallet will be the perfect personal assistant to your finances.
This all-in-one leather cash envelope wallet includes:
- wallet
- binder note
- blank labels
- 12 budget envelopes
- bookmark labels
- 12 budget sheets
- envelope system
- pen
Divvy Up Magnetic Cash Envelope Wallet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generously sized for all you need to carry | Not many color choices |
| Envelopes are reusable and machine washable | Only comes with 5 envelopes |
| Strong magnetic discs keep envelopes closed and stacked together | |
| Zippered wallet for added security |
The Divvy Up Wallet is a unique cash envelope system. It has plenty of room for your everyday items with 12 slots for your cards and a zippered coin pouch with pockets on either side to hold your cash envelopes. The 5 removable cash envelopes are magnetic to keep them closed and neatly stacked. This $40 wallet is a great option to keep you on budget, and if you just prefer the magnetic envelopes, you can get them here.
The Divvy Up Wallet comes with:
- wallet
- 5 removable magnetic cash envelopes
Savvycents Cash System Wallet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accordion-style cash slots instead of envelopes | Only has 5 cash slots |
| Tons of slots for debit, credit, and gift cards | |
| Removable wristlet | |
| Available in many colors | |
| Tabbed to make it easy to find what you’re looking for |
The Savvycents Wallet is a classic-style wallet wristlet that uses an accordion-style file system instead of envelopes. It has 5 tabbed pockets to keep your cash in, with an additional pocket on the other side where your checkbook is held. It has ample room for your cards and ID. This $32 wristlet is a great option to organize your money, but if you prefer more than 5 envelope slots, you may want to look for another wallet.
Saveyon Slim Budget Envelope Wallet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| RFID blocking protection | Only 3 slots are RFID protected |
| Tons of slots for debit, credit, and gift cards | |
| Double-sided budget sheets | |
| Lifetime access to the Saveyon free printable library | |
| Removable wristlet |
The Saveyon Slim Budget Wallet is an all-in-one compact budgeting system for just under $30. It has RFID blocking protection in 3 slots and zips up for added money security. The wallet has six plastic money envelopes and tabbed double-sided budget tracking sheets to keep you organized. Also included with your purchase, you get access to the entire Saveyon free printable library to help you manage your budget.
The Saveyon Slim Budget Wallet includes:
- wallet
- 6 plastic tabbed horizontal budget envelopes
- label stickers
- 12 budget tracking sheets
- yearly budget sheet
Bella Taylor Cash System Wallet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| RFID protection | Only 8 cash slots if you need more |
| Envelopes are deep enough to fit a passport | |
| Generously sized with tons of room for cards and checkbook | |
| Accordion-style cash slots | |
| Zippered envelope section |
The Bella Taylor Wallet is a generously sized wallet that offers an accordion-style file system to organize your money. Although the price is steep at $45, it is a well-thought-out wallet that has everything you need. It has 8 interior labeled cash slots to use in place of envelopes, all in their own zippered section. This wallet has enough room for your cards, checkbook, and a zipper pouch for your coins.
Saveyon Cash Budget Wallet Organizer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| RFID protection | May be bulky with a binder note depending on what you hold in it |
| Tabbed durable plastic envelopes | |
| Removable wristlet | |
| Removable binder note for added room | |
| Lifetime access to Saveyon free printable library |
The Saveyon Cash Envelope Organizer is a binder and wallet all-in-one for $33! It offers RFID protection and plenty of room to hold your cards, coupons, and receipts. This wallet comes with 12 plastic tabbed vertical envelopes and 12 double-sided budget tracking sheets that fit into a removable binder note to keep you organized. In addition to your purchase, you will receive lifetime access to the Saveyon free printable library.
This wallet includes:
- wallet
- 12 double-sided budget sheets
- 24 envelope labels
- 12 plastic tabbed vertical envelopes
- calender
- to-do lists
- lifetime access to Saveyon free printable library
RNAIRNI Cash Envelope Wallet Binder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| RFID protection | Could be bulky depending on how much you put in it |
| Removable wristlet | |
| Wallet and budget planner all-in-one | |
| Comes with a marker | |
| Removable binder for extra room |
The RNAIRNI cash envelopes wallet is an all-in-one finance organizer for $34. It has RFID protection with zippered coin pouch and plenty of room for your cards and checkbook. In addition, this wristlet comes with a budget planner, which is excellent for those who want to keep their finances and envelopes all in one place.
The RNAIRNI wallet includes:
- wallet
- removable wrist strap
- binder note
- 12 cash envelopes
- 12 budget sheets
- summary of the year
- 5 dividers
- 14 sticker labels
- 1 ruler
- calender
- 14 monthly budget sheets
- 54 weekly to-do lists
- 14 monthly calendar sheets
Clever Fox Cash Envelopes Budget System
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Envelopes are tear-resistent and waterproof | Doesn’t have all the function of a regular wallet |
| Comes with a carrying case | |
| Extra room for cards, coupons, and coins |
The Clever Fox Cash Envelope System is an excellent option for some who just need to keep their envelopes all in one place. This minimalist wallet comes with 12 durable tear-resistant envelopes. For under $20, it’s a great way to keep track of your envelopes.
The Clever Fox Cash Envelope System includes:
- 12 envelopes
- 12 budget trackers
- envelope carrying case
- quick start guide
- summary of the year
Soligt Cash Envelope Wallet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Envelopes are laminated and durable | Envelopes open vertically at top which can make money hard to get out |
| Removable binder for added room | |
| Has coupon slots | |
| Zips up for added security |
The Soligt all-in-one cash envelope wallet is a stylish and functional wallet for under $20. This wallet has tons of space for your cards, a zippered coin pouch, and a slot for coupons and receipts. The removable binder note keeps the laminated envelopes and budget sheets in place nicely.
The Soligt wallet includes:
- wallet
- binder note
- 12 budget sheets
- 12 laminated vertical envelopes
Filofax Cash Envelope Wallet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple colors | Need to buy all the inserts separately |
| Good quality | |
| Fits any A6 planner | |
| Zips for security |
This Filofax Organizer is a trendy pick in the world of cash envelope wallets. The nearly $50 price tag is steep, but the quality is excellent. The downside is you have to buy all the inserts and envelopes separately, which can be costly. But, you can find A6 planners and envelopes for it easily.
Free cash envelope template
If you’re not quite ready to invest in a cash envelope wallet, you can still start using cash envelopes for budgeting.
White mailing envelopes from your filing cabinet will do in a pinch. But, you can also grab your free cash envelope template below and make your own DIY cash envelopes.
Frequently asked questions about cash envelope budgeting
Here are the most commonly asked questions about cash envelope systems to help you use your cash envelopes.
Does envelope budgeting work?
Yes! Using money envelopes forces you to stay on budget because you pay cash for everything.
It makes you more aware of how you’re spending your money and how much you’re spending because when you run out of money, it’s gone until the next payday.
How much should I put in a cash envelope?
The amount you put in each envelope depends on what you budget.
For example, if you budgeted $500 for groceries, you would put either $500 in your envelope at the beginning of the month or divide the amount by the number of paydays you’ll have.
Therefore, if you get paid twice, you would put $250 in your envelope each time you get paid that month.
Why do cash envelopes work?
The great thing about using cash envelopes is that you have more of an emotional connection to your money when you pay cash.
Studies have shown that you spend more when using a card versus when you pay with cash. Paying with cash is physically more “painful” than using a card.
Therefore, paying with cash makes your spending more intentional, so you’re less likely to overspend and stay on budget.
What cash envelopes should I have?
You can start by using cash envelopes for all the expenses you don’t pay online. Or use the budgeting envelopes for the areas in your budget where you have problems with overspending.
Some categories to use cash envelopes:
- Groceries
- Eating out/Restaurants
- Gas
- Miscellaneous spending
- Hair/Beauty
- Fun
- Car maintenance
- Birthdays
- Pets
- Personal care
How to start using cash envelopes
Create a budget
Start out by creating your monthly budget on paper before the month starts.
Choose budget categories
Next, choose the categories that you will use cash for.
Typically, these categories will be anything not paid directly from your bank account or the problem areas you have chosen to spend cash on.
Stuff your envelopes
Next, it’s time for cash stuffing your envelopes.
When creating your monthly budget, divide the amounts by the number of pay periods. This way, you add money to your envelopes every payday.
For example, we get paid twice a month. I budget $300 for gas. I would put $150 into the envelope on the first payday and the other $150 the next payday to equal the $300 I budgeted.
Track your spending
Lastly, track your money as you spend it. You know exactly how much is left in your envelope and for the month by tracking.
You can do this by writing your transactions on the back of the envelope or using a cash envelope app like Mvelopes or Goodbudget.
What do you do with the leftover money in your cash envelopes?
If you have money left in your envelopes at the end of the month, you can do one of the following:
- You can roll the money over to the next month. This works well if you are trying to stock up on grocery items.
- You can pay down debt by putting the extra money toward your debt payoff.
- You can use the extra cash to put toward your emergency fund or sinking funds you’re saving for.
- You could splurge and buy something for yourself or your family.
What is one potential downside of using a cash envelope budget?
Some people think it may be inconvenient to use cash envelopes or possibly unsafe to carry around that much money.
Even if you don’t adopt the actual paying in cash, you can still use the system for budgeting your money.
Track your spending on empty money envelopes like you would if you carried cash, or track digitally with a cash envelope app or software.
What to look for when choosing a cash envelope wallet?
The cash envelope system you should choose needs to be what will help you organize your money the best. So, think about what you want from your cash budget wallet.
- Do you prefer envelopes or an accordion-style cash system?
- Do you want a binder you can keep your budget planner in?
- Is RFID technology essential for you?
- How many card slots do you need?
- Do you want to be able to carry your checkbook too?
Can you use an envelope system without cash?
Yes! If you don’t want to carry cash, there are a couple of ways to still use the cash envelope system without the money.
- Track your spending as you would with cash envelopes; just use your debit card instead of cash.
- Use a cash envelope system software or app to track your debit card spending.
A word of caution, it’s easier to overspend when you’re not paying with physical money. So be mindful.
Conclusion
A cash envelope system is great for keeping your budget on track and stopping your overspending.
If you choose to use cash envelopes for budgeting, a functional and stylish wallet will help you stay organized and maximize your saving potential.
Hopefully, this will help you choose the best cash envelope wallet for your money.
What wallet or system do you use to organize your money? Leave a comment below.
