cash envelope wallet systems

9 Cash Envelope Wallet Systems for Better Budgeting

This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure.

Using a cash envelope wallet system takes some getting used to (especially if you’re new to budgeting).

I used to just ask the bank teller for extra cash envelopes, and I’d separate my cash into the sleeves. Fortunately, there are several stylish options to keep track of your cash every paycheck.

But first…

How do You Use the Cash Envelope System?

If you don’t know how to budget, start by listing your take-home pay and subtract out all of your regular bills and expenses.

Then, after determining how much money is left for discretionary spending, you can assign that money to other needs.

If you’re knee-deep in credit card debt, it’s time to come up with a plan to pay it off fast.

I recommend a specific percentage of your income to be paid towards your debt repayments, and whatever cash is left after all other bills is what you can allow for groceries, fuel, and sinking funds.

You’ll want to separate the funds for groceries, fuel, car maintenance, and other sinking funds into cash envelopes.

What is Zero-Based Budgeting?

Simply put, zero-based budgeting is where you assign a specific task to every single dollar in your budget.

It’s scary as hell to those of us who like to keep a cushion in the checking account (just in case, ya know?).

But when you leave a cushion, you’re likely to spend that money on things like eating out, drinking specialty coffee, and other random purchases.

That’s why we follow a zero-based budget, and I recommend everyone to do the same. But how do cash envelopes fit into a ZBB?

What are the Categories of the Cash Wallet Envelope System?

  • Fuel
  • Groceries
  • Eating Out
  • Kids’ Extracurricular Activities, Lessons, & Sports
  • Wine, Alcohol, etc
  • Hair Salon Visits
  • Makeup and Other Beauty
  • Barber Shop Visits
  • Parties
  • Concerts
  • Gifts
  • Prescriptions
  • Doctor/Dentist Visits
  • Pet Grooming and Vet Bills
  • Fun Money (Your Choice within Reason)

You can’t forget to budget for these categories (even if you aren’t having to pay for them right away).

Let’s say you have a vacation coming up in six months, and you know it’s going to cost $1000. You need to be saving $166 per month in a vacation fund.

Take a look at these 9 affordable, stylish cash envelope systems!

9 Cash Envelope Wallet Systems to Learn to Budget in 2020

9 Cash Wallet Envelope Systems That are Actually Stylish and Functional

HappyWorker All-in-One Cash Envelopes System Wallet

This cash wallet envelope features 8 different laminated budgeting sheets built-in so that you can keep track of your spending in each category!

It’s discreet and a soft, leather gray color so that it will match just about any purse or handbag!

[amazon box=”B0819TGPZF” template=”horizontal”]

Wallet-Friendly Cash Envelope Budgeting System with Carrying Pouch and Tabs by Coin Smart

Ok…this one isn’t technically a wallet, but it has everything you need to organize your cash envelope categories, and it’s the most affordable system on the list, so it’s worth the mention.

[amazon box=”B081BD435H” template=”horizontal”]

12 Piece Cash Envelope System for Budgeting

This cash envelope wallet system has everything you need to get your budget on track.

The set includes 12 cash envelopes, 12 budget sheets printed on both sides so you can organize your expenses, and 24 rainbow sticker labels and 24 blank white labels so you can easily categorize all of your budgets.

The cash envelope system also comes with 13 color-coded pockets and a plastic wallet so you can keep everything neatly organized.

[amazon box=”B07YDHDMB1″ template=”horizontal”]

Magicfly Cash Envelope Wallet & Budget System

The Magicfly cash envelope wallet system is spacious enough to carry 12 cash envelopes, a pen, cash, and even your phone.

Because it is crafted with a leather zipper pouch, it’ll keep your belongings safe and secure (from falling out of the wallet).

[amazon box=”B07YD26LRJ” template=”horizontal”]

48 Cash Envelopes with Purse Organizer – Perfect for Minimalists

I am absolutely in love with this system. While it doesn’t include a wallet (but instead a purse organizer), the envelopes’ minimalist style really simplifies the whole process.

And the easier a process is, the more likely you are to stick to it! That’s our ultimate goal, right? To find a process that we can make a part of everyday life?

[amazon box=”B07WTQ1XWM” template=”horizontal”]

Tabbed Plastic Budget Envelopes

I love that this cash wallet envelope system comes with budget sheets that slide into the pockets. And you can label the folders. They’re like mini-file folders for your wallet! How cute and functional!

[amazon box=”B07ZLHQZ8S” template=”horizontal”]

Dave Ramsey Designer Envelope System

It would be crazy not to include Dave Ramsey’s cash envelope wallet system in the list. I was first introduced to cash envelopes in the book the Total Money Makeover.

While they aren’t cute (like…not at all), they are certainly functional and do the job.

[amazon box=”1934629332″ template=”horizontal”]

AFMAT All-in-One Cash Envelope Wallet System

This cash envelope system is really quite beautiful. It features budgeting sheets, envelopes, leather and a zipper pouch for keeping everything in place.

Plus, I love love love the colors of this one!

[amazon box=”B081ZSXZQ3″ template=”horizontal”]

Budget Keeper Cash Envelope System

For the price, we think this Budget Keeper cash envelope system can’t be beat!

I prefer to carry my own wallet, so I like having budgeting and envelope sheets to add to my existing style.

This way I don’t have to adapt to whatever system I’m using.

[amazon box=”B0721TMDCL” template=”horizontal”]

We hope you’ve found this list helpful! Have you signed up for my 5-day budget boot camp? It’s totally free!

Have you heard about a crazy goal I’m committed to achieving this year? I’m going to pay off $15k by May.

I know it sounds absolutely insane, but I’m challenging each and every one of YOU to make a goal to pay off XX by a certain date.

Will you join me? Sign up for my free Budget Boot Camp below, and let’s do this!

1 thought on “9 Cash Envelope Wallet Systems for Better Budgeting”

  1. Pingback: Top Personal Finance Blogs {Who to Follow this Year}

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Scroll to Top