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Your definitive guide to budgeting using the cash envelope system.
If you are new to budgeting, check out How to Start a Monthly Budget to understand better how to start a budget and the envelope system for budgeting.
Before I started budgeting with Everydollar, I started first with the envelope system.
This system worked well for me back then when I didn’t mind carrying cash and didn’t care about credit rewards.
What is the Envelope System for Budgeting?
The principle behind the envelope system has been around for years, even decades. It has been made popular by the finance guru Dave Ramsey. Therefore it is more popularly known as the Dave Ramsey envelope system.
Check out his popular book which sold millions of copies.
Envelope system budgeting is the method in which you use envelopes to carry the cash that you budgeted for certain categories in your budget.
How To Use The Cash Envelope Budget System?
To create an envelope system, you will first decide on your categories.
Then grab some white mailing envelopes or these pretty reusable cash envelopes.
Label each envelope with the categories you want. For example, you might have an envelope for groceries, dining out, gas money, groceries, etc.
Fill the envelopes with the cash that you budgeted for each category. You will then use the cash for expenses that fall under that category.
For example, your budgeted $100 for dining out. Then take an envelope and assign a dining-out-category to it. When you go out and eat with friends, use the cash from the envelope.
Once the money in the envelope ran out, you are done. You will have to wait for the next paycheck before you can eat out again.
Who is it Good For?
Although the envelope system is simple and easy, it is not for everyone. It only works well with some people.
PEOPLE WHO ARE COMFORTABLE CARRYING CASH
Since this method is a cash-only, you will be required to carry cash all the time. This can pose a problem for loss or theft.
However, with better planning, you will be able to get around this. For example, if you are grocery shopping, bring only the amount you need and keep it in a secure place.
PEOPLE WHO WANT TO START BUDGETING RIGHT AWAY
The good thing about the envelope system is that you do not need a lot of cash or buy any special materials to start. I started with just plain white envelopes.
PEOPLE WHO DO NOT CARE FOR CREDIT REWARDS
I collect points/miles from using credit cards and I use them for travel. I also rack in enough points for cash backs.
But if you are not into that hobby, the envelope system will work well for you.
PEOPLE WHO CAN STICK TO A SUPER-STRICT BUDGET
The goal of the envelope system is to ultimately teach you discipline. If you have a Type A personality, it would not be a problem but it will be a struggle for those who need flexibility.
PEOPLE WHO DO NOT MIND MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE BANK
Using cash only means a few trips to the bank every month. It will not be a problem if your bank is just a few minutes from your house.
However, it will be a different story if you are not.
PEOPLE WHO DO NOT MIND NOT HAVING RECORDS OF TRANSACTIONS
Credit or debit card transactions will be recorded on your statement. This provides convenience when you have transactions that you will need later.
With the cash envelope system, all you have will be the receipts and you will be recording the transaction yourself.
PEOPLE WHOSE EXPENSES DO NOT FLUCTUATE SO MUCH
If your expenses fluctuate every month, the envelope system will be a little tougher for you.
Benefits of the Envelope System
Curbs Impulsive Spending
If you are someone like me who can be impulsive in buying things, the envelope system will help. There are some researches which shows that using cash makes you think twice before you spend.
Fights Overspending
Because you only allowed a specific amount on a category, you will not likely to overspend once it’s depleted.
Prevents Unexpected Credit Card Debt
Using cash only for spending will prevent you from using your credit or debit card. This will avoid overdraft fees and interest rates.
Encourages Discipline
The more we try to stick with our budget, the more we will be disciplined in managing our money.
Saves Money
Because we now know where our money is going, we will be able to adjust or trim our expenses to be able to save more.
Helps Tackle your Debt
The leftover money from your budget can now be used to pay down debts.
Provides a Clear View of Spending
Being able to see how much is left on your envelope every time you take out some cash will improve your awareness of how much you can spend.
Pro-Tip
My favorite way to keep track of our finances is by using Personal Capital. With Personal Capital, I can visualize our spending and savings, get insights into our cash flow, see the transactions we’re making, analyze our net worth, and more.
It is an absolutely FREE tool to use, and if you sign up through our link, you and I will get $20 each!
How to Start the Envelope System For Budgeting (Step By Step)
Getting started with the envelope system is simple and easy. Just follow these simple steps.
You can learn more about starting a monthly budget here.
Figure Out Income
Whether you are paid weekly, biweekly, or monthly, figure out your monthly takehome pay. Doing this will give you an idea of how much your household can budget.
List All Your Expenses
You can use your bank statements to check what your expenses are. Include all your bills, student loan, credit card payments, eating out, groceries, etc.
Categorize Your Expenses
Categorize your expenses to fixed expenses and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are expenses that cost the same every month.
Examples of fixed expenses are those bills, mortgage, savings, investments, etc.
Variable expenses are expenses that vary every month. Things like groceries, eating out and entertainment
Figure out Discretionary Income
Discretionary income will be the amount left when you subtract the fixed income from the total income.
This will be the money that you will divide among your budget categories.
Determine Your Budget
Once you know how much money you need to budget, decide on your categories.
This may include groceries, entertainment, eating out, pet care, beauty, etc. Then determine how much money you will allocate for each category.
Below is an example of a budget with hypothetical numbers.
If you want to take your budgeting to the next level, try zero-based budgeting. This will help you get more control of your money.
Withdraw Cash
It is time to go to the bank and get your cash. We get paid biweekly so I only withdraw half of the amount I budgeted.
Label Your Envelope
Prepare your envelope by labeling each one with the categories that you decided on. Then stuff them with the cash allocated for each category.
When you are ready to upgrade your envelope, check out this envelope wallet system.
Spend and Pay with Cash Only
Now you are all set. You can start spending but use only the cash you budgeted. Use these cash envelope organizers to stay motivated.
What to Do with Left Over
You should first give yourself a pat on the back for sticking to your budget and even have leftover!
You can use your leftover money to treat yourself. This will give you the motivation to stick with your next budget.
If you are trying to get out of debt, use the money to pay down your debt.
You can also add leftover money to your savings. It can be your emergency fund, vacation fund or your retirement saving.
There you have it!
The envelope system as I have said is simple and easy. It has its benefits but has its shortcomings as well.
But as with any other budgeting system, it will only work if we stick with it.
Do you use the envelope system for budgeting? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for sharing! I admire anyone who can do this but I hate carrying cash and I love my credit card rewards. But it’s so much harder for me to pay attention to what I’m spending my money on. I haven’t found an app I love either.
Getting started is always the hardest part. I do love my credit card rewards as well 😊. I used to do cash envelope system and still use my credit cards for rewards. Then I use the cash to pay the credit card at the end of the month. I had to keep track though. Currently, I am using the free version of Every Dollar, it is so easy to use. Check it out.
I’m going to try this! Amazing, I love it!
Thanks 😊