Envelope Budgeting: How it works (and can benefit you) (2024)

FAQs

Envelope Budgeting: How it works (and can benefit you)? ›

The concept is simple: Take a few envelopes, write a specific expense category on each one — like groceries, rent or student loans — and then put the money you plan to spend on those things into the envelopes. Traditionally, people have used the envelope system on a monthly basis, using actual cash and envelopes.

One popular budgeting program is called "cash stuffing,” which involves envelopes that you put cash into each month. The idea is to help you prevent overspending by categorizing your expenses. That can help you stay motivated and track your money more carefully because you know exactly where it's going.

The envelope system can help new budgeters and impulsive spenders. It lets you set goals and gauge how much you spend and save. Armed with a plan, you can learn how to stick to a budget and take charge of your finances.

You could see exactly what you spend

The cash envelope system is visual, making it simple to see just how much you're spending on various categories throughout each month. It could also help you understand what changes you might want to make to meet your saving goals.

It works like this: Gather 100 envelopes and number them from 1 to 100. Each day, fill up one envelope with the amount of cash corresponding to the number on the envelope. You can fill up the envelopes in order or pick them at random. After you've filled up all the envelopes, you'll have a total savings of $5,050.

A budget helps create financial stability. By tracking expenses and following a plan, a budget makes it easier to pay bills on time, build an emergency fund, and save for major expenses such as a car or home.

Keeps you from overspending

Creating a budget helps you inventory your expenses. Sticking to your budget helps you control your spending by spreading your income across the most important expenses in your life. A key first step in budgeting is tracking how your expenses add up.

Requires physical money – Because this system is all cash, you'll be less reliant (if at all) on credit cards. This could be inconvenient and may even cause you to lose out on some of the benefits of using credit cards, like a more active credit history and rewards points.

What is one benefit of envelope budgeting? Helps control spending and stay within budget.

The 100-envelope challenge is pretty straightforward: You take 100 envelopes, number each of them and then save the corresponding dollar amount in each envelope. For instance, you put $1 in “Envelope 1,” $2 in “Envelope 2,” and so on. By the end of 100 days, you'll have saved $5,050.

What are the downsides of envelope budgeting? ›

These days, going to the bank is much more convenient to do online than in person. Cash envelope budgeting only works when you have physical cash in hand, which means you'll be going to a physical bank more. As a result, this errand takes time out of your day, especially if you want an exact amount with smaller bills.

Cash stuffing, like other budgeting methods, is a way to plan out your spending and keep track of expenses. While it can be helpful for curbing overspending and limiting credit card debt, the downside of budgeting with cash is that you're missing out on the protection and yields offered by bank accounts.

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

You get 100 empty envelopes and write the numbers 1 to 100 on them. Then each day, for 100 days, randomly choose an envelope. Whatever number is on the front of the envelope you select for a given day, you put that amount of money into the envelope.

There are no complicated rules to remember. Week 1, you save $1.00. Week 2 you save $2.00, and it continues through the year, adding one more dollar to each week's savings goal. By Week 52, you'll set aside $52.00, which will bring the year's total savings to $1,378!

Pros and Cons of the Envelope System

When you're out of cash in the envelope, that's it. You can't overspend. Plus, you avoid the overdraft and fee penalties associated with careless card swiping. Cons: Carrying cash is not a practical system for some consumers.