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DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!

Mark and I are taking a leap this year and venturing into something brand new on the financial front: we’re preparing to try out a cash budget envelope system.  I know, your eyebrows just furrowed a little, didn’t they?  Mine did, too, pretty much for an entire year.  Here’s a little background on what changed that furrowed brown to an intrigued eyebrow raise that said, “Okay…let’s give it a go!”

We are both avid podcast listeners, and one of our favorites of 2014 was The Dave Ramsey Show.  For those who may not know, Dave Ramsey is an author and financial advisor who offers advice to callers on how to achieve financial peace.  One of my favorite moments on each show is the “debt-free scream” where families actually come to Dave’s studio in Nashville to share their story of getting out of debt (some of ’em are tear-jerkers, not gonna lie), and then they get to celebrate by counting themselves down to a Braveheart-esque debt-free scream.  It’s about as inspirational as it gets.  Actually, a fellow blogger and friend, Kelly from View Along the Way, enjoyed a debt-free scream with her husband Andy and their two kids last January.  It was such an epic moment!

Anyway, The Dave Ramsey Show has really inspired us to get our financial rears in gear, and we’ve worked hard to accomplish several of his “baby steps” such as building up our emergency fund (which we needed last year when one of our cars kicked the bucket).

While we’ve made great financial progress, one area in which we’re seeking growth this new year is creating and sticking to a monthly budget.  We’ve tried using both paper ledgers and Mint.com in the past; however, we’ve never been able to stick to a system for more than a month or two.

What Has Held Us Back

We were both resistant to the idea the Dave Ramsey envelope system at first, simply because it seemed like such a hassle (and what about our credit card cash rewards?!).  I also wondered if it would mean eliminating a lot of the “fun” in our lives like date nights and spontaneous trips.  Because with the cash budget envelope system, once the money runs out in an envelope, that’s it for the rest of the month.  You can’t “dip” from another envelope.

Yet after hearing testimony after testimony on the podcast about the system actually working for so many people, we decided to stop pre-judging it and at least try it out.  What did we have to lose?

The Cash Budget Envelope System

I mean, it makes sense: the idea that it “hurts” a lot more to pay for that iced caramel macchiato in cash rather than simply by scanning my glittering Starbucks Gold card.  So, while we may not be earning “rewards” from using our credit cards, we’ll likely be spending less money…a reward of even greater value.

Now, we just began this process, but already, we’re seeing the monthly budget not so much as a fun-buster, but as a fun-creator.  We’re the ones who get to decide where our money goes, after all, and it’s liberating to actually know how much money we have and set aside our monthly expenses according to our financial priorities rather than just flying by the seat of our pants.  (And yes, we even created envelopes for each of us entitled “Lauren’s Fun Money” and “Mark’s Fun Money.”  So, the fun isn’t over.  Nor are my iced caramel macchiatos.)

And as an added incentive to even come in under budget each month, all leftover cash dollars will be put toward a specific savings goal we’re working toward or a specific purchase we plan for.  We’ll also have a jar for all change (so the envelopes only house dollars), which we can save up for special treats like a massage!

First Things First: Setting a Budget

The first two steps of making the cash budget envelope system a reality for us involved creating Our Budget Binder where we used *printables to write out our monthly budget and determined our different spending categories.  Because this post was getting mega-long, I spell out that process in a post of its own, so be sure to check that out HERE.

Creating Our Cash Envelopes

Then, came the time to create our cash envelopes.  Now, I did a fair bit of research on the different types of envelopes folk have used when adopting this system in the past.  I found a lot of templates that were appealing, but none that fit our exact needs.

“No problem!  I’ll just DIY my own!” I said to myself.  (Oh, how many blog tutorials have been born out of these self-same words.)

We agreed on using one set of paper envelopes to share rather than two sets.  And we wanted them to fit inside our wallets for the convenience factor (unlike the too wide size 6 3/4 business envelope).

Also, the “pretty” factor goes a long way with me.  A standard white envelope would not help increase my excitement about trying out the cash budget envelope system; however, creating my own pretty ones out of scrapbook paper WOULD!

So, I adapted that standard business envelope to a size especially for the purpose of storing money…

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!

…and one that fit within a wallet.  Its dimensions are 2.8″ x. 6.6″.

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!

These are not mailing envelopes; these are especially for storing cash (I know the USPS will charge you more for sending mail in non-standard envelope sizes).  Now as long as that’s crystal clear…

I have links to both a printable file and Silhouette cut file that you may download for free within the tutorial below!

Here’s how to use my template to create your own cash budget envelopes out of scrapbook or printer paper.

Tutorial

Step 1.  Select your paper of choice.

Use whatever paper type best suits your purpose.  I chose to work with a pad of 12″ x 12″ cardstock paper (approx. 65 lb) that I picked up at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon around the holidays.  I couldn’t find a link to it online but it’s by The Paper Studio and it’s called “Oh So Glam: Specialty Metallic & Foil.”

  • PRO: The designs are fancy schmancy and the paper more durable than regular weight paper.
  • CON: If you were to fold it within a wallet, it would get crinkly.  That’s a risk we’re willing to take!
DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | The beautiful scrapbook paper that inspired it all!

Step 2.  Download the free envelope template.

As promised, I have two FREE downloads for my email newsletter subscribers, so everyone gets to play: a free Silhouette cut file for those of you with a Silhouette or digital craft-cutter and a free PDF printable for everyone else!

So, if you’d like to subscribe to receive more creative inspiration right in your inbox along with this fab freebie, just sign-up using the nifty form below, and then hop over to your inbox to download your free cash envelope template! {Fine print: this design is for personal use only and is not to be used for commercial purposes. Thanks!}


Step 3.  Cut out your envelopes!

PDF Printable Instructions: Simply load your paper so the ink prints on the non-decorative side (or interior) of the envelope paper.  You’ll cut on the solid lines and fold on the dotted lines (see step 4).

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Cutting your scrapbook paper into envelopes on a handy Silhouette machine.

Silhouette-ers: Because I designed this envelope with some snazzy perforated fold lines, you’ll need to use the CUT STYLE window to turn on and off your cut lines and adjust your blade when cutting the different parts of the design.  Once you get in the routine, it’s a fairly speedy process.  Here’s the play by play:

1.  Load your paper on your mat.  (Note: if using thinner paper, I recommend using an old mat that has lost a lot of its stickiness.)

2.  Select the center rectangle of the envelope (which will be folded), enter the CUT STYLE window (the little scissors symbol in V2), and select PERFORATE.  Make sure the other lines are a faded red, signifying NO CUT.  You should see a dashed line.

How to create your own Cash Budget Envelopes using this FREE cut file from The Thinking Closet! Detailed tutorial walks you through every step of the process.

3.  Then, in your CUT SETTINGS, you want to start with these custom settings: speed 3, thickness 1, blade 1.  Manually set your blade to 1.  And if your blade is a bit dull like mine and it doesn’t even make a mark on the paper, then increase it one more level to a blade of 2 both in your cut settings and manually.  You want it to just barely cut through.  You should almost have trouble seeing the dashed cut lines at certain angles.  These are just scoring lines to help provide a smoother fold rather than one that really eats up the paper.

It’s also important that you not unload the mat yet.  Keep it loaded!

How to create your own Cash Budget Envelopes using this FREE cut file from The Thinking Closet! Detailed tutorial walks you through every step of the process.

4.   With the paper still loaded in the machine, you’re going to go back to your CUT STYLE window and select NO CUT for the middle rectangle.

How to create your own Cash Budget Envelopes using this FREE cut file from The Thinking Closet! Detailed tutorial walks you through every step of the process.

5.  Then, select CUT for the outer shape.  The lines should turn from faded red to solid dark red.

How to create your own Cash Budget Envelopes using this FREE cut file from The Thinking Closet! Detailed tutorial walks you through every step of the process.

6.  Then, change your CUT SETTINGS to match your paper medium.  So, for me, I tried the standard cardstock settings using a “test cut.”  Again, my blade was dull, so I needed to increase the blade one level to get a clean cut.

How to create your own Cash Budget Envelopes using this FREE cut file from The Thinking Closet! Detailed tutorial walks you through every step of the process.
DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | The easy breezy folding process begins!

And then you’ll repeat the process all over again for your next envelope!  Unfortunately, only one envelope fits for each 12″ x 12″ scrapbook page, so if you’re buying individual sheets, definitely opt for a 8.5″ x 11″ size.

Step 4.  Fold your envelope.

Follow your dotted score lines and fold up the bottom flap of the envelope as well as the side flaps…

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | The easy breezy folding process begins!

…which you’ll place adhesive on (I used a Scrapbook Adhesives E-Z Runner), and then stick together.

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | The easy breezy folding process begins!

Fold over the top flap of the envelope, and your envelope is done!

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | The easy breezy folding process!

Category Labels

I intentionally opted for darker colored envelope paper so that I could apply some contrasting white vinyl labels for each of our budget categories.

(I’ll share tomorrow why we chose the categories we did and why we left out other ones like gas, medical, and haircuts.)

I made these vinyl labels with my Silhouette machine and included the cut files in the same cut file shared above; they feature one of my favorite free fonts, Bebas.  To see a step-by-step tutorial on creating and cutting vinyl labels, click HERE.

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Creating vinyl labels for each envelope category.
DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Creating vinyl labels for each envelope category.

For those without a Silhouette machine, you could easily create your own labels using a sheet of printable labels and the same free Bebas font!  You’d save a bunch of time on weeding vinyl, too…therapeutic though it is.

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!

List Labels

Mark and I decided we’re not going to itemize every single purchase we make, but rather just write the location and total dollar amount on a simple list on the back of the envelope to help us track where our money is going…especially in these early months of trying out the new system.  We expect we’ll need to adjust our monthly budget projections as we go along.

For the list labels, I just stuck a 2″ x 4″ Avery Multi-Use Label on the back of the envelopes.  After assessing the data at our monthly budget meetings, we can remove it or replace it with a fresh label, and start over again for the next month.

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Adding a list label to the back of each cash envelope.

Gift Cards Have Value, Too!

Not only did we stuff our cash budget envelopes with the allotted money for that month, but with gift cards that been forgotten in the nether regions of our wallets.  Now, they’ll be in the forefronts of our mind!

Here’s a glimpse at what our “ENTERTAINMENT” envelope looks like right now.

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Not only did we stuff our cash budget envelopes with the allotted money for that month, but with gift cards that been forgotten in the netherparts of our wallets. Now, they'll be in the forefront of our mind!

Voila!

Here are the completed cash envelopes in action with our first month of cash ready to go.  (February can’t come soon enough!)

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized cash budget envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! It's time to take our monthly budgeting under control and try out Dave Ramsey's Cash Envelope System!

The current plan is to store them by the front door and grab the envelope(s) we need before leaving the house and return them to their spot upon coming home.

I’m sure we’ll mess up and forget to bring certain envelopes with us on our errands (which if we stick to Dave Ramsey’s system, means we have to drive back home to get the correct envelope rather than pulling from another)…but I’m actually excited to try out the new system rather than dreading it.  Especially now that I made these nifty envelopes just for the task!  It really does make it feel all the more official.

DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!
DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!
DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!
DIY Cash Budget Envelopes: Free Printable | Learn how to create your own wallet-sized envelopes using any paper or scrapbook paper. Free downloads include a PDF Printable & Silhouette cut file...so you've got options! Great resource for anyone wanting to take their monthly budget under control with Dave Ramsey's Cash Budget Envelope System!

Wrap Up

I’ll definitely report back in a few months to let everyone know how it’s going.  (Read that update HERE.} To be honest, it’s hard to hold a lot of faith in ourselves after having failed at past budget attempts, but we want to be good stewards of the money God has given us…and we’re willing to work hard to get there, even if it takes a few more attempts.  We’re not going to let our fear of failure hold us back from trying.

Note: If you’re interested in learning more about getting out of debt or trying the cash envelope system, check out Dave Ramsey’s book, Total Money Makeover.

Your Turn

  • Do you keep a monthly budget?
  • What system(s) work best for you and your family?
  • Anyone else use the cash budget envelope system?
  • Do you have tips or recommendations to send our way?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?

If you’re looking to get more organized in 2015 then boy do I have some fantastic posts for you to dig into!  My Silhouette Challenge friends are also sharing projects on their blogs today on the subject of organization, most of which highlight vinyl creations.  So, be sure to click on the collage below to peruse a wealth of inspiration.

33 Ways to Get Organized with your Silhouette Machine This Year! A wealth from inspiration from 33 different creative bloggers...and this month's special bonus Challenge includes VINYL, so vinyl-lovers be forewarned - - this is an epic collection.

Organizing With Icons Butterfly Labels Customizing Your Erin Condren Life Planner Weekly Layout Organizing Your Craft Supplies with Labels Weekly Menu Box Peg Board Entry Way Order In Kid Land A Fun Way to Label Binders Sugar and Spice Looking Oh So Nice Turning a Plain Cabinet into Something Beautiful DIY Cash Budget Envelopes Flour and Sugar Pantry Container Labels Personalized Hair Bow Organizer Organize your Refrigerator DIY Vinyl Decorated Coupon Organizer 2015 Blog Planner Designed For Dragonfly & Lily Pads Laminated Labels with Your Silhouette The Secrets of How We Built Our DIY Play Kitchen Creative Way to Dry Winter Mittens Organizing Canvas Toy Bins with Labels Kids Closet Storage {with Rubbermaid Drawer Dresser and Vinyl Labels} Cute Gold Binder Labels {2015 Organization} Easy Vinyl Storage Organization and TWO Free Cut Files Personalized Ring Holders Upcycle for Organization Organizing Makeup with Style: A Monogrammed Makeup Case Vinyl Tupperware Labels How to Make a Chalkboard Clipboard Christmas Card Memory Book Simple DIY Holiday Storage Labels DIY Vinyl Frame Calendar with {FREE CUT FILE} Ribbons & Tapes Upcycled Organizing Box Print and Cut Pantry Labels

1. Please Excuse My Craftermath… // 2. Simply Kelly Designs // 3. Daily Dwelling // 4. Ginger Snap Crafts // 5. Our Southern Home // 6. Sowdering About // 7. The Moberg Family // 8. Decor Adventures // 9. Pineapples and Pinecones // 10. Patina Paradise // 11. The Thinking Closet // 12. It Happens in a Blink // 13. Adventures in All Things Food // 14. From Wine to Whine // 15. Practically Functional // 16. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 17. unOriginal Mom // 18. One Dog Woof // 19. Creative Ramblings // 20. My Favorite Finds // 21. Create it. Go! // 22. A Prudent Life // 23. Where The Smiles Have Been // 24. Barb’s Life // 25. Everyday Paper // 26. Pitter and Glink // 27. Peanut Life Adventures // 28. Feto Soap Blog // 29. Our Rosey Life // 30. Two Purple Couches // 31. My Paper Craze // 32. TitiCrafty // 33. Lil Mrs Tori

*Full Disclosure: Dave Ramsey did not sponsor this post (though that would be awesome).  This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for helping to support this site!

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60 Comments

  1. I am so excited that I came across your site when I did a google search. I am going to attempt the envelope budget system for 2018. I have made my envelopes (thanks for the template) and I’m working on my budget. It’s hard to look at all of my expenses like this but I am overcoming my fear and taking control of my money in 2018.
    I am a single mother of 4 (two of which are in college, as well as myself). So, sometimes it’s hard trying to stay on budget. I am very hopeful that this system will work for me.
    Thank you for taking the time to explain this method and providing the template.

    1. You are so welcome, Stacy! I’m glad you are able to use it as you work on setting and sticking to a budget. Don’t let perfection be your goal. Just stick with it, knowing that it’s worth imperfect months to keep going. You are a rockstar for facing your fears and giving it a go. I’m cheering you on!

  2. I adore these. Offering a 6-month supply of these plus the customized labels would be a great business idea for any enterprising ladies out there! 🙂

  3. I love this idea, and I was actually able to find the paper online! I’m so excited to order it and get started. Where did you find your box that you keep your envelopes in? It’s the perfect size!

    1. Oh yay! I’m so excited that you created your own…and in the same paper, too. I love ours. The box did work perfectly, and it was from IKEA! Came in a set. Hopefully you can find those, too!

  4. Hi Lauren,
    I was delighted when I was given a Silhouette Cameo 3 as a birthday present in July.
    After following the instructions and watching lots of tutorials I still can’t get it to cut.
    I keep getting the message that ” the registration marks cannot be recognised”. I have
    read various reviews and this appears to be a very common fault.
    I would be delighted if you any ideas how to fix this.
    Many thanks

    1. So sorry you’re running into issues with your Cameo 3. Did you end up getting it resolved? If not, definitely reach out to Silhouette’s customer support. And if it’s a problem on their end, no doubt they will make it right!

  5. Hi I love your envelope system and the cute envelopes you made. Where did you get the wooden box that you store the envelopes in… from the last photo?

  6. My husband and I have been on Dave’s Total Money Makeover for a few months now, we are almost at the end of Baby Step 2! We absolutely love it and actually look forward to budgeting. However, I’ve never been super happy with our envelopes…just the plain white ones with a label. I found this post yesterday, went and got some gorgeous paper, and my husband made them this morning. I LOVE them! Thank you so much for this!

    Happy Budgeting!

    Melissa

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you are almost at the end of Baby Step 2 and that these envelopes are going to be of use to you. What a joy when I can inspire a fellow budgeter!

  7. Love your envelopes. Just wanted to add, you could have the barista load the exact cash into your card before you paid, then you’d still get your stars! ?

  8. Dear Lauren,

    Those envelopes are just the necessary motivation for me to start budgeting! Thsnks for this great inspiration and tutorial.I love the idea to make my own envelopes???? You dont happen to have design for us european readers? Im afraid our Euro bills are bigger than Us dollars and dont fit into those envelopes…
    All the best
    Olivia (from Austria/europe)

    1. Olivia, so glad this post inspired you with budgeting! Unfortunately I don’t…but I wonder if you could adapt my stencil and create your own template of sorts to work from? Sorry, I wish I had the time in my life to whip one up for you, but these days, with a newborn, getting a shower is a great feat! Lol. Take care and all the best!

  9. I’ve been using the envelope method since April 2015. It’s amazing how you can tame the money when you write a zero based budget. I usually treat myself once a month to Starbucks. I use my gift card (teachers always have those) to sign up for bonus items. Then when I am gifted a card I just move the balance to the one I use for bonus points. Love your blog. Just made the cutest envelopes from your templet. Thank you.

    1. I think a monthly Starbucks treat is a wonderful idea…I’m sure it’s EXTRA yummy considering it’s one of 12 a year! (And I do the same with gift cards – – hooray for bonus points that earn us free drinks!)

      And I’m so delighted to hear you were able to make some envelopes of your own using my template. That brings me heaps of joy! If you’d like to send me an email with some of the photos of your project, I’d love to feature you in my next Reader Showcase!

  10. Hey Girl! Good for you!
    We’ve used the cash/envelope system for our daily incidental expenses for nearly 30 years now. We had to – I’m a spendthrift, impulsive shopper. Hubby is a saver. You can imagine the clash! This system was the only way to keep me accountable and for him to ease up a little.
    For a variation on the theme, we have savings accounts set up for the house (appliances, larger purchases, taxes, etc) and vehicle (tires, repair, maintenance) and have a set amount automatically taken from each paycheck and deposited there. We know it’s there when we need it, but it also keeps us from making hasty decisions and purchases.
    This may not make sense to some, but setting the boundaries and having your system actually frees you up and let’s you enjoy your money/blessings all the more!
    And, yes, I totally agree – a pretty system is a sure-fire way to make it more successful!

  11. I love these Lauren! The hubby and I are working on our budgeting strategy. I just consider it one of the many joys of newlywedhood. He thinks Dave Ramsey is a little too hard core, but I’m working on him. Baby steps, right? 🙂

    1. It’s funny, I had the same reaction as your husband when I first was introduced to Dave Ramsey…it has taken me over a year to get to the point where I’m ready to try out the cash budget system. But you’re right – – we got here through baby steps. And I’m learning that every couple’s journey is different…and that’s okay!

  12. Darling DannyO and I have been married nearly 34 years and have used the cash system for most of those years. We helped two kids pay for college. We have had some really lean years. The one thing we have NEVER done is used credit cards for every day expenses. We spent what we earned. We are debt free, including our mortgage and I am back to using the cash system because we are saving to remodel our kitchen. It does work!!

    I would encourage young people to be frugal and faithful. It pays off with peace of mind later on!

    P.S. I subscribed to your blog because my darling gave me a Silhouette for Christmas. I am having lots of fun learning how to use it 🙂

    Blessings,
    Melodye

    1. I actually read your comment aloud to my husband in the car yesterday, it warmed my heart so. It really is such an encouragement to encounter others who are a little further ahead on the journey toward financial peace. We will take your advice to heart!

      Also, that DannyO sounds like a real keeper – – especially in the gift-giving department. How wonderful that you have a Silhouette machine! If you haven’t done so already, feel free to join the Silhouette Facebook group I coordinate. It’s a great place to come for inspiration and troubleshooting as you craft up a storm. Everyone is super encouraging…you’d fit right in! Here’s where to sign up if you’re interested: https://www.thinkingcloset.com/the-silhouette-challenge-facebook-group-new-members-welcome/

      1. Thank you for your kind comment :-). What I didn’t say (and should have) is that we have lived on basically one income for 24 of those years as I have MS. While I’ve been able to hold part-time jobs as my body permits, we have accomplished this all on my husband’s salary as an electronic tech. We were never rolling in money, but always spent less than we earned. We have a beautiful house filled with things that make us happy — not the latest and greatest, but we take good care of what we have been blessed with.

        Blessings,
        Melodye

  13. These are fantastic. I have used the envelope system many times in my life and it’s been a while since I have used them. This has motivated me to look at my budget again and get saving!! Thanks Lauren, love your website.

  14. Love to read about more people following Dave Ramsey’s financial plan! My husband and I took Financial Peace University a few years ago when we were engaged and it was the #1 reason we entered into marriage with the same financial goals and plan. Neither of us had any anxiety about joining our bank accounts! We still use the cash envelope system today and are on track to paying off our student loans before we buy a house. Everyone thinks we’re nuts, but we don’t care. Can’t wait to do our debt-free scream! 🙂

    1. Your story is such an inspiration to hear, and actually it is confirming for me that our idea to gift Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and Financial Peace University to my sister and her soon-to-be-husband as a wedding gift is the right thing to do. Actually, my husband suggested that we gift it to them a.s.a.p. since now is probably the time they can use it most!

      Also, I’ll definitely be tuning in when the time comes for your debt-free scream. Keep on keepin’ on, Anchored Souls!

  15. Genius! I have been doing the cash envelope system for the past two months or so, and I often get frustrated when I have to shove one of those business size envelopes into my wallet. This is exactly what I have been needing! Thanks for sharing such a useful tool!

    I hope that the cash system works for you too. It’s a learning process, for sure. A friend of mine and her husband told me that I would budget to severely in the beginning (they were right) and that after I found the “sweet spot” (I think I have), it would just work. I added budget categories that I didn’t even consider at first, upped my entertainment budget a little, reduced my food budget, etc. But now, it flows. I still look forward to pay day but now, it’s less desperation of needing the money because I have none, and more excitement about how fast my student loans are disappearing!

    1. Oh hooray! This lengthy tutorial was worth putting together even just for ONE person being able to benefit from the template…so I’m delighted to hear you think you might be able to use it!

      And that’s helpful to know about the potential struggles for first-time cash budgeters. I’m already anticipating that we might need to add a little more to our grocery and entertainment budgets. Eek!

      Also, I loved hearing about your perspective shift when it comes to pay day. We’re looking forward to that! Bottom line: thanks for sharing your story, Amy; it’s super encouraging as we shove off on this new adventure!

  16. Lauren ~ What a great way to kick off the year with goals, a budget and a plan!! The hardest component to add to the mix is discipline and the cash envelopes will be a big help for sure. We’re trying to teach our girls about saving vs. spending and it’s a hard concept for them to grasp; however, I think if they see the envelope is empty or only has $x left, that might make it more tangible. As always, great job my friend!

  17. So I feel like I’m destined to make my own envelopes just like you. Reason 1: I got a Silhouette for Christmas last week and need a legit project to take a stab at. Reason 2: I just bought that very exact pack of gold paper from Hobby Lobby last week specifically for some sort of awesome Silhouette project. Thanks for the print file and best of luck staying on track with your new budgeting system.

  18. I’m an on-again, off-again enveloper, but the electronic method which has worked really well for me is a website/app called Goodbudget. It dovetails really well with Dave Ramsey’s system.

  19. You know, this is something we’ve been trying to do for a while. However, we’ve been trying to do it electronically (something like Mint.com). The problem we have with cash is that it’s hard to get since our bank is not based where we live. I know, we should probably change banks, but we’re creatures of habit. I look forward to seeing how it works for you, and maybe trying again (except with actual cash!)

  20. Those envelopes are motivating me to budget with cash! Great tutorial! Can’t wait to hear how this budgeting approach goes for you, failures and all. You can always get back up and try again.
    xxoo

  21. I’ve heard this tip so many times and I’m so….wary of it. Rationally, it sounds great, but then at the same time, I LOATHE carrying cash AND I keep a super tiny wallet b/c I wear scrubs at work, so it’s easier if I just have a tiny wallet in my pocket, rather than wasting time going to my locker.

    Idk though, I DO need to get a hold of my spending. I already know my husband won’t go for it though! Lol!

  22. I love this Lauren! What a creative way to budget & I’m so excited for you! I totally agree with you that the fabulous envelopes are essential to making this work! As with writing personal notes, lists, charts or anything, it’s often all about the cool products you’re using, as to whether its fun or blah. You can do this!

  23. These pretty little envelopes are easily one of the funnest parts of budgeting. Haha!! I love that you guys are giving it a try and I hope it does awesome things for you and your marriage like it did for us. Thanks so much for the shoutout, bestie! <3 <3

  24. Lauren,
    I love your envelopes! We have been doing the ‘cash envelope’ method since we got married four years ago and will probably never go back. (I put quotes around cash envelope because I use one of those small plastic divider thingys that you’re supposed to use for coupons for our cash. Since we’re on a pretty stripped down budget with me at home with our munchkin while we pay down our student loans like crazy, we don’t have a lot of the cash budget categories that we used to….)

    Anyway, I digress. The biggest thing that has helped me with a budget has been learning that a budget is a tool and is supposed to work for US. Meaning, I would feel crippled and frustrated since there was never enough $ in groceries until we realized we needed to change up the allocations. Sounds so simple, but that has been really helpful. And yes, using cash only DOES make you think twice when you go to grab a coffee and a treat and realize that, man, you could make three whole pans of brownies and 82 cups of coffee for that price. (maybe I’m exaggerating…) Anyway, let us know how this journey goes!

    p.s. After I read your day of rest post last week, I took yesterday off from the online world and good heavens I got a lot done! I even read a book (that was not about blogging.) 🙂 I feel very happy about this.

    (sorry this is the longest comment ever!) Have a great day!

  25. Lauren! You’re killin’ me with that awesome paper + Bebas font! Black and Gold is one of my favorite color combinations, and you’ll see Bebas font all over my house! I love the Dave Ramsey/ the idea of the envelope system – going to have to let that one sink in!

  26. I love how you’ve personalized this system. Looks great! And I can’t wait to hear the update on how well it worked for you guys.

  27. Oh wow! Great idea Lauren! We are a total Dave Ramsey household and this is a super cute way to implement the envelope system!! They turned out great! Thanks for sharing!

  28. Oh Lauren, just when I think I can’t love you any more! We’ve done the envelopes before and it works brilliantly, We’ve mentioned needed to get back to that. The thought of making my own gorgeous gold envelopes to use is enough to take us from “mentioning” to “doing”.

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