Budgeting Essentials: Cash Envelopes and Picking the Best One!

Budget in-style! Check out the best cash envelope wallets that are affordable and economical, you don't want to miss!

Last Updated: July 30, 2021

Last Updated: July 30, 2021

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Best cash envelope wallets out there? Look no further. This post will guide you through one of the essential budgeting tools you should know.

Have you tried budgeting by setting money aside only to have it spent on something unimportant? 

Properly managing finances is probably one of the most challenging dilemmas in running households, especially if you’re in charge of keeping the budget on track.

In reality, budgeting is much more difficult when it’s done without careful planning. It would be best to consider the expenses properly, noting how much you can save for a specific payment and the residual amount left.

One method of effectively budgeting your money is to employ the cash envelope system.

It makes it easier for you to track your spending quickly and properly allocate payments for expenses.

This method begins with simply trying out paper envelopes first, and if it works, getting the best cash envelope available in the market, and choosing which is suitable for you. 

Today, let's look at the different styles of cash envelopes that will help you effectively employ the cash envelope wallet system and make budgeting easier for you.

Read more: Free Monthly Budget Templates- Easy Control of Your Money

What is cash envelope wallet?

best cash envelope wallets
Best Cash Envelope Wallets

Cash envelope is as simple as it gets. From the word itself, the wallet contains a series of envelopes on which you can assign specific expenses for each pocket to fill for every payday.

The money assigned for each category is taken out to pay for expenses as you go through the month. 

In this manner, you get to have better control of your finances since you have a better view of the current money level for each envelope.

Once the budget set for each envelope runs out, replenishments are to be made first, which is on the next payday before you are to spend out from that category again. 

This targets critical points of budgeting which is to:

This way, you might be able to save more money than you did before, and if you’re doubting, why not try to experiment with paper envelopes first for a month and see if it works for you!

If it does, why not consider investing in a good one that can last through time!

Related reads: How To Live Below Your Means: Frugal Living Tips To Save More Money

7 Best Cash Envelope Wallets Handpicked For You

To help you start your goal of achieving efficient money management, we’ve listed down some of the best cash envelope wallets that you can choose from below.

1. All About the Benjamins

screenshot of best cash envelope wallets
screenshot of cash envelope wallet
screenshot of cash envelope

This chic-styled wallet is made from vegan leather. It offers enough space for paper management envelopes.

It includes 12 card pockets, an identification window, wide flat pockets for paper bills and zip pockets, zip closure, and an open compartment side for cash envelopes or dividers.

This cash envelope wallet is for those who love the chic side of things. In addition, you can flaunt this out in the city since it comes with a wristband you can hold onto.

So for the chic in you, this best cash envelope wallet is aesthetically minimal and straightforward!

2. Magicfly Cash Envelope Wallet

screenshot of best cash envelope wallets

Best cash envelope wallets, you may ask?

Check out Magicfly! This 12-pocket envelope wallet has just the right amount of space to organize bills to help you manage your expenses properly.

Moreover, it has credit card slots and a zipper pocket for non-cash items. One good feature of this cash envelope wallet is that the envelopes are made to be water-proof, securing your bills and other important papers inside.

Lastly, it has a cute design that can partly spark motivation as you go through the month managing your finances; therefore, this cash envelope wallet is for you if you're into bright colors and kawaii items.

On the other hand, if this particular item's stock is unavailable, here is another alternative.

The SAVEYON Cash Envelope Wallet Organizer has almost the same feature as Magicfly and is cheaper too.

3. Savvycents Wallet 

best cash envelope wallets

Another best cash envelope wallet we included in this top list is the Savvycents Wallet.

The wallet comes in a wide variety of colors in black, blue, blush, brown, bronze, cheetah, navy, plaid, purple and red on which you can choose from.

Aside from that, it has five built-in cash envelopes on which you can write labels to classify every expense class.

Plus, it has a vinyl lining, a zipper closure, and a wristband to allow you to take your wallet anywhere easily.

Furthermore, it includes two identification card windows and credit card slots. If you’re into the sleek and minimal side of fashion, then this faux leather cash envelope wallet is perfect for you!

4. All in One Cash in Envelope Notebook

screenshot of cash wallet

If you are looking for a complete off-the-shelf budgeting tool, this all-in-one cash envelope notebook is the one for you.

This all-in-one cash envelope notebook features 12 pocket envelopes for finance organizations, a budget tracker, a planner, and a diary.

Moreover, it has enough space for year-round planning with a 14-month calendar and 54 weekly pages for you to easily track your daily activities like meeting deadlines, special events, and more importantly, budgeting.

Labels on envelopes and trackers can be placed, too, binding it to the notebook after setting the budget. Essentially, the notebook comes with pens, dividers, stickers, and other journaling stuff.

So if you’re more into notebooks to carry with you anywhere and more space for taking notes that often wallets do not feature, then this is an all-in-one notebook/best cash envelope wallets for you.

5. Cash Envelope Divider Wallet

If envelopes are not your style or you would prefer to have your money organized the moment you put them into your wallet, then this expanded wallet divider is for you.

Equipped with ten divided pockets to organize your money, plus label markers can be placed to identify the category of expense set for every paper bill.

You can keep other relevant papers like coupons and receipts inside too. The wallet includes two card slots for identification cards, four credit card slots equipped with RFID blocking technology for your protection, and can hold checkbooks.

More significantly, it features a jet-black color with genuine leather trim that suits those who love the minimal side of fashion while helping you sort out your budgeting.

6. Slim Budget Envelope Wallet

This is one of the best cash envelope wallets as it features six envelope dividers for tracking monthly expenses, with removable sticker labels to classify each expense.

It also includes budget sheets to track the money placed inside every envelope so you wouldn’t need to count every bill balance for the month.

Plus, it houses a zipper pocket to store spare coins, a pen loop for taking small notes, lots of space for cards, and an identification card slot.

Moreover, the envelopes come in various cute designs that can be reused repeatedly (since it's plastic.) And can be placed inside the expanded pocket to reduce bulkiness with a heavy-duty wrist-holder to take your wallet anywhere.

Finally, it features security locked such as an RFID blocking mechanism. So, one less thing to cross your list!

This stylish minimalist wallet fits those who prefer simplicity while budgeting in style.

7. Lavemi Leather Zip Around Wallet

screenshot of best cash envelope wallets
screenshot of best cash envelope wallets

Of course, the Lavemi Leather Zip Around Wallet made it to our list of best cash envelope wallets.

This has space just quite enough to keep your phone and passport inside. In addition, the expandable accordion pocket can house cash envelopes to help you with budgeting.

It has 17 card slots that are RFID protected for security purposes and an extra slot for an identification card.

Likewise, it has a zipper pocket for spare coins, a pen loop, a detachable wristlet, and another 3-currency pocket.

Furthermore, this wallet is made of 100% pure leather with leather lining and zipper closure.

So, if you prefer going out without the need to bring a bag but still want to take your essentials with you, then this is what you're looking for.

You can tuck your phone inside while keeping all your valuables.

Related reads: How To Budget For Irregular Income: Side-Hustlers Money Tips

Organizing Your Cash Envelope

coins-scattered-on-desk-with-papers-and-creative-pig-wallet

The cash Envelope is simple. The rule is never to dip inside the cash envelope once you maxed it out.

But, it shouldn't deprive you of anything. Instead, you can instill your fashion style and personality when choosing the best cash envelope wallets to bring with you every day.

For first-timers, here's how you can organize your cash envelope wallets.

Your income

Know how much you are getting for every payday. You also have to note whether or not your pay is released monthly or every 15 days and decide how you want to replenish your cash envelopes. 
Track monthly expenses/savings

Track and total your expenses monthly, and you will set the residual amount aside for savings or other debts to pay.


Categorize your spending


Label each expense class to know how much money you will set aside for every category. 


Set the budget for every category


Since you already know the categories for each expense, set the budget. It can be equal to the usual expenditures you have for that category, or you can either put a percentage allowance on top of each expense.


Pull out cash for expense payments!
You’ve already set aside a budget for each category, and now you receive your bill from the utility company, pull out the money inside the utility envelope and pay your bills.


Replenish cash envelope
Check your envelopes; if there are any extras left from your monthly expenses you can either (a) keep them inside and replenish them with the number of your monthly expenses, again or; (b) you can tuck them in your savings envelope. Just pick whichever works for you.


Use cash envelopes in one category only
Make sure to use your cash envelopes in one class only. You might have trouble tracking your money if you interchange or mix categories.
Best Cash Envelope Wallets

Related reads:

Are cash envelopes good?

black envelope with cash

Yes, they are, and sure they do work!

Most significantly, if you are a beginner in budgeting or even a long-term consistent one. Besides, budgeting should be a way of life.

Much like budgeting systematically through pen and paper, excel sheets, or an app, a cash envelope works the same and fulfills the same purpose.

How do you organize cash envelopes?

notebook-writing-mathematics-notes

It all varies, depending on how one used it. However, the standard is to let it fits your lifestyle.

First, you should know how much money you are making. Plus, you should know your expenses too. That way, you can allocate how much of your money can go through each cash envelope.

Don't forget to include a cash envelope for your savings and debt payments.

Once you set the categorization, set the allocated budget and pull out whenever needed.

For example, if you do not have a bank account yet, a cash envelope is an excellent alternative to store your money. But, of course, you will only get the money whenever needed.

Let's say for an emergency fund. You can set one cash envelope for an emergency fund and don't use it until there's a legit emergency in your household. For minor expenses, say you are allocating a budget for your fun money.

You can only get the amount you initially allocate on your fun money cash envelope. Once you used it all up, you must not take it away from your other cash envelopes.

What cash envelopes should I have?

abundance-achievement-bank-banknotes
Best Cash Envelope Wallets

This is generally a call of personal decision plus preferences.

However, the basic is don't just look through the aesthetics. More than the colorful designs and color, check for the functionality. Cash envelope wallets should serve their purpose to you.

That is, to help you keep track of your budget and control your money management.

Whether small, large, expensive, DIY- as long as it helps you get creative and express yourself, ultimately helping you take charge of your finances, you will know the best cash envelope wallets out there for you.

Final thoughts

dreamy-ethnic-businessman-thinking-about-project-

As we always say here, budgeting in-check is crucial because

  1. There are times when we get caught in impulse buying/spending. We tend to forget the consequences of splurging without the intention and consciousness behind it,
  2. Debt threats may already be stockpiling, and
  3. We need to save enough money for emergencies, retirement, special occasions, and to build that dream house or buy that dream car one day. It’s more about prioritizing the essential things in this life to help ourselves survive in this world.  

More significantly, cash envelopes are more of a method—a tool perhaps; or a way for you to budget your expenses effectively.

But, you should not entirely depend on it because you will ultimately decide whether you will help yourself and work hard in better financial management.

Cash Envelopes will surely and slowly help you get to that goal of budgeting your money properly—just small baby steps. You don't need to get a cash envelope sooner too abruptly.

Besides, you can start with your old paper mails and try to set and classify your expenses. Once you feel like this kind of system makes your life easier, it will help you save more and teach you to become disciplined and control yourself.

After, you can consider upgrading to a much nicer cash envelope, one that you can treasure and ultimately help you with your financial boost in life.

Have you tried these best cash envelope wallets? Which one is your favorite?

If you have ever tried this innovative budgeting method, do share with us your work. But then, let's continue the chat over the comments section below!

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