If you’re using the Cash Envelope system to budget, then you’ll either have to make your own cash envelope or buy one online.
I’m a huge advocate for finding ways to DIY to help you save money. That’s why I will show you how to make your own DIY cash envelopes at home.
I’ll also give you some alternatives to cash envelopes that you can use at home. To make things simple, I’ll also provide you with a free printable cash envelope template.
You can use this free template as much as you want to make new cash envelopes.
Let’s jump right in!
You may also like: How To Create A Monthly Budget For Stay-at-Home Moms (+ Sample budget & Free Printables)
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Free DIY Cash Envelope Alternatives
If you don’t want to spend money to buy already-made cash envelopes, then you can use some cash envelope alternatives.
Below are some DIY budget envelope alternatives that are simple to make.
Mason Jars
The first DIY cash envelope option is using a mason jar. I once saw a tv show where a couple used a mason jar as “cash envelopes” to organize their budget. I thought this was a clever idea because the mason jars were reusable and more durable than paper envelopes.
To use a mason jar as a DIY cash envelope system, all you’ll need is a name tag sticker and a marker.
Write the name of the cash envelope category on the name tag, and stick it to the side of the jar. If you want to replace the category for the following month, just replace the sticker with another one.
To get an ultimate list of cash envelope categories, check out: Ultimate list of cash envelope categories
Plain envelopes (white or colored)
Another DIY cash envelope alternative is using regular envelopes. You can get cheap white or colored envelopes from the dollar store. Use those to make a cash envelope system.
I like to save birthday/gift envelopes so that I can reuse them to make cash envelopes instead. Let’s not forget that reusing is one of the best ways to protect our environment.
Mesh zipper pouch
The last option for a DIY cash envelope alternative is simple mesh zipper pouches from amazon.
These mesh zipper pouches are clear so you can easily see how much cash you have stuffed in there. They also have strings that allow you to hang them up on the wall for easy access.
You’ll also need sticky name tags to write your cash envelope category when using these pouches.
If you don’t like these alternatives to cash envelopes, then consider making your own from scratch. It’ll be more time-consuming but also rewarding and fun.
Below are my steps for making horizontal and vertical cash envelopes.
Make Your Own Cash Envelopes
How To Make a DIY Horizontal Cash Envelope – Step by step
Step 1: Get your equipment
To make a DIY horizontal cash envelope, you’ll need plain white printer paper or card stock (whatever you prefer). You’ll also need a pair of scissors, a glue stick or tape, and a ruler for measurements.
Step 2: Measure out your dimensions on paper
Measuring out your dimensions is the most important step in creating your own DIY cash envelope. If you get the measurements wrong, the final step won’t look good. So make sure you follow my measurements carefully
- Length = 4 inches ( from top to bottom)
- Width = 5 inches (from left to right)
- Side closure flaps = 1.5 inches (dash lines)
- Top closure flap = 2.3 inches
See my picture below for more clarity on the measurement
Step 3: cut out your dimensions
This is the second most important step in making your own cash envelope template. Please note the instructions below.
Solid Block Lines – DO NOT cut out the solid block lines in the template. The solid lines are to be used for folding the envelope.
Dashed Lines – Only cut out the dashed lines in the template. The dash lines will be glued/taped to hold the cash envelope together.
See the image below of the dimensions I cut out
Step 4: Fold your cash envelope and glue/tape it together
- Fold the two side flaps inwards.
- Fold the bottom flaps over the two side flaps.
- Glue or tape the bottom flaps to the side flaps to create a pocket. This will complete the final look of your DIY cash envelope
See the image below for more clarity on how to fold and glue your cash envelope.
Step 5: Label your cash envelope with the right category
Make sure to write the name of the budget category on the back of each cash envelope you make. This way, you won’t forget what the money was budgeted for.
Once again, you can find over 90 cash envelope categories in the attached article.
How To Make A DIY Vertical Cash Envelope – Step by step
The process for making a vertical cash envelope is similar to the one for a horizontal cash envelope. You just need to cut the dimensions a little differently.
Step 1: Get your equipment
You will need card stock paper or plain printer paper. You’ll also need scissors, ruler, pencil, glue, or tape.
Step 2: Measure out your dimensions on paper
Below are the dimensions that’ll help you create your DIY vertical cash envelope.
- Length = 6 inches ( from top to bottom)
- Width = 3.25 inches (from left to right)
- Small side closure flap = 6inch length x 1 inch width (dash lines)
- Large Side closure flap = 6 inches length x 3.25 inches width (dash lines)
- Top closure flaps = 2 inches (dash line)
- Bottom closure flap = 0.5 inch
Step 3: cut out your dimensions
We’re almost done with creating our DIY vertical cash envelope in this step. Remember to cut along the dashed lines for the top, side, and bottom flaps. Fold along the lines to make your envelope.
Step 4: Fold your cash envelope and glue/tape it together
- Fold the small side closure flap, and the large side closure flap over one another. Glue them together.
- Fold the bottom closure flap over the large side closure flap, then glue it.
- You can also use tape if you don’t have glue. Don’t forget to label your cash envelope with the correct category.
How to organize your cash envelopes
It can be tricky carrying around a bunch of cash in envelopes. There’s a risk of losing them if you don’t have a safe way to organize them. Below are some of the ways you can organize your cash envelopes.
Put them in a cash safe at home
If you don’t have a cash safe, then I suggest investing in one. Get a small money safe like this one on amazon. that you can hide under your bed to store all your cash.
When you need a category take out the amount you want from storage, and put them in your cash envelope. This way, you’re not carrying all your cash with you.
Use A Budget binder
Another way you can store your cash envelope is by using a small budget binder. The dollar store has small two or three-ring binders you can get. Just punch a hole into the side of your cash envelope and store them in the ringed binder.
Cash envelope wallets
Another cool option for storing your DIY cash envelope is using a cash envelope wallet. It’s a special wallet that has a 3-ring binder inside. You can carry your cash envelopes inside and still look very stylish.
Check out this beautiful cash envelope wallet on amazon. It has tabs for your categories, inserts for your envelopes, and a zippered coin section.
Use My Free Printable Cash Envelope Templates
Free Horizontal Cash Envelope Template pdf download
Free vertical Cash Envelope Template pdf download
Final Thoughts On How To Make Your Own Cash Envelopes
Creating your own cash envelope doesn’t have to be complicated. The simple dimensions I provided will help you create both a vertical and a horizontal cash envelope template.
You can customize your envelopes by using colored paper, painting it, or putting stickers on them. Remember that this project should be fun instead of a chore.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the process, then consider buying a pre-made cash envelope instead.
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