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How the 100 envelope challenge works
- Number 100 envelopes from 1 to 100. Print ready-made ones with the Money Envelope Template Maker, or write on plain envelopes.
- Pick an envelope each day or each week, at random or in any order you like.
- Put in that many dollars. Envelope 37 gets $37. Tap it here to mark it filled.
- Keep going until every envelope is full. 1 + 2 + … + 100 adds up to $5,050.
Low numbers make easy days and high numbers make big ones, so many people save the big envelopes for paydays. The Pick an envelope for me button chooses one of the empty envelopes at random.
How much each version saves
| Envelopes | 50¢ steps | $1 steps | $2 steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | $162.50 | $325 | $650 |
| 50 | $637.50 | $1,275 | $2,550 |
| 100 | $2,525 | $5,050 | $10,100 |
| 150 | $5,662.50 | $11,325 | $22,650 |
| 200 | $10,050 | $20,100 | $40,200 |
| 365 | $33,397.50 | $66,795 | $133,590 |
The formula: envelopes × (envelopes + 1) ÷ 2 × the amount per number. For 100 envelopes at $1, that's 100 × 101 ÷ 2 = $5,050.
How long does it take?
- One envelope a day: 100 days, about $50.50 a day on average.
- Two a week: 50 weeks, about $101 a week.
- By a date: set Finish by above and the tracker shows how much to save each week from today, based on what's left.
A common goal is finishing by December 31. Starting October 1, that's 13 weeks and about $388 a week for the full $5,050, so a smaller version may fit better.
Tips to finish the challenge
- Pick the right size. 50 envelopes ($1,275) or 50¢ steps ($2,525) are easier first challenges.
- Match big envelopes to paydays and small ones to tight weeks.
- Deposit the cash as you go. Keeping thousands of dollars at home is risky; many people fill the envelope, then move the money into a savings account every few weeks.
- Count it now and then with the Cash Count Sheet to make sure the envelopes match your tracker.
- Print the tracker and put it on the fridge. Coloring in a box is surprisingly motivating.
100 envelope challenge FAQ
How much do you save with the 100 envelope challenge?
$5,050. Envelope 1 holds $1, envelope 2 holds $2, and so on up to $100, and 1 + 2 + … + 100 = 5,050.
How long does the 100 envelope challenge take?
100 days if you fill one envelope a day, or about 50 weeks at two a week. You can set any finish date and the tracker shows how much to save each week.
What if $5,050 is too much?
Use fewer envelopes or smaller steps. 50 envelopes at $1 add up to $1,275, and 100 envelopes at 50 cents add up to $2,525.
Where is my progress saved?
In your browser on this device. Nothing is sent to our server. To move to another device, use Copy progress link and open it there. Clearing your browser data erases it, so keep the link or a printed tracker as a backup.