ToolCloverOn this page
How to fold a money envelope
- Print at 100% scale on plain paper or card stock.
- Cut on the solid line around the whole shape.
- Crease every dashed line with the printed side facing out.
- Fold the two side tabs in, then fold the bottom panel up over them. Glue or tape the tabs to the inside of the back.
- Slip in the money and fold the rounded flap down. A sticker or a piece of tape keeps it shut.
The label sits on the smooth side of the finished envelope. On budget envelopes, the spending tracker is on the flap side, below the flap, so you can log each purchase.
Envelope sizes
| Size | Holds | Per page | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | 6.6 × 3.1 in | Bills lying flat | 1 |
| Mini | 3.3 × 2.9 in | Bills folded in half, coins, gift cards | 2 |
Using envelopes for cash stuffing
Cash stuffing is envelope budgeting with real money: on payday, take out your spending money in cash and split it into one envelope per category. When the grocery envelope is empty, grocery spending is done until next payday.
- Start with 3 to 6 categories you usually overspend on, such as groceries, gas, dining out and fun money.
- Write each purchase in the tracker on the envelope so you know what's left without counting.
- Count the envelopes at the end of the month with the Cash Count Sheet, and roll what's left into savings.
- Saving toward a goal? Try the 100 envelope challenge with numbered envelopes from this page.
Money envelope FAQ
What size is a money envelope?
A U.S. bill is 6.14 × 2.61 inches. The cash size here has a 6.6 × 3.1 inch pocket so bills lie flat. The mini size has a 3.3 × 2.9 inch pocket for bills folded in half, and prints two per page.
How do I fold the envelope?
Cut on the solid line. Fold the two side tabs in, fold the bottom panel up over them and glue the tabs in place, then fold the rounded flap down to close.
What is cash stuffing?
A budgeting method where you take your spending money out in cash and split it into labeled envelopes, one per category, such as groceries and gas. When an envelope is empty, that category is done for the month.
Can I print 100 numbered envelopes?
Yes. Choose Savings challenge, set the numbers from 1 to 100 and pick the mini size to print two per page (50 pages). You can also print them in smaller batches.