Burlap Envelope System Wallet

 I almost hate to see this one on the "To Sell" shelf.  I may have to indulge myself with a new personal Envelope System Wallet.  My teenage daughter fell in love with it too.  Can you tell that she loves a little lace??

 Not familiar with these wallets?  An Envelope System Wallet is set up for cash-only discretionary expenses such as, groceries, gas/car, haircuts, etc. Each month you allot yourself so much cash into each category.  When the money is gone...the spending must stop. 

My design of an Envelope System Wallet includes these features:

1) A Velcro closure and one main pocket, in which the envelopes fit.

2)Three envelopes have been made in a coordinating fabric. I will transfer labels to each of the envelopes for easy reference. The envelopes are lined to prevent your cash from slipping and for long-lasting usage.

3) A large built-in zippered pocket can hold change, cards, receipts, etc.

4) This wallet is large enough to also hold your checkbook and deposit slips.5) Envelopes are entirely removable for easy access and budgeting. Remove it if its not to be used! This prevents "dipping" into other categories to make impulse purchases.
If you are interested in this wallet or any of my other designs, please visit my ETSY SHOP! Thanks for visiting!

Envelope System Wallet and NEW Purse

I wanted to share my newest Envelope System Wallet!  It is perfect for your cash-only budgeting system! 

 

The wallet includes a large zippered pocket (my checkbook , without cover, can fit), three customizeable fabric envelopes and an outer wallet that has plenty of room for addition wallet "things". 

 The little bag is made of burlap and is a cross body bag.  It is so light and airy, you hardly know it is there.  Just large enough for your Envelope System Wallet, car keys, phone and a few other necessities, it is perfect to just grab and go.

 For more detailed information, you can find this wallet and purse for sell in my ETSY SHOP.
Thanks for visiting!

 

Budgeting with the NEW Envelope System Wallet

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New to cash only budgeting??  Don't worry!  There are many ways to use this budgeting system to make it work for you!

 

I found my way to the cash-only budgeting method by author and budgeting guru, Dave Ramsey.  Studies show that you spend less when paying with cash versus credit cards, debit cards and checks.  Forget clipping coupons!  Making this simple change will curb your unplanned purchases and help you be a frugal and intential shopper.

 

 

My husband and I share the household and family expenses, but a MAJORITY the descretionary spending fell into my hands...birthday parties, Christmas gifts, haircuts, groceries, gas, clothing, school money, etc.  As a new wife, I was enjoying having so much money at my mere disposal.  Over the years, my credit card bill became larger and larger, until I wasn't able to pay it off each month.   

 

A couple of years ago, when I was not such a young wife anymore and now worried about the financial future of two children as well as a husband's exasperation at my lack of discipline, decided to take control of my spending.

 

I sat down and divided my month's worth of spending into categories.  My categories are very simple, though others have quite complicated categories.  My categories include groceries, car, gifts/entertainment, clothing, health/beauty.  I looked at my checking register and credit card bills to determine approximately how much I spend the the following areas, the determined how much I NEEDED to spend in those categories!  Cash was divided and placed into paper envelopes.  There a couple of rules to follow here:

 1. You can only use grocery money for....GROCERIES

2. You may not pass money from one envelope to another!

 

 

Those were not easy rules to follow.  I quickly solved that problem by only carrying an envelope that contained money I was allowed to use for that particular trip/day.  Such as, "car" went with me all the time (in case I needed gas), but I only carried the "health/beauty" when we were going to get haircuts or pick up medicines for a sick child. 

 

As time went on, I became an expert at my cash only adaption.  But the paper envelopes really got on my nerves.  Since I love to sew, I designed my first Envelope System Wallet two years ago. 

 

I have recently designed the Envelope System Wallet to be even more user friendly!

 

1. Outer wallet is large enough to house up to 6 envelopes, check book, small notepad.

 

2. Three fabric envelopes are included with the wallet in a coordinating fabric.  Each envelope will be labeled with the category of your choice.  Envelopes are not sewn in so that you are free to remove them!

 

3.  Large front zippered pocket.  I found that I rarely EVER removed my zippered pouch from the old design.  It holds change, cards like drivers license, social security, etc.  This new pocket spans the entire length of the wallet and I was able to even place a check book in it (without large cover).

 

 

Thank you for stopping to have a look around!  If you would like to make your own fabric envelopes, you can click HERE for a sewing tutorial.  Don't sew or don't have the time?  My Envelope System Wallets are for sale in my ETSY SHOP.   I would love to hear from you!

 

Here are a few articles/videos about cash-only spending:

1. How You Spend Affects How Much You Spend

2. Why You Spend Less When You Pay Cash

3. Envelope System Video Tutorial

 

Newest Spring Envelope System Wallet!

In 2009, one of my New Year’s resolutions was to move to a more envelope based spending system. Why is it so hard to break that $20 bill in your wallet, but so easy to write a $50 check?? Anyway, I received Dave Ramsey’s book, "The Total Money Makeover" for Christmas. It is a great book and I highly recommend it. Dave Ramsey advocates using the envelope system for many of your daily spending needs as a way to curb excess spending. You allocate your money into the different envelopes at the beginning of the week/month and when the money is gone…it’s gone.

In honor of my New Year’s resolution I made the “Envelope System Wallet”. I am so in love with it and couldn’t wait to share it with you. The wallet features a Velcro closure and one main pocket, in which the envelopes fit. The three envelopes are made in a coordinating fabric and can be removed entirely from the wallet to further enable you to stop unwanted spending. For example, if you are going grocery shopping and know that you have plenty of gas, you can remove the gas envelope to prevent "dipping". I transferred labels to each of the wallets for easy reference. I would be happy to transfer a Bible verse, saying or other labels at your request. Last but not least, there is a zippered pouch for coins, driver’s license and pictures of the kids (plenty large enough for up to 10 cards). I will be selling these on Etsy. Come over and see!!

By the way, I have had several past customers tell me that they also used the envelopes to help organize their couons too!

Just Us Four Pinworthy Projects

New Envelope System Wallet!

I am so excited to introduce my newest shop item!  Please see this post to read the FAQ I receive regarding the Envelope System Wallet.  If you are interested in purchasing, please see my shop at Etsy!  Thanks for taking the time to visit!

New Envelope System Wallet

Here is the latest wallet!  It is perfect for all your Envelope System Budgeting needs.  This wallet includes 3 fabric envelopes (which can be personalized with your budget category of choice) and a zippered pouch large enough for 10-15 cards and coin money.  All of the envelopes and pouch fit inside a velcro wallet.  The wallet itself can also hold your checkbook, receipts, etc.  You can find this wallet in my ETSY STORE! Thanks!

New Envelope System Wallets for your Budgeting Needs

I found these two fabrics last week and I can't help but falling in love all over again!  They were perfect for the Envelope System Wallet!  Each wallet comes with 3 customizable envelopes, a zippered pouch and the outer wallet.  This wallet stands up to the test of time, unlike paper envelopes and is a lot cuter! 

Yes, I have my own budgeting wallet.  I place all my cards and change into the zippered pouch.  I use 5 envelopes, which I move in and out according to my shopping needs (helps me not to dip into other categories).  And my checkbook and receipts fit into the main wallet. 

You can find these wallets for sale in my ETSY SHOP!

Thanks for looking!

New Envelope System Wallets in Alexander Henry!

I am so excited about my newest fabric stash!! I love Alexander Henry's fabric collection, Willow. I have enough for 8 more envelope System wallets for all you Dave Ramsey fans out there.

If you are interested in purchasing a wallet, you can find it for sale in my ETSY store!

Are you new to my wallets? Read below for some more specifics:

The Envelope System Wallet features:

1) A Velcro closure and one main pocket, in which the envelopes fit.

2)Three envelopes have been made in a coordinating fabric. I transferred labels to each of the wallets for easy reference. I would be happy to transfer a Bible verse, saying or other labels at your request. The envelopes are lined to prevent your cash from slipping.

3) Last but not least, there is a zippered pouch for coins, driver’s license and pictures of the kids (plenty large enough for up to 10 cards).

4) This wallet could easily also hold your checkbook and deposit slips.

5) Envelopes and zippered pouch are entirely removable for easy access and budgeting. Remove it if its not to be used!

This wallet is in coordinating fabrics by Alexander Henry's Willow Collection.

*Please allow 1 week for custom labels and shipping.

*Additional envelopes may be an option for this wallet. Each additional envelope is $2.00. Please convo me if you are interested. No more than 5 envelopes per wallet are suggested due to inadequate space.

Yay ME!

I am so excited to announce my FIRST FEATURE!!  I want to thank everyone for their kind and supportive comments that have been left on my blog.  For all you Dave Ramsey fans, I am currently working on a fabric envelope tutorial (if you enjoy sewing) and more fabric options for complete wallet sets (for those of you who don't enjoy sewing)! 


I also would like to tell Kristen at Ladybug Blessings thank you!

Envelope System Wallets!

In case you were not aware, I am a Dave Ramsey Fan!  Following his book, "The Total Money Makeover", really helped me tame our budget and knock out our debt!  A big part of Dave Ramsey's program is using cash for your discretional spending such as, clothing, groceries, dining out, etc. My Envelope System Wallet made its first debute in 2009 and was met with many adoring fans!

The Envelope System Wallet features:
1) A Velcro closure and one main pocket, in which the envelopes fit.


2)Three envelopes have been made in a coordinating fabric. I transferred labels to each of the wallets for easy reference. I would be happy to transfer a Bible verse, saying or other labels at your request. The envelopes are lined with felt to prevent your cash from slipping. Edges and seams have been treated but left raw for a "cottage" look.


3) Last but not least, there is a zippered pouch for coins, driver’s license and pictures of the kids (plenty large enough for up to 10 cards).


4) This wallet could easily also hold your checkbook and deposit slips.


5) Envelopes and zippered pouch are entirely removable for easy access and budgeting. Remove it if its not to be used! (Helps prevent dipping into other funds)


6) This wallet has been used by some customers as a coupon organizer.
Take a look around and let me know what ya think!  You can purchase one at my etsy shop! See ya!

This post is linked to Today's Creative Blog!

A little Februaury Sewing Inspiration

I thought I would take a minute and show you a few things I have been working on!


I love this new Envelope System wallet! A suggestion from a promising customer influenced my fabric choices here. So cute and bright for spring!
This wallet can be purchased at my Etsy Shop!!





How cute is this Burlap sack? I have been eying some burlap for a while now. I tried to make an Envelope System Wallet using it, but Burlap does not do well for small projects. But this turned out better than expected! I love the flat bottom and hand applique! This bag is for a challenge project presented by my sewing design group! It is not ready for listing yet, but will be soon!






Happy Spring - or so the groundhog said!

Envelope System Wallet

After a very busy holiday, I am slowly cranking out more of the Envelope System Wallets! I will be listing 3 wallets today with a varying price range to accommodate different budgets! After a year, I am still using AND loving my wallet. I would like to take a moment and answer the most frequent questions I receive.

1. How many envelopes will fit in the wallet? My listings show 3 envelopes. You can request additional envelopes for $3.00 a piece. The wallet will realistically fit 5-6 envelopes. I actually have 6 envelopes that I use, but they are rarely all in my wallet at the same time. WHY YOU ASK? Because I would "dip" and spend out of them!! This is one of my favorite features about this wallet....THE ENVELOPES ARE REMOVABLE! The 3 that spend most of the time in my wallet are groceries, gas, and other. The other envelope usually has about $40 in it for incidentals like field trip $$ the kids need or haircuts. My other envelopes are only inserted when I am planning to use the money, like school clothing shop or Christmas shop.

2. Can I order additional envelopes? Yes, please see answer above.

3. Can I order special order my wallet in a certain fabric? Currently, my time does not allow me to do special orders. I have tried this before only to get really backed up in orders and I regretted the delayed shipping time. All wallets are pre-made.

4. How long before I receive my wallet? Within the week! Since all wallets are pre-made, I will add your customized labels and additional envelopes and ship using Priority Mail.

5. Will the labels come off? Not even if you wash them, which is what I managed to do accidentally (luckily not $$ was in it!).

6. How large is the outer wallet? This is an important question because we all want it big enough to suit our needs but still fit into our purses! The wallet is approximately 8.5 inches by 4.5 inches. If only 3 envelopes are in the wallet, you still have plenty of room for your checkbook, receipts, and whatever else you throw in!

7. My budget can not handle this purchase And I know how to sew. Will you be making a pattern for this wallet? YES! Well, eventually. I have been doing some preliminary work, but will probably not have a completed pattern ready for purchase until summer.


Thanks again! And be sure to visit my etsy shop!

Cash Only!

Even CNN is noticing the Cash-Only budgeting system!

Envelope System Wallet for Debt Free Living!

New for Fall and back by popular demand - The Envelope system Wallet! A huge thank you to everyone who has sent me a kind message about these wallets! I hope you find them useful and fun to KEEP money in! Wallets can be purchased at my etsy store.














The Envelope System Wallet features:

1) a Velcro closure and one main pocket, in which the envelopes fit.

2)Three envelopes have been made in a coordinating fabric. I transferred labels to each of the wallets for easy reference. I would be happy to transfer a Bible verse, saying or other labels at your request.

3) Last but not least, there is a zippered pouch for coins, driver’s license and pictures of the kids (plenty large enough for up to 10 cards).

4) This wallet could easily also hold your checkbook and deposit slips.

5) Envelopes and zippered pouch are entirely removable for easy access and budgeting. Remove it if it not to be used!

The Budgeting Wallet

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to move to a more envelope based spending system. Why is it so hard to break that $20 bill in your wallet, but so easy to write a $50 check?? Anyway, I received Dave Ramsey’s book, "The Total Money Makeover" for Christmas. It is a great book and I highly recommend it. Dave Ramsey advocates using the envelope system for many of your daily spending needs as a way to curb excess spending. You allocate your money into the different envelopes at the beginning of the week/month and when the money is gone…it’s gone.

In honor of my New Year’s resolution I made the “Envelope System Wallet”. I am so in love with it and couldn’t wait to share it with you. The wallet features a Velcro closure and one main pocket, in which the envelopes fit using Amy Butler’s Gothic Rose fabric (gorgeous!!) The three envelopes are made in a coordinating fabric and can be removed entirely from the wallet to further enable you to stop unwanted spending. For example, if you are going grocery shopping and know that you have plenty of gas, you can remove the gas envelope to prevent "dipping". I transferred labels to each of the wallets for easy reference. I would be happy to transfer a Bible verse, saying or other labels at your request. Last but not least, there is a zippered pouch for coins, driver’s license and pictures of the kids (plenty large enough for up to 10 cards). I will be selling these on Etsy. Come over and see!!

Do you need some extra reasons to go cash only? Be sure to visit Simple Mom!