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

 

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!

Tutorial for Fabric Envelopes for the Envelope System Wallet

I have received so many questions involving a pattern for the Envelope System Wallet, especially concerning the fabric envelopes.  I thought for a long while that I would make a pdf pattern and sell it in my Etsy Shop.  But as time went on, I realized that the main point of the Envelope Budgeting System was saving money.  So here is my 100% free fabric envelope tutorial!

Step 1: Cut out 2 rectangles of fabric that measure 7 3/4 inches by 8 inches.

 Step 2: Fold one of the rectangles in half length-wise (it should measure 3 7/8 inches by 8 inches). Pin the sides. If you are using two different fabrics, this will be your outer fabric.

 Step 3:  Sew a half inch seam along each side (top remains open).

 Step 4: Trim the edges to 1/4 inch and cut off the corners.  This will reduce bulk and make your envelope look much more professional and neat.

 Step 5:  Repeat steps 2 through 4 EXCEPT on one side seam, leave about 2 to 1 1/2 inches open at the folded edge.  It is difficult to see in the picture below, but my fingers are marking my open area.  This fabric will be your lining if you are using two different fabrics.

 Step 6:  Turn the out fabric right side out. Push out the corners and iron well.  Place the outer fabric inside the lining so that right sides are facing each other.

 Step 7: Line up the side seams and pin.  Match up the raw edges along the top and pin also.

 Step 8: Sew a 1/2 inch seam all around the top edge.  Be sure to back stitch where you start and stop sewing.

 Step 9: Trim top edge to 1/4 inch from seam.

 Step 10: Reach through the opening in the lining and pull the envelope all the way through.

 Step 11:  Fold the raw edges of your opening inward and pin.

 Step 12:  You can opt to do two things here.  The most professionally thing to do is to slip stitch the opening closed.  If small stitches are used, someone could almost never find your opening.  If you are making this for your self, you can simply use your machine to stitch very close to the edge of the fabric.

 Step 13: Push the lining into the outer fabric and iron.

 Many people has asked how well the money fits into the envelope.  Well, here it is.  There is a good 1/2 inch on either side of the money and almost an inch at the top.  I have never had a problem with my money slipping out so I do not put a closure on my envelopes unless a customer requests one.  You can always add a small square of velcro to the top if you choose.

My hope is that this tutorial is easy to understand and useful to a great many! May you always have money in your envelope!

School Morning Breakfast

School morning breakfasts really need a makeover by this time in the year.  To keep the meal hearty and healthy, I usually don't mind whipping up a batch of muffins or pancakes on Sunday afternoon that we can slide in around the cereal mornings.  But during the holiday season, pre-cooked breakfasts even become difficult to come by.  One FAST pre-cook breakfast is WILDBERRY WAFFLES.  I purchase 2 packets of muffin mix (one strawberry and one blueberry), combine them in a bowl, add 1 and 1/2 cups milk or water (whichever the packet calls for), and mix.  I then pour about a cup and a half onto my waffle iron to cook.  It makes delicious waffles without needing eggs,oil and other homemade ingredients.  I put them in the refridgerator and give a quick toast in the toaster in the mornings.  YUM!  My kids love these things!  Thanks for letting me share!

Wildberry Waffles

2 packets of muffin mix

1 1/2 Cups milk

Mix and pour approx. 1 1/2 cups batter onto waffle iron. 

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.

Quick Tip Tuesday - How to cook bacon in the oven!

I despise cooking bacon!  What a yucky mess!  I recently learned how to cook it in the oven!  It is fast and does not cause all the grease splattering mess. 

1. Lay bacon out in single layer on baking sheet pan.
2. Place in oven.
3.  THEN, turn on oven to 400 degrees.
4.  Cook for about 9-14 minutes (depends on how thick the bacon is cut).
5.  Cooking longer, produces crispier bacon.
6. Remove from oven and place bacon on a plate covered with paper towels.

7. Voila! (Bacon looks a little strange, because it's turkey:)

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!

It's Christmas in July! Freezer Canning Salsa

 I love this picture.  I can't believe I took it. So I have super-sized it, because there won't be another like this for a long time.

This is how I spent my morning.  I love salsa and the hotter the better!  I do have a favorite recipe that makes beaucoups (that's french) amounts of tasty salsa which I then freeze til I want it.

SALSA!

1 can 28oz. whole tomatoes (with juice)

2 cans 10oz. Rotel Original

1-2 cloves garlic - minced

1/2 c. chopped sweet onion

1-2 jalapeno peppers - seeded and chopped

1 t. sugar

1 t. salt

1/2 t. cumin

1/4 t. papricka

1 c. cilantro - chopped

juice of one lime

 Dump all the above goodies into a large bowl and I mean large.  Then, in batches, process the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.  How long you process depends on how chunky you like your salsa.

 Next, wash your jars and lids in hot soapy water. Rinse and let dry on a clean towel.  To ensure good sanitizing, you could boil jars and the 2 part lids.  I usually use half-pint freezer-safe jars.  The freezer-safe part is really important. 

 Fill your jars.  Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and spills around the rim.  Place on the lids and pop into the freezer.  Salsa will be good for up to a year.

UUmmm...yes, I could just pour this into freezer safe bags.  But I like the convience of pulling out a jar, allowing it to thaw and off we go.  I do not have to take the time to repackage the salsa during the busy holiday season. 

Oh, and about that holiday season thing, we usually get most of ours way before then.