A Bowl Full of Lemons

CASH ENVELOPE SYSTEM WALLET GIVEAWAY

Do you use the cash envelope system of budgeting? Does your method leave a lot to be desired in terms of looks or organization? Maybe it’s time to throw away the paper envelopes or plastic organizers that crack and fall apart and budget in style! Or perhaps you’ve only vaguely heard about the cash envelope system and want to know more.

What is the cash envelope system?

The concept of the cash envelope system isn’t new. It involves funding envelopes with cash each pay period according to a predetermined monthly budget, and then spending only what is in that envelope for that category. When the money is gone, the spending stops until the next paycheck.

Many of our grandparents and even parents spent their money this way! One major difference is that these days, the majority of bills are paid through automatic withdrawal or at least online, so the system applies mainly to monthly expenses where it’s easy to overspend. These “budget busters” can include groceries, eating out, entertainment, personal care, and clothing, to name a few.

Why should I use the cash envelope system?

Using the cash envelope system of budgeting has many advantages. It can teach discipline, curb impulsive spending habits, help you become debt-free more quickly, and speed up saving towards a particular goal such as replacing a vehicle or going on vacation.

Even science backs up this method with research that shows using cash activates pain receptors in the brain, potentially discouraging overspending or even purchasing a particular item at all. On the other hand, using a debit or credit card delays the pain until you’re balancing the checkbook or viewing the credit card statement!

How does a cash envelope system wallet help?

The truth is, having a pretty wallet is not a necessity when it comes to implementing the cash envelope system. However, it can be motivating and just plain fun to fill something pretty with cash each pay period and then pull it out to use at the store! Plus, a wallet is much more organized and durable than paper envelopes.

How can I get my hands on a cash envelope system wallet?

You’re in luck! Melissa Kaiserman from A Time for Everything is giving away a handmade Organize-It Cash Envelope System prize package to two readers! Each of the winners will receive the following:

• Organize-It cash envelope system wallet in choice of fabric
• Coordinating wrist strap
• Custom labels for the divider tabs
• A set of blank or personalized printable spending logs

Follow the Rafflecopter below to enter.  You may choose as many entries as you’d like.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

BONUS:

For the duration of the giveaway, A Bowl Full of Lemons readers can receive free shipping on any order from A Time for Everything! Click “Apply Shop Coupon Code” at checkout and enter ABFOLMAR15. (Free shipping applies to domestic orders only, but international customers may leave a note at checkout requesting a refund equal to the amount a U.S. customer would save on that order.) In her shop, you’ll find several styles of cash envelope system wallets and accessories in a variety of fabrics, including budgeting products for kids.

Melissa Kaiserman

Melissa is passionate about people living within their means and becoming--and remaining--debt-free. She is the owner of A Time for Everything, which includes both a shop where she sells handmade cash envelope system wallets and accessories, and a blog where she writes about frugal living, creating, and life in general. She's been blogging since 2007 and making pretty wallets since 2011.

Tags: budget, budgeting, giveaway
A Time For Everything, Blog, Budget, budgeting, giveaway, March 2015 Posted in 11 comments