You might think that a well-educated, theoretically sophisticated person like me (back off, folks, I said “theoretically”!) might feel a little silly carrying money around in an envelope. I don’t, though, because I learned to do this by following some basic, commonsense financial advice from a guy named Dave Ramsey. He advocates using envelopes with budgeted amounts as a way of keeping a eye on expenses.
I carry just one envelope (groceries/household/food funds), and formerly used Dave Ramsey’s own envelopes. Unlike the office supply variety, Ramsey’s are just the right size for currency, making them convenient to carry around. But they’re paper, and mine tended to get a little ragged, so I laminated them with contact paper. Then I duct-taped the edges, like this:
Ugly, no? When I couldn’t take it any more, I hauled out some iron-on interfacing, a thrilling tropical print, and set to work.
First, I opened out one of the original paper envelopes and traced it on the interfacing. Then I cut out a corresponding piece of fabric, adding an allowance for the side seams, around the fold-over flap, and along the top edge. Then I applied the interfacing to the fabric.
This was a quick and dirty project, so I just stitched up the side seams, turned it right side out, and then folded the fabric over the top flap and the top edge. I sewed those edges down with a decorative stitch. Then I added two sets of velcro to keep it closed.
The result, while perhaps way too flashy, is a lot of fun, and much more durable than the paper/laminate/duct tape version.
This envelope is so slim (that polyester crepe was positively filmy before I applied the interfacing) that it’s hardly noticeable in my purse — much sleeker than a fat wallet. (I use a small card case for ID and debit card.)
You, of course, don’t need an actual Dave Ramsey envelope to whip this up, but can whatever paper currency is in your wallet to gauge the size of your envelope correctly.
I think about him every time I use it! By the way, five months later, it’s still holding up very well, which kind of surprised me, since it was such a basic little project. I’m really glad I used such a loud fabric — it tunes me right into the good feelings that come from following Dave Ramsey’s advice.
Dave Ramsey would be so proud!!!!! Cute idea =)
Hi, Everyday Sewist — amen to the designer wallet issue — I’ve been there, too!
The one envelope is much, much slimmer than any wallet, and when paying with cash I don’t need to haul out any ID or cards, so I just pull the envelope out. I do carry a small card case with ID, debit card, health insurance card, etc., but keep it in a different pocket. Combined, they are still take up less room than my smallest previous wallet.
Occasionally I do need an additional spending category, but instead of adding another envelope, I just paper clip the bills together to keep them separate.
Coins are the rub. I put them into the envelope and spend them as quickly as possible. Mr. Noile always needs quarters for his trips to the city, so all quarters get dumped into his ‘parking bank’ as soon as I get home.
It’s a cute envelope. And just the right size, unlike my stupid DESIGNER wallet with bill slots made too short for dollar bills. I’ve been meaning to make my own wallet.
I am familiar with the concept of envelopes, but if you only carry one envelope, why not just use a wallet? Or do you not use a wallet? What do you do with the coins when you get change?