Cash Envelope Templates and Trackers
Do you use a Cash Envelope Budget System? If so, then you should be tracking the cash in each envelope via a printable register, a spreadsheet, an app, or other software. We've created a couple resources that can help you with your tracking. First, printable register sheets that you can insert into whatever envelope you are using. Second, printable cash envelopes that you can cut, fold and tape (or glue).
Also, check out the related spreadsheets, such as the Money Tracker, Money Management Template, or Account Register. It can work really well to use a cash envelope system for some budget categories and a digital system for the rest.
Printable Cash Envelope Register (Long)
SIZE: 3.87" x 8.5" - Fits No. 10 Envelopes
Description
This design is meant for No 10 size envelopes (the long ones). Print as many copies of the register as you want.
Cut around the outside and then fold along the middle vertical line - this will help with the sturdiness of the paper a bit, plus it will give you a front and back to work with for each envelope.
We purposefully kept these designs free of color to avoid having to use so much colored ink when printing many copies. But, if you want to add color, print on colored paper or download the Excel version and customize it. You can also change the font via Page Layout > Themes > Fonts.
Printable Cash Envelope Register (Short)
SIZE: Same Length, but Wider than US Currency (3.37" x 6.14").
Description
These registers are printed 3 to a page, and you can either cut them all out or do a double-fold along the vertical lines (to help with the sturdiness of the paper).
These will fit most cash envelopes, but they are wider than US Currency, to make it easier to find and pull out the register.
Printable Cash Envelope Register (Small)
SIZE: US Currency (2.6" x 6.14")
Description
These registers are close to exactly the same size as US Currency, so if the wider versions don't fit your cash envelopes, then these will.
How to Use the Cash Envelope System
- Use a budget, and identify which categories will be tracked using envelopes.
- Cash the portion of your paycheck that will go into your envelope categories.
- Stick the cash into the designated envelopes, recording the Starting Balance on each individual register.
- Just as you would with a checkbook register, whenever cash enters or leaves the envelope, record the amount in the register.
- If you run out of money in your Food envelope, stop eating. Okay, just kidding, but if you run out, it means you'll have to take the money from some other envelope. The nice term for that is a "transfer," although it may help for you to think of it as stealing from the other category (if it helps you avoid doing it in the future, that is).
- Make notes on your envelope or the register about how long the money is supposed to last (i.e. "Monthly Budget = $250"). Then, when you create your budget for the next month, you can check your current cash balance against the monthly budget to see if you can allocate the leftover to something else.
- Color-code your envelopes to help identify them easily. Better yet, check out the following resources.
