I don’t know about you – but I’m about 10 times more likely to stick with a system if it’s in a really cute package.
That’s why I’ve collected a bunch of the cutest free printable cash envelopes all in one article – so that you can pick the design that will not only work for you (functionally), but that you’ll be excited about using.
You might as well be picky because let’s be honest: budgeting envelopes are practically an accessory for people using a cash envelope system (since you take them with you just about everywhere you go).
There are some things to consider when choosing which of these free printable cash envelopes to download and use.
For starters, here’s what to think about:
No worries if you don’t know what will work for you yet, because you can just download a new, free set and tweak your system as you go.
I’m going to give you a variety of free printable envelopes with different traits from the list above.
Whether you want vertical cash envelopes or horizontal cash envelopes is really a preference thing.
This section is all about free horizontal cash envelopes you can use for your budgeting system.
The color green on these free cash envelopes is so soothing to me – but I guess that makes sense since green is one of my favorite colors!
Keep in mind that these envelopes only have a label for you to fill in, and no spending tracker (in case that's your thing).
Really, really nice set of horizontal cash envelopes you can print out for free and use to fill up with your own budget categories.
I personally love the chevrons and the hexagons!
*no optin required
These are very simple designs, but what I love about them is that they have tabs that stand out so that you can easily recognize what the envelope is for.
Tip for how to laminate your cash envelopes and keep them longer/make them reusable (if you have a laminator):
Here's how to laminate your envelopes to make them reusable without a laminator machine:
Horizontal cash envelopes not your thing? Let’s look at free vertical envelope templates, next.
Hint: if you want to pick out an envelope that doesn't have a tracker on the outside, just pair it with one of these free daily spending logs.
One of the reasons to go with a vertical envelope template vs. a horizontal one is you’ll have more lines to record transactions/purchases throughout the week/month.
Just something to keep in mind as you’re figuring out whether to go vertical or not!
These are super-cute vertical envelopes you can cash-budget with. Just remember that with this set, you can’t record transactions (you just label each envelope with your spending category).
Look at this cuuuuuttteeeee set of free vertical envelope templates you get to choose from! Sign up for her email list, and you get access to her entire free resource library.
Psst: got kids? Check out these 3 free money envelopes for kids to get them started budgeting.
Maybe you already have a set of DIY cash envelopes that you love, but you’d like to add labels or a spending tracker area to them.
OR, you’re eyeing up some gorgeous scrapbook paper at Michael’s and you have a free printable cash envelope template, but you need a label to be able to put on each envelope.
Great! Here are free cash envelope labels and spending trackers.
Looking for a set of spending trackers that you can then glue/tape/staple onto any set of cash envelopes you choose? These are great!
two vertical spending trackers the size of envelopes partly filled out, on marble background" width="765" height="643" />
I love how this set comes with a budgeting sheet to match.
These are free envelope spending trackers that you can tape to the outside of a regular white envelope (even those annoying junk mail ones you get in the mailbox – a great way to reuse them!).
Hint: she uses washi tape to tape them on the outside of envelopes, which makes it cuter than just gluing/taping them onto plain white envelopes.
Pick one of these free printable cash envelopes, and just dive right in. You'll find that you'll need to tweak as you go (which is totally fine!), and you might even switch to a different type of cash envelope once you see how it goes. Don't be afraid to customize things for you + your family.
Amanda L. Grossman is a writer and Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®), Plutus Foundation Grant Recipient, and founder of Frugal Confessions. Over the last 13 years, her money work has helped people with how to save money and how to manage money. She's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, LifeHacker, Real Simple Magazine, Woman's World, Woman's Day, ABC 13 Houston, Keybank, and more. Read more here or on LinkedIn.
