I was using plain, cheap white envelopes for cash purchases but I was tired of them tearing and getting all bent up in my purse. I came across these from Clever Fox and I absolutely love them! They're waterproof, tear proof and hold their shape very well and even come with budget sheets and a zippered bag to keep them in.
Last year we started going back to using a debit card and cash envelopes after I got tired of being a paycheck behind on paying bills. Although we paid off our credit card twice a month, I just kept having stress about it not being money we actually had that 2 week period. Some months I would spend more and be stressed if we would get enough to pay it off. I never paid a dime of interest. I also have received over $2,000 in cash rewards since having the credit card but at what cost? I may get $50 back a month but it's so much easier to overspend when using a credit card - so it wasn't helping!
Now, we only spend what's in the bank and we only use cash for local purchases like food, gas, etc. It is less stressful and I actually think it's fun to do the envelopes. Even the kids take part by stuffing the envelopes when we go to the bank.
Here are the categories I have cash envelopes for, although I only use the first 6 categories regularly. The others are occasionally or hopefully one day categories.
Cash Envelope Categories
Offering
Food
Gas (Car)
Haircuts
Necessities
Misc.
Home Maintenance
Car Maintenance
Homeschool
Medical
Entertainment
Clothing
Gifts
