You may remember back in early December, I told you that Kyle and I had decided to go to a cash budgeting system using envelopes. If you missed that post you can catch up Here.

It has been 5 months since we made the switch and overall it has been an easy plan to stick with and we have done really well! We do allow non-cash purchases sometimes for special dates and things like that so we don’t feel chained down by our own money. It’s a very rewarding spending plan because you actually see the money you worked hard to earn. I always feel like a baller getting my cash at the ATM. Give me a couple of 20′s and I think I’m rich!

I won’t lie to you. There are down sides! It’s a pain to find the right envelope and count out your cash to just buy your lunch. Cards are so much easier. And sometimes I don’t feel like looking in my stupid envelope to see if I can buy that shirt on sale. Cash makes me consider my spending on the days I just don’t wanna.

Other than minor inconveniences I’d say the system has been worth the effort. The cute little envelopes that I made in December can show you the effort. Everyday use has taken it’s toll.

I’ve been keeping my eye out for replacement envelopes for awhile but have not found any made of a more durable material that are small enough to fit in my wallet. Then yesterday when I was grocery shopping I found these $2 photo albums and had a great idea.

I cut the front and back cover off both to create four plastic sleeves that would be the right size.

Then I took the labels I had previously made off the old envelopes and stuck them on the paper inserts.

Slipped them back into the plastic sleeve and done!

They should make paying more convenient since they don’t have a flap and hopefully the plastic will be able to hold up better.

No to worry all you hoarders! I am repurposing the albums that I cut up so they won’t be wasted.

I’ll let you know in another 5 or 6 months if we are still on the envelope kick!