If you’ve spent any time on social media, you may have seen people pulling numbered envelopes out of a box and stuffing them with cash. That’s the 100 envelope challenge, and it’s one of the most fun ways to build savings quickly.
How it works
- Number 100 envelopes from 1 to 100 (or use a printable tracker with 100 boxes).
- Each day, pick an envelope at random.
- Put that amount of money in it — envelope 37 means saving $37.
- After 100 envelopes, you’ll have saved $5,050.
Some days you’ll draw a 3 and some days a 94. The randomness makes it exciting.
Is $5,050 realistic?
For many people, $5,050 in 100 days — about $50 a day on average — is a lot. That doesn’t mean the challenge isn’t for you. Adjust it:
Versions for any budget
- Weekly instead of daily: pick two envelopes a week and finish in about a year.
- Halve it: envelope 37 means $3.70 — total $505.
- 50 envelopes: number 1–50 for a total of $1,275.
- Couples version: each person picks one envelope a week.
- Multiply by 10: in currencies with larger numbers, multiply each envelope by 10 or 100.
The method matters more than the total. You are building a habit of saving regularly.
Cash envelopes or a bank account?
Physical envelopes are fun and very visual, but keeping lots of cash at home has risks. Many people use a printable tracker instead: colour in the number and transfer the amount to a savings account. You get the same satisfaction with less risk.
Tips to finish the challenge
- Set a clear goal. Emergency fund? Holiday? Paying off a card? Write it at the top of your tracker.
- Pick the big numbers on payday and small numbers before payday.
- Find the money first. Cancel a subscription, cut takeaways or sell unused items.
- Don’t borrow to save. If you have high-interest debt, paying it off may be a better first goal (see snowball vs avalanche).
- Celebrate milestones at 25, 50 and 75 envelopes.
What to do with the money
Popular uses:
- Building your emergency fund
- A debt-free holiday (see how to save for a holiday)
- Paying off a credit card in one go
- Starting your sinking funds
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 100 envelope challenge take?
The classic version takes 100 days if you pick one envelope a day. You can also pick a few envelopes a week and take longer — choose a pace that fits your budget.
What if I pick a big number on a tight day?
Put it back and pick again, or save it for payday. Many people keep big envelopes for the days just after they get paid.
Can I do it with my kids?
Yes! A smaller version, like 1 to 20, is a great way to teach children about saving.
The Savings Challenge Pack includes a beautiful printable 100 envelope tracker to colour in, plus the 52-week and no-spend challenges.
The Savings Challenge Pack
11 printable pages: 100 envelope, 52-week and no-spend challenges, plus savings goal and emergency fund trackers.
