How To Easily Make Laminated Cash Envelopes That Fit In Your Wallet!

When I first started using a cash-based budget, I wanted envelopes that would discreetly fit into the wallet I had at the time. I also did not want to keep remaking the envelopes every few weeks. So I decided to make laminated cash envelopes that could fit into any standard women’s wallet. Here is the step-by-step process I used to make laminated cash envelopes.

How To Create A Zero-Based Budget
How To Track Expenses Effectively
Why You Need To Complete A Budget Review
How A Budget Calendar Can Help You Budget

Gather Your Supplies

What You’ll Need:

Scrapbook Paper* of your choice: I used 12×12 from Michael’s, but you can use any size, as long as it’s larger than the dimensions of your cash
A Laminator*: The one I used for this project is no longer made; this one* is the newer version.
Laminating Pouches*: I used 3il since it is flexible. 5mil might work as well, but the envelopes will be much stiffer.
A Paper Trimmer*: I’ve had this one* for well over a decade, but use what you have available. Scissors can work as well, but your lines just won’t be as clean.
A Bone Folder*
A dollar bill (for measuring if you’re not in the US)
Sharpie or a Pen (not pictured)

Choose Your Designs

But before you choose your designs, you’ll want to know how many envelopes you’ll make. I made envelopes for all the categories I use as cash; in other words, the categories I frequently overspend in when I use the debit card.

For you, this could be as little as 5 or as many as 20. Do what works for you!

Measure & Cut Your Papers

Measure the dimensions of your dollar bill for reference. For me, I cut these papers to be 6.5″ (the length of a US bill), by 6″ (roughly twice the height of a US bill).

If you want the pattern to be oriented vertically, line it up with the 6″ side. If you want your pattern to be horizontal, line it up with the 6.5″ side.

Fold In Half, and Label With Your Categories

Fold the paper so that the 6″ side is what gets folded in half. The end result will be a 3″ x 6.5″ folded piece of paper. Use the bone folder to help set your crease.

If you want your envelopes to be discretely labeled, you can do so on the inside with a Sharpie or a pen.

Laminate

Line your envelopes up in your laminating paper. I am able to get three envelopes per laminating sheet.

When I placed the folded pieces of paper in the laminating sheet, I made sure that the folds I just created were on the inside of the sheet, and that the opening that I labeled with my budget category was towards the edges of the laminating sheet. This distinction will come in handy later.

Cut To Size

Using the paper trimmer, or a pair of scissors, cut carefully between the laminated envelopes, making sure not to cut too close to the air bubble created.

Once you have the envelopes individually, leave some space between the air bubble and where you cut on the sides and the folded portion (the bottom). I found that about 1/8″ was more than enough.

You don’t want to trim too close to the air bubble here, or your laminated envelopes will become laminated folders.

For the top, labeled portion, or the part we left pointing to the edges of the laminating sheet, you will cut it flush against the paper so it opens.

Laminate Again

You may find this is an entirely unnecessary step, but I like to laminate my envelopes again. I don’t know if it scientifically helps make the seal better or not, but it helps my brain believe so.

Stuff and Use

Now that your envelopes are labeled, and laminated, and the top is cut open, you can stuff them with cash for your budget categories! All done!

Now you have cash envelopes that will easily fit into your wallet and can be used time after time.