*This post may contain affiliate links, please see my disclosure
The following post is a review from the always wonderful Mrs. iHB (aka Michelle, aka wife)
Melissa from A Time For Everything was super sweet and generous and sent me one of her beautiful cash envelope systems to try out, along with a coordinating change purse. First of all, let me just say how freaking adorable these things are. She has about 8 billion patterns and I basically wanted one of each. Jake told me I couldn’t have them all and would have to choose one…boo. After much debate I settled on one and found an adorable pattern for a coordinating change purse. She was super speedy in sending me the envelope and coin purse after I ordered but not because it was just thrown together. The construction on the pouches is fantastic and I studied them for quite a while to try and hone my own sewing skills!! I think they should definitely stand up to being tossed around in a purse (ooor…diaper bag) for a good long while.
Now, Jake and I are big supporters of the cash envelope system but are currently working on getting some awesome free travel deals through credit card points so we are using cash as little as possible. I’ve been using my envelope for coupons and receipts. It comes with 6 file dividers that you can customize yourself or order pre-printed ones right in her shop. My files are: Food, Home, Personal, Kids, Date and Cards. I put coupons that I get in the mail into each category, so my Fred Meyer Rewards go in Food, my Aveda points go in Personal and all those crazy Babies R Us and OshKosh coupons go in Kids, etc. In the back I have gift cards all in one place. I love that I can just zip it shut and I don’t have to worry about it falling out all over my bag and that it takes up less room than my old file system.
The coin purse is awesome too. Every six months or so Jake and I switch back to cash only for a month for a good ole gut check on our actual spending. Even though we’re careful, it’s still easier to swipe a card than see your cash dwindling away for that grande, decaf, un-cut eggnog latte. And when you use cash, you get change….soo..many….pennies!! And dude….change is money too! I’m not just going to toss it in a jar when I get home because if it’s the end of the month and I need another dozen eggs….I may be able to scrounge up three bucks out of that little coin purse! I couldn’t put coins in my old file system (dollar bins at target…meh) because they would just fall out all over my bag. Lame.
So there you go. Now you know what you need to do to use cash and coupons in style and organized! Check out Melissa’s shop and her blog (she’s got a great post on all the things the envelope is good for) and “like” her on Facebook. I think you’ll really be impressed with what she has to offer!
Jake’s Thoughts: Finally, you can rock those cash envelopes in style. Though, I don’t get why people think having 5 or 6 full-size letter envelopes stuffed in your back pocket is ugly. WHO NEEDS WALLETS?
But for real. I love the simplicity here, and since most budgets are blown by extra spending in those variable categories, keep it simple and rock one of these fab cash envelopes, laughing all the way to the bank!
And Melissa was kind enough to offer a free cash envelope system with coin purse for one lucky reader as well. Enter below! Also, while this giveaway is going on, she is offering a free shipping code to those who use the coupon code below.
Disclosure: Melissa was super cool and gave Michelle the envelope and coin purse. After having seen Dave Ramsey’s solution, as well as our old plastic junk, we knew we had finally found someone who “got it.” We did not receive any monetary compensation for this review, and genuinely think she’s got something wicked awesome going here.
Reader Discount
From now through November 29, iHeartBudgets readers can receive free shipping from A Time for Everything! Click “Apply shop coupon code” at checkout and enter IHEARTBUDGETS. (Free shipping applies to domestic orders only, but international customers may leave a note at checkout requesting a refund equal to the amount a U.S. customer would save on that order.) If you make a purchase during the promotional period and ultimately win the giveaway, you will receive a refund for your original purchase.
Giveaway!
Melissa has been generous enough to offer a giveaway to two lucky readers who get to experience her products first-hand. Here are the details!
Two readers will win a set of products from A Time for Everything which will include the following:
- Divide-It cash envelope system wallet in choice of fabric
- custom labels for the divider tabs
- coordinating coin pouch
- set of printable spending logs–choice of blank or personalized
(The total value of each set is $32.)
Open to U.S. residents only, ages 18 or older.
I just started using cash envelopes again this week! Funny that you blogged about it today:) I defiantly need one of those coin ourses!:)
My husband and I plan to start the cash envelope system after the first of the year, and this would be a great starter!
Those look fab! We don’t use a cash envelope system yet, but it’s on my list of New Year’s resolutions. I like Michelle’s ideas for coupons as well. At the moment, I just have one big coin purse for coupons and of course can never find the correct one when I need it! Will have to check out Melissa’s site, thanks for the review.
this is an awesome system. I have been using it for years.
I’m getting married at the end of the year and my fiancee and i would love to use one of these as we start to set up a budget together!
My husband and I are newlyweds and are just getting a handle on our finances. We are actually just starting out a brand new Gail budget. These envelope bags are so cute. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I would love to win this. Plain envelopes are so boring.
My husband and I just finished Dave Ramsey and have been trying to do the cash budget system for awhile. I would just love something nicer than depressing white envelopes to have in my purse.
I dont use the envelope system
I leave enough money in my bank account to cover my expenses.
The take out the cash I will spend at the start of the month.
I pay for all discretionary spending with cash not cards
Keeps my budget on track – works for me
These are adorable! Might incentivize me to go cash every so often!
Great Giveaway.
I am really struggling with the cash envelope system…would love this tool! Thank you, Shirley McFarland
I LOVE the cash envelope system~ and the fabric bags are adorable! Thanks for the giveaway!
I purchased one of these about a year ago, after our Dave Ramesy paper envelopes wore out. We only use it for a few things: groceries, music lessons, allowance, personal care, pocket money, dining out and school lunches. It’s been working great. I am going pick a couple of more for Christmas for my kids and also one for my sister who is using the envelope system too. Thanks!
Those little guys are GORGEOUS. So much cuter than the ugly brown faux leather thing I got at Walmart. What was I thinking?!
I love these!! I try to use the cash envelope system but hate how clunky the envelope system can be. What a great idea.
Those are so cute! My sister would die over the owl one.
This looks like it would be a good system to stay organized.
Thanks for the giveaway! What a stylish way to budget!
These are adorable!! My husband and i are starting the cash envelope system and this would be perfect.
I love these.
I totally believe in budgeting too. You guys are such a good influence on our generation. Keep up the good work!
Very cute! I think it would make a great coupon holder!~
I love the owl-themed envelope. Those pouches are adorable! I have to say that I’m not really a cash person, but I’ve been tempted to go with cash every now and then to keep a few items in check. Maybe I’ll have to give it a try.
very nice! 2nd month trying envelopes…tough! 🙁 Would love some better “tools”! Thank you Cheeryshirley
We never tried the cash envelope system, but I do track every one of our expenses. We actually do it through our credit card statements, but we know we are weird in that using credit cards keeps us on track more than cash…
You know, we have found that as well using Mint.com. Cash is tangible, but I really like numbers, so Mint works well for us.
Newly budget obsessed, thanks for the tips.
I have one already and love it! I would love to get my kids started on using one.
I want to get one for my daughter
Love her products!
I’ve been using one of Melissa’s wallets for two YEARS and it still looks good as new. I love it with my whole heart, and I would love to win another one to give as a gift!
I have looked at these before but never purchased one! Would love to win one and start using the envelope system. But how do you choose a pattern?! So many beautiful choices!
Have been wanting a set of these but money has been tight would love to separate my cash and get it out of my pocket!
Love the Dave Ramsey System…I’ve fallen off the envelope wagon for a bit but it’s time to get back on.
New to the cash system, but loving it so far!! It’s really helping with budgettng and paying things off. I’d love to win one of these wallets, they are adorable!
This would be so great to win! 🙂 These are adorable. I’d love to try a cash envelope system!
I’ve just started budgeting 🙂
I’ve never used the cash envelope system, but we’re looking revamp our budgeting style and put more towards savings with less mindless swiping so we’re ready to give it a go.
These look so much more durable than the paper ones we have been using!
I just love these envelopes – such beautiful colors & patterns and so useful!
I love these!! I currently use pencil cases for our case but these look sooo much nicer 🙂
Love these!
I love Melissa’s wallets! They make awesome gifts!
I would love the cash envelope wallet. I have taken Dave Ramsey’s course and believe in this system.
LOVE these! I’ve had my eyes on them for a while but since I have half my bills on auto pay I have been using boring envelopes for now. Definitely a cute incentive to use the envelope system!
I’ve been wanting one of these! I really don’t like using just plain envelopes.
Thanks for such an awesome giveaway! Love love these envelope systems.
So cute! Makes me excited to get started!
My goal is to start using cash. Would love to win! ♡♡♡
Love these wallets!
I am trying to use cash envelopes and the paper envelopes tear. These would be great
I use a Deluxe Wallet and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Melissa’s product has held up for over a year and still looks (and works) wonderful. I get compliments on it all the time. Would love for my daughter to have one.
been using so many different envelooe systems and nothing works. been following iheartbudgets on facebook and miss out on the sales because im not on facebook enough. would love to win
Aww I missed it.