Saving money doesn’t have to feel boring or stressful.
The 100 Envelope Challenge turns it into a simple, hands-on game that can help you build a real habit and grow your savings fast.
This viral challenge involves filling 100 numbered envelopes with cash over a period of time.
Do it daily, weekly, or whenever it fits your budget. The goal? Save $5,050 at your own pace.
It’s flexible, fun, and ideal for anyone seeking a more effective way to achieve their financial goals.
How Does the 100 Envelope Challenge Work?
The 100 Envelope Challenge works by using simple math and consistent action to help you save $5,050.
The concept is based on labeling 100 envelopes from 1 to 100.
Each day, you draw one envelope at random and put that dollar amount into it—so if you pull envelope 42, you save $42.
Over time, these amounts add up. The math behind it is straightforward: 1 + 2 + 3 … + 100 equals $5,050.
That’s your total savings when all envelopes are filled. You can do this daily over 100 days, but the challenge is flexible.
You might save weekly, biweekly, or on payday instead.
Some people pick several envelopes at once to fit their schedule, while others choose the amounts they can afford that day instead of picking randomly.
If using cash doesn’t work for you, there’s a digital option: track your envelopes online or use an app, then move the money into a separate savings account.
You can even adjust the amounts, stretch the challenge over a year, or cut it down to 30 or 50 days to make it easier.
What You Need To Start the Challenge
Here’s everything you need to get started, whether you’re doing the cash version or going digital:
- 100 Envelopes
- Plain white or colorful (for extra motivation)
- Suggested sizes: 3.2 x 6.6 in or 8.1 x 16.8 + 2.2 cm
- Budget-friendly: 80 envelopes for $1.25 at Dollar Tree
- Alternatives: sandwich baggies or 3×5 index cards
- Marker or Labels
- Use a black Sharpie for clear numbering
- Optional: colorful markers for decorating or adding quotes
- Cash (or Digital Alternative)
- Cash Method:
- Withdraw cash daily, weekly, or by paycheck
- Use small denominations to make saving manageable
- Helps build a stronger emotional connection to savings
- Digital Method:
- Use a separate (preferably high-yield) savings account
- Use a random number generator or pick amounts manually
- Track digitally via spreadsheet or budgeting app
- No official app exists, but any budget tracker can work
- Cash Method:
- Storage Box or Container
- Shoe box, recipe box, photo box, or small basket
- Must fit all 100 envelopes, even when filled with cash
- Keep in a safe, consistent location
- Optional: Printed Tracker Chart or Spreadsheet
- Free printable charts are available online
- Color in each number as you go for motivation
- Keep visible (e.g., fridge, mirror) as a daily reminder
- Especially useful for digital versions
- Can use a spreadsheet or checklist to stay on track
Step-by-Step: How To Do The 100 Envelope Challenge
Step 1: Gather and Label 100 Envelopes (1 to 100)
Start by collecting 100 envelopes—plain or colorful, any size you like. Some use sandwich baggies or index cards instead.
Number each envelope from 1 to 100, using a marker or labels. A black Sharpie is ideal, but colorful pens can make the process more personal.
You can label envelopes in order or backwards from 100 to make higher amounts easier later.
For convenience, pre-labeled challenge sets are also available online.
Step 2: Store Envelopes in a Secure Spot
Place your envelopes in a container that’s both accessible and secure. Shoe boxes, recipe boxes, photo boxes, or even baskets work well.
Make sure it’s big enough to hold all 100 envelopes, especially once they start filling with cash.
Choose a safe location to avoid misplacing or damaging your savings.
Step 3: Draw One Envelope Per Day (or on Your Schedule)
Traditionally, you pick one envelope at random each day for 100 days. Random selection adds surprise and keeps it interesting.
But you can adjust the timeline based on your budget.
Weekly: pull 7 envelopes at once. Biweekly: pull 14 every two weeks. Monthly: draw 30 on payday.
You can also pick only what you can afford or pause and resume when needed. The key is consistency, not speed.
Step 4: Insert the Corresponding Cash Amount
Whatever number is on the envelope, that’s how much cash you save. For envelope 42, save $42. Seal the envelope and place it aside.
High-dollar days can be tough, so save more on easy days to cover them. Stick to small bills if needed.
Prefer digital? Use a random number generator or pick a number manually, then transfer that amount into a separate savings account, ideally one that earns interest.
Step 5: Track Your Progress with a Chart or Log
Use a printable tracker, spreadsheet, or checklist to mark off envelopes as you fill them. Color-coding helps you see progress visually.
Keep the chart somewhere visible, like your fridge or mirror, as a daily reminder.
For digital users, this step is essential since there are no physical envelopes to look at. Tracking builds habit and keeps motivation high.
Step 6: Deposit or Secure the Cash Weekly/Monthly
If using cash, store filled envelopes in your container. But be cautious, as cash at home doesn’t earn interest and could get lost or stolen.
Some people deposit the money into a bank weekly to stay safe.
Digital users simply move funds into a savings account on schedule—daily, weekly, or per paycheck.
Step 7: Complete the Challenge and Decide What To Do With the Money
Once all 100 envelopes are filled, you’ll have saved $5,050. If done daily, you’ll finish in just over 3 months.
Plan in advance how to use the money and don’t let it sit without a purpose.
Use it to build an emergency fund, pay off debt, make a big purchase, or contribute to a down payment.
For long-term savings, deposit it into a high-yield account or CD.
How Much Money Will You Save?
By completing the 100 Envelope Challenge, you will save exactly $5,050, which comes from adding together the numbers 1 through 100.
If you follow the standard plan and draw one envelope per day, you’ll finish in about 100 days—just over three months.
However, the challenge is fully customizable. You can stretch it out over 6 months, a year, or even longer if needed.
Adjustments to the schedule include pulling envelopes weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on your income cycle.
You can even pause and resume the challenge as life circumstances change. If the full amount feels overwhelming, there are easier variations.
You can also halve your daily amounts, like saving $3 instead of $6 for envelope 6, to fit a tighter budget.
Another option is to simply choose an amount you can afford each day instead of drawing randomly.
Some even color-code envelope groups to control weekly amounts.
Digitally, the process works the same: use a tracker or number generator, and transfer the amount to a separate high-yield savings account.
For lower-income savers, there are other flexible options. Saving $1 or $2 per day builds $365 or $730 over a year.
The penny challenge grows to $667.95 in 365 days.
The 52-week challenge saves $1,378 by year-end, while the $5 challenge lets you stash every $5 bill until you hit your goal.
Other creative ideas include the spare change challenge, habit jars, no-spend days, or simply saving a fixed percentage of your income monthly.
All of these offer flexible, effective paths to build savings, no matter your income level.
How To Do the 100 Envelope Challenge on a Biweekly or Weekly Pay Schedule
Adjusting the Draw Frequency
If you’re paid biweekly, draw 14 envelopes every two weeks—right after payday. This keeps your savings plan in sync with your income.
Another option is to fill 26 envelopes over 26 pay periods, saving about $194 per period to hit the $5,050 target.
If you’re paid weekly, pull 7 envelopes once a week, or spread the challenge over 100 weeks by selecting just one each week.
Monthly earners can choose to draw 30 envelopes at once, depending on how much is left after paying essential bills.
The timeline is flexible, and you’re not limited to 100 days.
You can stretch the challenge to 6 months by pulling an envelope every two days or extend it over a year by drawing once every four days.
If needed, you can pause and restart the challenge anytime.
Budgeting Tips for Variable Income
Start by covering essentials first, like rent, food, utilities, and insurance. Build a simple budget to understand what you can afford to save each pay period.
Boost your income through side hustles, overtime, or selling unused items. Use spare change, cash-back apps, or paid survey sites to free up funds.
To cut spending, try a no-spend day or week, cancel subscriptions, or cook meals at home.
If you get unexpected income or tips, use those to tackle higher-numbered envelopes.
Drawing envelopes in the morning gives you the whole day to plan how to fill it.
If $5,050 feels out of reach, scale down. Saving just $1 or $2 a day adds up to hundreds a year. Even saving only what you can afford is progress.
Combining Low and High Envelopes for Balance
Random picks can lead to uneven amounts—low totals one week, high demands the next. To smooth this out, mix your selections.
Divide envelopes into color-coded sections (e.g., 1–20, 21–40, etc.) and pick a few from each group weekly.
This spreads out the high-dollar envelopes and avoids a pile-up later.
You can also skip random draws entirely and just choose envelopes based on what you can afford that day.
Some people start with the highest numbers first, when motivation is strong. Others go in numerical order for predictability.
If needed, halve the amounts to make the challenge easier (e.g., save $49 instead of $98).
Or double the number of envelopes to 200, saving in small increments like $0.25 to $50 over a longer timeline.
If you’re aiming higher, try a $10k version, using envelopes marked in $20 increments or saving $100 a day. The goal is to stay consistent, not perfect.
Digital Alternatives to the 100 Envelope Challenge
How to Use Budgeting Apps or Spreadsheets
The 100 Envelope Challenge can be done entirely digitally, making it easier for those who prefer not to handle cash.
To get started, set up a separate savings account that’s used only for the challenge. This keeps your saved money away from your everyday spending.
Each day or week, select a number between 1 and 100 to determine how much to save.
You can use 3×5 cards, an online random number generator, or even a spreadsheet with the numbers listed.
Once you choose a number, transfer that amount from your main account to your savings account.
Then mark that number off using a printable tracker, checklist, or digital spreadsheet.
Recommended Apps
While many budgeting apps can support your digital challenge, the EveryDollar app is great for helping people discover extra funds in their budget.
Users have reported uncovering up to $395 in their first month, which can go straight toward savings.
EveryDollar allows you to see where your money is going and helps you stay on track.
You can also use a custom Excel or Google Sheets spreadsheet to manage the challenge manually if you prefer a more personalized approach.
Benefits of Going Digital
A digital version of the challenge has several advantages. First, it’s safer as you’re not storing piles of cash at home, reducing the risk of theft or loss.
Second, it’s convenient—you don’t need to visit the bank or handle physical money.
Third, the money you save digitally can earn interest if kept in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) or certificate of deposit (CD).
That’s something physical envelopes can’t do.
The digital format also makes it easier to adjust the challenge timeline, whether you want to complete it in 100 days or 100 weeks.
Plus, you can still use visual tools like printable trackers or spreadsheets to see your progress.
What If You Can’t Afford an Envelope’s Amount?
Mix High and Low Numbers Weekly (or Adjust Frequency)
If you’re worried about drawing high-dollar envelopes back-to-back, there are simple ways to make the challenge more manageable.
Instead of picking one envelope per day, try mixing high and low numbers each week. This keeps the savings amounts balanced.
You can also change how often you draw envelopes—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—based on your pay schedule.
For example, if you’re paid weekly, pull seven envelopes on payday and spread them out. If you’re paid biweekly, pull 14 envelopes every two weeks.
You can even divide envelopes into sections or color groups (like 1–20, 21–40, etc.) and draw from each group to keep things even.
Starting with higher amounts first (like $100 and working backward) can help too.
That way, the challenge gets easier as time goes on, rather than ending with the most expensive envelopes when money may be tighter.
Cap Your Envelope Numbers (e.g., 1 to 50 Only)
If saving $5,050 feels unrealistic, you can scale down the challenge. One option is to use just 50 envelopes numbered 1 to 50.
That version saves you $1,275. Want something shorter? Try the 30-day challenge using envelopes numbered 1 to 30, which saves $465.
These simpler versions can help build confidence before tackling the full 100-day version.
You can also create your own custom range—labeling envelopes in even numbers or saving small amounts like $0.25 per day for 200 days, where the highest contribution is $50.
Another tip: if the original amounts are too steep, just cut them in half.
Save $1.50 instead of $3, or $49 instead of $98. The goal is to save—how much or how fast is up to you.
Save a Consistent Amount Instead (e.g., $20 per Envelope)
If the randomness of the envelope amounts makes saving hard to stick with, switch to a fixed daily or weekly amount.
Instead of pulling envelopes, just save $20 per envelope until you complete 100 envelopes and reach $2,000.
You can also skip the envelope system and save a set amount each day—like $1 or $2. Over a year, this still adds up to $365 or $730.
You’re still building the habit, just in a more predictable way.
What Should You Do With the Money Once You Finish?
Build an Emergency Fund
Once you complete the 100 Envelope Challenge and have $5,050 saved, a smart first step is to build or boost your emergency fund.
This fund is meant for true emergencies like job loss, unexpected medical bills, or major home repairs.
If you don’t already have one, this lump sum is a solid foundation.
To keep it safe and growing, move the money into a high-yield savings account (HYSA) where it earns interest but stays easily accessible.
Avoid dipping into it unless it’s a real need, not a want.
Pay Off Debt
If you have high-interest debt, such as credit card balances or student loans, using your saved money to pay it down can be a game-changer.
Debt with an APR over 10% can grow fast, and paying it off early saves you money in the long run.
Using the $5,050 from the challenge to knock out a big chunk of your debt is a direct path toward improving your financial health.
This also frees up future income that would’ve gone to interest payments, giving you more room in your budget to save or invest.
Start Investing
While the original purpose of the challenge is to help you build savings, your next step could be to grow that money.
If you don’t need the funds right away, consider putting some or all of it into an interest-earning account like a certificate of deposit (CD) or a high-yield savings account.
This way, your money continues to work for you. These options are safer than investing in the stock market and ideal if you’re not ready for risk.
Over time, even modest interest adds up, and it keeps your savings moving forward instead of sitting idle.
Save for a Specific Goal
You can also put your challenge savings toward a meaningful goal.
Whether it’s a vacation, down payment on a home, new car, or even a wedding, having cash on hand means you can move forward without relying on credit.
Others may choose to put the money toward education costs—either for themselves or for a child’s future.
You might also use it to create sinking funds like small, separate savings accounts for things like car repairs, holidays, or back-to-school expenses.
Whatever the goal, it’s important to plan ahead before spending.
Decide how you’ll use the money before it hits your hands. This ensures your hard work translates into real progress toward what matters most to you.
Pros and Cons of the 100 Envelope Challenge
Pros
Builds discipline and a saving habit
This challenge is one of the simplest ways to develop a consistent saving routine.
It encourages financial discipline and helps those who struggle with saving to finally gain traction.
Once the habit is formed, continuing to save beyond the challenge becomes much easier.
Over time, this discipline contributes to financial stability and long-term freedom.
Visually motivating and rewarding
A major benefit is the visual progress. As you fill envelopes or mark off completed numbers on a chart, you see your effort in real time.
This builds motivation and turns saving into something more tangible and satisfying.
Many compare the feeling to adding coins to a piggy bank because it’s simple, but it feels good.
The challenge gamifies saving, giving you small wins to celebrate along the way.
Easy to understand and start
The 100 Envelope Challenge doesn’t require complicated math or tools. You only need envelopes, a marker, and a storage box.
There are no complex rules or confusing steps, which makes it accessible for anyone.
The low barrier to entry is part of why it’s so popular, because it’s easy to start and easy to follow through.
Cons
Requires a lot of cash handling
This challenge depends heavily on physical cash, which not everyone uses regularly.
You may need to visit the ATM more often or withdraw odd amounts.
Keeping envelopes filled with money at home comes with risk—cash can be lost, stolen, or spent.
For many, especially those not used to handling cash, this part can feel inconvenient or unsafe.
As we touched on earlier, a digital version can solve this issue, allowing you to transfer funds electronically and track progress with a spreadsheet or app.
Not ideal if you’re on a tight or fixed budget
If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it might be difficult to come up with money for high-numbered envelopes.
Saving $83 or $100 on a single day isn’t realistic for everyone. The full challenge totals $5,050, which is an ambitious goal, especially in just 100 days.
For those already struggling to cover basic expenses, this challenge could create more financial stress than benefit.
In those cases, scaled-down or slower-paced versions might be a better option.
No interest earned (unless funds are moved into a high-yield account)
One major downside of keeping physical cash is that it doesn’t earn interest.
Your money just sits there, missing out on growth potential. If left untouched in envelopes, it also stays vulnerable to damage or theft.
As we mentioned earlier, to avoid this, we recommend transferring the money to a high-yield savings account (HYSA) or certificate of deposit (CD) once envelopes are filled.
That way, your savings stay safe and earn interest over time, making your money work for you.
100 Envelope Challenge Variations
$1–$50 Twice Version (saves $1,275)
This version is often called the 50-day challenge. Instead of using 100 envelopes, you label 50 envelopes from 1 to 50.
You save the dollar amount written on each envelope just once, or go through the stack twice.
If completed in full, this saves you $1,275. It’s a great choice if you want a more manageable timeline or savings target.
Odd/Even Envelope Challenge
For those with more room in their budget, a higher-dollar variation uses even-numbered increments.
One option is the $10k in 100 days challenge, where envelopes are labeled in multiples of $20 (e.g., $20, $40, $60… up to $2,000 total).
Another method is labeling 100 envelopes with even numbers from $2 to $200, saving $10,100 by the end.
This version works well for advanced savers who want a bigger challenge and faster results.
Custom Challenges (e.g., pick numbers based on goals)
You can fully customize the challenge to match your budget and schedule. Change the envelope numbers, dollar amounts, or frequency.
Instead of drawing daily, pick envelopes every two days, weekly, or per pay period.
Extend the challenge over six months or a year to make it less intense. If you’re paid biweekly, pull 14 envelopes every two weeks.
For monthly paychecks, draw 30 envelopes on payday. You can also choose envelopes based on what you can afford instead of picking randomly.
Some prefer to start with higher amounts first, making later days easier.
Others divide envelopes into colored sections and pull a mix each week to avoid clusters of large amounts.
For tight budgets, halve the dollar amounts or focus on saving spare change and leftover cash.
More creative versions include using 200 envelopes starting at $0.25, adding $0.25 daily to reach $5,000 in 200 days.
Group or Couple Version for Accountability
Saving with others can increase motivation and make the challenge more enjoyable.
You can turn the 100 Envelope Challenge into a family activity, track progress together, or compete with friends to finish first.
Some groups plan a shared reward at the end, like a dinner or a trip.
Couples can do the challenge together, saving for a joint goal like a wedding, vacation, or emergency fund.
Some even keep separate savings accounts and track who contributes more as part of a friendly competition.
Accountability adds structure, fun, and momentum, especially when your goals are shared.
Tips for Sticking to the Challenge
Set Reminders and Make It a Habit
Consistency is key. Make picking an envelope and tracking your savings part of your daily or weekly routine. The more automatic it feels, the easier it becomes to stick with.
Keep your savings chart visible—on the fridge, a mirror, or near your workspace—as a constant reminder.
Use “habit stacking” by tying it to something you already do, like marking off your tracker after brushing your teeth.
Stick to your schedule. If you miss a day, don’t quit. Just keep going the next day.
It’s okay to take longer than 100 days; what matters is finishing.
Pair Envelopes With No-Spend Days
To free up money for the challenge, especially for higher numbers, pair your saving efforts with no-spend days.
Skip the extras like eating out, buying coffee, or impulse shopping.
Doing a no-spend challenge helps you notice where money slips away. Use that freed-up cash to fill envelopes instead.
You can also boost your savings by bringing in extra income. Try a side hustle, sell things you no longer use, or take on extra hours at work.
Celebrate Milestone Completions (e.g., Every 25 Envelopes)
The challenge feels like a game, so treat it that way. Every time you complete 25 envelopes, take a moment to celebrate.
Watch your tracker fill up and recognize the progress you’ve made. It can keep you going when motivation dips.
Make it social. Invite a partner, family member, or friend to join. You can even turn it into a friendly competition with a reward at the end.
FAQ’s
Can I really save $5,000 in 3 months with this challenge?
Yes, if you follow the traditional 100 Envelope Challenge and save one envelope per day, you’ll reach $5,050 in just over 3 months (100 days).
It requires saving an average of $50.50 daily, so it’s best suited for those with extra income or flexible budgets.
If daily savings feel too steep, you can adjust the timeline or envelope values to fit your needs.
What happens if I skip a day or fall behind?
No problem. The challenge is flexible. If you miss a day, simply resume when you can.
You can extend the challenge beyond 100 days—many people stretch it over several months or a full year. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Is there an app for the 100 Envelope Challenge?
Currently, there’s no official app made specifically for this challenge.
However, you can use budgeting tools like EveryDollar, YNAB, or a custom Google Sheet or Excel tracker to log your progress digitally.
Can I do this challenge without using physical envelopes?
Absolutely. Many people adapt the challenge digitally.
You can use a printable chart, a random number generator, or a spreadsheet to pick and track your envelope numbers.
Then, transfer the selected dollar amount into a dedicated savings account instead of using cash.
What’s the fastest way to complete the challenge?
The fastest way is to fill multiple envelopes per day. For example, picking two or three envelopes daily will cut your completion time in half or more.
You can also prioritize higher-numbered envelopes early on if your budget allows. Just make sure the pace is sustainable.
Can I adjust the challenge to fit my income?
Yes. The challenge is completely customizable.
You can lower the envelope range (e.g., 1–50), save a flat amount per envelope, or space it out over more days or pay periods.