How the 100 envelope challenge works
Number 100 envelopes from 1 to 100. Each day (or whenever you can), pick one and put that many dollars in it. Envelope 37 gets $37. Fill all 100 and you've saved $5,050.
One envelope a day takes 100 days. Most people pick at random so the big and small amounts mix together. Tap "Pick a random envelope" and the tracker chooses one you haven't done yet.
You don't need real envelopes. Move the money into a separate savings account and check it off here instead. Cash in envelopes earns nothing and is easy to borrow from.
How the 52 week challenge works
Save $1 in week 1, $2 in week 2, and so on up to $52 in week 52. That adds up to $1,378 in a year.
The reverse version starts at $52 and works down to $1. The hardest weeks come first, while you're most motivated, and the cheapest weeks land during the holidays.
Common questions
How much do you save with the 100 envelope challenge?
$5,050 at standard amounts. The double version ($2 to $200) saves $10,100, and the half version ($0.50 to $50) saves $2,525.
How long does the 100 envelope challenge take?
100 days at one envelope a day. Two envelopes a week stretches it to about a year, and that pace is easier on a tight budget.
What if I miss a day or a week?
Keep going. The goal is the total, not a perfect streak. Catch up on a payday or swap in a smaller envelope that week.