The 100 envelope challenge: how it works and how long it takes
Number 100 envelopes from $1 to $100. Each time you save, pick an envelope, put that many dollars in and cross it off. Fill all 100 and you've saved $5,050.
How long does it take?
It depends on how many envelopes you fill. Here's what each pace costs on average (envelopes vary from $1 to $100, so some weeks are bigger than others):
| Pace | Done in | About per week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 envelope a day | 100 days | $354 |
| 2 envelopes a week | 50 weeks | $101 |
| 1 envelope a week | 1.9 years | $51 |
| 4 envelopes a month | 2.1 years | $46 |
Two envelopes a week is the usual way to finish in a year. If about $101 a week is too much, start with a smaller challenge below — or see how long any goal takes with the emergency fund calculator.
Smaller and bigger versions
| Challenge | Saves | Boxes | Over a year, per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Envelope Challenge | $5,050 | 100 envelopes | $97 |
| 50 Envelope Challenge (half size) | $1,275 | 50 envelopes | $25 |
| 52 Week Money Challenge | $1,378 | 52 weeks | $27 |
| 52 Week Challenge — Double | $2,756 | 52 weeks | $53 |
| $1,000 Savings Challenge | $1,000 | 40 boxes | $19 |
| $5,000 Savings Challenge | $5,000 | 52 boxes | $96 |
| $10,000 Savings Challenge | $10,000 | 52 boxes | $192 |
| $500 Low-Income Savings Challenge | $500 | 50 boxes | $10 |
Tight budget? The $500 challenge (boxes of $5 to $20) or the 52 week challenge ($1 in week 1 up to $52 in week 52) are the easiest to finish.
How to make it work
- Skip the cash if you can. Money in envelopes earns nothing and is easy to borrow from. Tick the envelope on a printable and move the money to a separate high-yield savings account the same day.
- Match it to payday. Paid every two weeks? Do four envelopes each payday — about the same as two a week.
- Mix big and small. Pair a $90 envelope with a $5 one so no single week is painful.
- Give the money a job. An emergency fund first, then a goal you care about — a trip, a car, holiday gifts. Our 50/30/20 budget calculator shows how much you can set aside.
Get the free 100 envelope challenge printable (PDF)
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Free download · launch offerSavings Challenge Printables + Google Sheets TrackerAll 8 challenges — 100 envelope, 52 week, $1k, $5k, $10k and a $500 low-income version — as printables plus a Google Sheets tracker.Get it free →Frequently asked questions
How much money is the 100 envelope challenge?+
$5,050. The envelopes are numbered $1 to $100, and 1 + 2 + … + 100 = $5,050. The average envelope is $50.50.
How long does the 100 envelope challenge take?+
It depends on your pace: one envelope a day finishes in 100 days (about $354 a week), two a week in 50 weeks (about $101 a week), one a week in about two years.
Is there a smaller version for a low income?+
Yes. The 50 envelope challenge ($1 to $50) saves $1,275, and a $500 challenge uses 50 small boxes of $5 to $20. Pick a goal you can finish — a finished small challenge beats an abandoned big one.
Do I have to use cash and real envelopes?+
No. Cash in envelopes earns nothing and is easy to borrow from. Many people tick the envelope on a printable or spreadsheet and move the money to a separate high-yield savings account instead.
What's the difference from the 52 week challenge?+
The 52 week challenge saves $1 in week 1 up to $52 in week 52 — $1,378 in a year, in a fixed order. The 100 envelope challenge saves more ($5,050) and lets you pick any envelope, so you can do small ones in tight weeks.