Saving money these days seems like a particularly difficult option. 2025 hasn’t been an easy year for many families who have been affected by inflation in several countries around the world. Faced with this situation, some experts propose effective methods for saving a monthly amount that allows for having money available for unexpected expenses or perhaps for investment. This envelope trick, as its name suggests, consists of taking 100 envelopes and writing a number from 1 to 100 on the back of each one. Every day, an envelope is drawn at random, and the amount written on the envelope is placed inside.
This is one of those methods that many people resort to in order to save money at the end of the month
The fact is, making ends meet is difficult for many families, making saving money seem impossible. That’s why some methods have gone viral on social media. This is one of those methods that many people resort to in order to save money at the end of the month. The idea is that once you’ve done what we explained above, you put the envelopes in a box, and from that moment on, each day you take an envelope at random and put the money written on it inside, without thinking.
You can “adapt” the challenge by “dividing the resulting number in two”
It’s called the 100-envelope challenge, and it’s designed to make saving feel like a game. This way, in just 100 days, you can save $5,000. It’s possible that on days when you’re required to include larger amounts, like €80, €90, or €100, you might not have that amount available. In this case, expert Richard García, who explains the method on social media, says you can “adapt” the challenge by “dividing the resulting number in two.” People are using this simple setup at home to build up cash fast without complicated apps or spreadsheets. However, this method does require you to have cash on hand each day to put in the envelopes.
You have to prepare 100 envelopes and label them from 1 to 100
Therefore, as we can see, the concept is basically simple. You have to prepare 100 envelopes and label them from 1 to 100. Then, each day, be surprised by the envelope you open. In general, the video that García shared has received many messages of appreciation. For example, “Envelopes have always been a good tool, but you have to be very committed and organized for the strategy to be successful,” commented one of her followers.
The options are many: stocks, investment funds…
With savings already in the account, we can plan our investments. The options are many: stocks, investment funds… always keeping in mind sound financial planning to help us maximize the return on our savings. As for the practical aspects, you can keep it simple with plain envelopes and a marker, or unleash your creativity with colors and designs.
After one hundred days, the person who does this will have saved $5,050
Experts recommend that after adding the cash, you seal the envelope and store it in a safe place—somewhere you know you’ll always find it. After one hundred days, the person who does this will have saved $5,050, since adding from 1 to 100 equals a little over $5,000 after 100 days or one hundred envelopes. Of course, these days, if you don’t have the envelopes, you can buy pre-made sets of 100 online.
Ultimately, the goal is to save money, and to do so in a way that requires minimal financial effort and doesn’t significantly disrupt daily life. Basic needs must be met, and from there, we can begin to save that extra money that seems difficult but, with techniques like this, is achievable.