Sparing some of your salary for your savings is excellent for a better future. However, being consistent on it is a different thing. Sometimes you need something to buy so there will be nothing left to spare. It turns out that saving money is an endless battle between your needs and wants.
However, it’s not impossible to save more money. Sure, it’s easier to save if you have a pile of cash in your wallet. The key is to find as many things motivating you to save as possible. The 100 Envelope Challenge comes up to be a fun way to save money. How does it work?
What is the 100 envelope challenge?
The 100 Envelope Challenge is a money-saving challenge that requires you to put money as much as written on the envelope. With this challenge, you will gain RM5,050 by the 100th day.
First, prepare 100 envelopes of any size, as long as they can hold your money. Write numbers from 1 to 100 on each envelope, then shuffle before placing it in a bucket or basket. Each day, draw one random envelope and put some cash according to the number written. Seal the envelope and repeat for 100 days.
For example, when you draw the number 67, you need to put RM67 inside the envelope and seal it away. The second time you pull the number 3 on the envelope, you only need to put RM3 inside.
The 100 Envelopes Challenge is not limited to day-to-day saving. You can also adjust the number of days per week that you need to fill the envelopes. For example, you can save money on your working days and take the weekends off. You might take longer to fill up all the envelopes, but it’s okay, as long as you are keeping up with the savings.
You may also multiply the number written on the envelopes by two in another variation. When you draw envelope number 10, you must fill RM20 inside it. On the 100th day, you can have up to RM10,100 in your savings!
Pros and Cons of the 100 Envelopes Challenge
It may look simple, but the 100 Envelopes Challenge has some pros and cons that you must consider before you jump on the bandwagon. Here are the pros and cons!
Pros
Simple
You may never find a simpler yet more fun way to save money than this challenge. Following the rules, you’ll gain a decent amount of money at the end of the day.
Hone your simple math ability
On the first day, you add some. On the next day, you add more. You can take a note to count the amount, so it will also challenge you to do some simple maths to activate your left brain for logical thinking.
Motivating challenge
You can turn this challenge into a habit if you repeatedly save your money in this way. Unconsciously, you’ll become more disciplined with your financial condition.
Flexible
There is no strict rule on how you fill up your envelopes. You can suit the challenge to your needs and conditions.
It’s all up to you!
There will be no penalty for stopping the challenge if you think it’s not working anymore. But why do you even stop if the RM5,050 is in front of you?
Cons
It may hurt your budget
If you live on a budget, it will be harder for you to save some amount of money randomly. You may find it easy to put RM10 to RM20, but what about a larger amount, like RM95?
The strain on your income
Since its amount is the default, it would strain your income more. Consider fixing your expenses before applying for the challenge. This challenge is most effective if you already have a savings plan in place.
Theft risk
There is no safety guarantee on saving your money inside a bucket. Some might be stolen when you are not around.
Fixed amount
There will be a fixed amount in return for the challenge. Meanwhile, if you invest the money in a savings account, you can get greater returns.
Even though there are some pros and cons to the 100 Envelopes Challenge, its basic format is worth considering. If you need to spare some cash to beat your spending habit, why do you need to think twice? Modification is recommended to suit your financial condition.
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