Plastic pencil case hack

Since returning to personal size, it occurred to me that I like the idea of being able to sometimes use my purple Malden as my wallet. However, what would I use to carry money in so that it's both safe and easily accessible? I don't like the Filofax zip-lock envelopes and gave mine away as the plastic zip part made the contents a bit too fat for my liking. I considered other brands like Day-Timer or maybe trying to hole punch some grip seal bags, but then it came to me, what about a plastic pencil case like the one I used for exams at school? I looked in WH Smith, but they were all either too expensive or too thick. And then I saw them at my local supermarket! Luckily the big Tesco here also sells a very limited amount of filofax stock, so I was able to compare the pencil case size to a personal size diary and bingo, it was a match.

I did find hole punching it a little tricky as the plastic got a bit stuck, but after some gentle determination with some tweezers it was done. I'd definitely recommend a single hole punch for the job though. It will be hard wearing and I like how the zipper sticks out past the inserts. This means it doesn't add much bulk and it's easily accessible when I'm at the till. My plan was to only pop it in for when I'm using it as a wallet, but I like it so much that it's now a permanent feature and can hold so much more than the normal top opening envelope. I did initially fancy something a bit less plain, but at about 40 pence it was too good to turn down and couldn't be a better fit.