Switched to a cash envelope system for groceries and it actually worked

I was spending around $700 a month on food for just me, which felt crazy. I started putting $150 in an envelope every Friday for the next week's groceries. After a month, I'm down to $550 and I'm not even trying that hard, I just can't spend what I don't have on me. Anyone else try something like this for a specific category?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_simon1mo ago

Totally get that. The physical cash thing is a game changer, makes it so real. Might have to try it for my takeout habit.

grace6071mo ago

Read a study that said people spend less with cash, @the_simon. Makes sense because you see the money leave your hand.

the_eric1mo ago

Yeah, the "see the money leave your hand" part is so true. My buddy switched to cash for his morning coffee run and was shocked. He said pulling out a ten and getting coins back made him skip it three days a week, saved like 15 bucks.