Switched to a cash-only envelope system for groceries last month

I tried the cash envelope method for my weekly grocery budget after seeing it on a random YouTube video. I ended up spending $40 less than usual just because I physically saw the money leaving my hand instead of swiping a card. Has anyone else found that using cash changes how you think about spending?

3 comments

3 Comments

paul28611d agoProlific Poster

You heard about that Dave Ramsey stuff? I read an article a few months back about how people who use cash tend to spend less because it hurts more to hand over actual bills. It makes sense to me, I bet most people are like that. I tried it myself for a bit with my lunch money and ended up packing sandwiches instead of buying fast food every day. The physical feeling of the money leaving your hand is real, it's like your brain finally understands what you're doing. Swiping a card feels like free money until the statement shows up later. It's a solid trick if you can stick with it.

morgan_bailey9311d ago

Did the sandwich thing actually last or did you cave after a week?

sageadams10d ago

Nah, I totally caved. Lasted about three days before I was back in the drive-thru line like a clown. The cash trick works for some people but my wallet just empties faster when I'm hungry.