Do you ever just get tired of tech? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different apps and online tools. With money, it’s easy to swipe without thinking. If this sounds like you and you’re looking to take control of your finances, reduce debt and manage your money better, Cash Stuffing is the perfect solution.

What is Cash Stuffing?

This plan involves using actual cash and physical envelopes to budget. (Wild right?) 

Here’s how it works: you divide your cash into different envelopes, each one labeled for a specific category like groceries, entertainment or dining out. Once the money in an envelope is gone, you stop spending in that category until your next budget cycle.

You can use standard envelopes or a Budget Binder that has tabs, labels and stickers.

How to Get Started

• Identify Your Budget Categories:
  • Think about where your money goes each month. Common categories include groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment.
• Set Your Budget Amounts:
  • Decide how much money to allocate to each category based on your income and expenses.
• Label Your Envelopes:
  • Write the name and amount on each envelope. For example, “Groceries: $300.”
• Fill the Envelopes with Cash:
  • Withdraw the total amount you need and distribute it among the envelopes. (This might be the most fun part.)
• Spend Only from the Envelopes:
  • Use cash from the corresponding envelope for each expense. Once it’s empty, that’s it for the month. (This is for sure the worst part.)
• Track Your Spending:
  • Keep receipts and jot down expenses to see where your money goes.

Why It Works

• Increase your Financial Awareness:
  • Handling cash makes spending more tangible, making you more mindful of your habits.
• Controls Spending:
  • Limits are clear. When an envelope is empty, you can’t overspend. Stop the swipe!
• Stops Debt Spending:
  • By using cash instead of credit, you avoid racking up debt.
• Easy to Customize:
  • Tailor your categories and amounts to fit your life and financial goals.
• Simple and Accessible:
  • No need for apps or technology. Just envelopes and cash. It’s that simple.

Tips for Success

• Start Small:
  • Begin with a few categories and add more as you get comfortable.
• Stay Consistent:
  • Make it a habit to review and refill your envelopes regularly.
• Adjust as Needed:
  • Life changes, so be ready to tweak your budget.

Bottom Line

Cash Stuffing is a tried-and-true method that can help you get a handle on your finances.

It’s a pain in the ass to pull out all the money and file it away but if you struggle to stay within your budget, Cash Stuffing helps identify where you need to focus to maintain financial stability.