Switched to a cash envelope system for groceries and it's been a game changer

Three years ago, my wife and I were spending about $800 a month on food in Portland without even noticing. Last month, we decided to try the old cash envelope method, pulling out $600 in cash at the start of the month. Last week, we had $40 left in the envelope and actually had to get creative with pantry meals, which felt like a win. Has anyone else had luck with a strict cash budget for a specific category?

3 comments

3 Comments

maxb463mo ago

Saw a thing about how using cash actually triggers pain centers in your brain, so you spend less. Makes total sense now that I think about it.

jade8853mo ago

Honestly that pain center thing is so real. Tbh I bought a cheap hoodie with a card last week and barely felt it, but handing over cash for coffee yesterday actually hurt a little.

james5331mo ago

It's wild how much easier it is to ignore money leaving your life digitally than physically.