Looking to reduce your expenses? Give some thought to cash stuffing, also known as the cash envelope system. Although not a new concept, this traditional budgeting method has gained renewed popularity on TikTok. Videos featuring the #cashstuffing hashtag have garnered millions of views. However, you may not be familiar with all the intricacies.
Continue reading for a quick guide that covers the advantages, disadvantages, and tips on making cash stuffing effective for you. Let’s delve into the specifics!
How Does Cash Stuffing Work?
As inflation pushes prices higher and concerns about a looming recession arise, it’s natural for individuals to seek ways to maintain their budget. In light of this, cash stuffing presents itself as a method to make spending decisions more tangible. But how does it actually work?
In essence, cash stuffing involves allocating a specific amount of money for each category of your monthly expenses. You then place that designated amount in an envelope dedicated to that category. When you make a purchase within that category, you use the cash from the envelope. Once the cash in the envelope is depleted, you refrain from making any further purchases within that particular category.
People Generally Spend Less With Cash
Research has indicated that individuals tend to spend less when they make purchases with cash. According to a 2018 ValuePenguin Credit Card Spending Report, there is evidence to suggest that “people are willing to spend more — as much as 83% in some cases — when paying with a credit card instead of cash.” This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the “credit card premium.”
The exact reasons behind this phenomenon are not fully understood, but there are several theories. One possibility is that physically handing over cash makes the cost more tangible compared to simply swiping a credit card. The study also revealed that cash users were 82% more likely to remember price details compared to credit card users. Additionally, individual transactions may appear smaller when they are grouped together on a credit card statement, potentially leading to a perception of reduced spending.
Upsides of Cash Stuffing
If you’re looking to control your spending, cash stuffing can be a valuable technique. It offers several benefits, such as minimizing the reliance on credit cards. By using cash instead of credit cards, you not only limit overspending but also reduce the risk of accumulating credit card debt.
Furthermore, cash stuffing fosters accountability and heightened awareness of your financial situation. Certified Financial Planner Kendall Clayborn explains to GOBankingRates that this method encourages you to regularly review your finances, create a budget, and establish specific monthly goals.
Downsides of Cash Stuffing
Naturally, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of cash stuffing. Firstly, cash lacks protection. If it is lost or stolen, you bear the loss entirely. In contrast, credit cards typically offer liability protection. Responsible credit card usage can also contribute to building credit and earning rewards.
Moreover, cash stored in envelopes at home doesn’t generate interest like it would in a savings account. Additionally, convenience plays a role. Credit cards offer ease of use, which is one reason they can lead to overspending. However, credit cards do have their advantages. Considering these factors, it may be sensible to combine cash stuffing with credit card usage.
How To Get Started
Prior to implementing cash stuffing, it’s essential to determine which categories are worth prioritizing. Ramsey Solutions suggests selecting categories that tend to exceed your budget. For instance, you could create envelopes for groceries, restaurants, beauty, clothing, and entertainment.
Remember, cash stuffing doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. It may be wise to start gradually by focusing on a few categories initially. Once you have chosen the categories, review your overall expenses and determine the desired amount you wish to allocate to each category for the month.
Fill the Envelopes and Stick to Your Budget
Next, it’s time to label your envelopes and fill them with the allocated cash amount according to your budget. Now, the challenging part begins: sticking to your budget. For instance, let’s assume you set aside $500 for restaurants this month. When you dine out, use cash from the “Restaurant” envelope to cover the cost of the meal, drinks, and tip.
It’s crucial to avoid going over your budget to prevent relying on a credit card. If you receive change, return it to the “Restaurant” envelope so you can utilize it during your next dining experience. Remember, once the $500 is depleted, you must refrain from spending additional money at restaurants for the remainder of the month.
What About Online Purchases?
In today’s world, completely avoiding online purchases can be quite challenging. Additionally, some physical stores may not accept cash as a form of payment. Sometimes, opting for an online purchase allows you to utilize coupon codes that can lower the item’s price compared to buying it in-store with cash. Luckily, cash stuffing can accommodate non-cash payments seamlessly. Here’s what you can do:
Take an additional envelope and label it as “Online Spending” or “Non-Cash Purchases.” After making a non-cash purchase, access the corresponding category’s envelope and withdraw the amount you spent. Then, place that cash into the envelope dedicated to non-cash purchases. For example, if you bought clothes online, you would move money from the “Clothing” envelope. Before making any non-cash purchase, ensure it aligns with your budgeted amount for that category.
Can Cash Stuffing Help You Stick to a Holiday Budget?
Regardless of whether cash stuffing aligns with your regular monthly budget, it can serve as a smart hack during the holiday season. After all, it’s easy to lose track of your spending when immersed in the spirit of gift-giving. With numerous sales and promotions tempting you, overspending becomes a potential risk.
This is where cash stuffing can be valuable. Create an envelope for each person on your shopping list, establish a budget for each individual, and fill the envelopes with the allocated amount of money. Apart from helping you stay within your budget, it also enables you to identify instances where you unintentionally spend significantly more on one person compared to others.
What If You Don’t Spend All of the Money?
First and foremost, congratulations on successfully staying under budget! It’s a noteworthy achievement, and you deserve to acknowledge it. Consider treating yourself to a small indulgence, such as a fancy coffee or a night at the movies, using the remaining money. Celebrating your ability to stick to your budget is important.
Alternatively, you might choose to allocate the leftover money towards other financial goals, such as paying off credit card debt or contributing to your retirement accounts. The decision ultimately depends on your specific financial situation and priorities. Another option is to carry over the surplus amount to your budget for the following month, providing you with a head start and increased flexibility.
In Conclusion
Cash stuffing serves as a valuable tool in preventing overspending and gaining control over your budget. By making spending more tangible, it aids in the development of improved budgeting and spending habits. Moreover, it can be adapted to suit online shopping needs as well.
If you believe cash stuffing could be beneficial for you, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. You can start by testing it out with one or two categories that typically exceed your budget. If you find that the system works effectively for you, you can gradually expand it to include more categories. This allows you to tailor the approach to your specific needs and preferences.