Why I Started Hiding Cash in Envelopes...

The Cash-Stuffing Secret That Changed Everything...

Hey everyone, it’s Ren here…

Picture this:

Me, standing in my kitchen with a stack of envelopes, a pile of cash, and my hubby looking at me like I've lost my marbles...

"What are you doing?" he asks, coffee mug paused halfway to his mouth.

"Stuffing," I reply, as if this explains everything.

He raises an eyebrow. "Like... a turkey?"

😅 Not quite! I was actually trying out this budgeting method called "cash stuffing" that's been a total game-changer for so many of my customers.

✉️The "Old School" Method Making a Comeback

And you know what? At first, I thought it seemed a bit... well, old school. I mean, who uses cash these days, right?

But then something fascinating happened...

I noticed this weird thing: When I had to physically hand over actual cash for my morning chai latte instead of just tapping my card, it felt... different.

Like, really different.

And apparently, I'm not alone in this! Studies show we're wayyy more likely to make impulse purchases when using cards versus cash. (I mean, who hasn't fallen victim to the old "tap and pray" method of budgeting? 🙋‍♀️)

Breaking Down the Cash-Stuffing Method

Here's how it works:

1. You take your budgeted amount (which you can easily calculate using any one of my budget templates. 
   

2. Get that amount in cash
   

3. Sort it into labeled envelopes based on spending categories
   

4. When the envelope's empty... that's it!

   No more spending in that category!

Here’s An Example Envelope Categories:

• Groceries envelope: $150

• Coffee & treats: $50

• Entertainment: $100

• Personal care: $75

Then just get the cash amount needed, put it in an envelope and you’re covered for the bills due.

Simple, right?

Don’t be put off by how simple it truly is as this method has saved me thousands!
It’s allowed me and many of my customers to sleep easy at night knowing I have the bills taken care of with this.

🧠The Psychology Behind the Method

But here's where it gets interesting...

Remember that chai latte I mentioned ages ago? When I had to physically take $6 out of my "coffee & treats" envelope, I could literally see my weekly coffee budget shrinking.

Suddenly, those random "but I deserve this!" purchases weren't so automatic anymore.

The Reality Check

BUT (and this is important)...

Cash stuffing isn't all rainbow and unicorns. There are some definite downsides we need to talk about:

• Carrying cash can be risky
  

• Some bills are better paid electronically
  

• You miss out on credit card rewards
  

• It can be inconvenient to get cash regularly
  

• Not all places accept cash these days

The Hybrid Solution

That's exactly why I recommend a hybrid approach using both cash stuffing and my digital tracking system.

This way, you get:

• The psychological benefits of cash for everyday spending
  

• The convenience of cards for bills and online purchases
  

• The organization of digital tracking
  

• The best of both worlds!

A Customer's Perspective

One of my customers (let's call her Sarah) told me something that really stuck with me. She said:

"I used to think budgeting was about restriction. Now I realize it's about intention."

And that's exactly what cash stuffing does - it makes you intentional with every dollar.

🛣️The Path Forward

When you combine the old school envelopes and the likes of my whizz-bang spreadsheets, you get a power house way to manage your finances.

Want to give it a try? Grab my budget templates from my store and see for yourself.

Happy budgeting!

Ren