My neighbor's envelope system versus my phone app

I was at the grocery store and my neighbor, Carol, was paying with cash from labeled envelopes. She said it's the only way she sticks to her $600 monthly food budget. I've always used a budgeting app on my phone. It made me think: is the physical cash method actually better for discipline, or is the digital tracking more effective? Which method do you all find works better for not overspending?

3 comments

3 Comments

avery_lopez1mo ago

Honestly, I tried the envelope thing for a few months. Seeing the cash disappear made me feel poor and stressed, so I'd just avoid buying stuff I actually needed. Switched to a basic app where I punch in what I spend right at the register. That visual on my screen is enough of a slap to keep me in line, and I don't have to worry about carrying a wad of cash around. The best method is the one you'll actually stick with every single time.

eric7231mo ago

Worry less about the method and more about the mindset. If you need a slap on the wrist from an app to not overspend, maybe the issue is bigger than the tool. Plenty of folks just learn some self control and call it a day.

samjohnson1mo ago

Avery's "slap on the wrist" from an app is about my speed. My willpower is so bad, if I used cash envelopes I'd probably just start buying stuff with the "rent" money and tell my landlord a sob story.