Could turning to cash solve your budget problems? It might be worth a try. Cash stuffing and envelope stuffing, also known as the envelope budgeting system, is a method of budgeting and saving money that helps some people.

Cash stuffing involves physically dividing cash into designated envelopes or jars for each expenditure category, such as rent, groceries, and entertainment. The goal is to only spend the cash allocated to each envelope and to refrain from dipping into other envelopes or overspending.

The trend of cash stuffing and envelope stuffing has gained popularity in recent years as a way for individuals to gain better control over their spending habits and to avoid the pitfalls of credit card debt. It is often recommended as a simple and effective budgeting tool for those who find it difficult to stick to a budget.

There are several advantages to the envelope budgeting system. One of the main benefits is that it helps you to stay within your budget by physically limiting your spending to the cash on hand. It is also a very visual and tangible way to track spending, as you can easily see how much money you have left in each envelope.

Another advantage is that the envelope budgeting system can be customized to fit your needs and spending habits. For example, if you frequently eat out, you may allocate more money to the dining out envelope, while someone who rarely eats out may allocate less.

There are also some disadvantages to the envelope budgeting system. One potential drawback is that it requires individuals to have a steady income and access to cash, which may not be feasible for everyone. It can also be inconvenient for people who pay rent or a mortgage, as these are typically made online and they would need to carry around a large amount of cash. Carrying around cash, or having large amounts at home, can put you at risk of robbery.

The envelope budgeting system may also not be suitable for people who have irregular income or expenses, as it can be difficult to accurately predict how much money will be needed in each envelope. It may also not be suitable for individuals who have a lot of fluctuation in their expenses, such as those who have high medical bills or unexpected car repairs.

So envelope stuffing is a popular method of budgeting and saving money that can be effective for individuals who have a steady income and predictable expenses. It offers the advantages of helping individuals to stay within their budget, being customizable to fit individual needs, and being a visual and tangible way to track spending. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, as it requires access to cash and may not be suitable for individuals with irregular income or expenses.