Are You Stuffed With Money?

Posted: July 8th, 2023
Updated: December 30th, 2024

Are you stuffed with money? I didn’t think so. Who is these days? With the price of everything going up, everybody feels strapped for cash. Cash stuffing or “the envelope method” has been around for decades. It was a popular way of handling household finances before the days of debit cards or online payments. Maybe your grandparents used to do this. Did they ever keep their money in envelopes tucked safely into bedroom or kitchen drawers? Even though cash stuffing has been around for a while, it has resurged in popularity, especially among younger consumers. Money stuffing has gone viral on TikTok and other social media platforms as people share their success stories.

Gen Zs are embracing money stuffing on social media. But what is it? Money stuffing is an alternative budgeting method. It is a great way to tackle a budget and stick to it in key areas of spending such as food, gas, rent, bills, entertainment, and emergencies. It’s a simple, visual way to keep track of your money and how you want to spend it. When payday rolls around, determine the amount of money you want or need to spend on each one of your expenses and “stuff” that amount of cash into separate labeled envelopes. Here are some steps to follow if you want to give money stuffing a try.

Practicing the 50-30-20 rule is an easy way to get started and help plan your spending. 50% of your paycheck should go towards your needs or things you can’t live without like rent, groceries, or utility bills. Credit card payments and loan payments would also fall under this category. 30% of your paycheck should go toward wants. These are things you spend money on because you enjoy them like a streaming service so you can watch your favorite show. 20% of your check should go toward the future like a savings account or paying extra on a credit card debt or loan.

Only spend what cash you have in the envelopes. If your grocery money is gone, raid the refrigerator for leftovers or do a pantry challenge to see what you can make for dinner until your next payday. Don’t borrow from other envelopes! Money stuffing helps you to see how much or how little you have left for specific expenses. It really makes you stop and think where all your hard earned money goes. Visit our blog on budgeting for more tips.

Using cash instead of a credit or debit card can help you get a handle on your spending habits. But, dealing in cash has its pros and cons. Cash stuffing gives you a visual view of your spending habits. It keeps you on track, enforces discipline, holds you accountable, and makes it harder to overspend. Carrying cash around comes with a greater risk of it getting stolen or lost. It is also time consuming when you first get your paycheck because you have to plan and organize your cash until your next payday.

Now that you are carrying around all that cash where do you stash your wealth and keep it safe? Only carry around what you need for the day. Put in a wallet in your front pocket or a cross body bag with a zipper. Keep the rest safely at home in a locked drawer or box. You can find many creative money stuffing systems on social media, Amazon, and Etsy. You could even use mason jars or coffee mugs. Your budget is your plan for your money. There are lots of fun ways for you to get creative and save.

Take charge of your finances. The ultimate goal of money stuffing is to help you keep better track of your money and spending. Practicing good financial habits will benefit you the rest of your life. Re-establish a connection to your money that has been lost during this electronic age. Cash stuffing is not new and it helps solve the old problem of being broke.

Nobody wants to budget. It’s hard to stick to and you can still fall short. There is no such thing as a typical month. Things always come up. At 3DFinancial, we understand that. Even when you have made your best effort, you can still find it hard to make ends meet until your next payday. Visit our blog on financial emergencies here. We are here to help with a variety of short term cash loans to fit your needs. Let us help!