Low-tech Budgeting Saves $$

Cash stuffing is a hot new trend on social media, with one "influencer" raking in big bucks by basically teaching how to do it and selling products to help people do it. It's an amazingly low-tech approach to budgeting that helps a lot of people save money and stretch their monthly budget further than traditional methods or even a bunch of fancy apps.

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Well, I'm about to cut through the crap and break it down for you in easy terms, complete with a link to a complete cash stuffing set (right) that's perfect to get you started.

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First, why it works. Because it's simple and anyone can do it. Also, spending physical cash instead of whipping out a card shows you exactly where your money's going and how much you have left to play around with. Most people will think twice before parting with cash but wouldn't hesitate to spend just as much or more with a debit or credit card.

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How it works. Get a small binder and envelope system like the one pictured at the right. Label a separate envelope for each of your spending categories, like rent, utility bills, savings. You can be as general or specific as you choose. It's all up to you. You can choose to have a "play money" or discretionary spending envelope, or you can break it up into different categories like "clothing" and "coffee money." Whatever helps keep you on track and accountable for your spending. When you get paid, divide the cash up into your envelopes.

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When the envelope for that particular category is empty, you have nothing left to spend until you replenish it. You can choose to borrow from another category, but you have to remember, that's less you have to spend in that particular category.

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Easy peasy. There are people online teaching classes in this, but I really think that with what I've told you here, you can get started on your own and do it! I'm doing it myself and will update with any tips, tricks or hacks I discover along the way. Happy budgeting!