I started using the cash envelope system on a whim after reading about it, expecting to hate it. I've been doing it for about 7 months.

The system: every payday I withdraw cash and distribute it into labeled envelopes — groceries, dining out, personal care, entertainment, and a 'misc' envelope. When an envelope is empty, that category is done for the month.

What surprised me: the physical nature of cash makes spending feel real in a way that tapping a card doesn't. I've consistently spent 18-23% less on food since switching, without consciously trying to. There's a psychological friction to handing over bills that digital spending completely eliminates.

The downsides: inconvenient for online purchases (I use a low-limit debit card for those), harder to track for tax purposes, and I have to remember to withdraw cash regularly. But for discretionary spending categories, the behavior change is real.