In today's digital economy, many of us no longer carry cash. Why would we? We have almost unrestricted access to our bank accounts on demand, and we are more than capable of charging thousands more than we have at any given time 24/7. What could possibly go wrong?
Small transactions can add up quickly, and we tend not to think about them much anymore; especially if we use a cash-back credit card. The answer isn't to give up using cards; it's to start putting money in your wallet, but only once per week. Assuming that you have written down budgets (if you haven't, drop what you're doing immediately and go do it), use this cash for purchase categories that you have set a small budget for, something like lunches during the work week. Using cash for hair cuts, tipping, and entertainment are also really good for this type of strategy. You can't go over-budget if you're using physical currency. There is also a psychological factor of being a bit more careful with your money when you know exactly how much you have in hand.
Some of you reading this have probably used this very strategy in the past, in days that required much more frugality. In today's culture, it's far too easy to let convenience win over frugality.
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