Real Deal: How ‘cash stuffing’ can keep your credit in check

Cash stuffing is a way to stick to a budget by placing money in envelopes labeled for food, entertainment and monthly bills.

News 12 Staff

Jun 5, 2023, 12:07 PM

Updated 495 days ago

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It's simple to swipe your card to make a purchase, but some people are opting to use cash more often.
Consumer reporter Janice Lieberman has The Real Deal on why it may help keep your credit in check.
Experts say use cash to pay, cut the plastic and start cash stuffing.
Keeping up with expenses these days is more than challenging - swiping your credit and debit card is easy, but paying the balance later isn't.
Cash stuffing is a way to stick to a budget by placing money in envelopes labeled for food, entertainment and monthly bills. The goal is to spend no more than what’s been allocated in each category, says Greg McBride from Bankrate.
“It's used as a way to set boundaries around your spending with cash in a particular envelope,” says McBride. McBride says try putting 50% of your income for needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% for savings. Every time you get a paycheck, take enough out for each envelope and the goal is to make sure the envelope is never empty before the end of the month.
“Maybe you have problems reining in your spending when you're using plastic, but at the same token of cash burn a hole in your pocket may not be much of a solution in that instance. Of course money in the bank if you can swing it will earn you interest and using your cards can help with cash back or points for travel. Having cash laying around or in your pocket may also not feel safe for many,” says McBride. These days using a credit card may cost you even more at restaurants and other establishment - so using cash can actually save you money.