- Sadaf stopped using UPI for most purchases and began paying with cash.
- In her third month, she shared a video stating the change made her more conscious of spending and almost stopped her impulse spending.
- The video received mixed reactions: some users agreed cash made them more mindful about spending, while others said relying on cash had become difficult.
- UPI payments often made small expenses feel insignificant, allowing spending to add up to around Rs 1,000 without realizing it.
- Sadaf described the move as her biggest achievement in the last 6 months, saying it made her more mindful of where her money goes.
- She now follows an 80:20 rule, keeping about 80 percent of her spending money in cash and using UPI only when cash is inconvenient.
A Delhi woman, Sadaf, has embarked on a three-month experiment of using cash instead of UPI for her daily expenses, claiming it has transformed her spending habits.1
In a video shared on Instagram, Sadaf explained that the switch has made her more mindful of her spending. “The biggest difference is that I’m way more conscious of my spending now. UPI mein kya hota ki it’s so easy to make 5 small payments, and it doesn’t feel like much. Suddenly I spend Rs 1,000 without even realising it,” she said.4
Sadaf noted that using cash allows her to physically see the money leaving her wallet, which has helped her reduce impulse purchases. “Every time I hand over a Rs 500 note, I feel the money leaving my wallet. I know how much I spend, how much is left with me. That alone has almost stopped my impulse spending,” she added.2
While she acknowledged the convenience of UPI, Sadaf has adopted an 80:20 rule, keeping 80% of her money in cash and using UPI for necessary transactions. “Overall I am not going back to using UPI full time. This experiment has genuinely changed the way I spend money,” she concluded.6
Her video has sparked discussions online, with many users sharing similar sentiments about cash making them more aware of their spending habits, while others pointed out the challenges of relying solely on cash in a digital age.
“Unfortunately most people don’t accept cash anymore,” one user commented, highlighting the growing preference for digital payments among businesses.
Sadaf's experience reflects a broader trend of individuals reassessing their spending habits in an increasingly cashless society.
“UPI payments can quietly add up to around ₹1,000 in small purchases, she said, but handing over a ₹500 note made spending feel more real. She now follows an 80:20 rule — keeping 80 per cent of spending money in cash — and admits going completely UPI-free is impractical.”
The Indian Express
