There's actually a different brain reaction when you spend / handle cash versus swiping a card, so there's that. It also helps me stay stricter with my budget. Like, if I have $X for food, once it's gone it's gone and I stay on track, but if I'm swiping a card whats a few more dollars here and there because it's easily available. I guess it just means my money has a place and it helps me stay on track, it's more work, but I think that's part of why it works. it's more intentional.