For context, I live in Bangalore (working, living alone). On average, I spend around ₹700–₹1,000 per day on food, transport, and small random expenses.

Most of it is through UPI—I barely use cash anymore.

From what I’ve seen, a lot of people spend around ₹20k–₹30k per month (excluding rent in some cases), so this felt like a reasonable baseline to test.

I kept hearing that using cash makes you spend less, so I decided to try it for 3 days.

I withdrew ₹3,000 and committed to using only cash.

Day 1 (~₹920)

Groceries (milk, fruits, basics): ~₹450 Chai/sutta + snacks: ~₹150 Auto (short ride): ~₹200 Random ₹50–₹100 spends I usually don’t notice

Nothing unusual, but it felt like I spent more than usual.

Day 2 (~₹780)

Lunch outside: ~₹250 Grocery top-up: ~₹200 Snacks/tea: ~₹100–₹150 Auto: ~₹150

I skipped ordering dinner because I didn’t want to break another ₹500 note. Normally, I would’ve ordered without thinking.

Day 3 (~₹640)

Groceries (eggs, bread, basics): ~₹300 Transport: ~₹150–₹200 Misc small spends: ~₹100

By this point, I was actively avoiding small, unnecessary expenses.

Total: ~₹2,300–₹2,400 for 3 days
Which is honestly close to what I’d normally spend.

What actually changed:

The difference wasn’t the total—it was the awareness Every ₹100 felt more “real” Breaking ₹500 notes made me pause I naturally skipped 2–3 small expenses without forcing it

With UPI, especially for ₹50–₹200 spends, I don’t register the impact as clearly.

What I realized:

A lot of my spending comes from small, repeated expenses—chai, snacks, quick groceries, autos.

Individually, they feel insignificant. But they add up quickly because they happen multiple times a day.

Downsides:

Slightly inconvenient Had to think before every purchase Not very practical long term

Not sure if this actually reduces spending long term or if it’s just psychological—but it definitely made me more aware.

Do you guys feel the same, or is it just in my head?