economy

February 10, 2026

My week of only using cash: could a return to notes and coins change my life?

After a reckless shopping spree, I ditched contactless payments and bank cards to see how far £200 cash in hand would get me – and if I could improve my spending habits

My week of only using cash: could a return to notes and coins change my life?

TL;DR

  • The author spent a week relying solely on cash after a period of overspending.
  • Going cash-only required planning for expenses like public transport (Oyster card) and takeaway orders.
  • The physical act of handling cash made the author more conscious of their spending and deterred impulse purchases.
  • Many businesses, especially cafes and restaurants, are moving towards card-only payments, creating barriers for cash users.
  • Despite the challenges, the author found the cash-only week led to reduced spending and a simpler financial approach.

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