A Delhi content creator’s simple experiment of quitting UPI for most of her daily expenses has gone viral after she shared how the cash switch dramatically changed her spending habits.
Sadaf, who posts as @rockstarz.gf on Instagram, revealed that she had been using cash instead of UPI for over two months (and was into her third month at the time of the video). The experience, she said, made her far more conscious of where her money was going.
What She Noticed After Quitting UPI
Sadaf explained that digital payments often make small expenses feel insignificant. Buying coffee, snacks, or making quick online purchases can happen within seconds, and multiple small transactions easily add up to ₹1,000 without the spender really registering the total.
In contrast, using cash created a stronger sense of awareness. Physically handing over a ₹500 note made her immediately conscious of how much money was leaving her wallet and how much remained. This “pain of payment” helped her cut down on impulse purchases and made budgeting feel more natural — she no longer needed to constantly open banking apps to check her balance.
The Practical Middle Ground
While the experiment was eye-opening, Sadaf admitted that completely abandoning UPI is not realistic in today’s India. Situations like needing to pay ₹470 when you only have a ₹500 note (and the shopkeeper has no change) can become inconvenient.
Because of this, she settled on a balanced approach: keeping around 80% of her money in cash and 20% available through UPI for situations where digital payments are necessary. She said she does not plan to return to using UPI for all her expenses.
Public Reaction: Mixed but Thoughtful
The video received a range of responses:
- Many users agreed that cash made them more mindful and that money seemed to disappear faster with UPI.
- Some shared that digital payments reduce the psychological “pain” of spending, making it easier to underestimate total expenses.
- Others pointed out that fully relying on cash has become difficult, as more businesses prefer or even encourage UPI.
The discussion highlighted a growing awareness around mindful spending in an increasingly cashless society.
Broader Context
UPI has transformed daily life in India by making payments seamless and convenient. However, experiments like Sadaf’s show that the same convenience can sometimes reduce financial awareness. Her story has resonated with people looking for practical ways to regain control over their spending without completely rejecting digital tools.
This simple experiment offers a practical reminder that sometimes the old ways can help us become more intentional with money. Have you ever tried limiting UPI or digital payments? How did it affect your spending? Share your experience in the comments below! 💸📱
