the jar method: how to stop emotional spending and finally feel in control of your money
- Heather Newman
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
let’s get one thing straight:you don’t need another budgeting app.
you don’t need a perfect spreadsheet.and you definitely don’t need to feel guilty every time you stop for a coffee.
what you do need?
a mindset check.
because 80% of being good with money?
it’s psychology.
not tactics.
not numbers.
not hacks.
if the envelope method doesn’t work for you… try the jar method.
it’s simple.you can literally see the cash flying off the shelf when you dip into your spending jar.
you become hyper-aware of what’s flowing out — and what’s worth protecting.
no, it’s not revolutionary.but it works.
because it forces you to connect your spending with your beliefs.
🫙 what is the clear jar method?
the clear jar method is a visual cash system that helps you become aware of your spending in real time by keeping your money in labeled, see-through jars (or containers).
instead of digital banking (where money feels invisible), this method gives you physical, visual feedback:
you can see your money leaving the jar.
that one pause — that visual — helps interrupt emotional or mindless spending.
how it works:
you use jars (or bins, zip pouches, mugs — whatever you have) and divide your cash by spending category:
groceries jar
fun money jar
coffee shop jar
self-care jar
“oops” jar (for unexpected expenses)
savings jar (no-touch)
whenever you spend, you pull cash from the appropriate jar.
when the jar is empty — you’re done spending in that category for the week/month.
why it works: the mindset behind it
this method works because it engages your brain in a new way:
visual cues break spending autopilot
physical cash builds accountability
transparent jars keep you mindful — no hiding
you feel it when your fun money starts to shrink
and that’s the whole point.
when spending becomes intentional, you start building new beliefs around money.
clear jar method vs. envelope method:
envelope method: great, but cash stays tucked away.
jar method: cash stays visible and in your face — you can’t ignore it.
that visibility = power.
especially if you’re new to budgeting or struggle with impulse spending.
here’s the real problem:
most women try to “fix their money” by changing the tactic.
budgeting app.
spreadsheet.
maybe even hiring help.
but they don’t stop to ask:
why am i doing what i’m doing?
why am i:
shopping for things i already own?
adding to a cluttered closet?
chasing dopamine hits through checkout carts?
saying "yes" to things that make me feel stressed later?
this is why most budgets fail.they’re band-aids. not mindset shifts.
thoughts create→ beliefs create → actions create → results
whether it’s fitness, finances, or just managing your home —
your results always come from your actions.
your actions come from your thoughts.and your thoughts are shaped by your beliefs.
if you say:
“i’m just bad with money…”
you’ll subconsciously act like someone who is.
you’ll reinforce that belief — even if it’s not true.
same as:
“i can’t stick to workouts.”“i’m not consistent.”
none of those are facts.
they’re just thoughts you’ve practiced.
until you decide to rewrite them.
want to interrupt the cycle?
try the jar method.and take the challenge:
do a no-buy week.
or a no-buy month if you're ready.
→ watch what comes up emotionally
→ pay attention to what you're avoiding
→ track how often you reach for your card out of habit, not need
you’ll learn more in 7 days than in a year of passive budgeting.
and you’ll start to build a new story:
one where you’re actually in control.
need help getting started?
grab the exact tools i use and recommend to build structure around your spending —
even if you’ve failed at budgeting before.
💸 printable downloads
💸 cash jar + envelope trackers
💸 current month’s ISSUE (walking + wellness plan)
✨ start here → glitteru.com/theshop
these are plug-and-play. no fluff.just structure you can actually stick to.
ready to start?
you don’t need to be perfect.
you don’t need to “master” money.
you just need to begin — with structure and awareness.
✨ download the tools → glitteru.com/theshop
✨ subscribe for more tips → glitteru.com
i’m not sharing all of this on Facebook much longer —and my email subscribers get the goods first.
structure is self-respect™
xx,
heather
Tags: jar method for budgeting, clear jar method, no-buy week challenge, mindset and money, budgeting for beginners, women and finances, dopamine spending, money habits, financial self-care, budgeting without spreadsheets, how to stop emotional spending, visual budgeting, financial structure for women over 40
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