Cold hard cash on hand-- with a purpose.  Years ago, I used to skim $20-50 a week from the household income and put it into envelopes I kept in a fireproof safe.  I liked having the ability to access cash fast and I usually had specific purchases or payments in mind.  If I didn't have a purchase in mind, I would put the money in an investment account when it got big enough.

I am thinking of doing this again.  I am doing my "Squirrel Accounts" (See my post, Squirrel Accounts-- Do Yourself a Favor and Set One Up), but I also want to go back to my envelope system as well.  I plan on using dedicated envelopes with labels for short-term funding of upcoming purchases-- much like a Christmas Club account.

Think about it-- an envelope for the heating oil, Christmas gifts, an upcoming auto repair-- you name it. 

Just remember-- discipline builds this cash stash.