CONSUMER BRIEFS / PERSONAL FINANCE

If you want to spend less, carry big bills. That’s the latest research from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.

Researchers say if you carry a $20 bill, you’re less likely to spend it than if you had 20 singles. And one Ben Franklin is more difficult to part with than five Andrew Jacksons.

“In the face of the temptation to spend, you’ll be more reluctant to break that $100 bill so you’ll end up saving it,” says Joydeep Srivastava, associate professor of marketing and co-author of the research.

But once you break a big bill, you’re less likely to pay attention to your spending, the researchers found.

Previous research by Srivastava showed that consumers usually spend more when using credit cards and gift cards than when paying with cash.

Bottom line for wannabe savers: “Leave both your credit cards and small bills at home,” Srivastava says.