Five Big Money Savers for Me -- #3 Use cash, not the debit card

   

After reviewing my spending record and budget summaries, I realized that I was not at all sticking to my budget.
    I was just making sure that I didn't spend more than I made.

    But there were months were I'd spent ALL my flex money in one category (usually eating out or clothes & accessories). When I didn't spend more than I earned it was because I saved in other categories or got some unexpected income or gifts.
    You know what they say, "God looks after babies and fools." I ain't a baby, so... LOL!

    To reign this in I am going to try withdrawing my flex money at the start of each month. Once the cash is gone, I can't spend any more money.
    This should all but guarantee that I don't go overboard each month. Reviewing last year's budget summaries, I never went over what I earned because of unforeseen bills. It was always discretionary spending.

    Tomorrow: #4 -- Automate big trip savings.

Comments

[susan]

I used to use the ATM as a $20 machine (very convienient as it was a drive up). Now I get cash once a week and that is it. Makes a BIG difference. Last weekend while running errands (and spending too much, I realized I had made arrangements to have lunch with a friend the following week. I stopped spending and went home. The cash only system has been the best thing in my "get out of debt system".

[susan]

Oops forgot! Dept free except mortgage! Yes!

Good luck to you. It can be done with a workable budget.

[Moneymonk]

Cash is always better, it keeps you in check !

Credit cards gives you permission to live above your means. Therefore, I do not live my life around a credit card