I have found a way that saves me money.

[lyndafaye]

I do not really have a budget at least not a must do one.
I pay the bills and then budget $600 for2 weeks of groceries and small expenses. Cigarettes gas hair cuts massages and little toys to put aside for birthdays and christmas for our grand children.
that said a couple of pays ago I started using cash instead of my bank card. I still budget the $600. but I put it into the bank account that is here in town and not the one that my husbands pay goes into that is 2 hours away.
On grocery day I take $300. in cash and hit the grocery store.
I keep a running total in my head upping the cost to the nearest dollar.
I found the first pay period 2 weeks that I had $100. left from the $600.
I figured it was just because I was using things out of the freezer to help me clean it out.
So I did the same thing the next pay period. Had $150. left.
I always said if I used cash I spent less. I like to hold onto the money in my pocket and I guess this proves it.
When I use the bank card I never think about what I am spending at the grocery store since I don't see the money leaving.
I plan to do this from now on.
I am not depriving my husband or myself just not buying too much of what I don't need to prepare nice meals.
I was wondering if others find they spend less using cash instead of bank cards.
It is nice to put the extra into something special or just pay a bit more onto another bill that is waiting.

[Golden Eagle]

Hi Lyndafaye,

I agree totally with you about the spending on cards part. It is way too easy to use the card (any type card) and try to balance the budget later. When you are handing over the almighty green dollar it certainly makes you think twice about the whole thing...
DH and I do have a pretty heavy and set budget and we do use credit cards (which are all paid off at the end of each month)
As far as goceries are concerned though, I still endorse menu planning and making a list of what you REALLY need and sticking to it.
I find if we do this, it keeps us in line.
I am going to try with taking cash for a bit though and see is if it can help even more.

Thanks for the tip Lynda
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