Cash not Card

MadMonkey

After a Sainsburys trip for bread and milk I had handed over the Switch card and entered my pin without even noticing the cost:o

I was nipping into the supermarket 2-3 times a week and buying stuff that was not on my list.

I tried to do on-line shops but we need milk, yoghurts and fruit more often than that.

SO i withdrew £100 for the week for food and petrol.

There are 2 days left of the week and I have spent all the money but i will not need anything else for those 2 days.

I am really pleased with myself as i have only got the things on my list when i have been in as i was very aware that i did not have endless money to spend.

Just thought i would share this:beer:

Hardup_Hester

Hi Monkey,
Thanks for sharing, I find using cash is the best way for me too, I get £40 a week cash & when it's gone, it' gone.
Hester

OrkneyStar

Yes I agree, I withdraw the cash and when its gone its gone. Am now trying doing it weekly and not monthly (the whole budget).
I avoid using my card unless it is necessary (eg over the internet).
Glad it works for you too.

CRANKY40

I am the same as Hester, £40, and when it runs out, there's no more!

Magentasue

I am guilty of careless spending and agree that cash is best for shopping within budget. However, I'm old enough to remember when cash was the normal way and paying by cheque in a supermarket generated tutting from people waiting in the queue. Debit cards were yet to come and credit cards something high earners had.

What I found when my children started school, was that I was always asked for cash - swimming, money for a cake stall, sponsor this, have a go at that, non uniform days, cinema with this friend, bowling with another and it was easier to say that I hadn't any cash and pay for everything by card.

I do use cash for the fruit and veg at the market and, now the children have more spare cash than me, maybe I should go back to cash for supermarket shopping.

Stephen_Leak

I almost always use my cashback credit card. I get the cashback and therefore never pay 100% for anything (I really must look for a new introductory rate card though).

I hardly use any cash - my last ATM withdrawal was for £50 on 5 June, and I think I've still got a £20 note from that in my wallet!

fizzel81

im stuck between the 2

i used to do everything via card had the odd bit of cash for when i needed it, i then lost my barclays currant account and ended up with a nationwide cash card so from them on cash only however sometimes i find that if ive got the cash on my i will spend it whereas im reluctant to use my debit card (ive now also got an electron on a basic halifax easy cash card) im now putting money from my nationwide into my halifax for my day to day

the down side my card lets me down is via online when i browse and then end up buying

Mariel

I think I'm going the cash only route from now on. I've just had to rejig my finances, I'll be about £750 down a month and I've worked out if I can put £80 in my purse every Monday and not spend any more then I should be able to manage my mortgage and the bills from what's left plus have a bit left over for Christmas etc. Wish me luck!

searching_me

i used to not look until my bank account couldnt handle it anymore my oh has an account that we dont really use (he dont work at the mo) so i withdraw a set amount put it in that account and when thats gone its gone save me spending xxx

Jack's_mummy

I do it too. Money was running out of my account like water out of a tap so now it's cash all the way (apart from petrol that was taking up all my weekly cash so it's seperate now). It's amazing how much more careful I am working in cash

moanymoany

I think the problem is having to pop to the shops to bread, milk, fruit and veg.

I do know that sometimes children 'use up' milk and fruit. I used to let it be known that when it was gone it was gone until the next shop. Milk also keeps longer now than when it came in bottles from the milkman so can be bought for the week. The cartons of longlife milk are a good standby.

I know we are concerned to make sure that we all have our five portions of F&V, but this can be done in different ways. Tinned fruit and frozen veg are a good way and can be stored. Bread in the freezer is also a good standby.

I do think that if children - or anyone - has a balanced diet with the five portions of F&V, and the recommended amount of milk or milk products, then 'on tap' fruit or anything else is not necessary. I think we have become 'brainwashed' into thinking there must be fruit or yoghurts for snacks when a slice of bread and scratchit is just as good.

A batch of scones made with no fat or soda bread is quick and easy and a good fill in for bread.

One shop is the answer. I used to have fruit for lunchboxes and keep it in the cupboard not the fruitbowl.

Also, my children had to ask for food, they did not simply help themselves.