john_kent got an update?

taplady

Hi john, was just wandering how you were doing in your quest to live without credit? your updates always encourage me!

JAMIEDODGER

bump, bump, bump

john_kent

Hi all

Sorry I didnt post , I have been so busy its been unreal.

Credit doesnt worry me now. I have no cards other then a bank card on me . The one issue I did have this week was that I had to buy some rail tickets and only had loose change (20p and 10p coins) but the machine took em all . much to the upset of the people in queues behind me. This is my personal policy of paying in cash (not debitcard) as much as is possible.

I find using cash , I can actually see whats going out. A card is a card. £15 petrol can easily be £15 plus sweets and drinks and then youve spent £18. So cash cash cash. If I know I am going out for something then I will take the right amount in cash. No Card

I also had to buy a new tyre. an unexpected expense that I hadnt budgetted for .

But all in all , its kind of going ok. I have to think several days in advance , as I know that if I want to go out , I need ot have cash and not a card.

Biggets tip , though , is keep on top of birthdyas etc.

I have easter and two birthday in april , but bough cards already. Nothing wors ethen cards , few eatser eggs and presents and then youve doen £25

Its all about planning

Broken_hearted

I find carrying money you spend less anyway as you can see it going.

heppy23

Broken_hearted wrote:

I find carrying money you spend less anyway as you can see it going.

How do you keep track of cash though? Do you write everything down?

I know it would take time but I am sure it would be very revealing.

According to my computer I take about £1500 out the ATM each year which I can't trace precisely. (yes it's food, petrol, snacks, the occasional beer, cd etc but I couldn't tell you in what proportion).

I suppose it would make sense to get receipts where I can and carry a little notebook to make a note where I have spent money I haven't got a receipt for.

taplady

Hi john!:D thanks for the latest update!!!

We're doing the same as you and using cash wherever possible because as you say it seems more real somehow! with a card the amount means nothing.
I take out cash at the beginning of the month and stash it in envelopes so that I've always got the cash for things such as kids pocket money, haircuts, petrol, mobiles, electric (smart card) then I just take out the food budget weekly and its easy to keep track of. It takes a while to get used to but its worth it in the end !
Good luck john!