Keeping track - Cash or cards?

new_leaf_6

I'm determined to stay out of debt this year but I find it difficult to stick to a budget. Do you think drawingone amount of cash per month makes it easier to budget rather than using a debit card? How do you manage not to overspend?

Uniscots97

Work out what you need for a week (cash) and keep a little notebook of expenditure. I got out of this habit and now its coming back to bite me after a particularly difficult time. Try it for a week and don't be tempted to use your debit card as its 'invisible' money

elsien

Definitely cash, as it feels like spending real money, unlike cards which don't feel to me like I'm spending anything at all.
I have to budget weekly rather than monthly on the cash front, otherwise I spend it all at the start of the month.
Also I don't carry all the money on me all the time - it removes the temptation if I only take out enough money for the things i need to buy at the time.

I have been known to turn up at my mother's at times, on the scrounge for food and meals as well!

raq

I agree with the above

We got £50.00 a week to spend on food and that feeds a family of 5. I always used my debit card and went over by £12.00 one week £6.00 the next and when you added this up on a monthly basis it's a lot. I know take out the cash on the thursday and be done with. I have also learnt to look in the cupboards and freezer before I go shopping. Also plan your meals for the week. This has also helped me.

Good luck

steve700

I posted similar a month or so ago and I had quite a few different responses....

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=307214

lazy&indebt

I also think cash is a lot eaiser to keep track of, especiall with internet banking as, if you make a withdrawal it shows up straight away but if you pay with your debit card, it takes a few days.

melaniec_2

I agree that cash is the best way and you can see is "disappear" from your purse. But also write it all down i've been doing this and I cannot believe how much i spend when I don't think Ive spent much!

dlb

I try to use cash only, but when i do use my debit card i have a book where i write down everything i have spent on the card and cash withdrawals and write down what the bank ballance is after that.
This way i know what is available.

DawnW

I have started internet shopping for groceries etc. Although there is a £5 delivery charge, I save loads more than that by not wandering around the supermarket being sidetracked and buying loads of things that are not on my list! You obviously have to pay by card, but it has helped me cut down drastically on my spending.

Storm

I personally prefer cash as it feels more 'real'. However, I have a book in which I note down cash withdrawels & any card/cheque payments (normally just stuff from the internet) so I can keep track of my overall monthly budget.

I also take my cash out on a Monday morning - nothing better to motivate me to be good is knowing that if I squander the dosh I'm not going out at the weekend!

postingalwaysposting

i use cash... i either go to the bank or i take £10 out of the wall (either way i just keep my weekly budget money and the remainder is put/left in the bank)... i then use cash for all my purchases... i also keep a spending diary so i know where every penny gos if i however want something online be it a music download/something from ebay... it can not exceed my weekly budget... if i win it a pay using my debit card... that money is then taken from the money in my purse and it is put into one of my many money boxes ready to be banked the following week