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Have You Ever...- 11-07-07

Worked With Cash-Only Budget?

By ChaChanna Simpson

The holidays are quickly approaching and I don’t know about you but I have a lot of people to buy for so I need to start budgeting, seriously. And there is no time to start like the present, so this past week, I took out $100 in cash and that was all I was going to use for the week. Bills and gas didn’t count in the game because those are necessary. It’s all that other crap, eating out, coffee runs, iTunes downloads, and such that you don’t think about that adds up and before you know it, you’re broke and don’t know how it happened. I figured if I actually saw the money leaving my hands this time it would make me think twice about spending. It’s different when you can see the money leaving as opposed to just swiping. Let’s see how I did.

Day One: Friday

Today is payday and I don’t have anywhere to go. I really want to get a cinnamon bagel for Panera Bread but I don’t need it so I just bring my butt straight home after going to the gym and make breakfast. I begin and end the day with $100. Whoo Hoo!

Running total: $100.00

Running balance: $100.00

Day Two: Saturday

I totally forgot that my best friend, Tanisha, and I had planned to go to Anasa Day Spa today. We planned this day weeks ago. Doesn’t matter, I’m going to continue on with my budget plan. After all, this is real life. Luckily, we are able to get a discount. My 45-minute massage only ends up costing me $54.31 plus a $5.00 tip for my masseuse, Ron. He does fabulous work.

After the massage, we’re hungry and decide to stop at Burger King. I get the fish combo: $6.37.

Running total: $65.68

Running balance: $34.32

Day Three: Sunday

My sorority participates in the American Diabetes Associations’ Walk for Diabetes in White Plains, NY. I can’t find a place to park on the street so I have to park in the municipal lot. It’s only $2.25 for three hours. Later on that day, for some reason, I’m bored and venture off to the bookstore, which I know is going to end up with me making a purchase. Marketing book: $14.96, had my Borders Rewards card and got 25% off.

Running total: $82.89

Running balance: $17.11

Day Four: Monday

I give a presentation in White Plains and have to pay for parking, again. This time it’s $2.00 for three hours, must be the night rate.

Running total: $84.89

Running balance: $15.11

Day Five: Tuesday

I have a busy morning, which throws my routine off and somehow I forget to brush my teeth. Yuck! Of course, I don’t realize this until I’m about to get on the highway. Do I turn back? I’m already running late so I opt to stop by the supermarket, hoping I’ll find a cheap travel set. That came out to $2.68.

Then later in the afternoon I must run to CVS for feminine products and while I’m there I pick up a bottle of sparkling water. I love those things. Cost: $4.80.

Running total: $92.37

Running balance: $7.63

Day Six: Wednesday

Wednesday is my weekly networking meeting. We have a 50/50 raffle and I cough up a dollar.

Running total: $93.37

Running balance: $6.63

Day Seven: Thursday

While I’m on my way home, I really try to talk myself out of getting Tombstone frozen pizza. I am a pizza fanatic. And getting a fresh pizza pie is outside the budget but the supermarket is having a sale, three pizzas for ten dollars. I finally gave in.

Running total: $103.37

Running balance: $-3.37

Friday again

I failed my mission. I really could have saved $7.48 more if I hadn’t been so lazy and gone back home to brush my teeth so I wouldn’t have to stop at the supermarket or CVS, but oh well. I guess I really didn’t need the pizza either but I have an addiction. I couldn’t help myself.

I’m going to try this cash-only budget again next week. How about you give this type of budget a chance? Next week or next time you get paid, take out your ‘allowance’ and commit to spending that money only and not using your debit or credit card. It may be hard at first but as they say, “practice makes perfect.”

You may find that you really don’t need all those extra purchases that you tend to make when you swipe at will.

Happy Saving!

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