I have never been so enthusiastically hesitant to share with you. My reluctant enthusiasm is regarding a challenge I have created for myself. My first financial focus for 2012 is to discontinue using plastic. Debit cards and credit cards. Just typing it makes me nervous. You may be surprised a “frugal blogger” is timidly cautious about ditching the plastic. You may be aghast. You may relate. Let me explain.
My greatest hesitation in changing is due to engrained habits. I have been using credit cards “responsibly” for at least 16 years.
- I have never been late on a credit card bill.
- I have never not paid in full.
- I have accumulated thousands of dollars in cash back rewards over that many years.
So why now?
Early last summer I shared my avoidance of detailed budgets. I don’t know if it was conversations, circumstances or conviction, but I started to feel nudged to change. This fall I did make a change. I took the one detailed area of our budget (groceries) and switched to cash only. I quickly fell in love with the cash system. We began using cash for some of our other spending. It worked. I liked it.
Over the holidays, I slid backwards into using credit. I didn’t overspend, I just forgot the cash plan. After reading Crystal’s new book, she convinced me to try it. For 90 days. That is it. If it doesn’t work, then I can switch back.
So here I am. I am ready to begin the 90 Day Good Bye Plastic, Hello Cash challenge. Of course, I have already devised 2 exemptions.
1. I can still use plastic for paying at the pump. At least for month one. (Remember, improving a focus requires small steps).
2. I can still purchase something online. However, I will need to physically take the money from my wallet to take and deposit.
Many of you have been using all cash for years. Most likely, you are curious how one would feel so apprehensive. It will be a huge switch that requires commitment, intentionality, and focus. My hope after 90 days is to have a new engrained habit. Of course, only if it actually saves us money.
What do you think? Do you want to join the 90 Day Good Bye Plastic, Hello Cash Challenge?
*Did you sign up to win a copy of the Money Saving Mom’s Budget yet? If not, check it out here.
Linking to Frugal Friday
Oh my goodness! I'm right there with you! I've talked about going from debit card to cash only for years but haven't made the change out of laziness. Cash only takes more work and planning ahead. So hubby and I are getting back on a budget and tightening our belt so we can be truly debt free (no mortgage). We're going to cash only. Hubby has offered to go by the bank once a month and be in charge of filling our envelopes. So I can leave my debit card at home. This will be a huge help. Like you I'll still use the card for online purchases but take the money out of the envelope.
ReplyDeleteWe gave ours up jan1. It's so freeing!
ReplyDeleteI had to go to all cash no cards, not my choice, but anyways, I do have to "borrow" a card for somethings that just cant seemed to be paid for in cash but otherwise its been working fine for 6 months, dont be nervous lol
ReplyDeleteWe are in the Progress of going Cash only, to work around the i need a Card on the Gas pump we will be using a Sam's Giftcard ( we usually get Gas there) or purchase a Prepaid Visa or Mastercard
ReplyDeleteYou can purchase a prepaid giftcard while you are at the bank for online purchases. Thats what I did for online Christmas ordering. Yes, it takes a little planning ahead, but it also stops those impulse purchases!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. What an awesome idea to use prepaid Visa cards. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe have been plastic free for 11 years! It can be done! It is freedom at its best. Did you know that on Amazon you can use your checking account just like you would plastic? Check it out. We have four children who were pre-teens/teenagers during this time period. Their eyes have been open to how it feels to use cash over 'swiping' something without regard for what you are doing. Power to you! Looking forward to hearing how it goes for you!
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