OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD 2012

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Debit vs. Cash

Usually every Saturday morning, I will get my grocery shopping done.  The day before, I have gone through the weekly ads and put together my list of deals that I want to take advantage of. And then Saturday morning I will make the rounds with list and coupons in hand.  Last Saturday, my plans were suddenly changed.  My 18 month old grandson came over, as his parents work schedules changed.  I love it when he comes over!

But, when he comes over, we get nothing done.  It is all about him and we both drop what ever we are doing and enjoy our time with him.  So... I never got to the bank to get my bi-weekly cash out.  I never made it to the grocery store on Saturday.  Things did not go as I had planned at all.  But... we had a blast with our grandson.

Sunday morning, I skipped church (I went Sunday evening) and made the rounds to the grocery stores to get what I needed.  I shopped with my debit card.  Not cash.  Big mistake.   I ended up spending close to 200.00 dollars on "Great Deals" that I could not live without!  You know... I convinced myself that I would be okay without cash and that I could "monitor" my spending and be okay.  Obviously not.

Did I mention that I stopped by Cato's and found a couple... well, maybe several  of very cute shirts that were marked that I could not live without? Oh yes,they are now proudly hanging in my closet.  Debit of course.  60.00 dollars. Ouch.

Old habits die hard.

11 comments:

Maureen said...

I have a 20 month old Granddaughter, so I know exactly where you are coming from, I could listen to her all day long. And then tomorrow night the two oldest 8yrs and 4yrs and coming for a sleepover, so cuddles and kisses coming my way.

Yes old habits die hard so cash only for you young lady.

Jane said...

Ouch indeed! I have taken your message to heart about shopping only with cash. And I'm not even going to go down the grocery store aisles stocked to overflowing with candy, cookies and chips.
Of course I am saying this while sitting in my early morning classroom with no grocery store in sight ha ha ha. When the "chips" are down so to speak we'll see how I do:)
PS leave that debit card at home!

Lisa said...

Maureen and Jane.... Yes... I agree. Cash only. Cash only. Cash only.

Sharon said...

Been there, done that. That's why these envelopes in my wallet are going to be my lifeline. It's so easy to go over with a debit card. What ends up happening is that you take from another category...

The beauty of this is that you were aware. And next week will be different. But hey, if you picked up a bunch of great sales, you'll be spending less next time anyway!

Right?

Glad you enjoyed your grandson, I'm sure it was definitely worth it!!! :)!

Shannon said...

I tend to spend more then expected or well I should when I bring my debit card. Next shopping trip going to get all coupons I need and stay to my list. Also bring cash so I don't get tempted.

Aloysa said...

I noticed that when I use debit card, I tend to overspend. It is so much easier to control cash. Also, your post made me think that I need to start looking through the coupons. I am too lazy to do it during the week.

jpkittie said...

ouch!!!! I hate when that happens! I must shop with cash or I am likely to do the same thing!!!

Lisa said...

Sharon... I really need to get the envelopes/wallet that you have.. It would definitely help. And yes, I did get some great bargains. :)

Tatom, Aloysa, jpkittie.... I do need to get the cash in hand BEFORE I get in the store. Debit Card....Boooo! (But it is so easy, isnt it?)

KNS Financial said...

I never considered that paying with a debit card instead of cash could lend to the same behavior as a credit card. I'll have to watch for that, because I NEVER use cash for anything - debit all the way!

Aloysa said...

I noticed that when I use debit card, I tend to overspend. It is so much easier to control cash. Also, your post made me think that I need to start looking through the coupons. I am too lazy to do it during the week.

I'm Tatom said...

I tend to spend more then expected or well I should when I bring my debit card. Next shopping trip going to get all coupons I need and stay to my list. Also bring cash so I don't get tempted.

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