Cash-only

Maybe the idea of going cash-only for my daily spending is a bit more appealing because I've never had a job that paid me in cash, and thus rarely have cash on hand. I've always wanted to be a person who COULD pay for things with cash - though not because she's on a strict budget. Nonetheless I can already tell the difference it makes while out and about doing errands.

This afternoon I took a quick trip to Target and Whole Foods with a friend - she needed to pick up several things and I couldn't find my list, but I remembered a handful of items I wanted to buy. Wandering through the aisles I usually have decent self control (no bottles of wine, browsing only in housewares and domestics, etc.) - but once I hit the "staples" I tend to rationalize each $2 and $3 item until I get to the checkout and see a big 5-0 staring back at me. So today I carefully chose my few purchases, and even turned down an item that was marked on sale but didn't ring up correctly. Total spent at both places? Just under $20. Total items purchased? 5. Ridiculous. But far less ridiculous than letting myself grab that fancy bottle of soap or expensive jar of jam. Rethinking the "wants" and realizing what is really truly a need has been enlightening already.

Hoping I can stretch this last $50 or so. I HAVE to do some meal planning this weekend, and prep some healthy lunches based on my pantry staples and some select choices at the store. I'm lucky to have what I do and I think that paying cash will raise my awareness of that good fortune even more. Down to the handful of change I received before walking out of "Whole Paycheck" feeling very much in control (and yes, maybe a tiny bit wistful for that lovely jar of blackcurrant goodness left behind).