Can a locked box save me from myself? *lol*

**Clutterbug Jen** · 07-16-2008, 02:48 PM

Today I went to Walmart and box a locked fire proof box to put my cash in that I'm saving.

Okay - first of all, you should know that I am ~~not~~ good at saving money.

It's too easy even with money in my savings 'cuz from online, I can put it into my checking and buy stuff 24/7.

So, I've decided that all money left over each month [not going for bills or necessities] - I'm going to get in cash and put in my locked box.

Then - I'm gonna give my friend the key to it and will have to be accountable to her in order to get the key.

Now, if it's a true emergency I know I'll have no problem in getting the key to get into the box so am not worried about that.

One thing I need to make sure and do though is to tell her if I ask for the key ... that a trip to the Chinese restaurant is ~~not~~ an emergency no matter how hard I may try to convince her at the time that it is.

Here's hoping that it's gonna work!

Love,

Jen

P.S. The box was $20.00 so even if it saved me from going to the Chinese restaurant twice, it'd pay for itself right there.

**itsahumanzoo** · 07-16-2008, 03:01 PM

I think that's a good idea. I would just make sure that it is with a friend who is easy to get a hold of.

**hugxlaughxsmilexlove** · 07-16-2008, 03:12 PM

Love the idea, I need to do that too.. Chinese does sound pretty good right about now!

**frugalandsimple** · 07-16-2008, 03:17 PM

Is the locked box fireproof? Great idea! Hope your plan goes well.

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-16-2008, 04:23 PM

I think it's a good idea but make sure this friend is easy to get a hold of... would hate for you to really have an emergency and your friend is no where to be found.

Have you tried maybe putting the key in a jar and digging a hole in the backyard and keeping it there?

**itsahumanzoo** · 07-16-2008, 04:25 PM

Or you could freeze the key in a block of ice!

**suebeehoney** · 07-16-2008, 05:41 PM

Very good idea!

I've used the same concept for credit cards (when I had them, which I no longer do - yay! - but if I ever get another, I'll do the same...)

Freeze the card in a block of ice - a BIG block of ice. So that it takes a day or so to unthaw if you set it in the sink, or several hours to thaw if you hit it with a hair dryer! ;-) Microwaving is not an option, as it screws with the magnetic strip on the card.

A safety deposit box never worked for me because I'd just go get it. I'd have to have someone else keep the key and not give it to me unless it was a bona fide emergency.

**cmdarlin** · 07-16-2008, 06:01 PM

Sounds like a wonderful idea as long as the friend can be reached when it is an emergency.

Ok.... now I want chinese! Anyone else???

Debbie in Missouri

**prftstrngr** · 07-16-2008, 06:01 PM

Great idea..... Im the same way...if I can get to it...I will spend it! Not always...but sometimes! I should try that!

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-16-2008, 06:06 PM

P.S. Chinese food is my favorite

**Clutterbug Jen** · 07-16-2008, 06:21 PM

Hi!

Yep, the box is fire proof but on a side note ... it's only fire proof for the first 1/2 hour.

Not sure why just that long but I'm sure the company tested it and they should know what they're talking about.

As for the key ... it come with 2 of them and I'll give one to two of my friends who I know I can trust.

They're both home most all the time like I am so getting a key from one of them I'm sure would be no problem.

Oooh, now who was it that said something about freezing the key?

Good idea but darn it, if I was desperate enough - I know me, I'd pop the ice cube with key in it in a hot pan of water and would have instant access to it.

Bad idea for me [see - I told you I'm weak.

]

I'd thought about freezing my debit card too as someone mentioned and am so glad that someone mentioned about the microwave would ruin it 'cuz yep, I can so see me doing that [hey - I microwave everything else.]

Love,

Jen

Chinese is my favorite too and it doesn't help that I live 2 1/2 blocks from the restaurant.

**Ceashels** · 07-16-2008, 10:35 PM

I think you should cut an opening in the top of the box big enough to stuff your cash in. Have one of your friends put a combination lock on it for you and NOT tell you the combination. Money goes in but it doesn't come out. Keep a log of how much you put in so you can see the fund grow.

**treeluva** · 07-17-2008, 10:40 PM

good idea! I have a bank account in my hometown (Have had it since I was 16) I send my mom money, she deposits it into the bank account and every month she sends me the bank statement. (I have ZERO access to the account unless I go to the bank personally or have my mom go withdraw the money for me and send it to me.)

I am fortunate that I do not have to worry about my mother "borrowing" my money. I wouldn't care if she sent me the statements or not, but like clockwork, they come every month. I can see how much money is in the account, but I can't touch it without going through my mom. (The bank is 700 miles away)

So I can't use my money for chinese either.

**Ceashels** · 07-17-2008, 10:56 PM

Thats a great idea as long as no one intercepts your mail. Are you able to get it direct deposited to that account? It would save your Mom a trip to the bank and as long as it is in her name you wouldn't be able to withdraw the cash.

**treeluva** · 07-17-2008, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by Ceashels

Thats a great idea as long as no one intercepts your mail. Are you able to get it direct deposited to that account? It would save your Mom a trip to the bank and as long as it is in her name you wouldn't be able to withdraw the cash.

When I was in the Army I had a direct deposit going to the account... now I am a bartender and get tips, no direct deposit option for that.

Luckily, the bank is seriously 2 blocks from my mom's house. And she still banks totally at the brick and morter bank. She doesn't even have an ATM card. She goes to the bank once a week to withdraw her spending money.