Cash-only plan

**jas** · 05-12-2010, 08:09 AM

I just read this article and it was a little look into one womans usual week going cash-only. I thought it was interesting.

'I Went on a Cash-Only Diet' -- My Life on the Suze Orman Plan - Lemondrop.com

**Russ** · 05-12-2010, 08:24 AM

The perfect quote...

And there you have it. Seven days. One chunk of cash. Endless lessons in need versus want.

**porembam** · 05-12-2010, 12:16 PM

Thanks - that was fun to read because it was real

**jas** · 05-12-2010, 12:46 PM

I liked the way it was broken down in days and how she dealt with them one at a time. Some no spend days, some small reward days all looking forward to a somewhat splurge type activity on the weekend.

I think I am going to try to implement this mindset. One day at time approach. Instead of months at a time.

**Mom2-3** · 05-12-2010, 12:53 PM

Cool read. Makes me want to try cash only again.

**JanieD** · 05-12-2010, 04:07 PM

Interesting, but not really new. I'm on a 2 week set up. Wondering if the week starting on Monday made it a little harder. Just a thought since mine starts on Friday. Guess Monday could be good if you would overspend on the weekend, leaving no cash for the rest of the week.

Her weekly amount made me drool, I'd love to have that much for my two weeks. She is counting groceries which aren't part of my cash (its a household expense for us). Must allow for the areas "cost of living" & difference in incomes.

Not sure why she didn't count concert tickets against her weekly allowance. My thought is when if the cash leaves my hand, then its an expense. Sorry, but I see that as cheating. If she spend $100 on tickets, then she could subtract $20 a week for 5 weeks to offset it... she just kept a list? Oh well, its a step in the right direction for her since she used plastic without any sort of a budget.

**mauimagic** · 05-15-2010, 10:01 PM

Fun article to read - and - bottom line, cash is always the right move!! I've been doing more of it and it does feel wonderful!!

**frugal is fun** · 05-17-2010, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by mauimagic

Fun article to read - and - bottom line, cash is always the right move!! I've been doing more of it and it does feel wonderful!!

I totally agree!

**Luckybustert** · 05-17-2010, 08:29 PM

I thought it was an interesting article, and I like the idea of a cash-only plan, but I didn't get the sense the author took it all that seriously. It seemed to me to be a temporary experiment for the author vs. a real lifestyle change. Maybe I'm just reading things into it that weren't there? Not sure.

**mauimagic** · 05-18-2010, 03:01 AM

That tone was definitely there in the article - perhaps that's just her style?

**Libby** · 05-19-2010, 04:33 PM

I agree with LB - she kinda 'tried' the concept just so she had something to write about...doesn't sound like something she's willing to stick to though.

**shoiji** · 05-19-2010, 05:36 PM

The only thing I thought was she really likes to spend money on herself. Couldn't help but wonder what would happen to her if she really had to cut out all non essential purchases.

**Iwant2BDebtfree** · 06-02-2010, 08:52 AM

I can't imagine doing it this way---but I should. I know I allocate $200 the first week of the month for groceries ($50 the second week for bread, milk, perishable items it goes on like that) and $75 car gas for 2 cars. If I took out just what I need for that week and spend ONLY that then I wouldn't go over the way I usually do on groceries and extras. Hmmm...This may be something I try.

**frugalfranny** · 06-02-2010, 02:34 PM

Thanks for the post.......

I do cash only.....for about 98%....does take some adjustment. But when I get home I know that anything I bought is paid for.....with no bills coming in later. It often DOES come back to that need vs want thing!

**Moonblossom** · 06-03-2010, 03:58 PM

We also use cash only on a weekly basis, food,groceries,gas,entertainment,pet and allow for the kids works great for us and we have noticed a big, big slow down on the money slipping thru our fingers syndrome. I don't think we would change it back for anything now.

BTW, every drop of money left over at the end of the week we save in a jar and since starting this 3 months ago, we have over $200 which I plan to send to the CC to pay down our debt.