Cash Society

I've been working on reigning in my spending, and not just because this Selkie Out of the Tower release put a serious strain on my finances, but also because it just bothers me that I spend more than I feel I should.  I don't like feeling guilty, and I do like having money, so I knew it was time to get it in check.

While I've been working on this, I've just begun watching Til Debt Do Us Part, which is a Canadian brain-bubble-gum kind of show that helps people get their finances in check.  On the one hand, the show makes me feel better that I'm not as deeply in debt as these poor souls, but it does inspire me to do better.

The show's expert, Gail Vaz-Oxlade, always puts the couples on a cash only system to help them get their spending in check.  So, I've decided to stop using plastic for anything other fueling my car.  During this little experiment, I've noticed a few things worth sharing.

The first thing is that paying with cards is far more convenient.  It takes a little more planning to operate on cash, but the good news is that all that planning leads to more mindfulness in spending.  If I didn't bring the cash, I can't spend it, which completely eliminates impulse purchasing.

Another thing I have noticed is that it's a far different feeling to count out and hand over cash than it is to swipe a card or buy online.  When I am in store and I have only a set amount of money, I'm more discriminating about what I buy and whether or not it's worth it.  When I stand at the counter, adding up my purchase, getting ready to part with a large amount of money for only one or two things, it just doesn't feel worth it and I usually talk myself out of overspending.

The final thing is that when I only shop at brick and mortar shops, my choices are limited.  By contrast on the internet, the choices are endless and the temptation to buy too much is overwhelming.  Having that much to choose from only encourages too many wants and too much spending.

While I don't suppose we'll return to cash society anytime soon, if you are looking to get a handle on your finances, I quite agree with Ms. Vaz-Oxlade that going cash-only is a very good place to start.

Shopping Info:  Qupid heels from ModCloth, Selkie Night in Paris Corset Dress from QuinnHop