Take control of impluse spending by using cash

Starbucks, lipstick, candy, margaritas, car washes and adventure novels.  What do they all have in common?  They often fall under the category of “impulse buys.”  Purchases that you don’t always account for initially or carry no line item in the budget.  Little by little, they eat away at your checking account and then all of a sudden you’re asking yourself, “What happened to all my money?” 

Although it can be hard at times, a little control is needed over the number of lattes you a buy a week.  But how can a girl on budget still enjoy her margarita after work without letting the wallet loose? Let’s say you’re too busy or not disciplined enough to keep a spending journal on every piece of gum you buy...

One good approach is to budget impulse (fun) buys ahead of time.  At set dates each month (usually the same as your payday) pull out your entire impulse budget as cash from the ATM.  You can keep the cash in your wallet or an envelope to fund your girly rendezvous….but once its gone, it gone.  This will prevent you from freely using your debit card on too many insignificant purchases that you couldn’t keep track of.

Enjoy life and still have money left in the bank!