The beginning of the end
November 17th, 2009 § 11 Comments
A few weeks ago, I told you about my addictive personality. It was at this time I began an experiment with my finances. I told myself if I could go two weeks without using my best friend Chase Visa, I could make a bigger commitment to myself to get out of debt. Fourteen days came and went without using and it my body did not spontaneously combust like I imagined it would without the security of falling back on the card.
It was also at this time that I experimented with the cash vs. debit card debate my mind struggles with every day. I am adamant in my habit of never having cash unless A) I am going out (not a good idea to use the card for rounds at the bar -lesson learned the hard way) or B) I am going somewhere that takes dough only (which is another issue I get, um, passionate about. One too many times I have told a business/restaurant/etc. “It’s 2009. Who doesn’t take cards!” Only it’s not said so nicely.)
So when I accidentally had some cash on me, I wanted to see how long I could hold on to it.
I actually didn’t want to use it. Instead, I preferred to stare at it, in my wallet, like some kind of daily reward for being smart about my finances. I treated those bills like gold, people. I avoided impulse purchases and used it for necessary things that were well-thought out. It’s so easy to just swipe, swipe, swipe and I can definitely purchase without thinking twice.
So last week, I did something big.
I know you’re probably wondering, “Why didn’t she just cut it up? Or take it out of her wallet and just not use it?”
I don’t want to get rid of the card completely. Closing accounts is not good for credit and some day I will have a much lower balance and want to use the card again. I realize it may not work after living in my freezer for months, and that’s OK. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
I’m not taking it out or hiding it because I know that simply will not work. I have self-restraint, but not that much.
Plus, it’s a visual reminder. Every day when I get out ice for my Green Monsters or make pb&j waffles before my runs, it will be there. Staring me in the face. Like I said, I need a little reward staring me in the face every day.
And, if there should occur an occasion where I need it in an emergency, I have a back up plan. People went years without credit cards and some still do today. Plus, an overwhelming percentage of people in my age bracket have $10,000 or more in credit card debt. That’s one statistic I don’t want to be a part of.
What about you? Are you struggling with debt or another pricey addiction? What did you do to overcome it once and for all?
Wow, I am proud of you girl! I like your blog too! I am going to have to start reading more.
Thanks! Yes, come back often!!
Clever, Pate. I admire your resolve. I send you congratulations and you have our address and phone number in case of emergencies.
We learned long ago to buy only what we could afford. Once we bought a television because we thought David was going to be teaching a night school class and then the class was cancelled. So we had a t.v. and not the cash to pay for it…..Never again.
That was the cutest video ever!!! Good for you- that is huge to do, but it will be so much better in the long run. Congrats on taking that step, woman!
Thanks so much!!
You kill me, Godbaby!!! I love you!
Did you put it right next to your tonsils from show-and-tell?
Seriously, while this gives a new definition to “cold cash,” it’s an excellent idea — available with planning, impossible on impulse.
Way to go!
Thank you! Yes, I thought it was pretty clever myself! It’s really the only way I could think of to successfully STOP. And now I cannot wait to see a statement come through with no charges!!
I can’t wait to see the video when you break the credit card open like in Confessions of a Shopaholic. I also laughed very hard while reading this blog post and seeing the video.
I am so glad I can be at your service to entertain, Denise.
[...] On my day off, all I wanted to do was buy garland and lights and silly little knick knacks and straight up Christmas my house. Normally, Chase would have been my friend to help with me with that. Now, we all know better. [...]