I spend less when I go in the store with cash.  I'm more likely to total my purchase on paper, with a calculator or in my head as I'm loading into my cart.  If I use debit, most of the time I swipe and go. I swipe the card and most of the time don't even listen to the total.  It's so hard to stick to my budget when I use debit.  If I take the budget amount in cash (I use an envelope labeled "FOOD") with me to the store, I can only spend that much.  It also helps me prioritize, since I sometimes buy stuff I don't need because it's such a great deal.  I use my food envelope every time I go to the grocery store (and sometimes to Walmart or Target) or out to dinner.  If we eat it, the cash must come out of the envelope.  If the envelope is empty, don't go shopping.  I also make sure I keep my reusable bags in my car and try to remind the cashiers to throw in that 5 cent discount per bag.  Every penny in my envelope counts!

I spend less when I go in the store with cash.  I'm more likely to total my purchase on paper, with a calculator or in my head as I'm loading into my cart.  If I use debit, most of the time I swipe and go. I swipe the card and most of the time don't even listen to the total.  It's so hard to stick to my budget when I use debit.  If I take the budget amount in cash (I use an envelope labeled "FOOD") with me to the store, I can only spend that much.  It also helps me prioritize, since I sometimes buy stuff I don't need because it's such a great deal.  I use my food envelope every time I go to the grocery store (and sometimes to Walmart or Target) or out to dinner.  If we eat it, the cash must come out of the envelope.  If the envelope is empty, don't go shopping.  I also make sure I keep my reusable bags in my car and try to remind the cashiers to throw in that 5 cent discount per bag.  Every penny in my envelope counts!