New Beginnings

Ah, spring - sun, warmth, flowers, birds, Easter ... new life & new beginnings.

And my husband and I are about to embark on a new beginning of our own. No, we're not having another baby ... nope, not renewing marriage vows (we're still sticking by the old ones!) ... and not moving to another state.

We are embarking on a new life style:
We are going to CASH ONLY living for one month (trial basis). For years, I've heard, read, and learned about this whole "envelope" system of budgeting (categorizing money for cash-only spending). A while back, a friend gave me a nifty coupon organizer that she uses for her "cash only" life. And I put a few index cards in it (not really sure why?) and a few labels on the tabs inside of it ... and I set it on a shelf where it stayed until a few weeks ago when I came across it again. It was just the inspiration I needed.

Now when I say "cash only" I don't mean to imply that we've lived off credit for the last 17 years ... I actually mean that we plan to NOT use our debit or credit cards (except for gas because I like to "pay at the pump") for any purchases. Once the cash is gone, the fun is over.

This time my husband is on board - and so here we go! "They"(whoever THEY are) say that it is harder to spend cash because you're actually seeing your hard earned money going into some one's register. However, my fear is that as long as I have CASH that I'll think I may as well stop by Sonic for that Route 44 diet coke (especially if it is HAPPY HOUR), you know, since I have the cash. In the past, when I spent all my cash, I'd just go get MORE CASH - at that handy, dandy ATM machine. The new rule now is - no cash means no cash. I'm a little frightened.

So, why are we torturing ourselves?? Well, I'm hopeful that we will find there is some CASH left at the end of the month. I also don't want to turn into a cheapskate and never, ever splurge again - and hopefully, with this method I can splurge occasionally - as long as there is CASH in that splurge envelope!! :)

If I had time, I'd inspire myself by looking up all those Bible verses about being a good steward and all that. But I know that is what God expects. No need to look it up. Most days I'm all about this new, simple, inexpensive life ... making the best use of each day and each dollar. I've scoured the blogs and studied the lives of those who DO live simply - and am finding myself more and more intrigued. Mostly out of necessity - but seriously, I see this as a challenge.

So, if you have any tips about "cash only" or simple living - or know of any good frugal living websites or blogs (besides the ones I already read), please let me know. I have been cutting my coupons - I have been learning to cook better so we eat at home more often - I am even planning my first-ever Walgreens shopping trip to earn and use register bucks.

And I've been earning SWAGBUCKS like crazy - just by using the swagbucks toolbar (and inputting a few swagcodes I find along the way). In the last month, I've "earned" $20 in amazon gift cards ... basically for free. I am already searching for what I plan to buy - or I may save the credit for birthday & Christmas presents - but who am I kidding?! I plan to buy something! ;)

See, all this frugal living stuff can be kind of fun, if you have the right attitude! :) So, wish me well ... as I go forth in April, cash in hand & simple living in my heart. (<--Boy, I was really stretching for a concluding sentence, wasn't I!!?)