living simply is humbling

This first week on cash has been eye opening.

I needed to return a few things before we closed out our visa card. I packed up the kids and ventured to the mall on Wednesday - with no cash in my wallet, and no credit cards. I had a card from Victoria's Secret for free panties. I actually came home with something and didn't spend any money.
BUT... if I had my credit card, I know I could have done some major damage. Really, we don't need anything. And I had to remind myself of that. Still, it was nice to get out and have a change of scenery.

On Thursday, I needed to go to the store for a few items for dinner. I took just enough cash for exactly what we needed. "Do not pass go, do not collect (or should I say "spend") 200 dollars." I used a few coupons and 8 bucks later, we had dinner for 2 nights.

Alex had a follow up for the tubes in his ears this week. I intended to pay the co-pay in cash, but he needed new ear plugs which were an additional 10 bucks. I didn't have enough cash on me. The receptionist said she'd bill us - which is great because we have a Health Savings account and we'll be reimbursed before I have to pay the bill.

I feel like a poor person on cash. I feel like we are struggling. And we are - for now. We're trying to pay last months bills on this month's budget, some of which used to be paid on our credit cards.

It's humbling... this cash thing. And I kind of like it.