05 Jan 2010 16 Comments
Will that be cash or charge?
How easy is it to plop down your credit card and splurge on makeup? Too easy.
With a credit card, it’s easy to splurge and get everything your heart desires in one quick swoop. The ‘buy now and pay later’ mentality can be a dangerous road to travel on and one I admit to travelling on all too often. But enough is enough.
This year, as part of my attempt to be a smarter shopper, I’m going to focus on paying only cash for my purchases. No more using the card in between paycheques. If I don’t have the cash on hand, no lipstick for me. I’m doing the same with the debit card. Unless I have actual cash in my wallet, there is no makeup to be bought. That’s it. It’s working so far!
After all, it’s always harder to part with the $20 when you have it physically in your hand and also harder to justify buying multiple items if you have to physically fork over the cash. With the plastic card, it’s easy to forget and think of it as money.
Would love to know what you think — cash or charge? Thoughts?
Jan 04, 2010 @ 23:38:25
this is deff. true. i tend not to buy as many things when i use cash instead of credit. bcus with cash u can physically feel the money going bye-bye, with credit cards it's like ehh i'll pay it later, and you don't relieze how much money you just spent!
Jan 05, 2010 @ 00:07:41
When I used to have a credit card, I was actually more afraid of paying with it than paying with cash… With my debit, I think I do treat it as real, tangible money, so to me it doesn't matter whether I pay cash or card, but I can certainly see how easy it is to (ab)use a credit card when online shopping! xxx
Jan 05, 2010 @ 00:34:26
SO actually suggested this as a rule for me… but I am never carrying any cash! LOL. And since I always use my card to pay for everything, it's kind of hard to discriminate… especially when the temptation hits. I am trying to be a lot better about it starting now though, especially since the whole point of getting a credit card and paying it off every month is supposed to be to reinforce responsible shopping habits.
Jan 05, 2010 @ 01:40:21
I agree that it's best to try not to put these purchases on the credit card. It's too easy for them to add up too quickly lol. However, as I almost never have cash on me that wouldn't work for me. I use my debit card exactly like cash and I'm always on top of exactly how much money is in my account so for me I just put it on debit. Good luck with this though, it's not easy to stop yourself sometimes!
Jan 05, 2010 @ 01:43:00
For me, it's cash on hand, or no buy. Otherwise, I'd be a HUGE trouble.
Jan 05, 2010 @ 03:46:15
All my cosmetic purchases are paid for with cash or my debit card(s) – no credit.
Jan 05, 2010 @ 04:59:56
I think that's a very smart choice
I keep my credit card and debit card purchases to a minimum and almost always pay with cash. I really do believe it is easier to keep track of your money and it makes me feel guilty of spending money on things I don't really need. Good luck!
Jan 05, 2010 @ 09:33:32
hi,
this is what i started LAST YEAR…I used credit card during year end online on sephora and some site. Rest whole of the year, esp CCO was cash. It did help me. AT least there was less splurging…but still beter…i will control more this year.
Jan 05, 2010 @ 10:15:53
Thats why I always prefer cash. Spend it only when you have it
Jan 05, 2010 @ 10:16:49
Such a good post
Definatly relevant in these 'credit crunch' times!
I know exactly what you mean about charging items to your card, it's not like spending real money! xx
Jan 05, 2010 @ 15:11:56
Debit card where I know exactly how much I can spend is what I use. My husband is serious about our spending. If it wasn't for him saying no every other day….I'd be broke with the best make-up collection in the world!
Jan 05, 2010 @ 19:43:13
That is a great idea! It is much harder for me to use cash as well!
Jan 05, 2010 @ 20:08:28
Thanks for the feedback ladies! I think credit cards are fine if the balance is paid off each month. I think it can be a slippery slope if that doesn't happen.
For me, what happens with cards (debit and credit) is that it's easy to do a big haul. By doing it this way now my hauls will be fewer and it is making me think about the purchase versus getting 'instant gratification.'
Jan 05, 2010 @ 22:38:57
I've had to cut up my credit card due to too many cosmetic purchases! But that didn't stop me from using my debit card! I think I feel better about using cash because I'll withdraw a certain amount that I can use for spending purposes and then I don't feel so bad. I'd rather not see my makeup purchases on my debit or credit card statement.
Jan 06, 2010 @ 00:31:05
my parents rarely pay for anything with a credit card so they taught me well with that rule! i ALWAYS pay cash when i purchase makeup and such – it does help me to be a smarter shopper
Jan 09, 2010 @ 10:51:16
hahahaha, you only live once, and if you see something you love and its LE u might not get it if u dont buy it there and then!
There are worse things to be addicted to =D xxx