Comments on: Guest Post: The Envelope System Experiment http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 25 May 2012 12:29:10 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Christy Carden http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-2#comment-188586 Christy Carden Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:08:30 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188586 I am terrified of the envelope system; mainly because we are terrified of carrying around that much cash. I know the chances of being robbed are less than the chances of overspending, but please tell that to my husband, who is paranoid anyway and HAS BEEN robbed at gunpoint (only had about $40 cash in wallet at the time, but later had identity stolen as result of people getting hold of picture id, etc.). I am also extremely ADHD and have a hard time keeping up with things and am afraid that I will lose an envelope/a few dollars change that I didn't stick back into the envelope immediately because the 2 year old is screaming in the grocery line so it ends up in my pocket, etc. One plastic card is a little easier to keep up with. I think we need to try the "virtual envelope" system with the spreadsheets. Just a thought about the OOP expenses/"free" items. I have been thinking about this a lot lately as I should be getting several rebates in the mail and it seems to be taking forever for them to come! Maybe you could start a seperate envelope titled, "free" deals. Put a certain amount of start-up money in it $10, $20, $40, whatever you want -- maybe start it up one month when you have leftover $ from another envelope like groceries. Then use the cash from this envelope to pay for the "free" item. When the rebate comes in the mail later, you can cash the check and put the cash in your "free" deal envelope to use on a future purchase. In this way, you will constantly be rolling over your rebates, but sometimes will have to pass on an item if you have no money in the "free" deals envelope at the time. I would just hate to pass up free items (free in the long run, after rebate) if they are items that I would buy anyway (shampoo, etc.) or can donate. Eventually getting the rebates and rolling them over should help to spend less out of the grocery envelope---just a thought. Of course, this would only work for cash rebates, not things like CVS Extra Care Bucks. I had to use about $10 to start that up, but now I just roll them over and spend nothing OOP. So that may need to be seperate and you budget some start up money for that too one month when you are under budget on groceries. I am terrified of the envelope system; mainly because we are terrified of carrying around that much cash. I know the chances of being robbed are less than the chances of overspending, but please tell that to my husband, who is paranoid anyway and HAS BEEN robbed at gunpoint (only had about $40 cash in wallet at the time, but later had identity stolen as result of people getting hold of picture id, etc.). I am also extremely ADHD and have a hard time keeping up with things and am afraid that I will lose an envelope/a few dollars change that I didn’t stick back into the envelope immediately because the 2 year old is screaming in the grocery line so it ends up in my pocket, etc. One plastic card is a little easier to keep up with. I think we need to try the “virtual envelope” system with the spreadsheets.

Just a thought about the OOP expenses/”free” items. I have been thinking about this a lot lately as I should be getting several rebates in the mail and it seems to be taking forever for them to come! Maybe you could start a seperate envelope titled, “free” deals. Put a certain amount of start-up money in it $10, $20, $40, whatever you want — maybe start it up one month when you have leftover $ from another envelope like groceries. Then use the cash from this envelope to pay for the “free” item. When the rebate comes in the mail later, you can cash the check and put the cash in your “free” deal envelope to use on a future purchase. In this way, you will constantly be rolling over your rebates, but sometimes will have to pass on an item if you have no money in the “free” deals envelope at the time. I would just hate to pass up free items (free in the long run, after rebate) if they are items that I would buy anyway (shampoo, etc.) or can donate. Eventually getting the rebates and rolling them over should help to spend less out of the grocery envelope—just a thought. Of course, this would only work for cash rebates, not things like CVS Extra Care Bucks. I had to use about $10 to start that up, but now I just roll them over and spend nothing OOP. So that may need to be seperate and you budget some start up money for that too one month when you are under budget on groceries.

]]> By: Jessica http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-2#comment-188585 Jessica Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:09:05 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188585 We went through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University this year and the Envelope System has been great so far. When the budget is mutually agreed upon, the cash is so freeing! I can buy clothing or groceries or school supplies without guilt. I can also say no to my husband or kids without blame other than to the envelope. My kids (7 and 5) have now learned that when the money is gone from the envelope, it is gone. There is no going to the magic machine for more until pay day! The cash also is a great visual barometer of how we are doing for the month-especially for those things we don't buy every week such as home or auto repairs. For many things, I have a spreadsheet divided into "envelopes" of which I just deposit into a combined account which is great to see them grow (for Christmas, Vacations, etc.). We divide our cash flow into about 15 envelopes (virtual and real) which can be a bit much at times, but is working for us. We know where every single dollar is going! I LOVE the comments about going coupon and deal crazy! I think everyone does that when they start out. We are part of that Razor-craze and going through so much paper and ink to print coupons that you spend more on coupon supplies than the coupons are saving! Now, things are becomming more even and so much more worthwhile! Thank you MSM and all of you who participate in this adventure! We went through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University this year and the Envelope System has been great so far. When the budget is mutually agreed upon, the cash is so freeing! I can buy clothing or groceries or school supplies without guilt. I can also say no to my husband or kids without blame other than to the envelope. My kids (7 and 5) have now learned that when the money is gone from the envelope, it is gone. There is no going to the magic machine for more until pay day! The cash also is a great visual barometer of how we are doing for the month-especially for those things we don’t buy every week such as home or auto repairs. For many things, I have a spreadsheet divided into “envelopes” of which I just deposit into a combined account which is great to see them grow (for Christmas, Vacations, etc.). We divide our cash flow into about 15 envelopes (virtual and real) which can be a bit much at times, but is working for us. We know where every single dollar is going! I LOVE the comments about going coupon and deal crazy! I think everyone does that when they start out. We are part of that Razor-craze and going through so much paper and ink to print coupons that you spend more on coupon supplies than the coupons are saving! Now, things are becomming more even and so much more worthwhile! Thank you MSM and all of you who participate in this adventure!

]]> By: Rachelle Burkhead http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-2#comment-188584 Rachelle Burkhead Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:55:36 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188584 We have been using an envelope system for years. My husband and I got married while I was still in college. We have never actually seemed to make enough money. We still don't. With the help of family, we are getting by. I was introduced to Crown Financial Mvelopes system. It is totally online and it is attached to your bank account. Every transaction shows up in a window and all I have to is click on it and drag it into whatever envelope it belongs to. I have created a budget on there and allocated certain amounts for each category. We pay all our bills online through our bank. When they show up, I just drag it over to the proper envelope. You can begin the month by funding every envelope with whatever amount you have allocated. You can see throughout the month how you are keeping on track. I really don't like paying cash for things. I actually don't usually carry cash at all. This way, I can't make small, senseless purchases just because I have a little cash in my purse. Every purchase has to go into an envelope. It is basically the same as using real envelopes but I can keep records of my purchases without having to carry around cash. We have been using an envelope system for years. My husband and I got married while I was still in college. We have never actually seemed to make enough money. We still don’t. With the help of family, we are getting by.
I was introduced to Crown Financial Mvelopes system. It is totally online and it is attached to your bank account. Every transaction shows up in a window and all I have to is click on it and drag it into whatever envelope it belongs to. I have created a budget on there and allocated certain amounts for each category. We pay all our bills online through our bank. When they show up, I just drag it over to the proper envelope. You can begin the month by funding every envelope with whatever amount you have allocated. You can see throughout the month how you are keeping on track. I really don’t like paying cash for things. I actually don’t usually carry cash at all. This way, I can’t make small, senseless purchases just because I have a little cash in my purse. Every purchase has to go into an envelope. It is basically the same as using real envelopes but I can keep records of my purchases without having to carry around cash.

]]> By: eve k http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-2#comment-188583 eve k Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:21:03 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188583 I just want to add that I am amazed that someone feeds a family on $40 a week. That is awesome. Before I started budgeting and couponing, we spent so much on food (2 adults and one dog)--I don't even want to tell you. My husband says I used to spend $800 a week but he is exaggerating. The truth is, I shopped at the closest store, did not have a clue what things should cost, shopped when I was hungry, tired and stressed at the end of the day (absolutely the worst scenario!!), etc... It was probably $400 a week for the two of us. My husband also needs meat at every meal and has to have his certain junk food snacks, but I have my own idiosyncracies (organic stuff, splurging on occasional pricey ingredients to make a special meal) so we are now down to $100 per week. We really have not suffered from a change in lifestyle--we eat just as well or better but just get more bang for the buck. I just want to add that I am amazed that someone feeds a family on $40 a week. That is awesome.
Before I started budgeting and couponing, we spent so much on food (2 adults and one dog)–I don’t even want to tell you. My husband says I used to spend $800 a week but he is exaggerating. The truth is, I shopped at the closest store, did not have a clue what things should cost, shopped when I was hungry, tired and stressed at the end of the day (absolutely the worst scenario!!), etc…
It was probably $400 a week for the two of us.
My husband also needs meat at every meal and has to have his certain junk food snacks, but I have my own idiosyncracies (organic stuff, splurging on occasional pricey ingredients to make a special meal) so we are now down to $100 per week. We really have not suffered from a change in lifestyle–we eat just as well or better but just get more bang for the buck.

]]> By: eve k http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-2#comment-188582 eve k Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:09:06 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188582 This is for Kelly but can help anyone who does not always see eye-to-eye with their spouse. I used to be the overspender in our family. The more my husband nagged me, the worse it was....because we both work and bring home the same amount of money, I felt he was trying to deprive me or control me in some way... When he stopped nagging or even mentioning it....all of a sudden "I" got the idea to get into couponing about a year ago. Since it was "my" idea and more of a challenge/hobby, it was fun. Now it is almost a contest with us--who can find the best deals. We have put the savings into a special account to save for some specific items that we have wanted. If there is a way that you can get this to be a challenge or contest (in good fun of course), you may have more success. I still go over my budget sometimes, but we are still saving at least $5000 per year (not kidding). Cash is the way to go for a bunch of reasons. Not to go on a tangent, but the credit card companies and banks are tracking your purchases and predicting your credit worthiness based on what you buy! NO thanks! We pay our bills on time, so I don't think some computer should decide that I am a poor risk because I bought beer this week or stocked up on toilet paper last week! Sheesh. This is for Kelly but can help anyone who does not always see eye-to-eye with their spouse.
I used to be the overspender in our family. The more my husband nagged me, the worse it was….because we both work and bring home the same amount of money, I felt he was trying to deprive me or control me in some way…
When he stopped nagging or even mentioning it….all of a sudden “I” got the idea to get into couponing about a year ago. Since it was “my” idea and more of a challenge/hobby, it was fun. Now it is almost a contest with us–who can find the best deals. We have put the savings into a special account to save for some specific items that we have wanted.
If there is a way that you can get this to be a challenge or contest (in good fun of course), you may have more success.
I still go over my budget sometimes, but we are still saving at least $5000 per year (not kidding).

Cash is the way to go for a bunch of reasons. Not to go on a tangent, but the credit card companies and banks are tracking your purchases and predicting your credit worthiness based on what you buy! NO thanks! We pay our bills on time, so I don’t think some computer should decide that I am a poor risk because I bought beer this week or stocked up on toilet paper last week! Sheesh.

]]> By: Annie http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-2#comment-188581 Annie Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:54:56 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188581 Thanks for this reminder. I've found, like many of the commenters, that coupons/deals can be consuming. With the addition of our second baby, I have far less time to spend on finding deals and going store to store to get them. I'm trying to let go of some of them. I'm also trying to remember that it's not MY money I'm spending, but God's. I'm trying to create a habit of praying before entering a store that He would give me wisdom on what to buy and what to pass on and that He would give me favorable prices on things we must have to make the most of His money. With a few changes, God has helped us cut our grocery bill (for our now family of 4) from $350 a month to $175 a month. Thank you, Jesus! I'll be trying the envelope system with just our groceries as a discipline tool to become a better steward of the money to which we've been entrusted. Thanks for this reminder. I’ve found, like many of the commenters, that coupons/deals can be consuming. With the addition of our second baby, I have far less time to spend on finding deals and going store to store to get them. I’m trying to let go of some of them. I’m also trying to remember that it’s not MY money I’m spending, but God’s. I’m trying to create a habit of praying before entering a store that He would give me wisdom on what to buy and what to pass on and that He would give me favorable prices on things we must have to make the most of His money. With a few changes, God has helped us cut our grocery bill (for our now family of 4) from $350 a month to $175 a month. Thank you, Jesus! I’ll be trying the envelope system with just our groceries as a discipline tool to become a better steward of the money to which we’ve been entrusted.

]]> By: J. Serre http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-2#comment-188580 J. Serre Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:17:20 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188580 Kelly V~sounds like my hubby. It was too tempting for him to not just swipe the debit card... so he stopped carrying it with him!! That way he has to actually plan ahead and have the cash, it has saved us TONS! I'm inspired by all of these envelope success stories! I think I will give it a try and just start in one area- groceries/household/hba/toilet paper, etc. I would guess (?) it should work pretty well since I have a great stockpile I should have plenty of $$ to get the necessities (eggs, fruit, veggies, milk) and stay on some of the deals Kelly V~sounds like my hubby. It was too tempting for him to not just swipe the debit card… so he stopped carrying it with him!! That way he has to actually plan ahead and have the cash, it has saved us TONS!

I’m inspired by all of these envelope success stories! I think I will give it a try and just start in one area- groceries/household/hba/toilet paper, etc.
I would guess (?) it should work pretty well since I have a great stockpile I should have plenty of $$ to get the necessities (eggs, fruit, veggies, milk) and stay on some of the deals

]]> By: jennifer http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-2#comment-188579 jennifer Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:51:25 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188579 Thank you!! I have been couponing(with help from hubby) for the last 5 months. It has made things much better for us since his paycheck is variable. But I also fed off the feeling that I could get all this STUFF for free. I still ended up feeling short. You reminded me that my security is not in a paycheck, or my ability to get free stuff, but the Lord. Thank you! Thank you!! I have been couponing(with help from hubby) for the last 5 months. It has made things much better for us since his paycheck is variable. But I also fed off the feeling that I could get all this STUFF for free. I still ended up feeling short. You reminded me that my security is not in a paycheck, or my ability to get free stuff, but the Lord. Thank you!

]]> By: Rebecca M. http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188578 Rebecca M. Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:35:28 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188578 What a great post! My husband I started using an envelope system for everything except bills for the last 6 months, and it has worked great! The only problem I have is when I purchase items online. I have to use a credit card for these purchases, then re-deposit cash from that envelope into the bank account to pay the credit card bill. However, that's not been too big of a problem so far. I agree with others about the super-coupon rush. I started couponing 2 months ago, and lately have felt like I am too obsessed with the "savings", chasing deals around town. I've decided to only buy items I want/need at the 3 stores I shop anyway. Instead of hoarding coupons for items that might be "free" in the future but that I'll never use, I'm using an online coupon group to trade them for coupons I DO want or need. That way, everyone wins! :-) What a great post! My husband I started using an envelope system for everything except bills for the last 6 months, and it has worked great! The only problem I have is when I purchase items online. I have to use a credit card for these purchases, then re-deposit cash from that envelope into the bank account to pay the credit card bill. However, that’s not been too big of a problem so far.

I agree with others about the super-coupon rush. I started couponing 2 months ago, and lately have felt like I am too obsessed with the “savings”, chasing deals around town. I’ve decided to only buy items I want/need at the 3 stores I shop anyway. Instead of hoarding coupons for items that might be “free” in the future but that I’ll never use, I’m using an online coupon group to trade them for coupons I DO want or need.

That way, everyone wins! :-)

]]> By: Dana http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188577 Dana Sat, 25 Jul 2009 08:45:38 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188577 Thanks so much for posting this. It is by far the best explanation of the envelope system that I have ever seen, as far as it's benefits. Thanks so much for posting this. It is by far the best explanation of the envelope system that I have ever seen, as far as it’s benefits.

]]> By: Carrie http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188576 Carrie Sat, 25 Jul 2009 08:10:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188576 We have used the cash only system for over a year now. Before we did, we also did the floating to the direct deposit and hubby forgetting to give me receipts and so on. We lived above our means. Now we actually have money in our "savings envelope" and we took our first ever family vacation this year. We also have paid cash for 2 vehicles in the last 2 years. We can buy things we need if we "need" them. We can even splurge if we choose which we choose not too alot. We have no debt, we are currently renting to start afresh and plan on buying in the next 2-3 years. We would be in so much trouble if we hadn't started over 2 years ago and then then did the cash only system. God has showed us many things by living this way. It has also taught all our children how to live more frugal. They love being able to say we saved this much and guess what this is it we don't have anymore money to spend this month or week on this. I praise the Lord for showing us what was right for us. Great post! We have used the cash only system for over a year now. Before we did, we also did the floating to the direct deposit and hubby forgetting to give me receipts and so on. We lived above our means. Now we actually have money in our “savings envelope” and we took our first ever family vacation this year. We also have paid cash for 2 vehicles in the last 2 years. We can buy things we need if we “need” them. We can even splurge if we choose which we choose not too alot. We have no debt, we are currently renting to start afresh and plan on buying in the next 2-3 years. We would be in so much trouble if we hadn’t started over 2 years ago and then then did the cash only system. God has showed us many things by living this way. It has also taught all our children how to live more frugal. They love being able to say we saved this much and guess what this is it we don’t have anymore money to spend this month or week on this. I praise the Lord for showing us what was right for us. Great post!

]]> By: Lesley http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188575 Lesley Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:47:18 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188575 I am starting the envelope system with bills, but not with groceries. I used the debit card for that and it works good for us. We have a budget, and just like using cash I don't go over the budget. If I do then I have to put items back, which is a very rare thing. I am starting the envelope system with bills, but not with groceries. I used the debit card for that and it works good for us. We have a budget, and just like using cash I don’t go over the budget. If I do then I have to put items back, which is a very rare thing.

]]> By: Diana http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188574 Diana Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:55:18 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188574 This was a great post. I'd like to use the envelope system for groceries, but unfortunately (fortunately!) I get food stamps. So it takes mental willpower to not overspend like I did this month, when I spent $22 on rolls and pizza strips alone! They were for my son's party, but I should have realized that by the 22nd, I'd run out of money and have to hope that the food left in our house would suffice. It has, thank goodness! I think that this post, in conjunction with the post a while back that boiled down to "it's not how much you save, it's how little you spend" are really helping me to take control of my money again. Especially in these very, very hard financial times. This was a great post. I’d like to use the envelope system for groceries, but unfortunately (fortunately!) I get food stamps. So it takes mental willpower to not overspend like I did this month, when I spent $22 on rolls and pizza strips alone! They were for my son’s party, but I should have realized that by the 22nd, I’d run out of money and have to hope that the food left in our house would suffice. It has, thank goodness!
I think that this post, in conjunction with the post a while back that boiled down to “it’s not how much you save, it’s how little you spend” are really helping me to take control of my money again. Especially in these very, very hard financial times.

]]> By: Creative Triplet Mom http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188573 Creative Triplet Mom Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:19:28 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188573 Wow I am amazed you are only spending $40 a week. That's only $160 a month. We are a family of 5 and I spend $160 in one week and that's with using coupons. I'm going to try to cash only system but just don't know how much to take out. Do you buy meat? My husband has to have meat at every meal. I've been trying to not spend over $5 a meal and getting meat when it is on sale and stocking up. I found ground beef for 99 cents once and chicken 40% off. That's when I buy a lot so it lasts for the month. Wow I am amazed you are only spending $40 a week. That’s only $160 a month. We are a family of 5 and I spend $160 in one week and that’s with using coupons. I’m going to try to cash only system but just don’t know how much to take out. Do you buy meat? My husband has to have meat at every meal. I’ve been trying to not spend over $5 a meal and getting meat when it is on sale and stocking up. I found ground beef for 99 cents once and chicken 40% off. That’s when I buy a lot so it lasts for the month.

]]> By: Kristy http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188572 Kristy Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:54:31 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188572 We've used the cash system for years. LOVE IT! (We pay all regular monthly bills online with our debit card account.) When the cash is gone, the cash is gone. I always make sure to purchase the staples (including 3 different sizes of diapers!) first and then choose my sales/coupons carefully. I think seeing the cash dwindle from my wallet each week helps me spend it wisely...and helps me see how wonderfully the Lord provides for us. Great guest post...I couldn't agree more. (Especially about the OOP thing. When I read someone's blog and they say it's free or a money maker...I say, "Not for me...that's $$$ that has to come out of my pocket...can I afford that this week? If so, it's a great bonus for next week when I use the catalina or whatever!) We’ve used the cash system for years. LOVE IT! (We pay all regular monthly bills online with our debit card account.) When the cash is gone, the cash is gone. I always make sure to purchase the staples (including 3 different sizes of diapers!) first and then choose my sales/coupons carefully. I think seeing the cash dwindle from my wallet each week helps me spend it wisely…and helps me see how wonderfully the Lord provides for us. Great guest post…I couldn’t agree more. (Especially about the OOP thing. When I read someone’s blog and they say it’s free or a money maker…I say, “Not for me…that’s $$$ that has to come out of my pocket…can I afford that this week? If so, it’s a great bonus for next week when I use the catalina or whatever!)

]]> By: Beth Long http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188571 Beth Long Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:50:32 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188571 Thanks so much for this guest post. I think that the sentiment of self discipline was outlined really nicely- something that Money Saving Mom often has as an underlying tone, but here the explicit outline here was really nice. Thanks so much for this guest post. I think that the sentiment of self discipline was outlined really nicely- something that Money Saving Mom often has as an underlying tone, but here the explicit outline here was really nice.

]]> By: Melissa http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188570 Melissa Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:47:39 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188570 Thank you so much for helping me to refocus. As a new stay at home mom I am learning a lot and needed to be reminded that God is the supplier of all of our needs. I need to focus on Him more and not so much on the "deals". We are great savers. I used the envelope system in college and for a few years after. I think I need to try it again. Thanks for the encouragement. Thank you so much for helping me to refocus. As a new stay at home mom I am learning a lot and needed to be reminded that God is the supplier of all of our needs. I need to focus on Him more and not so much on the “deals”. We are great savers. I used the envelope system in college and for a few years after. I think I need to try it again.
Thanks for the encouragement.

]]> By: Patricia http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188569 Patricia Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:20:47 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188569 I once tried dividing up money for each category, but it just never worked for me. Now, each week, I take out $280 in cash, and that is what I spend for the week on everything, except gas and monthly bills. Groceries, entertainment, eating out, clothes (for the most part), going to the museum with my daughter, paying the babysitter, it all comes out of that. For clothes, we do sometimes decide we need to just spend a chunk of money outside the budget, but I try to stay in it. Plus, if there is some large item that we need, that would come from other savings. If you really like the rewards card points, you can use it to pay the monthly bills (although sometimes they won't let you). That way you are putting a fixed amount on there, and it isn't about uncontrolled spending. I was hesitant to say how much I spend each week, since it seems everyone else spends so much less, but I finally decided to just admit it (also, family of three). With this method, I see the amount of cash I have at all times and that usually slows down my spending. I also don't have to worry about tracking categories. Plus, if I really want a magazine or something, I just get it without feeling bad about it. I once tried dividing up money for each category, but it just never worked for me. Now, each week, I take out $280 in cash, and that is what I spend for the week on everything, except gas and monthly bills. Groceries, entertainment, eating out, clothes (for the most part), going to the museum with my daughter, paying the babysitter, it all comes out of that. For clothes, we do sometimes decide we need to just spend a chunk of money outside the budget, but I try to stay in it. Plus, if there is some large item that we need, that would come from other savings.

If you really like the rewards card points, you can use it to pay the monthly bills (although sometimes they won’t let you). That way you are putting a fixed amount on there, and it isn’t about uncontrolled spending.

I was hesitant to say how much I spend each week, since it seems everyone else spends so much less, but I finally decided to just admit it (also, family of three). With this method, I see the amount of cash I have at all times and that usually slows down my spending. I also don’t have to worry about tracking categories. Plus, if I really want a magazine or something, I just get it without feeling bad about it.

]]> By: Jan http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188568 Jan Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:12:57 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188568 excellent guest post! excellent guest post!

]]> By: Dana http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html/comment-page-1#comment-188567 Dana Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:34:18 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/07/the-envelope-system-experiment-paying-with-cashwe-all-did-it-at-one-point-when-you-are-a-child-and-are-too-young-to.html#comment-188567 We have been using the envelope system since April (I started couponing at the same time). We use a separate envelope for groceries (including health, cleaning, and cat), my allowance, hubby's allowance, kids needs, eating out, house, auto, birthdays, kids gifts (holidays, etc), & family fun. All our other expenses such as mortgage and utilities are budgeted for and automatically deducted from our checking account. Our grocery budget is $400 month (spent $600-700 before!) Now that I have a good stockpile I am reducing to $360 and hopefully can go down from there with a family of 4. Thank you, your site has been a tremendous help! We have been using the envelope system since April (I started couponing at the same time). We use a separate envelope for groceries (including health, cleaning, and cat), my allowance, hubby’s allowance, kids needs, eating out, house, auto, birthdays, kids gifts (holidays, etc), & family fun. All our other expenses such as mortgage and utilities are budgeted for and automatically deducted from our checking account. Our grocery budget is $400 month (spent $600-700 before!) Now that I have a good stockpile I am reducing to $360 and hopefully can go down from there with a family of 4.
Thank you, your site has been a tremendous help!

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