"Swiper No Swiping"

Are you a swiper? Meaning do you make most of your purchases with a debit or credit card. Many people use their plastic to make purchases because they say it's convenient, safer than carrying cash, etc. Whatever the reason is, if you always wonder where your money went or if you have already accepted that you have a spending problem...the best advice I can give you is to STOP SWIPING! 

The convenience of the debit card or credit card is a retailers dream. Customers come in, swipe away and leave their place of business with things they need as well as things they probably don't need. Sam and I have been on a mostly cash system for a few years now, and it really helps us keep our spending in check. If you give yourself a "spending allowance" and use strictly cash, you force yourself to be aware of the price of the items that you are purchasing and you have to make sure you have enough money to cover your purchase. Even big successful corporations pay attention to the prices of the things they purchase, so don't feel that if you look at the price that you are "poor" or "penny pinching." Be smart with your money. And in the words of Dora the Explorer "Swiper NO SWIPING!"