Swiper Noooo Swiping...

If you are familiar with Dora the Explorer then you know all about the Swiper the Fox. Swiper the Fox steals things from Dora and Boots. It's cute. Luckily the title of my post has nothing to do with stealing. It has everything to do with my family's new approach to spending. No swiping.

Last month we decided to ditch our ATM cards for a cash only lifestyle. I know everyone has heard about the envelope method of spending. You fill envelopes up with money and when the money runs out, that's it. We initially learned about this during Oprah's debt diet years ago. After moving we figured now was as good as time as any for a fresh start with our finances.

                                                                                      Source: oprah.com via Tia on Pinterest

It's only been a couple weeks and I can truly tell we are saving money. My ATM card made life so easy. I never thought about anything. I just swiped. If I wanted to take baby girl out to lunch after a play date I would swipe. If I needed to go to the grocery store I would swipe. Retail therapy, swipe. I was swiping all the time. Using this cash only system has made me really have to think about what I'm buying. Do I really need that new pair of shoes? Or that sweater? Don't I already have something like that? And I've made eating lunch at home a staple in our new routine.

I have to admit that it's been really hard adjusting. I have totally embraced shopping sales and using coupons. Not that I didn't before but now I make it a priority. I actually take the time to plan meals, clip coupons and study the circulars for the best deals. Then I execute. It feels so good watching the total on the register drop when I'm at the cash register. Every little bit helps. 

We hope to add to our family soon and eventually retire when my husband is done with the Army. If this new cash system is going to help us save more money for all that then I'm going to stay on board. Even if it means I have to limit myself and be more disciplined with my money. It's worth it. So this Swiper will be doing absolutely Noooooo Swiping, haha!

Has anyone used this approach toward their finances? How did it work for you? Got any tips for us?

Chic Spotlight: Kohl's Simply Vera

Since the pics on my most recent Stylish Saturday post didn't really show off my amazing ear rings I wanted to share them with you again. Are they not fabulous!? What's even more fabulous is that I found them at Kohl's at a super great price! Have you checked out the Simply Vera collection?

If you see something that you love be sure to use this coupon code: UBLOGTEN (expires 10/24) to get 10% off!  For your added convenience you can stack this coupon code with another department specific code that you might already have. How chic is that? Happy shopping everyone and tweet me picks of your purchases!