Way back when I still lived in Colorado, I managed to muck up my finances pretty well, to the point where my bank yanked my checking account. So for quite a while I lived cash-only, which probably was the only thing that taught me how to budget better. When you pay in cash, you’re very aware of how much you’re spending on things, and once you’re out of money, you’re OUT OF MONEY.

Years and much work later, I’m back in stellar credit (yay!) but I still do as much cash-only living as I can. I divide my direct deposit into separate checking and savings accounts; the checking is used only to pay bills, while the savings is for day-to-day living, from meals to Costco runs. No debit card — my mind doesn’t treat it like real money, like it does cash.

But every once in a while, the shopping tries to get the better of me. The credit cards are the tricky part.

Last week I went with my friend Michael to a Pier 1 store to help him find some accessories for his newly redecorated living room, and he suggested we stop by Marshall’s. Where I found a suit. A beautiful gray wool suit from Michael Kors’ second line. For less than $175. I did not need a gray wool suit, but something about accompanying Michael as he picked up all this stuff for his house (and then, in the men’s section at Marshall’s, clothing) made me really, REALLY want to buy something, too. “This is a good investment,” I said, and plunked down the card. (Which now will have to be paid out of checking. Dammit.)

Today I was going to the aforementioned Costco (I have the lowbrow cash-only membership) so I stopped at the ATM, even though I technically didn’t need to get more cash. I knew what I was going for — bulk staples like soda, water, detergent — and I knew it would cost much less than I had with me already. But I thought: “What if?”

What if I really like a set of sheets, or find a good pair of workout shorts? It would be a shame to find something I really needed and then not have the cash to pick it up.

Luckily the drive-up ATM dispenser was broken, and it was too hot (and I was too lazy) to get out of the car to the walk-up one, so I considered it a sign I shouldn’t be withdrawing any money today and headed to the store. Where I ran into all these things that I normally would have been tempted by — a set of Sharpie markers! 211 tools for $99! A real down pillow for $39! A leather storage ottoman!

I was very glad that I had just had the “What is essential?” refresher before entering the store. No dry-fit long-sleeved tees, no dress socks, no DVDs, no multipack of tortilla chips … I did not NEED any of those items. I walked out only with what I had come in for.

Well, mostly: I got fresh flowers, too. But you can’t expect to score 100% every time.  Plus: Look how nice they look! (Click on thumbnail to see bigger picture.)

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 7/28/08
The shirt: Novelty-print tee by Tonka (Target)
The pants: “Lover Not a Fighter” knee-length sweat shorts (Target)
The shoes: Leather sandals by Miu Miu (Saks Off 5th, Arizona Mills)
The scent: Patchouli-scented lotion from Splashadello
Listening to: “Bittersweet” by Big Head Todd & The Monsters

sammit

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