I want to cut back on spending, but I need the money... help! - WDAM.COM - TV 7 - News, Weather and Sports

I want to cut back on spending, but I need the money... help!

Updated: July 1, 2010 09:57 AM EDT
©iStockphoto.com/Roman Milert ©iStockphoto.com/Roman Milert
  • Most ReadMost Popular Stories

  • Friday, May 17 2013 11:23 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:23:44 GMT
    A Hattiesburg High School senior will soon be on his way to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Parker Krag has received an appointment to the academy. He got his acceptance packet Friday morning.
    A Hattiesburg High School senior will soon be on his way to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
  • Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-05-15 14:08:44 GMT
    ORLANDO (WFTV/CNN) – Hurricane season is almost here and the National Hurricane Center has released its annual list of storm names. The list alternates between boy and girl names. The list kicks off with
    Hurricane season is almost here and the National Hurricane Center has released its annual list of storm names.
  • Monday, May 13 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-13 16:24:04 GMT
    MARION COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A weekend-long drug raid left 22 individuals behind bars, and more arrests to come. According to Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall, the drug raid is the result of several
    A weekend-long drug raid left 22 individuals behind bars, and more arrests to come.

By Karen Goodfriend

 

Q: I wanted to cut back on credit card charges, but now I'm always at the ATM. How can I find a balance?

A: If you're prone to impulse purchases or surprised by high credit card bills, switching to cash is smart. Still, you need to set a budget to help limit your spending and provide you with enough to cover your needs. Sticking to a budget can also help cut down on ATM trips and any fees that apply.

Start by writing down what you buy every month, plus how much it costs. This includes groceries, gas, dry cleaning, shopping, entertainment and coffee runs, but not mortgage payments or other set bills.

Next, decide whether each purchase should be a credit or cash expenditure. In general, put non-negotiable costs like groceries and gas in the credit category and discretionary spending like shopping and entertainment in the cash group. But remember to take your spending habits into account when divvying up your list. If you have trouble sticking to your budgeted amount for groceries, set aside just enough cash and proclaim the supermarket a credit-free zone. This will force you to make smart choices so you stay on budget.

After tallying up what you need in cash each month, withdraw only a percentage of it each week. Then tell yourself you can't hit the ATM again until your next planned visit. You'll start thinking twice about what you buy -- and you should end up saving a bundle.

Copyright (c) 2010 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

Karen Goodfriend is a certified public accountant and personal finance specialist in Los Altos, Calif. She is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs' Financial Literacy Commission.

INFORMATIONAL DISCLAIMER The information contained on or provided through this site is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional financial or accounting advice. Always seek the advice of your accountant or other qualified personal finance advisor for answers to any related questions you may have. Use of this site and any information contained on or provided through this site is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.