Paper or plastic?

[frugalone]

...method of paying, that is, not bags.

How many of you pay for groceries (and things like toothpaste) on a cash-only basis?

I am considering doing that instead of going to the store with the debit card, because I'm wondering if that leads to unnecessary spending.

What do you think?

[cattledog]

It depends how much discipline you have. I always make a list before I go to the store, but I am terrible about sticking to it. Somehow (I have no discipline, obviously!) that French cheese, salmon spread, can of cashews, pint of raspberries, etc. ends up in my cart. Not that these things are bad, but they'll add another $5-10 to my tab. I'm better with cash, since I'd feel really embarrassed to not have enough money to pay for my groceries when I got to the register.

[Greg44]

I rarely have ANY cash, maybe enough for a soda at McDonalds (if I plan ahead)... Debit is the way I go and it makes it easier for me to track my spending on quicken.

I am pretty careful -- if I am running in for milk -- I get just milk. Now my wife...that is another story! She often uses that to her advantage. She will say we need milk..."but you know if I go, I will probably buy a lot more than what we need!" ;)

[happystuff]

We don't have debit cards. Groceries are one of the few things we still use a credit card for and that is primarily to earn the cash-back. I keep a running total as I shop and I simply stop when I get to my limit. As soon as I get home, I register the amount in the checkbook- just as if I had written a check. This way, when the bill comes in, every charge is accounted for and I can write make the payment to pay-in-full. No finance charges, no debit card fees and I'm earning cash back.

[Maxamillion]

I actually spend less with a debit card and it helps me keep track when doing my budget. If I have cash in my wallet, it just seems to disappear.

[SteveinMN]

For me, the important paper is my grocer list. Unless I'm literally buying just one or two items, I use a debit card. As Gregg mentioned, it's easier to track the expenses. The grocery list helps me remember just what I need for what I'm cooking; forgetting something (or buying it at the "wrong" place) costs money I don't want to spend.

I do sometimes buy items which are not on the list, if I come across an exceptional deal or something I've never seen before that looks really interesting. But, by and large, I stick to the list.

[artist]

I only use cash for most things and avoid using the debit card if I can. I like using cash and even get a discount at the gas station of 5 cents a gallon using cash. (They have two prices posted, cash and credit/debit)

[Float On]

My debit card and checking account have no fees so I use the debit card for everything. I blow through cash and then don't know what I spent it on so the debit card keeps me in track and I can easily figure out what I'm spending on groceries or household or pet supplies or gas in a month with a quick glance on-line as I balance the checkbook.

[Simpler at Fifty]

We use the debit card for groceries. DH gets what is on the list unless there is a great sale on something we USE. I think the key is to be disciplined as cattledog said.

[ToomuchStuff]

Cash or check user here. Mostly cash as plastic (debit or credit) tends to be used only for online purchases. I have never even paid for gas with plastic or used an ATM (don't know how), and only once in my decades of driving, can I remember paying by check for gas (groceries at the same time).

[Mrs-M]

No unnecessary spending on my part whenever I use debit. I'm disciplined, and with dollars being tight in our home, I take the responsible approach when shopping and only buy what is needed.

We don't really work from a budget per se, however, practicing careful spending ensures that we are able to squirrel away a little (here and there), and that in itself always has a pleasing effect, shoring-up the importance of practical/frugal spending and restraint.

[leslieann]

Almost always plastic, either debit or credit (which gets paid off right away anyway). So it is all "cash" but more trackable than the real thing.

[frugalone]

I have a cash-back credit card as well, but I don't use it for groceries. Maybe I should start doing that...

[bunnys]

Frugalone: I never purchase anything with cash. I always use my debit card. I also NEVER purchase anything that is not on my list. But I am a teacher and I can't afford to run an entire household on one income that hasn't been increased in 4 years (and in fact was cut by 2%) and my budget will not allow me to purchase ANYTHING that I haven't planned for in advance.

I really don't think it matters (at least for me) what method of payment I use. I think it matters what your relationship is with money and your awareness of how much money you have to spend and how important it is to you to remain within those parameters that determines if you are doing impulse buying.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Cash or check user here. Mostly cash as plastic (debit or credit) tends to be used only for online purchases. I have never even paid for gas with plastic or used an ATM (don't know how), and only once in my decades of driving, can I remember paying by check for gas (groceries at the same time).

yea that's me. CASH. I do buy impulse items, the question I usually ask myself is: will you eat it and will all the other food you already have or are buying get eaten if you buy this? If I know I already have too much of that category of food at home: fruits say, or vegetables, or whatever, then it's no. But if I will eat it (or if it's some canned or frozen good or something like vinegar that keeps forever or something) then I'll green light it. I guess my main aim is to reduce food waste.

[frugalone]

I really dislike food waste! It frustrates me to no end when veggies are allowed to die an untimely death. :( Definitely, careful planning and sticking to a list are key.

[bunnys]

or something like vinegar that keeps forever or something

Hmmm...never thought of vinegar as an impulse buy before. Interesting.