OK ladies I know you have been there before (so have I--let's hope this time takes!) DH and I went to an all cash system beginning today...I think/hope/pray we can do it! But I am stressed already about it and I know he is. This isn't a good time with back to school stuff, but next it will be Christmas...so I guess there is never a good time!

Any good solid tips?

I have seen lots on Dave Ramsey and plan to check his book out at the library, but haven't yet and don't know too much about him.

Wish us luck!

I was an impulse shopper, when I wrote checks for everything. But since I use cash to pay for clothes and other stuff, it has really made me think twice before I buy something.

I now only use checks to pay bills, gas and grocerys.

I still keep checks or 1 credit card in case of emergency (like flat tire or car trouble).

The main thing is ask yourself if you really need this or just want it.

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Even writing the checks didn't slow you down huh? Bummer, by cash I mean checks and cash...keeping a talley rather than using credit at all...I feel a bit more irresponsible with cash than I do checks...
so do you carry only as much cash as you think you will need...for example if you only need eggs and milk do you only bring 10.00 to the store rather than 20?
How do you all handle the gas prices?

I try to do once a month shopping for grocerys and I write a check.

If I go to the store in between to buy milk or eggs. I take 10 or less. That way I know I can't impulse buy.

Gas I write a check. Any bill or anything that I can deduct from our income tax (like church) I write a check.

But i made myself a promise 2 years ago, that extra (clothes, shoes, makeup, knick-knacks, starbucks, impulse buys at grocery store) I would pay with cash only.

You would be suprise at how much I quite buying and how much I started saving.

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ok that gives be hope...I am definately the spender in the house...I love the impulse things and often feel I "deserve" the starbucks, gum, soda at the checkout...whatever...but you are right paying cash for those items would prevent me from doing it rather than adding it into my grocery bill. Ahhh, so tough. Thanks for the tips!
perhaps I need to start "deserving" an evening walk or bike ride! Would be good for all of us in the end!

I would do all cash except for regular bills. See how it goes for one month. If you feel uncomfortable with all the cash, divide it by pay periods. I use a coupon book to divide my cash by category - makes it easier for me that way.

i agree i would also recommend all cash except for bills since you are the spender.

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SILENCE IS GOLDEN BUT DUCK TAPE IS SILVER.

Run do not walk to the library and get the Dave Ramsey book. he has a few out now. His first one is Financial Peace. That is the book I used and has helped me so much. DH and I have paid off over 4600.00 in debt using this system. HURRY!!!!! Get there before someone else checks the book out.

Yes--check out a Dave Ramsey book ASAP! If you only read one, I prefer Total Money Makeover over Financial Peace. Also, the perspective in The Millionaire Next Door may help you curb your "I deserve it" spending habits--you'll discover that self-made millionaires have mastered the trick of balancing wants and needs.
Going to a cash system will take some time to get used to. Try challenging yourself to how many days you get into the month within your cash budget, then add days to that challenge each month. Keeping tabs on spending by category month by month will also help you track whether you've budgeted the right amount in each category.
I do pad the cash I take to the grocery store by $20 or so over what my grocery list includes--if I come across a meat markdown or huge unadvertised sale, I don't want to have to leave it on the shelf and kick myself later in the month when I have to pay full price, and I definitely don't want to pay for the groceries on my card and screw up my cash system.