Echoes of the Garage

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“If I Can’t Pay Cash, I Don’t Buy It”

Daily writing prompt
Write about your approach to budgeting.

My budgeting is basically a bucket system.

  • Bucket 1: Savings. I keep money in a savings account (the kind that earns interest).
  • Bucket 2: Cash I can actually use. I use my Apple Cash card. When I spend from it, I replenish it when I get paid—and I try to add a little extra.
  • Bucket 3: Investing. Stocks and bonds.

I don’t use credit cards anymore. If I can’t afford it, I don’t buy it.

And I have one rule that keeps me from doing dumb shit: if I want something expensive, I need double the money first—so when I buy it, I’m never at zero.

I also try to buy stuff on discount. Not because I’m cheap—because money adds up to options. Options let you invest or buy tools that can help you make money.

Reader question: What’s one money rule you live by—no matter what?

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