Runaway Checkbook

 

Now What Do I Do?

 

After you have created a Spending Plan (See "Create a Spending Plan"), take the Cash category amount under the WEEK column on the Spending Plan.  That is how much you should withdraw from your bank account each Friday.  If you are married, split the money however you determine between spouses.  Remember, this is the money that is used to buy groceries, clothes, eating out, etc.  This is all you can afford to spend each week on discretionary purchases. 

 

DO NOT USE CREDIT CARDS OR WRITE CHECKS FOR "CASH" CATEGORY EXPENSES, EVEN IF YOU RUN OUT OF CASH BEFORE THE NEXT FRIDAY.

 

Remember, the Cash amount you determined in the Spending Plan is all you can afford to spend on discretionary expenses.  The remainder of your income is needed for your fixed expenses.

 

DO NOT TAKE ADVANCES ON YOUR WEEKLY CASH.

 

Discipline yourself to live within your income.