KEEPING YOUR CASH AT HOME

MOST PEOPLE FEEL THEIR MONEY IN HAND is safer and they can account for it better. But from past experience and having talked with those who have tried this, it really is a bad idea. For one thing, it's just way too easy to spend and not use it for what is needed. There may be a time when checks are not accepted and only money orders or cashiers checks are allowed, and then the money will need to be handy to purchase these items. And figuring out just how much cash to keep on hand is sometimes hard to do. A lot, again, depends on income one gets and what cash needs one has for the week. Some people purchase their car fuel with cash only, as well as milk and bread and cigarettes. Others prefer to use their ATM cards. If you buy lunches during the week, you probably use cash and if you have children they probably get allowances and buy their lunch during the week at school. But overall, knowing what you use and your income can be the deciding factor in the amount you keep on hand. (Don't forget that savings account.)
CASHING YOUR PAY CHECK usually is not the best idea. Bills due are usually larger than the actual pay, so one tends to go ahead and spend it on something else figuring it's not enough anyway. This can become a very "bad" rut to get into by one's reasoning it out this way. Open a savings account, usually $5.00 will open an account, and deposit most of the check, except for maybe $25.00. At least this keeps you from making a choice that will get you no where right at that moment. It's not a solution, only a deterrent from an otherwise panic action. Once you train yourself to keep the money, you can begin on managing it better and getting a handle on it. This can actually become a split second decision and at this point, take a deep breath and slow down. Clearing your thoughts will guide you in the right direction, making it come out with a positive end result.