Spending by Denomination

I've come up with a new way to handle my bi-weekly ATM draw.   That's the $$ I use for general expenses - groceries, gas, etc. 

The ATM at my bank spits out twenties.  Used to be a mix of tens and twenties, a few months ago it became twenties only.   Because of counterfeit problems past and present, I won't accept any bill larger than a twenty. 

I begin my shopping armed with twenties.  If I need gas or a haircut, that money is taken off the top and tucked away.  As I shop every purchase is paid for with twenties, the change goes into my purse for sorting later.

When I get home, the remaining cash is dumped on my desk. 

-- Quarters are set aside for the laundry.

-- Singles become the flea market fund.  I'm hooked on the flea market -- it supports our local animal shelter.  Sometimes it's chicken with lots of treasures, other times the selection is feathers and I walk out empty handed.  I pay for my purchases with singles and loose change.

-- Fives and tens are set aside for dining out/entertainment.  Cheap and cheerful $2.00 taco Wednesdays at a seaside bistro; or a moderately priced meal elsewhere. 

-- Any remaining twenties are hoarded for emergencies until the next ATM draw.  If unspent, they go into the cash stash in the hollow tree. 

Two weeks later I start fresh with a visit to the ATM.

After nine months of retirement, I've been able to stick to my retirement budget; spending about 52% of my monthly income and saving the remaining 48%.   It helps that my condo and car are paid in full and I have no credit card debt.

So far, so good.  Knock wood.

Penny Pincher