Last week I wrote a post about saving up for a new lens. I have gotten a few emails asking me about tips to save up. While everyone cuts costs in their own way to save money and for different reasons, one thing remains the same…Temptation. Ah, the temptation to buy something with that savings other than what you are intending.
I have kept balances on Paypal, cash in an envelope, and just a specific amount in my head that was in our bank account that was “saving for _____”. One thing I haven’t done and got a suggestion via email to try is Green Dot card. I have seen these at stores, but not thought much about them. In my head they are just for people that can’t get checking accounts.
After thinking about it more, I think the idea of these is great. So I did a lot of research. These cards are not what I thought they were. The money is there and available to you. You can use direct deposit or load it with cash at a local store. You can even use ATMs (which I never do because I don’t ever have cash on me).
But think about it, what a great way to make sure you don’t go over budget for Christmas shopping! Load the card with your budgeted amount and you are set. You can even set up direct deposit to have a little go to that card each check to make Christmas shopping not such a whammy on the pocket book.
What a neat way to get your husband his gift without him seeing the amount and the store on the bank statement. That really takes the surprise away. You can shop online with it, too.
While researching I wanted to make sure these were legit because I only here about them with bad connotations. I found a neat article talking about the low response towards these prepaid cards from the Federal Reserve’s website. I can see why because I had my own thoughts of them before researching, too.
If you are trying to stay on a budget, or trying to save up without spending the cash I think this is a great idea. I know I am not a frugal blogger, a shopping blogger, or anything along those lines. But this recommendation really opened my eyes to new ways to be smart with your hard earned money.
Now if you just happen to choose to buy a new lens or camera bag with that hard earned money, who am I to judge? 
Thanks Candice for the tip!!
We have a check card that we use exclusively, so it's like that in a way...we can only spend the money that's in our acct, but the part about him seeing how much I'm spending or even where I bought something really ruins any surprise. I've also taken money out and just used cash for gifts. But I'm a scaredy cat and don't like to walk around with a lot of cash around the holidays. Thanks for the tip! :)
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