Make Memories

As I started the new posts in the Simplify & Save category I had many people mentioning this one. I guess I just never thought of it before. It is a cute idea though.

You are supposed to fill water half way up in a container and freeze it. When it is fully frozen you then place a credit card in the container and fill the rest of the way with water. When you have frozen it a second time you are left with a credit card that can not be used easily.

The idea is that it will stop impulse spending. You no longer have it with you when you are out doing things. You are supposed to take the card out of the freezer when you want to use it and wait until it defrosts. This makes you take the time to see if you really need to use it or if you are just being wasteful.

The Good… Yes, if this is followed exactly you will limit impulse spending. You can use the time to think your spending through. I think it is more symbolic. It reminds you of your goals and to be sensible.

The Bad… You really do still need to have self control for this to work.  The big wasteful spender will still want to use the card after it defrosts. They will also probably feel guilty about using it and buy more to make themselves feel better.

The Ugly… The really desperate person will probably destroy their card by breaking apart the ice, microwaving it, or putting it in boiling water.

Sooooo, depending on what kind of spender you are this might actually work for you.

I have also met someone that keeps their cards in a safety deposit box. This will also limit and delay your ability to use them.

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