Losing my debit card usually means a frantic call to my bank to have it replaced and then a planned trip to the branch to re-pin the code so that I don’t forget the one they send me.  Not this time around.

About three weeks ago the man went to the ATM to get cash to pay the housekeeper.  He came back, put the money on the night stand while I was asleep, but uhmm no debit card.  Long story but there are two cards for the same account, but he can’t use the ATM because he forgot the pin they sent him.  So he uses mine for cash withdrawals until he can get to the branch to re-pin his code.

Ok, so we realize that he left the card in the Wachovia branch ATM about 2 days later, go into the branch and the branch manager tells us that it’s there but she can’t give it back.  Fine, I knew this would be the case since this isnt the first time I’ve had an ATM machine eat my debit card.  But it’s actually not that bad.  This has been a blessing in disguise for the following reasons:

1.  I’m not able to make random cash withdrawals from the ATM.  We have only made trips to deposit money/checks.

2.  No haphazard trips to the grocery store and no eating out unless it’s with the cash we already have on hand.  I see my clients in different locations so I’ve been forced to bring lunch or run home in between appointments.  Without a debit card I’m not going to Starbucks, stopping at my gym’s cafe, health food store/Whole Foods to browse and any other random nonsense I used to do when bored until my next client appointment.

3.  No online shopping with the exception of sites that have Paypal.  That’s still the debil but I’ve been good.  No shopping.  It feels so good to say that!

4.  If I really really need something, I’ve had to and can call hubby to get it done over the phone or swing by his job to get the card from him.  And since that’s a pain in the arse, not having a card has really made me focus on my financial priorities rather than unscheduled issues that may come up.

Not having the debit card IN MY HAND has worked out wonderfully.

Ahh but yes one is on it’s way to my house because I don’t want to be without one for much longer LOL.  Still, this warrants a few changes which may help with increased financial awareness on my part.  You see, even though I write about personal finance here, I still struggle with certain aspects of it in my own life.  Im not here to pretend like it’s all rosey, it aint.  I still like to shop but the last three weeks have been an eye opener.  Ive been forced to really really determine what are priorities vs what can wait.  When looking over my purchases and category spending, random ATM withdrawals, eating out and online shopping tend to be our budget’s downfall.

So I’m toying with not carrying a debit card and only using cash for things like groceries and eating out.  We are in the final stretch of paying off close to $30k in consumer debt (post about that coming up) and we’ve really reigned in our spending.  Especially since finding Rudder but again, that’s another post.

What about you?  Have you had something that was seemingly a disaster turn out to be a blessing in disguise?