Stories abound about how the American consumer is spending less this year than last year. That seems like a “duh” statement to me. But what's more encouraging to hear is that Americans are using cash or debit cards to make their purchases. That's great news! Sure, it doesn't help the credit card companies, and retailers have to compete more for your dollar, but you as a consumer win.By not financing your purchase through credit cards, you can negotiate a better price at times, and you'll be more constrained in your spending by using cash. I've cited in my workshops how grocery store shoppers spend 12 - 20% more on food when using a debit card than when they use cash. Cash in hand creates a limit that plastic cards don't. Keep up the good work!