Why still use cash?

[whm1974]

While I normally don't carry more then $20 to $30 in cash on me, I see nothing wrong with using cash as it makes it easier to keep track of what I'm spending. Unless I'm on Welfare I don't see any reason why the Government should know what I'm spending my money on.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Cash is less convenient for me, and I dont get small percent back for cash purchases. However, when I use cash, the vendors I do business with don't have to pay fees. So, for small purchases, or when we go out to lunch, we pay cash simply to support local businesses we like.

 

[whm1974]

Personally I don't see is wrong with using cash to begin with. Granted for large purchases I will use a debit/credit card as I don't normally carry large amounts of money, but for everything else I just use cash instead.

 

[Ichinisan]

I agree, for all in person purchases i use cash almost exclusively. At least once a month i see someone in line at a store whos card doesnt work, chip/strip went bad or system is just down or whatever, they then have to exit the store without their goods, having just wasted their time and everyone in line behind them. Im never that guy, because i always have cash, and as long as the store is open im leaving it with my stuff paid for, cash never fails or goes down or looses its internet connection.

Card doesn't work? Use Apple Pay.

 

[NutBucket]

Cash discounts rock! Like others have said, you can usually at least get the tax removed.

 

[mindless1]

I'm going through the drive-thru today and see the driver ahead of me pay with cash. It got me wondering why go through the hassle of dealing with spare change and having to get get more cash from the bank when you can simply use a credit card. Not to mention the benefit of cash back rewards (we get over $50/mo. back from casual spending). Why do you still use cash?

There are lots of reasons to have cash, and if you have it you might as well use it.

1) You work in a profession where you get tips or at least deal in currency, or are a customer of one. Food delivery, cab driver, food server/bartender, shoeshine boy, stripper, BJ Technician , drug dealer, beggar, gambler, laundromat, car wash, etc, etc, etc. You could haul all your cash to the bank regularly, or just keep some to spend, and to make change when others pay cash to you.

2) Everything got more expensive so you're not feeding a vending machine quarters any longer, or car wash, need paper money.

3) Give a homeless person a buck, or other charity.

4) Buy your drugs

5) Pay for your BJ Technician

6) Keep your credit or debit card secure instead of handing it to a stranger to pay for a meal at a restaurant then they go off and do who knows what. Even if they're not a thief, in the past I've heard of a case where a disgruntled server got upset that the customers were pigs and ran a magnet over the card strip after running it for the bill, just to render it worthless the next time they try to use it.

7) Stick in a stripper's thong.

8) Snort coke

9) Pay for goods at a farmer's market, flea market, Craigslist sale, or white van in the back of an alley, anywhere that doesn't take credit.

10) Pay the kid that mows your lawn, or washes your car, or comes up to your door doing a walk-a-thon, or Girl Scout selling cookies.

11) Hide a purchase from your significant other, who sees the credit card statements because they pay the bills.

12) You're in the % of population with maxed out credit cards and feel debit cards are too big a hassle and less secure.

 

[mindless1]

Why care? Credit cards don't make you liable for fraud.

But if your card is frozen before you realize it then you're locked out from using it, or waiting for a new one (more of an inconvenience if it's the only card you have and you always use it instead of cash), then any place you make purchases online, you might be changing dozens of accounts to reflect a new card #. PITA.

 

[brianmanahan]

lol not just any silverbugs, but TEXAS silverbugs.

 

[Vericonx]

Think there's something about certain people who still feel the security in holding something solid as a currency form, as oppsosed to 'virtual' payments. And I think because of the fees that banks place on transactions, certain businesses give discounts when customers make cash payments.

 

[renz20003]

For when the world collapses I can use it to insulate and burn for heat!

 

[sdifox]

For when the world collapses I can use it to insulate and burn for heat!

2x4s burn much better.

 

[Ichinisan]

2x4s burn much better.

Those would have other practical uses.

 

[sdifox]

Those would have other practical uses.

We have plastic money so they dont burn well. Besides, apocalypse means lots of empty houses to get wood from.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

But if your card is frozen before you realize it then you're locked out from using it, or waiting for a new one (more of an inconvenience if it's the only card you have and you always use it instead of cash), then any place you make purchases online, you might be changing dozens of accounts to reflect a new card #. PITA.

Ehh. I'm the extreme being in the 30 card club but I would say most people have more than 1 card... Also if you're worried about making purchases online then cash is a moot point.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

How else is the local Chinese BBQ place supposed to cheat on their taxes?

 

[bbhaag]

I use cash whenever I can. Especially at small local business when I have to make a big purchase. As an example, a couple years back I needed a new mower. Went to my local Toro dealer and found one I liked. Price was the same as the box store but I asked if they offered a cash discount. Owner said it depends so I pulled out four crisp $100 bills and he accepted. Got the mower for $50 less than anywhere else.
Cash is king.

As a small business owner myself I can not understate the importance of my customers paying with cash.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Cash is fun to play with.

 

[lxskllr]

I have a twenty from 198x in my wallet I can't bring myself to spend. I like the way the old bills look. I think that might be my "lucky twenty", and I'll just keep it there til/if I need it.