By John Matonich
I am continually amazed by folks I come across and their aversion to carrying cash. I really don’t know what it is, but they ought to be thankful that someone invented plastic or those stone tablets would be tough to cart around. It does make me wonder if they know something I don’t, such as the government has secretly embedded some mind altering chemical in our $5 bills. I guess that would explain my actions at times.
Some might say it’s a generational difference, but I don’t agree. I see seniors in the same boat quite regularly. My grandson and I were going out to have breakfast a Saturday or two ago and we headed into a small town about 20 minutes from the house, which has a mom and pop place that serves some very good breakfast fare. One other piece of info about this place is that it doesn’t accept credit or debit cards. In fact they have a big sign at the front door letting everyone know that is the case.
When we pulled in to park, two other vehicles were unloading to go in and enjoy a good breakfast. Each vehicle had a few seniors in it and both parties headed to the door only to stop and read the sign. I saw heads shaking as each party turned around and got back in their vehicles and headed down the road. I suspect they were thinking it would only be a few miles to the 21st Century, but I knew it was going to be a while before they came to the next town and still no guarantee that plastic was welcome. Many of the businesses in this area have chosen not to deal with the fees and hassle of plastic and only take cash. Some have actually installed (or had someone install) an ATM at their business so instead of eating into their profits, they are adding to them.
My son and daughter aren’t a lot different. They were coming up to spend a few days with me over the holidays a number of years ago and I had to remind them twice to have the $4 toll in cash to get across the Big Mac bridge. I believe I read recently that the bridge authority is actually now taking plastic. I guess they were tired of turning people around to go back and find an ATM somewhere.
When I opened my wood shop a little over a year ago, I felt I needed to be able to accommodate all types of customers, so I spent about $150 for a machine that would read plastic both with chips and strips. The machine is still sitting in the drawer and has never been used. It seems most of the local folks seem to have some cash on them or like to write a check. Actually I shouldn’t have been surprised as I guess most of the locals have had breakfast at a place that doesn’t take plastic and don’t think carrying currency will cause brain damage.
And that’s the situation as I survey it …
After a 35-year career downstate amongst da trolls, during which he built a successful engineering and surveying business, John Matonich is back home in da U.P. His column will appear here occasionally, don’tcha know. His book “Surveyin’ Da Situation” is available on Amazon.com.
Dollar bill image credit: Chris Potter
I don’t mind when I go to a establishment and there is a sign stating that it doesn’t accept credit cards. What I don’t like is after you pay for a meal with a credit card there is a extra charge on your bill for using the card (without a sign in sight stating that fact). I always tell the owners It will be the last time I go there. Always like your articles.
I’ve seen that happen with cash too!! I am like you. They lost my business.
Thank you, Teddy… and I have to agree… paying extra for cc isn’t right… it’s business
I seldom carry cash on me, but it’s not on purpose. I don’t normally get to an ATM machine that often. Both mine and my husband’s paychecks are direct deposit so there is no need to go to the credit union. My husband, on the other hand, carries cash on him all the time. It’s not always much but it’s enough to get him lunch at work for the week.
I really don’t carry much cash either but I still carry some…
One of your best articles! Great!
Thank you, Howard… glad you like to read my ramblings
Another great article! Always have cash- less cc receipts to save & less writing/balancing in a check register. Our card has been compromised 3 x in the last year or so, the bank said to not pay at the gas pump.
Thanks, Cathy… I am always worried about cc stealing but sometimes you have to use one
I enjoyed reading this.
I tend to have both in my wallet. I like to hang on to the cash for as long as possible, because sometimes an emergency will come up that only cash will cover and I wouldn’t want to be short if that ever happens. I probably had the same bills in my wallet for 3 months now, because I will use plastic 99% of the time.
Maybe some people’s reasoning is; if you ever get mugged, or lose your wallet or purse, you can always cancel your plastic, but the cash is as good as gone.
It is always a hassle to deal with credit card loses, but you are right… cash is pretty hard to track…
I am often tempted to tell the nice young college-age cashiers at the grocery store: “When I was your age, we were told that in the future, everything will be paid for with “plastic”.
Well, not yet, but the prediction is true.
I think I am going to quit using my card. I am reading too much bad news about the perils of using the cards. With cash in our pockets, you can only spend so much, but with a debit card you can go over and buy some extra treats. This is NOT good for a spur of the moment person like me.
Thanks John. Good article!
Thank you, Linda… I agree that credit cards can lead to spur buying… I am a victim of that many times over
Like the lady stated above, direct deposit has eliminated the need to go to the bank. I usually have a little cash on me but don’t think it is safe to be flashing a lot of cash around in today’s heroin riddled society. This little old lady doesn’t need to be mugged in the parking lot.
Unless you wear a sign about having no cash on you, you are always a potential for the bad element …. I am glad I live in an area that isn’t a big potential for that…
Like the lady stated above, direct deposit has eliminated the need to go to the bank. I usually have a little cash on me but don’t think it is safe to be flashing a lot of cash around in today’s heroin riddled society. This little old lady doesn’t need to be mugged in the parking lot.
Use direct deposit. Just carry a debit card that way I do not go over my budget. Manage to save a little cash for emergencies. I have the phone company and consumers along with a couple of other companies want me to sign up for automatic paperless billing. I will not do that, even though they make the specious claim that may save some money on my bills. One you sign up for that type of service you are at there mercy. They claim that it will take 3-4 months to set up the payment plan. I have friends that did sign up for services like that, then they moved. It took almost 6 months to stop the auto payments. They managed to get most of their money back so far. I do not trust any banks and credit unions. Sometimes I feel like it may be better to kep your money in a mattress.
I have heard the same thing and am reluctant to use auto pay…. I still like paper statements
One thing nobody has cited yet: When I travel to other countries, the people there always prefer cash. Most of them do not trust American credit cards. And, our credit cards work differently from theirs. Also, one of the best things about travel is visiting peculiar old places. We go there specifically because the places are ancient, because they are not caught up with the 21st century CE. I recommend you use cash when you leave the USA.
Here is another thing: I usually use my debit/credit card for almost everything, here in the USA. BUT! This leaves a record of everything I buy. This info is supposed to be somewhat private, but I am sure, in the near future, ANYBODY will be able to buy this info about me.
I do not want my boss to be able to find out how much wine I buy, or whether I buy tobacco. I do not want some job-interviewer to see that I buy fresh baguettes from a fancy bakery. (That might make somebody believe I might be too fancy for that company, rather than judging me by what I say and how I act.)
Cash has many advantages, but it is somewhat inconvenient.