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Original poster

How many of you carry cash nowerdays?

132 replies

RedDiamond · 08/12/2022 18:16

I was walking past a charity collector and was sort of ambushed. By that I mean she blocked my way and rattled her bucket before me. I had to explain that I do not carry cash normally so had nothing to put in her bucket. The last time I emptied my purse out I gave it to a homeless young person near to where I live.

The charity collector was very indignant and told me she never went without cash in her purse. I got used to no cash during Covid. I also do online shopping for food and anything else I need. She cannot have been more than 10/15 years older than me but she made me feel embarrassed. Is it an old school thing?

The only time I have cash now is if I know I HAVE to pay in cash and will go to an ATM.

How many of you also do not carry cash or not a lot of cash anymore?

OP posts:

CatJumperTwat · 10/12/2022 14:28

palygold · 10/12/2022 13:16

Well I don't live in Australia, and in the decade I haven't used cash this has never been a problem. I've never been in a powercut that lasted longer than two hours. And I could still use mobile data to order a takeaway or food shop online if I was desperate.

Power cuts here last longer than 2 hours, rural location.

Takeaways especially and a delivered grocery shop during power cuts might be slightly problematic. Unless you were ordering out of the area somehow.

If you say so. It's not something I'm going to lose any sleep over!

Kazzyhoward · 10/12/2022 15:03

Choccolatte · 10/12/2022 12:53

I absolutely use cash as much as I can. A cashless economy is something to be very wary of. Every transaction can be monitored, your money can be stopped in a second, all fine with our relatively democratic government but terrifying for anyone living under a dictatorship or similar. My parents grew up in such a country and have a healthy dose of fear around such potential control. It isn't beyond the realms of reality that Russia or some other state or terror group hack into the banks. With no cash this would be devasting in days.

How many days would you survive with just a small amount of cash? You'd need hundreds or thousands to survive for any significant amount of time! Having a few spare pounds for some groceries won't go far if there's a complete failure of the banking system - we'd have civil unrest within a few days!

Choccolatte · 10/12/2022 15:53

But without cash we would have it almost immediately which would give a buffer for our banks/government to regain control.

Cheshiresun · 10/12/2022 15:56

I often have cash, not by choice but because other businesses - the school bus, window cleaner, chip shop, gardener, etc, etc, still only accept cash. So I take no more than what I need out in cash.

Yesterday a big issue seller shouted out at me across the car park wanting me to buy her magazine - but I had to say no thank you, as I didn't have any on me. When I do have it, it's the bear minimum to pay others who accept only cash.

Toooldtoworry · 10/12/2022 16:00

I NEVER have cash. I pay for everything by card. Have done so for as long as I can remember tbh.

SinnerBoy · 10/12/2022 16:05

There was a charity collector at the supermarket, earlier, but I wasn't a fan of his cause. I said, sorry, no coins. He brandished a card reader and tried to follow me...

I hadn't noticed them before, although a poster here mentioned it.

PuggyMum · 10/12/2022 16:05

I take about £200 a month out cash and usually spend it all.
Hairdressers.
Beauty Salon.
Tuck shop money.
Just paid cash for my Christmas Tree.
I work in a city centre so often pop a couple of quid in a cup for homeless people.

I'm in the 'use it or lose it camp'. I would hate for everything to be digital.

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