Lisa Rowan
Credit: Getty Images
I know. It’s 2019. We have contactless cards, peer-to-peer mobile payment systems, and services that will offer you an installment loan for a pair of pants. But I’m not here to talk about any of those newfangled schemes. No, no. I’m here to talk about cash.
Cash gets a bad rap these days. Rewards credit card fans think it’s silly to miss out on points. Salad stores tried to ban it. My local baseball stadium, always looking for new ways to get someone, anyone to attend a game, does not want my money—at least, not that money.
Despite the naysayers, I come in humble defense of cold, hard cash. I always have at least a few dollars in my wallet, which is as practical as it is a frequent conversation piece among my card-loving friends.
Cash comes in handy more often than you might think.
Aside from budgeting methods (and I’ll get to that later this week), cash can get you out of a variety of 20th century situations. Cash is useful to have for emergencies, like an unanticipated cab ride home. It’s helpful at establishments—usually small neighborhood businesses, mind you—that require a minimum purchase to use plastic.
And, cash is useful to help you curb your spending. Swiping is easy! It takes away the pain of actually paying for something by delaying the actual transaction of your money. Pulling out cash somewhere vaguely close to the correct amount you plan to spend can be a reality check for your budget. Or, knowing you have a set amount of money in your wallet can curb spending before you even start.
In honor of the near-endless uses of cash money, I present a list of places and situations in which you might find yourself wishing for a few dollar bills:
Tips! Your bartender, your hair stylist, your airport shoe shine guy, your massage therapist, everybody gets tips. Many establishments don’t permit tipping by card; at those that do, tipping in cash means your service provider means they take home cash that day instead of waiting for the next paycheck.
Cover fees for bars, music venues and comedy clubs. Those that don’t take cards will often point to a crusty-looking ATM as your solution. You don’t want to have to use that crusty ATM.
See AlsoextraETF Finanzmanager im TestGarage sales. Don’t be that person trying to use plastic unless that yard sale explicitly advertises accepting Venmo or Paypal.
Overdue library books. You’re really going to make your library pay a card fee for your $0.85 fine?
Paying back friends or family for a small purchase, like a meal you shared. Sure, you could use a peer-to-peer payment service, or agree to pick up the next tab. But sometimes it feels good to simply hand someone the money you owe them and call it a day. This works especially well for friends or family who are notorious for not accepting your money.
Event parking. The kid working at the dirt lot a half mile from the baseball game will not have much sympathy if you roll up without the advertised CASH ONLY $10.
Renaissance fair pickles. You’re at an old-timey place, use your old-timey money.
Gas stations that charge a higher rate for fill-ups on plastic. These gas stations are hit-or-miss, and many only charge a convenience fee for credit cards. But if you drive a lot, you may find it worth it to have cash on hand in a pinch for unexpected fill ups.
Laundromats. You need the dollars to get the quarters! Because someone’s always using the two washing machines that have card readers.
The ice cream truck. Nothing takes the joy out of spontaneous ice cream splurges like waiting to enter your PIN while your cone melts on your hand.
Kids’ allowances. Having them handle physical cash can help young people learn about money and math concepts.
Tolls when you have a rental car. Rental companies charge per day to use their toll transponder, and let’s face it, you probably forgot to pull the one from your own car for the trip. You will of course turn down the rental company’s offer to rent one, but what will you do when you realize the highway your own has a rapidly approaching toll booth? (You do not want to pay the rental fee for blowing through a toll, I promise you.)
That one busker you really like. Sure, they take Venmo. But kick it old school and drop them a dollar. Then look them up on SoundCloud.
Girl Scout Cookie season. I know, the Girl Scouts use Square, but let the ladies make you some change. See also “kids’ allowances.”
Bribes! You don’t want that paper trail!
A poker game. Nothing takes the buzz out of a good hand like “OK, now everybody Venmo Mike $20.”
The old soda machine at the local recreation center. It does not have a card reader. You are thirsty. You can guess how this ends.
Birthday cards. You know you love getting a card with $5 or $10 in it! Do unto others!
The tooth fairy. Unless your tooth fairy gives out Five Below gift cards or something.
Late-night deli/bodega trips. Corner stores often have a card-use minimum, which isn’t a big deal if you’re buying a few items. But if you’re wandering in late at night, maybe you should stick to the cash in your pocket.
The cab that swears the card reader isn’t working. You know ~the law~ but also you’re tired and crabby and just want to be inside your home. There are times for fighting and this one might not be it.
Lemonade stands. These children have set up an unlicensed beverage establishment on the curb. They did not think through payment processing.
Jumbo slice pizza shops. You are not buying slices for all your friends, Heather. You are going to hand over your $5 for a slice and a co*ke and you are going home. Right now. HEATHER.
The collection basket at church. Unless you’re that person who makes their offering by check, the true throwback.
Roadside fruit stands. You’ll be lucky if they have WiFi service on that country road to run a Square payment. Just give them cash.
A jukebox. If you’re on a budget, I cannot condone downloading that TouchTunes app.
