Whenever I visit the farmer’s market downtown, I always love using cash. It helps me stick to my budget while picking up fresh, juicy strawberries, crisp green beans & golden-brown loaves of sourdough bread. I love giving exact change for a basket of ripe peaches or piping hot cinnamon rolls & knowing I’m actually buying directly from the farmer or gardener. It feels more intentional & personal.
In this list, I will share with you 10 such things that you should never pay with cards for.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
Small Purchases
When you pay with cash for a cup of coffee, a snack or a sandwich for lunch, you won’t have a pile of small expenses on your credit card statement. Those little amounts add up fast without you knowing & are harder to monitor. Cashless payments keep your wallet in line & help small businesses who are hit hard with the fees that card payments cost.
Tipping Service Workers
If you’re tipping a valet, server or delivery man – using cash ensures they receive the full amount right away. Processing systems sometimes hold or partially deduct tips on a card. Cash tip is more direct & honest — it’s how you say thank you without the middleman mucking around.
Garage Sales & Flea Markets
If you’re in a garage sale or a flea market, most vendors only accept cash because there is no card processing available. And cash also has more bargaining power. You can even give them a precise price right then & there, so that you can negotiate better & get that antique lamp or handmade bracelet you love.
Personal Services
Baristas, stylists, babysitters, & housekeepers all love cash. It’s easy, doesn’t charge you any fees for transactions & gets them their payment immediately.
Parking Meters and Small Parking Lots
Many parking meters or small lots are still cash only. Although the places take cards, you may pay extra card fees. If you’re bringing cash for parking, you won’t have to wait for a spot if the card system fails or is unavailable, which saves you time & frustration.
Local Events or Fundraisers
In most community events such as bake sales, school fundraisers, or charity events, payment is accepted in cash because of their informal setup. There might not be card-processing facilities for these events & if you contribute by cash, it is fast and easy. Also, donations made with cash often end up directly supporting the cause & aren’t affected by fees.
Budgeting for Groceries
Cash for groceries is a true budget trick. If you bring only what you will use, then you are less likely to buy more on impulse. This also makes you better shoppers because you’ll be more likely to purchase things you need than those you want if your budget is limited.
Buying from Street Vendors
Card is almost never an option when you get street food, fresh fruit at a farmer’s market, or flowers from a street vendor. These vendors do not accept cards & cash-only payments keeping the process quick & simple. Plus it’s an easy way to give back to your local businesses directly.
Emergencies
Card systems can’t work in cases such as power outages & natural disasters. Gas stations, convenience stores, etc might take only cash during these times. Carrying some cash around means that you won’t have to worry about running out of food, water, or gas.
Traveling Abroad
Cash is generally the easiest & most accepted payment when you’re in a local market, a small store, or an out-of-the-way corner overseas. It can even spare you foreign transaction charges & card payments caused by foreign systems.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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