I kidded my barber the other day, “You only need cash for a haircut and drugs.”
“Good point,” he chuckled.
First-time customers learn that the hard way when they pull out plastic after getting their hair cut. When they are told, “We only take cash,” they usually have to run out to the ATM and come back to pay.
My first stop that morning had been the ATM. I pulled out my debit card for the first time in weeks to get a twenty for a haircut. Like a lot of people, I rarely have cash in my wallet. Having been hacked at too many gas pumps I don’t pull out my debit card very often either. Everything goes on a credit card I pay off each month.
So what do people still use cash for?
The barber
Some small businesses like my barber avoid the 3% credit card fees by only accepting cash. My wife used to frequent an old-school stylist who insisted on cash or check for pricier color and perms. I’ll bet most salons take plastic, though.
Drugs
Let me be clear: I have no experience with this. However, I believe you need cash to purchase marijuana in states where recreational use is legal. The illegal stuff you get on the street? I’m assuming you need cash.
Panhandlers
I suppose these guys and gals depend on the spare change you have in your pocket. Although that’s not always the case. I’ve actually seen a few withVenmo IDs and Cashapp QR codes on display so you can help them out.
Valet parking, shuttle drivers, and street musicians
If I’m on top of things, I’ll make sure I have a few bucks on hand. But if I forget, many of them have online payment options, too.
Tolls
Not any more. Most toll roads require a chip in a sticker on your windshield. Either that, or they’ll find you through your license plate and bill you later. I used to have a lot of fun seeing how fast I could drive through the toll plaza on the Garden State Parkway and toss coins into the collection basket. More and more states are tearing down their last toll booths.
Gifts
Don’t you love it when you open up a card and a fifty or one hundred dollar bill falls out? Of course, you can’t hardly use big bills at the store. You probably just deposit the cash in the bank. But it just feels a little better than just getting a check.
Fund-raising
Want to make the football team or cheerleading squad? Be ready to stand outside a grocery store, persuading the few shoppers who do pay with cash to give you their change. Those organizations must still get donations that way, because they are out there every weekend.
Garage sales
If I’m garage-saleing, I’ll bring cash, but more and more people take online payment.
Avoid scams
When we tried to sell some items online, the first response we got was, “Do you take Venmo?” For this, my immediate response was, “Absolutely not. Cash only.” Stories of scams abound.
Kids
You have to use cash to teach your children about money. As parents, we got tired of constant begging to buy stuff at the store. Giving them a cash allowance means they have to bring money to buy something. “Can I have one of those?” “Where’s your money?” End of discussion.
Disaster preparation
Getting ready for a hurricane includes having some cash on hand. When the power’s out, that might be the only way to buy what you need for a while. Sometimes I remember to do this.
I suppose there’s more I haven’t thought of. Like much of the world, I’ve gotten used to not having cash on me. You’ll always get a chuckle when you ask me, “Got any cash?”
Waite for it... 