Money--How Much?
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I've been mugged twice back in college. Both times, I didn't have anything worth taking, and after a discussion we both walked away feeling human.
I really have never felt fear, anywhere I have ever been. I'm a very fit guy, but not some monster or anything. I just have a love of humanity, and even in Birmingham, one of the most violent cities in the world at one time, I feel right at home. Never met someone who wasn't a friend.
I really have never felt fear, anywhere I have ever been. I'm a very fit guy, but not some monster or anything. I just have a love of humanity, and even in Birmingham, one of the most violent cities in the world at one time, I feel right at home. Never met someone who wasn't a friend.
OMG! "Build a man a fire and he will be warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he will be warm for the rest of his life." - Harry Dresden
I recently got an Amazon business card, bought one item, and got it for free. I cut up the card and tossed it in the trash. It only had a 5,000 limit. My cards all have over 35,000.00 limits.
Cash has been antiquated for a while. A CC w/benefits and protection, as well as apps have worked for me for many years. I actually saved money as I use to have money crumbled-up in my pocket and was constantly losing it?
Pay the bill in full every month. I put all food and gas purchased on 1 card that earns 3% and 2% respectively on those purchases. At the end of the year, I usually have several hundred dollars accrued that I put towards a months bill.
likewise, with amazon. 5% back and at the end of the year we will have hundreds built to apply towards purchases.
Between those two cards and purchase avenues, we pay the cards in full every month and earn a good $600-$800 on money we would have spent through the coarse of the year anyway with a bank card or cash.
The only thing that having either in an urban setting is a strong chance of robbery. I don’t worry any more as my bests buds Mr. Smith and Wesson are ever present.
It helps when walking through a questionable neighborhood to be 6 feet 7 inches tall.
As for money I don't use it a lot. Debit card works for me.
As for money I don't use it a lot. Debit card works for me.
I keep about 200$ ish on me, only use cash for gas, and it's starting to cost close to that to fill up my truck.
Gas stations are the primary location for card theft, so cash only for protection.
Gas stations are the primary location for card theft, so cash only for protection.
I keep $300 to $400 in the cash section of my wallet and another $300 in a "Cincinnati Fund" hidden in one of the other areas. I keep $200 to $300 hidden in the car for emergencies, " get home" money in case I lose my wallet or it is stolen. I don't normally use cash, that is just what I keep around just in case.
I have a couple of debit cards and an Amex Black. No credit cards, no credit card debt. Rarely use the Amex, we use it to purchase a lot of materials in our business and accumulate Delta Miles. We usually accumulate a million or more miles per year, my wife, I and our family mostly fly free. Our Daughter, SIL and 2 grand children will be flying down to stay with us over Christmas for free.
I have a couple of debit cards and an Amex Black. No credit cards, no credit card debt. Rarely use the Amex, we use it to purchase a lot of materials in our business and accumulate Delta Miles. We usually accumulate a million or more miles per year, my wife, I and our family mostly fly free. Our Daughter, SIL and 2 grand children will be flying down to stay with us over Christmas for free.
It helps more to avoid walking through questionable areas period.
My habits have changed over time. Years ago I would carry a fair amount of cash, but nowadays I carry very little; almost always under a hundred bucks, with maybe another hundred or two lying around the house for emergencies. Between credit cards, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle, etc etc cash is for me at least unnecessary. And honestly I never liked coins (what a nuisance), dirty currency, or cramming a bulging wallet into my pocket, I reserve cash for personal services (my barber, housecleaner, masseuse, annual tips, etc) and the occasional unanticipated need. Of course there are exceptions. Any veteran of the Chicago Pipe Show, for example, will tell you that money talks, and in this case money means a wad of currency.
I replied, just because you bring up the apps.
My kids bring up paypal all the time, when I am talking about getting cash for fertilizer, or trades for produce, tractor parts, etc.. but the problem for a rural community is that folks that I trade with just see paypal and such as still being a paper trail. I don't want to infer that "I" am trying to subvert any papertrail, for legal reasons, but the guy with an extra few hundred pounds of nitrogen might be more willing to slide me a deal with cash on the barrel head. Whereas mentioning paypal wouldn't.
My other problem with paypal is that they only allow me one account, and mine is tied to my jewelry business, since online sales and art shows is my main retail outlet. I will accept a paypal for the odd pipe related trade here and there. That is easy enough to make note of for an accountant to sort out at tax time, but again, if I start using paypal for fertilizer and such, then my businesses starts to get muddied and farming gets spilled over into jewelry, or odd job accounts and then I get a finger shaken at me at tax time. So, cash just makes more sense.
Cash can generate retail deals as the retailer doesn't pay a percentage to a "handler" ( Go-getween who charges for it's services.) of his credit card transactions.
I enjoy saving money for other purchases.
I enjoy saving money for other purchases.
I keep 2 or 3 hundred in my wallet.
I do have a stash of about 5000 in ones and fives. We get hurricanes and ice storms that can knock out power for weeks. When that happens, cash is king and I don't want large bills that I may not be able to get change back.
I just got my wife's Honda worked on. Timing belt package and drive belt with tensioner and idler pulleys. Came out to 1400 bucks. The cash price was 1100. You bet I paid in cash.
I do have a stash of about 5000 in ones and fives. We get hurricanes and ice storms that can knock out power for weeks. When that happens, cash is king and I don't want large bills that I may not be able to get change back.
I just got my wife's Honda worked on. Timing belt package and drive belt with tensioner and idler pulleys. Came out to 1400 bucks. The cash price was 1100. You bet I paid in cash.
Less than a hundred bucks on me. I don't use much cash. I use credit cards because I get back 3-5% on everything depending on what I am buying. That's a nice discount and I only have to make one payment from the convenience of my computer once a month. I never-ever carry balances which makes me a credit card company's least favorite type of customer... 
Never carry cash unless I have to. Old habit.
I never-ever carry balances which makes me a credit card company's least favorite type of customer...
Exactly. Issuers make their money on the vig, not the interchange or annual fees. Revolving balances, even with higher charge-offs, are the heart of their business.
I get asked for cash every day by bums on my way to work. I stopped carrying cash so I could honestly answer "I don't carry cash." Plus, if I ever do get mugged, I can just hand my wallet over. The wallet would be the biggest loss; love my wallet. Replacing the concealed carry permit would be a pain though...