this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2024
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Privacy

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I had two reasons, the first is because i found it way too easy to spend on my card without thinking, and the second because I wanted to regain a bit of privacy alongside everything else I'm doing. Ive set it up in my bank that on payday, an amount of my salary automatically goes to the bills account, some goes to long term savings, some to short term savings, then the rest I take out in cash.

It really does change my perception of spending I think: Ive found myself not buying things because I didnt want to break a note and carry change. I can physically see how much I have left. I can take £20 to the pub and leave when its finished. Plus it feels really good knowing every single transaction isnt stored forever. I have a small amount of money on a contactless ring for emergencies like a bus fare or somewhere that unexpectedly only takes card.

Is anyone else still predominantly using cash day to day?

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[–] shortwavesurfer 5 points 3 months ago (14 children)
[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (8 children)

I'm interested in this, I did buy a small amount but struggling to spend it anywhere? Even when I bought a Trezor hardware wallet I had to use LTC... I know I can pay for Mullvad with it when my subscription expires in two years lol

I also can't find any no-KYC place to buy it now LocalMonero is closed.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago
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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

Being able to use cash is a privilege, and we should not let governments take it from us, since then they can monitor and control everything money-related.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

With the exception of my early college career (pre-dodd-frank) I never really stopped using cash. It's much harder to budget using a card even though these days you can check your bank balance from your phone.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

I fantasize about getting it together enough to pull off what you are doing. Good for you — keep inspiring us.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

A small addition to the discussion - I pay in advance with cash for 10 coffees at a cafe I go to several times a week. Its an informal arrangement, and a very small independent cafe (these are common in my country). If you have a regular spend somewhere ask if they could do this. Obviously it doesn't work for all things. I wouldn't do it as a pay later type of tab though otherwise you’re back in credit land. It works for me as its the best coffee in my area, an indie outlet, and they threw in 1 free per 10 paid for. They get my loyalty I guess and money in their bank (or cash in the till)- also bypassing the 3 or so middle men orgs between my bank and their bank by way of visa etc. which is another big motivator for me - we are being reamed in our country with up to 3% charge for using a credit card. Maybe thats common globally?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (2 children)

I rarely use cash. Nearly everything I spend is on supermarket and they know exactly what I buy because we're forced to use their "loyalty" programs anyway.

Then traveling: dealing with other currencies, coming home with unspendable money. And there's no interest on cash lying around.

But I hate the tendency for places to not accept cash at all, there should still be a choice.

One bonus is that I keep finding money on the streets in countries that love cash.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

In what country are you forced to use loyalty cards?

I've never had a cashier tell me I couldn't pay without a loyalty cars. Usually I ask them to swipe their card, which 80% of the time they do because they get free gas or whatever

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (2 children)

Czechia. In many supermarkets "discounts" only apply when you have a card/app. Essentially the "discount" is normal price, otherwise you'll pay nearly double.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (2 children)

In the US, I've noticed several places, mostly restaurants that now charge a convenience fee for credit card transactions. Double bonus for cash. I've even started using checks again as they don't have a fee.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (4 children)

I regularly consider doing this. Obviously it is great from a privacy perspective. But I hate dealing with cash, especially change. With cards I just have one thing in my wallet and it just works forever. My bank account is automatically charged at the end of the month. With cash I need to keep refilling my wallet and carry around annoying change.

I would love to have something digital but also private (like Monero). But so far I have been picking convenience over privacy.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Never stopped using cash. It works, is less trackable and most importantly is accepted for exchange of goods even outside of your typical store front. Say when buying hay or straw for horses and paying then and there.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

I should start using cash too once I find my wallet. And that means I will be able to give some money to the homeless

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