Always pay with cash for these things!
Right now, the most popular payment method is the card. It’s incredibly easy to use it. You don’t even have to carry it with you, as you can simply use your phone when paying. Technology is incredible indeed, but even if cash is no longer king, there are a few purchases out there you should be careful about.
We know you might not like to have cash with you all the time, but sometimes you might need it because paying for everything with a card is not a solution, as there are a few exceptions.
Curious to find out more about them? If yes, then keep reading and learn when to be prepared with cash. Avoid unexpected events and always be ready!
1. Small everyday things
Believe it or not, you should always have some cash with you because using it for everyday purchases is a wise move. We say this because when you have the money in your hand, you have better control over them.
And when you can control the money more efficiently, this means you will probably spend less on unnecessary purchases. You will probably think twice before giving money away when you have them in your hand.
Moreover, using cash for smaller transactions can protect you from potential overdraft fees that may come with using debit or credit cards. Maybe the fees are not worth a lot, but when they add up, they will drain your card in no time. Stick to cash and successfully avoid all of the random fees.
Now, you don’t have to have all of your money in cash, but carrying a small amount with you is a good idea.
2. Tipping
You always have the option to tip with your card, but have you ever thought about using cash for this purpose because this can have some unexpected advantages?
First of all, when you pay the tips without the card, you are sure that that money goes directly into the pockets of the server. Many times restaurants and other businesses gather all the tips and split them among all the workers. Sometimes this means that those people can get the money with a certain delay.
Sometimes it’s important for them to get the many as fast as possible, especially when they rely on that money as their first source of income.
Moreover, tipping with cash can help avoid potential fees or deductions that might be applied to digital transactions. Sometimes it might be more convenient to pay cash, and if you want to support the workers, doing so is advised.
3. Gas
Ok, this might confuse a lot of people. Why would you not pay for gas with your card? Maybe you think it will be easier to do so, but don’t you want it to be cheaper? Paying cash at a gas station can give you access to lots of discounts because it is to their advantage if you choose this payment method.
When you use the card to pay, they need to charge you more because of the transaction fees. Maybe you don’t consider this a big deal, but in some places, these fees can be as high as 40 cents. A few cents now, a few cents tomorrow, and this is how you’ll end up leaving a few dollars at gas stations by the end of the month.
So, the best thing you can do is to simply pay with cash. This is the fastest method to save money when paying for gas, and when you are also getting a discount, why not?
4. Stuff you buy on vacation
Going on vacation? How do you plan to pay? We hope that you said cash because this is the best payment method when you are abroad. Say no to temptations and random fees!
Foreign transaction fees are typically around 1-3% of the purchase amount and are charged by many credit card companies when you make purchases in a foreign currency. Making more purchases, something you’ll probably do, means that the fees will accumulate, and in the end, you’ll lose a significant amount of money at the end of your trip.
Relying only on credit or debit cards is not a good idea because you’ll lose track of how much you are spending, and in the end, you might come home with a larger bill than you expected.
Try to set an amount of cash for your trip or for each day, and this will help you have a clear limit for your money. Also, there is a high chance of going to places where your card won’t be accepted, and having cash is the solution in this case. So, always have some cash when traveling abroad and in unfamiliar places.
5. Vending machine
Maybe you are craving a quick snack or a drink, and that vending machine you can find at the end of the hallway seems like an amazing idea. Ok, you go there and swipe your card. All good!
But doing this is not the best thing for your finances. This happens because paying with a card can hide various costs, and in the end, you might be paying more than you think.
Vending machines add a surcharge for credit card transactions, and if you don’t read the fine print, these fees accumulate, and you will pay more for your snacks. When you take them separately, it might not seem too much, but if you keep buying snacks, it will add up and it can affect your budget.
The solution is to always pay cash at the vending machines; you’ll have a clearer sense of what you’re spending. Learn how to manage your money better!
6. Charitable donations
This is a beautiful thing to do, and you might even help some people; giving cash can have a better impact than you realize in the first place. Doing this will make sure that all of your money will go straight to the cause you care about.
As we said before, cash means less processing fees. Larger donations mean larger fees. Using cash means that these fees will no longer be a problem, and all the money you are offering will be used for its intended purpose.
Also, when you are giving cash, the donation can feel more personal, and that connection between you and the cause that you support becomes more personal. It is all so different than just clicking an online button.
What do you generally prefer? Paying cash or card? Tell us more in the comments!
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