patrick.net

Credit cards are irresponsible simple. If one needs credit to buy loaf of bread, they are not managing their finances well.

FortWayneIndiana says

Credit cards are irresponsible simple. If one needs credit to buy loaf of bread, they are not managing their finances well.

Explain? What's the difference if you pay the balance? I don't get your comment at all. It doesn't make sense at all.

If getting $4k worth of value back in a year is irresponsible you may want to rethink how you make money. Doing pretty good $/hr using a credit card, but hey... whatever?

Maybe I was stupid for starting a thread thinking there would have been educated, reasonable and coherent responses. A guy could only hope. Have a good Friday, lol.

WookieMan says

CC points are also relative to how they're redeemed depending on the program. I've calculated about 8-10% back depending on the points used for the flight overall.

This seems a bit on the high side to me. I've got a Chase United Mileage Pus Explorer card which gives one mile for every dollar spent on most purchases. Here's the rough calculations I use for a Saver Award: $250 for a one way flight/12,5000 miles = $0.02/mile. Two cents is approximately 2 percent back for every dollar spent.
I just noticed United will be reworking their Mileage Plus program and pricing frequent flyer flights based on demand. Will be interesting it see how these changes pan out.

I assume the number and quantity of cash transactions is greatly under-reported. Who, in a survey, is going to admit the cash payments that made related to illegal or socially-shameful activities? I bet Trump wishes he paid Stormy in cash.

WookieMan says

FortWayneIndiana says

Credit cards are irresponsible simple. If one needs credit to buy loaf of bread, they are not managing their finances well.

Explain? What's the difference if you pay the balance? I don't get your comment at all. It doesn't make sense at all.

If getting $4k worth of value back in a year is irresponsible you may want to rethink how you make money. Doing pretty good $/hr using a credit card, but hey... whatever?

Maybe I was stupid for starting a thread thinking there would have been educated, reasonable and coherent responses. A guy could only hope. Have a good Friday, lol.

Because you pay interest on things you buy with a credit card. Because credit cards make people spend more than they would normally if they were relying on cash.

I know how that business works, sucker people with "cashback", but those same people don't realize they are paying interest which accrues daily.

FortWayneIndiana says

Because you pay interest on things you buy with a credit card.

Looks like somebody didn't pay his bill on time. Perhaps you and troutman can commiserate.

If you pay your statement balance by the due date and the previous statement balance was paid in full, you pay NO INTEREST.

FortWayneIndiana says

Because you pay interest on things you buy with a credit card. Because credit cards make people spend more than they would normally if they were relying on cash.

Everyone is an indvidual. Some folks have the discipline to use these and spend no more than if it were with cash, pay the balance, collect the cash back rewards.

Not all "users" are irresponsible spenders.

Regarding the privacy, it's only a matter of time before the serial numbers on the currency notes are scanned with each transaction.

When I withdrew a large quantity of banknotes with a teller, the "counting machine" was used. Even if the large number of notes were of small denominations.

ATM machines may soon also scan the serial numbers, if they are not doing so already. Ditto for ATM (or teller) accepting cash deposits.

Since I cannot conveniently live outside of the system, I just use it to enjoy the "cash back" with the credit card for many purchases that I formerly used cash for.

BlueSardine says

What about the pre-puberty lambs?
What should they use?

Their parents credit card?

WookieMan says

Patrick - one thing I don't like with the YOU thing is the HTML when quoting. Sometimes I like to reread something while typing a comment and there's a shitload of HTML tags in some of the quoted stuff due to YOU being in the comment along with making it red. You can keep it or dump it, doesn't really bother me either way technically. More of an observation (aka it annoys me slightly).

Yes, maybe it's time to remove that.

WookieMan says

Your own graph states a majority of transactions are done via credit, debit, even check (physical paper itself, but electronic technically). At what point are these transactions with physical cash? 70% or more transactions are cash free in your graph.

Reading comprehension. Did you miss this:

MrMagic says

Cash remains the most used payment instrument

I'll help you out. That means SINGULAR transaction type. Now, to support your narrative you want to group all other transaction types together and say "see, cash is only 30% while all others combined is 70%".... Duh..

WookieMan says

You generally HAVE to have some form of payment with you though when you leave the house. Whatever method of payment that is, I don't actually care,

And in that situation, CASH is the largest form being used today. Got it?

Is that clear?

I use a lot of cash. Mostly because I don't want the elite and govt to be able to control me as easily in a future cashless society. Partly for emergencies. Also as Pat has stated credit cards are basically tracking devices. I also like to fan out a lot of cash like a hand of cards and flick bills onto the counter when I pay for stuff.

My safeway club card, well I don't know who's phone number is attached to it. Same with my other club cards. I just make them up like an illegal alien makes up social security numbers. :)

I know I know. I'm tilting at windmills. It's just the principle.

A lot of work that I do relates to health care and I have to be careful with personally identifiable information, sort of like HIPAA. Meanwhile, last year I listened in to a datamining conference here in SD where Lexusnexis were bragging about how they can get around HIPAA to mine and sell your health info. They just track every fucking thing else you do and their AI takes care of the rest.

They were slapped down this year for doing it but they'll find another angle.

For bigger purchases I use the cards and get the points. This guy Graham has a lot of great videos. He really kills it. Anyone interesting in a new card:

www.youtube.com/embed/xNl8jOilTZY

I may get the amazon card.

Who else besides Banks and Governments wants less Cash transactions?

Retail Space Landlords. They often get a cut of the gross, and if the biz owner isn't reporting all the cash... whereas there are much easier legal ways to get a hold of CC transaction records.

I once left my credit card in an ATM in Palo Alto. I was sooo drunk. Good thing I was protected. haha

personal

WookieMan says

Patrick - one thing I don't like with the YOU thing is the HTML when quoting.

You're right. The point was made, now it's just annoying.

So in new comments and posts, "you" will no longer be highlighted in red.

@WookieMan ^^

Patrick says

WookieMan says

Patrick - one thing I don't like with the YOU thing is the HTML when quoting. Sometimes I like to reread something while typing a comment and there's a shitload of HTML tags in some of the quoted stuff due to YOU being in the comment along with making it red. You can keep it or dump it, doesn't really bother me either way technically. More of an observation (aka it annoys me slightly).

Yes, maybe it's time to remove that.

You could strip the tags out of the quoted (and edited) stuff, then add them back in when it goes up on the board. Personally, though, I'd vote for removing the red altogether. Was interesting for a little while, though.

I find there are more situations (for me) when credit card is REQUIRED than there are when cash is required.

For example, you MUST use credit card or ATM card:
• some street parking meters (or do you really carry $12 of quarters with you at all times)
• rent a car
• deposit for hotel
• many things you buy on line (or you use PayPal, which is also hooked to a credit card or bank account — but definitely tracked either way)

I have a slim iPhone case with a few slots in it to act as my wallet, so I carry as little currency as possible (and no change at all). Nice and light! Anyway, I use credit card or Apple Pay for just about everything; I keep a few $20 bills and a $100 bill tucked away in the iPhone wallet but use that only as a last resort.

SunnyvaleCA says

I find there are more situations (for me) when credit card is REQUIRED than there are when cash is required.

For example, you MUST use credit card or ATM card:
• some street parking meters (or do you really carry $12 of quarters with you at all times)
• rent a car
• deposit for hotel
• many things you buy on line (or you use PayPal, which is also hooked to a credit card or bank account — but definitely tracked either way)

Everyone know those, how about locally. It drives me nuts that people swipe their cards for items that cost a few dollars, and it ties up the lines waiting for the transaction to finish:

You stop at a 7-11 to buy a $1.50 soda or coffee.
Hit the deli for a quick sandwich..
Pick up a pizza or Chinese food on the way home.
Go through the McDonalds drive-thru.
Grab some donuts at Dunkin'.
Throwing a co-worker a couple of bucks for bringing back lunch.
Donations for the organizations outside the stores: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Veterans, Little League, etc.

I think it's nuts to swipe a card for anything under $20.

MrMagic says

It drives me nuts that people swipe their cards for items that cost a few dollars, and it ties up the lines waiting for the transaction to finish:

This is like the twilight zone. People paying with cash or with checks absolutely hold up lines more often over the card users. I never thought I'd ever see this stated in my life. There are so many levels of wrong to this is doesn't even warrant explaining. Use cash all you want, I never said it was wrong and wasn't my point. Not sure why pure rubbish is being introduced into the topic though.

MrMagic says

It drives me nuts that people swipe their cards for items that cost a few dollars, and it ties up the lines waiting for the transaction to finish

I agree with you there. Credit cards are sooooo 20th century! Out here I use ApplePay™ for most things. It's very fast. In fact, at the supermarket I can use it before the cashier has even finished scanning the groceries. Literally 0 additional time.

SunnyvaleCA says

Credit cards are sooooo 20th century! Out here I use ApplePay™ for most things. It's very fast. In fact, at the supermarket I can use it before the cashier has even finished scanning the groceries. Literally 0 additional time.

Technically it's still a CC or debit (as I'm sure you know) with ApplePay. Just faster as stated. Even card in hand transactions are substantially faster though than cash. The only variable is the person paying attention to swipe it or not.

Person with cash sitting there counting it, then the chick pulling out a change purse for exact fucking change. You then have the 17 year old cashier, who sucks at math who will get fired if his register doesn't balance out sitting there dicking with counting the customers money and then has to give change. Then the customer gets their change, like they didn't fucking know it was coming, count and face the bills and then put it in their wallet. All while I'm waiting behind this person. So I screw the hot chick behind me and have our first child by the time this dumbass in front of me has walked away (and dropped $5 for me on the ground... idiot).

Cash has its value of course. But in the modern world it's ultimately inferior and slower for normal transactions. There have been multiple points/arguments made about cash, but nothing is sticking in my opinion to make me want to run to the ATM each week to grab a wad of cash (that I sometimes have to pay to get) and dick around with it. Not stating it should go away, it's just inconvenient and clunky to say the least.

I try to use cash as much as possible, many of these reasons have already been listed:

* Privacy
* I like to support local business, credit cards take a cut out of the profits for those businesses.
* As a follow up I can often get a cheaper price paying cash to a local business, because of no fee or because some of them I suspect aren't reporting all their income.
* Cash transactions clear immediately, so I always know what I have and what I don't.
* I buy a lot of second-hand off craigslist or offerup.
* My life is too busy to spend time tracking point systems.
* If you want to claim the 10% gift to charity on your IRS taxes came from cash donations to a church, you better be able to show cash withdrawals in that amount.
* Identity theft. If someone steals your identity, you might have trouble resolving those fraudulent credit card transactions.
* Card skimmers, don't work on cash.
* Bank holidays, always a guarantee when economy is going down the shitter.

The biggest concern I have about your thinking is your clearly favor a cashless society. You know what that means right? A barcode or RFID chip that get's scanned everywhere you go. Is that really the future you want?

This is the problem with fractional reserve banking. First we get fooled into thinking paper is money, then they take the paper away and fool us into thinking numbers are money, then they tie the numbers into a social credit system like in China...

NuttBoxer says

First we get fooled into thinking paper is money, then they take the paper away and fool us into thinking numbers are money, then they tie the numbers into a social credit system like in China...

Good point!
Banks and credit agencies are already under pressure by social justice groups to deny services to any person or entity who doesn’t toe the Leftist line. In a cashless society, the very ability to use money could be denied someone for expressing an unpopular belief, like there are only two genders.

Once you give an entity all the power to make your life easier, you’ve also given them the power to take everything from you.

I was making this point earlier in the thread as a reason to use cash, but I got told I was a tinfoil hat nutjob...

Quigley says

Once you give an entity all the power to make your life easier, you’ve also given them the power to take everything from you.

You folks are getting paranoid. Just....uh.... don't bank with Chase.
Are Chase Bank’s Account Decisions Motivated by Politics?

This might have something to do with it: https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-04-22/jim-quinn-their-plan-fk-you

NuttBoxer says

The biggest concern I have about your thinking is your clearly favor a cashless society.

Not my agenda at all. Was just asking a question. I personally use cash, currently and will in the future. I also use credit and spend minimal time (2 hours per year) getting $4k in tax free dollars swiping a card and not holding up the line. Not trying to be a dick, but outside of your local purchase reasons, non of them hold water.

Cash will ALWAYS be around and get you shit. A CC is just easier, can pay you and won't just fall out of your wallet and instantly be gone.

ForcedTQ says

I was making this point earlier in the thread as a reason to use cash, but I got told I was a tinfoil hat nutjob...

Was I wrong? And why?

I mean, for fucks sake, everyone here does realize that each $ has a marking (essentially an account #) on it, right? You don't think the ATM or bank you withdraw that from is tracking each bill by the account number or card that pulled the money out? Sure, they can't track it as well as a CC, but you're naive to think your cash is not being tracked, sorry.

Also, make sure you keep your privacy. That camera looking at you as you make a transaction means nothing I guess. The funny part is people think it's just facial recognition they should be worried about. A lot more things on your person can be recognized and then tracked back to you. Oh well, I assume bitcoin is doing well for everyone since privacy is such a concern.

WookieMan says

Not trying to be a dick, but outside of your local purchase reasons, non of them hold water.

I'm pretty big on privacy, but I know most people aren't.
You're quite the optimist when it comes to banking service always being available. And the security of credit cards. I've never been robbed in my life, but I have had someone make a fraudulent transaction when I used a compromised site unknowingly.

WookieMan says

Not my agenda at all.

I didn't say it was intentional, just pointing out where your thought process will take you.

WookieMan says

I mean, for fucks sake, everyone here does realize that each $ has a marking (essentially an account #) on it, right? You don't think the ATM or bank you withdraw that from is tracking each bill by the account number or card that pulled the money out? Sure, they can't track it as well as a CC, but you're naive to think your cash is not being tracked, sorry.

If the money is stolen from a bank, absolutely. But when I pay for a used mower, you're saying the guy I met with goes home and scans my bills, then sends the scan to a bank? Because that's exactly what happens every time you use your card. Saved, indexed, and easily searchable.
I do get a receipt from a store, but when I pay cash, I don't also volunteer my name, address, and phone number. There's no sticky placed on my bills to identify them as mine, they just go in the drawer with the rest. You're really stretching here.

WookieMan says

Also, make sure you keep your privacy. That camera looking at you as you make a transaction means nothing I guess. The funny part is people think it's just facial recognition they should be worried about. A lot more things on your person can be recognized and then tracked back to you. Oh well, I assume bitcoin is doing well for everyone since privacy is such a concern.

I bank at credit unions, so their cameras aren't tied to a huge PCN, like your credit card is. I don't own a cellphone, and my car is from 94, so no GPS. When I check my credit score, the credit agencies always have very outdated info on me. Guessing yours is updated to the last time you filled up your car, and what gas station is closest to your home.

NuttBoxer says

I'm pretty big on privacy

Why? I like privacy as much as the next person, but I don't understand this thought process when it comes to transacting or buying goods and products. Are you worried John Deere will come after you for buying your neighbors used Cub down the street or something? I get you have to use cash for that, I would too, but I'd use credit in a heartbeat if my neighbor accepted it.

NuttBoxer says

You're quite the optimist when it comes to banking service always being available

I do carry cash most times. Almost never use it for reasons stated. In about 15 years of adulthood I've never once NOT been able to have a debit/credit purchase be able to be processed. Maybe I'm lucky or we have good internet/sat connections in my area. Over a dozen times I could have been screwed if I DIDN'T have a card because the merchant didn't have cash on hand or even take cash in the first place.

NuttBoxer says

I've never been robbed in my life, but I have had someone make a fraudulent transaction when I used a compromised site unknowingly.

Nor have I been robbed. Have had CC info stolen probably 6 times or so. THEY call me and it goes away. Hasn't costed me a dime. Of course you could get robbed. Or you could pull a wad of cash or your wallet out and $5, $10, $20, $50 or $100 falls out and you don't notice. Bye, bye $$$. I actually love the feeling of being able to hand my wallet off in a robbery situation and not a single $ would be taken.

NuttBoxer says

Because that's exactly what happens every time you use your card. Saved, indexed, and easily searchable.
I do get a receipt from a store, but when I pay cash, I don't also volunteer my name, address, and phone number.

So I assume you don't have a state issued ID? You've volunteered all this most likely, but maybe you don't have an ID. Ultimately you bring up the camera thing. Guess what, someone could charge something on my card physically. Not only does it not matter to me (fraud protection) you could get video of the guy buying the stuff. The gov almost certainly has your face on record. Cash, credit, etc in most public places is on camera and good luck with your privacy there. Ultimately I don't understand the concern making day to day transactions that don't involve say heroin or crack.

Fact is given the state/feds likely have your image (and other info) if you have to move about and not sit at home all day, the camera you talk about can easily link you to a purchase really quick, cash or otherwise. I just really don't understand this idea that a purchase you make with cash is somehow anonymous outside of a criminal act really. Pay cash a Walmart, they almost certainly could find out when, where and what you bought.

WookieMan says

I'm pretty big on privacy

Why?

Because my life is my business and no one else's. Do you really not care? If so please post your income, home address and cell number, times you are away from your house, and medical history for us to peruse.

WookieMan says

$100 falls out and you don't notice. Bye, bye $$$.

Ok. So what happens when you lose your job, and can't make next months payment. Bye bye money right(interest). Which is more likely to happen? I've never lost a bill, but I have had trouble making a payment before.

WookieMan says

So I assume you don't have a state issued ID?

The context is information you volunteer via your chosen payment method. If you want to talk about how to protect your privacy in other ways, there are many, but I thought you had a specific topic you wanted to discuss. Also, your state issued ID is often required to be shown to the clerk when purchasing with a credit card, but never with cash.

WookieMan says

Ultimately I don't understand the concern making day to day transactions that don't involve say heroin or crack.

"If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear."
-Joseph Goebbels

WookieMan says

the camera you talk about can easily link you to a purchase really quick, cash or otherwise.

The ATM camera? You have yet to demonstrate clearly how this is possible. Is there a CCTV system inside Walmart that's pointed right at the cash register, with facial recognition tech, that is cross-indexing the last atm I visited? PCN's are huge, and the fact that they aggregate data is accepted. Your theory is unfounded, and wildly exaggerated.

NuttBoxer says

Because my life is my business and no one else's. Do you really not care?

Of course I care. At the end of the day though they (businesses and government) have all the data on you they want/need. You're not hidden and haven't been. You don't have privacy no matter how hard you try. 1984 is here whether you like it or not. You're free to play any games you want trying to hide, I'm genuinely not judging, but at the end of the day I have better use of my time.

NuttBoxer says

I've never lost a bill, but I have had trouble making a payment before.

I can say I've never lost a wallet, but to say you know for certain you've never lost cash, on accident out of your wallet it absolutely disingenuous. It happens. Mr. credit card guy here also carries cash from time to time and have unknowingly lost a bill pulling my wallet out. Unless you're lugging around a purse (and haven't had it stolen), are 10 years old, almost every one, in every country has lost cash on accident. It's like saying you never accidentally peed on the toilet seat. You don't want to, but EVERYONE has done it (including chicks).

NuttBoxer says

The context is information you volunteer via your chosen payment method.

Context (OP) was why pay with cash. Some had said privacy is their reason, cool. There is no privacy. You literally would have to be homeless to have true privacy. No bank account (credit union or otherwise - info isn't safe with either considering what's needed to open an account)? Where do you store your cash (this generally is your payment method or extraction method to get cash)? No retirement funds? Send kids to school? Have a utility bill? Mortgage? Landlord credit check? The list is ENDLESS of information you HAVE to give away to function in this society and not be homeless. These all involve transactions or transacting information, that you or I have ZERO control over once it has left our pens or keystrokes.

NuttBoxer says

"If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear."
-Joseph Goebbels

Not getting the use of this quote here. Just being honest.

NuttBoxer says

The ATM camera?

Is this humor? They literally have your account information? Are you breaking into ATM's to get your cash? I know I use a card. That's why half the ATM's don't even have cameras in them.

You or I will never know unless we have an in with Walmart IT department (hell they probably actually have a surveillance/video department at corporate). My last retail experience was at a Meijier in my area 20 years ago. Yes, they have CCTV cameras pointed at each register (they did there at least) 20 years ago. Most are 1080p now even in your mom and pop place Hello... Vegas?

https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/08/7-casino-technologies-they-dont-want-you-to-know-about/

This is the info Gizmodo has access to. Any of this tech that companies provide is lawyered up at this point. Cameras are in most businesses now. You ever sign a disclaimer telling them what they can do with your image or how they use it? Grab cash from a casino ATM and I can PROMISE you they are then able to track you throughout the casino and know your EXACT gambling. Big Brother is here whether you like it or try to avoid it. In fact I'd be shocked if Walmart itself wasn't doing this. Customer tracking, marketing, loss prevention, etc. They need the cameras, have other data and can easily link it with tech. If I had an end to end solution I could prove to you about my thoughts I'd be too busy making millions of bucks like the one's that already are doing it.

You mentioned my medical records early on too. If you think your medical records are safe, you may want to visit the doc yourself. There's zero chance your medical records haven't been stolen at some point (if you go to the doc).

FYI - my comments are sarcastic and an attempt to be somewhat humorous. It's not meant as an attack on you. I just find this whole topic strange I guess, which is why I asked in the first place. There are reasons for cash, and yes, you do get more privacy on the actual transaction itself. Outside that, all bets are off. Not sure what value that has?

NuttBoxer says

Ok. So what happens when you lose your job, and can't make next months payment. Bye bye money right(interest).

Missed this. I'd say bye, bye house, apartment, etc. You're homeless. The way I use a card IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS USING CASH! I'd be fucked either way. I'm at least getting benefits along the way.

Fortunately I have 6 months savings to float every cost I have in my life. Just a savings account. I can then tap into other sources looking for a job for the next 3 years and not even blink. Maybe I'm a unicorn I guess. I know a lot of people doing what I do though, so not sure the love for cash (FYI - not much now, but $4k in the safe at home right now, so I like the stuff too)

WookieMan says

but to say you know for certain you've never lost cash, on accident out of your wallet it absolutely disingenuous.

So most men have wallets. And most still carry cash. I'm assuming the second based on the fact that you, an admitted card enthusiast carries cash. And we all lose cash out of our wallet, which is folded and rests inside our pants. Is there a wind vortex in my back pocket I'm not aware of? When I remove my wallet from my pocket is my grip so loose the paper fly's out?
Ok, forget how it manages to escape the wallet without being noticed. Let's assume it does. Going back to this being the case for most men, why do I not see dollar bills on the street, or flying past me in the breeze? I may have found money like that once in my entire life, and it's so far back in my memory, I'm not sure if it happened, or I'm just channeling Charley Bucket.

WookieMan says

Of course I care. At the end of the day though they (businesses and government) have all the data on you they want/need.

I'm sorry you've given up on your privacy, I haven't. And they don't know nearly as much about me as they'd like to, for many reasons. If you care, you care very little, or you're easily defeated.

WookieMan says

No bank account (credit union or otherwise - info isn't safe with either considering what's needed to open an account)?

UPS PO Box, banks accept them since they show up as a real address, or just use a fake one, banks don't verify that.

WookieMan says

Where do you store your cash (this generally is your payment method or extraction method to get cash)?

Use a third party check cashing service, cash the check at the bank it was drawn on, use a fake identity. The rest of these just repeat. You give away what you choose to give away. Most of us are good trusting people, and we just assume we shouldn't lie, or assume a fake identity, but if we did, we'd be surprised how easily we could get away with it.

WookieMan says

you or I have ZERO control over once it has left our pens or keystrokes

VPN, TOR, Don't use ISP or google DNS, DNSSEC, protonmail, Tails, cash cards. The list of anonymity devices online is endless.

WookieMan says

Not getting the use of this quote here. Just being honest.

You said you don't worry about privacy because you don't buy crack. You have nothing to hide, so you think you have nothing to fear. You assume the people collecting your data are logical, and will never go the route of for example Pol Pot who killed people just because they're profession was teaching(wasn't a crime when they were doing it).

WookieMan says

They literally have your account information?

And they have the info of the store I'm about to shop at? Not quoting the rest because you still have the same problem. You haven't connected any of these systems, and there's no proof that they are. If you bank at a national bank, shop at national chains, I could see a remote possibility, but even that is a stretch. The closest you could get to this is an NSA backdoor into all these systems, but I get the impression you haven't gotten that concrete in your ideas on this.

WookieMan says

There's zero chance your medical records haven't been stolen at some point (if you go to the doc).

Haven't been in almost 20 years, outside of Mexico. I practice prevention.

WookieMan says

The way I use a card IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS USING CASH!

Impossible since a credit card is a promise to pay, not a payment. You still owe your PCN, but if you paid cash, you owe no one. The rest you would lose would be for the same reason, because you only promised to pay for them, but never finished. This is the root of why cash is better than credit. Cash forces you to live within your means, credit allows you to borrow against the future. One is certain, the other is not. One comes with interest, the other does not. You're making some dangerous assumptions here.

NuttBoxer says

a credit card is a promise to pay, not a payment.

And this is a GOOD thing. If you are unhappy with goods/services you've received you still have a relatively fast and easy recourse. With cash - it's pretty much only the court route.

NuttBoxer says

So most men have wallets. And most still carry cash.

No. But let's get to the crux of the biscuit.

If you want to live off the grid, in the middle of Alaska, no cell phone, no bank account, no mortgage, no kids, no car, no internet, cool. Even IF you're doing that, your privacy isn't shielded. Not gonna do the back and forth here. If you feel protected using cash, fine. I won't stop you. You have no privacy though. End of story.

And don't eat that yellow snow ;) ' for those that get it.