cash

Such an antiquated means of purchase. With debit cards, gift cards, and rechargable "cash" cards, who bothers making change anymore? Even the video game arcades have all gone to cards that you can purchase from other cards. The only reason to deal with change anymore is for vending machines. Plus, cash and change did nothing but bulk up my wallet. (Ok, so reciepts do that, too..)

Well, looks like I'm going to have to start dealing with cash a lot more. My wife wants me to start using cash for my small purchases, like going out to eat.

I've pondered depositing my cash onto other cards. Specific business cards won't do me good (like the rechargeable fast-food cards) because you can only use them at a specific business. I don't really want to open a whole other debit card account, since they usually require an initial balance about ten times more than she's giving me. You'd think that a universal VISA debit card that's as easy to use, recharge, and check your balance as a Wal-Mart shopping card would be of interest to some national bank chains. I guess every business with a cash card system wants to hold your money, though, in hopes that you'll spend it with them.

So, at the end of the day, the debit card is the easiest means to make a non-credit purchase. Just swipe it, dial your pin or sign, and go. Some places don't even require a signature if the purchase is under a set value. Still, though I prefer to use a debit card, there's just something appealing about using those shiny dollar coins. I especially like using those Sacagawea (and presidential) coins at renaissance festivals because it feels like using gold coins. Hmm... maybe they should make a debit card for role playing geeks and call it the GP card.