Cash

[MossRoad]

When the power it out, all but the smallest stores close and you can't use cash because their computer operated cash registers won't work.

Take groceries, for example. There are no prices on most dry goods, the bar code readers are dead and the cash drawers won't open. They lock the doors until the power returns.

Same thing for gasoline. No power, no pumps.

That's why everyone needs a plan B. Enough food to last for a few weeks. Enough liquid to drink for a few weeks. Some cash for bribing the power company to get you going sooner... that kind of stuff.

Don't forget your plan B toilet if you live on a well. Generator or outhouse? Either one works. :laughing:

 

[two_bit_score]

McDonalds and other fast food places started taking credit cards because their studies showed that people paying with credit/debit cards actually bought more than people paying ith cash. It's true for almost any situation. People spend more when they are paying with plastic. Even the government. Especially the government.

 

[polo1665]

McDonalds and other fast food places started taking credit cards because their studies showed that people paying with credit/debit cards actually bought more than people paying ith cash. It's true for almost any situation. People spend more when they are paying with plastic. Even the government. Especially the government.

Yes, and unfortunately they sometimes spend more than they have. The banks are making a killing on people who overdraw their checking accounts using debit cards. Not defending those that overdraw, but they sure seem to make it easy for the youngsters to spend what they don't have. Can't hardly do that with cash.

Mark

 

[/pine]

Same thing for gasoline. No power, no pumps.

after the multi-hurricane years that came back to back...Florida made it manditory for gas stations to install generators so they can dispense fuel when the grid is down...

all the larger grocery stores have all installed large back-up power plants at all of their stores...

 

[two_bit_score]

Yes, and unfortunately they sometimes spend more than they have. The banks are making a killing on people who overdraw their checking accounts using debit cards. Not defending those that overdraw, but they sure seem to make it easy for the youngsters to spend what they don't have. Can't hardly do that with cash.

Mark

You are absolutely right.

The banks, credit card companies and insurance companies make a lot of profit on people who can't manage their money.

 

[rtimgray]

During the ice storm, the power was out for more than two weeks, but most stores (hardware, grocery, wal-mart, gas stations) were back running in 3 or 4 days because they used generators. They couldn't take credit cards because their communications lines were still down (and I guess people don't use the imprint machines any more?), but they could still take cash.

I love my credit cards for daily activities, but I think it is a good habit to keep a few hundred in cash stashed away for just such an occasion.

 

[MossRoad]

McDonalds and other fast food places started taking credit cards because their studies showed that people paying with credit/debit cards actually bought more than people paying ith cash. It's true for almost any situation. People spend more when they are paying with plastic. Even the government. Especially the government.

I thought they started taking credit cards because their employees don't know how to make correct change.

 

[MossRoad]

after the multi-hurricane years that came back to back...Florida made it manditory for gas stations to install generators so they can dispense fuel when the grid is down...

all the larger grocery stores have all installed large back-up power plants at all of their stores...

I guess that's one of the perks to living in hurricane country. :laughing: