Top Reasons Why Sandie Should Carry Cash with Her

For more than a year now, I have never carried more than fifty cents with me in my wallet, no matter where I went. If I ever had to spend more than fifty cents, I would simply whip out my handy debit card, which I never use unless I am spending more than ten dollars at once. It was a strategy designed to deter myself from making impulsive purchases. Has it been effective in saving money? It's hard to say, though it's probably saved me a small fortune from exuberant mocha and tea consumption alone. But during this past week, there have been a number of instances which compel me to rethink my spending strategy, and that perhaps it is best that I carry a small amount of cash on me from now on.

It was not two days ago while I was in line for the 99 at 8:00am in the morning, the lineup threaded way back till past the A&W like always. I could hear awesome music coming from near the bus stop. I crane my neck from behind the disgruntled-looking fat woman in front of me, trying to catch a glimpse of the duet, but couldn't. While doing so I noticed quite a few people who were plugged into their iPods, and immediately I felt the urge to shake my fist at them for tuning out when such a brilliant live performance was taking place. When I did get a chance to look at the dual, I was utterly astounded; there was a man singing lead vocals whilst playing on a keyboard, and his partner was singing as well whilst playing the fiddle. To top it off, at certain intervals on the song, the woman would tap dance on a plank of wood to make sounds that complimented the progression of the music, the sounds they made together was simply thrilling. To make a long story short, I was itching to purchase their CD like I had ants in my pants, but sadly I held no ten dollar bill in my pockets. The itching was so propelling that I almost ran out of my place at the very front of the bus lineup to ask them for their names, but alas, I would've missed the bus and arrived late for my lecture. I don't know if I'll ever get a chance to meet these two again.

Due to a couple of instances not unlike this one, I've decided to compose a list of reasons why I should carry a small amount of cash on me at all times:

• When I encounter amazing buskers out on the street at Granville island or the Drive, I can buy their CD's on the spot.


• I can pay for a stupid printing card from the UBC library so I don't have to hand in essays late due to printer failure.
  
• When I find cute trinkets, scarves, or cozy gloves at the SUB market, I can purchase without worrying about not finding the item again the next time I come.


• I can feed myself on Fridays during my five hour break when my food runs out or if I simply neglected to pack any.


• I can properly and fully show street buskers or entertainers my appreciation instead of just tossing them my fifty cents.


• I can get out of restaurants sooner by paying cash instead of debit (usually).
  
• I'll have a better record of my spendings and allowance as opposed to paying with debit, where money seems to mysteriously disappear everytime I check my account balance.

With all of that in mind, it's actually more convenient for me to continue the way I am, since I get paid by direct deposit. Maybe I will withdraw a monthly allowance for myself or something. Or not.

p.s. image by the lovely and talented kozyndan! Google them if you're interested. They also have a Flickr gallery.