I carry about $80-100 in my pocket for places that wont take debit / credit.
99% of my purchases are via a card that gives me 1-2% cash back on everything - We even try to pay most of our work vendors via cards that collect airmiles so we get free flights/hotels to trade shows. It's not much... but it does add up.
My debit card will round up to the nearest dollar and put that money into my savings account also. Kind of like saving change... But you earn interest this way.
So long as you keep track of how much you spend, and pay it off before the 21 days interest period you come out ahead. I used to just flash my card for everything and not pay attention... Then end of the month I'd see a $3-4000 bill.
It's really easy to overspend when you're not using cash, so I can see why a lot of people still prefer cash over card...But if it's done right, it can be more convenient and end up making you more money. Sadly the credit card companies / banks count on the 99% of people who don't do it right, and end up paying high interest.
I really prefer cash. Call me old school but I do not much care for retailers, insurance companies, government, etc knowing exactly what I buy and when I buy it. Don't think for a second that the mainstream pharmacies do not share your purchase history with your insurance company, etc, etc. They ALL want to know as much about you as possible these days. Think your insurance rates are creeping up? Maybe they are basing part of it on some of your unhealthy eating habits or that you buy beer once in a while. You might think I'm kidding or even crazy but I can promise you, places are tracking every single purchase you make electronically. These days data mining is king and information about your habits, history, health, everything is very valuable.
My credit card info, even SS#, etc getting compromised on some database really does not worry me much. It is those far more in depth databases that are truly scary.
I do still collect change and will still stop and pick up a penny. Cash on hand. A large old bank safe (about 5 feet tall 2.5 feet deep, 4 feet wide, 4 inch walls), guns, IP camera system (4k, 16 channel), alarm system which also has a sensor tied into the safe and also can be triggered by certain camera events.
I'm sorry, but are you saying that pay for nearly everything in your personal and business life in person and with cash?
You literally go to your suppliers location and pay them in cash out of fear of being data mined?
What about large purchases like printers, vehicles, your home, etc.?
If it's any comfort to you, MOST insurance policy premiums are based on averages of similarly situated patients, customers, locations, car models, frequency of claims, credit worthiness, chronic illness, family history, etc..