Is it better to have money in cash or card?

Is it better to pay in cash or card?

Cash. It feels… safer, somehow. Less… traceable. You know?

Credit cards, though… the points. The rewards. Stupid, I know. I should be better with my money. This year, I’ve sworn off impulse buys, really.

Better for budgeting: Cash forces you to confront the reality of spending. It’s tangible. A credit card… it’s a numb feeling swipe.

But… the convenience. I hate the feeling of carrying around too much cash. My wallet’s always too bulky.

• Reward programs: Credit cards do offer lucrative reward programs. Miles for flights. Cash back. Stuff. It’s tempting.
• Buyer protection: Credit card purchases offer consumer protections that cash transactions don’t. I’ve used that before.
• Building credit: Responsible credit card use helps build a good credit score. Necessary, I guess. For a mortgage, one day.

Ugh. The whole thing is a mess. I just want financial freedom. Is that even possible? Maybe next year. Maybe. I’m terrible at saving. Really terrible. Always spending on dumb things. Like, that vintage record player I bought last month…

Do rich people use cash or credit cards?

Ugh, this whole rich-people-and-money thing is a mess. My uncle, Arthur, a real estate mogul – seriously, the guy’s got mansions – he hates cash. Absolutely loathes it. He carries around a ridiculously thick platinum card. Said it’s a Black Amex Centurion card. Seriously heavy thing.

He told me once, back in 2024, over overpriced scotch, about some shady dealings, that he only uses cards for large transactions. Protection, he calls it. Says those $50 fraud limits are a joke, but better than nothing. He’s a total stickler about paperwork, too. He keeps every receipt. Seriously. Every. Single. One. He laughs, it’s almost obsessive, but I get it.

He said cash is messy. Annoying. A hassle. And traceable, for goodness sake. That’s a big one for him; he values discretion, or at least that’s what he claims. He is weirdly careful about that.

• Luxury spending: He buys everything from private jets to artwork with his card, racking up unbelievable amounts.
• Tracking expenses: The credit card statements help him with his taxes. This is a huge deal for him, given his tax situation.
• Rewards programs: He mentioned something about exclusive rewards programs, although he never specified what these were. It is weird though, he is tight-fisted for someone who makes so much. He always has been.

He’s a complicated guy, my uncle. But the credit card thing? That much I understand. It’s all about control and minimizing risk, even for a guy who risks millions on a whim.

Is it better to budget with cash or card?

Okay, cash versus card… Hmm. Is one really better? I guess cash makes you see the money go. Less abstract than swiping, right?

But isn’t it more about… the budget itself? Like, do I even have a budget right now? Probably should make one. Urgh, spreadsheets.

I think I spent way too much on that new Warhammer set last week. Maybe if I physically handed over the cash… It’d hurt more? Spending awareness, yeah, that’s cash’s advantage.

Saving isn’t really about the method, is it? It’s about discipline. Sticking to the plan. What plan?! Oh yeah, the non-existent budget. Need to track spending, live below your means. It always comes down to that. Easier said than done, though. Seriously, that Warhammer box…

• Cash: Good for visual spending awareness. Maybe.
• Card: Easy to track (if you actually do). Points! But also easy to overspend.
• The real key: A solid budget and sticking to it. Painful but true.
• Things I spend too much on: Warhammer miniatures, takeaway coffee, books I don’t read.
• Budgeting tools I should use: Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget). Or just a spreadsheet like my mom uses.

I wonder what is a reasonable amount to spend on Warhammer in a month? Time to research.

Is a travel money card better than cash?

Cash versus travel cards? It’s a nuanced question. My recent trip to Thailand highlighted this perfectly. Prepaid cards offer undeniable advantages in terms of security. Losing your wallet sucks, but losing a physical card is less catastrophic than losing all your cash.

Small purchases though? Cash reigns supreme. Street food vendors and tiny local shops often eschew cards. This is a universal truth, I’ve found. It’s a bit of a trade-off, you see.

Exchange rates are another crucial factor. Banks aren’t always the fairest players here. Many prepaid travel cards provide better rates than physical currency exchanges, saving you money, especially on larger transactions. I saved a considerable amount on my last trip. It’s about maximizing your spending power, isn’t it?

Here’s a breakdown to consider:

• Cash: Ideal for small purchases, places with unreliable card readers, emergencies.
• Travel Card: Better security, often better exchange rates, convenient for tracking spending.
• My personal preference? A combination. I always carry a small amount of local currency, but the bulk of my funds are on a prepaid card. It’s the best of both worlds, really.

Think of it this way: cash provides immediate gratification, while a card offers long-term security and often better value. The perfect blend depends entirely on your personal travel style. What works for me might not work for everyone. It’s all about finding what suits you.

Should I get a travel money card or cash?

Cash or card? Depends.

Cards: Safer. Better rates, usually. Fees exist. Check them. My Chase card worked fine in Italy, 2023.

Cash: Small shops. Tips. Essential sometimes. Avoid large amounts. Carrying 200 Euros felt risky in Rome.

Consider this:

• Security: Cards are superior. Lost cash is gone.
• Convenience: Cards are undeniably easier.
• Exchange Rates: Cards usually win. But compare.
• Fees: Read the fine print. Hidden charges are infuriating.
• Acceptance: Cash reigns in certain places.

A combination is ideal. Load your card. Carry some local currency. Simple.

Should I use cash or card when travelling?

Ugh, travel in 2024, right? Cash versus card? It’s a total headache. Last year in Vietnam, I was so glad I had cash. Seriously, some tiny noodle shops? Forget cards. They just stared at me. But in Paris, my card was my best friend. The metro, museums, even fancy restaurants. Swipe, swipe, done.

Cash is king in a lot of places, especially smaller towns and villages. It’s peace of mind, you know? No worrying about card readers being dodgy or your bank getting hacked. But, carrying a wad of dong around all day? Not ideal. It’s stressful. And the exchange rates… man, I lost a small fortune on those.

Cards are convenient, that’s for sure. But fees! I swear, my bank hit me with charges left and right. Plus, the exchange rates weren’t amazing either. My credit card company totally ripped me off.

So what’s the best plan? A mix. Always have some local currency on hand. For smaller places, mainly. But rely on your card for bigger purchases. Plus a backup card, obviously. And a secondary method of payment to use as a last resort, to avoid any major issues. I used my Paypal.

• Cash: Good for smaller purchases, local markets, places with limited card acceptance (especially in less developed areas). The downside is the risk of theft and exchange rate issues.
• Card: Awesome for bigger expenses, convenience, and rewards programs. However, be aware of fees and exchange rate markups.
• Paypal: It saved me in multiple occasions in 2024. I used my Paypal account in Vietnam and Paris when my cards gave problems.

My advice? Do your research before you go. See what’s common where you’re headed. It saves you a ton of stress. Seriously. And don’t forget travel insurance! That’s crucial.

What is better, a forex card or a debit card?

Ugh, travel planning is a nightmare. Forex card vs. debit card? Debit cards are such a pain internationally. Fees, fees, everywhere.

Forex cards win, hands down. Loaded with foreign currency already. No surprise charges. I used one last year in Italy, zero issues. Except maybe that one time I almost lost it in a gondola… Don’t be like me! Keep it safe.

Seriously, though, the peace of mind is worth it. Less stress. Think of all the gelato you can buy without worrying about hidden bank fees.

My friend used his debit card in Japan 2023. He got hit with like, 5% fees! Five percent! On every transaction. Madness. A forex card protects you from that nonsense. Prepaid, load it up, done.

• Forex card pros: Fixed exchange rates, low fees, safer than carrying cash.
• Debit card cons: High international transaction fees, dynamic exchange rates (meaning your bank sets the rate each time, usually unfavorable).
• Things I’ll check next time: Load limits, expiry dates, ATM availability at destination.

The only time a debit card might be slightly better? If you really need to access your full account balance easily. Forex cards are limited. But the fees… no way.

Need to budget. I’m thinking Bali next year! A forex card is going to be essential. Got to start saving. Maybe I’ll make a spreadsheet. Ugh, spreadsheets.