[Finance] Pay in Cash

I don't know if anyone really cares, but this is a little tip I'm passionate about for many reasons and consider part of being an independent man.

Some quick reasons to not only carry and use cash, but keep a large amount available somewhere.

1. Most men have much more success managing their money, specifically a budget, with cash. You have X amount of dollars, you cannot spend more without making an additional effort and you are much more aware of the cost of things which helps you decide if you really want to spend $6 on that coffee right now. It reduces large impulse buys by forcing you to go to the bank, removing you from the sensory overload retail environment and allowing you to think about if you really want to go pull out $300 for those new headphones.

2. The right to privacy. Whether you are cheating on your wife or just don't need Big Brother knowing what brand of toilet paper you prefer and what books you are reading, cash doesn't leave a paper trail.

3. Save money. On average I save 15% by using cash. Whether I'm having my carpets cleaned, my cars serviced, or even picking up my dry cleaning, ask for a cash discount, and you will often get one. Many business owners will first offer you no sales tax, which depending on your state and what you are purchasing can save you a few percent to over ten percent. That's a start but most business owners know that cash invoice is going in the shredder and they are going to save about 40% by not reporting it as taxable income, ask for a few more points and you will often receive. When I hired my lawn guy he gave me a quote of $75 a week to mow and trim my property, I said great, how much if I pay in cash instead of a check? He said, "the same it's up to you how you want to pay", I said ok I'll just do check, to which he said "tell you what, I'd do $70 cash" Not great but it saves me over $150 a year just on that.

4. The government hates it. If the government hates something, it's probably really good. They don't want you to have freedom, or privacy. The goal for decades has been to eliminate cash completely, which they knew would be a long process, but it is well on it's way.

5. Security. Society likes to tell you banks are secure, having your actual money on hand is dangerous. As a businessman with great accountants, I can tell you endless stories of men who were destroyed by their banks after decades of loyal patronage. Everything from wives, to lawsuits, to IRS audits, identity theft. Don't ever think you can't wake up like my good friend tomorrow, go to Starbucks, swipe your card and be politely told it didn't go through, only to pull out another card, and have the same thing happen. His ex fiancee accused him of illegal activity, his accounts were frozen, he was without any access to his money for four months before it was proved he had broken zero laws, all because he wanted to stop seeing a woman. Always keep some emergency cash hidden somewhere safe. A fire proof box buried under the shed will never be stolen and will survive if your house burns down. An emergency fund with a few months living expenses is important for everyone, an emergency emergency fund of cash is equally important in my mind.

6. Social Proof. Having a couple Franklins on your bankroll actually does attract the attention of women just like the old days. It's less common to see that today but if she assumes you are a drug dealer, she's just going to want to fuck you more. When women see large amounts of cash on a man, they assume that money could be spent on them which is highly arousing. Just like having a fancy car, all a woman sees is that you are not concerned about spending large amounts of money on yourself and that she could be the next thing you spend that money on.

Bonus Points: Get yourself involved in a cash business, full time or as additional income, save a fortune on taxes, pay off assets like your home way faster without being a slave to the banks.