My grandma told me cash was safer than plastic back in 2008

I remember my grandma handed me a $20 bill at a diner in Chicago and said never trust cards because banks mess up. I laughed it off back then. Fast forward to 2012, I had a debit card compromised at a gas station and lost $150 for three weeks while the bank investigated. She was right about the headache even if cash has its own risks like theft. Now I keep a cash jar for daily spending and only use cards for big bills. Anyone else get advice from an older relative that actually held up over time?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_ben4d ago

My grandma swore by hiding cash in her bra in 1985 and told me plastic was just a way for banks to track you. I thought she was paranoid until I lost $80 from a stolen card in 2014 and spent two weeks on the phone with customer service. Now I'm the guy who keeps a $50 bill tucked in my phone case for emergencies like a total dork. It's kinda funny how I used to roll my eyes at her advice and now I'm basically her but with better sneakers. She also said never use a debit card at a restaurant and I learned that the hard way when a waiter skimmed mine in 2016. Did your grandma have any weird cash hiding spots too?

the_joseph4d ago

Cards are annoying when they mess up but I'd take that over carrying cash in a bra or phone case any day. One good pickpocket and grandma's savings go poof in two seconds flat.