It’s almost December and it’s time to start formulating one’s new year’s resolution list. I’m not so sure about what my list will contain, but there’s one item for certain: I will use absolutely no cash in 2025. Card payments or paper checks (yes, they still exist!) only.
It shouldn’t be difficult; most every merchant accepts card payments. Those who only accept cash are going the way of the dodo and will, in 2025, be left behind. And that is as it should be. In the new year, if someone I want to do business with only accepts cash, then the transaction is over before it started. It’s adapt or perish for businesses.
Given that it is almost 2025, there are many ways to pay someone without cash, and, hell, for that matter, even personal checks. There are plenty of reputable apps that allow one to pay someone, whether a private person or a business.
Some of the apps, which use one’s debit or credit cards, that I consider to be reputable include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Venmo
- PayPal
- Zelle
Yes, yes, I’m aware of CashApp, and I did leave that service off of the above list. Sure, it’s handy and simple, but in my opinion, it’s too shady for my tastes. I won’t trust them with them with my debit cards, credit cards or ACH information.
I use Venmo at least once a month as that’s how my landlord prefers to be paid. Even though I find PayPal and Zelle to be reputable, I tend to shy away from using them unless it’s absolutely necessary.
I don’t think refusing to use cash in 2025 will be difficult. I do know that there are some places where I won’t be able to do business. But that’s only because those parties are being dragged into 2025 kicking and screaming.
Every week, I write a check to my parish for offerings and even they offer the ability to pay online using one’s cards. I just prefer to pay them via paper so they don’t get stuck with the transaction fee. Sure, I could put cash in the plate, but not in 2025.
So can it be done? I’m sure that it can. And every week in 2025, I will post an article that will document my mission to move along leaving cash where it belongs: not with me.