How would you contribute to the birthday gift fund without cash?
I always have cash and cannot understand the resistance to carry some at all times. In fact, I believe it approaches irresponsibility to not have $20 or so. There are any number of reasons one might need or want cash:
A bathroom emergency at a cash-only establishment that requires purchase;
Tipping an above-and-beyond towtruck driver;
Fuel at a cash only gas station;
Quarters for an unexpectedly low tire;
Need a bottle of water but the merchant (right or wrong) imposes a $20 minimum transaction;
An outstanding street performer;
A hat is passed for the band at a tavern;
The tamale guy shows up at the bar at a time when tamales are so very badly needed;
Power or network outage when essentials are needed.
I tip waitstaff in cash whenever I can, too. Too many crooked restaurant owners/managers steal from servers’ tips.