Cash Transactions Spark A Fun Moment At Cedar City Zaxby’s

I think I should have been an imp. I've been known to, on more than several occasions, launch a practical joke on some of my co-workers. Of course, that results in some of those practical jokes being launched back in my direction, and that's really ok with me. When I was working late nights at a local restaurant, there were several water fights that broke out while we were cleaning to get closed down. In the summer, it was a great way to cool off. Not so much in the winter.

Any way, the other day I went to grab a Zalad at our local Zaxby's restaurant, and as I pulled up to the pick up window, the imp in me came out, and it was time to cause a little havoc. Instead of handing the cashier a debit card I handed him cash....with exact change included. I told him, with, perhaps, a bit of snark in my voice, “I hope that doesn't mess you up.”

My cashier, Kaelen, replied, “I'm not that young.” He paused and then said, “no, I'm not that sheltered.”

I immediately knew I liked this kid. He had been taught well.

While we were waiting for the food to be prepared he asked me if I had actually run into situations where people were frustrated when cash was used for a transaction.

And the answer is yes, and not just frustrated, but down right deer in the headlight look confused.

I will stipulate right here and right now that I am the old fuddy duddy that will tend to do things the old fashioned way. But, the break neck speed we seem to be running to become a cashless society is frankly puzzling to me.

Read More: The Case For Cash

I think knowing how to use and handle cash still has value and can teach lessons. When we were first married, we didn't use a checking account. When we got paid, we cashed the check, and put the money in to envelopes for rent, groceries, utilities and the like. And then, whatever was leftover we could designate for discretionary spending. Now, I don't recommend this system in today's world, but the lesson was real. There's the money we have left, and when it's spent, it's gone. It really made us conscious or our resources.

Do You Know What's In Your Wallet?

With today's electronic transactions and direct deposits, how often do we really keep tabs on our reserves. How often do you check your bank balances? Weekly? Monthly? Never?

Additionally, handling cash keeps our basic math skills polished up. When I was working as a cashier like Kaelen, our store policy was for me to have change up to the next dollar in my hand by the time the car got to my window from placing their order. I got really good at it (and debit cards really harshed my buzz).

It's not like I use cash all that much, but I think it's wise to have a little on you, and know how to use it. Every time you tap the card, use Venmo and the like, there is a record kept of how you are spending your money. And I know, for all those who think they need to know everything I'm doing the question will be, “whatcha tryin' to hide there, Dr. T?” Well, it's not your business! I don't want my doctor, for example, to know how much money I spend at the doughnut shop (although, I think he knows)!

Or what if you see someone who is looking for a little help, and decide you can give them a few dollars. Do you think they are going to ask if you can Venmo that? Although, that wouldn't surprise me anymore.

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Anyway, the joke was on me. Kaelen took the cash transaction totally in stride. And, at the same time gave an old imp reason to smile about the future.