Only until the power goes out,the plastic computer gets hacked, or someone wants some unreportable income.

Yes, those are all potential problems, which may or may not effect me at some point in the future. Which is why I do keep a stash of cash.

However, I need to live in the here and now. And in the present here and now COVID19 reality, plastic is much more useful than cash.

In the final analysis, cash is better than no cash.

In the final final analysis, plastic and cash, is better than cash alone, which is better than no cash.

Having cash and plastic is the way to go for my two cents!

I did see an interesting take on the cash idea - if you have a "substantial" (a thousand, two grand?) stash of cash it is a good idea to also have some change too.

Example - with a stash of two thousand dollars, half can be in 100 dollar bills for bigger costs, seven or eight hundred in twenties and the rest in fives, tens and even some ones. This gives you, the buyer, the chance to pay only 30 for an item instead of having to 'round up' if you only have 20s on hand. The flexibility can help you use the cash resource better.

Another point was to also have several rolls of quarters - vending may still work and they can be used there and a couple of rolls in a sock will also make a great self defense tool if needed. The quarters are innocent outside of the sock but a great improvised sap if needed.

Paul -

Saying that cash is king never meant don’t carry plastic. I try to keep two sets of ID, plastic, cash and medical documents with me whenever possible ,in two different locations. Likewise, I always carry two credit cards, issued by different banks or companies, just in case one computer crashes or a card gets hacked.. Card hacking is an increasing problem in my neck of the woods.