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 -