I embarked on a week-long experiment where I would rely solely on cash for all my transactions, abandoning the convenience of digital payments. The initial shock wore off as I took out £200 from the ATM and discovered that my PIN number had been hidden away in a letter – an old-school reminder of the world before touchscreens.
At first, shopping was a challenge, particularly when I needed to buy tickets or make phone calls without having access to contactless payments. But as time went on, I adapted, opting for cash-friendly shops and using local takeaways that accepted card payments through third-party apps.
I had a few close calls – like when my Oyster card was declined at the tube station, leaving me scrambling to top it up before the last train left – but these minor setbacks made me appreciate the tangible nature of cash.
My sisters joined me on a day trip to Rye, East Sussex, where we bought tickets and ice cream using cash. For the first time in years, I felt like I was truly part of the majority when I handed over coins at a charity shop.
Looking back, my experiment has taught me the value of being mindful about every purchase. With more than £10 left in my trusty pencil wallet, I feel like I've achieved something significant – but it's clear that this trend is fading fast. According to UK Finance, cash will account for only 4% of all payments by 2034.
Despite the limitations and inconvenience, my experience has been invigorating. Next week, I'll be dipping back into the digital world, but with a newfound appreciation for the simplicity of cash – and a healthy dose of skepticism about our future payment habits.
At first, shopping was a challenge, particularly when I needed to buy tickets or make phone calls without having access to contactless payments. But as time went on, I adapted, opting for cash-friendly shops and using local takeaways that accepted card payments through third-party apps.
I had a few close calls – like when my Oyster card was declined at the tube station, leaving me scrambling to top it up before the last train left – but these minor setbacks made me appreciate the tangible nature of cash.
My sisters joined me on a day trip to Rye, East Sussex, where we bought tickets and ice cream using cash. For the first time in years, I felt like I was truly part of the majority when I handed over coins at a charity shop.
Looking back, my experiment has taught me the value of being mindful about every purchase. With more than £10 left in my trusty pencil wallet, I feel like I've achieved something significant – but it's clear that this trend is fading fast. According to UK Finance, cash will account for only 4% of all payments by 2034.
Despite the limitations and inconvenience, my experience has been invigorating. Next week, I'll be dipping back into the digital world, but with a newfound appreciation for the simplicity of cash – and a healthy dose of skepticism about our future payment habits.
cash is literally so underrated, especially when you're out and about and don't have your phone to rely on... it's crazy how something as simple as that can make a huge difference in your experience of the world. and yeah 4% by 2034? sounds like we're gonna be totally cashless 
i'm actually kinda sad to hear it though, there's something satisfying about handing over physical money and seeing the change 
. Anyway, I'm glad you did this experiment and got to experience life with cash again, it sounds kinda liberating 
! Like, what's wrong with using cash, you know? It's like, you have to be present in the moment when you're making a transaction - you have to count out your change and stuff. It's so satisfying 
. But at least now I know how to deal with it, and I'm not as stressed out about it 
. Can we just take a step back and appreciate the simplicity of cash for a sec? 
... wonder how long it'll take for them to get used to not having digital payments 
anyway, i think it's amazing how you adapted to using cash in different situations and even found it liberating at times! 