Rant: I used to just keep cash in my wallet like it was normal

Up until about two years ago I would grab 60 bucks from the ATM every Monday and just pay for everything with bills. Coffee at the corner shop, lunch at the deli, even my parking. Then my credit union added a debit card with 2% cash back on every purchase and I switched overnight. Now I use my card for literally everything and transfer that cash back into savings every month. I probably earned like 300 bucks last year just from buying the same stuff I already bought. Has anyone else done the math on what they're leaving on the table by not switching? I feel like an idiot for not figuring this out sooner.

2 comments

2 Comments

ninaowens1d ago

Cash back adds up faster than people realize. Switching was the right call.

the_linda1d ago

Oh man, I actually read this article that said the average person loses about $400 a year in potential cash back by sticking to cash. That's a full tank of gas or a nice dinner out. I made the switch a couple years back too and now I put everything on one card. Mortgage, groceries, even my dog's vet bills. The cash back is small but it adds up over time. I just dump it into my vacation fund and it paid for half a beach trip last summer.