8 replies to this topic

[old Karen]

A really, really good reason to go back to using CASH...no CC, no debit, no checks...only CASH! No way to track then!

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Every time you go shopping, you share intimate details about your consumption patterns with retailers. And many of those retailers are studying those details to figure out what you like, what you need, and which coupons are most likely to make you happy. Target, for example, has figured out how to data-mine its way into your womb, to figure out whether you have a baby on the way long before you need to start buying diapers. From the New York Times:

http://shopping.yaho...her-father-did/

[Elderban]

Cash will eventually be phased out and everyone will be issued a government debit card and that's how they will spend their money throughout their life. That way, even your government will know what you're buying.

And if you think Target's the only one that does this, you've got another thing coming.

BTW, do a search for "wal mart" and "rfid chips".

[Mustanger]

I have a "Rewards Card" for shopping at Tom Thumb and a similar one for CVS so they know what I buy and the coupons I often get with the reciepts are for something I may use. At both places I usually pay with cash but the prices I would pay without using their cards would be much higher. I resisted the one when Tom Thumb started doing it but felt a fool when I realized how much money I was wasting and really who cares but them and thier marketing what brand of TV Dinners I buy? I like getting the best prices for things on sale and getting additional savings with the targeted coupons.

[Elderban]

Mustanger, on 18 February 2012 - 04:51 PM, said:

and really who cares but them and thier marketing what brand of TV Dinners I buy?

Because more often than not, that information is sold to clearinghouses, which is resold back to other companies who then turn and harass you to buy their stuff because you hit their "target" market.

Even the DMV sells your information. Yup, the Florida DMV made $64 million last year selling drivers license information. And it's perfectly legal.

[Hamp]

I have a "loyalty card" as well, but it goes to a bogus address and phone.......

[old Karen]

Oh, I know that the stores track you! Remember I spent 30+ years in retail. Food Lion (aka Harvey's) in this area was the first grocery store to offer the "cards" and now if you don't scan your card you don't get ANY of the sale prices in their ads.
But that's ok, they can see what I buy & don't buy...that helps them when they decide which products to carry & which to discontinue in certain areas as well as the sales figures.

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Cash will eventually be phased out and everyone will be issued a government debit card and that's how they will spend their money throughout their life.

Sorry, I don't see this happening in my lifetime. What happens when storms knock out all the electronics? If you don't have CASH, you don't make a purchase. And what about up north after Irene went thru???....how long did some of those areas go without power?...like over a month!
Same thing with cell phone towers and NO communications between emergency services.
And we just "MIGHT" have an armed revolt before we let the government control EVERYTHING! I would sure be willing!!!

[Hamp]

I have found more and more people doing work that will offer a discount if you pay cash. The phase out will have to be governmental, but then people will turn to bartering.

[old Karen]

Just don't mention "bartering" any where close to IRS! They want to tax ALL transactions, even those of exchange or barter!

[Hamp]

Ok I just get everything for free then, better? LOL