Yeah, I totally get where you're coming from with the simplicity thing. I used to juggle multiple accounts too, thinking it was safer, but honestly it just made me paranoid about forgetting something important. Your cash stash idea is pretty smart—saved me once when my card got flagged for suspicious activity while traveling. And hey, maybe someday even the taco truck will catch up with Apple Pay... we can dream, right?
"Your cash stash idea is pretty smart—saved me once when my card got flagged for suspicious activity while traveling."
Yeah, keeping some emergency cash handy is definitely underrated. I learned that the hard way when my card got skimmed at a gas station a couple years back—total nightmare. Now I always keep a small stash hidden in the car, just enough to cover gas or a quick meal. And speaking of taco trucks... honestly, I'd settle for them just reliably accepting cards at all, let alone Apple Pay. Baby steps, right?
Had a similar scare last summer—my card got flagged after I filled up at some sketchy gas station off the highway. Luckily, I'd stashed a bit of cash in the glove compartment. Since then, I've gotten into the habit of checking card readers for anything suspicious before swiping. Just gently wiggle the card slot to see if it's loose or looks tampered with... takes like two seconds and gives me peace of mind.
"Just gently wiggle the card slot to see if it's loose or looks tampered with... takes like two seconds and gives me peace of mind."
Good tip, I do something similar. Had my card skimmed a couple years back at a busy city gas station—didn't even look sketchy, honestly. Now I always give the slot a quick tug and glance around for hidden cameras. Also started using pumps closer to the cashier window; figure scammers might avoid those spots since they're more visible. Small habits, but they've kept me trouble-free so far.
Good points here, but honestly, scammers are getting smarter. I've heard about skimmers that fit perfectly and don't budge even if you tug on them. Friend of mine got hit at a gas pump right by the cashier window—so visibility doesn't always help either. I just use mobile payment apps whenever possible now... feels safer to skip the card altogether. Can't be too careful these days.
