I had a credit card get hacked a few months ago. Most of the people on the phone tried to give the impression they knew what they were doing, but they didn't. At one point I had been credited twice the amount that the scumbags had tried to screw me out of. Everything turned out ok, but OMG!
Around here there are some restaurants that add an additional surcharge if using a cc. For that very reason, I stick to using cash the few times I go out to eat.
Some very valid points made about credit, and credit cards. My story is such.. After my divorce, my credit went to chit. Never bothered me as I didn't borrow. Cheap cars, and rent. Till I was an IT admin, and had to travel to Cleveland for a few days prior to the whole Y2K Armageddon. No company card, I paid, gave receipts, got reimbursed. Well, that's when I found out that hotels will put an additional "hold" on your card in case of damages and such. Went to get gas, debit card declined. Called bank, they explained. Had to have Cleveland manager use company funds to fill my tank. That's when I first realized I needed a CC. Disputes on purchases are easier as well, without effectively removing all access to funds in the bank. First hand experience there as well. Like any tool, it has its place.
Not even sure if you can get a rental car without a CC.. Although I guess a debit card is just as good, as log as your account is flush. I'm sure there's a pretty steep hold there as well.
Even some private businesses and corporations run background checks including credit in vetting for hiring. I've had it done a few times.
Hopefully I will never need a loan and it has been years since I had one. My credit score is still good. I know not why but it varies a few points every month. Most times I don't even look at it. Much better off without loans.
I've not worked in Accounting before checks background checks always included credit checks that and the drug test were pretty standard.
Finally getting around to replacing a large amount of this fence. What a tangly mess, parts of it were full of vines that did not want to let go. A couple posts had fallen a couple feet downhill from the property line, and tipped over besides that. When it's fully cleaned up, the place will seem noticeably bigger.
It was supposed to be hot here too but after it got to 80 we got a t-shower and cooled to low 70's and stayed in 70's the rest of the day. Another couple of short showers later. 85 predicted today and very humid. Yuck.
Been "off work" since last Monday and just crushing projects around here. Feels good to get the backlog cleared. Never had 2 weeks off without going anywhere...must be what retirement feels like. Turned in my resignation on 5/10 and using up some vacation time before I go back to work on 5/28.