OKAY, we're the first to admit it - we're a dinosaur.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A child of the 1960s, we had our formative years in the 1970s. We were at our zenith in the 1980s so it's been all downhill in the decades since.
In our time there have been 19 Australian prime ministers, including the incumbent drop kick. In all 15 Olympic Games have been held, with the delayed 16th to be held this year. On a more important note, the Roosters have won the premiership on six occasions.
The point of this stagger down memory lane is this: in the years we've spent loitering without intent around Mother Earth, money has been a major player.
"Money can be exchanged for goods and services,'' Homer Simpson once noted when finding $20 instead of a peanut under his lounge.
There was once a time when if a punter didn't have any cash, there was no financial transaction. It was basic economics. No steak. No gravy.
However, life is no longer that simple, we're sorry to say. We're fast moving to a cashless society. We're not happy.
Just last week we purchased lunch from a local eatery.
We dug deep into the recesses of our wallet, searching for some money to complete the transaction. Eventually we scrambled together enough $1 and $2 coins to pay for the fare.
"Oh, you're not using a card,'' the youngster behind the counter exclaimed, somewhat incredulously.
"No,'' we replied defiantly and proudly.
"It's cash only for us.''
An awkward silence followed. Other customers looked concerned as they shuffled towards the door, perhaps fearing they were in the company of some type of fanatic.
For no-one pays in cash anymore or so it seems. Or no-one except this correspondent.
Now there's even further bad news. Our bank contacted us late last year. In their wisdom our bank has decided to phase out bank books.
The reason was never explained, or if it was, we weren't listening. However, from June 1 (we think), bank books will be relegated to the sin bin, like black and white television and Coalition climate policies.
(That's how old this correspondent is, why we can vividly recall the days when TV was black and white, however, that's a subject for another day.)
We suppose not having a bank book will make it easier to get money out of the bank. But since no-one much uses money anymore, it all seems a bit pointless.
"Won't need this bank book for much longer,'' we sadly said to the lass at the bank the other day when we drew some coin out.
"No,'' she smiled. "They'll be out of date soon.''
Out of date. We can relate to that.