Cash On The Nail

Sometimes I wonder about the economy that surrounds us here but never touches the records. While no-one in their right mind would wilfully attract the attention of the Tax Collectors and their astonishingly wide-ranging powers, most family-sized transactions take place in cash. Anything from a coffee, through three-monthly provisioning, new outfit including shoes and handbag, to major household purchases, a vehicle - cash.

There's always a receipt, the till whirrs, or presented bills, replete with codes and numbers, are signed and dated as having been paid in full. But only foreigners offer plastic for payment. It's a bit off to offer plastic; and any cheque, for such a purchase as a house for instance, is certified and payable on sight, ie., it's cash. It's only there because it's inconvenient to carry suitcases of smaller bank notes.

It was reported in Repubblica that sales of safes have risen by more than a third in the last year, presumably people are carrying even higher sums in cash during the banking crisis.

Somehow it all feels very empowering, democratic. No-one is looking at what we are buying. The money isn't shut up in banks that might go bust or shut their doors. It's out here among the people, circulating just like it's supposed to. And if you can't find the cash in your handbag, then you know you can't afford it.