Dave Ramsey. Ever heard of him? Big name when it comes to managing finances. Huge radio presence. Ramsey’s worth $55 million. He’s a Trump supporter — though not a blind follower. He once dubbed the so-called Trump Accounts a “political stunt.”

I’m lukewarm on Ramsey, at best. But I appreciate that he tells people NOT to use credit cards and that he staunchly defends cash.

And for sure, this is a good time for the defenders of cash to speak up. The use of cash has dropped to 14% of all transactions — something big banks, big tech, and many bought-off politicians in Washington, D.C., have been pushing and are drooling to further capitalize on.

If you’re a fan of giving the mega rich more wealth and power, you’ll love a cashless society, which, as Ramsey points out, would be “fully digital, fully traceable, fully controlled.”

A cashless society would also put more money into the hands of those who already have too much.

A cashless society means, as Ramsey points out:

* If you’re struggling with your mortgage on a particular month, you can’t do an odd job to get you through.

* Your child can’t earn a bit of summer cash by helping a local farmer.

* No more cash slipped into the hands of a child from the grandparents for an ice cream cone.

* No more piggy banks for your child to collect pocket money.

* No more cash for that something special you’ve been putting $20 a week away for.

* No more little jobs on the side because your wages barely cover your bills or put food on the table.

* No more selling odds and ends you no longer need for a bit of cash in return.

When we pay in cash, we assert our independence. We avoid being tracked by corporate and government interests that aim to control us completely.

I’ll take this cash-rant of mine one step further: live counter-culturally to the extent you are able.

Grow some of your own food. Buy the rest from local producers, as much as is possible.

Shop at locally owned businesses. Especially say no to Amazon and other giant mega-corporations owned by some of the most destructive billionaires in the world.

(Yeah, they makle it tough to do this. Full disclosure: For publishing my podcast, I’ve been unable to find a substitute for Amazon Web Services — though at least the service only has me sending Jeff Bezos a few bucks a month.)

Just as important, strengthen connections with your family, friends, and neighbors. They’re your support network, and they need your support, too.

Thanks for reading, listening, and taking action. And if you’re a central Iowa resident, remember to support the local businesses and nonprofits that help underwrite this platform.

Ed Fallon

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