Tips for Being a Decent Person: #1

#1 - Always carry at least $71 in hard currency on your person.

I understand that for many people credit/debit cards have eliminated the need to carry cash and, where they haven't, ATMs are most often within walking distance (or at most, a short bicycle ride). However, should any/all of these systems fail, why let yourself become a victim of circumstance? Credit card machines will malfunction. ATMs will malfunction. Make sure that you can still purchase goods or services that you want and, in turn, the provider of said goods or services will make sure he can provide you with change for your purchase.

Why $71? Because that's all I have on my person today. I would've said $83, but as I walked out of the house this morning with $12 less than that, I settled on $71. Really, anything over $53 will do. It's just nice to have some extra for unforseen expenses/extortion. Keep $53 in your shirt or jacket pocket, and the rest in pants or a sock. Should a situation arise in which you are being extorted, you can always reach into your shirt or jacket and say "Damn, this is all I have." It's convincing because the extorter sees you pull everything out of your pocket and hand it over and assumes that is where you keep all your money. However, after the situation is diffused with an exchange of cash, you'll still have money left over for other unforseen expenses/extortions... and a visit to the Dollar Menu at McDonald's.

Note: This also comes in handy if your name is Anthony. Ajay doesn't like paying for your lunch when your busted ass credit card doesn't work.