What’s wrong with the banking system these days that a ten dollar bill is so hard to come by. Sure, there are plenty of twenties rolling around, but what about the elusive ten? The cost of a typical school field trip is ten bucks, or that the common cash birthday-gift-in-a-card thing is ten bucks.
But alas. Most smaller-type stores don’t give cash back, and most ATMs give cash in the twenty-dollar value.
So if you want a ten these days, you’re stuck. You’re stuck and hassled, and find yourself going to great lengths just for a measly bill.
My daughter recently went on a field trip to the bowling alley, and the cost for the trip was a donation of ten dollars.
And I had a heck of a time getting the cash to her teacher.
I don’t have the luxury of making a specific trip to the bank on a whim. I have to plan out my routine. And this routine is so tight during the school year, that if I am unable to reach my goal at one location, it might be days before I am able to re-try again.
After I learned I couldn’t get a ten at the small store, I tried going to the ATM a few days later. After I couldn’t get a ten at the ATM (because they only give out cash in increments of twenty), I tried REMEMBERING to get extra cash at the larger grocery store. On the days I remembered to get cash at the grocery store, the cash ended up going to something else more pressing, and I found myself “cashless” again.
I recently ran into another ten dollar issue when I was trying to get some cash for my son’s classmate’s birthday party. I decided to swing by a DIFFERENT small store to get a card on our way. No cash given. So I went to a new ATM…and wouldn’t you know it? No tens.
So I got out a twenty, and decided to give it to the birthday girl, instead. Not normally my policy, but what do I do?
While at the ATM, another mother got in line behind me, and I mentioned my troubles to her about the heights I have to climb just to get a ten dollar bill. She agreed, and then lamented about HER most-recent hurdle over a 100 dollar bill: She was at the BANK and was told they couldn’t give her one.
Maybe I just need to store a bunch of tens under my mattress when the new school year starts. Because, sheesh, it’s too much hassle sometimes.
I recall a similar dilemma when I was trying to line up some special money before the Tooth Fairy’s first visit to my youngest daughters. The Tooth Fairly had put in a request for $2 bills and $1 coins. Not an easy task!
At the beginning of each month I make a trip to the bank to get cash. I get cash in all increments and then stuff it into labled envolopes (grocery store, Target, allowance, and misc stuff). Then, when something like field trip money is needed, I have it. It is a great system and also keeps me from overspending.
I also keep all the “singles” I earn on Friday and Saturday nights in a special envelope. These are the earnings from my second job and I use this money for special purchases. (This is supposed to be funny, tongue and cheek, get it, singles? Pole dancing at City Lights)
I solved the problem for Birthday cash, too. I RSVP “no” to all of them because I hate taking the kids to parties. Hence, no need for gifts, no need for cash.
If you have read my other responses to blogs (like Worst Mom Ever) you’ll know I have no problem with Tooth Fairy money!
Hey, I bet you ten bucks the Lakers lose next year. Now you have plenty of time to get that bill ready!