I'm a little late in seeing this thread. I did read most replays. This thread is more about economy's going cashless. I don't think it can be stopped. The tax man wants his cut. And we know what happens when if we don't pay. But there will always be a black market.
Credit score.
I have one credit card. I don't like credit cards. It is way to easy to get into trouble with them. But that's where we have to be an adult. I paid cash for my truck. I would have charged it ( not financed ) if I could have. Talk about upping my credit score. If I charge something I pay it off as soon as it is posted. Anyone can improve their score. It take time and work. You can even save money using a credit card. But I still don't like using it.
So what is a credit score? It should be your ability to pay back a loan. But it being used for almost everything. You have money in the bank but a bad credit score? You can still get a loan. But you will pay a higher interest rate. Want to rent a apartment with money in the bank but a bad credit score? I wish you luck. It use to be your income minus your cost of living. Then if you could afford the rent, you got it.
I don't like the idea of Google, I meant to say the government knowing what I buy. It is none of their business. If I have nothing to hide way worry ? Because the government will (could )use the info to tax you based on everything you buy. I already pay a big tax on drinking,smoking. Hey it's my life ! Is it ? What about health care cost ? What if I'm over weight? A new tax based on Non Of Your Business what I buy ........