Nicola P

I find budgeting extremely difficult due to being AUDHD and managing my mental health. One strategy I use to maintain some control is relying on cash for everyday spending. Using cash helps me visually track what I’m spending and ensures I stick to the limited budget I have as someone on Universal Credit. When I use my card, it’s almost impossible to track payments in real time, which leads to chaos and added stress. The thought of a cashless society feels like another hurdle for people like me, who already face enough challenges.

Beyond personal budgeting, removing cash creates broader problems. For instance, it gives the government more visibility into how and where we spend our money, which feels like an overreach and an invasion of privacy. It also creates practical issues—if card systems go down, as I’ve experienced before, people without cash are left stranded. I live in a rural area, so if I can’t pay for shopping due to server issues, I may not be able to return to the store because I can’t afford more petrol. The consequences for me and others like me are severe.

A cashless society disproportionately affects neurodivergent people, like myself, who already struggle with budgeting and financial management. It’s yet another barrier to independence and stability. Cash is more than just physical currency—it’s a tool that many of us rely on to manage our lives effectively. Taking it away creates unnecessary disadvantages for some of the most vulnerable members of society