Comment by NDlurker

5 hours ago

This is really making me consider going back to all cash and local purchases. Maybe prepaid debit cards and a PO box for when I need to order something online.

It's more important now than ever to spend an extra 2 dollars shopping locally. Your neighbors will appreciate it. Bezos will build another rocket and cut more jobs.

  • Perhaps in some places but if you live in a country without much competition and very high cost of living its much more than an extra 2 dollars to shop locally. Prices are routinely 1.5 - 2x more if you buy locally than online here. Also if money is tight then even if its just an extra 2 dollars then you should make the purchasing decision that benefits you. That extra money is health (both physical and mental (R&R))

  • Agreed. I shop locally when I can. It's frustrating though that some of that stuff can't be found locally anymore. I went to 3 businesses today looking for a couple cheap car parts. Couldn't find them so ended up getting one part off eBay and then having my friend order the other with his Amazon Prime account.

    But yeah, I do spend as much money at local/regional businesses as I can. And I've started donating to local charities to help my neighbors.

You will find many companies don't allow prepaid debit cards. OpenAI months ago refused to accept prepaid debit card but allowed personal debit card. Not sure how they know its a prepaid card though (Visa prepaid). I think many companies are using credit cards as a form of ID.