I want less hassle.

Hello. I have a new debit card from my bank, it is a contactless card which means I can hover it over a machine at the checkout and my purchase is complete. I believe there is a limit of £30 per transaction, I haven't read the blurb because I have no intention of using it for purchases. This facility is supposed to make life simple and easy, no need to remember your pin number, or does it?  

Have a read of this article in the Mail. How easy it is for someone with the correct electronic device to skim the details from these cards, even when they are in your purse, pocket, or bag. A whole new industry has started up selling little pockets for the cards which will block the signal. An alternative is to cover it in foil. There is another remedy, they can be returned to the bank and you can ask for a non contactless card. I can't be bothered to do that, so mine is covered in foil.

I have lots of little habits which contribute to making my life simple and without hassle or worry. One of these habits is to never use my debit card for purchases. Ok, I correct that, I have used it twice over the years when buying a car, it is more convenient than paying with cash. But other than that I don't use it at all in shops, and I don't buy online. My rules for a simple life.

The only time I use this card is to withdraw money from the cash machine inside the bank. I don't use hole in the walls in the street, I don't trust them. So my debit card only comes out of my purse once or twice a month. In fact I don't even need to take it out with me at all, unless I know I will be visiting a bank.

I do have a credit card which has a few transactions on it, and I take care of it, guard it with my life. It's so easy to get distracted when shopping, as my friend was recently. She left her card in a machine, which caused a whole load of hassle cancelling it and getting a new one. Luckily she did it quickly and nothing was stolen from her account.

So, my simple life is all about being careful, not making problems for myself, being extra vigilant, staying alert, and trying to limit things going wrong. I want less worry.

Another simple thing I do is stay within the speed limit when driving. I can't be doing with folks who say speed cameras are cash cows. If no one speeds the government makes no money from them. I have been caught three times in the past, all while working, but not any more. I have learnt, no speeding, no letters in the post, no money lost, and reaching my destination less frazzled. 

Another way I try and eliminate hassle from my life is to avoid people I don't like very much. On first meetings I can tolerate most in small doses, but then the boundaries go up and I am on my guard. There are people you warm to and some you don't. Welcome the people you love, but for a more harmonious life it's sometimes better to walk away.

So what do you do to make your life simple, and I don't mean growing your own veg or keeping chickens, because both of those need a fair amount of commitment. I did grow veg for a few years because I didn't have much money, but it was time consuming. Now I can afford to buy veg so some time is freed up to do other things. My time management now is much more simplified.

Now I have to get the car ready and take it to the garage. While it is there I shall be making use of the time and walking to the village.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip