For those punters with long term GF or wives and shared bank accounts, punting funds can be tricky.

Cash is king - and for me, in today’s digital world, regular ATM withdrawals can raise questions. Thought I would share some methods I have of acquiring cash here & there. Some of these require more set up than others but YMMV.

For me they fall under 2 main categories;

1. Plausible reasons/excuses why you are withdrawing cash from a shared account
2. Getting cash on the side another way

Here’s some excuses/reasons why you may withdraw cash. I find that sometimes, I just withdraw a little extra for the proper purpose (pocketing the difference) and sometimes, I just withhold the lot:

1. Want to buy something on gumtree/facebook marketplace. Either you actually buy it (for cheaper than you withdraw, pocketing difference) or say someone else jumped in and bought it, the seller is mucking you around etc. Keep the lot.
2. Mention a few times that you are sick of paying credit card surcharges and want to start paying for things in cash
3. If you go to the pub, withdraw some money and say you wanted to have a go on the pokies. Whether you actually play or not is up to you.
4. If there is a wedding, birthday etc coming up - say you’ll give cash. Withdraw a little extra and let her assume you’re giving the lot
5. Show a genuine interest in getting legit massages. Perhaps visit a few proper places and pay on cc. There is a place near me, however, that charges much less if you pay in cash and forego HICAPS - say you want to save some money and pay cash. Bonus - explains coming home smelling like massage oil
6. Find some other business that is cash only. Takeaway shop, barber etc. Rare, but they exist. Either withdraw cash, buy the thing and pocket the difference or pocket the lot.
7. If you’re going to the races or casino, hell Melbourne Cup sweeps - cash in and get cash out
8. If you have a tradesman come around - offer to pay in cash for a discount. Again, withdraw a little extra

Finally - Here’s some other ways I’ve thought to acquire cash aside from an ATM - again, some harder than others:

1. If dining in a group setting - offer to pay the bill on my card and others may give cash for their share
2. Receiving as birthday/Christmas presents
3. Selling items second hand, eg even gift cards at a discount (can get these through surveys etc)
4. Return & earn 10c cans
5. Open a separate bank account and siphon money there somehow
6. Do a side hustle for cash - dog walking, handyman work, ironing etc

Any other ideas share away!