My junior high school was not a criminal cesspool. However, on occasion, I would be roughly smacked across the back of the head by a stranger who would shout, "Gimme a quarter." I carried change expressly for that purpose and learned to stay calm and simply forfeit the requested amount. I escaped physically unharmed, but definitely street-smarter. I also developed great peripheral vision, so I could prepare myself for the head-smack.
Strangers are no longer hitting me up for quarters. But in the business world, everyone owes someone money, and no one seems to have much. Some people are fair, patient, and smart in asking for what's due. Others resort to bullying and threats. When the recession is over, we will all remember the people who handled financial issues with empathy, calm, and rational thinking. Of course, there are times we all need to be firm with creditors. But we need to do it with class. Entrepreneur offers some great tips in this article called "Pay Me!" (They do not suggest you hit people on the back of the head.)
Songs about money. (Alas, you have to pay to download)
The cashless society (Barter can be a great way to do without dollars in Westchester/Rockland)
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