We live in a digital age. We've all grown up with and gotten used to the idea that with the swipe of a card or the push of a button, we can pay for just about anything. It's almost second nature to just hand someone your card and bypass cash. But sometimes you're in need of some cold hard-cash and that little plastic card won't get you anywhere. "What?!" you say, "I can't buy everything with my debit card?" No, sweet friend, unfortunately not. Luckily, there are things like the Western Union mobile app that allow to transfer cash from your to phone to friends all across the world. So no matter what comes up, you can get cash when it's needed. "When?" you ask. Here are 15 times that you still need cash in 2017.

1. Small businesses.

Many small businesses are cash-only. Support your neighbors, shop at your local businesses, and you'll probably end up finding the best customer service around.

2. Flea markets.

When you see that perfectly antiqued farm table or re-upholstered bar stools, you'll fall in love quicker than you can say "hipster vibes."

3. Shopping in another country.

No annoying transaction fees when your paying in cash, the universal language. That and a smile.

4. Tipping the valet.

He just ran half a mile to pull your car up in the pouring rain. The poor guy deserves a tip.

5. Purchases under a dollar.

Your card company will appreciate this. And so will you when you go to balance your checkbook later that month.

6. When buying lemonade from that sweet kid on the street corner.

It doesn't matter if that lemonade is entirely powder and tap water, we buy it anyway because we all remember being seven and having big dreams of making our living selling lemonade.

7. Paying a taxi driver.

The classic way to get around the city, and the classic way to pay.

8. Purchases over your usual spending pattern.

If you pay with cash, you don't have to worry about getting a call, email, text, etc. from your card company telling you that they think someone stole your card. Sometimes you need to treat yourself, and that should come without consequence.

9. Covers at bars.

How many times have you been left punching yourself for not remembering to take cash out before you left home?

10. When you're trying to stick to a strict budget.

If you decide to only pay with cash, you stop spending when you run out.

11. The ice-cream truck.

You can't deny it; no matter how old you are, you still get excited every time you hear that catchy jingle coming around the corner.

12. Tithing.

I don't know too many churches that let you toss your plastic in the offering basket.

13. When you're buying something you might have to return.

If you don't want to have to wait a few days for your card to process a return, be sure to pay in cash. Then you'll get your money back right away.

14. Farmers markets.

Want to support your local farms stands, and amp-up your Insta game? Grab some flowers or fresh fruit from the farmers market, and thank me later for that trendy aesthetic.

15. Giving to the homeless.

There's always something to be said about helping another person in need.

In 2017, there are a million things that we can use our cards for. But there are so many things that still require cold-hard cash. If you find yourself in any of the situations above without any cash on-hand, I would recommend one of the following three things: checking in between couch cushions, pleading your case to your grandma who loves to spoil you, or downloading the Western Union app. All three might work, but the latter is definitely going to be the quickest and most convenient. Cash is transferred using the app and can be picked up at over 500,000 Western Union locations around the world, often in the same day. No more waiting 3-5 business days for money to transfer or finding an ATM. So if you're traveling and are in need of quick cash, your parents can easily send you money to Western Union, which is probably a lot closer to you than you even realize.. Quick, easy, trustworthy, and helping you stay up-to-date in this very far from cash-free world.