Thanks to you, I’m starting to hold more cash again, reversing a years-long trend of Visa-tapping (PIN, what’s that?) that had pretty much turned my wallet into a repository of cards, decomposing receipts and scrawled memos.

The return to paper money – I’m just dipping my toes at this point – follows my recent interview with Amy Korczynski, the curator of the Toronto-Dominion Bank’s exhibit of historical Canadian currency.

Our conversation got me thinking nostalgically about bills and coins, and how they fit with a general longing for olden times.

As well, your e-mails in response to that article really hit home, with sage advice on why you’re still using paper currency for some expenses. Once again, I’m here to share the collective wisdom of Globe readers – which has never led me astray.

I don’t think most of us want to return to a world where we’re handing over $200 in cash to cover groceries or $100 for an oil change. Digital payments are here to stay, and your e-mails reinforced that belief.

But you also cited several examples of where cash just might have an edge.

It handles the small stuff. From tips to lemonade stands to garage sales, bills and coins are better at delivering experiences that you might miss if you insist on point-of-sale systems.

In an emergency, you’re covered. It’s maybe not a bad idea to have some bills tucked away ... just in case. What could interrupt the flow of online commerce for longer than a few minutes? I honestly don’t know. But if we can gain peace of mind by slipping $100 into our wallets, why not do it?

Cash gets you discounts. Some restaurants prefer cash over credit cards because they can save on hefty transaction fees – and some establishments will entice you with attractive discounts when you pay with cash.

Cash imparts wisdom. If you are a parent struggling to teach your child about the importance of saving and budgeting, you’re going to find it easier with physical money than e-transfers or – what was I thinking? – a credit card.

Cash requires extra effort, and that can be a good thing. Since cash gets you out of the house and into a store, you may be less inclined to make impulsive online purchases. So, for anyone on a tight budget, it could be helpful to cash-up at the start of each week and stick with your allotment – even if it’s only for coffee and snacks.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that cash has its downsides, too. You can lose it, you can get ripped off on change and there are some stores that don’t know what to do with it. Also, you need a better strategy for coins than piling them up on your dresser.

That said, I now have one 50, two 20s and two fives parked in my wallet, plus a pile of change on the dresser – all prepped for the next blackout, yard sale or lucky lemonade stand.

For this week’s question, I want to explore the point about teaching our children about money, so that they spend and save responsibly. Pass along your best tips to dberman@globeandmail.com. I’ll do my best to keep sharing your collective wisdom.

In this chart, I look at whether a new pipeline will reinvigorate Canadian energy stocks.