Did You Know?

If you pay cash, you are entitled to fair and transparent change — even as pennies disappear from circulation.

What Happened to the Penny?

The U.S. has stopped producing new pennies because they cost more to make than they’re worth. However:

✔ Pennies are still legal tender
✔ Businesses cannot keep your change
✔ Any rounding must be fair and disclosed

How Cash Rounding Is SUPPOSED to Work

Rounding applies only to the final total, not individual items.

Example:

• $9.42 → $9.40
• $9.47 → $9.45 or $9.50 (policy must be posted)

What Is NOT Acceptable

🚫 No posted rounding notice
🚫 Rounding that always favors the store
🚫 Keeping “a few cents” without consent
🚫 No payment choice offered

Why This Matters for Seniors

Even 2–3 cents per transaction adds up:

• Fixed incomes are precise
• Cash budgets are intentional
• Small losses repeat silently

How to Protect Yourself

✔ Ask for a receipt
✔ Ask about rounding policies
✔ Use a card for exact totals
✔ Speak up — politely but firmly

Fairness matters — even in pennies.

Provided by Erin’s Ageless-Essentials
Knowledge is the cure to healthy aging.

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