Rule of Thumb

I knew a guy with a successful computer retail store who told me that he could tell you the state of the local economy by the receipts in the drawer.  It wasn't how much, but the ratio of credit card to cash.  The tighter the local economy became, the less certainty about the future, the more people spent their credit lines and kept their cash close to their persons and ready for any emergency.

2005-2007 were good cash years.  I got a few checks, but mostly cash.  So far this year, 75% are credit cards and the balance checks (no cash).  Anyone else sharing in this trend?  Or am I in one of the few areas feeling the pinch of rising prices at the pump and grocery aisle?