How much cash do you keep available for emergencies? (outside of the bank)

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How much cash do you keep available for emergencies? (outside of the bank)

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:10:41 PM EDT

I was thinking about my how much cash I had at home today. I only keep around $200 in cash. If a disaster were to occur ATM machines, credit card processors, and banks could all be unavailable. Which would leave me in trouble.

So the question is, how much cash should one keep on hand?

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:11:56 PM EDT

[#1]

I keep trade goods instead.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:13:02 PM EDT

[#2]

It would be a mass disaster to keep you away from a working ATM. At that point, $200 isn't worth shit, it's who has the most ammo and friends.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:15:51 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
It would be a mass disaster to keep you away from a working ATM. At that point, $200 isn't worth shit, it's who has the most ammo and friends.

Well during hurricane Wilma in Florida the power was out everywhere for a week. No ATM machines worked and no banks were open.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:22:15 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
It would be a mass disaster to keep you away from a working ATM. At that point, $200 isn't worth shit, it's who has the most ammo and friends.

Though the arfcommers wet dream, i doubt it.

Have cash on hand.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:27:44 PM EDT

[#5]

I keep 15k in the safe.

Small bills mostly.

In a disaster, cash is king most of the time.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:31:05 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
I keep 15k in the safe.

Small bills mostly.

In a disaster, cash is king most of the time.

Small bills huh? Holy cow, that must be one nice looking stack of cash.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:32:45 PM EDT

[#7]

When the tax refund gets here, I'm going to put $1,000 in the safe. I'm going to attempt to add to that each payday.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:33:34 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
I keep 15k in the safe.

Small bills mostly.

In a disaster, cash is king most of the time.

I admit to being ignorant in these matters but...

I'd have thought food or water would carry more value in a SHTF situation.

Cheers
Taffy

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:34:23 PM EDT

[#9]

"Enuf"

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:35:26 PM EDT

[#10]

I think the key is to have it in several places.

1. In your house. A reasonable stash for extended power outtage when cash is king.
2. In your car. Same reason as above, but for gas/hotel, food.
3. In your BOB. Same reasons as above.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:35:33 PM EDT

[#11]

You should keep 5% of your income as an emergency fund.

Do I? Well, not at the moment.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:35:36 PM EDT

[#12]

I keep a roll of quarters in my thong at all times.

Posted: 2/23/2007 2:35:45 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I keep 15k in the safe.

Small bills mostly.

In a disaster, cash is king most of the time.

I admit to being ignorant in these matters but...

I'd have thought food or water would carry more value in a SHTF situation.

Cheers
Taffy

I have that also, depends on the situation.
I try and be prepared for everything I can think of and I still won't be completely prepared even then.

Posted: 2/23/2007 4:52:53 PM EDT

[#14]

Varies from zero to hundreds, depending on what day you catch me.

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:03:26 PM EDT

[#15]

Women are born with all the cash and trade goods they need.

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:03:32 PM EDT

[#16]

I presently have $700 in 50's in the house safe.

Not because of a SHTF situation, but because many times I just don't like to go to the bank before I go out for dinner (or what ever).

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:06:04 PM EDT

[#17]

I will wait for FEMA and Red Cross to hand out gift cards.

why worry?

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:07:24 PM EDT

[#18]

I have two pennies, one in each loafer.

AB

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:11:32 PM EDT

[#19]

$200 to $2000 depending on mood and current OT.

Being able to present CASH at the critical moment has served me well.

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:12:53 PM EDT

[#20]

About $50.-

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:23:17 PM EDT

[#21]

I'm shooting for 2K in $20's or smaller. Right now, I have almost 1K, not including PM's. I also have the food/water/TP/ammo/medicine/batteries/silver/shelter/cooking supplies/lighting stash as well.

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:24:04 PM EDT

[#22]

Used to be ~$1500 ... now it's about $30

Posted: 2/23/2007 5:43:30 PM EDT

[#23]

It's also great for bribing people.

"In God We Trust, All Others Must Pay Cash."

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:19:08 PM EDT

[#24]

I wouldn't be able to bear keeping a lot of cash around. The longer it sits there, the less it's worth.

If you're going to keep value just sitting and collecting dust, I'd buy bags of silver coins and small gold coins. Those will not lose their value, and will be a huge asset if the disaster is an economic collapse, where FRNs will not even make good toilet paper.

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:20:19 PM EDT

[#25]

6mo worth of bills and food.

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:26:04 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
I will wait for FEMA and Red Cross to hand out gift cards.

why worry?

Shit, I'd be wadin' through the water wit Lootie! I luvs a muh-fuggin' free Heineken and smokes.

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:31:51 PM EDT

[#27]

I live in a Liberal "Progressive" city, in the event of a major catastrophe I'll just take what I need

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:38:01 PM EDT

[#28]

. drunk post....

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:38:52 PM EDT

[#29]

listen, i consider myself well prepared...ive got a reasonable jar of change...excpet to quarters....cause they turn into beer money...ahh the joy of college...bein broke as hell....grrrr.

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:39:09 PM EDT

[#30]

Whatever you keep on hand in cash,
keep it in FIVES AND TENS! A twenty is useless
when people cant make change for small
purchases. I know people say it loses value under
your mattress , but google fractional reserve system
and you'll understand why its better than a bank.
If we ever have a run on banks in this country,
you be screwed without on hand cash AND barter
supplies. Canned foods, bottled water,
book matches, candles, gasoline, and staples
like rice, oats, sugar, salt, coffee, and cooking oil
will be priceless.

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:41:53 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:
Whatever you keep on hand in cash,
keep it in FIVES AND TENS! A twenty is useless
when people cant make change.

Well then make it 10 308 cartridges, 9 5.56 rounds, and a 1/2 box of .22s.

Tip em a 30/06 if they are nice.

Posted: 2/23/2007 7:47:56 PM EDT

[#32]

A couple grand in $20s in a small firesafe in the big fire resistant safe.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How much cash do you keep available for emergencies? (outside of the bank)

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