Discussion » Questions » Finance » Do you keep physical cash on hand in case of an emergency?
Jane S

Do you keep physical cash on hand in case of an emergency?

If a natural disaster, cyber attack, or sustained power outage prevented ATM's and credit card readers from functioning,  how long would you be able to buy necessities (assuming they are available)?

Posted - October 14, 2023
Tags : None

Responses


  • 7792
    No. As a matter of fact, I haven't had cash in my pockets in a couple of years.
      October 14, 2023 8:55 AM MDT
    6

  • 10996
    I can't remember the last time I spent cash, except to pay my hair stylist, who doesn't accept credit. However, I  do have a twenty stashed in my phone case and it's been there for years.
      October 14, 2023 6:17 PM MDT
    3

  • 3701
    Yes, I do.  You never know when you'll need to bribe someone for food, water, etc. and the last thing I want is to starve to death.
      October 14, 2023 11:39 AM MDT
    6

  • 10996
    Same here. 
      October 14, 2023 6:18 PM MDT
    3

  • 1498
    Always have enough on hand for emergency pizza. 

    I've read how this is a pressing concern for the most wealthy: not so much how to avert global catastrophe, but how to keep people loyal after it hits.
      October 14, 2023 1:41 PM MDT
    5

  • 1953
    Yes I do, I keep plenty of benjamins on hand just in case of such an emergency thank you. 
      October 14, 2023 5:14 PM MDT
    6

  • 2148
    Benjamins?
      October 14, 2023 5:18 PM MDT
    2

  • 1953
    As in Benjamin Franklin, the man whose face is on $100 bill. 
      October 14, 2023 5:30 PM MDT
    4

  • 2148
    Not having been to the States I have never had a $1 bill, let alone a $100, so I would not know that. I'm used to British slang terms for money.
      October 14, 2023 5:34 PM MDT
    3

  • 1498
    In today's currency, a Benjamin would be about three ponies and a bluey.
      October 14, 2023 5:51 PM MDT
    3

  • 10996
    I think it's a good idea.
      October 14, 2023 6:18 PM MDT
    4
  • Bez

    2148
    Yes.
      October 14, 2023 5:18 PM MDT
    5

  • 13277
    Is there cash that isn’t physical?
      October 14, 2023 5:39 PM MDT
    5

  • 1498
    I should have seen that one coming! 
      October 14, 2023 5:47 PM MDT
    2

  • 13277
    From five miles away!
      October 14, 2023 5:57 PM MDT
    2

  • 10996
    Yes, in accounting, cash refers to money that is easily accessible for spending. It can include money kept in a bank account or in short-term investments. It does not necessarily refer to money kept in your sock drawer.
      October 14, 2023 6:14 PM MDT
    3

  • 13277
    But money drawn from, say, a bank account is still physical.

    ”Physical” does not modify “cash” and doesn’t differentiate it from another type of cash, so it’s redundant.

    It’s kind of like asking “What time is it currently?” instead of “What time is it?”

    Or saying someone works in the proverbial Department of Redundancy Department.
      October 14, 2023 6:27 PM MDT
    1

  • 10996
    I disagree. But whether you are correct or not, no one cares but you.
      October 14, 2023 8:17 PM MDT
    2

  • 13277
    That’s enough for me! But Randy is my partner, and he surely cares. LOL.
      October 14, 2023 8:34 PM MDT
    1

  • 7404
    I can’t remember the last time I carried or kept cash. We had a Rodgers outage I believe summer of 2022 and no interact/ online payments were working for a day or two.I had planned during that time to always keep some cash on me Cos that couple days was a disaster. Then everything started working again and I never followed through with my cash backup plan. 
      October 14, 2023 7:09 PM MDT
    5

  • 10996
    Maybe you should take this as a sign.
      October 14, 2023 8:18 PM MDT
    4

  • 7404
    I probably should. Not saying I will knowing me, but should. 
      October 14, 2023 8:23 PM MDT
    3

  • 23576


    Yes, I have cash on hand all the time - - emergency or no emergency.



    And where's Danilo_G - - pizza time.



      October 27, 2023 5:55 PM MDT
    2

  • 8214
    No, I try to leave a certain amount in the bank, just in case.  It's not much but better than nothing. 
      October 30, 2023 1:18 PM MDT
    0