Liz CA Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I never have other than the $5 or $10 dollar bill in my wallet. More often than not I don't even have that much cash on hand. Last night dh locked up our online access to a bank account because he typed the password incorrectly, THREE times. ;) This made me think if we did not have access to our cards for one or two days, we'd be without any money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 I never have other than the $5 or $10 dollar bill in my wallet. More often than not I don't even have that much cash on hand. Last night dh locked up our online access to a bank account because he typed the password incorrectly, THREE times. ;) This made me think if we did not have access to our cards for one or two days, we'd be without any money. :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 no cash around, but since we use credit cards or checks for almost everything it really doesn't matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4everHis Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I've always heard it's wise to have some cash. All it would take would be a storm (snow, tornado, hurricane, etc.) or any kind of electrical outage and you'd be up a creek. In those cases grocery stores couldn't use credit/debit cards. . . again, cash would come in handy. just my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 No, I've never had enough money to keep cash on hand. :D Maybe one day I'll have enough that I can keep a Grant in a drawer in case of emergency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 In the fire lock box, for crazy emergencies. It's not that much - but enough for gas and food for a couple days if there was something bizarre going on - like the situation you describe. Also, we keep a bank of small bills and change for doing the kid's allowances, but it's usually only about $10 or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frugalmama Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I run 100% on cash - I don't even have a bank account. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn in Ohio Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Dh likes to have several hundred dollars in cash stashed somewhere in the house. I'm not sure what he is afraid of... some kind of natural or economic disaster. He is more of a worrier than I am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Dh likes to have several hundred dollars in cash stashed somewhere in the house. I'm not sure what he is afraid of... some kind of natural or economic disaster. He is more of a worrier than I am. Your dh is very smart. After Hurricane Katrina, it was cash-only for a good, long time. Credit card machines require phone lines that were knocked out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I don't. But dh does. He always has some emergency cash available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usetoschool Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I never keep any cash. We take care of all financial stuff with a card or online. It would be a smart idea to keep some around for emergencies, but I would probably just spend it. Or forget where I put it to keep myself from spending it. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 In times of turmoil, like after 9/11, I keep some money in several hiding places at home. And after any sudden disaster, like a pretty good-sized earthquake, the first thing I do after filling all the containers in the house with water is run out and get as much cash as the ATM will give me. In theory I should have it around all the time. In practice, I admit that I don't stick to that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 In the fire lock box, for crazy emergencies. It's not that much - but enough for gas and food for a couple days if there was something bizarre going on - like the situation you describe. Also, we keep a bank of small bills and change for doing the kid's allowances, but it's usually only about $10 or so. That's what we do. We live in CA, so earthquakes are always possible. We figure canned food for a week and some little cash can't hurt if we end up with a flattened town. and allowances, or course :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sputterduck Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Yeah, I do, but I live in a cash society. That said, I've always preferred cash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grover Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Dh likes to have several hundred dollars in cash stashed somewhere in the house. I'm not sure what he is afraid of... some kind of natural or economic disaster. He is more of a worrier than I am. he's smart. After the earthquakes here it was 2/3 days at LEAST before anyone had power for card transactions, and in many areas it was a lot longer. I also no longer let my car get over half way empty - the lines at the petrol stations were incredible, and many ran out (once they reopened). I've always been 'cashless' but since our experiences I always ensure I have about $300 somewhere around. I also have an up-to-date and accessible emergency kit now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I have a $20 bill folded and hidden in my wallet for emergencies. My father gave it to me years ago so that I would NEVER be without some cash in an emergency. I have used it once or twice but replaced it right away. Besides that we do have cash on hand. Anywhere from $50-several hundred dollars at a time, depending on the time of the month as we get paid once a month. I just like having cash in case of an emergency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I'm like you if I do it's never more than a $20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Yes, I do. Years ago when I was a business woman, I got in the habit of carrying $100 in my wallet for emergencies. Those were the days before cell phones...that cash could have purchased a couple of tires for the car or a night in a hotel or a meal or two should I get stranded while traveling. Okay...not all of those, but $100 gives you a bit of cushion. I never use that money...ever. If you do, replace at the first available opportunity. We keep a mininum of $1$$$ cash stashed around the place. Bail works best with cash, ya know. ;) In each car is an envelope with $10 in it. When the boys were new drivers with no debit cards that $10 bucks meant I could be sure they could always put a few gallons of gas in the car. I like having cash around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 We do. My DH travels at times and my bank card only functions as a credit card, not a debit card, which means I cannot use the ATM (weird banking rules here). We keep enough cash at home to cover any emergencies that might arise for which I wouldn't be able to use a credit card. Also we have weekly employees who are paid in cash, so I have to have cash for that each week, as well as home water delivery, gas delivery (for cooking), etc. We do keep our cash locked up though, except for small amounts in each of our wallets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I have no paper money anywhere. I have a handful of change in my change purse, in my ashtray in the car and in a 5 gallon water bottle at home. I always have to borrow from the kids if I need cash and one of them is trying to go cash free as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChocolateReignRemix Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 $3-4k stashed in a couple of fire safes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Yes, we have a $1000 emergency fund in a fire safe box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 We had an ice storm a few years back. When we finally could get to the store with our 4WD, their machines were down so they were only taking cash. So, yes, we have some cash just like we have flashlights and other supplies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I have no paper money anywhere. I have a handful of change in my change purse, in my ashtray in the car and in a 5 gallon water bottle at home. I always have to borrow from the kids if I need cash and one of them is trying to go cash free as well. I'm curious what it means to try and go cash free? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 If I do, I wouldn't admit to it on the net :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 yes. but we are mostly cash here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Did anyone else read the thread title and think, "Aha! I know who to "visit" in the middle of the night now!" :D:D:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Did anyone else read the thread title and think, "Aha! I know who to "visit" in the middle of the night now!" :D:D:D oh, god bless the person that ever robs me. they will be so disappointed. just because i have cash doesn't mean i have a lot. they would be very upset with me!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 (edited) Yes. Edited February 3, 2012 by Quill Thought better of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Our regular bills are automatic pay but the rest of our monthly expenses are paid in cash, so yes, we do have cash in the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin M Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Dh likes to have several hundred dollars in cash stashed somewhere in the house. I'm not sure what he is afraid of... some kind of natural or economic disaster. He is more of a worrier than I am. My hubby is the same. Since we live in California, the possibilities of eq and being without power for a few days, it is necessary. Whether its a manmade or natural disaster, it's recommended you always keep enough cash to function for a few days. The Feds have been preaching about having an emergency kit ready for any possibility. Yes, I do. In each car is an envelope with $10 in it. When the boys were new drivers with no debit cards that $10 bucks meant I could be sure they could always put a few gallons of gas in the car. I like having cash around. What a great idea. I usually do have at least 100 cash in my purse, but never thought to keep gas money in the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lea1 Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Yes, for emergency purposes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Well, my first response is, "Well, if I did, I wouldn't tell all of you!" :tongue_smilie: But, yes, I do keep money at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GingerPoppy Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Yes, because I am partly paid in cash. I do like having it in case of emergency, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Well, not cash so much, but I do have a separate savings account at a bank that is not our regular bank, so that if something does go wrong at our bank and tie up all our money I can deal with it. In the eighties my grandparents had to file bankruptcy and their bank accounts were frozen. My grandmother had a tiny business, cash only, selling eggs, and the bank couldn't freeze her money and she kept them in groceries and gas until things got better. It wasn't a lot, but when she didn't have access to her bank account a little cash went a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawana Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Perhaps, but you'd have to kill me to get the full answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I'm curious what it means to try and go cash free? She wants to start using a debit card so she doesn't have to keep track of $1 bills and loose change. I haven't quite figured out the best way to do this yet. We will probably get her a reloadable Visa card that cost $3 each time you put money on it because it is the lowest risk and cost (in comparison to a bank account and debit card). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 (edited) I think that the fears of not having cash are a little over exaggerated. I used to be the cash manager at a very large electronics store (think bigger than Best Buy). One time I couldn't bring our registers up before opening (major IT issue) so we couldn't even ring up transactions and yet we still managed to conduct sales until I could get the IT department to get the system up and running. We used a calculator and accepted checks, cash and processed credit card transactions the old fashioned way and this was for non-essential items. Of course, I am an old timer and I remember before everything was computer based so I knew that it could be done. It is possible that some store managers may have no idea how to conduct business if there systems are down. I would think that ones concerned about sales would figure it out pretty quick though. ETA: Come to think of it, I remember when we had a tab down at the general store. Yeah, I am that old. ;) Edited February 4, 2012 by KidsHappen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHowell Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Yes. We have food storage, water, and extra basics in the garage, and cash, guns, and 2 extra months of prescriptions in the gun safe. Every time I refill a bottle I rotate the medicines, but you never know what may happen. Power outages, earthquakes, or any other unknown thing could happen and make it hard to get all of those things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 :eek: That was my reaction when I saw the title of this thread. This is a public board! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I also have an up-to-date and accessible emergency kit now. Given your experience, what have you included in your emergency kit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted February 4, 2012 Author Share Posted February 4, 2012 :eek: That was my reaction when I saw the title of this thread. This is a public board! Yes, it is a public board but we don't disclose our full names or addresses. Those who feel that they can easily be identified need not answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 If I do, I wouldn't admit to it on the net :tongue_smilie: :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 We don't, but we keep enough supplies on hand for a weather emergency. If need be, we could probably go a month without getting anything. If the need were really bad, we could go longer as we're rural and there are plenty of deer, etc. I'm not fond of keeping cash around. It's too easy to lose or spend. If an emergency came up that destroyed the house or robbers, etc, the cash would be gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellers Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I never have cash, not even at home. DH always carries cash. We also have money in two separate bank accounts so we should always be able to access money even if an account got frozen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAR120C Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Did anyone else read the thread title and think, "Aha! I know who to "visit" in the middle of the night now!" :D:D:D I thought "Do you keep cash at home?" followed immediately by "and where? wallet? glove compartment? freezer? mattress? safe?" What's the combination? anything cute and memorable? just curious :lol: I know no one here is really fishing for theft opportunities, but it's funny how much one is willing to share "among friends" online that you would never put on a billboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigger Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Yes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMDRAD Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 We pay all our bills online and my husband and I each get so much out of each paycheck in cash. So yeah, we have a little cash sitting around. We also have two pots of change, one for "silver" coins and one for pennies. It's amazing how quickly change adds up. I'm currently saving to purchase ANOTHER Glock. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josie Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I'm currently saving to purchase ANOTHER Glock. :D :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 I think that the fears of not having cash are a little over exaggerated. I used to be the cash manager at a very large electronics store (think bigger than Best Buy). One time I couldn't bring our registers up before opening (major IT issue) so we couldn't even ring up transactions and yet we still managed to conduct sales until I could get the IT department to get the system up and running. We used a calculator and accepted checks, cash and processed credit card transactions the old fashioned way and this was for non-essential items. Of course, I am an old timer and I remember before everything was computer based so I knew that it could be done. It is possible that some store managers may have no idea how to conduct business if there systems are down. I would think that ones concerned about sales would figure it out pretty quick though.ETA: Come to think of it, I remember when we had a tab down at the general store. Yeah, I am that old. ;) A very short-term issue at ONE store with credit cards and checks used on discretionary items is quite different than an entire region not being able to electronically process sales on basic provisions. One, it's not nearly as practical to slow down transactions when you have lines of people out the door. Two, in a "needs" scenario, they aren't concerned about sales, because they don't have to be (see above re lines out the door). It's just a completely different scenario. In your case, there was a short-term glitch at one store that sold discretionary items. The 'outside world' at large was not affected. That is not a valid comparison to a long-term issue at EVERY store, with people trying to buy the bare essentials, and with the world outside the stores massively affected as well with a myriad of additional issues (so that it's certainly not as simple as just driving out of town for supplies). In the event of a true local emergency, you will want cash, I promise you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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