Cash in the house for emergency

[Aleta]

Instead of going to ATM's and taking out money, I use another method. From day 1 of the month, as I spend the cash, I write the category down and the amount. That is even things like birthday cards, movie rentals, food, etc. Let's say that I have spent $325.00 during the month. I will write a check for that amount at the end of the month or a few days into the next month. I'm just reimbursing my cash money that was used.

Also, something else that people don't think about is the run that the banks have on the ATM's when a disaster happens and there have been people who couldn't get money out of their accounts.

This saves me a lot of aggravation. You can even go to the ATM and withdraw your monthly expenses as well.

[myrdale]

I keep $200 in my truck. That should really get me though most anything that comes along. I've thought about keeping cash in the house but havn't yet. I would say $500 to $1000 would be more than enough to keep in the house.

[snafu]

At least $100. cash in small bills can instantly yank you out of an emergency situation. Everyone in our community were suddenly ordered out of their homes due to a train derailment [hazzardous materials] miles away! Cash gave security.

If you worry about break-in buy a small safe offers tons of security. They go on sale regularly under $40. and give a home for important documents as well as cash. It's imparative to bolt these small, portable boxes to both the wall and the floor or built-in shelf. Thieves go to the M/bedroom for treasure so choose another room! We bolted our safe in the closet of the kids rm. There is so much stuff in there it would discourage any thief!

[Reldon]

We always have some cash on hand. Having a small safe is a good idea but make sure it is bolted like snafu said. Getting a small safe and not bolting it in means that the safe will be taken as well.

[Aleta]

It's a good idea to make sure that it is fire protected as well.

[tigger98]

We went through Hurricane Ivan in 2004. We did not have much cash on hand. We did not have power for over a week, but some of our town had their power back within several days. One grocery store (Winn Dixie) opened several days after the storm using their emergency generator so that people could get staples. We had to drive for an hour to find an ATM to withdraw some cash when we used the little money we had. I want to be prepared with enough cash to last several days if we are in a similar situation again.