If you think a plastic debit card and a friendly ATM are going to save you when things collapse, I’ve got bad news. When the grid goes dark, the internet glitches, or the banks pull one of their “extended holidays,” your digital numbers in an app mean absolutely nothing. Cash is king — but only if you’ve got the right kind, in the right amounts, and in the right places.
So how much cash should a prepper actually keep? Let’s break it down.
Why Cash Still Matters
We live in an era where governments push “cashless society” agendas, banks limit your daily withdrawals, and stores experiment with digital-only payments. All it takes is a power outage or a cyberattack and suddenly you can’t swipe, tap, or Venmo your way into a loaf of bread.
Cash doesn’t care if the Wi-Fi is down. Cash doesn’t ask for your password. And in a crisis, it can get you out of a jam faster than a gold coin or a credit card with a frozen limit. That’s why preppers treat cash not as “extra pocket money,” but as survival gear.
And let’s not forget the other angle: governments track your spending. Cash is one of the last bastions of private, untraceable transactions — which means it’s a threat to those who want control. If they don’t like you having it, you probably should.
How Much Cash to Keep on Hand
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a rule of thumb: have enough to cover at least one month of critical expenses without touching the bank. Rent, fuel, food, medicine — add it up. That’s your baseline. For most families, that number is somewhere between $1,000–$3,000.
But don’t keep it all in crisp hundreds. In a crisis, no one is breaking a $100 bill for a gallon of gas. Stockpile small denominations — ones, fives, tens, and a handful of twenties. Think trade, think convenience, think quick deals when everyone else is fumbling with big bills.
Anything beyond that? That depends on your paranoia threshold. Some hardcore preppers stash six months’ worth in cash, knowing banks can legally freeze your account during “emergencies.” Sound extreme? Just ask anyone who lived through Argentina’s 2001 bank freeze or Cyprus in 2013. Overnight, life savings became untouchable numbers on a screen.
Where to Store It
Now comes the tricky part. Stashing cash under your mattress is a cliché for a reason — it’s the first place thieves look. You need layers. Diversify your hiding spots like you diversify your food storage.
- Home Safe: Fireproof, bolted down, hidden in plain sight.
- Everyday Carry: A few bills in your wallet, bug out bag, or glove box.
- Off-Site Cache: A trusted family member, a hidden container on your property, or even a well-disguised spot in your workshop or barn.
The point is: never put all your eggs in one basket. Fires, floods, and sticky fingers happen. Spread the risk.
Access Full Article by Ask a Prepper