Are you stashing cash - the paper kind?

[HarveyS]

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/27/the...ion-possibly-linked-to-global-corruption.html

CNBC reports today that "The number of outstanding U.S. $100 bills has doubled since the financial crisis, with more than 12 billion of them across the world, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. C-notes have passed $1 bills in circulation, Deutsche Bank chief international economist Torsten Slok said in a note to clients this week."

I have more cash in my house today after FIRE compared to before. I just like having it around - I guess in case the ATM stops working. Now I understand that if the ATM is out for more than a few days there are probably lots of other problems that a few C-notes won't solve. Illogical, yes, but I am holding a few of those 12 billion notes and adding to the # outstanding.

How about you? Are you holding more cash (real, tangible bills) than you did in the past? If so, why?

 

[erkevin]

This was a long thread several months ago:

http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f28/keeping-emergency-cash-at-home-93346.html

 

[Midpack]

I have a stash of $ Franklins at home, but no more or less than before the ‘08 meltdown.

 

[Texas Proud]

If I get a C note I deposit it... there is no reason that I can think of to use them.... if I need cash I can use $20s... I will not spend a large amount of cash on anything...


BUT, I do know that overseas there are people who hold US currency and do so in C notes...

 

[GrayHare]

Would be interesting to see an official guess as to the per cent held outside the US. I suspect ol' Ben is the note of choice for the better off in countries that experience rampant inflation or banking problems.

 

[dtbach]

I have a stash of around a grand at home, $50s and $20s. No C notes.

 

[braumeister]

 

[Nick12]

I'm old school. No longer have a debit card. If I need more cash I withdraw at the local bank.

 

[brewer12345]

Would be interesting to see an official guess as to the per cent held outside the US. I suspect ol' Ben is the note of choice for the better off in countries that experience rampant inflation or banking problems.

Last I heard from people whose job it was to know, the majority is outside the US.

 

[Lienlord]

I do some buying/selling on Craigslist, and cash is king when it comes to wheeling & dealing! So I keep enough cash within reach to buy anything from a cell phone to a car at a moments notice, including bank holidays or weekends. Just need a shovel and a map to find it! Haha

 

[W2R]

How about you? Are you holding more cash (real, tangible bills) than you did in the past? If so, why?

No, but I should be! It would be so helpful after a hurricane. I keep planning to accumulate two or three thousand dollars in twenty dollar bills, and keep it in the house. However I haven't made any progress toward doing that. I think the reason I haven't, is that I can't figure out where on earth to put it.

 

[audreyh1]

Last I heard from people whose job it was to know, the majority is outside the US.

Right - that’s what I was going to say. A lot of US cash is used overseas.

 

[upset264]

I've had $2500 in 10s, 20s, and 50s stashed for at least 10 years. Just in case something happens like terrorists or a foreign power or a natural disaster disable our power systems.

 

[GrayHare]

Anyone stashing cash for an emergency, hurricane, earthquake, etc. would probably do well to include denominations smaller than a C note. In such a situation whatever stores might be open will probably run out of small bills. I suppose you could spend a $100 for a loaf of bread, with no change coming back, but being able to pay with a $5 would leave money for other items.

 

[sengsational]

This quote is from the previous "Keeping emergency cash..." thread. I'm not a drinker of spirits, but think if it ever came to trading, a bottle of good booze would be good in exchange for someone who's got something you want! But the reason I'm quoting is that I'm wondering if those unlableled bottles are Westvleteren. The booze lasts "forever", and the Westy 12's might last 3 years before heading down, but the lower abv ones need to be consumed. Where about in the mid-atlantic should I visit?

True, and in a postapocalyptic world, guns might be valuable but I wouldn't trade mine! And precious metals might just be pretty shiny bricks....

That's why I have a liquor cache. Even if people start distilling moonshine, I'll bet these would be worth something in trade:

(Seriously though, it's just because when I see a really good price on something we like, why not buy a few years worth? It's not like it'll ever go bad. Also, note the porcelain water filter in the back, recommended by friends who served in the Peace Corps.)

 

[Animorph]

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador.

 

[robnplunder]

Never had cash around. I use CC a lot. If I need cash, I go to ATM to withdraw a few hundred dollars which will last me a long time. I can't think of any reason to horde cash unless I need to be on the road, hiding from authority. That's not likely to happen.

 

[braumeister]

I'm wondering if those unlableled bottles are Westvleteren. The booze lasts "forever", and the Westy 12's might last 3 years before heading down,

They do appear to be Westy bottles, and I can assure you that the contents will still be excellent long after the date on the cap.

 

[Music Lover]

Never had cash around. I use CC a lot. If I need cash, I go to ATM to withdraw a few hundred dollars which will last me a long time. I can't think of any reason to horde cash unless I need to be on the road, hiding from authority. That's not likely to happen.

I think the point of cash on hand for most people is if ATMs go down for an extended period, or for local buy and sell purposes. Of course, it also comes in handy when you're hiding from the law

 

[cbo111]

I don't mind carrying a few c-notes around, but something about the $50 bill bothers me. For some odd reason I get it confused with a 20, which has happened on more than one occasion.

 

[Sanstar]

I keep enough cash stashed in each vehicle to fill the tank. I’ve been out and about, needing gas but the nearest station’s cc device is down. Also, a couple years ago I drove across town for a volunteer job assignment; forgot wallet, gas light came on and it was a bit anxiety inducing getting home on fumes. Hence the vehicles’ cash stash. Plus, we refill at the half way mark these days.

We have always kept a certain amount of cash in low denominations at the house. Mainly for extreme weather events. We were hit by a tornado 4 years ago and need to be prepared. No more or less then pre-retirement. Vehicle stash is post-retirement.

 

[CardsFan]

I don't mind carrying a few c-notes around, but something about the $50 bill bothers me. For some odd reason I get it confused with a 20, which has happened on more than one occasion.

Whenever I get a $50 or $100 bill (usually from DMIL for a gift) I fold it in quarters and tuck it behind my drivers license. This way I can't use it by accident, and it is out of sight for spending. I consider this to be emergency money, but rarely use it. Probably have $300 to $500 at any given time.

 

[braumeister]

I keep enough cash stashed in each vehicle to fill the tank. I’ve been out and about, needing gas but the nearest station’s cc device is down.

Smart move. I've been keeping an emergency $20 in the car for many years. It has bailed me out of a tight spot several times.

 

[Jerry1]

I keep my casino money in my pocket. Actually, my wallet. My day to day cash is in my pocket. Casino money is c-notes. Being my gambling fund, the amount on hand varies wildly. Has nothing to do with my feelings about 2008 and more to do with needing to be ready to play craps or video poker.

 

[COZICAN]

I have 3K in $20's in a fire box in the gun safe for the zombie apocalypse. I always have 2-3 $100 bills in my wallet for emergencies. I keep $30 or so in small bills as well as a baggie of quarters in my truck just in case.