As preppers prepare for various emergency scenarios, they often prioritize essentials like food, water, and first aid supplies.
An often-overlooked aspect of emergency preparedness is the need for readily available cash.
In times of crisis, having cash on hand can make a significant difference in a person’s ability to secure necessary resources and maintain personal security.
So, how much cash should a prepper keep on hand?
While different people have different needs and budgets, many experts recommend having enough cash to cover one month of critical living expenses (at a minimum), such as food, water, and gas.
This emergency fund may vary significantly from person to person, with some individuals requiring as little as $1,000, while others may need substantially more to feel prepared for a crisis.
Reasons for Keeping Cash
One of the primary reasons preppers keep cash on hand is to ensure they have access to funds during a national emergency or catastrophe when banking operations may be disrupted.
Having cash available can be crucial for purchasing essential goods and services when electronic payment systems are not functional.
Additionally, during natural disasters or widespread power outages, withdrawing money from ATMs or conducting credit card transactions becomes difficult or impossible.
Holding cash reserves enables preppers to maintain financial independence and cover immediate expenses during such unpredictable situations.
Another reason to keep cash at hand is for personal and family safety.
Emergency situations can create uncertainty and may lead to unsafe environments or the need for quick evacuations.
Having cash readily available allows for faster decision-making and the ability to secure transportation, lodging, or other emergency needs without relying on electronic payments.
Lastly, having cash reserves contributes to preppers’ overall preparedness strategy.
Diversifying financial resources ensures that they are well-equipped to face a variety of potential scenarios.
By including cash alongside other essential supplies, preppers can feel confident knowing that they have multiple options and resources to rely on during emergencies.
Factors Influencing Cash Amount
There are several factors that influence the amount of cash preppers keep on hand.
In this section, we’ll discuss the individual financial situation, type of emergency scenario, and length of potential crisis as three key factors shaping a prepper’s cash stockpile.
Individual Financial Situation
Your financial situation plays a crucial role in determining how much cash you should keep on hand. Factors such as your monthly expenses, income, and savings can impact your ability to stock up on cash.
A common recommendation is to have enough cash to cover 1-6 months’ worth of your normal living expenses, depending on your financial situation.
This serves as a safety net in case of job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or economic crises.
Type of Emergency Scenario
The type of emergency scenario you’re preparing for can also affect how much cash you should have on hand.
Examples of possible scenarios include natural disasters, economic collapse, or bank system failures.
For instance, some financial experts advise keeping $1,000 to $2,000 in cash in case banking operations are shut down due to a national emergency or catastrophe.
This amount is different from those in the preparedness community, who typically recommend larger amounts.
However, having a sufficient cash reserve on hand allows you to purchase essential goods and services when electronic payment systems may be temporarily unavailable.
Length of Potential Crisis
The duration of an emergency can vary, and the length of a potential crisis can dictate how much cash you need to set aside.
Short-term emergencies may require only a few days’ worth of cash, while long-term situations might warrant a more substantial reserve.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can better determine the appropriate amount of cash to keep in your emergency preparedness plan.
Recommended Cash Amounts
In this section, we’ll discuss the recommended cash amounts that preppers should have on hand for different types of emergencies.
Short-Term Emergencies
If you are starting out and preparing for short-term emergencies, I suggest having enough cash to cover one month of your most critical living expenses, such as food, water, and gas.
This amount will vary for everyone, so plan accordingly.
It’s important to have this cash readily available, so you can easily access it during a power outage or any other situation that might restrict access to banks and ATMs.
Don’t rely on the grid!
Long-Term Emergencies
For long-term emergencies, the recommended cash amounts may also vary depending on the individual.
Factors such as income, savings, and net worth play a role in determining how much cash one should have on hand.
Your specific circumstances will vary and will greatly impact your specific amount.
Additionally, it’s important to consider your home insurance policy when storing large amounts of cash at home.
For some folks, this may mean you have a substantially large amount of cash on hand.
Standard home insurance policies typically cover only up to $200 in cash, so any cash exceeding that limit may not be protected in case of loss or theft.
Storing Cash Safely
When preppers stockpile emergency cash, an essential aspect to consider is how to store it safely and securely.
Losing your cash reserves to theft, fire, or natural disaster can be devastating. In this section, we will discuss the best practices for the safe storage of cash, both at home and offsite.
Home Storage Options
There are several effective ways to store cash within the confines of your home.
Opting for one or more secure storage options ensures that you have easy access to your emergency funds while keeping them out of reach from potential threats.
Here are some top home storage options:
- Fireproof and waterproof safes: Investing in a high-quality safe that is both fireproof and waterproof can provide excellent protection for your cash. Ensure that it is securely bolted to the floor or wall to deter theft.
- Hidden compartments: Creatively hiding cash in hollowed-out books, fake electrical outlets, or other inconspicuous locations can help keep it safe from burglars who may not spend time searching for hidden treasures.
- Diversion safes: These are containers that look like ordinary household items, such as canned goods or cleaning products, but contain secret compartments for stashing cash. Diversion safes come in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to find one that blends seamlessly with your home decor.
Offsite Storage Options
If you prefer to store some or all of your cash reserves offsite, there are a few secure options to consider:
- Bank safe deposit boxes: Renting a safe deposit box at a local bank or credit union provides an added layer of security for your cash. While not typically insured by the FDIC, these boxes are generally more secure than home storage solutions and offer protection against theft, fire, and natural disasters.
- Storage facilities: Some private storage facilities have secure vault rooms designed for storing valuable items like cash, gold, and important documents. These can be another offsite storage option to consider, especially if you have a large amount of cash to store and require access to it regularly.
- Trusted family or friends: Entrusting a portion of your emergency cash to a reliable friend or family member can help spread the risk. However, be cautious when making this decision, as trust and personal relationships can be complicated.
It is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each storage option to find the best solution for your emergency cash needs. Consider a combination of home and offsite storage methods to maximize safety and accessibility.
Alternatives to Cash
Preppers understand the importance of diversifying their assets, and while cash is a valuable resource, there are alternative ways to store wealth and prepare for potential emergencies.
Some viable alternatives to cash include gold and silver, bartering items, and cryptocurrency.
Gold and Silver
Gold and silver have been traditional stores of value for centuries, and preppers can benefit from including these precious metals in their preparations.
Gold and silver coins, bars, or bullion can be used for trade during times of crisis when cash might be devalued or lose its purchasing power.
When investing in gold and silver, consider focusing on items that are easy to physically store, recognize, and trade, such as one-ounce coins.
Keep in mind that investing in precious metals means you’ll need a secure storage solution, like a safe or a hidden storage spot within your home.
Bartering Items
Another alternative to cash is having a stockpile of bartering items that can be traded for goods and services during an emergency. These can include everyday essentials that people may need, like:
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Medications and first-aid supplies
- Hygiene items
- Batteries
- Ammunition
- Tools
When stockpiling bartering items, consider selecting items that have a long shelf life, are in high demand or essential, and are easy to trade in small quantities.
Cryptocurrency
In recent years, cryptocurrency has emerged as a potential alternative to cash for preppers.
While still volatile and reliant on technology, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can be used as a potential store of value and for transactions during a crisis, especially if traditional financial systems are compromised.
To prepare for this scenario, it’s essential to educate yourself on how cryptocurrencies work, create secure digital wallets for storage, and ensure you have access to the technology needed to use and transact with cryptocurrencies during an emergency situation.
Conclusion
In determining the amount of cash that preppers should keep, various factors come into play, such as the individual’s financial situation and the perceived likelihood of emergencies.
Some sources recommend having a sufficient amount of cash on hand to cover expenses for at least a few weeks in case of unforeseen situations.
It’s important for preppers to consider the practical aspects of storing and securing their cash.
Utilizing a combination of home safes, secure hiding spots, and diversifying with other forms of currency, such as gold or silver, can help ensure that they are prepared for a variety of scenarios.
Ultimately, the decision on how much cash to keep will depend on each prepper’s unique circumstances and risk tolerance.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to maintain a balance between having enough cash for emergencies and keeping the bulk of savings in more secure and accessible financial institutions.