Just thought since EDC has been the focus of the month for us, that I would post a quick blurb about Every Day Carry Cash. Most of us carry our credit cards, and even check books, but cash is still the emergency currency form of choice. Cash is bulky, so most of us just get by using debit or credit cards on daily purchases.
You don’t have to be Papillion to carry a hidden cache of paper money. There are sock wallets, bra wallets, money belts, neck wallets, and travel wallets usually worn under the clothing around the waist like a fanny pack. Depending on the local pick pocket culture, you may want to go with a hidden pouch. A large Pen can even carry a rolled up $100 bill inside the body, but don’t let anyone walk off with it!
As for amounts, I would hazard to say this depends on what you can afford to carry. Tying up $1000 in cash for emergency carry may or may not be too bright depending on your financial situation. You may want to keep large amounts where they can earn interest. If you can afford to carry a large amount, don’t tell anyone!
It may seem so simple that it’s stupid, but just keep it to yourself.
Image courtesy / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
To keep from spending it, pretend its not there. Do not dip into it unless…. Get this…. It’s a bona fide Emergency! A soda and candy bar is not an emergency; stranded on the bad side of town at 2 am alone definitely is an emergency. You may want to carry small denominations so that you aren’t jumped the second you hand someone a $100 bill. You will also want to separate the bundle to many parts of your kit and clothing in case there is a chance of being robbed and searched.
Change is important for things like parking and phone booths, but I haven’t seen too many phone booths in the last couple of years. A pay as you go cell phone is a good thing to have, even if you particularly hate them in general. Or add a lineman’s test set phone to your kit. Either way change can be useful, especially the gold $1 coins. They are very shiny and distracting to most.
If you can swing it, $200-$500 in different denominations is most likely the best bet. This will cover cab rides, bribes, food, clothing, equipment, communications, and hotel/motel fees. Travelers Checks are good for foreign trips, but I would still include actual cash both US dollars and the local equivalent. Kept in a hidden pouch and wrapped in waterproof material, you have a way to get out of most jams.
Each adult in your family should do this, and don’t forget the teenaged kids. They may need to get a cab, ride the bus, call home, or some other emergency, so instruct them the same way you would another responsible adult. The VISA and American Express pre-paid cards would be a good alternative if they just can’t handle the pressure. Keep some cash in the house too, either hidden or locked in a safe.
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