Emergency Cash Stash

Do you have a hidden cash stash?  Before the holiday rush and the guilt seeps into buying too much for our kids, make sure you have enough put aside for the unexpected. Our family has had several trips to the emergency room this year and I know the value of having some money set aside for emergencies. 

Putting aside emergency cash is an investment against the unexpected! Here are some examples of why you need an emergency cash stash! This is Not for Diet Coke!  You will need to add more $ for that!

Emergency #1: You just went through a major disaster. You can't leave the city and need some supplies. The power is out and the grocery store isn't accepting ATM or credit cards.

Emergency #2: You've suddenly been asked to evacuate because of a fire on the mountain near your home. You hope you can eventually drive to your sister's out of state, but suddenly the roads are congested. Everything is at a standstill. You need gas, food and water.
Teach Your Kids To Save

Emergency #3: Your youngest child is very ill. You need some medication from the pharmacist, but you left your wallet at work which is about 30 miles away.

Emergency Cash Tips: 
Put money in several locations
Hide from your kids
Keep it safe from water and heat damage
Nothing larger than a $10 bill (You could pay $5 for a bottle of water in an emergency.)
Keep about $20 to $100 hidden in your car
Keep about $20 to $50 in your wallet in small bills
Keep minimum $100 per person at home
Consider how you might use it in 72 hours - food, hotel, gas, etc.
Convert collected coins to smaller bills
Store it in not easy to find locations, but make sure your trusted older kids know where it is. You may not be home when they need it.