Whether you’re new to prepping or a seasoned survivalist, having cash on hand could be one of the most important preparations you make.

As more people shift towards relying on digital payments, carrying physical money is becoming less common. But in an emergency, cash could be the quickest way to get things done. Here’s why keeping an emergency cash stash as part of your Everyday Carry (EDC) is essential and how to do it effectively.

Why You Should Always Have Cash on Hand
In crisis situations, cash often becomes the most reliable form of currency. Debit and credit cards can fail due to power outages, network disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances. People are less likely to accept checks or IOUs, but cash is almost universally accepted. In extreme cases, barter might work, but cash offers immediate value and speed.

Having an emergency cash reserve allows you to buy food, secure transportation, or access critical resources in survival scenarios. It can be the key to getting home or to your bug-out location. If you ever use your cash stash, be sure to replace it as soon as possible.

Storing Cash in Your Wallet
Many people stash cash in their wallet, which is a common and straightforward solution. However, there are some downsides:

– Pickpockets: Wallets are a prime target for theft, especially in crowded areas.
– Family Borrowing: If your family dips into your wallet frequently, it’s easy for your cash stash to disappear without you realizing it.
– Accidental Spending: Keeping cash in your wallet makes it easy to accidentally spend it.
– Mugging: In the event of a robbery, you may have to give up your wallet. Using a decoy wallet or carrying cash elsewhere is a better option.
– Wear and Tear: Wallets can get lost, damaged, or soaked, leaving your cash stash vulnerable.

While storing cash in your wallet is convenient, it’s important to keep it in a separate compartment or tucked away where you won’t spend it by accident. Consider starting with a small amount, like $20-$40, and increasing it as needed.

Keeping Cash Hidden on Your Person
A more secure way to carry emergency cash is by hiding it on your body. Preppers often use shoes, belts, or hidden pockets to discreetly store cash. These options not only protect your money from theft but also ensure you’re less likely to spend it on impulse.

Here are a few common methods for stashing cash on your person:

– Shoes/Boots/Socks: Tucking cash under your shoe insole is a discreet option but make sure it doesn’t affect your comfort or support.
– Hat Bands: While not ideal, some people use hat bands to stash cash. Be sure to use a waterproof bag if you go this route.
– Hidden Pockets in Clothing: Many tactical jackets and pants come with hidden pockets that are great for storing cash securely.
– Specialty Belts/Fanny Packs: Modern tactical belts or slim packs allow for discreet cash storage, providing both security and convenience.

Safely Stashing Cash at Home
While carrying cash is essential for mobility, it’s also important to have a backup stash at home. Store emergency cash in a secure, fireproof safe that’s bolted down to prevent theft. Consider using both a fireproof safe and a fireproof bag for added protection. Keep this cash easily accessible in case you need to grab it quickly, but also secure enough that it won’t fall into the wrong hands.

Caching Cash in Remote Locations
For those who are serious about preparedness, creating a cache is an effective way to disperse resources. Preppers and survivalists use caches to store supplies in different locations, ensuring that if one resource is lost, another is still accessible. This is known as resource dispersal.

By hiding small stashes of cash and supplies in strategic locations (like near your bug-out location), you create multiple backup options in case you can’t access your primary stash.

Final Thoughts
Carrying cash as part of your everyday preparedness is a simple yet powerful step you can take to ensure you’re ready for unexpected situations. Whether you keep it in your wallet, on your person, or hidden at home, having an emergency fund could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious problem. Encourage your family to do the same and share your stashing methods to keep everyone prepared.

At Prep2Survive, we’re committed to helping you stay ready for anything. Let us know if you use a unique method to stash cash that we didn’t mention. You never know when quick access to cash might save your life.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and always be ready.