Emergency Cash: How Much You Really Need

When Systems Fail, Cash Talks

Let's talk about something nobody wants to discuss: cash.

When the power goes out, ATMs don't work. Card readers don't work. Venmo doesn't work.

Cash works.

How Much?

Here's the real question: How much would it cost to get you and your family out of the country quickly?

That's your number. That's what you should be working toward.

Think about it. Flights for four people on short notice. Hotels. Transportation. Food. Bribes if you need them — and in a real crisis, you might need them. Border crossings, checkpoints, "expedited processing" — cash talks when systems fail.

For our audience? You can afford to think at this level. You should.

Maybe it never comes to this. Maybe you are just running to a hotel when the hurricane is coming. But have the plan.

Start Here, Build Up

Now, I'll be honest, that might be $10,000-20,000+ depending on your family. You might not have that sitting around in cash right now. That's okay.

Start here:

Level 1: $500 minimum
Tank of gas, food for a few days, small emergencies. This is your baseline.

Level 2: $2,000-$5,000
A week of independence. Hotel if you need to evacuate. Food, gas, supplies.

Level 3: $10,000-$20,000+
The real number. International flights. Extended accommodations. The situations you hope you never face.

Small Bills Matter

Don't just grab hundreds. In a crisis, nobody can break a hundred.

Keep a mix:

• $1s and $5s for small purchases
• $10s and $20s for most transactions
• $50s and $100s for larger needs

Where to Keep It

Not all in one place. Split it:

• Some at home (fireproof safe)
• Some in your go-bag
• Some in your car
• Some at a trusted family member's house

If your house burns down, you don't want all your cash in it.

The Uncomfortable Truth

We're professionals. We like to think systems work. Credit cards work. Banks work. ATMs work.

Until they don't.