Should You Keep a Stash of Cash at Home?

Should You Keep a Stash of Cash at Home?

Having an emergency fund in a savings account is a basic part of personal finance, but what about the traditional "cash under the mattress" approach? Is there still a place for a stash of paper money in a world of ATMs and online banking?

Imagine for a moment that some crisis (blizzard, earthquake, etc.) cuts off power to your hometown for a week. With no electricity, you won't be able to use an ATM -- and if a crisis is severe, it's unlikely that the banks will be open. Without power, you won't be able to use credit cards, either; the only cash you'll have in this situation is whatever you have on hand. Could you and your family get by for a week on the cash that's in your wallet right now?

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Source: Fool.com