About 5 years ago I was in the local flavor of Kroger buying groceries. I was the third guy in my chosen checkout line and I could tell something was going wrong with the register, so I started looking for an alternate line. Unfortunately that same problem...the inability to process card transactions...was affecting every register in the store. The manager yelled out to the crowd, "Who can pay cash?" It was probably poor OPSEC on my part, but I made my way to the front of the crowd, paid cash for my groceries, and went on my way.

At the time I just happened to have a couple hundred on me, which was unusual. After that experience I started carrying enough for a week's worth of groceries in a separate spot in my wallet. Not counting that extra stash, I typically have about $50 on me. But if I get to relive that experience, I'll have the emergency-use cash available. I expect with the preponderance of cyber crime it'll happen again.

Generally no more than $120. I always carry $100 bill for emergencies. Each week, I get out a $20 bill. During the work week, I spend from that $20. On the rare occasions the $20 is gone before the week being done, I’m done spending.

quote:

Originally posted by snoris:
amount.

2) snip (and never have an ATM card and cash in the same pocket)


I don't consider that being paranoid---just practical and careful.

As of today, I won't carry an ATM card in my wallet. I've never thought about it before because...whatever. Thanks Snoris.

I usually have $300 to $400 on me but I rarely use cash. I purchase most everything via CC.

I generally carry about $200, but if I am travelling or shopping I add another $200-$800.

I try not to use my credit card generally, and I think most smaller businesses like having purchases done in cash.

quote:

I think most smaller businesses like having purchases done in cash.

If you spend $100 in cash with whomever, they have $100. When they spend it with somebody else, it's still $100, so on and so forth.

When you spend $100 with a card, that person gets $97. And if that $97 gets spent on a card, that next person gets $94.09, which becomes $91.27, then $88.52, and so on and so forth.

Cards are super convenient until the power goes out, the internet isn't working, or whomever controls the cards decides they know what to do with your money better than you do and limits how you can use it.

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
Generally no more than $120. I always carry $100 bill for emergencies. Each week, I get out a $20 bill. During the work week, I spend from that $20. On the rare occasions the $20 is gone before the week being done, I’m done spending.

I thought I was disciplined mostly because of my use of cash. You got me beat.

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
Each week, I get out a $20 bill. During the work week, I spend from that $20. On the rare occasions the $20 is gone before the week being done, I’m done spending.

Smart. Similar to the tried and true old budgeting method of "cash stuffing".

Usually, $40-120. But years ago when I was a corporate pilot, flying high profile US officials to challenging places, we'd carry $30,000 in crotch pouches for "incidentals and gratuities".

quote:

Originally posted by jmkfive:
we'd carry $30,000 in crotch pouches for "incidentals and gratuities"

I'm in the minority here. I carry much more than you guys are posting. I find it odd when I'm out somewhere and I see a guy with a D/L CC and a 20 dollar bill folded in it.

I would be uncomfortable if I didn't have enough cash for an emergency on me.

I carry a $150-$200 in the back of the wallet for spontaneous purchases, big tips, sales……

$80-$100 for everyday purchases.

The older I get, the more I like cash. I can’t even spell Venmo.

$50-$150 most of the time.