The recent power outage that struck many states this week took down ATM debit card machines. Many stores or gas stations still open accepted cash only.  

Many, especially the twenty and thirty year olds don’t use much cash. How many times do you see someone I buying a Starbucks or a drink as a gas station using a debit card? While these can be easy to use, during emergencies these can and do fail.

 I try to keep $300 to $400 in cash with me and in my car. I have a cash envelope I can lock in the glove box with some cash. This is in small bill’s, one’s , fives’ and ten’s, easy to not require change. I try to keep $5.00 in quarters and a roll of dollar coins in my car for emergencies.

 By spreading out the cash between the glove box, my wallet and money clip I limit the loss from theft.

In addition, I carry a phone card, the cell system can, and does go out. This allows me to use one of the few pay phones left.

I also carry a prepaid VISA card for extra items. While the card  won’t help during an  outage,  they provide a buffer should your credit be denied or if you have a problem with your debit card.  

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