# How much cash do you typically carry?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cash-do-you-typically-carry/1022656>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [September 1, 2025, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cash-do-you-typically-carry/1022656 "2025-09-01T16:10:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 164

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**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-cash-do-you-typically-carry/1022656/164 "2025-09-28T04:05:46Z")

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According to the poll below, 31% out of 55 respondents keep at least $100 reserve cash at home, and 12% keep less than $100

> [@Polls only: No discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6217):
>
> 30 years ago, my work mentor told me to keep $200 cash reserve at home in case of emergencies. 10 years ago, our realtor said to up that amount to $1000. Do you keep a cash reserve at home, in addition to what is in your wallet? [poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6217)

I have 2 kids aged 25 and 27; they each have their own apartment. I’m seeing them next weekend and will give them each an envelope with $120 to keep at home in case of emergencies. I’d been thinking about it for a while, and the article linked by @Spiderman is a good reminder.

As to how much cash I typically carry, $10 or 20. If I know I’m going to a cash only restaurant, $150.

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