I carry as much cash as my wife lets me have, usually less than $40, but the last time I cleaned out my purse I had $15.00 in change, so…
I also have a friend who was a pro kickboxer, Ranger sergeant and bodyguard and who is currently a martial arts sensei; he routinely carries several thousand dollars in cash on him.
Hmm, I wonder if there’s a connection between macho and cash. My father’s a former Marine and pretty much A Tough Guy, he’s always preferred carrying large amounts of cash as well.
I rarely have more than $20 (Canadian) with me. Everything I buy gets swiped on my debit card because it’s so much easier. In fact, the only reason I carry cash at all these days is because Tim Hortons doesn’t take debit.
I rarely carry over $40 in my wallet, and usually it is $20 or under. The funny thing about that to me is that the amount hasn’t changed since my first job out of college 25 years ago. With prices higher, my income higher and my financial responsiblities higher (family, etc.) now it would make sense that I carry more cash with me these days since $40 doesn’t go as far now as it did in 1980, but that isn’t the case. Olds habits die hard I guess. I do use a debit card for purchasing gasoline and restaurant meals on occasion though, so some things have changed.
Ok - I’m going to now reveal my complete and utter crack-pot status.
I usually like to carry between $300 and $400 in cash, in a secret stash in my bag. Then if I’m mugged I can hand over the wallet (that has about $50) and still have my stash, and if suddenly the govt shuts down banking services ala the Handmaids Tail, I’ll have enough cash to get the hell outta Dodge.
It’s absurd, I know.