Here’s Why Money are Important in a Survival Kit

We live in very interesting, yet perilous times. This means that global events can drastically shift in no time. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a military conflict or another calamity, having an emergency kit set up and ready is crucial. And one of the things that you need to carry is cash. But why are money important in a survival kit?

Carrying money in a survival scenario can be extremely helpful if you need to buy something and electronic transactions are down.

Banks and credit cards might not be an option during such catastrophic events, so paper money can be indispensable.

For example, keeping a couple of hundred bucks in your BOB (bug out bag) can be the difference between getting valuable supplies and not being able to buy anything at all.

Now let’s see exactly why keeping a stash of $ with you can make a difference in SHTF situations!

5 Reasons for Keeping Cash in Your Emergency Kit

Below you’ll find 5 solid and logical reasons as to why it’d be a great idea to carry some old-school cash with you when things go south.

1. Credit or Debit Cards Won’t Work

If the power supply has been cut off, then you can forget about electronic transactions.

This includes trying to pay for a hotel room, gas, food or just about anything else nowadays.

• Also read: Are bug out bags necessary?

If the power grid goes down then there would be no power for POS terminal machines to work.

2. Some Smaller Businesses Don’t Accept Credit Cards

Believe it or not, there are still small businesses out there that don’t take credit or debit cards for payments.

This is especially true if you live in a remote, smaller community where cash is still the standard payment method.

But even if you venture to another place when disaster strikes, you can’t be certain that you won’t end up in a small rural town that’s not exactly credit card-friendly.

3. Banking System Collapse

If the banking system in your country shuts down, carrying your card will be of no good.

Not only that but in extreme catastrophic events, there might even be looting and pillaging banks nationwide.

That’s where cash comes in handy as it’ll still let you get various services and goods.

4. Getting In or Out of Toll Systems and Campgrounds

Trying to escape danger only to be stopped by a toll system because you’ve got no cash doesn’t sound like a lot of fun.

On another hand, you might be trying to flee from the campground that you’re in, only to find out that you need cash in order to leave.

Sure, in real life-threatening situations you can just drive through barriers or just abandon your vehicle if it slows you down, but having cash would make things much simpler.

5. Using Paper Money as Kindling

Although this may sound like completely lunacy at first, your cash could be your only option for starting a fire in dire situations.

If you’re out of matches or your lighter is empty or if you lost your fire starter kit, then the dry and easily flammable cash in your pocket can help you start a fire.

With that being said, we don’t support burning real money in any shape or form, but we’re talking about survival here!

What is the Purpose of a Survival Kit?

The purpose of survival kits is to help you survive longer in case of emergency by supplying you with essential tools and items.

Subsequently, these kits are designed to provide you with basic first aid, shelter, water, food and tools to start a fire.

These emergency kits can in different shapes and sizes, although they’re generally 3 main categories:

• Bug out bags (backpacks)
• Buckets
• Duffle bags

Generally speaking, a properly-equipped survival kit should be sufficient to keep you alive for at least 72 hours (3 days).

• Also read: Best bug out bag

And while the quality of the backpack or other emergency kit that you’re using is very important, what’s of utmost importance is what’s inside.

What do You Need in a Survival Kit?

These are the basic supplies that you’ll need, according to The American National Red Cross (1):

1. Water (1 gallon/person per day for at least 3 days)
2. Food (preferably canned and for at least 3 days)
3. Flashlight
4. Radio (hand-crank or battery-powered model)
5. Additional batteries
6. First aid kit
7. Medications and medical supply (for at least 7 days)
8. Multi-purpose tool
9. Sanitation items
10. Personal documents (copies of your insurance policy, passport, birth certificate etc.)
11. Cell phone (with battery charger)
12. Contact information of your family and emergency services
13. Additional money (cash)
14. Emergency blanket
15. Map (or maps) of the area that you’re in

Note that this is considered the bare minimum for surviving when SHTF.

• Also read: What should be in a bug out bag?

If your backpack allows it, don’t hesitate to pack even more things, although be careful not to make it too heavy as that will slow you down.

How Much Cash Should you Have in an Emergency Kit?

Around $100 to $150 would suffice if you’re alone, but if you’re with your family then $300 at the very least!

Don’t be cheap when it comes to survival cash as it’s always better to have more than you need than not carrying enough to pay for a vital supply.

Also, make sure to store your cash in your survival kit or somewhere easily accessible.

But don’t store it in places that are too easily accessible to not risk accidentally losing your money or even worse getting them stolen by someone else.

Conclusion

So, why are money important in a survival kit again?

Because they can help you buy valuable items and supplies when card payments are not an option.

If the power grid goes down, then you can wave goodbye to banks and the banking system in general.

But even if you don’t really need cash, as a last resort, you can even use them to start a fire (if there’s no other way to do that).

Now, have you already added some cash to your personal emergency kit?

And if not – what are you waiting for?

Drop your answer in the comment section below!

FAQs

Why should money be included in a survival kit?

Money can be a valuable asset in a survival situation for several reasons.

• Firstly, it provides a medium of exchange that can be used to acquire necessary supplies and services during emergencies when traditional payment systems may be disrupted.
• Secondly, money can be used to secure transportation, temporary shelter, food, water, and other essential resources when needed.

Having money in your survival kit offers flexibility and increases your chances of obtaining crucial items during challenging times.

How much money should I include in my survival kit?

The amount of money to include in a survival kit depends on various factors such as the duration of the kit’s intended use, the location, and the anticipated expenses.

It is recommended to include a mix of small denominations and coins to facilitate transactions for various goods and services.

A reasonable starting point could be to include a few hundred dollars, or the equivalent, in your local currency to provide a buffer for immediate needs.

However, it’s crucial to assess your personal circumstances and make adjustments based on your specific requirements.

What are the advantages of having money in a survival situation?

Having money in a survival situation offers several advantages.

Firstly, it allows you to respond quickly to unforeseen circumstances by accessing vital supplies or services that may be available for purchase.

Money can also enable you to take advantage of opportunities that arise, such as securing transportation or acquiring essential resources that can enhance your chances of survival.

Furthermore, having money in your survival kit can provide a sense of security, as it offers a means of exchange and can help you navigate unfamiliar or challenging environments.

Can I use alternative forms of currency in a survival kit?

While traditional forms of currency like cash are generally the most widely accepted, it can be beneficial to include alternative forms of currency in your survival kit.

This can include items such as gold or silver coins, which hold intrinsic value and have been historically recognized as a medium of exchange.

Additionally, small denominations of foreign currency or valuable items like tradeable goods or commodities can also be considered as alternative forms of currency.

However, it’s vital to assess the practicality and potential usefulness of these alternatives based on the specific survival scenario you may encounter.

Are there any risks or disadvantages to including money in a survival kit?

Including money in a survival kit does come with a few risks and potential disadvantages.

One risk is the possibility of theft or loss, as money can be a target for theft during chaotic situations.

To mitigate this risk, it’s advisable to keep your money secure and well hidden within your survival kit.

Another consideration is the potential devaluation of currency over time, particularly during prolonged survival scenarios. In such cases, alternative forms of currency like commodities or valuable items may hold their value better.

Additionally, relying solely on money as a means of survival can limit your ability to obtain goods or services in situations where traditional monetary systems may not be functioning.

Therefore, it’s important to balance the inclusion of money with other essential items and skills necessary for survival.