Stash some cash for emergencies

As I mentioned in my last post, I knew the personal finance books I received for Christmas would yield some good fodder this blog. Here's the first interesting tidbit to share.

In The Wall Street Journal Complete Personal Finance Guidebook, Jeff Opdyke recommends stashing a few hundred dollars cash in a very secure spot in your home, just in case the power goes out in your area for an extended period of time. Though M and I have started using cash on a more regular basis, we get that cash from an electronic ATM. Plus, we're still pretty tied to using our debit card to pay for things.

Other than big snowstorms or the occasional flooding, natural disasters are rare in South Jersey, but having some cash around to pay for groceries in an emergency isn't a bad idea. Now I just have to find a secure place in my home to keep it (something I won't be writing about here).

By the way, the Carnival of Personal Finance is up at My Personal Finance Blog. Check it out if you have a chance.