Cash and Fires

[ChumpChange]

OfferUp thread got me thinking. I know everybody here deals with cash and hates banks so how do these fires make you reassess what you keep at home?

The safe is only gonna do so much, especially in the situations we’ve seen. Cash at home doesn’t earn any interest nor is it insured when things like this happen. Anybody else rethinking what they keep the coffee cans?

 

[socal0487]

OfferUp thread got me thinking. I know everybody here deals with cash and hates banks so how do these fires make you reassess what you keep at home?

The safe is only gonna do so much, especially in the situations we’ve seen. Cash at home doesn’t earn any interest nor is it insured when things like this happen. Anybody else rethinking what they keep the coffee cans?

BrainMedia on Instagram: "Safe survived fire. I want to know what safe that is. #losangeles #losangelesfire #forestfire #america #disaster #naturalcalamity #carolina"

brainmediaa on January 11, 2025: "Safe survived fire. I want to know what safe that is. #losangeles #losangelesfire #forestfire #america #disaster #naturalcalamity #carolina".

www.instagram.com

 

[HNL2LHC]

Gold and silver…..

 

[lbhsbz]

OfferUp thread got me thinking. I know everybody here deals with cash and hates banks so how do these fires make you reassess what you keep at home?

The safe is only gonna do so much, especially in the situations we’ve seen. Cash at home doesn’t earn any interest nor is it insured when things like this happen. Anybody else rethinking what they keep the coffee cans?

nope. It's insured, just like everything else in the house.

 

[rivermobster]

I'd never keep cash in the house.

I like it in the bank, earning that whole .00001 percent in interest!

This is my idea of paying cash...

Pay for everything with a credit card (and earn my 2 to 4 percent cash back)...

Once the charge posts to my card (usually a few days later) I do an electronic transfer and pay it off immediately.

I earn hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars in free money every year, this way.

So many thanks to everyone out there, who's paying interest on their credit cards, for me!

 

[monkeyswrench]

This is why you bury the coffee cans, duh! I thought ya'll were smart

I think it really depends on your home, location, safe and means.

I can see a fire a long ways out, have a decent fire safe, and only have about 50$ to lose. Some of you have more risk, more to risk, and lots of complications as well.

 

[ChumpChange]

nope. It's insured, just like everything else in the house.

You think so? I’m not so sure about that.

So when the insurance company comes knockin and you could say that you just happened to have $1 million sitting in that safe?

 

[monkeyswrench]

You think so? I’m not so sure about that.

So when the insurance company comes knockin and you could say that you just happened to have $1 million sitting in that safe?

The next knock would be the IRS probably...

 

[ChumpChange]

The next knock would be the IRS probably...

We’re from the government. We’re here to help.

 

[lbhsbz]

You think so? I’m not so sure about that.

So when the insurance company comes knockin and you could say that you just happened to have $1 million sitting in that safe?

I'd tell 'em I had 10 million and settle for 1 million

 

[Lower river sludge]

You think so? I’m not so sure about that.

So when the insurance company comes knockin and you could say that you just happened to have $1 million sitting in that safe?

Pretty much no other than a small amount

 

[socal0487]

What happens if a cyber attack happened shutting down credit cards and debit cards? How do you have access to cash? I keep 10k in 1,5,10,20s and coins just for this reason.

 

[Big B Hova]

I'd invest my hard earned money In a quality american made 2017 Ford fusion with just under 100k miles. One with say a killer audiophile sound system, complete with Focal compnent door speakers, kicker amp, fosgate sub and amp, new brakes, recent battery and a fresh detail job. Said Fusion would need to have full maintence records since new from an meticulous owner like @OldSchoolBoats. Investing in a used car like this would enable you to purchase insurance on it, in the case of a total loss like the Palisades Fire. And with another pandemic like the Quad-demic were facing with Flu/Rsv/Norovirus/Covid-25, values are bound to quadruple.

Dont be like @CLdrinker and miss out on another great opportunity...

 

[rivermobster]

What happens if a cyber attack happened shutting down credit cards and debit cards? How do you have access to cash? I keep 10k in 1,5,10,20s and coins just for this reason.

Let's be real, and say that happens...

What businesses would actually be open at that point?

How much green cash, does a grocery store have on hand, to make change for you and me?

Or a gas station? Or for anything else you might Need?

All the banks will definitely be closed.

I'm curious where you think you can spend that money?

 

[napanutt]

What happens if a cyber attack happened shutting down credit cards and debit cards? How do you have access to cash? I keep 10k in 1,5,10,20s and coins just for this reason.

Right there with you.
I bought this fire resistant bag right after the Tubbs fire. A few thou cash, important papers, some precious metals.

No idea how well it works but after a coworker had everything in his safe melt from the Tubbs fire I figured this would be cheap insurance inside my safe.

 

[bilz]

Cash,

Let's be real, and say that happens...

What businesses would actually be open at that point?

How much green cash, does a grocery store have on hand, to make change for you and me?

Or a gas station? Or for anything else you might Need?

All the banks will definitely be closed.

I'm curious where you think you can spend that money?

The hood will have everything you need. But cash would king. Last I checked the hood doesn't zelle. No Apple pay for Daytons.

 

[ChumpChange]

I'd invest my hard earned money In a quality american made 2017 Ford fusion with just under 100k miles. One with say a killer audiophile sound system, complete with Focal compnent door speakers, kicker amp, fosgate sub and amp, new brakes, recent battery and a fresh detail job. Said Fusion would need to have full maintence records since new from an meticulous owner like @OldSchoolBoats. Investing in a used car like this would enable you to purchase insurance on it, in the case of a total loss like the Palisades Fire. And with another pandemic like the Quad-demic were facing with Flu/Rsv/Norovirus/Covid-25, values are bound to quadruple.

Dont be like @CLdrinker and miss out on another great opportunity...

Yeah but the insurance company would claim diminished value on it because of the car accident post sale by @OldSchoolBoats.

 

[530RL]

I had a five gallon paint bucket of quarters. Figure about two thirds full over 25 years or so of tossing my quarters in it.

We had a large break in, USAA insurance. Cash limit was 600 bucks.

They happily gave me 600 bucks.

Someone rolled quarters for months.

 

[Gelcoater]

How much green cash, does a grocery store have on hand, to make change for you and me?

Reread what he wrote.
He has ones, fives, tens and 20s stashed and coins. He won’t need change from a purchase.
I do too.
And you are correct, many stores may not be open. Some may be.
For food I’d be hitting all the glorious local produce stands in my area.
And? Barter and trade with neighbors you trust. Heck I have an RDP inmate on my street!
I’m positive we would be helping each other and others in our little community.

 

[mjc]

I only have bundles of new bills, 1s 2s 5s 10s and 20s. They pack real nice and in serial number order.

 

[rrrr]

I only have bundles of new bills, 1s 2s 5s 10s and 20s. They pack real nice and in serial number order.

This reminded me of the time in 1990 I was in Miami scrapping a big data center. We pulled out a few thousand feet of 1100 kcmil copper and hand stripped it. I took to a scrapyard, they handed me stacks of bills. When we were done, I told the boys I'd see them in Plano, and bought a one way ticket home. Paid $400 in cash. I was carrying the scrap cash in my briefcase.

Picked up my bag at the DFW baggage roundel, saw Fonda (we weren't married then), started walking out. A young guy in a jogging suit approached me, flipped out a badge, and said "I'm with the DEA. Do you have any drugs or large amounts of cash on your person?"

It's 1990. I just flew in from Miami on a cash one way ticket, and Sonny Crockett is shaking me down.

Me: "Uh, I have $12,000 cash in my briefcase." I was trying not to shit my pants as I noticed four or five guys in suits watching us closely. Then he asked Fonda "Are you with him?" She immediately says "No, I'm just picking him up." Thanks, hon.

He says "May I see it?" I pulled out the big manila envelope, opened it, and handed it to him. He looked inside for a few seconds, and handed it back to me. "Thanks. The guys we're looking for don't keep the bank bands on their cash."

I'm sweating bullets as I walked away, ask Fonda " What the hell was that?" She replies "I said that because I figured I couldn't bail you out of jail if I was arrested too." Smart girl. I married her.

 

[Dog]

The FDIC only insures $250,000 per account. mostly...

Deposit Insurance At A Glance | FDIC.gov

www.fdic.gov

 

[rivermobster]

Reread what he wrote.
He has ones, fives, tens and 20s stashed and coins. He won’t need change from a purchase.
I do too.
And you are correct, many stores may not be open. Some may be.
For food I’d be hitting all the glorious local produce stands in my area.
And? Barter and trade with neighbors you trust. Heck I have an RDP inmate on my street!
I’m positive we would be helping each other and others in our little community.

So he's one person out of millions, that would be affected by his scenario, that would have exact change??

Nothing is going to stay open, is the point I was trying to make.

Everything will be exhausted in short order. Cash will be about as useful as a dead credit card.

It's just imaginary scenario though.

I don't know about you, but I'll pack up and head for Glamis or the river! Or maybe Mammoth? Someplace I won't be needing either one!

 

[River Dirt 2]

Also consider what you keep in a safe deposit box, my Dads bank, B of A in Altadena also burnt to the ground…

 

[Gelcoater]

So he's one person out of millions, that would be affected by his scenario, that would have exact change??

Nothing is going to stay open, is the point I was trying to make.

Everything will be exhausted in short order. Cash will be about as useful as a dead credit card.

It's just imaginary scenario though.

I don't know about you, but I'll pack up and head for Glamis or the river! Or maybe Mammoth? Someplace I won't be needing either one!

I’m going to @endobear pace
Elk, deer, moose, etc just walk across his back yard

 

[Sherpa]

As far as gun safes:
Everyone I knew who went through the paradise fire had gun safes. The ones who had a chance to empty them before the fire came through were lucky.

Every safe that was closed was junk inside.
Anything flammable, burned. All gun barrels warped and bent. Like alot. Pistols and rifles all junk. Cash: burnt. Jewelry: melted.
Some safes were in garages, some inside the house. One was in a concrete block walled room. All junk.

Your results may vary.
Mileage and mpg may be different.
Don’t forget to tip your waitress..

Note: one friend dumped all his tools and guns into his pool. Anything without electrical

It all survived. Took awhile to clean, but all survived. Even a mini bike and chainsaws…

 

[was thatguy]

Cash,

The hood will have everything you need. But cash would king. Last I checked the hood doesn't zelle. No Apple pay for Daytons.

Check again.
The “hood” does Zelle

 

[rivermobster]

Check again.
The “hood” does Zelle

Interesting thought.

I wonder if Zelle would still work in troubled times?

It works whether the banks are open or closed, 24/7. So why wouldn't it?

 

[DMF]

So he's one person out of millions, that would be affected by his scenario, that would have exact change??

Nothing is going to stay open, is the point I was trying to make.

Everything will be exhausted in short order. Cash will be about as useful as a dead credit card.

It's just imaginary scenario though.

I don't know about you, but I'll pack up and head for Glamis or the river! Or maybe Mammoth? Someplace I won't be needing either one!

How would you pay for the gas, propane, water, firewood, and food needed for Glamis in this situation?

 

[HNL2LHC]

How would you pay for the gas, propane, water, firewood, and food needed for Glamis in this situation?

With lead?

 

[DMF]

With lead?

True, at some point you will need to buy more lead.

 

[monkeyswrench]

We aren't in a fire prone area...but had a fast moving grass fire take out some homes just west of us a few years back. Over the past few years, we have found it more important to have a "go bag" style mini fire safe. It has important medical records and legal stuff in a folder, and a few weeks worth of medications. Also tossed in there are 2 sleeves of silver eagles. If nothing else, something to pawn or sell for food.

It would suck, but I'm sure we could survive.

 

[was thatguy]

True, at some point you will need to buy more lead.

Um…
If you’re winning gun battles for basic supplies, with those victories come more lead.
The first time you lose a gun battle all of your shit goes to the other guy.
No one is “buying” anything at that point.

 

[lbhsbz]

I only have bundles of new bills, 1s 2s 5s 10s and 20s. They pack real nice and in serial number order.

no 100s? go be poor somewhere else

 

[CoolCruzin]

After reading about the safes not being fire proof .
Rethinking - maybe a floor a safe in ground for cash would be better ???

 

[monkeyswrench]

After reading about the safes not being fire proof .
Rethinking - maybe a floor a safe in ground for cash would be better ???

They may have other issues though. Being low points, very few are water tight. If the fire is fought, it could flood.

Had a boss once find out his planters were leaking through the wall, and into the closet of the guest room. In the floor was one of his safes. Money that is allowed to sit wet for an extended period stinks, even after dried.

 

[rivermobster]

True, at some point you will need to buy more lead.

That's gonna be a ways off.

I mean, if I actually Had any guns.

 

[CoolCruzin]

They may have other issues though. Being low points, very few are water tight. If the fire is fought, it could flood.

Had a boss once find out his planters were leaking through the wall, and into the closet of the guest room. In the floor was one of his safes. Money that is allowed to sit wet for an extended period stinks, even after dried.

Water issue would be a problem

 

[DLC]

Tupperware w/ cash vacuumed sealed in the back yard planted in a pot ….

I just can’t remember which pot!

Important safety tip -

Don’t hide your cash while drinking….

 

[oldman]

I've got cash on hand, large amounts, I spend in cash, and replenish as needed in small increments to keep from being detected.. When there is an event and everything is down cash and force is how you will barter.
Some will get what they want some will surrender what they have.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I've got cash on hand, large amounts, I spend in cash, and replenish as needed in small increments to keep from being detected.. When there is an event and everything is down cash and force is how you will barter.
Some will get what they want some will surrender what they have.

...and some will just avoid human contact. (I'm pretty good at that part )

 

[oldman]

...and some will just avoid human contact. (I'm pretty good at that part )

depending on time supplies will be needed,

 

[mjc]

no 100s? go be poor somewhere else

The banks didn't really get new 100$ bills. They used to get them at Christmas time mostly for the old grandparents to give to kids and I would get complete new bundles from them and didn't want incomplete ones.

 

[DRYHEAT]

They may have other issues though. Being low points, very few are water tight. If the fire is fought, it could flood.

Had a boss once find out his planters were leaking through the wall, and into the closet of the guest room. In the floor was one of his safes. Money that is allowed to sit wet for an extended period stinks, even after dried.

That’s why you’re supposed to launder your money.

 

[PlumLoco]

Tupperware w/ cash vacuumed sealed in the back yard planted in a pot ….

I just can’t remember which pot!

Important safety tip -

Don’t hide your cash while drinking….

Neighbor kid's Dad owned a well respected auto body shop. Learned the trade and eventually became manager then owner. Over time developed a healthy cocaine habit. Over a decade he became a big dealer. Buried tons of cash in his backyard in dozens of cans and jars. It came out during the eventual trial for trafficking. The folks who bought his house next were constantly reporting people in their yard at night. RE agent didn't tell them about the previous owner.

 

[HTTP404]

The folks who bought his house next were constantly reporting people in their yard at night. RE agent didn't tell them about the previous owner.

So did you ever find anything?

 

[Melloyellovector]

Pretty easy to grab coffee can on the way out the door

 

[NicPaus]

Pretty easy to grab coffee can on the way out the door

The palisades... more like 55 gallon drums.

I have heard a few first hand accounts of money and coins being found on jobs there. Enough 5 gallon buckets of silver coins to fill a truck bed from inside a wall being demoed.

My Buddies Grandpa owned a Casino by me that Larry now owns. I bet you he had atleast a million in cash on hand.

This fire must of burned millions in cash.

 

[Big B Hova]

Yeah but the insurance company would claim diminished value on it because of the car accident post sale by @OldSchoolBoats.

Said accident was minor and resulted in a freshen up of paint and detail. A win-win for myself and the soon to be new owner. Not to mention not my fault, and repaired at a statefarm body shop guaranteed for life.

Why bury your cash in coffee cans when you can invest it in a fine American automobile?

Crypto, zelle, can be hacked. Stock market can be volatile. Gold and Silver are useless unless your a cowboy. Cars will always be with worth money.

 

[PlumLoco]

So did you ever find anything?

By the time it came out in his trial the police had turned up the yard pretty completely. I doubt Jimmy knew how many holes he dug, but it is possible they missed one or two.
We didn't run in the same circles, but I knew he was a big dealer as he got older. Not the kind of guy that I would want to be caught prowling the backyard of kind of guy.