I feel less than fully dressed if I have less than $200 in my wallet on a normal day. When traveling it is not uncommon for me to have $500, and my wife a few $100 more.

There is usually $100 hidden in my car as well.

I have heard so many stories of a bit of cash saving the day that it seems like a logical practice. I have never lost any money.

The father of a friend of mine was a merchant marine, cook. Always wore a rather expensive gold ring. He said on several occasions in various ports around the world it came in very handy when he needed some money fast to get out of a difficult situation. (He never said what the difficult situations were...) He would pawn it for cash, take care of his situation, then buy it back when able.

For those living in an urban environment I can understand not carrying very much cash. I have been robbed at gun point once, lost $200 but would gladly have given him $200 more not to take my driver's license, pilot's license, credit cards, etc. Takes a lot of time and hassle to replace those items.