How Long Can Money Last Buried?
Burying money is a great way to ensure that your savings will be safe in a disaster or other scenario where you need to hide your valuables. However, it is important to understand how long your cash will last buried before you start the process.
You should bury your money at least five feet underground in a dry, cold location where the air is kept below 60 degrees F. This will help to keep the bills from deteriorating over time. If you are planning to bury your money for a longer period of time, you should also use a waterproof container.
The Federal Reserve estimates that a paper bill’s shelf-life varies from seven to 22 years, depending on the value of the currency. Generally speaking, larger bills are more likely to survive a burial than smaller ones.
Mold and mildew can quickly take hold of your buried cash if it gets damp or wet. To avoid this, you should bury your cash in a plastic bag that is sealed tight and then put it in a plastic container to further protect it from moisture. Alternatively, you could place your money in an airtight plastic box or a stainless steel safe.
Animals and bugs can also destroy buried cash, especially if the location is not properly sealed. If you are worried about this, you can bury your money in a deep, unpopulated location and seal it in plastic before digging. In addition, you should wash your hands and do not eat during the entire burial process.
Marking your burial spot is also key to making sure that you can find it when the time comes. This will allow you to locate your money quickly and efficiently when needed. To do this, make a map or record your GPS coordinates and take pictures of the spot.
Human thieves are more likely to spot your buried cash than animals or bugs, so it is important to bury your money in a location that is out of sight of anyone who might be watching or listening for signs of disturbed earth. In addition, it is also a good idea to add a few rocks and other debris to your grave site so that the area blends in with the surrounding landscape.
The average lifespan of a paper bill is about four to seven years, but this can vary from one person to another and can even change due to how the bills are handled before burying them. If you have a lot of cash, it is a good idea to bury it in large bills so that you do not end up with money that is only usable for a few weeks before it starts to rot.
A reputable forensic specialist can examine your buried money and determine whether or not it is still intact. This will save you a lot of time and frustration when it comes to recovering your lost cash.
There are many different ways to bury your cash, and each method has its own benefits and drawbacks. To decide on the best way for you, consider your needs and budget.
