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Mutilated Money - What's It Worth?

You've probably seen a scene or two like this one on TV: a lady hides a stack of money she's saved in her oven. Her husband comes home, turns on the oven to make his pizza, and the money catches fire. 

Can that lady still spend the money? You'd be surprised.

All kinds of things happen to money. It gets run through the wash, stomped in mud, lost behind beds, wadded up, crumpled, carried in dirty pockets, and stuffed in sweaty gym shoes. Mice, ferrets, puppies, horses, and even camels have been known to munch on money when they get a chance. 

Slightly damaged bills can usually be exchanged at any bank. Really beat up bucks have to be taken to a Federal Reserve Bank, where they'll only exchange it if the serial numbers can be read. 

You should always make sure your cash is safe, though, and some of our 'treps have had great ideas about how to protect their stash:

• Ryan W. says he hides his money under his bed. 
• Matthew G. locks his money up in a mini-safe. 
• Stephanie D. used to keep her money in a sock in one of her father's dresser drawers. 

Your little brother probably uses a piggy bank for his cash, but most YoungBizzers know that a savings account is one of the most secure places you can keep your money. Be sure to check out our Starting Blocks for more tips about keeping money safe!

Just don't be like the guy who left his jacket (with the wallet in the pocket) on a gate. A horse came by and ate the jacket, cash and all!