How to protect your finances in a crisis

Between 25 November 2025 and 10 January 2026, every household in the Netherlands will receive the government’s new information booklet “Prepare for an Emergency.” With this nationwide campaign, the government urges citizens to consider situations in which daily life may be temporarily disrupted, such as extended power outages, cyberattacks or extreme weather events. The core message is clear: every household should be able to support itself for at least 72 hours, with adequate supplies and a degree of financial self-reliance.

What surprised many readers is the government’s explicit advice to keep cash at home. The booklet even specifies recommended amounts: €70 per adult and €30 per child. In the event of digital payment system failures, cash remains the only immediate and reliable means of payment.

At The Silver Mountain, this campaign has prompted many customers to ask new questions. What does such a disruption mean for access to your money? How vulnerable is our digital financial infrastructure? And what role can physical gold and silver play within a broader approach to financial preparedness?

Cash as the foundation of financial self-reliance

In the government booklet, cash is explicitly highlighted as an essential part of the emergency kit. The reasoning is straightforward: during power outages or internet disruptions, ATMs, banking apps and payment terminals simply do not work. Cash is the only payment method that remains functional under all circumstances.

For a family of four, the government advises keeping roughly € 200 available for the first 72 hours. This amount is intended for basic needs and does not replace long-term savings.

What if an emergency lasts longer than 72 hours?

The first 72 hours are a guideline. In practice, disruptions to digital systems can last longer. This raises a key question: how do you access your money if your bank or digital wallet is unavailable?

Limitations of digital and banking systems

During extended digital outages:

• online banking does not work
• balances cannot be viewed
• automatic payments are not processed
• bank vaults cannot be accessed without functioning systems
• crypto wallets require both internet access and power

In such situations, some people choose to hold a physical reserve that does not depend on digital infrastructure.

The role of physical gold and silver in emergency situations

Precious metals are not a replacement for cash in the first 72 hours, but they can serve as a robust emergency reserve when disruptions last longer. They operate independently of technology and are recognised worldwide.

Why precious metals can be a logical addition

Physical gold and silver:

• operate independently from banks and digital systems
• have historically preserved value during uncertainty
• are globally recognised and easy to trade
• contribute to a diversified wealth strategy

For emergency situations, smaller units are most practical, such as 1-gram gold bars, 1/10 oz gold coins or various silver bullion coins.

Can gold or silver coins be used as payment?

Modern bullion coins sometimes carry an official face value, but their real value is much higher. In emergency conditions, familiar coins function primarily as a medium of exchange. This mirrors historical use of silver guilders and ducats.

The same principle applies today: coins offer portable, recognisable value, but they are not meant for routine daily payments.

Limitations and risks of precious metals in an emergency

Large bars are not practical

A one-kilogram gold bar is efficient for investors but not suitable in a crisis:

• the value is too high
• the bar cannot be divided
• selling in small portions is difficult

Smaller formats such as 1 gram or 1/10 oz are far more practical.

Home storage requires careful consideration

To avoid overlap with other TSM articles, we focus on the essentials:

• precious metals stored at home are generally not insured
• fire, water damage or smoke can cause loss
• security must match the value you store

For more detailed guidance, see our article about safe gold storage.

Combibars as a flexible option

Combibars consist of breakable gold or silver plates that can easily be separated into smaller pieces. They are popular as a flexible emergency reserve. Our shop offers several variants within the gold bar and silver bar categories.

The role of Bitcoin in emergency situations?

Bitcoin operates outside the banking system but still depends entirely on digital infrastructure. Without internet, electricity or network access, wallets cannot be reached and transactions cannot be validated.

For that reason, Bitcoin is not a practical emergency tool, although it can play a role in long-term diversification.

What is sensible to keep at home?

In an emergency, it is important that you can take care of yourself and your household. This is why assembling an emergency kit is essential. It ensures preparedness for the first 72 hours, but it also raises the question: what if the disruption lasts longer?

Disclaimer: The Silver Mountain does not provide individual investment advice. This article is intended for informational purposes only. Past results and market developments described do not guarantee future outcomes.