How long does money last?

... From Biz2Biz NWA

By Janie Pritchett-Clark

How long does money last? You might think that depends on how fast you spend it. Really, it depends on the denomination of the note. Once it enters into circulation, a one dollar bill lasts about 18 months.

A five dollar bill lasts two years.

A ten dollar bill, three years.

A twenty dollar bill, four years.

And fifty and one hundred dollar bills last nine years. Why the difference? We don’t use our larger denominations as frequently – they stay in our wallets longer. In fact, research shows that consumers will choose not to purchase to keep from breaking a large bill.

Ever notice how retail based ATMs dispense smaller denominations? That’s to encourage spending. Once bills are worn out from their everyday use, they’re taken out of circulation and replaced.