Where to Store Cash Safely: A Comprehensive Guide
Saving money is a crucial part of financial planning; however, keeping your cash safe is equally important. Whether it’s for an emergency fund or a long-term goal, finding a safe and secure place to store cash could help you achieve your financial objectives.
In this article, we explore the different options available for storing cash safely, and their pros and cons.
Banks and Credit Unions
Banks and credit unions are traditional options for storing cash safely, and they offer several advantages. First and foremost, they are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), respectively.
This insurance means that if the institution fails, your deposited money up to $250,000 is protected. Furthermore, banks and credit unions provide convenient access to your funds via online transfers, ATMs, and branches.
However, there are drawbacks to consider. For one, interest rates on savings accounts are often lower than other options like certificates of deposit (CDs). Additionally, some banks charge monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum balance, which can eat into your savings.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are low-risk investments that typically offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. Like saving accounts, they are insured by the FDIC or the NCUA, but with CDs, you must commit to leave the money in the account for a set period, typically ranging from three months to five years.
One of the advantages of CDs is that they can provide predictable returns that are locked-in upon opening the account. Also, because the money is tied up, you are less likely to dip into it casually.
But, there are downsides as well. With a CD, you can’t access your funds without penalties, which can wipe out any interest you’ve earned. Moreover, CD rates are usually fixed, meaning that if rates rise, you miss out on higher returns.
Savings Bonds
Savings bonds are issued by the U.S. government and are a low-risk way to invest in a debt security. The bonds are insured by the U.S. government, and they offer higher interest rates than CDs or savings accounts.
Another advantage of savings bonds is that they can be exempt from state and local taxes. You can purchase bonds in various denominations, from $25 to $10,000, with different maturity periods.
However, savings bonds have some drawbacks, such as low-interest rates compared to other investments, and they can’t be accessed for at least one year after purchase.
Treasury Bills
Treasury Bills or T-bills are like savings bonds, but they mature in less than one year. They are issued by the U.S. government and are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
T-bills are liquid, meaning you can buy and sell them in the secondary market. They are also exempt from state and local taxes, and their interest rate is typically higher than savings accounts.
But, like savings bonds, the interest rate on T-bills is low, and they are not suitable for long-term investing.
Mattresses and Safes
Keeping cash in a mattress or safe might seem like an obvious way to store your money, but it’s not as straightforward as it seems. These options are entirely free from fees and don’t require any third-party involvement, making them highly convenient.
But, these options aren’t insured, leaving your cash vulnerable to theft, fire, or flooding. Moreover, keeping large amounts of cash at home can be risky, attractive to robbers, and it can’t earn you any interest.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are a digital form of currency that utilizes encryption techniques to facilitate secure transactions. They offer several features that might appeal to investors, such as fast transactions, lower fees than other investment vehicles, and anonymity.
However, the crypto market is highly volatile and is yet to stabilize, meaning investors can incur significant losses. Additionally, the security of these digital platforms is not guaranteed, making them a risky option.
Conclusion
Storing cash safely requires careful consideration of the available options, weighing each option's advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing a method, it’s essential to assess your tier of risk tolerance, financial goals, and the amount of cash you have.
While keeping cash at home is tempting, it’s not an advisable option. Instead, consider options like banks, credit unions, CDs, savings bonds, and T-bills. Ultimately, the chosen method should provide you peace of mind and help reach your financial goals.
