by Bryan Ridenour

Created on: June 17, 2010   Last Updated: June 21, 2010

The current financial climate causes one to re-think depositing all cash reserves into the local bank.  If the entire banking system collapses, having cash on hand might mean the difference between eating or dumpster diving at the Golden Arches.  Unfortunately, hard times entice people to commit thievery.  Therefore, safe hiding places for hoarded currency is a must.  The following places afford peace of mind for the person stashing money at home.

Under the flooring

Peel up a bit of tile, linoleum, or carpet and place a small baggie of cash there.  Be sure that the flooring glues or staples back into position properly, leaving no signs of tampering.  Choose a corner of flooring already concealed by a lamp or piece of furniture making the hiding spot that much more secure.  If your house is broken into, a thief will never think to rip up the carpeting in his quest for cash.

In the attic

Growing up, my family stored all kinds of stuff in the attic.  Christmas decorations, seasonal clothing, and discarded toys found new homes in the storage space above our living area.  Store cash in an envelope and slip it into the box of keepsake ornaments.  The odds of a thief taking the time to find your attic, let alone search it, are slim.  The perpetrator hopes to get in and get out of your house quickly; rummaging through boxes of grandma's doilies is not on his agenda.  If your house does not have an attic, slip into the crawl space above your ceiling and tape an envelope of cash to the truss plate.  Once again, the criminal can't take the time to comb the framing structure of your abode.

Outside

Years ago, people buried valuables on their property.  Landmarks such as trees or fence posts served as the "X" to mark the spot.  Burying money still remains a great way to tuck away some money.  Dig a hole under a favorite shrub or slip the cache under the landscaping rock, being sure the money is sealed in a weatherproof storage container.  If a dog resides at home, and a dog house occupies a corner of the back yard, build a dog proof cubbyhole inside of the house.  No burglar dares poke his head into a dog house, not knowing if the canine might attack.  To further dissuade any chances of such a search, post a "beware of the dog" sign.

Utilize the furniture

Often times, digging under the couch cushions yields a coin or two, especially living in a household where kids reside. 

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