In the current economic crisis where people are losing their retirement savings and investments, banks are folding under the crunch, and situations like the Bernie Madoff scandal are wrecking people’s financial lives, more people are opting to hide their money where they know it will be relatively safe.
When it comes to hiding money, the old idea of hiding it in a mattress does not actually apply since this is probably one of the first places a burglar will look because it has gained such notoriety as a cliché for where you hide money. Instead, people are getting creative in the ways that they hide money. Some are good and some are bad so let’s take a look at where some of the good spots are and if they really keep your money safe.
1Improvised Bank
Some people create a makeshift bank by cutting out the drywall in the back of their closet in the form of a trap door, line it with fireproof metal, and then leave an opening to throw money in as they empty out their pockets. Over time the money builds up as you add it and before you know it you have a nice little nest egg built up. The opening is hard to find because it is hidden behind the contents of the closet. This method works pretty well and the money is protected in a fireproof container.
2In the Attic
Wrap up the money in fireproof material and hide it somewhere in the attic. Some people even go as far as to hide the money inside the insulation in the attic rafters after they have wrapped the money to keep it safe in the event of a disaster.
3Fake Pipe Drain
This method is great for plumbers and involves placing a fake drain in the garage floor with a metal pipe beneath it. You can fill the pipe with money and the drain looks like an authentic drain in the floor used for water except that the drain holes are sealed underneath so the money does not get wet.
4Underneath Drawers
You can wrap the money inside metal flashing or another type of fireproof material and then tape it to the bottom of any drawer in your home. As a general rule, not many people look at the underside of desk or dresser drawers and most burglars would not think to search there. The only problem with this method is you must make sure that the money is well-wrapped in the event of a fire.
5Artificial Plant
An artificial plant usually contains foam in the bottom for the flower stems. Not many people would think to look under the foam inside the vase for money. Just make sure the money is protected with flameproof material.
6Picture Frame
If you have a large picture frame with family photos these are usually not of value to a thief. Tuck the money in between the frame backing and the photo mat and none will be the wiser. The only problem is you will risk losing your cash in the event of a fire or other type of disaster.
7Cement Bags or Cement Blocks
Cement bags can often be found in any basement or garage. Wrap the money and hide it in between the cement bags and then pile more bags on top of it. Also, if your home is built out of cement blocks this makes the perfect hiding place. Cement is fireproof too.
8Fake Metal Book
Design a fake book cover out of fireproof material that will blend in with the rest of the books on your shelf. If you happen to own a lot of books this makes an excellent and inconspicuous hiding place.
9Inside a Metal Door
A lot of metal doors are hollow on the inside making it the perfect place to hide money. Simply chisel a hole in the top of the door and insert a metal storage box to place your money. Replace the hole in the top of the door and no one will ever think to look there.
10In the Freezer
Most freezers are fireproof so people see it as the perfect place to hide money. The trouble with this method is that it has gotten about as popular as the mattress trick and it may be likely that thieves will look in this location.
11A Sealed Jar in the Garden
Although this trick is an old one, it is one that a lot of people use in the current day. Just make sure the jar is sealed, such as a mason jar, and then remember where you put it.
These are tips for the best places to hide money. If you get creative, it is likely that you will come up with some ingenious ideas on your own. Homes are filled with a lot of unusual places to hide things. Use your imagination.
