Travel Experts: Don't Keep Your Money in These 6 Places While Traveling

Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, August 5th 2025 at 0:22 GMT by GOBankingRates
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Whether you're a frequent or casual traveler, it's important to know where to keep your money so that it doesn't get lost or stolen while you're on your trip.

6 Places You Should Never Keep Your Money: Hidden Dangers and Smarter Alternatives

In an era where financial security is paramount, many people still resort to old-fashioned methods of stashing away cash or valuables, often in what they perceive as clever hiding spots around the home. However, these seemingly secure locations can actually expose your hard-earned money to significant risks, including theft, damage, or loss. Drawing from expert insights in personal finance and home security, this article explores six common places where you should absolutely avoid keeping your money. Not only do these spots fail to provide adequate protection, but they can also lead to unintended consequences like forgotten funds or vulnerability to natural disasters. Instead, we'll discuss why these hiding places are problematic and suggest safer, more reliable alternatives to safeguard your finances.

1. Under the Mattress: A Classic but Risky Hiding Spot

One of the most iconic places people think of for hiding money is under the mattress. This method dates back centuries, rooted in a distrust of banks or a desire for quick access in emergencies. However, it's far from foolproof. Thieves are well aware of this common tactic—in fact, it's often one of the first places burglars check during a home invasion. According to home security experts, mattresses are easy to flip or slash open, making any cash or valuables stored there an easy target.

Beyond theft, there are practical downsides. Mattresses can accumulate dust, moisture, and even pests like bed bugs, which could damage paper currency over time. If a fire breaks out, money hidden here is likely to burn up quickly. Moreover, in the event of a move or mattress replacement, you might forget about the stash altogether, leading to accidental loss. Financial advisors emphasize that while the idea of "mattress money" evokes a sense of independence, it deprives you of interest earnings from bank accounts or investments. A better approach? Opt for a federally insured savings account or a home safe that's bolted to the floor, ensuring both security and potential growth for your funds.

2. In the Freezer: Cold Storage That's Not So Cool

Another popular myth is that the freezer is a safe haven for cash, often wrapped in foil or plastic bags to mimic food items. The logic seems sound: it's an unlikely spot, and the cold might preserve the money. But in reality, this is a hazardous choice. Power outages or appliance failures can lead to thawing, causing water damage that ruins bills or important documents. Imagine a summer blackout where your freezer defrosts, turning your emergency fund into a soggy mess.

Thieves aren't deterred either; stories abound of burglars raiding freezers for hidden valuables, especially if they've cased the home. Additionally, if you're storing money alongside food, there's a risk of contamination or accidental disposal—think tossing out what looks like a frozen meal during a fridge cleanout. Experts in disaster preparedness note that freezers are also vulnerable in floods or fires, where melting ice could exacerbate damage. Instead of relying on this chilly ruse, consider digital alternatives like high-yield online savings accounts, which offer FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor and easy access without the physical risks.

3. Inside Books or Hollowed-Out Pages: A Literary Liability

Hollowing out a book to create a secret compartment might feel like something out of a spy novel, but it's a surprisingly common hiding place for cash, jewelry, or important papers. People often choose thick volumes on a crowded bookshelf, assuming they'll blend in seamlessly. Unfortunately, this method has several flaws. Bookshelves are prime targets for thieves looking for quick grabs, and a hollowed-out book can be easily discovered if someone picks it up or if the shelf is rummaged through.

Environmental factors pose threats too: books can suffer from humidity, mold, or insect infestations, which degrade both the book and its contents. In a fire, paper-based hiding spots like this are highly combustible. There's also the human error element—lending out a book or donating a collection could mean saying goodbye to your savings forever. Personal finance gurus recommend avoiding such analog methods in favor of secure digital vaults or safety deposit boxes at banks, which provide professional-grade protection and peace of mind without the need for DIY craftsmanship.

4. In the Toilet Tank: A Flush with Danger

Stashing money in the toilet tank, often sealed in waterproof bags, is a tactic some use because it's out of sight and rarely disturbed. The porcelain tank seems durable, and the water might even act as a barrier. However, this is one of the riskiest spots imaginable. Plumbing issues, such as leaks or clogs, can lead to water damage or the need for repairs, during which your hidden cache could be discovered or discarded by a plumber.

Burglars who are thorough might check unconventional areas like this, especially if they've heard of the trick from online forums or crime shows. More alarmingly, in the case of a home flood or sewage backup, the contents could be contaminated or lost entirely. Health risks arise too, as bacteria from the bathroom environment could affect the money. Financial planners advise against such unsanitary and unreliable methods, urging people to use encrypted digital wallets or investment accounts that accrue interest, turning idle cash into growing assets.

5. Buried in the Backyard: Underground Vulnerabilities

The idea of burying money in the backyard, perhaps in a metal container or jar, appeals to those with a survivalist mindset, evoking images of pirate treasure. It's discreet and off the grid, but the downsides are numerous. Weather and soil conditions can corrode containers over time, leading to rust or breakage that exposes your money to the elements. Digging it up requires remembering the exact spot, and shifts in landscaping or property sales could result in permanent loss.

Animals, insects, or even curious children might unearth it accidentally. Thieves with metal detectors have been known to scan yards in high-crime areas. Natural disasters like earthquakes or floods can displace buried items, making recovery impossible. Experts in asset protection stress that this method isolates your money from any growth potential and exposes it to unnecessary risks. A wiser choice is to invest in certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market accounts, which offer security and returns without the need for a shovel.

6. In Your Car: Mobile Money Pitfalls

Keeping cash in your car's glove compartment, under seats, or in hidden panels might seem convenient for on-the-go access, but it's a recipe for disaster. Vehicles are frequent targets for break-ins, with thieves smashing windows to rifle through interiors. Even if locked, cars aren't secure like a vault; valuables left inside can be stolen in seconds.

Environmental exposure is another issue: extreme temperatures can warp or fade currency, and accidents or towing could lead to loss. If your car is repossessed or sold, forgotten money might go with it. Insurance often doesn't cover cash losses from vehicles, leaving you out of pocket. Automotive security specialists recommend never treating your car as a bank. Instead, use mobile banking apps for instant access to funds, or keep small amounts in a secure wallet while parking in well-lit, monitored areas.

In conclusion, while the allure of hiding money in these everyday spots stems from a desire for control and immediacy, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Theft, damage, forgetfulness, and lack of growth potential make them poor choices in today's world. Financial security experts unanimously advocate for modern solutions: FDIC-insured bank accounts, credit unions, or investment vehicles that not only protect your money but also help it grow through interest or returns. For physical storage, a fireproof, waterproof home safe or a bank's safety deposit box is ideal. By avoiding these six perilous places, you can ensure your finances are truly secure, allowing you to focus on building wealth rather than worrying about hidden hazards. Remember, the best "hiding spot" for your money is often in plain sight—within a trusted financial institution where it can work for you.

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