Step #2:
Be sure your bank accounts don't exceed the FDIC limits

If your accounts do exceed the FDIC limits, you are at significant risk of losing some of your hard-earned money. For any accounts that do exceed the limits ($100,000 for qualified accounts with cash and cash equivalents, and $250,000 for IRAs) move some money to a different bank. If the money is tied up in a CD and you are forced to take a penalty, we think it's worth it at this critical time. Better to take a small tax-deductible penalty now than a possible loss of the amount that exceeds coverage. 

Learn how you can fully protect every penny of your bank deposits by reading the following articles:

• How to Protect Your Bank Deposits
• Is Your Bank Safe?
• 5 Warning Signs Your Bank Could Be In trouble

Next: Give your money market mutual fund a check-up