Don't stuff your cash in a mattress.

Bank failures, both big and small, are becoming far too common. The latest round has many folks wondering if their nest egg would be safer buried in the backyard in a coffee can!

Let's all take a deep breath and remain calm. If you have your money in an FDIC-insured institution, your deposits are now covered up to $250,000 per individual. Your money is safer there than in your home, where it's at risk of being stolen, or being lost in a disaster (like a fire). If you are over the new FDIC limit, there are simple steps you can make to protect even more of your money. Click here for details.

Next: Don't fall for unusually high savings rates.