Redefining “Safe Money:” The Truth About Cash, CDs, and Risk

Everyone talks about “safe money,” but what does it actually mean and how much should you have? In this episode, Craig and Jennifer unpack the overused (and often misunderstood) concept of safe money. They explain what it really means to keep your money protected from loss, why liquidity is often more important than growth, and how safe money fits into the bigger picture of your financial plan, especially in retirement.

You’ll hear why some clients are sitting on $300k+ in cash or CDs and not realizing how little they’re actually keeping after taxes and inflation. Plus, Craig and Jennifer walk through how to reposition that “safe” money for better tax efficiency and real purpose, whether you’re building an emergency fund, entering retirement, or drawing income from a portfolio. You can be too safe and still go broke. The key is striking the right balance across your financial “buckets.”

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧊 Why liquidity can be more important than earning a higher interest rate

🛑 What “safe money” really means and common misconceptions

💵 The tax pitfalls of CDs and traditional savings accounts

🎯 Balancing safety, growth, and income throughout different life stages

🧠 The mindset shift between accumulation and distribution phases

Get additional financial resources: https://maestrowealth.com/how-money-works-podcast/ 

Schedule a meeting: https://timetoseemaestrowealth.as.me/ReadytoBegin