How do I keep cash above the $250,000 FDIC limit safely?

Spread it so no single bank holds more than $250,000 of your money in one ownership category. The simplest approaches: open accounts at multiple insured banks; use both individual and joint titling at one bank, since each ownership category gets its own $250,000; or use a bank that offers a deposit network (sometimes called sweep or network deposits) that splits your balance across many member banks while you deal with one account. Brokerage cash-sweep programs also distribute cash across several partner banks for expanded FDIC coverage. For larger sums you don't need immediately, short-term Treasury bills are another safe home — they're backed by the full faith of the U.S. government rather than FDIC, with no insurance cap. Map where your cash sits against your overall picture at wealthserene.com/tools/net-worth.