Remember my post regarding failed lenders and the ramifications to savers?

Q: How can I make sure my money is safe?

A: All deposits accounts worth $100,000 and less are automatically insured by the FDIC. Many retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, are insured to $250,000 per person. But since it's a person's aggregate deposits, and their not individual accounts, that are insured, any amounts over $100,000 deposited at any one bank are not covered.

While keeping more than the limit at any bank means taking a chance, the risks can be bigger with smaller companies, provided they're heavily exposed to mortgage and other debt during the current downturn.