How To Keep Your Money Safe During Economic Uncertainty

CNBC (main)
CNBC (main)Mar 11, 2026

Why It Matters

Implementing these strategies helps investors preserve capital, maintain liquidity, and avoid costly forced‑sale losses during volatile market conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Review your financial goal timeline to align investments
  • Verify equity exposure to avoid unnecessary retirement account risk
  • Allocate cash to short‑term U.S. Treasury bills or ETFs
  • Keep no stock funds needed within the next two years
  • Use high‑yield savings for liquid emergency cash reserves

Summary

The video addresses how investors can protect their wealth amid heightened market volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and slowing U.S. growth. Financial advisors stress the importance of revisiting the time horizon for each goal and matching asset allocations accordingly, rather than reacting impulsively to headlines.

Key recommendations include auditing equity exposure in retirement and brokerage accounts, shifting a portion of cash into short‑term U.S. Treasury bills or Treasury‑linked exchange‑traded funds, and ensuring that any money needed within the next 24 months is kept out of the stock market. Advisors also suggest parking readily‑available funds in high‑yield savings accounts to avoid forced sales of equities or premature withdrawals from retirement vehicles.

One advisor cautioned, “Don’t have any money in the stock market that you’ll need in the next two years,” while another highlighted that Treasury bills are exempt from state and local taxes, making them a tax‑efficient safe haven. The guidance balances preserving capital with maintaining enough liquidity for emergencies.

For investors, following these steps can reduce exposure to sudden market swings, safeguard retirement savings, and provide a clear, tax‑advantaged cash buffer. The approach encourages disciplined, goal‑based planning rather than panic‑driven trading, which is crucial during periods of economic uncertainty.

Original Description

Concerns about the Iran war and fears of slowing U.S. economic growth have contributed significantly to market volatility, leaving many people worried about how they can keep their money safe. CNBC's Sharon Epperson breaks down what financial advisors recommend during periods of uncertainty.
Produced and Edited by: Andrea Miller
Reporting by: Sharon Epperson
Additional Production Support: CJ Haddad
Senior Director of Video: Lindsey Jacobson
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How To Keep Your Money Safe During Economic Uncertainty

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