Recession Reality Check

Before you start stashing money under your mattress, Suze says there's a way to make sure every penny is protected in the bank. "You don't need to panic," she says. "First, you're going to check and make sure that you have FDIC [Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.] insurance—[that] your bank is FDIC insured."

FDIC insurance covers up to $100,000 per account in your name. If you have more than $100,000 in one bank account, look into opening more accounts so you'll always be protected.

To see if your bank is protected by the FDIC, go to www.MyFDICInsurance.gov. From there, Suze says you can answer a few questions and find out whether your savings are safe.

"If it's not, you're going to move it to another bank that it is," she says. "If it's insured, you have nothing to worry about. Even if your bank goes under, you will have access to your money. You'll be fine. … FDIC has the taxing and authority of the United States government behind it, so you don't have to worry."

Is your money in a credit union? Chances are, it's protected. What Suze says you should know about keeping your money safe in credit union accounts.