What is your suggestion for someone who has become 90% liquid (USD) during the last year? Where does one find a safe haven these days?
Take money and place it in an offshore account in a national bank that is highly regulated. I did that in Canada, and also moved our stock portfolio there as well. The stocks I hold are are highly stable in this environment. If thats not possible, you have to pick a US bank that has a high chance of survival by not having too much sub prime exposure, or a penchant for buying out failing banks.
The three strongest US Banks appear to be Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and JP Morgan Chase. But there are no gurantees.
However I would be looking at a Bank like Barclays as well.
But the best would be to go off shore, say to China,India,Australia, Brazil or Canada. It is difficult to do in Canada without a Canadian Social Insurance Number. But in the other countries , you might be able to set up an account on line and electronically transfer the funds if you wish. You have to check the banking rules of the destination account, or residency and their reporting requirements. Some require a government ID number, others may not. You still pay income tax as a USA resident ( Income Earned Abroad), but the funds are much more secure in a regulated banking system.You can hold your liquidity in whatever currency you select. Mine is in USD right now , in treasury bills. But I may change that also depending on what happens, to Canadian Dollars.
Our portfolio is 50% stock and 50% cash. I may buy gold with our cash. The next week will allow that decision.
Good Luck.