This latest, ingenious "how to" piece I've discovered describes the best places for hiding money in your home from a uniquely informed source: A former burglar whose past "livelihood" depended on knowing where to look.

No matter how clever and remote the hiding place, a thief with enough time will find your valuables. The trick, this expert says, is understanding a burglar's primary motivations: Stealing valuables and getting out of your home as quickly as possible.

By the way, hiding your valuables in some out-of-the-way place merely guarantees a motivated burglar will tear your house apart until he finds something. One answer is to place an envelope near your desk drawer or computer marked Bank Safe Deposit Box, with a listing of what's stored at your bank.

I won't spoil the surprise here by sharing the master burglar's best recommendation of where to hide your valuables, other than to say it's a unique solution that may involve your children.