<p>Ziddy, I like Standrews post best of all, but, first, please get that money out of the safe deposit box and put it into some sort of productive investment vehicle - I believe Citibank offers a 4.5% interest savings account, and there are others - the interest you’ll earn on the savings account may offset the zing on the FAFSA, depending on how your aid package works itself out. </p>
<p>Second - you are obvious very good at saving money, and at working hard towards a goal. Please take some time to get acquainted with current banking regulations, especially those that address the requirement of your financial institution to file SARs (Suspicious Activity Reports). It’s not a good idea to attempt to “hide” money, because someone is eventually going to notice anomolous behavior, and your actions may invite scrutiny and inquiry. There’s nothing illegal about keeping money in a safe deposit box, or under a mattress, etc. however, you’re treading out onto thin ice if you are doing so in order to conceal assets for some other economic gain. (I am not a lawyer, CPA or banker however - you should get the opinion of experts in these disciplines if you want to clarify what the law says you can and cannot do.)</p>