Money in the bank.

That's a timely reminder from state consumer officials during this tight economy when everyone is concerned with stretching savings as far as possible.

"In addition to reviewing your homeowner's or automobile insurance, it's good for consumers to be aware of what kind of insurance is available for their deposits in financial institutions," said Christine Hira-sa, spokeswoman for the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., which was created in 1933 in response to the thousands of bank failures that occurred in the 1920s and early 1930s, is designed to provide that peace of mind.

The FDIC insures deposits in most banks and savings associations in the United States.

"Don't bank on that mattress" is the tagline for a series of ads that the agency is using to call attention to not putting money away where it's not insured.

"We encourage depositors to become familiar with FDIC insurance to make maximum use of the coverage available," Hirasa said.

That could mean splitting savings between different accounts in different federally insured banks and savings associations to stay under a $250,000 limit.

"The FDIC protects depositors against the loss of their insured deposits, if an FDIC-insured bank or savings association fails," Hirasa said.

But the coverage has limits, so you can use calculating tools from that federal agency to make sure your money is as safe as possible.

You can type in your information and find out if your deposits are fully insured.

"The FDIC has EDIE The Estimator on its Web site, which is an electronic deposit insurance estimator. Consumers can enter specific information of the types and balances of accounts they have to determine whether all or a portion of their deposits are insured."

She added: "We encourage depositors to become familiar with FDIC insurance to make maximum use of the coverage available."

And you should check to see that your financial institution is FDIC-insured.

The agency warns that it has received reports that certain companies advertising above-market interest rates are not FDIC-insured banks.

The Web site warns that some insurance or financial service companies sell non-insured financial products, where the small print in the ads reveals that the company is not FDIC-insured.

Other financial tips from the FDIC on money in the bank:

• Consumers should carefully consider whether non-insured products are appropriate for their personal financial situation.

• Consumers should understand the terms of any CD they purchase.

• Consumers can research deposit interest rates at Web sites such as www.bankrate.com.

• Consumers can verify if specific financial institutions are FDIC-insured at www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main_bankfind.asp.