Government Securities

Don’t worry, staying where you are doesn't put you at risk. Since TD Ameritrade has fully merged into Charles Schwab, you’re backed by a 100% security guarantee against unauthorized activity. Vanguard is the gold standard for long-term safety; however, its interface can feel a bit clunky for daily use. You should stay with Schwab/TD for the awesome thinkorswim tools, but remember to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) — it’s your best line of defense, no matter what broker you choose.

I was thinking about that tax hit, too. One move people often make is shifting some of that cash into municipal bonds. Because the income is usually tax-exempt, your "after-tax" return often beats that of a regular savings account. It’s definitely a trade-off, though; you lose some of that instant liquidity, and the price can fluctuate. A good strategy is to split your funds: use cash for immediate needs and municipal bonds for long-term savings.