Also we have lots of stuff like the dvr, ps3, roku, ect that Id rather stash in a tv stand under the tv.

You don't want to just stash your cash somewhere as a small hedge over inflation or against the stock market.

I have made a self-proclamation that 2017 will be the year I focus on wealth production versus wealth management.I differentiate the two because with the 401(k)'s and the IRA's we are too focused on making incremental investments into these vehicles as a means of gaining wealth; in reality these vehicles do a great job at maintaining wealth not so much a good job at building/creating wealth.Here's some background on why I feel this way:I am 30I make ~$400K/yrI max out my 401(k)I max out my IRA (via a back door-Roth)I have a general investment account where I stash 10% of my incomeNo kids, recently married, not tax breaks (but am cash-flowing a 529 plan)No debtIn short - even though this sounds good, and I'm in a "good" position financially, I'm not getting rich.

Especially when politicians cotton on to the exact situation you just described, with a bunch of foreign interests stashing money in the RE market?

If she can't show at least 3 months of living expense in cash stashed away, then she is just eeeking by.

Neither of us liked that idea, which is why we decided to take the time to save up a nice stash.  

Want to tell it that your cash stash's value was wrong three months ago?

Moving from a relative's house, they should have money stashed for furniture, at least towels, supplies, food, etc. 

If you are in the 28% tax bracket and you max out, stashing away $18,000 per year in a 401K, you reduce your tax liability by $5,000. 

If I couldn't, I'd reduce debt and stash cash even more.