This process of hiding money is an ongoing problem. Sometimes I am able to stumble across the hidden money. When he accuses me of stealing I am then able to show him where HE hid it and things calm down. Of course, he states he did not put it there. But lately, I cannot find the hidden money and he is demanding more. Recently, he found some money I had hidden for some upcoming household repairs. There are only the two of us in the house and the money is gone. Of course, he denies taking it. This was 4 weeks ago, still can’t find the money. He doesn’t go anywhere without me so he did not spend it. So when he demands more money to replace the missing money do I oblige? How do I handle this without a fight?
Play money is a good idea, if it looks real to him. Maybe get him a play wallet too, just like the one he has?
It sounds like the money/wallet is a security blanket of sorts. He’ll likely fixate on this until something else takes its place. My grandfather had dementia and spent several months fixated on his wallet. Would hide it, then forget, then be scared that the cleaning lady stole it (she didn’t, never stole anything ever).
Go on Amazon and search "fake can safe" or "fake book safe" to find cans or books you can stash cash and valuables in. I'd probably go with the fake book if your husband tends to poke around in the kitchen and might try to open that Coke can. Make sure YOU don't forget about the fake book/can. I write down everything I need to remember in a journal.
Also on Amazon -- search "fake US money." They have that, too, and you can buy a good supply of prop money for about $10 that'll look real to him but won't pass at any store.
Finally, if he's hiding his wallet, not just money, once you do find it you can hide a tracking tile in it. (Search "tracking tiles.") They aren't cheap -- about $60 and up for four of them -- but if you're still concerned about finding his wallet, it might be worth investing in them.