I like the idea of keeping my own wallet secure, using a separate savings wallet similar to the method posted here.

http://forum.bitcoin.org/index.php?topic=17240.0

As for third party services, why trust anyone but yourself? 

For example, thieves rob banks, even sometimes being bank employees themselves.  Most people trust banks because their money earns interest and in the US it is insured by the FDIC. 

But if you're not particularly trusting of banks (and as a result are pursuing your financial dreams in cryptocurrency) why trust ANYONE else with your money?