If 'trapped in financial instruments' includes standard investments, like deposited in a bank, loaned to a business, or buying equity in a business, then your money is not trapped at all but spreading through the economy in multiples. Only stuffed-in-a-mattress style 'instruments' are taking the money out of circulation, like buying an expensive piece of art or a condo that you don't rent or live in. Yet, you still paid someone for that art, so the cash is flowing...