There is only one negative element to winning money in an online poker room and that is the possibility of losing a big chunk of your bankroll.  Overall, to ensure money is made, it is vital for one to know when to cash out, or preserve some of his or her winnings.  With the current economic slump in America, every dollar is essential.  Therefore, in a time when money means the most, everyone must stop and think: should I set notches on when to cash out?

A very good friend of mine spends several hours playing in an online poker room everyday.  He is a very profitable player, and a good one I might add.  In the end, he may make great reads, amazing plays, or furthermore, money-making decisions.  However, his one poker flaw is his inability to know when to cash out.  Starting off with $100, his usual routine is to triple his money within the first day.  Through MTT play or head's up sit-n-gos, he often completes his goal.  As the first week rolls by, his bankroll usually stands tall and rests in the thousands.  (Note: he started with only $100).  My friend, very young and immature with money, fails to recognize the importance to make the real money digits in the cashier into real paper money in his pocket.

It is vital to set goals or limits on when to cash out.  Ones bankroll can build up to a million dollars. However, unless that player cashes, that number solely remains a number and nothing more. 

Here are some of my cash-out strategies that I have used in the past:

1. Triple my initial deposit; send back original deposit... Freerolling, but still strict to BR management skills.
2. Any amount over $1000, immediately withdraw 20%.
3. MTT winnings: Any MTT win over 300 bucks, cash out 30%.

I know many online poker players hate to cash out unless they see their bankroll soar into large numbers. But use logic, the money is real, and unless you cash out, the money will never reach its way to you.