Is a high-yield savings account worth it?
While high-yield savings accounts offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, they may not outpace inflation, potentially eroding your purchasing power over time. As a result, they're not typically recommended for long-term wealth-building or retirement savings.
While high-yield savings accounts offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, they may not outpace inflation, potentially eroding your purchasing power over time. As a result, they're not typically recommended for long-term wealth-building or retirement savings.
However, it is still possible to lose money with a high-yield savings account, and it's important to be aware of that before transferring your savings into one of these accounts. There are two main ways you have the potential to lose money. The first is that you could lose out to inflation.
Key Takeaways. Earn a 4.00% APY or higher by moving your savings into a high-yield account. This can make at least $40 over 12 months on a $1,000 investment. When choosing a high-yield account, look for one that provides a competitive APY without fees, steep balance requirements or APY caps.
For savings, aim to keep three to six months' worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account, but note that any amount can be beneficial in a financial emergency.
4.5% APY: A 4.5% CD or high-yield savings account will yield $2,250 in interest on your $50,000 investment in one year. 4.75% APY: Opting for a 4.75% CD or high-yield savings account will earn you $2,375 in interest over the course of a year.
Earnings from high-yield savings accounts or CDs are subject to income tax. Here's how that works. This article was expert reviewed by Lisa Niser, EA, an enrolled agent and tax advisor.
What are the disadvantages of a high-yield savings account? Some disadvantages of a high-yield savings account include few withdrawal options, limitations on how many monthly withdrawals you can make, and no access to a branch network if you need it. But for most people, these aren't major issues.
- Variable rates. Interest rates on these accounts can and do fluctuate, which means the APY you started with could potentially drop. ...
- Potential penalties. The Federal Reserve sets and enforces standard rules for savings deposits. ...
- Limited growth.
Unsteady earnings. High-yield savings accounts may have variable interest rates, which may impact earnings. While they aim to offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, these rates may fluctuate over time due to changes in the financial market or the financial institution's policies.
How long do you need to keep money in a high-yield savings account?
There's no rule on the exact amount to have in your high-yield savings account. The amount of money you should store in these accounts depends on various factors. However, the general rule of thumb is that you should have liquid access to enough cash to cover between three and six months of your expenses.
As of February 2024, no banks are offering 7% interest rates on savings accounts. Two credit unions have high-interest checking accounts. Eligibility for these credit unions is limited according to geographic location and other narrow criteria.
Certificates of Deposit
Like high-yield savings accounts, CDs usually offer substantially higher annual percentage yields (APYs) than traditional savings accounts. As of October 2023, the average CD rates range from 4.60% to 5.55%, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC).
In terms of savings accounts specifically, you'll likely find different estimates from different sources. The average American has $65,100 in savings — excluding retirement assets — according to Northwestern Mutual's 2023 Planning & Progress Study. That's a 5% increase over the $62,000 reported in 2022.
Pros and cons of a high-yield savings account
A high-yield savings account offers a higher rate of return on your money compared to standard savings accounts. But some of these accounts charge fees, have minimum balances requirements, and offer variable interest rates that can go up and down over time.
How much do Americans have in savings? Overall, Americans have a median of $5,300 and an average of $41,800 in savings, according to the Federal Reserve.
The Bottom Line. If you're wondering where to put your money in a recession, consider a high-yield savings account, money market account, CD or bonds. They can provide safe places to store some of your savings. It's worth noting that a recession doesn't mean you should pull all your money out of the stock market.
- Leverage tax-advantaged accounts. Tax-advantaged accounts like the Roth IRA can provide an avenue for tax-free growth on qualified withdrawals. ...
- Optimize tax deductions. ...
- Focus on strategic timing of withdrawals. ...
- Consider diversifying with tax-efficient investments.
If you've been stashing your savings deposits in the same account for at least a few years, it's worth checking that the current APY you're earning is competitive with today's top rates. Opening multiple accounts could be one way to ensure that you're maximizing the potential of your savings by earning the top yield.
For the most part, opening a checking, savings, or cash management account will not hurt your credit score. Banks, credit unions, and other providers typically do what is known as a soft pull, not a hard pull, when considering your application. This process should not lower your credit rating nor linger on your report.
Does cashing in a CD count as income?
Interest earned on CDs is considered taxable income by the IRS, regardless of whether the money is received in cash or reinvested.
Interest compounding and APY
Banks can do this daily, monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually. The more often interest compounds, the more interest you'll earn. Many top banks offer HYSAs where interest compounds daily.
A savings account is the ideal spot for an emergency fund or cash you need within the next three to five years. Good for long-term goals. Investing can help you grow money over the long term, making it a strong option for funding expensive future goals, like retirement.
Usually, you would choose to invest your money for long-term financial goals like retirement because you have a longer time frame to recover from stock market fluctuations. If the financial goal is short term, say five years or less, it's usually smarter to park your money in a high-yield savings account.
At a 4.25% annual interest rate, your $100,000 deposit would earn a total of $4,250 in interest over the course of a year if interest compounds annually. Annual total: $104,250.
