Your APY Savings Amy Smith, December 4, 2023December 4, 2023 How to Make the Most Out of Your APY Savings Image Source: Freepik Finding a high-yield savings account can help you make the most of your savings, but there are some things you need to know before you sign up: You’ll want to find a bank that is easy to use. You’ll want to determine how much you’re comfortable with putting in the account. You’ll need to consider the monthly maintenance fees you must pay. High-Yield Savings Accounts vs. Traditional Savings Accounts While both savings accounts are federally insured, high-yield savings offer a higher interest rate than traditional ones. They are also an excellent option for saving for a special event or emergency. Online banks or credit unions typically offer high-yield savings accounts. Many high-yield savings accounts come with mobile apps. These apps can transfer money between your account and other accounts. Some may even offer wire transfer services. Having these features can save you from fees. Some high-yield savings accounts have a minimum balance requirement. You must deposit a certain amount of money into the account each month. However, some savings accounts offer high-yield savings accounts that do not have a minimum balance requirement. In addition, some high-yield savings accounts allow for unlimited withdrawals. If you want to withdraw, it’s a good idea to check with your bank. Although the interest earned is higher on high-yield savings accounts, the APY can fluctuate based on the Federal Funds Rate. The Fed is expected to continue raising rates for the next several months. Find a Bank that has Easy Sign-up and Mobile Apps. When you want to save money, finding a bank that offers easy sign-up and mobile apps for APY savings accounts is an excellent choice. A high-interest savings account offers a competitive interest rate and the opportunity to compound that interest over time. High-interest savings accounts are available from brick-and-mortar banks, credit unions, and online banks. These accounts are available as either tiered or variable-rate accounts. The minimum deposit required to open an account varies from one bank to another. Some banks require only a few hundred dollars, while others require several thousand dollars. You may also be charged a fee for transferring funds from your checking account into your savings account. When you open a savings account, you will be asked for personal information such as your Social Security number and date of birth. You will also be asked to provide your driver’s license number and mailing address. Determine How Much you can Afford to Deposit When deciding how much money to put away, you’ll want to look at interest rates and fees. The Federal Reserve is the governing body for Federal funds, and the interest rates it sets are the benchmark for what banks pay out on deposit accounts. The best rates are found at brick-and-mortar institutions. A few online providers also offer reasonable rates. Look for high APY savings accounts with no minimum balance requirements to get the most out of your hard-earned dollars. If your goal is to save for a big trip or a rainy day, consider opening an account with a higher interest rate. An online APY calculator can make the task of comparing savings rates easy. Despite the hype surrounding the perks of the digital age, some savings institutions still rely on traditional paper checks and plastic debit cards. There are no guarantees on what you’ll receive, so shop for the best rates. High-yield Savings Accounts Come with Monthly Maintenance Fees. A high-yield savings account might be a good choice if you’re looking to park some cash and get a high-interest rate. But there are some important considerations you should make before opening an account. First, you’ll want to consider the minimum balance required for high-yield savings accounts. You’ll also want to ensure the bank or credit union you choose offers FDIC insurance. Another consideration is the APY (annual percentage yield). This is the interest you earn on a year’s worth of deposits. Generally, the higher the APY, the more you’ll make. However, a high-yield savings account’s APY can fluctuate with the federal funds rate. Some high-yield savings accounts have lower APYs than others. Regardless of the APY, you should always check the monthly maintenance fee. A standard fee will help you keep your balance intact, but it will reduce your total interest earnings. You’ll want to compare rates and fees when shopping for a high-yield savings account. Banks charge various expenses, including overdrafts, wire transfers, and monthly maintenance fees. Check with each financial institution to find out the exact prices they charge. Resources: https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/low-risk-ways-to-earn-higher-interest/ https://current.com/ https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/banking/ways-to-earn-higher-interest-on-your-money/ Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Finance