\" plugin_version.type = \"hidden\" form.appendChild(plugin_version) var wordpress_version = document.createElement(\"input\") wordpress_version.name = \"wordpress_version\" wordpress_version.id = \"wordpress_version\" wordpress_version.value = '$wp_version' wordpress_version.type = \"hidden\" form.appendChild(wordpress_version) } },200); "; } else { echo ''; } } else { echo ''; } } else { echo ""; return; } } } /** * Google analytics . */ function ga_footer() { if ( ! ( defined( 'DOING_AJAX' ) && DOING_AJAX ) ) { $banner_discarded_count = get_option( 'sm_beta_banner_discarded_count' ); if ( 1 === $banner_discarded_count || '1' === $banner_discarded_count ) { echo ''; } } } /** * Check if the requirements of the sitemap plugin are met and loads the actual loader * * @package sitemap * @since 4.0 */ function sm_setup() { $fail = false; // Check minimum PHP requirements, which is 5.2 at the moment. if ( version_compare( PHP_VERSION, '5.2', '<' ) ) { add_action( 'admin_notices', 'sm_add_php_version_error' ); $fail = true; } // Check minimum WP requirements, which is 3.3 at the moment. if ( version_compare( $GLOBALS['wp_version'], '3.3', '<' ) ) { add_action( 'admin_notices', 'sm_add_wp_version_error' ); $fail = true; } if ( ! $fail ) { require_once trailingslashit( dirname( __FILE__ ) ) . 'class-googlesitemapgeneratorloader.php'; } } /** * Adds a notice to the admin interface that the WordPress version is too old for the plugin * * @package sitemap * @since 4.0 */ function sm_add_wp_version_error() { /* translators: %s: search term */ echo '

' . esc_html( __( 'Your WordPress version is too old for XML Sitemaps.', 'google-sitemap-generator' ) ) . '
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class_exists( 'GoogleSitemapGeneratorLoader', false ) ) { sm_setup(); if(isset(get_option('sm_options')['sm_wp_sitemap_status']) ) $wp_sitemap_status = get_option('sm_options')['sm_wp_sitemap_status']; else $wp_sitemap_status = true; if($wp_sitemap_status = true) $wp_sitemap_status = '__return_true'; else $wp_sitemap_status = '__return_false'; add_filter( 'wp_sitemaps_enabled', $wp_sitemap_status ); add_action('wp_ajax_disable_plugins', 'disable_plugins_callback'); add_action('admin_notices', 'conflict_plugins_admin_notice'); } account – Affiliate Marketing Programs | CBOMO.COM https://cbomo.com Your Affiliate Online Money Opportunities Wed, 19 Jun 2024 01:32:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 How much money should you keep in your checking account? https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid66723540e0f34de9a1898ea9ba86ec44urlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-foxbusiness-com%2ffox-money%2fbanking%2fhow-much-money-should-you-have-in-checkingc8418636469423930444mkten/ https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid66723540e0f34de9a1898ea9ba86ec44urlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-foxbusiness-com%2ffox-money%2fbanking%2fhow-much-money-should-you-have-in-checkingc8418636469423930444mkten/#respond Wed, 19 Jun 2024 01:32:50 +0000 https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid66723540e0f34de9a1898ea9ba86ec44urlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-foxbusiness-com%2ffox-money%2fbanking%2fhow-much-money-should-you-have-in-checkingc8418636469423930444mkten/ [ad_1]

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Your checking account is the hub of your financial life. It’s where your paycheck lands, bills get paid, and everyday transactions happen. It’s also your financial front line — holding money available for immediate expenses.

Having the right amount in your account helps you cover essential expenses and provides a buffer for unexpected costs. If you don’t have enough money in your account, you may face overdraft fees or returned payment fees. At the same time, you may not want to let your checking account balance build up too much — otherwise, you might miss out on higher returns. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount you should keep in your checking account depends on your income, expenses, and financial goals.

One recommendation is to keep at least 1-2 months’ expenses in your checking account. This provides a buffer for unexpected costs and helps ensure you can cover regular bills.

“The money in your checking account should be for what you plan to spend — whether it’s a need or a want. People should find the average of their expenses and keep about twice that number in their checking account to ensure a buffer for any unexpected expenses,” says Tiffany Aliche, a personal financial educator and author of “Get Good With Money.”

Review your budget and spending to determine how much you need in your account to cover monthly bills and purchases. If your checking account requires a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees, try to keep at least that much. Ask yourself: 

  • How much money do you earn monthly, and how predictable is your income?
  • What are your regular monthly expenses, and how much do they fluctuate?
  • When are your bills due each month?

“Look at your last 12 bank and credit card statements and calculate a simple average of your expenses. Then, make sure to account for any expected irregular or one-time expenses and add them to the average,” says Liran Eliner, founder and CEO of Cache, an automated savings tool.

Here’s an example of how these guidelines might look in practice. Let’s say your monthly expenses are $3,000, and your checking account requires a minimum balance of $1,500 to avoid fees. Following the above guidelines, you might aim to keep a checking account balance of $4,500 to $7,500:

  • One to two months’ worth of expenses: $3,000 to $6,000
  • Minimum balance to avoid fees: $1,500
  • Buffer for unexpected costs: $500

Remember, these are just general guidelines. Some people feel more secure with a larger checking account cushion, while others are comfortable with a leaner balance. By considering your preferences, you zero in on the balance amount that makes sense.

Your income and employment status can majorly impact your checking account balance. If you have a low or unstable income, it may be challenging to maintain a substantial balance.

Job loss can also strain your checking account, as you may have to dip into your savings to cover living expenses. In these situations, having an emergency fund to fall back on is especially important.

Your spending habits also significantly affect your checking account balance. If you tend to overspend or make impulsive purchases, you may find it difficult to keep a healthy balance.

To avoid this, it is crucial to develop a budget and track your expenses. This can help you identify areas where you may be overspending and can cut back. Tools like budgeting apps or spreadsheets can help keep you accountable and on track.

If you have debt, such as credit card bills, student loans, or a mortgage, your checking account may be strained by the debt payments you need to make. High debt levels can limit your financial flexibility and make it more challenging to maintain a healthy checking account balance.

It’s important to create a debt repayment plan and allocate your funds strategically. You may need to temporarily keep a larger checking account balance to ensure you can make your debt payments on time while still covering your essential expenses.

According to the Federal Reserve, the median transaction account balance in 2022 was $8,000, while the average balance was $62,500. Transaction accounts include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, call accounts, and prepaid debit cards. 

It’s important to note that the median balance — the middle value when all balances are ordered from lowest to highest — is often considered a more accurate representation of the “typical” American’s checking account, as the average can be skewed by a small number of very high balances.

As you might expect, checking account balances vary by age group. Here’s a breakdown of the median balances for different age ranges:

Age

<35

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

>74

Median bank account balance

$5,400

$7,500

$8,700

$8,000

$13,400

$10,000

Differences can be attributed to income levels, financial responsibilities, and saving habits. Younger adults may have lower balances due to lower salaries and student loan debt. In comparison, older adults may have higher balances due to higher earnings and less debt.

Another factor that affects checking account balances is income level. The more money you make, the more you typically can afford to keep in your checking account. Plus, you may spend more, which warrants keeping more in your account as a buffer.

Here’s a breakdown of the median balances for different income ranges:

Income

<34,599

$35,600-
$59,499

$59,500-
$91,899

$91,900-
$153,099

$153,100-
$$245,399

$245,500+

Median bank account balance

$900

$2,550

$7,400

$15,760

$33,800

$111,600

Rachel Desmond, a customer service and marketing specialist at Vive Más Tours, is in her mid-20s and lives in Colorado. Her average checking account balance is $4,000.

Her checking account balance covers her monthly expenses, including rent ($1,200), her Roth IRA contribution ($300), and her credit card bill, which typically range from $500 to $1,000. Desmond automates her bills while making sure her checking account balance is enough to cover her expenses. 

Maintaining a checking account balance of $4,000 “is almost double what I need in a month so that all these bills can get paid in the background without me having to check and do any math on a monthly basis,” Desmond says.

Keeping your money in a checking account may not always be the best financial move. If you know your monthly expenses and can maintain a buffer, consider allocating your extra funds to accounts that offer more interest

Desmond realized that the extra money in her checking account was not earning any interest. So, to boost her earnings, she opened a money market account

“Even earning $10-$50 extra through interest is worth the extra hoop of having another bank account, in my opinion. I’ll gladly take those extra couple of Starbucks drinks,” she says.

If you want to boost your checking account balance, you’re not alone. 

“My first tip for people is always to give themselves grace. Finance isn’t easy if you’ve never been given the tools to manage your money,” says Aliche.

The good news is that there are relatively simple strategies to help you get there.

  • Stick to a budget: Create a budget that aligns your income with your expenses and savings goals. This will help you avoid overspending and keep enough in your checking account. 
  • Choose the right checking account: Aliche suggests finding a free checking account that doesn’t charge maintenance or overdraft fees. That way, you won’t have to worry about maintaining a specific balance or losing some of your money to fees.  
  • Set up automatic transfers: Automate your savings by setting up regular transfers from your checking account to your savings accounts. This helps you build savings while keeping your checking balance at a solid level. 
  • Monitor your balance: Monitor your checking account balance throughout the month. Many banks offer mobile apps and online banking tools that make it easy to check your balance on the go.
  • Avoid overdrafts: Track your pending transactions and make sure you have enough money to cover them. If you accidentally overdraft, contact your bank as soon as possible to minimize fees.

Your financial situation isn’t static, and your optimal checking account balance may change. Here are some signs that it may be time to adjust your balance:

  • Changes in income: If your income increases or decreases, you may need to adjust your checking account balance accordingly.
  • New expenses or bills: If you’re taking on new regular expenses, like a higher rent payment or a new car loan, you may need to increase your checking account balance to ensure you can cover these costs.
  • Shifts in savings goals: As your savings goals evolve, you may need to redirect more or less money from your checking account to your savings accounts.
  • Overdrafts or low balances: “If you’re struggling to reach the desired checking account balance, that usually means that you are overspending relative to your income,” says Eliner. “The number one tip would be to manage a tight budget and keep track of your spending, trimming unnecessary expenses when possible.” 
  • Excess funds: If you consistently have a large checking account balance that exceeds your needs, it may be a sign that you could be better off using that money in a savings account.

Maintaining a healthy checking account balance is essential to smart financial management. The amount you should keep in your checking account ultimately depends on your unique financial situation and goals.

Remember, your checking account is just one piece of your financial puzzle. By taking a holistic approach to your finances, you can build a strong foundation for long-term financial success.


Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.

Meet the contributor:

Jake Safane

Jake Safane

Jake Safane is a finance and sustainability writer who has worked for organizations such as The Economist Group and a division of The Financial Times. He specializes in topics such as insurance, budgeting, and retirement.

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Apple Launches Apple Card Savings Account From Goldman Sachs https://cbomo.com/apple-launches-apple-card-savings-account-from-goldman-sachs/ https://cbomo.com/apple-launches-apple-card-savings-account-from-goldman-sachs/#respond Mon, 17 Apr 2023 20:08:48 +0000 https://cbomo.com/apple-launches-apple-card-savings-account-from-goldman-sachs/ [ad_1]

Apple is expanding its payment service offerings with a new savings account option for users.

On Monday, Apple announced a new feature — an Apple Card Savings Account through Goldman Sachs with an annual percentage yield (APY) of 4.15%, which is about 10 times more than the national average of 0.35%.

According to the press release, Apple Card savings account has no fees or minimum deposit or balance requirements and can be set up directly in the Wallet app of an iPhone.

“Savings helps our users get even more value out of their favorite Apple Card benefit — Daily Cash — while providing them with an easy way to save money every day,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, in a statement.

Related: Apple Pay Later Rolls Out to Selected Users — Here’s How It Works

Savings account holders can access their account balance and interest over time in a Savings dashboard found in the Apple Wallet. There are restrictions to the service as well. Users must have an update of at least iOS 16.4, transfers to and from Apple Cash must range between $1 and $10,000, you cannot transfer more than $20,000 a week. Accounts can only have up to $250,000.

Source: Apple

“Our goal is to build tools that help users lead healthier financial lives, and building Savings into Apple Card in Wallet enables them to spend, send, and save Daily Cash directly and seamlessly — all from one place,” Bailey said.

The high-yield savings account was created with Goldman Sachs specifically for Apple. However, the company has not mentioned whether the rate will remain at 4.15% APY forever, meaning the rate could go up or down in the future.

Related: Should You Consider a High-Yield Savings Account? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Payment services have increasingly become part of Apple’s business as revenue has consistently grown since the introduction of Apple Pay in 2014. Apple CFO Luca Maestri said on an earnings call in February that payment services are “continuing to set new highs all the time for us,” per Yahoo Finance.

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Will savings account interest rates keep rising? https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid6408e85d6a2d43988b45896d7424cad3urlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-kcra-com%2farticle%2fnext-fed-rate-hike-savings-account-interest-rates%2f43162635c4205930329763702518mkten/ https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid6408e85d6a2d43988b45896d7424cad3urlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-kcra-com%2farticle%2fnext-fed-rate-hike-savings-account-interest-rates%2f43162635c4205930329763702518mkten/#respond Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:56:14 +0000 https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid6408e85d6a2d43988b45896d7424cad3urlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-kcra-com%2farticle%2fnext-fed-rate-hike-savings-account-interest-rates%2f43162635c4205930329763702518mkten/ [ad_1]

Lauren Williamson is the Financial and Home Services Editor for the Hearst E-Commerce team. She previously served as Senior Editor at Chicago magazine, where she led coverage of real estate and business, and before that reported on regulatory law and financial reform for a magazine geared toward in-house attorneys. You can reach her at lauren.williamson@hearst.com.Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This may influence which products we write about and where those products appear on the site, but it does not affect our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in research.Mobile app users, click here for the best viewing experience.Inflation isn’t cooling as quickly as the Federal Reserve had hoped — and as a result, the central bank is expected to raise interest rates by at least another quarter percentage point at its March 22 meeting. However, some experts believe that the Fed could hike its target borrowing rate by as much as 0.5% as it tries to wrestle inflation under 2%.An aggressive series of rate hikes last year brought the benchmark borrowing rates to their highest levels since 2007. Most recently, the Fed raised interest rates by 0.25% at its February 1 meeting. That increase brought the benchmark between 4.5% to 4.75%. In December, the Fed raised rates by half a percentage point after four consecutive hikes of 0.75%. At the time, Fed Chair Jerome Powell seemed optimistic about the direction inflation was headed. “We can now say I think for the first time that the disinflationary process has started,” he said in a news conference after the release. “We can see that and we see it really in goods prices so far.” However, price data released since then has been less encouraging: Core prices in January — for purchases other than food and gas — were up 4.7% from the previous year, according to consumer spending data released on February 24. That’s up from a 4.6% annual increase in December.The FOMC policy statement that accompanied the February 1 hike promised “ongoing increases,” noting that “inflation has eased somewhat but remains elevated.” The Fed’s goal is to bring inflation down to around 2% while preserving “maximum employment,” a tricky dance as rising interest rates could be one factor that tips the country into a recession in 2023. But the news isn’t all grim. The Fed’s historic series of rate hikes over the past year has also pushed interest rates on high-yield savings accounts to their highest levels in 15 years. Returns on the best yielding accounts are generally above 4%, while one account has even topped 5%. So one simple way to combat rising inflation: Shop around for a better interest rate on your savings account. Here’s what to know.Current savings account interest ratesPHNwYW4+PC9zcGFuPjxzY3JpcHQgYXN5bmM9InRydWUiIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zdGF0aWMubXlmaW5hbmNlLmNvbS93aWRnZXQvbXlGaW5hbmNlLmpzIj48L3NjcmlwdD48ZGl2IGNsYXNzPSJteUZpbmFuY2Utd2lkZ2V0IiBkYXRhLWFkLWlkPSJjYjdiMTc1Yy03YjU2LTRmY2QtODVjZS1kYjcxNjJmZDhmM2UiIGRhdGEtY2FtcGFpZ249ImhlYXJzdHR2LXNhdmluZ3MtbXVsdGkiIGRhdGEtc3ViLWlkPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtjcmEuY29tL2FydGljbGUvbmV4dC1mZWQtcmF0ZS1oaWtlLXNhdmluZ3MtYWNjb3VudC1pbnRlcmVzdC1yYXRlcy80MzE2MjYzNSI+PC9kaXY+The relationship between Fed rate hikes, inflation, and your savingsEven though the Fed doesn’t control savings account interest rates, its actions influence them, and the rates typically rise in tandem. As of February 22, the national average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.23%, consistent with recent trends, according to Bankrate’s weekly survey. The connection between Federal interest rates and savings account interest rates hasn’t been as strong since the 2008 financial crisis. Interest on savings accounts has risen more slowly this past year than conventional wisdom would suggest. But the average rate has still more than tripled since the Fed started its push in March 2022.Some economists predict that banks will soon start raising savings account interest rates more rapidly, as the gap between the Fed’s rate and interest rates on savings accounts grows. The bigger the gap, the more pressure banks feel to catch up. And once some banks start raising rates, it leads to a ripple effect among others competing for your deposits.People are finding the best returns at online banks, versus traditional brick-and-mortar banks — in some cases interest rates are 1,600% higher. Yet most high-yield savings accounts offer the same flexibility as traditional savings accounts, such as the ability to easily transfer money to a checking account. Certificates of deposit, or CDs, are also a good option for higher interest rates, especially if you plan to leave your money in place for a while. Some CD interest rates have topped 5% recently for the first time since the mid-2000s.PHNwYW4+PC9zcGFuPjxzY3JpcHQgYXN5bmM9InRydWUiIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zdGF0aWMubXlmaW5hbmNlLmNvbS93aWRnZXQvbXlGaW5hbmNlLmpzIj48L3NjcmlwdD48ZGl2IGNsYXNzPSJteUZpbmFuY2Utd2lkZ2V0IiBkYXRhLWFkLWlkPSIwN2ZiOTg4My0yNzgwLTQ3MjItYmIzZi1mMjBhZWEwYWM1ZWEiIGRhdGEtY2FtcGFpZ249ImhlYXJzdHR2LWNkLW11bHRpIiBkYXRhLXN1Yi1pZD0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5rY3JhLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlL25leHQtZmVkLXJhdGUtaGlrZS1zYXZpbmdzLWFjY291bnQtaW50ZXJlc3QtcmF0ZXMvNDMxNjI2MzUiPjwvZGl2Pg==How a high-yield savings account worksHigh-yield savings accounts function much like traditional savings accounts. Money that you deposit earns interest, also called the annual percentage yield, or APY. That interest can also be compounded, which means that over time, you earn interest on the interest that’s been added to your account. (Worth noting: Interest rates on savings accounts aren’t fixed, so ones that are up now could eventually go down.)The primary difference between a high-yield savings account and a traditional account is the amount of interest you can earn. Online banks, which tend to offer the best interest rates, don’t have the same overhead as brick-and-mortar banks. They pass that savings on to customers in the form of higher interest rates. As long as the bank is FDIC insured, it doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional bank or online bank; your money is protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account type. (Use the FDIC BankFind tool to check.) Just like traditional savings accounts, some high-yield savings accounts require a minimum balance in order to earn interest or avoid fees. You may also find a limit to the number of withdrawals you can make each month. However, you can add as much money as you want, whenever you want.Interest rates are one of the best tools banks have for gaining new customers. If the Fed continues raising the interest rate at the central bank, as expected, it will likely make that competition even more intense. So while it might sound intimidating or time-consuming to research interest rates and switch banks, the payoff for your savings could be big.Are more Fed rate hikes coming in 2023?Based on the recent price data and a surprisingly strong January jobs report, some experts now believe there’s much more work to go in the fight against inflation. Unemployment fell to 3.4% in January, the lowest it’s been since 1969. That’s great news for workers, of course. But it’s a sign to the Fed that it might be necessary to push the benchmark borrowing rate above 5% before inflation fully eases. Some economists believe the Fed might even go as high as 5.25% before the end of 2023.Powell struck a moderate tone February 7 at an event at the Economic Club of Washington, DC. “There has been an expectation that will go away quickly and painlessly — and I don’t think that’s at all guaranteed; that’s not the base case,” he said. “The base case for me is that it will take some time, and we’ll have to do more rate increases, and then we’ll have to look around and see whether we’ve done enough.”So what’s that mean for your money? More rate hikes from the Fed will likely push interest rates on high-yield savings accounts even higher. As inflation continues to push up the cost of living, it’s more important than ever to make sure your money is positioned to work as hard for you as possible.PHNwYW4+PC9zcGFuPjxzY3JpcHQgYXN5bmM9InRydWUiIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zdGF0aWMubXlmaW5hbmNlLmNvbS93aWRnZXQvbXlGaW5hbmNlLmpzIj48L3NjcmlwdD48ZGl2IGNsYXNzPSJteUZpbmFuY2Utd2lkZ2V0IiBkYXRhLWFkLWlkPSJjYjdiMTc1Yy03YjU2LTRmY2QtODVjZS1kYjcxNjJmZDhmM2UiIGRhdGEtY2FtcGFpZ249ImhlYXJzdHR2LXNhdmluZ3MtbXVsdGkiIGRhdGEtc3ViLWlkPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtjcmEuY29tL2FydGljbGUvbmV4dC1mZWQtcmF0ZS1oaWtlLXNhdmluZ3MtYWNjb3VudC1pbnRlcmVzdC1yYXRlcy80MzE2MjYzNSI+PC9kaXY+Editorial Disclosure: All articles are prepared by editorial staff and contributors. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the editorial team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in this article is accurate as of the date of the publish. Check the lender’s website for the most current information.This article was originally published on SFGate.com and reviewed by Jill Slattery, who serves as VP of Content for the Hearst E-Commerce team. Email her at jill.slattery@hearst.com.

Lauren Williamson is the Financial and Home Services Editor for the Hearst E-Commerce team. She previously served as Senior Editor at Chicago magazine, where she led coverage of real estate and business, and before that reported on regulatory law and financial reform for a magazine geared toward in-house attorneys. You can reach her at lauren.williamson@hearst.com.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This may influence which products we write about and where those products appear on the site, but it does not affect our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in research.

Mobile app users, click here for the best viewing experience.

Inflation isn’t cooling as quickly as the Federal Reserve had hoped — and as a result, the central bank is expected to raise interest rates by at least another quarter percentage point at its March 22 meeting. However, some experts believe that the Fed could hike its target borrowing rate by as much as 0.5% as it tries to wrestle inflation under 2%.

An aggressive series of rate hikes last year brought the benchmark borrowing rates to their highest levels since 2007. Most recently, the Fed raised interest rates by 0.25% at its February 1 meeting. That increase brought the benchmark between 4.5% to 4.75%. In December, the Fed raised rates by half a percentage point after four consecutive hikes of 0.75%.

At the time, Fed Chair Jerome Powell seemed optimistic about the direction inflation was headed. “We can now say I think for the first time that the disinflationary process has started,” he said in a news conference after the release. “We can see that and we see it really in goods prices so far.” However, price data released since then has been less encouraging: Core prices in January — for purchases other than food and gas — were up 4.7% from the previous year, according to consumer spending data released on February 24. That’s up from a 4.6% annual increase in December.

The FOMC policy statement that accompanied the February 1 hike promised “ongoing increases,” noting that “inflation has eased somewhat but remains elevated.” The Fed’s goal is to bring inflation down to around 2% while preserving “maximum employment,” a tricky dance as rising interest rates could be one factor that tips the country into a recession in 2023.

But the news isn’t all grim. The Fed’s historic series of rate hikes over the past year has also pushed interest rates on high-yield savings accounts to their highest levels in 15 years. Returns on the best yielding accounts are generally above 4%, while one account has even topped 5%. So one simple way to combat rising inflation: Shop around for a better interest rate on your savings account. Here’s what to know.

Even though the Fed doesn’t control savings account interest rates, its actions influence them, and the rates typically rise in tandem. As of February 22, the national average interest rate for savings accounts is 0.23%, consistent with recent trends, according to Bankrate’s weekly survey.

The connection between Federal interest rates and savings account interest rates hasn’t been as strong since the 2008 financial crisis. Interest on savings accounts has risen more slowly this past year than conventional wisdom would suggest. But the average rate has still more than tripled since the Fed started its push in March 2022.

Some economists predict that banks will soon start raising savings account interest rates more rapidly, as the gap between the Fed’s rate and interest rates on savings accounts grows. The bigger the gap, the more pressure banks feel to catch up. And once some banks start raising rates, it leads to a ripple effect among others competing for your deposits.

People are finding the best returns at online banks, versus traditional brick-and-mortar banks — in some cases interest rates are 1,600% higher. Yet most high-yield savings accounts offer the same flexibility as traditional savings accounts, such as the ability to easily transfer money to a checking account. Certificates of deposit, or CDs, are also a good option for higher interest rates, especially if you plan to leave your money in place for a while. Some CD interest rates have topped 5% recently for the first time since the mid-2000s.

High-yield savings accounts function much like traditional savings accounts. Money that you deposit earns interest, also called the annual percentage yield, or APY. That interest can also be compounded, which means that over time, you earn interest on the interest that’s been added to your account. (Worth noting: Interest rates on savings accounts aren’t fixed, so ones that are up now could eventually go down.)

The primary difference between a high-yield savings account and a traditional account is the amount of interest you can earn. Online banks, which tend to offer the best interest rates, don’t have the same overhead as brick-and-mortar banks. They pass that savings on to customers in the form of higher interest rates. As long as the bank is FDIC insured, it doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional bank or online bank; your money is protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account type. (Use the FDIC BankFind tool to check.)

Just like traditional savings accounts, some high-yield savings accounts require a minimum balance in order to earn interest or avoid fees. You may also find a limit to the number of withdrawals you can make each month. However, you can add as much money as you want, whenever you want.

Interest rates are one of the best tools banks have for gaining new customers. If the Fed continues raising the interest rate at the central bank, as expected, it will likely make that competition even more intense. So while it might sound intimidating or time-consuming to research interest rates and switch banks, the payoff for your savings could be big.

Based on the recent price data and a surprisingly strong January jobs report, some experts now believe there’s much more work to go in the fight against inflation. Unemployment fell to 3.4% in January, the lowest it’s been since 1969. That’s great news for workers, of course. But it’s a sign to the Fed that it might be necessary to push the benchmark borrowing rate above 5% before inflation fully eases. Some economists believe the Fed might even go as high as 5.25% before the end of 2023.

Powell struck a moderate tone February 7 at an event at the Economic Club of Washington, DC. “There has been an expectation that [inflation] will go away quickly and painlessly — and I don’t think that’s at all guaranteed; that’s not the base case,” he said. “The base case for me is that it will take some time, and we’ll have to do more rate increases, and then we’ll have to look around and see whether we’ve done enough.”

So what’s that mean for your money? More rate hikes from the Fed will likely push interest rates on high-yield savings accounts even higher. As inflation continues to push up the cost of living, it’s more important than ever to make sure your money is positioned to work as hard for you as possible.

Editorial Disclosure: All articles are prepared by editorial staff and contributors. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the editorial team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in this article is accurate as of the date of the publish. Check the lender’s website for the most current information.

This article was originally published on SFGate.com and reviewed by Jill Slattery, who serves as VP of Content for the Hearst E-Commerce team. Email her at jill.slattery@hearst.com.


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This type of savings account has a 1,600% higher interest rate right now https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid63fe4ee6d9fc42e38cf83ba0323382dburlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-kcra-com%2farticle%2fbest-types-of-savings-accounts-right-now%2f43047449c8087050690046752338mkten-us/ https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid63fe4ee6d9fc42e38cf83ba0323382dburlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-kcra-com%2farticle%2fbest-types-of-savings-accounts-right-now%2f43047449c8087050690046752338mkten-us/#respond Tue, 28 Feb 2023 18:58:47 +0000 https://cbomo.com/apiclick-aspxreffexrssaidtid63fe4ee6d9fc42e38cf83ba0323382dburlhttps%3a%2f%2fwww-kcra-com%2farticle%2fbest-types-of-savings-accounts-right-now%2f43047449c8087050690046752338mkten-us/ [ad_1]

This type of savings account has a 1,600% higher interest rate right now

Interest rates on savings accounts are the highest they’ve been in years — but the type of account matters. Here’s how to make the right pick.

Jean Folger is writer specializing in real estate and personal finance. She has written for Investopedia, The Motley Fool, Business Insider, and more. She is also the co-founder of PowerZone Trading, a company that has provided software, consulting, and strategy development services to active traders and investors since 2004. Her goal is to help people make better financial decisions, so they have more money and time to spend on the things that matter most.Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This may influence which products we write about and where those products appear on the site, but it does not affect our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in research.Mobile app users, click here for the best viewing experience.While checking accounts are useful for everyday spending on bills, rent, grocery shopping, and the like, savings accounts are ideal for stashing cash you don’t plan to spend right away. After all, savings accounts pay interest, which can help you grow your money faster. That’s especially true when rates are good — and 2023 has some of the best savings account interest rates we’ve seen in years. It’s not unusual to find interest rates on high-yield savings accounts surpassing 4% — 1,600% higher than what you’ll find on the average savings account right now, according to Bankrate.But there are certain situations where interest isn’t the only factor to consider. Ready to get serious about your savings? Here’s a quick look at six types of savings accounts to help you decide where to park your cash in 2023. TIP: The cash you keep in a checking account, savings account, money market deposit account, certificate of deposit (CD), and some cash management accounts is insured up to $250,000 (per depositor, per account type), provided it’s in an FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union. Non-deposit investment products (such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and crypto assets) are not insured, even if you buy them at an FDIC- or NCUA-insured financial institution.PHNwYW4+PC9zcGFuPjxzY3JpcHQgYXN5bmM9InRydWUiIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zdGF0aWMubXlmaW5hbmNlLmNvbS93aWRnZXQvbXlGaW5hbmNlLmpzIj48L3NjcmlwdD48ZGl2IGNsYXNzPSJteUZpbmFuY2Utd2lkZ2V0IiBkYXRhLWFkLWlkPSJjYjdiMTc1Yy03YjU2LTRmY2QtODVjZS1kYjcxNjJmZDhmM2UiIGRhdGEtY2FtcGFpZ249ImhlYXJzdHR2LXNhdmluZ3MtbXVsdGkiIGRhdGEtc3ViLWlkPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtjcmEuY29tL2FydGljbGUvYmVzdC10eXBlcy1vZi1zYXZpbmdzLWFjY291bnRzLXJpZ2h0LW5vdy80MzA0NzQ0OSI+PC9kaXY+1. Traditional savings accountsGood for people who make frequent cash deposits or want the option to visit a local bank for in-person help. Traditional savings accounts are the standard accounts brick-and-mortar banks and credit unions offer. The interest rates are low compared to other savings options, and you might pay a monthly service fee (unless you maintain a minimum balance or meet other requirements). Many of the big banks offer interest rates of just 0.01% on traditional accounts. However, these accounts are usually convenient: You can get in-person help, deposit cash, and access your money by visiting a local branch or using your ATM card. TIP: Some banks and credit unions charge a penalty if you make more than six monthly withdrawals from a savings or money market account (excluding ATM or in-person withdrawals). Review your bank or credit union’s withdrawal policy to avoid potential penalties. 2. High-yield savings accountsGood for people who want the best savings account interest rates, low fees, and are comfortable banking online.High-yield savings accounts are available at online banks and credit unions. They offer much higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, lower fees, and lower minimum deposit requirements. These perks make online banks a terrific option if you want a savings account that maximizes your money’s potential. Still, online banks have few (if any) branch locations, so it can be a hassle to deposit cash or get in-person help when you need it.3. Money market accountsGood for people who want to earn interest and have more ways to access their cash. Traditional and online banks and credit unions offer money market accounts, which combine a savings account’s interest-earning capabilities with a checking account’s flexibility. These accounts usually have a higher minimum balance than other savings accounts, and you might need a larger balance to get the best interest rates. But you can write checks, use your ATM card, and make purchases with your debit card. 4. Certificates of deposit (CDs)Good for people who want competitive rates but are OK parking their cash for a while.CDs are time deposits offered by traditional and online banks and credit unions. You can earn above-average interest rates (online banks offer the best rates) for several months to several years until the CD matures. At this point, you withdraw your deposit and interest or roll it into a new CD at the then-current rate. Early withdrawals usually trigger a penalty, so CDs are best for money you won’t need immediately. PHNwYW4+PC9zcGFuPjxzY3JpcHQgYXN5bmM9InRydWUiIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zdGF0aWMubXlmaW5hbmNlLmNvbS93aWRnZXQvbXlGaW5hbmNlLmpzIj48L3NjcmlwdD48ZGl2IGNsYXNzPSJteUZpbmFuY2Utd2lkZ2V0IiBkYXRhLWFkLWlkPSIwN2ZiOTg4My0yNzgwLTQ3MjItYmIzZi1mMjBhZWEwYWM1ZWEiIGRhdGEtY2FtcGFpZ249ImhlYXJzdHR2LWNkLW11bHRpIiBkYXRhLXN1Yi1pZD0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5rY3JhLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlL2Jlc3QtdHlwZXMtb2Ytc2F2aW5ncy1hY2NvdW50cy1yaWdodC1ub3cvNDMwNDc0NDkiPjwvZGl2Pg==5. Cash management accountsGood for people who want to keep larger amounts of cash safe and readily accessible while earning some interest. Cash management accounts (CMAs) are offered through nonbank financial institutions like brokerage firms and robo-advisors. These accounts typically pay competitive interest rates and let you access your funds via check, ATM and debit cards, direct deposit, and electronic transfer (keeping your funds ready to invest). Another perk: CMAs typically sweep your funds into multiple partner banks, bypassing the FDIC’s $250,000 limit, so all your cash is insured.6. Retirement accountsGood for anyone who wants to save for retirement in a tax-advantaged account. You can open a tax-advantaged individual retirement account (IRA) at a bank, credit union, brokerage firm, or robo-advisor. Savings IRAs typically hold low-risk assets like checking and savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and CDs — all insured up to FDIC limits. IRAs can also have stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments that can earn a higher rate of return than bank products, but these assets aren’t FDIC-insured. The best savings accounts for 2023The best savings account for you offers a competitive interest rate and the features you want. Here are some tips to help you decide:Traditional savings accounts don’t offer the highest rates, but you can visit a local branch to deposit cash or get in-person help. High-yield savings accounts typically offer the best rates, so they’re an excellent choice if you’re comfortable banking online and have a plan for handling cash deposits. Money market accounts are a good option if you want to earn interest and be able to write checks from the account. CDs offer some of the best rates, but they’re time deposits. Early withdrawals trigger penalties, which can be steep, depending on the bank. Cash management accounts are a good way to store your cash in one place while keeping it FDIC-insured, even if it holds more than the $250,000 limit. Retirement accounts are ideal for long-term savings goals. Traditional IRAs provide an upfront tax break, but you pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement. Roth IRAs don’t offer the upfront tax break, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, even on your earnings. Of course, you’re not limited to just one type of savings account. For example, you might want a high-yield savings account to stash money you plan to use in the next year or two, plus a multi-year CD for longer-term financial goals (especially if you can lock in a good rate). Decide how you’d like to use your savings account(s), and then shop around to find the best rates and terms. Remember that savings accounts are just one part of your overall financial picture. Review your investment and retirement accounts regularly to ensure you’re making the most of your money. PHNwYW4+PC9zcGFuPjxzY3JpcHQgYXN5bmM9InRydWUiIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zdGF0aWMubXlmaW5hbmNlLmNvbS93aWRnZXQvbXlGaW5hbmNlLmpzIj48L3NjcmlwdD48ZGl2IGNsYXNzPSJteUZpbmFuY2Utd2lkZ2V0IiBkYXRhLWFkLWlkPSJjYjdiMTc1Yy03YjU2LTRmY2QtODVjZS1kYjcxNjJmZDhmM2UiIGRhdGEtY2FtcGFpZ249ImhlYXJzdHR2LXNhdmluZ3MtbXVsdGkiIGRhdGEtc3ViLWlkPeKAnGh0dHA6Ly93d3cua2NyYS5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZS9iZXN0LXR5cGVzLW9mLXNhdmluZ3MtYWNjb3VudHMtcmlnaHQtbm93LzQzMDQ3NDQ5Ij48L2Rpdj4= Editorial Disclosure: All articles are prepared by editorial staff and contributors. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the editorial team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in this article is accurate as of the date of the publish. Check the lender’s website for the most current information.This article was originally published on SFGate.com and reviewed by Lauren Williamson, who serves as Financial and Home Services Editor for the Hearst E-Commerce team. Email her at lauren.williamson@hearst.com.

Jean Folger is writer specializing in real estate and personal finance. She has written for Investopedia, The Motley Fool, Business Insider, and more. She is also the co-founder of PowerZone Trading, a company that has provided software, consulting, and strategy development services to active traders and investors since 2004. Her goal is to help people make better financial decisions, so they have more money and time to spend on the things that matter most.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This may influence which products we write about and where those products appear on the site, but it does not affect our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in research.

Mobile app users, click here for the best viewing experience.

While checking accounts are useful for everyday spending on bills, rent, grocery shopping, and the like, savings accounts are ideal for stashing cash you don’t plan to spend right away. After all, savings accounts pay interest, which can help you grow your money faster. That’s especially true when rates are good — and 2023 has some of the best savings account interest rates we’ve seen in years. It’s not unusual to find interest rates on high-yield savings accounts surpassing 4% — 1,600% higher than what you’ll find on the average savings account right now, according to Bankrate.

But there are certain situations where interest isn’t the only factor to consider. Ready to get serious about your savings? Here’s a quick look at six types of savings accounts to help you decide where to park your cash in 2023.

TIP: The cash you keep in a checking account, savings account, money market deposit account, certificate of deposit (CD), and some cash management accounts is insured up to $250,000 (per depositor, per account type), provided it’s in an FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union. Non-deposit investment products (such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and crypto assets) are not insured, even if you buy them at an FDIC- or NCUA-insured financial institution.

Good for people who make frequent cash deposits or want the option to visit a local bank for in-person help.

Traditional savings accounts are the standard accounts brick-and-mortar banks and credit unions offer. The interest rates are low compared to other savings options, and you might pay a monthly service fee (unless you maintain a minimum balance or meet other requirements). Many of the big banks offer interest rates of just 0.01% on traditional accounts. However, these accounts are usually convenient: You can get in-person help, deposit cash, and access your money by visiting a local branch or using your ATM card.

TIP: Some banks and credit unions charge a penalty if you make more than six monthly withdrawals from a savings or money market account (excluding ATM or in-person withdrawals). Review your bank or credit union’s withdrawal policy to avoid potential penalties.

Good for people who want the best savings account interest rates, low fees, and are comfortable banking online.

High-yield savings accounts are available at online banks and credit unions. They offer much higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, lower fees, and lower minimum deposit requirements. These perks make online banks a terrific option if you want a savings account that maximizes your money’s potential. Still, online banks have few (if any) branch locations, so it can be a hassle to deposit cash or get in-person help when you need it.

Good for people who want to earn interest and have more ways to access their cash.

Traditional and online banks and credit unions offer money market accounts, which combine a savings account’s interest-earning capabilities with a checking account’s flexibility. These accounts usually have a higher minimum balance than other savings accounts, and you might need a larger balance to get the best interest rates. But you can write checks, use your ATM card, and make purchases with your debit card.

Good for people who want competitive rates but are OK parking their cash for a while.

CDs are time deposits offered by traditional and online banks and credit unions. You can earn above-average interest rates (online banks offer the best rates) for several months to several years until the CD matures. At this point, you withdraw your deposit and interest or roll it into a new CD at the then-current rate. Early withdrawals usually trigger a penalty, so CDs are best for money you won’t need immediately.

Good for people who want to keep larger amounts of cash safe and readily accessible while earning some interest.

Cash management accounts (CMAs) are offered through nonbank financial institutions like brokerage firms and robo-advisors. These accounts typically pay competitive interest rates and let you access your funds via check, ATM and debit cards, direct deposit, and electronic transfer (keeping your funds ready to invest). Another perk: CMAs typically sweep your funds into multiple partner banks, bypassing the FDIC’s $250,000 limit, so all your cash is insured.

Good for anyone who wants to save for retirement in a tax-advantaged account.

You can open a tax-advantaged individual retirement account (IRA) at a bank, credit union, brokerage firm, or robo-advisor. Savings IRAs typically hold low-risk assets like checking and savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and CDs — all insured up to FDIC limits. IRAs can also have stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments that can earn a higher rate of return than bank products, but these assets aren’t FDIC-insured.

The best savings account for you offers a competitive interest rate and the features you want. Here are some tips to help you decide:

  1. Traditional savings accounts don’t offer the highest rates, but you can visit a local branch to deposit cash or get in-person help.
  2. High-yield savings accounts typically offer the best rates, so they’re an excellent choice if you’re comfortable banking online and have a plan for handling cash deposits.
  3. Money market accounts are a good option if you want to earn interest and be able to write checks from the account.
  4. CDs offer some of the best rates, but they’re time deposits. Early withdrawals trigger penalties, which can be steep, depending on the bank.
  5. Cash management accounts are a good way to store your cash in one place while keeping it FDIC-insured, even if it holds more than the $250,000 limit.
  6. Retirement accounts are ideal for long-term savings goals. Traditional IRAs provide an upfront tax break, but you pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement. Roth IRAs don’t offer the upfront tax break, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, even on your earnings.

Of course, you’re not limited to just one type of savings account. For example, you might want a high-yield savings account to stash money you plan to use in the next year or two, plus a multi-year CD for longer-term financial goals (especially if you can lock in a good rate). Decide how you’d like to use your savings account(s), and then shop around to find the best rates and terms.

Remember that savings accounts are just one part of your overall financial picture. Review your investment and retirement accounts regularly to ensure you’re making the most of your money.

Editorial Disclosure: All articles are prepared by editorial staff and contributors. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the editorial team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in this article is accurate as of the date of the publish. Check the lender’s website for the most current information.

This article was originally published on SFGate.com and reviewed by Lauren Williamson, who serves as Financial and Home Services Editor for the Hearst E-Commerce team. Email her at lauren.williamson@hearst.com.


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