Many people keep the majority of their money in a checking account because it's convenient and easy to access. Checking accounts are designed for everyday spending like paying bills, buying groceries, and managing monthly expenses. But when it comes to growing your savings, a checking account usually is not the best place for your money to sit long term.
Most checking accounts earn little to no interest. That means the money you leave there stays almost exactly the same over time. While that may seem harmless, it actually means your money is losing value when you consider inflation. As the cost of goods and services rises, the purchasing power of your money slowly decreases. In other words, the same amount of money buys you less in the future than it does today. One simple way to help your money grow is by moving savings into a high yield savings account.
Most checking accounts earn little to no interest. That means the money you leave there stays almost exactly the same over time. While that may seem harmless, it actually means your money is losing value when you consider inflation. As the cost of goods and services rises, the purchasing power of your money slowly decreases. In other words, the same amount of money buys you less in the future than it does today. One simple way to help your money grow is by moving savings into a high yield savings account.
What is a High Yield Savings Account?
A high yield savings account works m\uch like a traditional savings account, but it offers a significantly higher interest rate. This allows your money to earn more over time without requiring additional effort on your part.
Interest in these accounts compounds, meaning you earn interest not only on the money you deposit, but also on the interest that has already been added to your balance. Over time, this compounding effect can make a noticeable difference in how quickly your savings grow.
For Example:
- Imagine your have $5,000 sitting in a checking account that earns no interest. After one year, your balance will still be $5,000.
- Now consider moving that same $5,000 into a high yield savings account earning 4% interest. After one year, your balance would grow to about $5,200 without adding any additional money. After five years, that same balance could grow to $6,083 simply from interest.
- While this may not seem dramatic at first, the growth continues over time. The longer your money stays in an interest earning account, the more it can grow through compounding.