Is it better to have a 401k or a high yield savings account?
A 401(k) is better for long-term retirement savings due to tax benefits and higher growth potential, while a high-yield savings account is suitable for short-term goals and immediate access.
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.
With a high-yield savings account, you can save for short-term goals and emergency expenses, both of which can benefit from the lack of risk associated with bank accounts. But if you want to build wealth for the future, investing has the potential to give you better returns in the long run.
However, during periods of high interest rates, high-yield savings accounts can have returns from 4-5%. Conversely, when you invest in stocks, bonds and mutual funds through a Roth IRA, you have the potential for much higher asset growth over periods of several years or more.
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.
Not the best choice for long-term savings – High-yield savings accounts offer much better interest rates than traditional savings accounts, but often, you won't earn enough over the long-term to account for inflation. Investments may be a better option for a longer-term, greater yield.
Some alternatives include IRAs and qualified investment accounts. IRAs, like 401(k)s, offer tax advantages for retirement savers. If you qualify for the Roth option, consider your current and future tax situation to decide between a traditional IRA and a Roth.
Mutual funds, ETFs and stocks are more volatile than savings accounts, but they yield far better long-term returns. Take the S&P 500; the index has seen an average annual return of over 12% in the last decade — far better than even the highest high-yield savings APYs in a year full of inordinate savings rates.
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.
It's easy to relax about your retirement savings plan once you've opened your 401(k), but to continue growing and planning for the future, it's important to also contribute to high-yield savings accounts such as IRAs. The sooner you start saving, the more comfortably you'll live in retirement.
Should I keep all my savings in a high-yield savings account?
Although each financial situation is unique, it doesn't typically make sense for you to keep all of your money in a high-yield savings account. After all, most high-yield savings accounts limit withdrawals to only six per month, so a checking account is typically a better place to store your spending cash.
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.
A 401(k) plan is one of the best ways to save for retirement, and if you can get bonus “match” money from your employer, you can save even more quickly. A 401(k) plan is one of the best ways to save for retirement, and if you can get bonus “match” money from your employer, you can save even more quickly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is why it is important to understand when your credit is going to be pulled and which type of credit pull is being performed. Opening a savings account only has the potential to trigger a soft credit inquiry and it doesn't impact your credit score.
- TotalDirectBank – 5.26% APY.
- Jenius Bank – 5.25% APY.
- Newtek Bank – 5.25% APY.
- UFB Direct – 5.25% APY.
- Evergreen Bank Group – 5.25% APY.
- CFG Bank – 5.25% APY.
- North American Savings Bank – 5.24% APY*
- Upgrade – 5.21% APY.
Good alternatives include traditional and Roth IRAs and health savings accounts (HSAs). A non-retirement investment account can offer higher earnings but your risk may be higher. Investment accounts don't typically come with the same tax advantages as retirement accounts.
Should I have a 401k or not?
Or you may see your 401(k) as a way to save for a house or another large purchase or as a piggy bank that you may ravage for a child's education. But not so fast: Your 401(k) is one of the best options you have to save for retirement, so it's wise to leave it alone unless you face severe hardship.
401(k) plans are generally better for accumulating retirement funds, thanks to their tax advantages. Stock pickers, on the other hand, enjoy much greater access to their funds, so they are likely to be preferable for meeting interim financial goals including home-buying and paying for college.
9 Safe Investments With High Returns
Money market accounts. Treasury bonds. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. Municipal bonds.
Short-term bonds typically yield higher interest rates than money market funds, so the potential to earn more income over time is greater. Overall, short-term bonds appear to be a better investment than money market funds.
Key Takeaways. The U.S. stock market is considered to offer the highest investment returns over time. Higher returns, however, come with higher risk. Stock prices typically are more volatile than bond prices.
