Savings

Normally, a savings account contains an emergency fund or money that’s going to go towards something specific like a vacation, new refrigerator or some other big ticket item. It’s not as easy to spend as if it were in your checking account, and it’s easier to withdraw than a certificate of deposit or money market account.

Here are some things to consider before opening a savings account:

• What are the specifics? Find out if there is a minimum deposit or balance, fees or a limit on transactions.
   
• What is the annual percentage rate (APR)? This rate varies by account, institution and the market. Research to make sure your rate is a good one. Interest is compounded, which means that the interest you make one month will be gaining interest of its own the next.
   
• Are my savings safe? Like with checking, your accounts should be federally insured. At a credit union, look for the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

Make sure you’re making the best decision for you and your savings before opening an account by doing your research first. Use our savings calculator to see if your account is the right one for you.

Other Questions to Ask

Figuring out where to save your money is only half of the equation. You also need to determine when to start and much you’ll need to save to achieve your goals. Check out our Savings 101 section to help answer these questions.

Still not sure if you should be saving or investing? That’s why we have an entire page devoted to Saving vs. Investing.