THE VALUE OF SAVING - Vista Bank (2024)

FAQs

What is the benefit of saving money in EverFi? ›

Over time, your savings will compound, and you'll be able to reach your financial goals more easily. Additionally, it's important to track your spending and look for ways to cut back on unnecessary expenses so that you can save more.

Saving money is a cornerstone of financial well-being, providing stability, security, and opportunities for long-term growth. Whether you're saving for emergencies, future expenses, or retirement, cultivating a habit of saving is essential for achieving financial independence and realizing your goals.

Those will become part of your budget. The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

Bank or credit union account — If you have an account with a bank or credit union—generally considered one of the safest places to put your money—it might make sense to have a dedicated account where you can keep and maintain these funds.

Savings accounts pay interest on the money you deposit. Savings accounts limit the number of withdrawals that can be made each month. Savings accounts don't usually require a minimum balance. Savings accounts are best used to store money for longer-term goals.

Your money will be protected from theft and fires. Plus, your money will be federally insured so if your bank or credit union closes, you will get your money back. The maximum amount of money that can be insured is $100,000. Many banks offer an interest rate when you put your money in a savings account.

In some ways, the value of money is simple to understand. Since money is just a medium of exchange, it's worth whatever you can exchange it for. In other words, money is worth what it will buy. Given economic factors like inflation, interest rates, and others, money's value can also be complex.

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. For checking, an ideal amount is generally one to two months' worth of living expenses plus a 30% buffer.

You should save money for three basic reasons: emergency fund, purchases and wealth building. When it comes to saving money, the amount you save is determined by how much you have left at the end of the month once all of your spending is done. Which step is the First Foundation?

How much to save per month? ›

How much should you save each month? For many people, the 50/30/20 rule is a great way to split up monthly income. This budgeting rule states that you should allocate 50 percent of your monthly income for essentials (such as housing, groceries and gas), 30 percent for wants and 20 percent for savings.

At least 20% of your income should go towards savings. Meanwhile, another 50% (maximum) should go toward necessities, while 30% goes toward discretionary items.

While you're working, we recommend you set aside at least $1,000 for emergencies to start and then build up to an amount that can cover three to six months of expenses. When you've retired, consider a cash reserve that might help cover one to two years of spending needs.

CDs, high-yield savings accounts, and money market funds are the best places to keep your cash when it comes to interest rates. Treasury bills currently offer attractive yields at the lowest risk. Learn how they compare in terms of yield, liquidity, and guarantees.

Source: NerdWallet survey conducted online March 30-April 3, 2023, by The Harris Poll among 2,035 U.S. adults. Savers say they typically set aside $985, on average, in a normal month, according to the survey. The median amount reported is $250.

- Savings accounts are best used to store money for longer-term goals. Savings accounts allow an unlimited amount of withdrawals each month.

You should save money for three basic reasons: emergency fund, purchases and wealth building. When it comes to saving money, the amount you save is determined by how much you have left at the end of the month once all of your spending is done.

Saving provides a financial “backstop” for life's uncertainties and increases feelings of security and peace of mind. Once an adequate emergency fund is established, savings can also provide the “seed money” for higher-yielding investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.