What are the best ways to save when interest rates are low?
With the right accounts and a commitment to savings, you can boost your savings despite low-interest rates. (iStock)
In March 2020, the Federal Reserve cut emergency rates in response to the coronavirus pandemic, dropping the federal funds rate to its target range between 0% and 0.25%.
Annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings accounts and CDs, which typically track the Fed’s actions, have been dropping this past year. The pandemic’s economic effects, along with the consequential cut in interest rates, have made building on your savings account more challenging.
To see how high-yield savings accounts can save you money, check out these online savings options via the Credible marketplace.
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What are the best ways to save money despite low-interest rates
Here are three tips for saving money while interest rates are low:
1. Open a high-interest savings account
With interest rates as low as they currently are, the last thing you want to do is leave money on the table. Increase your savings with a high-yield savings account rather than depositing your extra money in a standard savings account with a traditional bank.
While annual percentage yields (APYs) for these high-yield savings accounts are also lower than in recent years, you can still find accounts offering 0.35% to 0.40% APYs, which is about nine to 10 times higher than the 0.04% national APY found with traditional savings accounts.
Like certificates of deposit (CDs), high-interest savings accounts are FDIC-insured, but you are not locked into a term. You can withdraw your funds anytime you need them without incurring early withdrawal penalties.
Visit Credible to explore high-yield savings options that fit your financial plan.
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2. Take advantage of low refinance rates
After the March 2020 emergency rate cut, millions of homeowners looked to save money by refinancing their homes. According to ATTOM Data Solutions mortgage origination report, Q2 residential refinance mortgages totaled 1.69 million, marking a 50% rise over Q1 totals and a 100% increase over figures from Q2 of 2019.
Interest rates are beginning to fluctuate; however, the Federal Reserve expects rates to remain low during the economic recovery.
Compare multiple mortgage lenders and view prequalified rates instantly using Credible’s free online tool.
"Because interest rates are so low, it is very likely that refinancing directly translates to a lower payment even if you don't extend the loan term," said Brandon Renfro, CFP, professor and investment advisor. "That helps your budget while at the same time not negatively impacting your long-term financial growth."
Depending on how much equity you have in your home, you may be able to drop your private mortgage insurance (PMI) to save even more money.
Typically, you’ll need 10-20% equity in your home along with regular income and strong credit history. As you do your due diligence, factor in refinancing closing costs from 3% to 6% of the loan amount.
Use Credible’s mortgage calculator to determine how much you can save each month by refinancing your mortgage.
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3. Keep your cash working with CDs
Certificates of deposit (CDs) don’t have the luster they once did when you could find yields of 4% to 6%. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), CDs’ current average rate stands below 1%, although that number still outpaces the 0.04% APY that comes with a traditional savings account.
Still, CD laddering may be a worthwhile strategy to protect yourself as interest rates fall. CD laddering involves purchasing several CDs that mature at different intervals.
"A CD ladder is a great way to keep your cash working for you without necessarily tying it up," said Renfro. "By laddering your CDs, you can plan out the maturities to come due at regular intervals. If you don't need the cash when the CD matures, you can roll it into the next rung on the ladder."
Also, staggering your CDs terms allows you to take advantage of the highest APYs rates that accompany long-term CDs while maintaining liquidity as your shorter-term CDs mature.
Talk to a financial planner to see if certificates of deposit and CD laddering is right for your financial plan. Be sure to explore other other savings options that expand your personal capital, including online savings accounts offered on the Credible marketplace.
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Next steps
"The first step is to decide that you are saving," said Renfro. In uncertain financial times like this, it isn’t as important where you are saving but that you are saving regularly.
Save your money where it’s safe and where it can grow, even if rates are currently low, although they won’t say this low forever.
To maximize your savings, consider opening a high-interest savings account online, which despite myths to the contrary, offers more bang for your buck than a standard brick-and-mortar savings account. Both high-interest savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) are federally insured to protect your money.
Interest rates fluctuate, so if you would like to see how much you can save with today’s high-yield savings rates, compare your options by visiting Credible now.
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