Do You REALLY Need a Savings Account? (2024)

FAQs

Do You REALLY Need a Savings Account? ›

Savings accounts are essential for financial health and stability. They provide a safe place to store and grow your funds while offering easy access when needed. You can use a savings account to build an emergency fund, save for large purchases, or set aside money for future needs.

A savings account is a safe place to put your money when you can't afford to lose any or think you'll need it in an emergency. It's also a good place to put some of your investments as a hedge against losses – you can't lose everything if some of your money is in an ordinary savings account, after all.

Without emergency savings, you might go into debt on an unplanned bill -- or pretend that an expensive problem doesn't exist. Your credit score will suffer if you carry a lot of debt. The best way to build emergency savings is to increase your income, by any means you can.

The survey found that 17.36% of respondents do not have even one savings account. Surprisingly, the age group with the highest percentage without a savings account was 55-64-year-olds at 28.91%. Meanwhile, those aged 18-24 were more prepared, with only 13.51% reporting zero savings accounts.

A savings account is a good place to keep money for a later date, separate from everyday spending cash, because it offers safety, liquidity and interest-earning potential for your funds. These accounts are a great place for your emergency fund or savings for shorter-term goals, such as a vacation or home repair.

Having $20,000 in a savings account is a good starting point if you want to create a sizable emergency fund. When the occasional rainy day comes along, you'll be financially prepared for it. Of course, $20,000 may only go so far if you find yourself in an extreme situation.

The lack of cash in either savings or checking accounts suggests that many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. This leaves them vulnerable to unexpected expenses, underscoring the importance of having an emergency fund, if they're able to build one.

Nearly one in four (22%) of U.S. adults have no emergency savings at all, Bankrate found—the second-lowest percentage in 13 years of polling. That's especially bad news given that most Americans would need at least six months of emergency savings to feel comfortable day-to-day.

Individuals who have not saved for retirement and who still own homes can turn to their homes as a source of income. For some, this could mean renting a portion of their space as a separate apartment. Another option is to take a reverse mortgage on a home, although doing so can be costly and complicated.

Is saving $1000 a month good? ›

Saving $1,000 per month can be a good sign, as it means you're setting aside money for emergencies and long-term goals. However, if you're ignoring high-interest debt to meet your savings goals, you might want to switch gears and focus on paying off debt first.

Most American households have at least $1,000 in checking or savings accounts. But only about 12% have more than $100,000 in checking and savings.

In terms of savings accounts specifically, you'll likely find different estimates from different sources. The average American has $65,100 in savings — excluding retirement assets — according to Northwestern Mutual's 2023 Planning & Progress Study. That's a 5% increase over the $62,000 reported in 2022.

The bottom line

However, high-yield savings accounts are still worthwhile for many savers. The yields on these accounts are still impressive, and when you combine those yields with the other benefits they offer, these accounts can have a place in a well-rounded financial plan.

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.

When you keep your money in savings, you won't see the value go down. But if you keep money in savings for a long period of time, rising prices (inflation) means your money may not have the same buying power when you come to spend it as it did when you put it away.

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.

If you're just looking to pay for everyday expenses, a checking account is the way to go. If you're focusing on growing your money, a savings account is a better fit. Regardless of the account type you choose, make sure you pick one suited to your financial needs and goals.

20k is the ideal savings amount for a 25 year old

“Ideally, your savings should reach $20,000 by the time you turn 25,” says Bill Ryze, a certified Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and board advisor at Fiona. The national average for Americans between 25 and 30 years of age is $20,540.

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.