Is It Better To Have a 401(k) or a High-Yield Savings Account? (2024)

FAQs

Is It Better To Have a 401(k) or a High-Yield Savings Account? ›

Is it better to put money in a 401(k) 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.

Also consider how you intend to use the funds. If you want money you can tap at any time for medical emergencies, an HSA is a better choice. You can make hardship withdrawals from a 401(k) for medical expenses, but you'll have to pay taxes on them.

“Investing the cash in a diversified portfolio will usually yield a higher average return than leaving it in a savings account,” Rollen says, adding that you should be prepared for some fluctuations in your balance and have an investment horizon greater than a couple of years.

A 401(k) is intended for long-term retirement savings that grow through investments in the financial markets. But 401(k) plans come with restrictions on when funds can be accessed. Savings accounts are lower risk and don't have as many limitations, but can't be invested like a 401(k).

The cons of high-yield savings accounts

Interest rates on high-yield savings accounts are variable and can fluctuate at any time, so while a bank may advertise a high annual percentage yield (APY) when you apply, it likely won't last forever.

Safety: As noted, most high-yield savings accounts are either FDIC or NCUA insured for up to $250,000. Moreover, as deposit accounts, they're not susceptible to the ebbs and flows of the market, so there's little to no chance you'll lose the money you deposit into one.

A high-yield savings account offers a higher rate of return on your money compared to standard savings accounts. But some of these accounts charge fees, have minimum balances requirements, and offer variable interest rates that can go up and down over time.

Millionaires Like High-Yield Savings, but Not as Much as Other Accounts. Usually offering significantly more interest than a traditional savings account, high-yield savings accounts have blown up in popularity among everyone, including millionaires.

There's no rule on the exact amount to have in your high-yield savings account. The amount of money you should store in these accounts depends on various factors. However, the general rule of thumb is that you should have liquid access to enough cash to cover between three and six months of your expenses.

While high-yield savings accounts offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, they may not outpace inflation, potentially eroding your purchasing power over time. As a result, they're not typically recommended for long-term wealth-building or retirement savings.

Should I put my 401k into a savings account? ›

Transferring Your 401(k) to Your Bank Account

That's typically an option when you stop working, but be aware that moving money to your checking or savings account may be considered a taxable distribution. As a result, you could owe income taxes, additional penalty taxes, and other complications could arise.

To safeguard your financial health, prioritize paying off high-interest debts, adding to an emergency fund, and paying into a retirement account. Home equity can benefit you financially, but retirement savings may be critical to supplement Social Security payments and pay for essentials later in life.

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.

As of May 2024, no banks are offering 7% interest rates on savings accounts. Two credit unions have high-interest checking accounts: Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking with 7.50% APY and OnPath Credit Union High Yield Checking with 7.00% APY.

Not a good fit for long-term savings

High-yield savings accounts earn you more money than brick-and-mortar bank accounts do. But often, you still won't earn enough to keep up with inflation. Even though your account balance rises, your buying power decreases.

All of your high-yield savings account interest is taxable. Your financial institution will send you a Form 1099-INT once you earn more than $10 in interest.

If you withdraw funds from a 401(k) before age 59½, you may have to pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty in addition to taxes. Money in a savings account, on the other hand, is available whenever you need it. That's why savings accounts are beneficial for funds you might need in an emergency or in the short-term.

Traditional IRA

Traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) offer more flexibility and tax benefits than 401(k) accounts, making them one of the most popular 401(k) alternatives. Individuals can contribute up to $7,000 a year and defer tax payments until the money is withdrawn in retirement.

The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool.

While 401(k) plans are a valuable part of retirement planning for most U.S. workers, they're not perfect. The value of 401(k) plans is based on the concept of dollar-cost averaging, but that's not always a reliable theory. Many 401(k) plans are expensive because of high administrative and record-keeping costs.