When it comes to managing your cash, traditional bank savings and checking accounts aren’t the only options.
While banks offer security, there are numerous other places to park your money that can provide better returns and flexibility.
Here are 10 alternatives to consider, each with its own features and benefits.
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1. Money market mutual funds (MMMF)
Money market mutual funds (MMMFs) are a popular choice for those seeking higher returns than traditional savings accounts.
These funds invest in U.S. Treasuries and other high-quality fixed-income securities, aiming to offer better yields while maintaining liquidity.
Share prices are typically fixed at $1 and generate interest income. Interest earned from MMMFs that invest in municipal securities can be exempt from federal, state, and local taxes.
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2. Money market accounts
Money market accounts combine the benefits of savings accounts and checking accounts, offering higher interest rates with the convenience of check-writing and debit card access.
These accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, providing a secure place for your cash while earning higher interest than a regular savings account.
3. Treasury notes
Treasury notes, known as T-notes, are issued by the U.S. government and are a safe and reliable investment. They come with maturities ranging from 2 to 10 years and are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
Treasury notes pay interest every six months and can be purchased in increments of $100, making them a stable choice for those seeking to preserve capital and earn steady income over time.
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4. Treasury bonds
Similar to Treasury notes, Treasury bonds (or T-bonds) are also backed by the U.S. government. The difference is that they have longer maturities, typically 20 to 30 years, and typically provide the highest interest rates of any government-issued security.
They provide a fixed interest payment every six months until maturity and can be purchased in increments of $100.
5. Treasury bills
Treasury bills, known as T-bills, are short-term government securities with maturities of one year or less. They are sold at a discount and mature at face value, providing a guaranteed return.
Treasury bills are highly liquid and virtually risk-free, making them an excellent cash option. They can be purchased in increments of $100 through an investment bank, a broker, or at auction on the TreasuryDirect.gov website.
6. FDIC-insured sweep accounts
FDIC-insured sweep accounts allow you to transfer funds that exceed or fall short of a certain threshold into a higher-interest-earning account or investment.
These accounts are often used by businesses to optimize cash flow management, but they can also be beneficial for individuals looking to maximize the interest earned on their idle cash.
With sweep accounts, you might also be able to protect amounts beyond the $250,000 FDIC limit.
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7. Corporate bonds
Highly rated corporate bonds can offer a relatively safe and higher-yield alternative to government securities. These bonds are issued by companies with strong credit ratings, providing a steady income stream through fixed-interest payments.
While corporate bonds carry more risk than Treasury securities, they typically yield higher interest.
8. Short-term bond funds
Short-term bond funds invest in bonds that mature relatively soon. These funds aim to provide higher returns than money market funds while maintaining a low level of risk.
They are a good option for those who want to earn more interest than traditional savings accounts without taking on too much risk.
9. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are time deposits offered by banks that pay a fixed interest rate for a specified term, ranging from several months to several years. They're FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor and offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
CDs are an excellent option for those who can commit to leaving their money untouched for a set period in exchange for higher returns.
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10. Stocks
While stocks are riskier than the other options listed, they can provide significant long-term growth potential. For example, a well-diversified portfolio defined by the S&P 500 has outperformed cash by 11% on an annualized basis since 1950.
Investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks, especially through index funds, can help spread risk and increase the chances of earning higher returns over many years.
Bottom line
Exploring alternatives to traditional bank accounts can help you earn higher returns and achieve better financial outcomes.
Numerous options exist to grow your savings while managing risk, from government-backed securities to corporate bonds and money market funds.
What alternative investment option will you explore next to optimize your cash and work toward a stress-free retirement ? Checking your financial health regularly and considering a diversified approach can ensure you make the most of your hard-earned money.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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