As many of our wise clients know, an emergency savings account is an essential financial safety net that can provide peace of mind during unexpected life events. But, were you aware that the amount one should have in an emergency fund varies according to different life stages? Not only that, but the methods you use for emergency savings vary by life stage as well!

Let’s take a moment to talk through the recommended savings goals for three distinct age groups: college/early adulthood, middle-aged adults with young families, and individuals around retirement age. Now, we aren’t saying these are the only age groups that should consider emergency savings – these are just three examples of times where a person’s needs can change and when their unique situation requires strategic planning.

Additionally, we’ll explore what to look for in bank products that can help achieve these goals, which emphasizes the advantages of working with a trusted bank like GSB for your emergency fund planning.

College/Early Adulthood (Age: 18-30)

You’re young, and just beginning to explore what adulthood has to offer. Think emergency savings isn’t necessary? Think again! During the early stages of adulthood, establishing a solid financial foundation is crucial, and can set you up for an even more secure future down the road as your accounts earn interest.

Starting an emergency fund should be a priority at this stage. Though it may not be seen as a high priority as later in life, it should still be a part of any savvy adult’s financial strategy. Saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses is generally recommended, because many of the scenarios that occur at this life stage can have somewhat brief effects which do not require longer-term thinking, such as:

1. Unexpected Medical Expenses: A sudden illness or injury can lead to significant medical bills, especially if the person doesn’t have adequate health insurance coverage.
2. Job Loss or Reduced Hours: Entry-level jobs can be volatile, and unexpected job loss or a reduction in work hours can happen, leading to a temporary loss of income.

Banking Products to Consider:

When choosing a bank product for emergency savings at this stage, it helps to look for the following features:

• Competitive Interest Rates: Seek out better savings accounts that provide higher interest rates, helping your savings grow over time.
• Low or No Fee Accounts: Avoid accounts that charge excessive fees, as they can eat into your emergency fund over time.

Middle-Aged Adults with Young Families (Age: 30-55)

Many people who are in this stage often juggle family responsibilities, mortgages, college savings, and other financial obligations simultaneously. With so many responsibilities to track, it can be hard to also plan for extra savings, but generally it is recommended to have an emergency fund equivalent to six to nine months’ worth of living expenses. With more complicated lives comes more opportunities for unexpected expenses – for example:

1. Home Repairs: Owning a home comes with various maintenance and repair costs. Having funds readily available for unexpected issues, such as a leaking roof or a broken furnace, can be crucial for maintaining family comfort and safety.
2. Family Medical Emergencies: Middle-aged adults often have dependents, making them responsible for their healthcare expenses – like when your child sustains a knee injury playing soccer, or when you suffer a back injury taking hand-me-downs out from the attic. In the event of a medical emergency, having an adequate emergency fund can provide peace of mind.

Things to to Consider:

When selecting a bank product for emergency savings, consider the following factors:

• Accessibility: Look for banking products that offer easy access to funds through online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs, ensuring quick access during emergencies.
• Deposit Insurance: Ensure the bank you choose is FDIC insured, providing you with protection up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, in case of a bank failure.
• Use your equity: If you own a home or property, you can utilize the value of it to create a funding safety net for yourself and your family with a HELOC or home equity loan.

Individuals Around Retirement Age (Age: 55+)

As retirement approaches, building a larger emergency fund becomes increasingly important. Aim for a savings goal of 12+ months’ worth of living expenses, accounting for potential healthcare costs or unexpected financial setbacks. Here are a couple of familiar situations where a person in this life stage might require emergency funding:

1. Long-Term Care Expenses: Aging individuals may require assistance with their daily activities or specialized care, such as nursing homes or in-home care. Access to emergency funds can help cover unexpected long-term care expenses.
2. Market Volatility and Retirement Funds: Retirees may experience market downturns that can impact their investment portfolios. Having an emergency fund can act as a buffer during economic uncertainties, allowing individuals to avoid withdrawing from retirement accounts prematurely.

Banking Products to Consider:

When considering bank products for emergency savings during retirement, take the following into account:

• Stability: Opt for conservative investment options, such as IRA accounts, that offer a stable return and ensure principal preservation.
• Flexibility: Look for retirement savings accounts that allow penalty-free early withdrawals in case of emergencies, while considering the potential tax implications.

What are the Advantages of Working with a Bank for Emergency Funding?

Typically, working with a trusted financial partner like GSB Connect gives you peace of mind thanks to three top factors:

1. Accessibility: Banks offer a range of online, mobile, and in-person services that provide quick access to emergency funds when needed.
2. Liquidity: Bank products like high-yield savings accounts or money market accounts allow for easy and immediate withdrawal without penalties, ensuring financial flexibility during emergencies.
3. Security: Banks are subject to various regulatory measures and deposit insurance, providing an added layer of protection for your emergency funds.

Your takeaway? There’s no bad time to begin preparing for the unexpected!

Regardless of your life stage, establishing and maintaining an emergency savings account is a vital financial practice, but most people are unprepared – with some surveys finding that half of adults have no savings at all. You don’t have to be another statistic.

By setting realistic savings goals and utilizing strategic bank products, you can build a secure financial cushion for unforeseen expenses. Working with a bank like GSB ensures accessibility, liquidity, and security, making it a reliable choice for emergency funding throughout your life. To make an appointment with one of our friendly, knowledgeable bankers you can click here. At GSB Connect, we’re always happy to offer advice, and our mission is to provide the products you need for a bright future.

If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably felt the financial strain that comes with raising a family. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the cost of raising a child until the age of 18 is now $233,610, up from $165,630 just 20 years ago!  No matter how cute your child is, that can be a hard pill to swallow. So, it’s no surprise that many parents are constantly on the lookout for ways to trim the budget, while still giving their kids the very best of everything.

But, that can be very difficult when you’re getting peppered with doctor’s bills from double ear infections, school fundraisers asking you to buy more cookies, school supplies, sports registration fees for little Johnnie’s soccer team, or Annie’s travel basketball league. And that’s not to mention the medicine, childcare, and sports gear that goes with each…

Fear not! We’re going to explore some smart strategies to help you save money without compromising on the well-being and happiness of your little ones, or their futures. Here are a few sneak-peeks into what you’ll discover:

• Creative ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality family time.
• Tips for making your budgeting process fun and engaging for the kids.
• Strategies for reducing everyday expenses that add up over time.
• A guide to smart financial planning for your children’s future.
• How a High-Yield Savings Account can supercharge your savings plan.

Let’s dive right in!

1. Embrace the Art of Budgeting
   We know, we know. Even the word budgeting drains the life out of you. But while it may not sound like the most sexy or exciting topic, trust us, it’s your best friend when it comes to managing family finances. Take time for yourself, your partner, or spouse to create a comprehensive budget that outlines your monthly income and expenses. Make sure to involve your kids in the process too! Show them the importance of managing money responsibly by setting up a budgeting day where they can participate. The most important part is to be realistic and honest about your key spending drivers, and where you can and cannot cut back.  Take time to see what’s coming in and what’s going out. Many times, there will be places to cut back, it’s just a question of determining where those places are for YOUR family, setting spending goals, and actively managing them. Do that, and you’ll see the benefit after the first month!

2. Don’t Break the Piggybank on Entertainment
   Many times, families feel the pressure of giving their kids every experience. But who says you have to break the bank to have fun with your kids? And seriously, there’s no way to keep up with funding the never-ending Fortnite level releases and the credits, or coins or whatever they need to play them.  Kids don’t need weekly trips to Dave and Busters or the movies, and gaming certainly offers areas to reduce what you spend. There are plenty of affordable and even free activities that can provide memorable family moments.
   Consider hiking, picnicking in the park, or having a movie night at home with homemade popcorn. These activities not only save money but also allow you to bond with your children.
   And that doesn’t mean cutting out the other things entirely. It just means reducing their frequency. Plus, you can look for discounted tickets, used gaming equipment and games, and save the bigger ticket activities for special occasions.

3. Master Meal Planning & Limit Dining Out
   One of the biggest ongoing expenses for families is groceries. That said, meal planning can clearly help you save both time and money. Think about this: The average American household spends about $3,600 a year dining out, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (remember that one person spending only on him/herself counts as a household, too.) The average restaurant meal costs around $13. By contrast, the average meal you make at home costs around $4 for groceries – a $9 savings per person per meal. To put it another way, a $13 restaurant meal is about 325% more expensive than a $4 meal you prepare yourself.
   So, create a weekly meal plan, make a shopping list, and stick to it. Oh, and make sure to involve your kids in meal preparation. Not only is it a great bonding activity, but it also teaches them valuable life skills.

4. “Used” isn’t a dirty word
   From toddler beds to sports equipment, start to think about used as ‘pre-loved’.  There are many online and retail stores, as well as Buy Nothing social groups locally where you can get the same size 2 cleats free, or for a quarter of what the big brick-and-mortar or online sellers try to charge. And it’s not just for cleats. You can furnish full kids’ bedrooms on a budget and with style.

5. The Post-Daycare Windfall
   Ah, that moment when the clouds part and you realize you’ve made that last brutal childcare payment.  Childcare –  the one freakin’ thing that does get less expensive. Suddenly, your brilliant son or daughter heads to public school, and “poof,” you’re rich …. Well, let’s not get too far ahead. The best recommendation is to hold off painting the town red with that windfall. Instead, try more adulting, and consider redirecting the money toward a college savings plan. Because just as fast as he left Puppies and Daisies Daycare, the bursar at Harvard will be calling.

6. Tween Tidings
   The Middle School to High School years. The cuteness fades, the sass escalates quickly, and you (and your money) have never been more popular. The PTA and schools arrive with a whole new batch of trips and fundraisers to take advantage of, and school activities and sports, and the associated fees, dues, and costs tend to peak during these years. Not to mention Johnnie, who just 3 months ago wore mismatched socks and whatever he grabbed first out of the drawers, suddenly HAS to have THIS YouTuber sweatshirt from THAT store, and NOW.
   Plus, believe it or not, kids will want money… to do things.  They may also want to drive (insert your own prayer here), which means higher insurance costs for you and if they can wear you down, some kind of vehicle of their own. A couple tips for this “I’m almost thirteen and am sure I know more than my parents” phase:
   • MAKE KIDS EARN THEIR OWN SPENDING MONEY. Once kids are old enough, it might be time to let them bag groceries, babysit, or find part-time work so that they can start to pay for what matters to them.
   • HAGGLE FOR A USED CAR. A car is a privilege – not a right. Determine whether it’s necessary, or really just a nice to have if you already have multiple cars. If so, involve your son or daughter in researching used cars. Not only that, make sure you negotiate the price. Remember – every penny counts, and gas isn’t cheap!
   • BULK BUYS. Whether you have a membership to Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s – when you have lots of kids, buying in bulk can save you big!

8. Don’t Worry about “KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES”
   Parents often say it’s the pressure to keep up with what they see other parents doing that pushes them to spend more on homes, entertainment, eating out, and flashy gadgets. The biggest favor you can do for your family is set out to be happy on your own and stop worrying about who has a new this or the latest that. Take a closer look at what you spend money on.  Look at your monthly bills and subscriptions. Do you really need that cable package with 300 channels, or could you switch to a more affordable streaming service? Are you paying for memberships or access levels for you or the kids that you rarely use? Identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses, especially those you feel you need versus those you actually want, can free up a significant amount of money.

8. Plan for the Future
   While it’s important to focus on your immediate financial needs, don’t forget to plan for the future. Setting up a college fund for your kids or contributing to a retirement account is crucial for long-term financial security. You can start small and increase your contributions as your income grows. And make sure to discuss your goals with someone you trust, and has the expertise to help. It might be your father-in-law, or maybe it’s a trusted financial professional.
   There are experts who can help you understand the longer-term costs and benefits of different ways to save: from a 529 College Fund to Savings Accounts to broader, long-term Investment Strategies.

9. Thrifty is Nifty
   Okay, a little forced, but while being thrifty isn’t about being slick, it also isn’t about deprivation; it’s about making smart choices that prioritize your family’s well-being. Seek opportunities to reduce everyday expenses.
   Consider packing homemade lunches instead of buying lunch at school, opting for generic brands, and adhering to a weekly grocery list to avoid impulse buys from daily trips. These small changes can accumulate into significant savings over time!

10. Become Savvy Shoppers
    Parents who are savvy shoppers know how to maximize their savings. Keep an eye out for sales, coupons, and discounts whenever you shop. Think about buying non-perishable or stockable items in bulk to capitalize on cost savings. Moreover, explore the world of online shopping and cashback apps to earn rewards on your purchases, making every penny count. GSB even offers MyGSB Rewards, with benefits including cash back that you accumulate with every purchase.

11. Trim the Fat
    Regularly review your monthly bills and subscriptions to identify areas where you can reduce spending. Apps like Rocket and others can help you review and manage all your subscriptions so that you can learn quickly if that free trial membership transitioned to a now-you-pay-every-month, not-so-trial membership. Evaluate memberships and subscription services you rarely utilize and consider canceling or downgrading them. These small adjustments can free up funds for more important family priorities.

12. The High Yield Savings Account Advantage
    Now that we’ve covered some practical tips for saving money while raising kids, let’s talk about one powerful tool to supercharge your savings: the High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA). This is not your ordinary savings account. Often, it offers a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts, allowing your money to grow faster.

Here are 5 Ways a High Yield Savings Account can benefit your family:

• Higher Interest Rates: Unlike a regular savings account that offers minimal interest, a HYSA provides competitive rates, helping your money grow more effectively.
• Safety and Accessibility: Your money is still easily accessible, just like in a regular savings account, so you can use it for emergencies or planned expenses. You even get a Debit Card and may earn rewards like cash back when you enroll.
• Low Risk, More Reward: HYSA accounts are insured up to $250,000 per depositor by the FDIC, ensuring that your savings are safe even in times of economic uncertainty.
• Start Small: You don’t need a huge initial deposit to open a HYSA. Many financial institutions offer these accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements.
• Automatic Saving: Some HYSA providers, like GSB, offer automatic savings plans, making it easy to set aside a portion of your income for the future. You can set multiple goals, for say a family vacation, college, or a new car for your son – and have easy access to track your progress!

Incorporating a HYSA into your family’s financial plan can be a game-changer. It’s like planting a money tree that grows even when you’re not actively tending to it.

So what’s your takeaway from all of this?  It’s all about balance. Create a balanced plan to spend where you need to, save where you can, and splurge on the important things that matter to you and your family. Create balance and accountability in your spending and savings habits, and you’ll see your bottom-line balance grow.

Never worry that you’re “doing it wrong,” because there’s no one right way.

Never worry that you’re “doing it wrong” because there’s no one right way. There’s no set plan to parenting.  There are just too many curveballs in life for that.  But when it comes to saving, remember that while you want to save when you can, life isn’t just about pinching pennies; it’s about creating memories, and creating a balance between saving and providing a happy, fulfilling life for your kids. By embracing budgeting, finding creative ways to have fun, and making smart financial decisions, you can secure your family’s future while enjoying the present. And don’t forget that High-Yield Savings Account! It’s an important part of any solid savings plan, and can help provide financial peace of mind.

So, go ahead, start implementing these strategies, and watch your family’s financial future flourish! You’ve got this, super-parent!

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, financial security has never been more critical. Whether you’re saving up for that dream vacation, your children’s education, or simply want to build a financial cushion for the future, a high-yield savings account can be a game-changer. But these days, it seems like everyone and their brother have options out there. So, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

We’ll walk you through the essential features, benefits, and functionality you should look for when selecting an online high-yield savings account.

Did you know? Nearly half, or 49%, of adults have less savings or no savings compared with a year ago, according to a Bankrate survey. More than one-third also now have more credit card debt than cash reserves, which is the highest on record, and 57% of adults said they could not afford a $1,000 emergency expense, another Bankrate survey found.

These eye-opening statistics highlight just how important effective financial management is, and digital high-yield savings accounts can play a big part when it comes to securing your financial future, with lots of flexibility and typically higher rates. But the question remains: Which High-Yield Savings Account is right for me?

Let’s get to it. This article will give you all the key things to consider and look for before you open an online high-yield savings account. Here’s a quick take on what we’ll cover for you:

• Free Bill Pay and Funds Transfer
• Personal Financial Management Tools are Key
• Take Advantage of Debit Rewards
• Embrace Two-Factor Authentication
• Automate your Savings.
• Keep Monthly Fees and Minimums Low

Insight 1: Secure Your Finances – Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Security should always be your top priority when dealing with online financial accounts. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a crucial feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your account. It requires you to provide two forms of identification before granting access—typically something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a mobile app-generated code). Think of it as your digital fortress against unauthorized access. As bad actors get more sophisticated and savvy, it’s critical you have the right security in place, from a trusted financial institution that has a long track record of protecting their clients, to ensure your savings stays safe!

Insight 2: Simplify Your Life – Bill Pay and Funds Transfer

Managing your bills can be a chore, especially when you have multiple due dates to remember. Just like your checking or household financial accounts, a high-yield savings account can offer bill pay functionality to schedule automatic payments for your regular expenses. Say goodbye to late fees and hello to peace of mind! Additionally, easy funds transfer capabilities between your checking and savings accounts to help you store away and save more every month with just a few clicks.

Insight 3: Take Control – Personal Financial Management (PFM) Tools

Understanding your financial habits and goals is key to achieving financial success. A high-yield savings account equipped with Personal Financial Management tools can help you track your spending, set savings goals, and visualize your progress. It’s like having a virtual financial advisor at your fingertips, giving you the power to take control of your financial destiny. Plus, it helps you save for multiple goals.  Start leveraging these tools today to set up a series of automatic savings funds to help track, manage and reach the goals that matter most: from a kitchen renovation to a new car to a family vacation. Many times, seeing is believing when it comes to savings, and with PFM’s you see and control all your savings in one easy-to-manage dashboard.

Insight 4: Embrace Rewards – Debit Rewards

Why not get rewarded for your spending? Some high-yield savings accounts offer debit rewards programs that allow you to earn cashback or other incentives when you use your debit card for purchases. It’s like getting a little something back every time you spend, making your savings account work harder for you. Take GSB Connect’s High Yield Digital Savings Account: besides the high APY it comes with, you also earn 1 Rewards point for every $4 you spend.  That can add up quickly, and turn into gift cards, discounts, or even cash back in your hand (or your savings account)!  This is a bit of a happy rainbow unicorn though, as not many financial institutions offer it, so make sure to keep an eye out when you do find it!

Insight 5: Make Saving a Breeze – Automatic Savings/Tracking Goals

Setting money aside for your future shouldn’t feel like a chore. Look for an account that offers simple, straightforward automatic savings features, allowing you to set up recurring transfers from your checking to your high-yield savings account. Additionally, tracking your savings goals within the account can help you stay motivated and on track, turning saving into a fun and rewarding habit. Once you set up your account, you should set up multiple savings goals to make sure you stay on-target, and don’t get caught thinking one savings goal can pay for another.

Insight 6: Keep Costs Low – Low to No Monthly Fees and Minimum Deposit

Last but certainly not least, keeping your hard-earned money where it belongs—your savings account—is essential. Choose an account with low to no monthly fees and a low or no minimum deposit requirement. You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or pay excessive fees just to save. There are simple, straightforward digital high-yield savings accounts out there. Make sure you look around and find the one that doesn’t charge you a boatload of fees that take away from your goal – saving more!

Now that we’ve set the stage and outlined the critical features to consider, let’s dive into five practical tips to help you select the perfect high-yield savings account:

1. Don’t Forget About the Benjamins: Compare Interest Rates
   Lest we forget, the main reason you’re even reading this is because a digital high-yield savings account is likely to earn more interest than a traditional savings account. With the ongoing Federal Reserve strategy of increasing rates to battle unyielding inflation, there are serious rates out there. Take the time to compare interest rates offered by different financial institutions. Remember that even a seemingly small difference in interest rates can lead to significant earnings over time, so you want to maximize that rate going in.
2. Research Online Reviews
   Before committing to an account, do your homework. Read online reviews and testimonials from other account holders about the account AND who it’s with. Word of mouth from objective reviewers is still a great way to get the inside scoop.  This will give you insights into the quality of customer service, ease of use, and any potential issues you might encounter. Plus, it will help you decide the right place to have your account. While you might not be someone who stops into your local bank branch, you still want to make sure your bank offers superior, timely customer service experience. Because while you may not need to talk to them often, when you do, you want to know they have your back!
3. Check for FDIC Insurance
   Ensure that your chosen high-yield savings account is FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insured. FDIC insurance protects your deposits up to $250,000 per account. Plus, the best banks have experts who are happy to work with you to increase that amount by maximizing coverage across multiple accounts, to provide an extra layer of security for your hard-earned money.
4. Consider Accessibility
   Think about how you want to access your high-yield savings account. Is mobile banking important to you? Do you need in-person branch access? Some online banks offer nationwide ATMs, while others may have a limited network. The key to look for is FREE ATM ACCESS! Make sure you get free ATM access, anywhere, or rebated ATMs. Keep track of those nickels and dimes and the dollars will follow! Choose an account that offers the level of access that suits your lifestyle.
5. Read the Fine Print
   Before signing up, carefully review the terms and conditions of the account. Pay attention to any fees, withdrawal restrictions, or account maintenance requirements. Understanding these details will help you avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

Your takeaway: A little extra work can mean a lot more money.

Selecting the right digital high-yield savings account is a pivotal step on your journey to financial security and freedom. By prioritizing features such as security, convenience, personal financial management, rewards, and affordability, you can ensure that the great rate you get works as hard as possible for you. Take the time to evaluate account features and financial institutions now, and you’ll save more later. Your financial future is in your hands, and a digital high-yield savings account is a great cornerstone to help you reach your goals.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step toward financial freedom by opening a high-yield savings account that aligns with your needs and aspirations. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day, a vacation, or your children’s future, a GSB Connect Digital High-Yield Savings Account can be your trusted partner in achieving your financial dreams. It’s time to embark on your financial journey with confidence and a sense of humor because, after all, a brighter financial future is something to smile about!