Whether you’re saving for a house, looking to buy a new car, or just want to invest in your future, you should have some form of savings, just in case. This will mean you have an emergency fund to fall back on should you need it, giving you peace of mind. Even if you just add a small amount to your savings pot each month, this will soon add up, and with the help of a little interest, it will grow even more over time. So, how do you decide which savings account to go with? Have a look at these tips to help you along the way.
Check Out Reviews and Comparison Sites
The first thing you need to do when looking for a new savings account is to ask for recommendations, check out comparison sites, and search for reviews of accounts. For instance, read these Chime reviews to give you an idea of what to look out for. With this, you can get all the information you need to allow you to make the right decision for yourself. If you don’t put the time in to weigh up your options, you’re likely to regret it further down the line when your expectations are not met.
See If There Are Any Current Offers On
Often you’ll find that savings accounts can offer you higher rates of interest if you’re willing to ‘lock’ your money in for a set amount of time, which can increase with the more time you agree to. So, if you’re planning on leaving your money tied up to grow over time, this could be the perfect option for you as it’ll gain a higher percentage back without you having to lift a finger.
Weigh Up Their Services
Do they have an easy to use app that you can check in an instant on your phone? Do they have customer service accessible 24/7? What are their policies on taking savings out – is there a penalty? These are all vital questions you need to be asking. You want to know what to expect and what will work best with your lifestyle. So, if there are particular services you want your savings account to deliver, then ensure you’re choosing an account that offers you this.
Any Outstanding Debt
Whilst debt isn’t part of how to pick a savings account, it is something that you need to consider when looking for somewhere to put your money. It’s wise to pay off any pressing, outstanding debt (excluding monthly automatic payments like a mortgage or student loan) prior to putting it into a savings account, as this can save you trouble in the future. Often, debt and the interest that comes with it can stack up quickly, which can be a slippery slope, so save your woes and try to minimize this before locking your money away in a savings account. It also means that you might be able to improve your credit score by doing it this way.
The most important thing here is that you’re making an informed choice and you’re not rushing into something without weighing up your options. Again, we must reiterate the importance of doing your research before you select your savings account, as your money could be in there for many years. Read as many reviews as you can before signing the dotted line – for example, click here.
