6 Strategies to Grow Your Savings Account

There’s no doubt that having a savings account is an important tool when it comes to your financial wellbeing. You can use it to save for an emergency, a down payment on a home, or even stash a few dollars for retirement. But once you open an account, how can you make it work for your needs?

There is no way to snap your fingers and have money saved. The key to savings success lies in developing smart saving habits and making the most of the resources available to you. With the right habits, you can grow your savings faster, minimize risks, and make your money work harder for you.

Here are a few practical tips to help you optimize your savings.

6 Smart Saving Strategies

What strategy is most effective for saving money? Whether you’re opening your first savings account, counting pennies to pay for your next vacation, or simply want to grow your emergency fund, you may want to try a mix of these six strategies.

1. Automate your savings.

Use a set-it-and-forget-it approach that helps you save effortlessly. Create recurring transfers—weekly or monthly—from your checking account to your savings account to consistently save without having to think about it. You can also use direct deposit to have a portion of your paycheck automatically routed to your savings account.

2. Set savings goals.

To stay motivated and focused, set clear and achievable saving goals. Identify what you’re saving for and establish realistic targets with timelines. Tools like the goal-tracking features in your Fifth Third Momentum^® Savings Account can help you monitor your progress. Be flexible and adjust your goals if necessary. Life can be unpredictable and it’s okay to reassess your plan as circumstances change.

3. Stick to a budget.

A budget can help you reduce your overall spending. When you spend less, you’ll have extra money each month to save toward your goals. Start by reviewing your monthly expenses and categorizing them into "needs" and "wants." Needs are essential expenses, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and car payments. Wants are non-essential items you can cut back on or eliminate, such as impulse shopping trips or dining out.

4. Review ongoing subscriptions or memberships.

Subscriptions and memberships are convenient, but the monthly fees can add up. Track your recurring expenses for a month and then cancel those you no longer need. This might include gym memberships, streaming services, or grocery delivery subscriptions. Your savings account will thank you.

5. Maximize your earned interest.

There are many types of savings accounts, so you should explore what is available. Two that you might want to consider are a certificate of deposit (CD) and a money market savings account. When you open a CD, you agree to leave your deposit untouched for a specific amount of time. In return the bank pays you a guaranteed interest rate. A money market savings account also offers a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts and may be a good option if you want higher returns and the flexibility of accessing your funds.

6. Use a health savings account.

A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account that helps you save for medical and health-related expenses. Contributions are tax-deductible, the funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. HSAs can be used for various medical costs and the funds roll over year-to-year. Another bonus? Employers may also contribute to your HSA, offering an extra savings opportunity.

Ready to Get Started?

With the right strategies in place, growing your savings can be both simple and rewarding—so start today and watch your financial goals become reality. Check out Fifth Third Bank’s suite of online savings accounts, from traditional to specialized options, and apply today.