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Kevin O'Leary Warns About Inflation, but This Move Could Earn Your $40,000 an Extra $1,448

A quick APY check can show whether $40,000 in savings earns about $1,600 a year or leaves most of that money behind.

By Laura Hohenstein , Edited by Melinda Sineriz, ABFP®

Updated Oct. 23, 2026

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Quick Read

$40,000 at a 4.00% annual percentage yield earns about $1,600 over one year, or roughly $133 a month.
The same $40,000 at 0.38% APY earns about $152 over one year, or roughly $13 a month.
That $1,448 yearly gap is the real O'Leary-style warning: your cash can feel safe and still be underpaid.
At the national average savings rate of 0.38% (as of 06/15/26), $20,000 earns $76 a year. The same balance could earn up to nine times more with a SoFi Checking and Savings account. See SoFi®'s current rate.

If you've built a serious cash cushion, it probably feels good to see that balance sitting there. Maybe it's emergency money, house money, or savings you don't want anywhere near the stock market right now.

Kevin O'Leary has warned about inflation's impact on Americans' finances, and it's really about what happens when cash earns too little while prices keep moving higher. Saving is the right habit. But your savings account balance might be working a lot less than it could in a high-yield savings account.

The first move is boring, which is good news. Check the APY on your current savings account, then compare that number with a high-yield savings account paying closer to 4.00% APY, which rate-comparison research shows is realistic in today's market.

O'Leary's warning about inflation

O'Leary has spoken about inflation's impact on Americans, including how rising prices can make it harder to save. For people keeping substantial money in savings accounts, that raises another consideration a stable dollar balance can still lose ground if prices rise faster than your savings yield.

So start with your current APY. You can usually find it in online banking or on a monthly statement. If your $40,000 is split across checking, savings, and short-term goal accounts, check each place separately, because one weak rate can drag down the whole pile.

Then ask whether money that belongs in savings is sitting in an account that pays like an afterthought.

$1,448 comes from the gap

Here's the headline math in plain English. Say you put $40,000 in a high-yield savings account paying 4.00% APY, which is an achievable rate in high-yield savings right now. Over one year, that balance earns about $1,600.

The $1,448 more figure comes from comparing that $1,600 with a much weaker account paying 0.38% APY for the same year. That weaker account earns about $152.

That lower return works out to 0.38% APY on $40,000 for one year:

$1,600 - $152 = $1,448

If you have	One year at 0.38% APY (national average)	One year at 3.80% APY (example)	You are leaving behind
$10,000	$38	$380	$342
$25,000	$95	$950	$855
$40,000	$152	$1,520	$1,368
$50,000	$190	$1,900	$1,710
$100,000	$380	$3,800	$3,420

Same $40,000. Same one-year time frame. The difference is the rate attached to the account. That's why the number is useful even if your own balance isn't exactly $40,000. Half the balance means about half the potential gap, and a higher or lower APY changes the result in the same direction.

We did the research for you. Having your checking and savings accounts with the same financial institution can make money management a lot simpler. SoFi® was our 2026 award winner for Best Checking and Savings Combo because it delivers on interest and additional features. For example, you could earn up to 4.40% APY on your savings balance with direct deposit. (3.30% APY¹ with +1.10% APY Boost) for up to 6 months on new accounts.² SoFi also offers more special features than any other account combo we looked at: No account fees: No overdraft fees.³ No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees.⁴ Get paid up to two days early: Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier — automatically — when you set up direct deposit.⁵ Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3M: Typically, single-member deposit accounts are federally insured up to $250,000. With SoFi, FDIC insurance up to $3 million on deposits is available through a seamless network of participating banks.⁶

Open an account with SoFi here.

Safe cash can still shrink

Cash in a savings account doesn't bounce around like a stock portfolio, and that's exactly why it belongs in your financial life. You need money that doesn't depend on a market opening bell or a good trading day.

That concern about inflation also applies to money sitting in savings. A $40,000 balance can avoid market swings and still buy less later if groceries, insurance, repairs, or rent rise faster than the interest coming into the account.

A high-yield savings account helps close that gap, but it doesn't magically beat every bout of inflation. It simply gives your savings a better shot at keeping pace while keeping the money available for the needs savings accounts are built for.

Move goals, not next bills

The whole $40,000 doesn't automatically belong in a new high-yield savings account. Sort the money by job first, because access matters as much as yield when you actually need the funds.

A simple way to divide the balance:

Next month's bills should stay where payments can clear smoothly.
Same-day emergency cash belongs where you can reach it immediately.
The rest of an emergency fund may fit in high-yield savings if a transfer delay wouldn't hurt.
Tax money, vacation savings, home repairs, and other planned expenses can fit if the timing gives you room.
Down payment money with a firm closing date needs extra caution, because a transfer snag isn't worth a few more dollars.
Cash you won't need for five years or more may need a longer-term plan.

That sorting exercise keeps the $1,448 example from turning into a blanket instruction. If $25,000 of your $40,000 truly fits high-yield savings, then the benefit scales to that $25,000. The cash's job decides the move.

Your money is already saved. Now see how it could be earning you hundreds per year.

The snags are mostly knowable

The biggest friction is usually the transfer. Moving money between institutions often isn't instant, and savings or money market transfers may take a business day or two, so money you might need tonight shouldn't depend on that path.

Emergency access still exists, but the route matters. Some accounts transfer to linked checking, some offer ATM access, and some take more planning. Before you move important savings, make sure you know exactly how you'd get the money back if the water heater quits on a Sunday.

Deposit insurance is another practical check. For FDIC-insured bank accounts, standard deposit insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each ownership category. Confirm how your own accounts are titled and whether your balances at one institution cross that limit.

Minimums and account rules vary too. Some high-yield savings accounts have no minimum balance, while others use minimums, monthly charges, transfer limits, or specific linked-account requirements. Those details can decide whether the listed APY turns into useful interest.

And yes, your APY can change after you move the money. A high-yield savings account usually has a variable rate, so a 4.00% APY later might be lower. The tradeoff is that you aren't locking the money away.

Small chores protect the gain

Before moving suitable cash, compare the account on more than the big percentage at the top of the page. A slightly lower APY with cleaner access and fewer hassles may fit better than a higher rate wrapped in chores.

Check these details:

Current APY for your full balance.
Monthly charges and how to avoid them.
Minimum opening deposit and minimum balance rules.
Transfer options to and from checking.
Withdrawal methods, including ACH transfer, wire, ATM, or check access.
Linked-account setup steps before you need the money.
Deposit insurance category and ownership type.

The highest displayed APY is a starting point. The better question is whether the account lets your cash earn more without making emergencies harder to handle.

Bottom line

If you have $40,000 in suitable cash earning around 0.38% APY, moving that money to a high-yield savings account paying 4.00% APY changes the one-year math from about $152 to about $1,600. The difference is about $1,448.

Keep bill money and same-day emergency cash where you can reach it fast. But for the savings that can wait through a normal transfer, comparing your current APY with higher-yielding alternatives could help you earn more while keeping your money accessible.

Would You Spend Ten Minutes for $1,465?

That's roughly the year's difference on $40,000 between the national average and the up-to-4.00% rates available now. And ten minutes isn't a figure of speech. You just provide some information, like your name, address, Social Security number, and the account your deposit money's coming from. But rates are variable and follow the market, which is why the only number worth acting on is today's. Compare the current top accounts here.

Bank/Institution	APY Annual Percentage Yield	Bonus Offer	Open Account	Bonus Offer
AWARD WINNER Best Checking and Savings Combo
5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	4.40 % APY With $0 min. balance² <p>Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>	Limited-Time Offer: +1.10% boost on Savings APY to up to 4.40% for up to 6 months on new accounts² <p>Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> + $50 or $400 Bonus with direct deposit.¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> Terms apply.	Learn More on SoFi's secure website Member FDIC	Limited-Time Offer: +1.10% boost on Savings APY to up to 4.40% for up to 6 months on new accounts² <p>Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> + $50 or $400 Bonus with direct deposit.¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> Terms apply.
4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	3.64 % APY With $1 min. balance⁷ <p>APY means Annual Percentage Yield. APY is accurate as of as of 09/01/26. This is a variable rate account, Interest rate and APY may change after initial deposit. Minimum initial deposit to open account and earn interest is $1.00.</p>	Limited-Time Offer: Use code STACK to earn a cash bonus based on your savings balance. Earn up to $50 for $10,000, $125 for $25,000, $250 for $50,000, $500 for $100,000, or $1,000 for $200,000 or more. Visit site for full details.⁸ <p>New customers only. Earn a cash bonus (the "Welcome Bonus") when you deposit and maintain funds with partner banks on the Raisin platform. Customers will receive a Welcome Bonus of $40 for depositing between $10,000 and $24,999; $100 for depositing between $25,000 and $49,999; $200 for depositing between $50,000 and $99,999; $425 for depositing between $100,000 and $199,999; and $900 for depositing $200,000 or more. If the Qualifying Deposit balance declines at any time during the maintenance period below the minimum required for a bonus tier, the customer will be placed in the bonus tier corresponding to the lowest Qualifying Deposit balance maintained during that period. </p><p>Savings + CD Boost: Customers eligible for the Welcome Bonus may earn an additional bonus by opening a product in a second product category. To qualify, customers must deposit at least $1,000 into the secondary product category within 14 days of their initial deposit and maintain balances over $1,000 in both categories through 90 days from the initial deposit date.</p><p>For the purposes of this promotion, High-Yield Certificates of Deposit constitute one product category; No-Penalty CDs and Callable CDs constitute a second product category; and Savings Accounts (including Money Market Deposit Accounts, High-Yield Savings Accounts, and Rate Lock Savings Accounts) constitute a third product category. Savings + CD Boost eligibility is determined by your Welcome Bonus tier: customers depositing between $10,000–$24,999 receive an additional $10; $25,000–$49,999 receive an additional $25; $50,000–$99,999 receive an additional $50; $100,000–$199,999 receive an additional $75; and $200,000 or more receive an additional $100. </p><p>The Savings + CD Boost is optional and paid in addition to the Welcome Bonus. To qualify for the Welcome Bonus and Savings + CD Boost, your first deposit must be initiated between September 1, 2026, and October 31, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET, and the promo code STACK must be entered at the time of sign-up. Only funds deposited within 14 days of the initial deposit date and maintained with partner banks on the Raisin platform for 90 days of the initial deposit date will be eligible for the Welcome Bonus and Savings + CD Boost. Bonus cash will be credited directly to your Cash Account within 30 days of meeting all qualifying terms. This offer is available to new customers only, is non-transferable, and may not be combined with any other bonus offers. Raisin may modify or end this offer at any time and may withhold or revoke bonuses in cases of fraud, abuse, or violation of these terms or Raisin’s Terms of Service.</p>	Learn More on Raisin's secure website Member FDIC	Limited-Time Offer: Use code STACK to earn a cash bonus based on your savings balance. Earn up to $50 for $10,000, $125 for $25,000, $250 for $50,000, $500 for $100,000, or $1,000 for $200,000 or more. Visit site for full details.⁸ <p>New customers only. Earn a cash bonus (the "Welcome Bonus") when you deposit and maintain funds with partner banks on the Raisin platform. Customers will receive a Welcome Bonus of $40 for depositing between $10,000 and $24,999; $100 for depositing between $25,000 and $49,999; $200 for depositing between $50,000 and $99,999; $425 for depositing between $100,000 and $199,999; and $900 for depositing $200,000 or more. If the Qualifying Deposit balance declines at any time during the maintenance period below the minimum required for a bonus tier, the customer will be placed in the bonus tier corresponding to the lowest Qualifying Deposit balance maintained during that period. </p><p>Savings + CD Boost: Customers eligible for the Welcome Bonus may earn an additional bonus by opening a product in a second product category. To qualify, customers must deposit at least $1,000 into the secondary product category within 14 days of their initial deposit and maintain balances over $1,000 in both categories through 90 days from the initial deposit date.</p><p>For the purposes of this promotion, High-Yield Certificates of Deposit constitute one product category; No-Penalty CDs and Callable CDs constitute a second product category; and Savings Accounts (including Money Market Deposit Accounts, High-Yield Savings Accounts, and Rate Lock Savings Accounts) constitute a third product category. Savings + CD Boost eligibility is determined by your Welcome Bonus tier: customers depositing between $10,000–$24,999 receive an additional $10; $25,000–$49,999 receive an additional $25; $50,000–$99,999 receive an additional $50; $100,000–$199,999 receive an additional $75; and $200,000 or more receive an additional $100. </p><p>The Savings + CD Boost is optional and paid in addition to the Welcome Bonus. To qualify for the Welcome Bonus and Savings + CD Boost, your first deposit must be initiated between September 1, 2026, and October 31, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET, and the promo code STACK must be entered at the time of sign-up. Only funds deposited within 14 days of the initial deposit date and maintained with partner banks on the Raisin platform for 90 days of the initial deposit date will be eligible for the Welcome Bonus and Savings + CD Boost. Bonus cash will be credited directly to your Cash Account within 30 days of meeting all qualifying terms. This offer is available to new customers only, is non-transferable, and may not be combined with any other bonus offers. Raisin may modify or end this offer at any time and may withhold or revoke bonuses in cases of fraud, abuse, or violation of these terms or Raisin’s Terms of Service.</p>

Limited-Time Offer

2026 AWARD WINNER Best Checking and Savings Combo

SoFi Checking and Savings

5.0

Open Account on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC

APY

4.40%

Minimum Balance for APY

Bonus Offer

Up to $400

Why We Like It

Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $400 cash bonus¹ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. plus a boosted up to 4.40% APY² Earn up to 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 1.10% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 10/20/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/27. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. on Savings (3.30% APY¹ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. with +1.10% APY Boost) for up to 6 months when you open a new account and set up eligible direct deposits. Terms apply.
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees⁴ We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a>.
Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit⁵ Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁶ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.
Excellent 4.3/5