Banking Savings & Money Market Accounts

10 Signs Your Savings Account Is in Better Shape Than You Think

Saving money can be frustrating sometimes, but there are signs that you’re on the right path.

young woman and man using smartphone by the river
Updated May 28, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

It can be daunting to save money for things like a new home or a summer vacation. After all, it can be hard to start saving with a goal in mind no matter how big or small that goal may be.

But instead of feeling defeated by savings obstacles or trying to pay off debt, here are 10 reasons your savings account may be in better shape than you think.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

You're making automatic transfers

hedgehog94/Adobe man receiving money from bank window by female accountant

If you've already set up automatic transfers to your savings account, you're well on your way to financial success. This simple yet powerful strategy is a clear sign that you're taking control of your finances. 

By automating your savings, you've eliminated the temptation to spend impulsively and ensured consistent growth of your savings. 

You've chosen a low or no-fee savings account

Rawpixel.com/Adobe woman working on a laptop

If you've chosen a savings account with minimal or no fees, you're making a smart financial decision. By avoiding unnecessary charges, you're allowing your savings to grow more efficiently. 

This thoughtful choice demonstrates your commitment to financial responsibility and your desire to make the most of your hard-earned money.

You contribute to your savings account every month

tippapatt/Adobe woman using mobile phone paying via mobile banking app

A 2023 study by LendingClub found that a whopping 60% of Americans are trying to stop living paycheck to paycheck. So if you’re struggling financially, it can be difficult to save money, and you're not alone.

If you have a savings account, you’re already ahead of many other Americans. So keep working to get ahead with your savings account by sticking to the best strategies for saving cash. 

And remember to try different strategies, knowing that some may fail before finding the best one for you.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

You have an emergency fund

Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Glass jar full of money with emergency fund sticky note label

An emergency fund is an important part of your savings plan, so you don’t have to dip into your savings account and risk losing your goals.

Instead, set aside three to six months of living expenses for unexpected expenses like a home repair, car accident, or health emergency.

It’s important to set some guidelines for yourself ahead of time so you’re not tempted to dip into it for everyday expenses. You may also want to save it in a different savings account so you have it specifically set aside just for emergencies.

You don’t withdraw from your savings account very often

Deen Jacobs/peopleimages.com/Adobe senior couple on sofa with bills paperwork

One great thing about a savings account is that it helps you set money aside in a way that could make it harder for you to use when you’re tempted to spend cash. Most savings accounts restrict the number of transactions you can make per month.

Talk to your bank or financial institution about the differences between a savings account and a checking account so you can use both as part of a financial savings strategy. 

Remember that you can move money from your checking account to your savings account to help you build up your cash reserves.

You use a high-yield savings account

fizkes/Adobe young woman using calculator to sort bills

Interest rates have been going up, which could be an issue if you’re in the market for a loan. But higher rates can also be beneficial if you’re trying to save money.

Look into high-yield savings accounts and compare interest rates to see where you can find the best rate. A higher yield means your account will be able to make more money for you with minimal effort.

You avoid overdraft fees

momius/Adobe FDIC insurance

If you've successfully avoided overdraft fees by maintaining a healthy balance in your savings account, you've taken a significant step toward financial stability. 

This proactive approach demonstrates your financial discipline and your commitment to avoiding unnecessary expenses. 

By keeping a cushion in your savings account, you're protecting yourself from unexpected financial challenges and enjoying greater peace of mind.

You can take on debt

Antonioguillem/Adobe excited couple reading a letter at home

A savings account with plenty of funds is a good way for banks to determine if you can take on additional debt such as a mortgage or car loan. Your savings can determine how much the bank is willing to loan you and could even affect the interest rate on your loan. 

And while your credit score doesn’t take into account your savings, a good credit score can increase your chances of getting a loan. One way to get that score higher is to be able to pay off your monthly credit cards and other debts because you’ve saved money.

You’re using your savings to reach your goals

Wayhome Studio/Adobe woman sits at desk at home manages household budget

If you're actively using your savings to work towards specific financial goals, you're on the right track. 

Whether it's saving for a down payment on a home, a dream vacation, or retirement, your dedication to saving is a testament to your long-term financial planning. 

By setting clear goals and consistently contributing to your savings, you're taking control of your financial future and building a brighter tomorrow.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

You have peace of mind

Rene La/peopleimages.com/Adobe credit card online shopping and woman with phone

If you feel a sense of financial security and confidence knowing you have savings to fall back on, you're experiencing the true power of a healthy savings account. 

This peace of mind is a direct result of your hard work and disciplined saving habits. By prioritizing saving, you've created a safety net that can protect you from unexpected life events and help you achieve your long-term financial goals.

Bottom line

buritora/Adobe asian woman showing an okay sign while holding a phone

By taking the initiative to save, you've already set yourself on the path to financial success. 

Continue building on this momentum by exploring additional savings strategies, such as budgeting and maximizing rewards credit cards

Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your financial goals.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details