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With the annual pace of inflation hitting a 40-year high, saving money in a typical bank account that earns close to 0% in interest may mean losing more money. For example, if you placed $100 in savings last year, after taking into account the current 7.9% jump in inflation and the current average savings account rate of 0.06%, that same $100 is worth closer to $92 today.
To be clear, your $100 is still sitting there safe and sound, but the value of each dollar is less now due to inflation.
Policymakers at the Federal Reserve recently raised the overnight bank borrowing rate by 0.25% to help contain inflation. In theory we should see that move trickle down into the personal savings market and help raise yields. But until then, the average savings account return still rests close to 0%.
So, what can we do? Are there relatively low-risk ways to save to earn higher rates of return? Yes: Here are four strategies that can help minimize the impact of inflation on your savings.
1. High-yield accounts
Some newer, digital-only financial institutions or neobanks are offering higher savings rates of 2-4% — which isn’t outpacing inflation but is far better than average. For example, Current announced earlier this year a new high-yield savings account called “Interest” that provides users a 4% annual percentage yield.
Pro Tip: Consider these types of accounts for a savings goal in the next six to twelve months. Be careful parking your emergency funds here, as neobanks tend to be part of limited ATM networks and your money may be harder to access in a pinch. Also, make sure the neobank has FDIC insurance that can protect your savings in case the institution goes under.
2. Accounts with signup bonuses
In an effort to lure new customers in today’s competitive market, some banks are offering sign-on bonuses and “welcome” perks for new checking account customers. For example, the Chase Total Checking account provides a $225 account bonus when you fund a new account via direct deposit.
Pro Tip: Be sure to follow any rules related to account minimum auto-deposits to avoid monthly fees. If you can’t meet these minimums, then the signup bonus may not be worth the cost of maintaining this account.
3. I-Bonds
I-Bonds are a relatively secure government-backed investment sold directly to the public that tracks your cash alongside inflation.
The current I-Bond savings rate is 7.12% and is calculated using a fixed rate and an inflation rate that’s determined twice a year. These accounts are not as liquid as bank savings accounts. You have to stick with the account for at least one year. While you can withdraw your money after that, you risk forfeiting the final three month’s of earned interest by doing so. After five years, you can take your money out without penalty.
Pro Tip: Park cash here that you plan to use for medium-term savings like a home down payment you foresee needing in the next five years. Keep in mind that the limit is $10,000 per year. Any money you won’t need for five years or more may be able to afford more risk and might make sense to invest in the stock market.
4. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities
Finally, TIPS are a popular bond instrument during periods of high inflation because its value follows the rate of inflation and adjusts twice a year.
As a government-backed bond, your investment will never lose its original value, even if inflation goes in the other direction.
TIPS are usually an add-on to retirement portfolios but you can avoid transaction costs by buying them directly from the U.S. Treasury Department’s website in five-, 10- and 20-year maturities.
Pro Tip: Go easy. Leave your emergency savings in an FDIC-insured savings account that’s super liquid and accessible. Consider TIPS only for some of your additional savings that you don’t anticipate needing for at least five years.