1. High-Yield Savings Account. High-yield savings accounts offer higher annual percentage yields (APYs) than traditional savings accounts, making them a more attractive option. Interest rates in general tend to drop during a recession, but a high-yield savings account is still worth considering.
Investors typically flock to fixed-income investments (such as bonds) or dividend-yielding investments (such as dividend stocks) during recessions because they offer routine cash payments.
As of writing, no U.S.-based banks are offering a 7.00% APY on a savings account. For high-yield savings accounts — top, competitive rates are more in the 5.00% APY range. However, Landmark Credit Union currently offers a Premium Checking account with a 7.50% APY on balances of up to $500.
Don't go overboard when saving for a recession
Instead, prepare for them like any other unexpected expense like a medical emergency or a period of unemployment. Having three to six months of living expenses set aside should be enough for most people to get through tough times with their finances unscathed.
If you're concerned about whether money is safe in a bank during a recession, there's good news — your money will be likely secure in a bank account.
During an economic downturn, it's crucial to control your spending. Try to avoid taking on new debt you don't need, like a house or car. Look critically at smaller expenses, too — there's no reason to keep paying for things you don't use.
Although the government has stepped in to contain the damage caused by the bank failures and ensure account holders can access their funds, inflation and interest rates remain high, so the threat of a recession persists. Generally, money kept in a bank account is safe—even during a recession.
The short answer is no. Banks cannot take your money without your permission, at least not legally. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures deposits up to $250,000 per account holder, per bank. If the bank fails, you will return your money to the insured limit.
Total Returns (%) by Asset Class
Because of their higher level of sensitivity to interest rates, long-term bonds have historically fared best during recessions, although intermediate-term bonds and cash have also been pretty resilient.
The phrase means that having liquid funds available can be vital because of the flexibility it provides during a crisis. While cash investments -- such as a money market fund, savings account, or bank CD -- don't often yield much, having cash on hand can be invaluable in times of financial uncertainty.
Where to put money during a recession. Putting money in savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs keeps your money safe in an FDIC-insured bank account (or NCUA-insured credit union account). Alternatively, invest in the stock market with a broker.
Digital Federal Credit Union has an account that pays over 6% APY, but you must meet membership requirements to get started. You also won't earn this high interest rate on your entire Digital FCU savings balance. Plenty of savings accounts are available around the U.S. and still offer great rates — over 5% APY.
Retiring on $500,000 may be possible, but it probably won't be easy. In addition to aggressive saving and strategic investing, you'll need to be honest about your needs and thoughtful with your spending.
If you're looking for a safe way to earn interest on your savings, a certificate of deposit, or CD, is worth considering. CDs tend to offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. And today's best CD rates are far higher than the national averages. CDs may not always be worth it though.
Key Takeaways. Earn a 4.00% APY or higher by moving your savings into a high-yield account. This can make at least $40 over 12 months on a $1,000 investment. When choosing a high-yield account, look for one that provides a competitive APY without fees, steep balance requirements or APY caps.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Your High-Yield Savings Account? You only have to pay taxes on the interest you earn on a high-yield savings account—not on the principal balance. High-yield savings account interest is taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
Yes, cash can be a good investment in the short term, since many recessions often don't last too long. Cash gives you a lot of options.
Historically, the industries considered to be the most defensive and better placed to fare reasonably during recessions are utilities, health care, and consumer staples.
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a good alternative if you're risk-averse when investing. A CD is a type of savings account that allows people to earn interest at a fixed rate that's often higher than what's available with traditional savings accounts.