Budgeting, Saving and Investing
Explore practical ways to budget, save, invest and organize debt.
Side by side / 4 guides
Savings
When might you need access to the money?
| What matters | Savings account | Certificate of deposit | Treasury bills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Keep funds readily accessible | Plan around a known date | Research short-term government debt |
| Cons and trade-offs | Rates can change | Early access may incur a penalty | Selling before maturity can change the outcome |
| Best fit | If your goal is to keep funds readily accessible. | If your goal is to plan around a known date. | If your goal is to research short-term government debt. |
| Effort involved | Compare account terms and fees | Choose a term and track maturity | Track purchase and maturity dates |
| What to check first | Verify institution and applicable deposit coverage | Check early withdrawal and renewal terms | Check auction, custody and tax treatment |
FDIC deposit insurance coverage
General financial education. Check terms, fees, eligibility and protections in your jurisdiction.