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Max that cash: How to get the most from your High Yield Savings

A High Yield Savings account can help your money grow faster—especially if you know how to use it well. Here are five simple ways to make the most of every dollar and every percentage point!

Author

CFCU Staff

Date

Apr 2, 2026
High Yield Savings Tips: You’ve made a smart move—now let’s make it even smarter.

A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is a great way to grow your money faster with minimal risk. But just opening the account isn’t enough. To really maximize those returns, a few smart habits can go a long way.

Here’s how to make your HYSA work harder—for today, tomorrow, and your big dreams down the road.

1. Make savings automatic

Set it and forget it! Automating a regular deposit into your High Yield Savings—whether it’s $10 or $100 a week—helps build your balance consistently without having to think about it. Even small, steady contributions can add up fast thanks to compound interest.

To see how easy it can be, try taking our 52-Week Savings Challenge. By starting out small and building from there, it’s designed to automatically save you $1,378 over the course of the challenge without breaking a sweat!

2. Round up your spare change

Use Grow Your Change to send the spare change from every debit card purchase directly into your High Yield Savings. It may not seem like much, but every penny you rescue from the couch cushions—and stash safely in your High Yield Savings account—adds up.

3. Know where to “grow” from here

Beyond just a savings account, think of High Yield Savings as a springboard to even more.

Why? Our High Yield Savings is special. It gives you a consistent 10% APY on your first $1,000. Plus, it offers a higher rate beyond your first thousand AND two ways to earn through both interest and a membership dividend.

That means it’s good for building cash fast and setting you on track for a nest egg that can generate even more earnings with higher-wealth accounts, like a Money Market or a CD.

How’s that math work? Generally, our High Yield is best to get you to about $8,000. At that point, transfer it to a CFCU Money Market for even better returns and more flexibility.

4. Watch for fees that cancel out your gains

Not all savings accounts are created equal. Some accounts with “high” rates sneak in fees that eat away at your earnings. At Community Financial, we believe your savings should actually save you money—with no maintenance fees or tricky fine print.

5. Pair it with a plan

Rates are great—but your goals matter more. If you’re a member, talk to one of our free financial advisors to align your savings strategy with what you want most. Whether that’s financial freedom, a new home, or just more peace of mind, we’re here to help you map it out.

Not a member yet? Open a High Yield Savings to become a member and take advantage of free financial counseling.

Start Growing Your Savings the Smart Way

You’ve got dreams. We’ve got the tools—and the High Yield Savings to match. Ready to make your money work harder? Let’s grow!

High Yield Savings

Start your savings journey today

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