The Right Balance: How Much to Keep in Your Checking Account
One of the most fundamental steps in financial planning and budgeting is determining how much money you should keep in your personal checking account. This amount is important for everyday financial transactions, but striking the right balance can often seem like a high-wire act. This balance requires careful consideration to avoid overexposing your funds to risk or missing out on potential earnings.
Is More Cash in Your Checking Account Always Better? Not So Fast
You might assume that keeping a lot of money in a checking account is always advantageous. After all, it gives you instant access to your money and may provide a sense of security. However, this approach isn't always beneficial. Your checking account typically pays minimal, if any, interest. So, while your money is safe and readily available, it's also idly sitting, losing purchasing power to inflation. You could miss out on opportunities to grow that money in other interest-earning accounts.
The Perfect Number
The General Rule of Thumb: 2-3 Months of Living Expenses
The big question is, "How much should I keep in my checking account?" Most financial experts recommend anywhere from one to four months of living expenses as a good baseline. The idea is to have enough to cover your bills and expenses but not so much that you're losing out on potential interest.
How to Calculate 2-3 Months of Living Expenses
Calculating this amount isn't as daunting as it might seem. Start by listing out your regular monthly expenses. This list should include rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, groceries, transportation, health care, debt repayments, and any other recurring expenses. Then, multiply this sum by two or three (depending on your comfort level and financial stability) to get the amount you should aim to keep in your checking account. Remember, everyone's financial situation is unique, and this calculation should reflect your own personal circumstances and expenses.
Reasons to Keep That Much Money in Your Checking Account
More Liquidity
By keeping this amount in your checking account, you ensure that you have enough liquid funds to cover your everyday expenses. Liquidity refers to how quickly assets can be converted into cash. In this case, the money in your checking account is already in cash form, allowing you to use it instantly, whether for bills, unexpected costs, or leisure activities.
No Overdraft Risk
Another reason to keep a healthy balance in your checking account is to avoid overdraft fees. If you accidentally spend more than you have in your account, you'll likely face an overdraft charge. By keeping a few months' worth of expenses in your account, you're building a cushion that can help avoid these fees.
Enough for Pre-Authorization Holds
Certain transactions, like hotel bookings or car rentals, often place pre-authorization holds on your account. These holds can tie up funds in your account for several days. By maintaining a sufficient balance, you can accommodate these holds without disrupting your normal spending or bill payments.
Is it Possible to Keep Too Much in a Checking Account?
On the flip side, keeping too much money in your checking account can be a missed opportunity. Excess funds could be better used to pay down high-interest debt, invest, or save in high-yield savings or retirement accounts. Remember, money in a checking account typically earns little to no interest unless it's in a high-yield account.
For those looking for a checking account that offers more, consider Peoples Security Bank & Trust’s High-Yield Personal Checking Account, Max Earnings Checking. This account combines the convenience of a regular checking account with the perks of a high-yield account:
- Maximize Your Earnings: Unlock the potential to earn a high interest rate on your balance up to a specified limit with our checking account. Simply meet a few everyday banking activities to qualify for premium rates.
- Benefits and Convenience: This account is crafted to suit the needs of modern banking users. Enjoy a host of rewards that cater to your everyday financial activities, making your banking experience rewarding and straightforward.
- Easy to Earn Rewards: Earn rewards on your account balance without the need to maintain a minimum balance. Whether your account holds a little or a lot, you have the opportunity to earn rewards.
- Access Anywhere, Anytime: Stay connected to your finances with our free online, mobile, and telephone banking services. Manage your money on the go or from the comfort of your home whenever you need.
- Flexible Banking: Enjoy the freedom to deposit and withdraw funds without limits. This account is designed to provide flexibility for your dynamic lifestyle.
- Free online banking, mobile banking, and telephone banking: Convenient and accessible banking options are available.
- Free debit card with access to 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs on the Allpoint Network: This offers you freedom from ATM charges and wider accessibility.
- Send money with Zelle®: This feature provides a quick and easy way to transfer money.
LEARN MORE
Striking the right balance in your checking account is the most important first step to efficient money management. It's about finding the sweet spot that allows for liquidity, avoids overdraft risk, provides for pre-authorization holds, and avoids stagnation of funds. To benefit from an account that offers more, reach out to Peoples Security Bank & Trust to open a personal checking account. Let’s work together to give your money the opportunity to grow.