1. Diversify Your Portfolio With Precious Metals — And Get Up to $20K in Free Metals

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that disruptions to the market can come out of nowhere — and a lot of people’s retirement savings felt the impact. 

That’s why it can be a smart idea to protect your retirement savings from the unpredictable. For a lot of people, investing in gold and precious metals is a way to diversify and protect their investments, plus you can get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

Why It’s Savvy:

• Investing in precious metals like gold and silver can help diversify your portfolio and protect you against market volatility.
• Precious metals often outperform other investments in a volatile market, and their value tends to rise with inflation, making them an effective hedge during uncertain economic times.
• Gold has historically maintained its value.

How You Can Use It:

• One way to invest is with a precious metals IRA.
• When you open a gold or silver IRA, you can typically roll over funds from existing retirement accounts. Or you can buy gold and silver directly from the precious metals dealer. 
• Worried you may need to sell your precious metals in the future? Many dealers offer buyback commitments and will purchase your assets back from you at the highest price.

Get Started:

Want to diversify your portfolio to hedge against economic uncertainty — and claim your bonus of up to $20,000 in free metals? It’s easy to get started, and many dealers offer a free kit to allow you to learn more before you invest.

2. High-Yield Savings Accounts That Grow Your Money More Than 10x Faster

Financially savvy savers know that keeping money in a traditional low-interest savings account is a huge missed opportunity. The national average savings account pays just 0.33% APY, according to recent data from the NCUA*.

But the Langley High Yield Savings Account pays 3.60% APY — more than 10 times the national average. This allows your savings to grow steadily while keeping your money safe and accessible whenever you need it.

Why It’s Savvy:

• High-yield savings accounts offer significantly higher APYs than traditional savings accounts, helping your money grow faster through compounded interest.
• You can access your funds whenever you need them without penalties, making them ideal for everyday savings goals. 
• Accounts are insured up to $250,000, helping protect your deposits and giving you peace of mind.

How You Can Use It:

• Use your account for goals like building an emergency fund, saving for large purchases, or setting aside money for upcoming expenses.
• With no fees and no minimums, accounts like the Langley High Yield Savings Account make it simple to start earning more on the money you already have.

Want to start growing your money more than 10 times faster? It takes just minutes to open a Langley High Yield Savings Account and watch your money grow.

3. High-Yield Savings Accounts with Competitive APYs

Most people have a savings account. But too many people keep their money in a savings account that isn’t growing their money as fast as it could be. As of Jan. 20, 2026, the national average interest rate on a savings account was just 0.39%. 

Financially savvy people know to look for high-yield savings accounts with a competitive APY, like the Capital One 360 Performance Savings account, which pays APY — more than eight times the national average. This lets you steadily grow your savings while still having easy access to your money — and without the risk of other investments.

Why It’s Savvy:

• High-yield savings accounts offer competitive APYs — usually much higher than the national average. This allows your money to earn more interest and compound over time. It’s a great balance between security and growth.
• You can access your money whenever you need to without penalties.
• Many savings accounts are FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000 in case of bank failure.

How You Can Use It:

• Look for online banks or credit unions that offer higher APYs, often well above the national average.
• Use your savings account for short- to medium-term goals, where you might need quick access to funds, like an emergency fund or saving for a vacation.

Want to start growing your savings more than eight times faster? It’s simple to get started with the Capital One 360 Performance Savings account and see how much you could earn.

4. High-Yield Savings Accounts That Grow Your Money Up to 21x Faster 

Financially savvy savers know that keeping money in a traditional low-interest savings account is a huge missed opportunity. The average credit union savings account pays just 0.15% APY, according to recent data*. 

But the AlumniFi High-Yield Savings Account pays up to 4.00% APY* — up to 21 times higher than the average credit union savings account (which pays just 0.15% APY*)^‡. This allows your savings to grow faster while still keeping your money secure and accessible whenever you need it. 

Why It’s Savvy: 

• High-yield savings accounts offer significantly higher APYs than traditional savings accounts, helping your money grow faster through compounded interest. 

• There’s no minimum balance and no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees, making it easy to start saving right away. 

• Your deposits are federally insured up to $250,000, and the account is backed by MSU Federal Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the country. 

How You Can Use It: 

• Build an emergency fund, save for major purchases, or set aside money for upcoming expenses. 

• With access to more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs, you can easily access your funds whenever you need them. 

Want to start growing your money up to 21 times faster? ^‡ It takes just minutes to open an account and start earning more on the money you already have. 

5. Bundled Checking and Savings Savings Accounts with Competitive APYs

Most people have a separate checking and savings account. But if you bundle them, you could earn a much higher APY — more than 11 times the national average.

This lets you steadily grow your savings while still having easy access to your money — and without the risk of other investments.

Why It’s Savvy:

• High-yield savings accounts offer competitive APYs — usually much higher than the national average. This allows your money to earn more interest and compound over time. It’s a great balance between security and growth.
• You can access your money whenever you need to without penalties.
• Many savings accounts are FDIC-insured****, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000 in case of bank failure.

How You Can Use It:

• Look for online banks or credit unions that offer higher APYs, often well above the national average.
• Use your savings account for short- to medium-term goals, where you might need quick access to funds, like an emergency fund or saving for a vacation.

It’s easy to compare accounts here and start maximizing your savings potential.

6. Annuities: Earn Guaranteed Growth on Your Retirement Savings

Annuities are financial products offered by insurance companies that provide a steady stream of payments in exchange for an upfront investment. Annuities are a low-risk, long-term option often used by financially savvy people to ensure guaranteed income during retirement.

You can get started with a Gainbridge® FastBreak™ annuity with a minimum investment of just $1,000. The more you invest, the higher rate you can earn — up to APY**. The best part? There’s no risk to your investment. 

Why It’s Savvy:

• Annuities offer guaranteed payments, which can be structured to last for a set number of years or for the rest of your life.
• Many annuities come with the option to earn interest on your investment — up to APY** — providing steady returns over time.
• Unlike traditional investments like stocks, annuities protect your capital from market volatility, making them a secure way to ensure long-term income.

How You Can Use It:

• Consider annuities as part of your retirement planning, particularly if you’re looking for a guaranteed income stream after you stop working.
• Look for annuities that offer favorable interest rates and low fees.

Looking for a predictable, stable way to grow your retirement savings without risking any of your principal investment? Get started here with as little as $1,000 to earn APY, or deposit more to earn up to APY.

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Bottom Line

Low-risk accounts that offer stable returns are a financially savvy move for anyone. They can offer a foundation for building wealth without risking your hard-earned capital. 

Want to enjoy reliable returns while ensuring your money stays secure? These options offer stability and steady growth that savvy investors trust. Compare our top-rated options here to get started.

*NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. 

**The national average savings account interest rate is 0.39% APY, according to the FDIC, as of Jan. 20, 2026.

**** With a Cash App Card, your funds are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance through our Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and/or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC for up to $250,000 per customer when aggregated with all other deposits held in the same legal capacity at each Program Bank above, if certain conditions are met.

Instacash® is subject to terms and eligibility requirements. 

* Fees apply for optional Turbo delivery within minutes 

***Americans with a financial advisor expect to retire two years earlier according to Northwestern Mutual’s Planning & Progress Study

**** With a Cash App Card, your funds are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance through our Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and/or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC for up to $250,000 per customer when aggregated with all other deposits held in the same legal capacity at each Program Bank above, if certain conditions are met.

*Source: FDIC, national average of savings, week of 1/20/26. Rates subject to change.

**Gainbridge^®: Annuity rates are subject to change at any time, and the rate mentioned may no longer be current. Please visit Gainbridge.io for current rates, full product disclosures and disclaimer. Withdrawals above the 10% free withdrawal amount are subject to a withdrawal charge and market-value adjustment. FastBreak™ is issued by Gainbridge Life Insurance Company in Zionsville, Indiana. FastBreak™ is not a tax-deferred annuity; instead, it is taxed annually.

AlumniFi: *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. See full rates and terms at alumnifi.org/rates. 
‡Competitor’s checking account with a 0.15% APY – $2,500 average based on the credit unions national average rate, as of 12/26/25, as reflected on NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. 

Capital One interest rates accurate as of 03/12/2026. See website for all current rates. Savings vary depending on account usage and payment behavior.

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