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The Smart Saver’s Guide to High Yield Savings Accounts in 2025
What Is a High Yield Savings Account?
A high yield savings account (HYSA) is a savings account that offers significantly higher interest rates—often 10 to 20 times the national average of 0.38%—allowing your money to grow faster through compound interest. Unlike traditional savings accounts offered by brick-and-mortar banks, HYSAs are typically provided by online banks, credit unions, or fintech companies, which can offer better rates due to lower overhead costs.
These accounts are ideal for U.S. residents looking to save for short-term goals, like an emergency fund, a vacation, or a home down payment, while keeping funds liquid and federally insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC or NCUA.
Key Benefits of a High Yield Savings Account:
- Higher Returns: Earn high yield savings account rates up to 5% APY or more, compared to 0.01%-0.38% for traditional accounts.
- Safety: FDIC or NCUA insurance protects your money up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
- Liquidity: Access your funds anytime without penalties, unlike CDs, though some banks limit monthly withdrawals.
- Low or No Fees: Many HYSAs, especially from online banks, have no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
If you’re wondering what is the best high yield savings account for your needs, it depends on factors like APY, fees, and accessibility. Let’s explore how these accounts work to help you decide.
How Does a High Yield Savings Account Work?
Understanding how a high yield savings account works is key to maximizing its benefits. HYSAs function like traditional savings accounts but with a turbo-charged interest rate.
Deposit Your Money: You open an account with a minimum deposit (sometimes as low as $0-$100) and fund it via ACH transfer, direct deposit, or mobile check deposit.
Earn Compound Interest: Interest is typically compounded daily or monthly, meaning you earn interest on your principal and the interest already accrued. For example, a $10,000 deposit at 4% APY could earn over $400 in the first year, compared to just $38 in a traditional savings account.
Variable Rates: HYSA rates are tied to the Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate, so they can fluctuate. In 2025, rates remain high (around 4%-5%) due to steady Fed policies.
Access Your Funds: Withdraw money when needed, though some banks cap free withdrawals at six per month to encourage saving.
To see your potential earnings, use a high yield savings account calculator. For instance, inputting $5,000 at 4.5% APY with monthly $200 deposits can show how your savings grow over time. Many banks, like Synchrony or Discover, offer free online calculators to estimate your returns.
How to Open a High Yield Savings Account
Ready to start saving smarter? Opening a high yield savings account is straightforward, especially with online banks. Follow these steps to get started:
Research the Best Options: Compare high yield savings account rates, fees, minimum balance requirements, and digital banking features. Top picks for July 2025 include:
- Varo Bank: 5.00% APY with a $1,000 monthly direct deposit.
- Axos Bank: 4.66% APY with no minimum deposit.
- Synchrony Bank: 4.00% APY, no fees, and an optional ATM card.
Gather Required Information:
- A U.S. address
- Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- A government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)
Apply Online: Most HYSAs can be opened in minutes via the bank’s website or mobile app. For example, Openbank’s app allows account setup in under five minutes.
Fund Your Account: Transfer funds from a linked checking account, deposit a check, or set up direct deposit. Some banks, like Discover, have no minimum opening deposit.
Set Up Online Banking: Monitor your account, track interest earnings, and manage transfers through a mobile app or website.
Pro Tip: Check for promotional rates, but beware of temporary offers that drop after a few months. Always read the fine print for minimum balance or deposit requirements to earn the advertised APY.
What Is the Best High Yield Savings Account for You?
Choosing the best high yield savings account depends on your financial goals, whether you’re in the U.S. saving in USD for an emergency fund, a big purchase, or a down payment. Here’s how to pick the right one:
Prioritize High APY: Look for accounts offering 4% APY or higher. Varo Bank and Fitness Bank currently lead with 5.00% APY.
Avoid Fees: Opt for accounts with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, like Forbright Bank’s Growth Savings.
Consider Accessibility: If you need frequent access, choose an account with an ATM card, like Synchrony or UFB Direct.
Check Digital Tools: A user-friendly mobile app, like UFB Direct’s highly rated one, makes managing your savings easier.
Evaluate Bonuses: Some banks offer sign-up bonuses, like Discover’s bonus for new customers (credited within 60 days, offer ends 09/11/2025).
Top Picks for 2025:
- Varo Bank: Best for highest APY (5.00%) with direct deposit.
- Synchrony Bank: Best for no fees and ATM access (4.00% APY).
- Discover Online Savings: Best for no minimum deposit (3.50% APY).
- Forbright Bank Growth Savings: Best for eco-conscious savers with no fees.
User Concern: If you’re worried about online-only banks, rest assured they’re FDIC-insured, offering the same $250,000 protection as traditional banks. However, if you prefer in-person banking, consider credit unions or premium savings accounts at national banks like Capital One.
Maximize Your Savings with a High Yield Savings Account Calculator
Wondering how much you could earn? A high yield savings account calculator helps you project your savings growth based on your initial deposit, monthly contributions, and APY. For example:
Scenario: around $10,000 initial deposit, 4.5% APY, $200 monthly deposits for 5 years.
Result: You could earn approximately $2,700 in interest, growing your balance to over $12,700, assuming daily compounding and no withdrawals.
Most online banks, like Synchrony and Popular Direct, offer free calculators on their websites. Input your deposit amount, expected contributions, and time frame to see how a high-yield savings account can accelerate your savings.
Common Pain Points and Solutions
Concern: Are high yield savings accounts safe?
Solution: Yes, as long as the account is FDIC- or NCUA-insured, your deposits are protected up to $250,000. Always verify the bank’s FDIC status on FDIC.gov.
Concern: Will the rates stay high?
Solution: HYSA rates are variable and tied to the Federal Reserve’s policies. While 2025 rates are strong (4%-5%), they may dip if the Fed lowers rates. Stay nimble and switch banks if your rate drops significantly.
Concern: What if I need my money quickly?
Solution: HYSAs offer liquidity, but check withdrawal limits. Online banks like UFB Direct provide ATM cards for instant access.
Why Act Now?
In 2025, high yield savings account rates remain a rare opportunity to grow your money safely while outpacing inflation. With traditional savings accounts offering as little as 0.01% APY, you’re losing purchasing power every day. By switching to a high-yield savings account, you can:
1- Earn hundreds or thousands more in interest annually.
2- Keep your money safe with FDIC insurance.
3- Stay flexible for short-term goals or emergencies.
Don’t let your savings stagnate. Use a high yield savings account calculator to estimate your earnings, compare the best high yield savings accounts, and open an account today to start growing your wealth faster.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Financial Future
A high yield savings account is a powerful tool for U.S. savers looking to maximize returns without risking their money. By understanding what a high yield savings account is, how it works, and how to open one, you’re equipped to make an informed decision. Whether you choose Varo Bank for its 5% APY or Synchrony for its no-fee flexibility, the right HYSA can transform your savings strategy.
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2025-07-14 · 6 months ago0 0875Don’t Start a Business Without Knowing This: The Truth About Cost of Goods Sold COGS
What Is Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)? Why Every Business Owner Must Understand It
If you run a business—whether you're selling on Amazon, running a Shopify store, or even managing a traditional brick-and-mortar shop—you must understand Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Why?
Because knowing how to calculate COGS isn't just about crunching numbers—it’s about understanding how much money you’re really making.
COGS is one of the most important accounting metrics that affects your profits, taxes, pricing strategy, and even inventory management. Yet so many business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs ask the same thing:
- What is cost of goods sold?
- How to calculate cost of goods sold?
- Is cost of goods sold an expense?
- What does cost of goods sold mean?
What is Cost of Goods Sold? The Foundation of Your Business’s Profitability
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) refers to the direct costs of producing the goods or services a business sells during a specific period. These costs include raw materials, labor, and manufacturing expenses but exclude indirect costs like marketing or rent. Understanding what is cost of goods sold is critical for business owners because it directly impacts your gross profit and, ultimately, your bottom line.For example, if you run a coffee shop in the US, your COGS would include the cost of coffee beans, milk, sugar, and the wages of baristas preparing the drinks. In contrast, the rent for your shop or the cost of advertising on social media wouldn’t count as COGS. Knowing this distinction helps you answer, Is cost of goods sold an expense?
Yes, it’s an expense—but a specific one tied directly to production. By mastering COGS, you can:
- Accurately calculate your profit margins.
- Identify areas to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
- Make informed pricing decisions to stay competitive in markets like the US, UK, or Australia.
Why Should You Care About COGS?
Whether you’re a seasoned retailer in New York or a startup owner in London, understanding how to find cost of goods sold is essential for several reasons:
1- Profitability Analysis: COGS directly affects your gross profit, which is calculated as: Gross Profit = Revenue – COGS. A lower COGS means higher profits.
2- Tax Deductions: In many countries, including the US and UK, COGS is deductible, reducing your taxable income.
3- Pricing Strategy: Knowing your COGS helps you set prices that cover costs while remaining competitive.
4- Inventory Management: Tracking COGS helps you monitor inventory levels, avoiding overstocking or shortages.
For instance, a UK-based clothing retailer might notice rising fabric costs impacting their COGS. By analyzing this, they can negotiate better supplier deals or adjust prices to maintain profitability in GBP.
How to Calculate Cost of Goods Sold: The Simple Formula
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to calculate cost of goods sold. The cost of goods sold formula is straight forward: COGS = Beginning Inventory + Purchases During the Period – Ending Inventory Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it crystal clear:
1- Determine Your Beginning Inventory: This is the value of your inventory at the start of the accounting period (e.g., January For example, a US bakery might start the year with $10,000 worth of flour, sugar, and other ingredients.
2- Add Purchases During the Period: Include all costs related to acquiring or producing additional inventory, like raw materials or direct labor. If the bakery buys $5,000 more supplies in January, this is added to the equation.
3- Subtract Ending Inventory: At the end of the period (e.g., January 31), calculate the value of unsold inventory. If the bakery has $3,000 left, subtract this amount.
4- Calculate COGS: Using the formula:
COGS = $10,000 (Beginning Inventory) + $5,000 (Purchases) – $3,000 (Ending Inventory) = $12,000
This $12,000 represents the bakery’s COGS for January, reflecting the cost of goods sold to generate revenue.
How to Find Cost of Goods Sold in Different Business Models
The process of how to find cost of goods sold varies slightly depending on your business type:
1- Retail Businesses: For retailers, COGS includes the cost of purchasing products from suppliers. A US-based electronics store, for example, would count the wholesale price of phones or laptops.
2- Manufacturing Businesses: Manufacturers include raw materials, direct labor, and factory overhead. A UK car parts manufacturer would factor in steel, assembly line wages, and machine maintenance costs.
3- Service-Based Businesses: Service businesses may not have traditional inventory, but COGS can include labor costs for service delivery. A freelance graphic designer in Australia might include software subscriptions or printing costs as COGS.
By tailoring your COGS calculation to your business model, you ensure accurate financial reporting, whether you’re dealing in USD, GBP, or AUD.
Is Cost of Goods Sold an Expense? Clearing Up the Confusion
A common question is, “Is cost of goods sold an expense?” The answer is yes, but it’s a specific type of expense. COGS is classified as a direct expense on your income statement, distinct from operating expenses like rent or utilities. This distinction matters because COGS directly ties to revenue generation,
making it a critical metric for assessing business efficiency. For example, a Canadian e-commerce store selling handmade jewelry would list the cost of beads, wires, and packaging as COGS,
while their website hosting fees would fall under operating expenses. Understanding this helps you optimize both direct and indirect costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calculating COGS
Even seasoned business owners can stumble when calculating COGS. Here are pitfalls to watch out for:
1- Mixing Up Direct and Indirect Costs: Don’t include expenses like marketing or office supplies in COGS. Stick to costs directly tied to production.
2- Inaccurate Inventory Counts: Errors in beginning or ending inventory can skew your COGS, leading to faulty financial decisions.
3- Ignoring Currency Fluctuations: If you operate internationally, account for exchange rates (e.g., USD to EUR) when calculating purchases.
4- Overlooking Labor Costs: For manufacturers or service providers, direct labor (e.g., wages for production workers) must be included in COGS.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll ensure your COGS calculations are accurate and actionable.
Pro Tips to Optimize Your COGS and Boost Profits
Now that you know how to calculate cost of goods sold, let’s explore ways to optimize it:
- Negotiate with Suppliers: Bulk discounts or long-term contracts can lower raw material costs, whether you’re in the US or Australia.
- Streamline Production: Invest in efficient processes to reduce labor or manufacturing expenses.
- Monitor Inventory Closely: Use inventory management software to avoid overstocking, which ties up capital and increases COGS.
- Analyze COGS Regularly: Track COGS monthly or quarterly to spot trends and adjust strategies, ensuring profitability in any currency.
For instance, a small business in London might switch to local suppliers to reduce shipping costs, lowering their COGS and boosting profits in GBP.
Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Understanding what is cost of goods sold and how to calculate cost of goods sold is more than just number-crunching—it’s a game-changer for your business.
cost of goods sold formula, you can make informed decisions that drive profitability and growth. Whether you’re a retailer in the US, a manufacturer in the UK, or a service provider in Australia,
COGS is your key to financial success.
Your Profits Are Hiding in Plain Sight—Start Tracking COGS the Smart Way with BYDFi!
2025-07-15 · 6 months ago0 0300Does Closing an Account Hurt Credit? What to Know Before Switching Banks in 2025
Why Switch Banks? The Allure of the Best Bank Switch Offers
In 2025, banks are rolling out switch bank account offers to attract new customers, and the incentives are hotter than ever. From $150 to $300+ in cash bonuses to perks like high-yield savings accounts or fee-free checking, these deals can give your finances a serious boost. According to posts on X, some banks are offering up to £310 in cash and rewards for switching your current account using services like the Current Account Switching Service.
But before you jump in, you might be asking, “Does closing an account hurt my credit?” or “Why does closing an account hurt my credit?” These are valid concerns, and we’ll break them down to ensure you make an informed decision without risking your financial health.
Top 5 Best Bank Switch Offers for 2025
Here’s a roundup of the best bank switch offers to consider this year. These deals are designed to maximize your rewards while keeping your banking experience smooth:
1. Chase Bank: More than $180
Open a new checking account, set up direct deposits of at least $500, and keep your account open for 90 days to score $200. Plus, enjoy no monthly fees with qualifying activities. Perfect for those seeking a straightforward switch.
2. SoFi Checking and Savings: Up to $300 Bonus
SoFi offers a $300 bonus for new accounts with qualifying direct deposits. Their debit card is ideal for teens, with parental controls and no overdraft fees, making it a great choice for families.
3. HSBC Advance:
Switch to HSBC using the Current Account Switching Service and get £175 plus ongoing cashback on debit card spending. Ideal for those who want both immediate rewards and long-term perks.
4. Citi Checking: 1% APY + Up to $200 Bonus
Citi’s checking account offers a competitive 1% APY and a $200 bonus for new customers who meet deposit requirements. A solid pick for those prioritizing interest earnings.
5. First Direct:
£150 BonusFirst Direct’s switching offer includes £150 for new customers who meet basic criteria, like setting up direct debits. Known for stellar customer service, it’s a great option for long-term banking.
Always read the fine print. Some banks charge early closure fees if you shut your account too soon after claiming a bonus, so plan to keep it open for the required period.
Does Closing an Account Hurt Your Credit? The Truth Revealed
One of the biggest questions when switching banks is, “Does closing an account hurt my credit?” The good news: Closing a bank account in good standing won’t directly impact your credit score. Bank accounts (checking or savings) don’t appear on your credit reports from major bureaus like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, so closures aren’t factored into your FICO or VantageScore.
However, there are scenarios where closing an account could indirectly hurt your credit:
- Negative Balances: If you close an account with an unpaid overdraft or fees, the bank may send the debt to collections. This can appear on your credit report and damage your score for up to seven years.
- Missed Payments: If your old account was linked to automatic payments for loans or credit cards, forgetting to update these could lead to missed payments, which can significantly lower your score.
- Credit Products Tied to the Account: Some banks require a checking account to maintain a credit card or loan. Closing the account might disrupt these, potentially affecting your credit.
Why does closing an account hurt credit in these cases?
It’s not the closure itself but the ripple effects—like unpaid debts or missed payments—that cause the damage. To avoid this, follow these steps:
- Open a New Account First: Set up your new account and transfer direct deposits and automatic payments before closing the old one.
- Clear All Balances: Ensure your old account has no pending transactions, overdrafts, or fees.
- Monitor for a Few Months: Keep an eye on your old account for stray charges and confirm all autopayments have switched.
- Request Written Confirmation: Ask your bank to confirm the account closure in writing to avoid future disputes.
Debit Cards for Teens: A Smart Banking Move
If you’re switching banks for your family, consider accounts offering debit cards for teens. These accounts teach financial responsibility while giving parents control. For example:
- SoFi Teen Debit Card: No fees, parental monitoring, and instant transfers make this a top pick.
- Experian Smart Money™ Debit Card: Links to Experian Boost® to help teens build credit with eligible bill payments, a unique feature for young users.
When switching to a teen-friendly account, ensure the bank offers robust mobile apps and spending limits to keep things manageable. These accounts can also qualify for switch bank account offers, doubling the benefits for your family.
How to Switch Banks Without the Stress
Ready to grab one of the best bank switch offers? Here’s a foolproof guide to make the transition smooth:
- Research Offers: Compare bonuses, fees, and perks to find the best fit. Sites like Be Clever With Your Cash provide updated lists of switching deals.
- Open Your New Account: Use the Current Account Switching Service (available with many UK banks) for a seamless transfer within seven days.
- Transfer Funds and Payments: Move your money, direct deposits, and autopayments to the new account.
- Close the Old Account: Once everything’s settled, request closure and confirm it’s complete.
- Enjoy Your Bonus: Watch that cash hit your account and celebrate your smart financial move!
Why Are Banks Offering Free Money?
You might wonder: Why would a bank just give me $300 for switching?
Simple answer: Customer lifetime value. If they can win you over with a one-time bonus, you might stick around for years — getting loans, using credit cards, and investing through them.
But it’s not all free money. You have to meet the fine print:
- Direct deposit usually required
- Must keep the account open for 90+ days
- Sometimes you must use your debit card a few times or have a certain number of transactions
Final Thoughts:
Switching banks in 2025 is a golden opportunity to boost your finances with the best bank switch offers. Whether you’re chasing a $200 cash bonus, setting up a debit card for teens, or simply streamlining your accounts, you can do it without hurting your credit score. By addressing concerns like “why does closing accounts hurt credit” and following our expert tips, you’ll navigate the process like a pro.
Ready to make the switch? Explore the offers above, open your new account today, and unlock the rewards waiting for you. Have questions or want to share your bank-switching success story? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
You can visit the BYDFi platform to learn more about investments and successful ways to live a successful life.
2025-07-15 · 6 months ago0 0267
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