For most people, having robust reserves to draw on when times get tough can make all the difference between having a temporary setback and experiencing a major lifestyle downgrade. Savvy savers understand that growing their money and keeping some available for emergencies can help them build a more secure future. But, if they want more growth potential, they’ll supplement those savings with an investment strategy.
There are certainly lots of savings options, and each offers a different way to help you grow your money. Some of these include regular savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates. How much you earn often depends on your balance or whether you can commit to holding your money in an account for a specific period of time. There are also tax-advantaged retirement accounts like Traditional and Roth IRAs for those focused on creating a solid retirement nest egg that’s separate from their other savings accounts. You’ll find that among financial institutions, credit unions like Navy Federal may offer you some of the most competitive rates available.
But, if you’re looking for maximum growth potential, a pivot from a savings-only strategy to a savings- AND investment-focused portfolio can really amplify your long-term financial picture. It can also accelerate how long it takes to reach your goals and might even allow you to establish a financial safety net that could eventually be passed on to the next generation.
You don’t have to go it alone. No matter where you are in your financial journey, we’ve found a terrific resource for you. Navy Federal offers free financial education resources to help you level up your skills. They cover topics from savings and budgeting to investing basics, cryptocurrencies, and ways to assess stock performance. You can also find tips for different investing strategies and risk profiles for investors. There’s something for everyone.
Welcome to the Exciting World of Investing
Once you’re ready to upgrade your long-term strategy, you have so many options. If you need help narrowing down your choices, one of our favorite tools is Navy Federal Investment Services Digital Investor. It’s a low-cost online investing tool that makes it simple to get started. One of its best features allows you to buy both whole and fractional shares, which is great if your investing budget is limited. And, best of all, it makes it easy for investors to stay on top of their financial activities and choose the level of control they want to have over their portfolio.
Experienced investors or those who want to directly control their investments can opt for a self-directed account, where they can take advantage of market reports to build stock and ETF packages or use pre-built bundles with securities that are pre-vetted.
Newer investors or those who prefer a more hands-off approach may be interested in an automated account. You just tell them your goals and financial situation, including your risk tolerance, and they’ll take care of the rest. You’ll have a portfolio specifically tailored to your goals and preferences, and they’ll even automatically rebalance it for you from time to time.
Still unsure which direction you want to go? No worries. Navy Federal lets you easily compare plans, rates, and fees so that you can pick the best plan for you. And, with no minimum balance requirements, you can invest as little as $1 per share and join the thousands of loyal members already trusting them to help guide their financial plans.
So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your savings strategy today and start building a solid foundation for the future.
This article was sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. For more than 90 years, their members have enjoyed so many membership perks, including great rates, discounts, cashback, and helpful guides that explain a variety of financial topics in simple terms.
Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA. Navy Federal Financial Group, LLC (NFFG) is a licensed insurance agency. Non-deposit investments, brokerage, and advisory products are only sold through Navy Federal Investment Services LLC (NFIS), a member of FINRA/SIPC and an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. NFIS is a wholly owned subsidiary of NFFG. Insurance products are offered through NFFG and NFIS. These products are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guaranteed or obligations of Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), are not offered, recommended, sanctioned, or encouraged by the federal government, and may involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Deposit products and related services are provided by NFCU. Digital Investor offered through NFIS. Financial Advisors are employees of NFFG, and they are employees and registered representatives of NFIS. NFIS and NFFG are affiliated companies under the common control of NFCU. Call 1-877-221-8108 for further information. Image used for representational purposes only; does not imply government endorsement.