The "Best" High Yield Savings Accounts

There really isn’t a single “best” high yield savings account.

For the most part, they all do the same thing. They hold your money and pay you a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account.

What matters more than chasing the “top” rate is understanding what you’re actually looking for.

Here’s what I always tell people to focus on:

First, the interest rate. Yes, it should be competitive. But rates change all the time. The bank that’s #1 this month might not be next month. So don’t stress about finding the absolute highest rate on the internet.

Second, fees. There should be none. No monthly fees. No minimum balance fees. No weird requirements to avoid charges. A good HYSA should be simple and free.

Third, accessibility. Make sure you can easily transfer money in and out. Look at how long transfers take, how user friendly the app is, and whether it integrates well with your main checking account.

Fourth, FDIC insurance. This one is non negotiable. Your account should be insured up to $250,000 so your money is protected.

And lastly, how you plan to use it. Is this for your emergency fund? Sinking funds? Short-term savings for a trip or a goal? The “best” account is the one that fits how you actually manage your money, not just the one with the flashiest rate.

So instead of asking “what’s the best HYSA,” I think the better question is: “What’s a solid, no fee, easy to use place to park my savings and earn more than basically nothing?”

If it checks those boxes, you’re doing it right.

Good High Yield Savings Account Options

Lately I’ve been getting so many questions about my skincare routine, so I wanted to finally share it here.

In 2025, I was officially diagnosed with melasma. If you’re not familiar with it, melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that causes dark patches on the skin, usually on the face. It’s triggered by things like sun exposure, hormones, and heat, and once you have it, the sun becomes one of your biggest enemies. My hyperpigmentation definitely got worse after having my second child two years ago.

So a big part of my routine now is protecting my skin, especially from UV exposure. I’m much more mindful about how much direct sun my face gets, and I never skip SPF.

No matter what, I wash my face morning and night. My skincare routine is something I NEVER skip!

MORNING ROUTINE

First, I cleanse with the Foxbrim Coconut Milk and Honey Face Cleanser. It’s gentle, doesn’t strip my skin, and leaves it feeling clean but not tight.

Second, I hydrate with the Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion. This has been a staple for me for years. I know it’s expensive, but a little goes a long way and it’s the only lotion that hasn’t broke me out. It’s lightweight but really nourishing and works well under makeup.

Third, I apply my tinted sunscreen from Alastin, the HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen. This is a mineral SPF with a tint, which means it protects your skin from the sun while also evening out your complexion. I love it because it replaces foundation on most days and gives me coverage plus protection in one step.

Their non tinted version also deserves a mention because it literally feels like silk on your skin and is one of my all time favorite SPFs.

NIGHT ROUTINE

At night, I keep things simple.

First, I wash my face again with my Foxbrim Face Wash. I have to mention, most of the time I use my own soap that I make at home, but I am constantly running out and I never can keep it in stock. So, Foxbrim is my second best choice!

Second, I use the Thayers Alcohol Free Witch Hazel Toner (unscented). I let that fully dry before applying anything else.

Third, I finish with my Epionce lotion again to lock in hydration.

And every two weeks, I use the Sonicsmooth dermaplaning tool. This helps exfoliate my skin and remove dead skin and peach fuzz, which makes my products absorb better and my skin feel extra smooth.

That’s it. Nothing complicated, nothing extreme. Just a routine that works for my skin, especially now that I’m managing melasma and being way more intentional about sun protection.

In a world that constantly encourages more spending and commitments, learning to say no is a powerful tool on your financial journey. Discover how mastering the art of saying no can transform your financial future and bring you closer to financial fulfillment.

In this video, I am sharing how I am preparing my finances for February and giving an update on my spending.

Transform your financial journey with The Budget Mom’s Savings Challenges: Volume Two, your next set of fun, practical savings challenges designed to help you stay motivated all year long.

This month, we are prepping for a brand new year, and new year goals. A few gems to check out:

This is the full Budget by Paycheck Method, laid out step by step in one place. It’s not meant to be rushed or completed in one sitting. This is something you come back to, work through at your own pace, and use as a guide as your life and finances change.

Until next time,