
How to Make a Habit Out of Earning and Saving
Financial stability isn’t just about making money—it’s about developing earning and saving habits that help you grow your wealth over time. By integrating the right financial products into your daily life, you can build a solid foundation that reduces stress, increases confidence, and puts you in control of your future. Three powerful tools to help you along this journey are Income Checking, Stash Your Cash, and Certificates (CDs). Let’s dive into how these products can support your financial growth.
Earn: Make Monthly Earnings a Habit with Income Checking
Imagine if your everyday banking habits could help you earn over $1,000 a year. A high-yield checking account is a smart financial decision because it allows you to earn interest on your everyday money while maintaining full access to your funds. Unlike traditional checking accounts that offer little to no return, a high-yield option helps your balance grow passively.
Income Checking does just that. By making this your primary account, you can earn 5.50% APY* on balances up to $25,000 and receive up to $25 in nationwide ATM fee rebates every month—just by following three simple steps:
- Enroll in e-Statements to stay paperless.
- Have a direct deposit of at least $500 to ensure regular income.
- Make at least 15 purchases using your Income Checking debit card or Columbia CU credit card.
By turning these steps into habits, you can make your daily spending work for you while growing your account balance with high earnings. Learn more about Income Checking and how to make a habit out of earning and saving cash.
Save: Reduce Financial Stress by Stashing Your Cash
Saving money isn’t just about reaching long-term goals like retirement or homeownership—it also provides immediate peace of mind. A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that 63% of adults cite money as a top stressor. Without savings, unexpected expenses—like car repairs or medical bills—can create significant anxiety.
One of the best ways to lighten the load on your shoulders and reduce daily stress is to open an emergency savings account and regularly contribute to it. If you’ve never had a savings account, start small with an automated $50 contribution per paycheck. You can set this up through your employer or by setting an automatic recurring transfer from your checking account every payday. Automating savings is essential because you won’t miss the money if you never see it.
If you’ve struggled to put money aside in the past, Stash Your Cash makes it effortless by rounding up every debit card purchase to the next dollar and automatically transferring the difference into your savings account.
- Every purchase rounds up and moves extra cents into your savings.
- Sign up for free if you have a Columbia CU checking and savings account.
- No risk of overdrawing—you can grow savings without worrying about insufficient funds.
With Stash Your Cash, saving money becomes second nature. You’ll barely notice the change, but over time, those small deposits will add up to something big. Learn more about Stash Your Cash to start saving automatically.
Grow: Hands-Off Savings Growth with Certificates (CDs)
Once you’ve built a foundation of earning and saving, the next step is making your money grow. While traditional savings accounts are great for flexibility, a Certificate (CD) offers higher interest rates and helps you grow your savings with minimal effort.
CDs are ideal for those who want to set money aside for a longer term and watch it grow at a guaranteed rate. Key benefits include:
- Tiered rates that reward higher balances.
- Flexible terms ranging from 3 months to 5 years.
- Low minimum balance requirements starting at just $500.
By locking in your funds, you’ll earn significantly more than a standard savings account while avoiding the temptation to spend. Learn more about CDs to start seeing hands-off savings growth.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Accomplishing any goal, especially money goals, feels great because it gives you freedom from financial stresses. Financial stability isn’t just about buying things—it’s about building habits that help you earn, save, and grow your wealth. With Income Checking, Stash Your Cash, and Certificates (CDs), you can reduce stress, boost confidence, and take control of your financial future.
Start making these earning and saving habits part of your financial routine today, and watch your savings—and peace of mind—grow into the future.
*APY=Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of January 1, 2025, and can change at any time without notice. When qualifications are met, the Rewards Dividend Rate is calculated and accrued daily on ending balances of $25,000 or less. Dividends are paid and compounded monthly. The advertised Rewards APY assumes your balance including the prior months’ dividends, is $25,000 or less every day of every month during the APY’s annual look-ahead timeframe. Minimum to open is $1. Requirements Period: (26th of the prior month – 25th of the current month). To earn Rewards APY and/or ATM fee rebates you must complete these three Requirements during the month’s Requirements Period: 1) Be enrolled in e-Statements; 2) Have a direct deposit of at least $500 into Income Checking; 3) Have 15 posted* Income Checking debit card or Columbia CU credit card purchases; pending transactions do not qualify. Please Note: Debit and credit card transactions may not post (or may show as pending, not posted) to your Income Checking or Credit Card Account the same day as the purchases. *Definition: posted transaction has fully processed and appears on your account statement or in online & mobile banking with a transaction date. Credit card purchases count toward Requirements when the same person is the Tax Reported Owner (member) on the Income Checking and the credit card account. ATM withdrawals don’t count toward Requirements. Limit one (1) Income Checking per Tax Reported Owner (Member).