I've been writing about personal finance for years, but I'll admit that I ignored my own advice about where to park my cash.

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For the longest time, I let my emergency fund sit in a big-bank savings account earning next to nothing. It felt "safe," but I was losing out on real money every month.

Then I opened a high-yield savings account (HYSA). I wish I had done it sooner.

The simple move that made me richer

I moved my emergency fund -- about $15,000 at the time -- from an account paying 0.01% interest to a high-yield savings account earning over 4.00%.

That's the difference between earning $1.50 a year and earning over $600 a year, just for letting my money sit there. It was the easiest raise I've ever given myself. No stress, no risk, and no complicated investing. Just better interest.

Why it felt like a mindset shift

Seeing that interest roll in every month changed how I thought about money. It made saving feel rewarding instead of like a chore.

I also found myself wanting to keep a healthy emergency fund because it was actually working for me, not just gathering digital dust.

This small shift built momentum; first with the emergency fund, then with sinking funds for travel and home repairs, all earning interest while I planned bigger financial moves.

Why now is a great time

Interest rates are still relatively high, which means you can find HYSAs offering 4% to 5% at many online banks.

That won't last forever. Banks tend to drop rates when the Federal Reserve does, and experts think that could happen later this year.

If you're sitting on cash in a checking or low-rate savings account, you could be losing hundreds -- or even thousands -- over time.

Don't keep waiting. Check out our list of best high-yield savings accounts to put your money to work today.

Your move

It doesn't take long to open a high-yield savings account, and many have no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

If you've been putting this off, let this be the moment you change that. It changed how I manage my money, and it can do the same for you.

Start earning more on your savings today.

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