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Save and Invest to Build a Stronger Tomorrow

Saving and investing work together to help you grow your money and build a stronger financial future. The key is to have a balanced mix of money—some savings you can access immediately if needed and some money invested for longer-term growth.

Saving vs. Investing: What's the Difference? 

Which type of account you choose depends on your goals, timeline and risk tolerance—whether you think you’ll need it in the near future or can leave it to grow over time. Here's a brief comparison of typical saving vs. investing features.

Saving


  • Allows you to easily access your money and earns dividends
  • Great for unexpected expenses and savings you plan to spend (emergencies, house, car, vacation)
  • Guaranteed returns

Learn More About Saving Options

Investing

  • Allows you to buy assets with value, like stocks (part of a company), bonds or funds (mutual, index, exchange traded) with the expectation that you’ll earn money
  • Great for mid-term and longer-term goals like building wealth, saving for tuition and retirement
  • Higher risk, but potential for higher returns

Learn More About Investing Options

What Are Your Goals?

Now that you understand how saving vs. investing works, here are some examples of accounts that can help you get started.

Tools to Help You Get There
Create an Emergency Fund Save for Specific Things Start Investing

Open a Basic Savings account

  • Earn dividends on your money
  • Access your money easily
  • Insured by NCUA

Open a Special EasyStart℠ Certificate1

  • Earn higher rates
  • Open with as little as $50
  • Insured by NCUA

Enroll in Digital InvestorNF03

  • Automated and self-directed options and live support
  • Get a 30-day free trial
  • Regulated by FINRA

Make It Automatic

One thing many successful savers and investors have in common is that they add money to their accounts regularly. You can set up automatic transfers, then relax while we do the rest. 

You’ll be able to:

  • set the dollar amount you want and change it easily
  • choose when and how often you transfer
  • cancel anytime
     
  • Tip: If you’re wondering about the best time to set your transfer, pick a day or 2 after your pay day. 

Your Contributions Can Add Up

(Totals do not include dividends/interest earned.)

Weekly Contribution Annual Earnings
$5 per week $260 per year
$10 per week $520 per year
$20 per week $1,040 per year

Disclosures

1

Limit one Special EasyStart Certificate per member. Annual percentage yield (APY) accurate as of 03/29/2024. Navy Federal reserves the right to end or modify this offer at any time. Penalty for early withdrawal. The Special EasyStart Certificate has a $50 minimum balance and a $3,000 maximum balance. Additional deposits are allowed at any time, subject to the maximum balance. Certificate owner(s) age 18 and older must have Direct Deposit of Net Pay or payroll allotment and a Navy Federal checking account within 90 days of the certificate issue date. If these requirements have not been satisfied by the 90th day, your Special EasyStart Certificate dividend rate will be reduced to the prevailing dividend rate of the 12-month EasyStart Certificate for the remainder of the certificate’s term.