The best high-yield savings accounts right now.
Top High-Yield Savings Accounts (January 2026)
Varo Bank: 5.00% APY Varo currently leads the pack, but it comes with a few "hoops." To get this rate, you need a monthly direct deposit of at least $1,000. Additionally, the 5.00% rate only applies to the first $5,000 in your account; balances above that earn a much lower base rate.
Pibank: 4.60% APY This is one of the most straightforward options available right now. There are no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees. It is an excellent choice for those who want a high yield without managing complex direct deposit rules.
Newtek Bank: 4.35% APY Newtek offers a very low barrier to entry. You don’t need a specific minimum deposit to open the account, and you start earning that competitive rate on balances as low as $0.01.
Axos Bank: 4.31% APY Axos is a strong contender if you are looking to bundle your banking. To unlock their top tier, they typically require a $1,500 monthly direct deposit into a linked Axos checking account.
Openbank: 4.20% APY A digital-focused subsidiary of Santander, Openbank is a solid middle-ground option. It requires a $500 minimum opening deposit but offers a modern, high-tech interface for users who prefer mobile-first banking.
Bread Savings: 4.05% APY While the rate is slightly lower than the leaders, Bread Savings is known for consistency and a simple fee structure. It requires a $100 minimum deposit to get started.
What to Watch Out For in 2026
Variable Rates: Unlike a CD (Certificate of Deposit), these rates are not locked in. If the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates later this year, these banks will likely drop their APYs within a few weeks.
Compound Interest: Most of these top-tier banks offer daily compounding interest. This is a subtle but important feature because it means you earn interest on your interest every single day, rather than just once a month.
FDIC Insurance: Regardless of which you choose, ensure the institution is FDIC-insured (or NCUA-insured for credit unions). This protects your deposits up to $250,000 per person, per institution.
Why It Matters
Moving your money from a traditional "big bank" (which often pays around 0.01% to 0.50%) to a 4.50% HYSA can make a massive difference. On a $20,000 balance, you’re looking at the difference between making $20 a year versus $900 a year in interest.
Would you like me to compare these rates against current 6-month or 12-month CD rates to see if locking in a rate is a better move for you?
Copyright ©️ Digital Bimpe
2 Side hustles that actually pay $1k/month in 2026.
In 2026, the side hustle landscape has shifted. We’ve moved past the "get rich quick" dropshipping era into a "skills-for-hire" economy where authenticity and specialized expertise are the highest-valued currencies.
If you are looking to hit a consistent $1,000 per month, you need a hustle that offers a high hourly rate or scalable volume. Here are the most viable paths right now.
User-Generated Content (UGC) Creator Brands have largely moved away from high-gloss studio ads. In 2026, they want "real" people filming authentic reviews and demos on their phones for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
The Math: Top UGC creators charge $150–$300 per video. Creating just 4 to 6 short videos a month clears your $1,000 goal.
How to start: You don't need a following. Build a portfolio of 3-5 videos of products you already own and pitch directly to brands or use platforms like Billo.
AI Content Editor & Prompt Engineer Generative AI is everywhere, but it’s often "uncanny" or factually wrong. Businesses are hiring humans to "bridge the gap"—taking raw AI output and refining it into high-quality, brand-accurate content.
The Math: This role typically pays $40–$60 per hour. Working just 5 hours a week gets you to $1,000/month.
How to start: Master tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Midjourney. Offer "AI Content Auditing" services on Upwork or Fiverr.
Specialized Online Tutoring General tutoring is a race to the bottom, but specialized niche tutoring (Test prep, Coding, or Data Analytics) is booming.
The Math: Specialized tutors in 2026 command $50–$100 per hour.
How to start: Focus on high-stakes outcomes (e.g., LSAT prep, Python for Finance). Use platforms like Wyzant or Preply, but eventually move to private clients for 100% of the profit.
Digital Product Merchant (Etsy/Gumroad) The "passive" side of 2026. Instead of physical goods, people are buying digital tools: Notion templates, budget spreadsheets, and specialized AI prompt libraries.
The Math: Selling a $25 template to 40 people a month hits your goal. Once the product is made, your "work" is purely marketing.
How to start: Identify a problem you’ve solved for yourself (e.g., a "Freelance Tax Tracker"). Design it in Canva or Notion and list it on Etsy.
Remote Executive Assistant (VA 2.0) High-level entrepreneurs are drowning in digital noise. They don’t just need a "virtual assistant"; they need an "operations partner" to manage their inbox, calendar, and basic project management.
The Math: A reliable VA in 2026 can charge $25–$35 per hour. One client at 10 hours a week secures your $1,000.
How to start: Reach out to creators or small agency owners on LinkedIn. Use tools like Time Etc or Belay to find your first placement.
Which one should you pick?
If you are Creative/On-camera: Choose UGC Creator.
If you are Organized/Reliable: Choose Remote Executive Assistant.
If you are Technical/Analytical: Choose AI Content Editor.
If you are Patient/Knowledgeable: Choose Specialized Tutor.
Pro Tip: To hit $1k/month quickly, don't try to do three of these at once. Pick the one that aligns with your current day-job skills so the learning curve is flat.
Copyright ©️ Digital Bimpe
