Let's be real: having a big fat savings account is awesome. But sometimes, having too much cash sitting in there can stall your financial progress.

With rates and markets on the move in 2025, it never hurts to check in on your savings situation. Here are four big reasons it might be time to shuffle your cash around.

1. You have more money than you need in savings

Building up an emergency fund is crucial. But keeping a large amount of cash beyond that is excessive. It's money that could be growing faster elsewhere.

For example: Personally I keep $25,000 in my emergency fund, which represents about three to four months' worth of living expenses for my family.

Every few months I do a check-in on my savings balance. Sometimes I find I've got $30,000 or even more in there. So I know it's time to move some cash out and put it into longer-term investments.

2. It's a great time to invest

The stock market has been a little rocky lately -- which is music to my ears! That's because when the market is down, it's actually a great buying opportunity for long-term investors.

If you're young or have years before you need the money, every extra dollar you invest now could ride the recovery wave. If your money is snoozing in a savings account, you'll miss that upswing.

Yes, investing can be scary at first. But you don't have to go it alone. You can use this free tool from our partner SmartAsset that can match you to a fiduciary adviser.

3. You could earn more interest elsewhere

One of the easiest wins right now? Switching to a high-yield savings account (HYSA).

Most big banks are still paying a fraction of a percent in interest for savings. Meanwhile, some online HYSAs are paying 4.00% to 4.50% APY -- with no monthly fees.

Here's an example of how much more money an HYSA earns:

• $10,000 in a 0.45% account earns about $45 a year.
• $10,000 in a 4.50% HYSA earns about $450 a year.

That's 10X more money...for doing nothing but moving your cash.

If you have a big savings account balance earning pennies in interest, switch to a high-yield account ASAP. Personally, I'm a big fan of the CIT Platinum Savings account, which gets you 4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more with no monthly fees. Open an account today.

4. Paying off debt is a guaranteed return

Holding onto extra cash can feel comforting. But if you're carrying debt, it's always worth considering paying down your loans to lessen the cost of interest.

This is especially true for high-interest debt.

Paying off a 6% mortgage is like locking in a 6% return. Paying off 8% student loans or 24% credit cards is even better.

No investment comes with a guaranteed return that high.

The bottom line

I bet you worked really hard to save up your money. Now, it's time to make your money work hard for you.

By moving your emergency fund to a high-yield savings account, and investing excess savings wisely, you'll protect your financial future and hit your goals faster.