1. Switch banks

Old bank sign engraved in stone | iStock. com/BrianAJackson

Switching banks can be a big hassle, but if you play your cards right, it may be worth it. You might be able to squeeze a little more out of your emergency fund and cash savings by switching to a bank that pays slightly higher interest rates. Some banks will also pay as much as $200 or $300 in bonuses when you open new accounts. For example, you can earn $300 for opening a Signature Advantage account at SunTrust bank.