Start a money-market checking account or set up a standard checking account?

What to Do: Don’t bother with money-market checking accounts, which tend to offer little interest and limit checks. Instead, open a standard account with unlimited checking (and usually no or low interest). Attach it to a money-market savings account, which typically has a higher interest rate. Keep most of your money here, earning interest, and transfer funds to the checking account as needed. (Be aware of the bank policies on fees and minimum balances.)

Have your savings automatically transferred weekly to another account or save bits and pieces as you can?

What to Do: Automatic saving is a wonderful thing, so do it. “Most people tend to pay themselves last in the form of savings. They see what’s left,” says Kathy Longo, a principal financial adviser with Accredited Investors, in Edina, Minnesota. “This is a great way of paying yourself first.” Have your company divide your paycheck, depositing portions electronically into two accounts, or set up a regular automatic transfer through your bank.

Put more money in your 401(k) than your company will match or invest extra retirement savings in a Roth IRA?

What to Do: After contributing as much money to your 401(k) as your company will match, put any extra money into a Roth IRA. (But if your company doesn’t match, max out a Roth IRA first.) “Generally, a Roth allows you to contribute up to $4,000 or $5,000 a year in after-tax dollars, and the money grows tax-free. It’s typically not even taxed when you’re ready to use it in retirement,” says Evelyn Zohlen, president of Inspired Financial, in Garden Grove, California.

Keep nonemergency funds in a savings account or put the extra savings in a CD (certificate of deposit)?

What to Do: The most profitable approach is to put the majority of extra savings that won’t be needed for emergencies in stocks or a stock fund. But the investment should fit the goal. If you foresee using this money soon, then combine money-market and savings accounts, treasury bills, and CDs to diversify, says Ann Diamond, a financial consultant in New York City. For long-term goals, include stocks to improve your return and protect yourself against inflation.