Where should I keep emergency cash so it stays safe but earns something?

The goal is safety, liquidity, and a decent yield, in that order. A high-yield savings account at an FDIC-insured online bank is the default choice for most people: your principal is protected up to the standard 250,000 dollar FDIC limit per depositor per bank, you can transfer to checking within a day or two, and yields track short-term rates. A money market deposit account works similarly. For a portion you rarely touch, a government money market fund or short Treasury bills can earn a bit more while staying very liquid. Avoid stocks, long-term bonds, or anything with a withdrawal penalty for money you might need on short notice. The FDIC publishes insurance rules at fdic.gov. Compare your target and timeline with the Emergency Fund Calculator at wealthserene.com/tools/emergency-fund.