Investing is typically a long-term game.

Your goals, however, may require you to move a little faster. Whether it's your next vacation or a down payment on a house, you most likely have something you want to pay for in the near future.

If your goal is in the next five years, placing your cash in a standard savings accounts is a safe and liquid option, but will offer little in the way of returns.

Upgrading to a high-yield savings account can equal 10 times the return on your money with similar benefits.

Winnie Sun, a managing partner of Sun Group Wealth Partners, advises that if you are able tolerate a little risk, you could deposit the money in a brokerage account and invest 5% to 10% for a chance to bulk up your returns.

Watch this video for a complete breakdown of how to invest your money for 12 months to five years and beyond.

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Disclosure: NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are investors in Acorns.