The gender gap still limits how women purchase, live, and save. Here’s how to take control.
Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. The paycheck hits, the bills get paid, and what’s left? For millions of American women, the answer is often far less than their male counterparts. Fresh data from the 2025 U.S. Spending Trends report by Attest reveals…
Create a beautiful yard with these low-maintenance and drought-tolerant ground covers.
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You can pull in six figures while working from home with these jobs.
Earning a healthy paycheck and enjoying the benefits of remote work is becoming increasingly common, proving that it’s possible to make great money while working remotely. While the majority of the highest-paying remote jobs are senior-level positions that require an education and multiple years of experience, remote jobs at all levels can provide a good paycheck. With salary ranges from…
Take advantage of price freezes, early discounts, and supply deals for big savings.
Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Target is feeling the heat from slumping sales, and shoppers are about to reap the benefits, according to TheStreet. The retail giant just announced it’s freezing prices on back-to-school essentials at last year’s levels.
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If you’re in your 40s and feeling behind on retirement, you’re not alone. A lot of people hit this stage of life with less than $150,000 saved and a rising sense of panic.
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But here’s the good news: You’ve still got time. What matters now is how you use it.
With two decades or more until retirement, small moves can still have a big impact. The key is getting smart about where your money goes from here and avoiding a few common traps that quietly eat into your future.
Let’s talk numbers. Fidelity recommends having 3x your salary saved by age 40. So if you earn $75,000, you’d be aiming for $225,000. If you’re sitting under $150,000 right now, you’re not way off, but it’s a sign to start dialing things in.
Not sure how close you actually are and looking for some help? The advisors on our partner SmartAsset’s platform have been rigorously vetted through their proprietary due diligence process.
Too many people keep large cash balances in accounts that barely earn interest. Big banks still offer 0.01% APY for traditional savings accounts in most cases, even while online banks are paying 4.00% or more.
That gap adds up fast. If you’re holding cash for emergencies or near-term goals, don’t let it sit idle. Check out our list to compare the best high-yield savings accounts here and start earning more interest today.
At 40 or 45, you likely still have 20 to 25 years before retiring. That’s enough time for compound growth to do serious work — but only if your money is actually invested.
If you haven’t opened a brokerage account yet, now’s the time. You don’t need to be a stock picker. A low-cost index fund and regular contributions can get you most of the way there.
Online brokers are easy to use and generally don’t charge any fees. The S&P 500 has returned 10% annually over its history. Open a brokerage now and start really saving for your retirement.
Feeling behind can lead to inaction or risky decisions. But the most important move you can make in your 40s is to start where you are.
Even small changes now can close a big gap later.
The truth is, your 40s are a critical time for your money. You’ve still got runway, but not as much as you used to. That means every decision counts more, and taking action now can save you from scrambling later.
You’ve got this. Just don’t wait.
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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Certificate of deposit (CD) rates are holding steady above 4.00% for some terms, and that’s got a lot of savers asking the same question: Should I lock one in?
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There’s no denying that 4.50% on a federally-insured CD looks good in this market. Especially with the Fed holding rates steady and inflation slowly cooling off. But CDs aren’t one-size-fits-all, and jumping in too fast could end up costing you.
Here are four clear signs a CD might not be the right move for you right now.
The biggest tradeoff with a CD is access. Once you lock in, that money is off-limits unless you’re willing to pay an early withdrawal penalty. Depending on the bank, that could cost you several months of interest or wipe out all of your earnings.
If there’s any chance you’ll need that money before the CD’s term ends, you’re probably better off with a high-yield savings account. Right now, top accounts are still offering over 4.00%, and you can pull money out anytime.
If your savings is not currently sitting in a high-yield savings account, you’re probably earning close to 10 times less than what you could be. Check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts to change that today.
A lot of savers are trying to lock in rates before the Fed make its first cut of the year. But guessing when that’ll happen is just that: guessing.
Right now, markets are likely pricing in at least one rate cut before the end of the year. But timing is still uncertain, and locking in a 1-year CD today could mean you miss better opportunities down the line.
This one’s simple. If you don’t have at least three to six months of expenses saved in a liquid account, you probably shouldn’t be tying up money in a CD.
Even the best APY won’t help if you have to break the CD early. That’s why it’s smart to use high-yield savings for your safety net and only stash extra cash in a CD if you’re sure you won’t need it. If you need some help picking the right account, check out these top places for storing your emergency fund.
CDs are safe, but they aren’t meant to build wealth. If you’re saving for something years away — like buying a house or retirement — you might want to look beyond CDs.
Depending on your risk tolerance, bond ETFs, Treasuries, or a balanced portfolio of stocks can offer better long-term potential. CDs give you certainty, but they can also limit upside if rates fall or the market moves in your favor.
If none of these red flags apply to you, CDs can absolutely make sense. But if you’re not sure you can commit to locking up cash, or if you want to stay flexible in case rates shift, a top high-yield savings account is a smart alternative.
You’ll earn nearly as much as a CD — without sacrificing access or flexibility.
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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