Tarra Jackson

[[{“value”:”On average, full coverage car insurance in the U.S. costs about $2,680 a year (that’s $223 a month.) But for minimum coverage, that average drops to around $802 a year ($67 a month), according to Bankrate.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Keep in mind, those are just averages. Your premiums could be a lot lower (or higher) depending on where you live, what you drive, your driving history, and more.So how do you know if you’re overpaying? Here’s what to know and how to check.How do you compare to the national average?I’ll go first. My full coverage premium right now is $1,047 per year. I live in California, have an excellent credit score, drive a minivan (dad mode), and only drive about 6,000 miles a year.I pay less than half the national average for car insurance. But it didn’t happen by accident. I keep a clean driving record and credit profile, and I shop around rates pretty often.And trust me — shopping around once in a while really pays off. Here’s a free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies.You could save hundreds, just by checking what’s out there.What affects your car insurance rate?There’s a long list of factors that impact your auto insurance premium. Some of them you can control, and others you can’t.Here are the big ones insurers look at:Your location: Rates vary dramatically by state and even ZIP code. Michigan drivers, for example, pay more than twice as much as people in Vermont.Driving record: Accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs can spike your rate for years.Vehicle type: Minivans and sedans are typically cheaper to insure than sports cars or luxury vehicles.Credit score: In most states, a higher credit score means a lower insurance premium.Annual mileage: Less time on the road usually equals lower risk (and cheaper coverage).Coverage level: Full coverage costs more than minimum coverage, but it offers far better protection.Deductible amount: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium.I know, that’s a lot to keep track of. But understanding the dials you can turn gives you the best shot at lowering your rate.It pays to shop aroundConsumer Reports recently found that 30% of car owners switched insurers in the last five years, and the median savings for those who did was $461 per year.Here’s the thing, though: You can’t just sit around and wait for a discount.If you want a lower premium, you’ve got to ask for it. And the only way to save is by shopping around and getting new quotes.Personally, I shop around at least once a year. More often than not, I confirm that I already have the best deal for me. And it makes me feel good knowing I’m not overpaying.But then there are times when I save a bunch of money for the exact same policy!Bottom line: Don’t wait for your renewal date. Check out this free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies. It only takes a few minutes, and you could save hundreds!Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 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.”}]] [[{“value”:”

On average, full coverage car insurance in the U.S. costs about $2,680 a year (that’s $223 a month.) But for minimum coverage, that average drops to around $802 a year ($67 a month), according to Bankrate.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Keep in mind, those are just averages. Your premiums could be a lot lower (or higher) depending on where you live, what you drive, your driving history, and more.

So how do you know if you’re overpaying? Here’s what to know and how to check.

How do you compare to the national average?

I’ll go first. My full coverage premium right now is $1,047 per year. I live in California, have an excellent credit score, drive a minivan (dad mode), and only drive about 6,000 miles a year.

I pay less than half the national average for car insurance. But it didn’t happen by accident. I keep a clean driving record and credit profile, and I shop around rates pretty often.

And trust me — shopping around once in a while really pays off. Here’s a free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies.

You could save hundreds, just by checking what’s out there.

What affects your car insurance rate?

There’s a long list of factors that impact your auto insurance premium. Some of them you can control, and others you can’t.

Here are the big ones insurers look at:

• Your location: Rates vary dramatically by state and even ZIP code. Michigan drivers, for example, pay more than twice as much as people in Vermont.
• Driving record: Accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs can spike your rate for years.
• Vehicle type: Minivans and sedans are typically cheaper to insure than sports cars or luxury vehicles.
• Credit score: In most states, a higher credit score means a lower insurance premium.
• Annual mileage: Less time on the road usually equals lower risk (and cheaper coverage).
• Coverage level: Full coverage costs more than minimum coverage, but it offers far better protection.
• Deductible amount: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium.

I know, that’s a lot to keep track of. But understanding the dials you can turn gives you the best shot at lowering your rate.

It pays to shop around

Consumer Reports recently found that 30% of car owners switched insurers in the last five years, and the median savings for those who did was $461 per year.

Here’s the thing, though: You can’t just sit around and wait for a discount.

If you want a lower premium, you’ve got to ask for it. And the only way to save is by shopping around and getting new quotes.

Personally, I shop around at least once a year. More often than not, I confirm that I already have the best deal for me. And it makes me feel good knowing I’m not overpaying.

But then there are times when I save a bunch of money for the exact same policy!

Bottom line: Don’t wait for your renewal date. Check out this free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies. It only takes a few minutes, and you could save hundreds!

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”If you had to cover three months of bills without a paycheck, could you?Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. That’s the real reason financial experts point to $19,800 as a smart savings target. It’s based on one simple idea: The average U.S. household spends about $6,600 per month, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Multiply that by three, and you’ve got a bare-minimum emergency fund.And yet, most Americans don’t even come close.Most households aren’t ready for a crisisA recent Fortune survey found that just 41% of Americans could cover a $1,000 emergency using their savings. That’s not even enough for a major car repair, let alone a job loss or unexpected medical bill.It’s not always a spending problem; it’s often a strategy problem. Many people keep what little savings they do have in accounts earning basically nothing. Meanwhile, inflation keeps eating away at the value of their cash.If you’re serious about reaching that $19,800 target, where you keep your savings matters just as much as the amount you save.Where to stash your emergency fund (Hint: not a checking account)This is where high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) come in.Top online banks are currently offering over 4.25% APY, with no monthly fees or hoops to jump through. That’s a huge upgrade over the national average savings rate, which is still stuck below 0.50%.Let’s do the math:If you’re holding $10,000 in a traditional bank account at 0.01% APY, you’d earn just $1 in a year.But at 4.25% APY? You’d earn $425 — with no extra effort.If you’re looking for a place to start, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts now to start putting your money to work for you.These accounts are federally insured, totally liquid, and built for exactly this kind of savings. You’re not locking your money away in a CD or taking on stock market risk. You’re just earning more while staying flexible.How to build up $19,800 — even if you’re starting smallIf that number feels out of reach, don’t panic. You don’t have to save it all at once. The key is consistency.Try this:Start by automating $50 to $100 a week into a high-yield account.Use windfalls like tax refunds or bonuses to boost your balance.Keep it separate from your everyday spending so you’re not tempted to dip in.Once you build momentum, saving gets easier. And watching your money grow faster in a high-yield account can actually be motivating. You’ll feel the progress.Savings isn’t just a number — it’s peace of mindHaving $19,800 in the bank won’t make you rich. But it might be the difference between staying afloat or going into debt when life throws you a curveball.Most people don’t have that cushion. But that also means most people aren’t earning interest on their money, and that’s something you can change today.If you want a savings strategy that actually works, start with a better account. You’ll hit your target faster, and you won’t have to settle for earning pennies on your hard-earned cash.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 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.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you had to cover three months of bills without a paycheck, could you?

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

That’s the real reason financial experts point to $19,800 as a smart savings target. It’s based on one simple idea: The average U.S. household spends about $6,600 per month, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Multiply that by three, and you’ve got a bare-minimum emergency fund.

And yet, most Americans don’t even come close.

Most households aren’t ready for a crisis

A recent Fortune survey found that just 41% of Americans could cover a $1,000 emergency using their savings. That’s not even enough for a major car repair, let alone a job loss or unexpected medical bill.

It’s not always a spending problem; it’s often a strategy problem. Many people keep what little savings they do have in accounts earning basically nothing. Meanwhile, inflation keeps eating away at the value of their cash.

If you’re serious about reaching that $19,800 target, where you keep your savings matters just as much as the amount you save.

Where to stash your emergency fund (Hint: not a checking account)

This is where high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) come in.

Top online banks are currently offering over 4.25% APY, with no monthly fees or hoops to jump through. That’s a huge upgrade over the national average savings rate, which is still stuck below 0.50%.

Let’s do the math:

If you’re holding $10,000 in a traditional bank account at 0.01% APY, you’d earn just $1 in a year.

But at 4.25% APY? You’d earn $425 — with no extra effort.

These accounts are federally insured, totally liquid, and built for exactly this kind of savings. You’re not locking your money away in a CD or taking on stock market risk. You’re just earning more while staying flexible.

How to build up $19,800 — even if you’re starting small

If that number feels out of reach, don’t panic. You don’t have to save it all at once. The key is consistency.

Try this:

• Start by automating $50 to $100 a week into a high-yield account.
• Use windfalls like tax refunds or bonuses to boost your balance.
• Keep it separate from your everyday spending so you’re not tempted to dip in.

Once you build momentum, saving gets easier. And watching your money grow faster in a high-yield account can actually be motivating. You’ll feel the progress.

Savings isn’t just a number — it’s peace of mind

Having $19,800 in the bank won’t make you rich. But it might be the difference between staying afloat or going into debt when life throws you a curveball.

Most people don’t have that cushion. But that also means most people aren’t earning interest on their money, and that’s something you can change today.

If you want a savings strategy that actually works, start with a better account. You’ll hit your target faster, and you won’t have to settle for earning pennies on your hard-earned cash.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Top 6-month CDs are still paying around 4.00% APY as of right now. But that may not last much longer. In its June meeting, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, with the next policy decision expected in late July.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Still, many banks have already started quietly trimming CD and savings rates in anticipation of potential cuts later this year. Even without a formal Fed move, yields could continue to slip.If you’re thinking about locking in a short-term CD, now may be your best shot before rates trend lower.Why a 6-month CD could be the sweet spotShort-term CDs let you lock in a fixed return, but still give you access to your cash relatively soon.It’s a step up from a high-yield savings account (which can change rates anytime) but doesn’t require tying up your money for years.That’s especially helpful in uncertain markets or if you think you’ll need your funds soon.Right now, some of the best CD rates are up to 4.00% APY on 6-month terms. That’s about $200 in interest on a $10,000 deposit, and you’d get your cash back before Christmas!Want to shop around the top rates available? See all the best 6-month CD rates here, and find your best option.Consider CD laddering with different termsIf you’re working with a larger balance, you might want to spread your cash across multiple CDs with different timeframes.This strategy is also called CD laddering. It’s the perfect way for people to lock in top rates, and stagger maturity dates so they have regular access to their cash.For example, here’s a simple CD ladder spreading $40,000 across four CDs with a $10,000 in each:CD TermAPY (%)Interest Earned6 Months4.00%$19812 Months3.75%$37518 Months3.50%$53024 Months3.50%$712Data source: Author’s calculations.Over a two-year period, you could earn $1,815 in interest, while still having access to your initial $10,000 deposits every six months.By the way, if the Fed begins cutting rates (as is expected to happen before the end of the year), it’s likely that all CD terms will drop — not just the short-term ones. So no matter the CD term you’re interested in, it might be smart to lock in your rate sooner rather than later.When a CD might not be the right fitCDs are great for money you won’t need to touch. But if there’s any chance you’ll need access before the term is up, they can be a bit restrictive.Most banks charge a penalty for withdrawing early from CDs. Usually, the fee is forfeiting anywhere from three months to the entire amount of interest earned.So if flexibility is a priority, a high-yield savings account (HYSA) could be the better fit.HYSAs are also offering around 4.00% APY right now, but they are exposed to instant rate changes whenever banks want to implement them.If you value access over a fixed return, a HYSA may be the safer move. (I personally fall into this camp).Final thoughtsOpening a 6-month CD now could be a smart way to lock in a solid short-term return before rates decline. It’s safe, predictable, and doesn’t tie up your money for too long.And with the Fed hinting at rate cuts as early as this fall, this might be your last window to capture top-tier CD yields. Compare today’s best 6-month CD rates and start earning more on your cash.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 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.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Top 6-month CDs are still paying around 4.00% APY as of right now. But that may not last much longer. In its June meeting, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, with the next policy decision expected in late July.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Still, many banks have already started quietly trimming CD and savings rates in anticipation of potential cuts later this year. Even without a formal Fed move, yields could continue to slip.

If you’re thinking about locking in a short-term CD, now may be your best shot before rates trend lower.

Why a 6-month CD could be the sweet spot

Short-term CDs let you lock in a fixed return, but still give you access to your cash relatively soon.

It’s a step up from a high-yield savings account (which can change rates anytime) but doesn’t require tying up your money for years.

That’s especially helpful in uncertain markets or if you think you’ll need your funds soon.

Right now, some of the best CD rates are up to 4.00% APY on 6-month terms. That’s about $200 in interest on a $10,000 deposit, and you’d get your cash back before Christmas!

Consider CD laddering with different terms

If you’re working with a larger balance, you might want to spread your cash across multiple CDs with different timeframes.

This strategy is also called CD laddering. It’s the perfect way for people to lock in top rates, and stagger maturity dates so they have regular access to their cash.

For example, here’s a simple CD ladder spreading $40,000 across four CDs with a $10,000 in each:

Over a two-year period, you could earn $1,815 in interest, while still having access to your initial $10,000 deposits every six months.

By the way, if the Fed begins cutting rates (as is expected to happen before the end of the year), it’s likely that all CD terms will drop — not just the short-term ones. So no matter the CD term you’re interested in, it might be smart to lock in your rate sooner rather than later.

When a CD might not be the right fit

CDs are great for money you won’t need to touch. But if there’s any chance you’ll need access before the term is up, they can be a bit restrictive.

Most banks charge a penalty for withdrawing early from CDs. Usually, the fee is forfeiting anywhere from three months to the entire amount of interest earned.

So if flexibility is a priority, a high-yield savings account (HYSA) could be the better fit.

HYSAs are also offering around 4.00% APY right now, but they are exposed to instant rate changes whenever banks want to implement them.

If you value access over a fixed return, a HYSA may be the safer move. (I personally fall into this camp).

Final thoughts

Opening a 6-month CD now could be a smart way to lock in a solid short-term return before rates decline. It’s safe, predictable, and doesn’t tie up your money for too long.

And with the Fed hinting at rate cuts as early as this fall, this might be your last window to capture top-tier CD yields. Compare today’s best 6-month CD rates and start earning more on your cash.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

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!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.

“}]] Read More