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