Tarra Jackson

[[{“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 

[[{“value”:”Did you know it’s possible to have “too much” car insurance?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. Many drivers pay more for car insurance than necessary because their coverage exceeds their needs. In fact, having more coverage than you need could be costing you several hundred dollars per year.Here are three red flags to help you spot if you’re overinsured — and how to fix it.1. You have coverage you don’t needNot all auto insurance coverages make sense for every driver.For example, if you own an older vehicle with a low resale value, comprehensive and collision coverage might cost more than your car is worth. In that case, dropping these optional coverages can lower your premiums without much risk.On average, U.S. drivers pay $421 per year for comprehensive coverage and $743 per year for collision coverage, according to Insurance.com. If you get in an accident, you’ve also got the deductible to cover, which means you could end up paying more out of pocket than the car is worth.If you already pay for roadside assistance through services like AAA or your phone provider, you may be doubling up by having it included in your car insurance. You might also be paying for rental reimbursement coverage, which isn’t necessary if you have a backup vehicle and won’t need a loaner while your other car is getting fixed or replaced.It’s smart to regularly review your policy to cut coverages that don’t fit your situation.You might be able to save hundreds of dollars per year just by switching your car insurance — and it only takes a few minutes to find out. Check out this free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies.2. You have overlapping or duplicate policiesSometimes people unknowingly pay twice for the same protection. This happens if you have multiple insurance policies that cover the same risks, or if you have duplicate coverage already included in another policy.For instance, you might have rental car reimbursement in both your auto and homeowners insurance. An easy way to save money is to to track all your insurance products to avoid paying twice for the same coverage.3. Your deductible is too lowYour deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Choosing a very low deductible, therefore, usually means a higher premium (your monthly payment).If you’re a safe driver and have enough savings to cover a bigger chunk of an accident, increasing your auto insurance deductible can lower your monthly or yearly premium significantly.That means you’ll be reducing your insurance costs while still providing solid protection. If you’ve got a decent driving record and are looking to save a little, raising your deductible (and decreasing your premium) could be a smart move.Review your policy and save todayHaving the right amount of car insurance coverage means balancing risk with upfront cost.The best ways to save on car insurance include avoiding paying for unnecessary coverages, overlapping policies, and low deductibles that drive up premiums. It’s smart to review your insurance regularly and adjust it to fit your current needs and financial situation.Want to save on your car insurance today? Check out this free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies.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”:”

Did you know it’s possible to have “too much” car insurance?

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.

Many drivers pay more for car insurance than necessary because their coverage exceeds their needs. In fact, having more coverage than you need could be costing you several hundred dollars per year.

Here are three red flags to help you spot if you’re overinsured — and how to fix it.

1. You have coverage you don’t need

Not all auto insurance coverages make sense for every driver.

For example, if you own an older vehicle with a low resale value, comprehensive and collision coverage might cost more than your car is worth. In that case, dropping these optional coverages can lower your premiums without much risk.

On average, U.S. drivers pay $421 per year for comprehensive coverage and $743 per year for collision coverage, according to Insurance.com. If you get in an accident, you’ve also got the deductible to cover, which means you could end up paying more out of pocket than the car is worth.

If you already pay for roadside assistance through services like AAA or your phone provider, you may be doubling up by having it included in your car insurance. You might also be paying for rental reimbursement coverage, which isn’t necessary if you have a backup vehicle and won’t need a loaner while your other car is getting fixed or replaced.

It’s smart to regularly review your policy to cut coverages that don’t fit your situation.

You might be able to save hundreds of dollars per year just by switching your car insurance — and it only takes a few minutes to find out. Check out this free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies.

2. You have overlapping or duplicate policies

Sometimes people unknowingly pay twice for the same protection. This happens if you have multiple insurance policies that cover the same risks, or if you have duplicate coverage already included in another policy.

For instance, you might have rental car reimbursement in both your auto and homeowners insurance. An easy way to save money is to to track all your insurance products to avoid paying twice for the same coverage.

3. Your deductible is too low

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Choosing a very low deductible, therefore, usually means a higher premium (your monthly payment).

If you’re a safe driver and have enough savings to cover a bigger chunk of an accident, increasing your auto insurance deductible can lower your monthly or yearly premium significantly.

That means you’ll be reducing your insurance costs while still providing solid protection. If you’ve got a decent driving record and are looking to save a little, raising your deductible (and decreasing your premium) could be a smart move.

Review your policy and save today

Having the right amount of car insurance coverage means balancing risk with upfront cost.

The best ways to save on car insurance include avoiding paying for unnecessary coverages, overlapping policies, and low deductibles that drive up premiums. It’s smart to review your insurance regularly and adjust it to fit your current needs and financial situation.

Want to save on your car insurance today? Check out this free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies.

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