As America moves closer to a cashless society and coin production becomes more expensive, could the quarter’s future be at risk?
Radomir Rezny / Shutterstock.com
The humble penny might not be alone in its struggle for relevance. As inflation erodes purchasing power and digital payments dominate everyday transactions, could the quarter, that stalwart of vending machines and parking meters, be at risk? Consider the arguments for and against keeping the quarter. Rising production costs make the quarter harder to justify. While the penny has long been…
Consumer complaints about relentless robocalls prompt regulators to review how banks pursue debt collection.
Vividrange / Shutterstock.com
Wells Fargo cannot seem to stay out of trouble. The bank that created headlines over fake accounts and unauthorized insurance policies is again under fire, alongside several major financial institutions. Federal regulators and consumer advocates are increasing scrutiny of what many consider one of the industry’s most intrusive practices: harassing consumers with persistent robocalls about debts…
Rising federal debt drives up loan rates, which may force buyers to pay significantly more over time.
Dusan Petkovic / Shutterstock.com
Rep. Thomas Massie was one of only two House Republicans to oppose the party’s tax bill, warning it was a “debt bomb ticking.” As he put it, Congress may use “fantasy math,” but bond investors won’t. According to analysis highlighted by CNBC, the bill could add between $3.1 trillion and $3.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, based on estimates from the Committee for a…
A credit crunch could be brewing as bond market stress threatens small business lending, job stability, and economic growth.
Dragos Asaftei / Shutterstock.com
The bond market might be on the verge of delivering a crushing blow to small businesses across America — and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon wants the public to brace for impact. In comments spotlighted by TheStreet, Dimon warned that if global investors begin to lose faith in U.S. debt, credit spreads could “gap out” — a Wall Street term for a sharp widening that could make borrowing…
[[{“value”:”Your credit limit is the maximum amount a lender allows you to borrow on a credit card. So higher is better, right?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. In most cases, yes. A $50,000 credit limit, for example, means you likely have a strong credit history, high income, and low existing debt. But for big spenders, a high credit limit comes with risks.Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of a $50,000 credit limit.Benefits of a high credit limitGreater financial flexibilityA high credit limit can be a great way to pay for big purchases or cover you in an emergency.You never want to charge more than you can pay off in full. That’s why everyone needs an emergency fund in a savings account. But a high-limit credit card can come in very handy when you need to cover a big expense — especially if it’s on short notice.Improved credit utilization ratioCredit utilization is the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits, and it accounts for about 30% of your credit score. Basically, credit issuers like to see that you’re not always using up most or all of the credit they’re giving you.If you maintain low balances, a higher credit limit will lower your credit utilization ratio and increase your credit score.Valuable rewards and perksPremium, high-limit credit cards often come with superior rewards, including higher cash back rates, travel rewards, and exclusive offers.Click here to check out one travel credit card with a minimum credit limit of $5,000 and user-reported limits reaching $50,000 or more. You’ll also earn boosted points in certain categories like travel and dining, and a higher redemption value for your points when redeemed through the issuer’s portal.Risks of a high credit limitPotential for overspendingA higher limit may tempt some people to spend beyond their means, leading to increased debt and financial strain.If you have a history of overspending, it’s probably smart to start with a lower credit limit and slowly work your way up.Impact on credit scoreWhile a higher limit can improve your credit utilization ratio, carrying a high balance can harm it. It’ll also result in interest charges if you don’t pay it off on time.Always remember the number one rule of credit cards: Never spend more than you can pay off in full every month. Try to avoid carrying a monthly balance at all costs.Should you aim for a $50,000 credit limit?A $50,000 credit limit can be a blessing or a curse. Consider the following:Financial discipline: If you consistently pay off your balances in full, a higher limit can be a plus.Income level: A higher income may justify a larger credit limit if you’re spending lots every month.Credit goals: A higher limit can lower your credit utilization ratio and thus improve your credit score.If you struggle with managing credit or are prone to overspending, however, a lower limit may be a better starting point.Want to build up to a higher credit limit today? Consider one of the cards from our expert-curated best high-limit credit cards list as your starting point.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”:”
Your credit limit is the maximum amount a lender allows you to borrow on a credit card. So higher is better, right?
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!
In most cases, yes. A $50,000 credit limit, for example, means you likely have a strong credit history, high income, and low existing debt. But for big spenders, a high credit limit comes with risks.
Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of a $50,000 credit limit.
Benefits of a high credit limit
Greater financial flexibility
A high credit limit can be a great way to pay for big purchases or cover you in an emergency.
You never want to charge more than you can pay off in full. That’s why everyone needs an emergency fund in a savings account. But a high-limit credit card can come in very handy when you need to cover a big expense — especially if it’s on short notice.
Improved credit utilization ratio
Credit utilization is the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits, and it accounts for about 30% of your credit score. Basically, credit issuers like to see that you’re not always using up most or all of the credit they’re giving you.
If you maintain low balances, a higher credit limit will lower your credit utilization ratio and increase your credit score.
Valuable rewards and perks
Premium, high-limit credit cards often come with superior rewards, including higher cash back rates, travel rewards, and exclusive offers.
Click here to check out one travel credit card with a minimum credit limit of $5,000 and user-reported limits reaching $50,000 or more. You’ll also earn boosted points in certain categories like travel and dining, and a higher redemption value for your points when redeemed through the issuer’s portal.
Risks of a high credit limit
Potential for overspending
A higher limit may tempt some people to spend beyond their means, leading to increased debt and financial strain.
If you have a history of overspending, it’s probably smart to start with a lower credit limit and slowly work your way up.
Impact on credit score
While a higher limit can improve your credit utilization ratio, carrying a high balance can harm it. It’ll also result in interest charges if you don’t pay it off on time.
Always remember the number one rule of credit cards: Never spend more than you can pay off in full every month. Try to avoid carrying a monthly balance at all costs.
Should you aim for a $50,000 credit limit?
A $50,000 credit limit can be a blessing or a curse. Consider the following:
Financial discipline: If you consistently pay off your balances in full, a higher limit can be a plus.
Income level: A higher income may justify a larger credit limit if you’re spending lots every month.
Credit goals: A higher limit can lower your credit utilization ratio and thus improve your credit score.
If you struggle with managing credit or are prone to overspending, however, a lower limit may be a better starting point.
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!
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”:”Image source: Getty Images
Think for a second: How do you win a game of Monopoly?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. Do you circle the board as fast as you can, refusing to buy anything, and only focus on stacking up cash?Of course not. You buy properties. You invest early and get your hands on as many assets as possible. It’s a race to build hotels and collect income. The players that buy nothing and hoard cash? They lose.Well, the same idea applies to retirement and real life. Saving is crucial. But investing is what builds real wealth.Why saving alone won’t get you thereLet’s say you save $500 per month, and put all of that money into a checking account at the bank. Do you know how long it will take to save up $1 million?It will take 166 years. Not kidding.Simply stashing money in a bank account makes it incredibly difficult to reach your retirement goals. But when you invest your money and activate compound interest, your wealth grows like a snowball.Now let’s look at what investing can do with $500 per month. Instead of saving in a checking account, let’s say you invest all those dollars in a 401(k) or IRA. With an 8% average annual return (I’ll explain why I chose this rate later), reaching that $1 million would only take 35 years.That’s a difference of 131 years!You can even reach $1 million much sooner, by either saving more or getting a higher return on your investments. The reason I used an 8% annual growth rate is because it’s a conservative estimate, slightly below the S&P 500 Index’s long-term average of about 10%.By the way, if you’re confused about all this investing stuff, it never hurts to connect with an advisor. A short questionnaire from our partner, SmartAsset, helps match you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest.Automate everythingOne of the best money moves I ever made was automating my retirement contributions.Every paycheck, a little bit of money gets transferred into my investment accounts, without me ever having to think about it. And over the years, those small, consistent deposits have quietly grown into big balances.If your workplace offers a 401(k) plan, start there. And if they offer a match, grab it! That’s free money. Another easy option is opening an IRA and scheduling monthly transfers.Experts recommend saving 10% to 15% of every paycheck. But honestly, I encourage people to save even more if they can.Keep it simple with index fundsI’m a huge fan of index funds. These are low-cost funds that track big chunks of the market, like the S&P 500 Index.That means when you invest in one fund, you instantly own shares of hundreds of companies — without having to pick and choose.Another easy setup is target-date retirement funds. They’re like all-in-one portfolios that invest your money in a mix of stocks and bonds, and automatically adjust that mix as you get older.And if you want a completely hands-off experience, it might make sense to work with an advisor. This no-cost quiz from our partner, SmartAsset, makes it easier to find a fiduciary financial advisor.Go build your Monopoly boardSaving for retirement is a long-term game.Just like collecting properties in Monopoly, the key is to keep stacking assets over time. Those investments will start paying dividends, growing in value, and snowballing into real wealth.To make it easier, set your contributions on autopilot. This makes investing a habit, so all of your dollars are working hard while you continue living your life.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”:”
Image source: Getty Images
Think for a second: How do you win a game of Monopoly?
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!
Do you circle the board as fast as you can, refusing to buy anything, and only focus on stacking up cash?
Of course not. You buy properties. You invest early and get your hands on as many assets as possible. It’s a race to build hotels and collect income. The players that buy nothing and hoard cash? They lose.
Well, the same idea applies to retirement and real life. Saving is crucial. But investing is what builds real wealth.
Why saving alone won’t get you there
Let’s say you save $500 per month, and put all of that money into a checking account at the bank. Do you know how long it will take to save up $1 million?
It will take 166 years. Not kidding.
Simply stashing money in a bank account makes it incredibly difficult to reach your retirement goals. But when you invest your money and activate compound interest, your wealth grows like a snowball.
Now let’s look at what investing can do with $500 per month. Instead of saving in a checking account, let’s say you invest all those dollars in a 401(k) or IRA. With an 8% average annual return (I’ll explain why I chose this rate later), reaching that $1 million would only take 35 years.
That’s a difference of 131 years!
You can even reach $1 million much sooner, by either saving more or getting a higher return on your investments. The reason I used an 8% annual growth rate is because it’s a conservative estimate, slightly below the S&P 500 Index’s long-term average of about 10%.
By the way, if you’re confused about all this investing stuff, it never hurts to connect with an advisor. A short questionnaire from our partner, SmartAsset, helps match you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest.
Automate everything
One of the best money moves I ever made was automating my retirement contributions.
Every paycheck, a little bit of money gets transferred into my investment accounts, without me ever having to think about it. And over the years, those small, consistent deposits have quietly grown into big balances.
If your workplace offers a 401(k) plan, start there. And if they offer a match, grab it! That’s free money. Another easy option is opening an IRA and scheduling monthly transfers.
Experts recommend saving 10% to 15% of every paycheck. But honestly, I encourage people to save even more if they can.
Keep it simple with index funds
I’m a huge fan of index funds. These are low-cost funds that track big chunks of the market, like the S&P 500 Index.
That means when you invest in one fund, you instantly own shares of hundreds of companies — without having to pick and choose.
Another easy setup is target-date retirement funds. They’re like all-in-one portfolios that invest your money in a mix of stocks and bonds, and automatically adjust that mix as you get older.
And if you want a completely hands-off experience, it might make sense to work with an advisor. This no-cost quiz from our partner, SmartAsset, makes it easier to find a fiduciary financial advisor.
Go build your Monopoly board
Saving for retirement is a long-term game.
Just like collecting properties in Monopoly, the key is to keep stacking assets over time. Those investments will start paying dividends, growing in value, and snowballing into real wealth.
To make it easier, set your contributions on autopilot. This makes investing a habit, so all of your dollars are working hard while you continue living your life.
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!
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.
Tarra “Madam Money” Jackson is a financial educator, international speaker, author, and wealth empowerment strategist helping you heal, build, and grow your wealth.
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