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Tarra Jackson

Forget ‘Buy Now, Pay Later.’ This Trick Gets You 0% Interest Instead

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[[{“value”:”Buy now, pay later (BNPL) sounds like a great concept — split up your payments, no interest, no worries. But behind the shiny checkout button lie some sneaky commonly-reported issues.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. Almost half (49%) of BNPL users said they’ve experienced issues like overspending and missing payments, according to a new Bankrate survey. There’s also a hefty amount of buyer regret, which is frustrating because these services are supposed to make life easier — not add financial stress.So what’s a better option if you want to spread out purchases, but still avoid paying interest? Let me show you a little trick that helped a friend of mine save over $1,000 in interest.How 0% intro APR credit cards workThe trick is using a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer. These aren’t sketchy promos — they’re real offers from big-name banks. Most give you anywhere from six to 21 months of 0% interest on purchases and/or balance transfers.Here’s how they work:You apply for a credit card that offers a 0% intro APR on purchases (or balance transfers).You make your new purchases, or transfer debt from an old card.You’ve then got the entire intro APR period — say, 18 months — to pay it off without any interest.Example: Let’s say you buy a $1,000 patio set on a card offering 0% intro APR for 18 months. You then make payments of $56 per month during that interest-free period, and you’re done. No interest paid.How 0% intro APR cards give you more breathing roomBNPL is like juggling flaming swords. Each plan is short term (often six weeks to six months), and it’s easy to forget a payment.Meanwhile, 0% intro APR cards are like a wide safety net. You can:Stretch payments over 12 to 21 monthsConsolidate multiple purchases into one planAvoid juggling multiple due datesThey’re especially handy for financing large purchases. Or transferring balances to help pay off high-interest debt from another card faster.Just make sure you pick the right 0% intro APR card. Some only offer a deal for purchases, others only for transfers, and some do both. Compare the top 0% intro APR credit cards here and find one that suits your needs.Understand the fees and rulesBefore applying for a 0% intro APR credit card, here are a few key things to know:Most 0% intro APR cards require good credit (typically 670 or higher FICO® Score).There’s usually a 3%-5% fee to transfer a balance (but you can still save way more than paying high interest).Missing a payment could void your 0% deal. Always pay on time.Remember, the 0% intro rate will eventually expire. So don’t treat it like free money or build a lifestyle around borrowed cash. It’s a tool to help you catch up — not fall further behind.Used wisely, 0% intro APR cards give you more time and flexibility than most BNPL plans. But in either case, the smartest move is sticking to purchases that fit your budget.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.Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A person holds a credit card while shopping online from a laptop.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) sounds like a great concept — split up your payments, no interest, no worries. But behind the shiny checkout button lie some sneaky commonly-reported issues.

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.

Almost half (49%) of BNPL users said they’ve experienced issues like overspending and missing payments, according to a new Bankrate survey. There’s also a hefty amount of buyer regret, which is frustrating because these services are supposed to make life easier — not add financial stress.

So what’s a better option if you want to spread out purchases, but still avoid paying interest? Let me show you a little trick that helped a friend of mine save over $1,000 in interest.

How 0% intro APR credit cards work

The trick is using a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer. These aren’t sketchy promos — they’re real offers from big-name banks. Most give you anywhere from six to 21 months of 0% interest on purchases and/or balance transfers.

Here’s how they work:

  1. You apply for a credit card that offers a 0% intro APR on purchases (or balance transfers).
  2. You make your new purchases, or transfer debt from an old card.
  3. You’ve then got the entire intro APR period — say, 18 months — to pay it off without any interest.

Example: Let’s say you buy a $1,000 patio set on a card offering 0% intro APR for 18 months. You then make payments of $56 per month during that interest-free period, and you’re done. No interest paid.

How 0% intro APR cards give you more breathing room

BNPL is like juggling flaming swords. Each plan is short term (often six weeks to six months), and it’s easy to forget a payment.

Meanwhile, 0% intro APR cards are like a wide safety net. You can:

  • Stretch payments over 12 to 21 months
  • Consolidate multiple purchases into one plan
  • Avoid juggling multiple due dates

They’re especially handy for financing large purchases. Or transferring balances to help pay off high-interest debt from another card faster.

Just make sure you pick the right 0% intro APR card. Some only offer a deal for purchases, others only for transfers, and some do both. Compare the top 0% intro APR credit cards here and find one that suits your needs.

Understand the fees and rules

Before applying for a 0% intro APR credit card, here are a few key things to know:

  • Most 0% intro APR cards require good credit (typically 670 or higher FICO® Score).
  • There’s usually a 3%-5% fee to transfer a balance (but you can still save way more than paying high interest).
  • Missing a payment could void your 0% deal. Always pay on time.

Remember, the 0% intro rate will eventually expire. So don’t treat it like free money or build a lifestyle around borrowed cash. It’s a tool to help you catch up — not fall further behind.

Used wisely, 0% intro APR cards give you more time and flexibility than most BNPL plans. But in either case, the smartest move is sticking to purchases that fit your budget.

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.Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What’s the Best Investment Now?

By Uncategorized No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you’re thinking about locking in a certificate of deposit (CD), you’re not alone. Interest rates are still high, but they’re expected to drop later this year.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. But which term is the smarter move right now: a 6-month CD or a 5-year CD?Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, as well as a third option you should consider.How do the rates compare?Top 6-month CDs: ~4.50% APYTop 5-year CDs: ~4.00% APYAt these rates, a $10,000 deposit would earn a total of $223 in a 6-month CD or $2,167 in a 5-year CD.Which would earn more over the course of five years, assuming you reinvested in 6-month CDs every time they matured? Nobody can say for sure. However, the Federal Reserve and economic experts alike are predicting interest rate cuts later this year — and possibly in 2026, too.In that case, there’s a good chance a 5-year CD would earn you more interest overall.Bear in mind that there’s nothing stopping you from investing in both 6-month and 5-year CDs. That could even be a smart way to hedge your bets.But these two terms have pros and cons that you should think about before committing your money.The case for 6-month CDsWho should consider 6-month CDs?6-month CDs are best for savers who:Might need their cash within the next six monthsWant more frequent access to their money so they can act on short-term opportunitiesBelieve interest rates are more likely to rise in the near termThe case for 5-year CDsWho should consider 5-year CDs?5-year CDs are best for people who:Have extra cash they won’t need for a long timeWant safety more than the highest possible returnsExpect interest rates to drop in the near futureHere’s a third option to considerIf you’re hesitant to lock your money up at all, then a high-yield savings account might be the better choice. Your interest rate can change at any time, but right now the best HYSAs pay an APY of around 4.00% or even more. And you can withdraw and deposit cash whenever you want.Our favorite HYSAs pay APYs as high as 4.40%. If you want to start earning a top-tier interest rate without committing to a lengthy CD term, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts and open a new account today.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.James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Young man pausing from using his laptop to look at a calendar.

Image source: Getty Images

If you’re thinking about locking in a certificate of deposit (CD), you’re not alone. Interest rates are still high, but they’re expected to drop later this year.

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.

But which term is the smarter move right now: a 6-month CD or a 5-year CD?

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, as well as a third option you should consider.

How do the rates compare?

At these rates, a $10,000 deposit would earn a total of $223 in a 6-month CD or $2,167 in a 5-year CD.

Which would earn more over the course of five years, assuming you reinvested in 6-month CDs every time they matured? Nobody can say for sure. However, the Federal Reserve and economic experts alike are predicting interest rate cuts later this year — and possibly in 2026, too.

In that case, there’s a good chance a 5-year CD would earn you more interest overall.

Bear in mind that there’s nothing stopping you from investing in both 6-month and 5-year CDs. That could even be a smart way to hedge your bets.

But these two terms have pros and cons that you should think about before committing your money.

The case for 6-month CDs

Who should consider 6-month CDs?

6-month CDs are best for savers who:

  1. Might need their cash within the next six months
  2. Want more frequent access to their money so they can act on short-term opportunities
  3. Believe interest rates are more likely to rise in the near term

The case for 5-year CDs

Who should consider 5-year CDs?

5-year CDs are best for people who:

  • Have extra cash they won’t need for a long time
  • Want safety more than the highest possible returns
  • Expect interest rates to drop in the near future

Here’s a third option to consider

If you’re hesitant to lock your money up at all, then a high-yield savings account might be the better choice. Your interest rate can change at any time, but right now the best HYSAs pay an APY of around 4.00% or even more. And you can withdraw and deposit cash whenever you want.

Our favorite HYSAs pay APYs as high as 4.40%. If you want to start earning a top-tier interest rate without committing to a lengthy CD term, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts and open a new account today.

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.James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

5 Money Secrets From Billionaire CEOs That Anyone Can Use

By Money Management No Comments

 Adopt practical money habits inspired by billionaire CEOs — and learn how to apply them to your own finances, regardless of your current bank balance. 

Happy man looking up
insta_photos / Shutterstock.com

You’ve spent years grinding away at your 9-to-5, watching your bank balance inch upward while billionaire CEOs seem to multiply their wealth overnight. It’s tempting to think their success comes from deals or connections you’ll never have. But many habits that built their empires can work just as well for your wallet, according to GoBankingRates. The world’s richest CEOs didn’t get there by…

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Why Teaching Your Child Music Builds Financial Success

By Money Management No Comments

 Learning an instrument rewires young brains for success, building the neural pathways that create tomorrow’s financial leaders and innovative thinkers. Here’s why musically-trained kids have a leg up to become high-earning professionals. 

sutadimages / Shutterstock.com

Picture this: your child sits at the piano, fingers dancing across the keys, completely absorbed in mastering a challenging piece. What you’re witnessing isn’t just musical practice, it’s the construction of a future CEO, innovator, or financial wizard. Leadership consultant Stefan Falk, who’s spent 30 years studying high performers, told CNBC that learning a musical instrument might be the most…

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Will the US Raise Its Retirement Age to 70 Like Denmark

By Money Management No Comments

 As retirement reforms take shape abroad and at home, learn how these changes could affect your benefits, and what steps you can take now to protect your finances. 

Happy laughing senior couple eating salad outdoors enjoying breakfast in the morning
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock.com

Denmark’s groundbreaking decision to push its retirement age to 70 has sparked heated debate about whether Americans might soon face similar changes, according to CNBC. As Europe’s highest retirement age takes effect in Denmark by 2040, financial experts are wrestling with what this means for Social Security’s future in the United States. The Nordic country’s move isn’t just numbers on paper…

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Borrowers Beware, Savers Rejoice: The Government’s Debt Effect

By Money Management No Comments

 Higher government bond yields are pushing up the cost of mortgages, credit cards, and other loans — but they’re also delivering the best returns for savers in years. Here’s how to stay ahead. 

Interest rates increasing decreasing
Andrii Yalanskyi / Shutterstock.com

Government bond yields might sound like something only Wall Street types care about, but they’re pulling the strings on everything from your mortgage payment to your savings account returns. With 10-year Treasury yields hovering around 4.4% — their highest levels since 2007 — millions of Americans are feeling the squeeze in interest payments, while others are discovering surprising opportunities…

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