Category

Money Management

15 Major American Cities With the Most New Hotels

By Money Management No Comments

 There’s a renewed wave of investment in hospitality in these metros. 

Grand River and downtown Grand Rapids Michigan skyline
PT Hamilton / Shutterstock.com

After facing its sharpest decline on record in 2020, U.S. travel spending rebounded sharply as pent-up demand drove consumers back to planes, cars, and hotels. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, consumer spending on domestic accommodations surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and reached record highs in both 2023 and 2024. Amid this surge in demand, the number of hotel…

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Supercharge Retirement Planning: 7 Essential Budget Moves to Take Now

By Money Management No Comments

 The changing economic landscape means your retirement budget needs a fresh perspective to ensure your money lasts through your golden years. 

Happy retired couple
Jacob Lund / Shutterstock.com

The financial landscape is shifting, and your retirement budget likely needs a refresh to keep pace. Whether you’re already enjoying retirement or planning for the future, today brings new economic realities that demand a second look at how you’re allocating your money. The retirement equation has changed dramatically in recent years. Persistent inflation has altered purchasing power…

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Will Your Donations Grow or Fade? 6 Ways a New Pope Could Shift Global Giving

By Money Management No Comments

 A papal transition isn’t just spiritual — it can reshape the financial future of global charities and your personal donation strategy. 

Group of middle age volunteers working at charity center. Woman smiling happy and holding paper bag with food to donate.
Krakenimages.com / Shutterstock.com

When a new Pope takes the helm of the Catholic Church, the effects go beyond the Vatican. Charitable giving — both religious and secular — can shift in response to leadership tone, priorities, and global influence. If you’re someone who donates to causes tied to faith, poverty relief, or human rights, a papal transition may quietly impact where and how your dollars matter most.

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15 Smart Grocery Budget Hacks That Work Well

By Money Management No Comments

 Despite inflation challenges, these practical grocery shopping strategies can help you maintain your food budget without compromising on quality and nutrition. 

Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock.com

In a world where inflation continues to impact food prices, smart shopping strategies can help stretch your grocery dollars further. Despite rising costs, these practical approaches to food shopping and preparation can help maintain your budget without sacrificing quality. Managing your grocery budget is similar to managing your overall financial health, both require planning and smart decision…

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Retirement Travel Hacks That Make Your Budget Go Farther

By Money Management No Comments

 Stretch your retirement dollars further with these smart strategies that let you see more of the world while spending less on travel. 

Save In Retirement
Daniel50 / Shutterstock.com

After decades of alarm clocks, commutes, and office chairs, retirement promises the freedom to explore the world on your terms. Yet for many approaching their golden years, travel dreams often collide with budget realities. The good news? Strategic planning can stretch your travel dollars further than you might think. Travel reward credit cards have evolved dramatically in recent years…

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Is Your Bank Costing You Money? 4 Signs It’s Time to Switch

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”If you’re tired of the hassle — and cost — of your traditional bank, you’re not alone.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. Millions have already made the switch to online-only banks, the best of which offer savings and checking accounts with no monthly fees, high APYs, and modern, sleek interfaces.Right now, high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) from online banks are offering around 4.00% APY or higher. For the average saver, that amounts to hundreds of dollars more per year in interest.Don’t settle for a second-rate bank. Here’s how to know if it’s time to make a switch.1. You’re paying monthly feesIf you’re paying a monthly maintenance fee just to keep your account open, it’s time to reconsider. Many traditional big banks charge $5 to $15 per month unless you meet balance or deposit requirements. Fees like this eat into your savings, especially if you’re also earning less interest on your money.Our favorite online banks, on the other hand, offer checking and high-yield savings accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no hidden charges.2. You’re earning less than 3.00% APYThe average savings account APY is just 0.41%, according to the FDIC. But did you know you can easily earn 10x that number with an HYSA?Online-only banks have much lower costs than traditional banks, because they have no physical locations. They can pass these savings on to customers in the form of better interest rates.Our favorite online banks offer APYs of between 3.60% and 4.40%. Check out this list of our favorite HYSAs now to start making your money work for you.3. Your bank’s mobile app is outdatedMobile banking in 2025 shouldn’t feel like a chore. If your bank app is clunky, slow, or lacking basic features — like mobile check deposit, real-time transaction alerts, or easy transfers — that’s a red flag.Many online banks offer top-rated apps with intuitive dashboards, budgeting tools, and instant support. Some even offer features like:Virtual card numbers for secure shoppingSpending categories and budgeting insightsInstant external transfers and deposit notificationsThese tools can help you manage your money more efficiently and securely.4. Your savings goals are hard to trackGood banks make it easy to stay on top of your goals. Plenty of online banks offer goal-tracking tools that let you set multiple savings “buckets” inside one account — buckets for things like “vacation,” “emergency spending,” or “car repair.”If your bank offers none of that, you may find yourself relying on spreadsheets or other apps to track progress manually — not a necessity in this day and age.Make the switch today and earn 9x the average (or more)If you’re still with a bank that offers low rates, charges monthly fees, and lacks modern tools, you’re likely leaving money on the table. High-yield savings accounts from online banks offer better returns, fewer fees, and user-friendly apps that make managing your money easier.Make the switch today — check out some of the top HYSAs available now and experience the future of banking.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 recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A standard bank building structure with columns.

If you’re tired of the hassle — and cost — of your traditional bank, you’re not alone.

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.

Millions have already made the switch to online-only banks, the best of which offer savings and checking accounts with no monthly fees, high APYs, and modern, sleek interfaces.

Right now, high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) from online banks are offering around 4.00% APY or higher. For the average saver, that amounts to hundreds of dollars more per year in interest.

Don’t settle for a second-rate bank. Here’s how to know if it’s time to make a switch.

1. You’re paying monthly fees

If you’re paying a monthly maintenance fee just to keep your account open, it’s time to reconsider. Many traditional big banks charge $5 to $15 per month unless you meet balance or deposit requirements. Fees like this eat into your savings, especially if you’re also earning less interest on your money.

Our favorite online banks, on the other hand, offer checking and high-yield savings accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no hidden charges.

2. You’re earning less than 3.00% APY

The average savings account APY is just 0.41%, according to the FDIC. But did you know you can easily earn 10x that number with an HYSA?

Online-only banks have much lower costs than traditional banks, because they have no physical locations. They can pass these savings on to customers in the form of better interest rates.

Our favorite online banks offer APYs of between 3.60% and 4.40%. Check out this list of our favorite HYSAs now to start making your money work for you.

3. Your bank’s mobile app is outdated

Mobile banking in 2025 shouldn’t feel like a chore. If your bank app is clunky, slow, or lacking basic features — like mobile check deposit, real-time transaction alerts, or easy transfers — that’s a red flag.

Many online banks offer top-rated apps with intuitive dashboards, budgeting tools, and instant support. Some even offer features like:

  • Virtual card numbers for secure shopping
  • Spending categories and budgeting insights
  • Instant external transfers and deposit notifications

These tools can help you manage your money more efficiently and securely.

4. Your savings goals are hard to track

Good banks make it easy to stay on top of your goals. Plenty of online banks offer goal-tracking tools that let you set multiple savings “buckets” inside one account — buckets for things like “vacation,” “emergency spending,” or “car repair.”

If your bank offers none of that, you may find yourself relying on spreadsheets or other apps to track progress manually — not a necessity in this day and age.

Make the switch today and earn 9x the average (or more)

If you’re still with a bank that offers low rates, charges monthly fees, and lacks modern tools, you’re likely leaving money on the table. High-yield savings accounts from online banks offer better returns, fewer fees, and user-friendly apps that make managing your money easier.

Make the switch today — check out some of the top HYSAs available now and experience the future of banking.

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 recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More