Budget cuts have created critical forecasting gaps at the National Weather Service, with vacant leadership positions and reduced operations threatening hurricane preparedness.
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Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. As hurricane season approaches on June 1, the National Weather Service finds itself in a tough spot that could compromise its ability to deliver accurate forecasts and life-saving warnings.
Financial guru Dave Ramsey warns that taking out a separate loan for closing costs can trigger financial stress and might even jeopardize your mortgage approval process.
Antonova Irina / Shutterstock.com
Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Buying a home can push your budget to the limit, and it’s tempting to cut corners to reduce upfront expenses. But one strategy that seems helpful in the short term may backfire. According to financial expert Dave Ramsey…
There is a right way and a wrong way to answer this common interview question.
Dusan Petkovic / Shutterstock.com
“Where do you see yourself in five years?” That one’s tough. Getting takeout with my dog? Oh, wait—let’s go with “biggest pop star since Britney Spears.” How does that sound? Sometimes you can’t see far enough into the future to know what’s for dinner tonight. How do hiring managers expect you to tell them where you’ll be in five years? You don’t own a crystal ball. Don’t fret.
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
A friend of mine said the safest money move right now is to buy Bitcoin. I nearly spit out my coffee!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. If you’re looking for actually safe places to park your money — the kind with predictable returns and no emotional rollercoaster — this list is more your speed.Here are four smart places to stash your cash (no crypto required).1. High-yield savings accountsThese are like regular savings accounts — but earn up to 10X the national average interest rate.High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are FDIC insured, and right now can be found with rates as high as 5.00% APY.But for example purposes, we’ll use a more common APY of 4.10% for our calculations. To put this into dollars, here’s what earnings could look like after 12 months at various balances:SavingsInterest Earned 4.10% APY$5,000$205.00$10,000$410.00$20,000$820.00$50,000$2,050.00Data source: Author’s calculations.Unlike my buddy’s Bitcoin, there’s zero risk to your principal. With FDIC insurance, your money stays safe. Even if the bank goes under, you’re protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.HYSA rates do ebb and flow with the economy and Federal Reserve changes. But movement is slow and often predictable.Looking for safe, steady growth? These HYSAs are paying up to 4.40% APY right now.2. Certificates of deposit (CDs)CDs are like the “set it and forget it” crockpot of saving. You lock in a great rate, walk away, and come back to guaranteed growth.In May 2025, short-term CDs (3- to 12-month terms) are offering rates around the 4.00% mark, with some online banks offering up to 4.65% APY. These are ideal if you anticipate needing access to your funds in the near future.On the other hand, you might prefer locking your money in for a longer term and accepting a slightly lower rate. Mid-term CDs (1 year to 3 years) are yielding between 3.25% and 4.00% APY. Locking in these rates now can be a smart move, especially if interest rates decline in the coming months.Keep in mind that CDs do come with early withdrawal penalties. So, choose a term that aligns with your financial goals and timeline.If you’re looking for solid rates and trusted names, compare the top CD rates of May 2025 and lock in a higher return.3. Treasury bills (T-bills)T-bills are like super-safe IOUs from the U.S. government. You give them money now, and they promise to pay you back later, with interest.As of May 2025, short-term T-bills (three to six months) are yielding around 4.30% APY.How they work: You buy T-bills at a discount (say, $975), then get the full $1,000 back when they mature in a few weeks or months. That difference is your interest.One cool thing about T-bills is that the interest you earn isn’t taxed at the state or local level — you only pay federal taxes. This is a big win if you’re in a higher tax bracket.You can buy T-bills straight from TreasuryDirect.gov, or invest through a brokerage.4. Money market fundsImagine taking CDs, T-bills, and other super-safe investments and smooshing them together into one big fund. That’s basically what a money market fund is.You get to spread your risk across many different short-term assets, and reap the blended yield of everything.In May 2025, many money market funds are paying between 3.45% and 4.24%.Something to check with your current broker: Many firms automatically “sweep” your uninvested cash into one of these funds. This is a great feature to earn the most on your cash while it’s sitting idle.Read all about one of our favorite brokers that does this and learn how its low fees and simple approach make it a great choice for protecting your savings.Keep it boring (and safe)If you’re like me — and not taking financial advice from your Bitcoin-loving buddy — then you know that boring and proven methods are a better way to keep your cash safe.HYSAs, CDs, money market funds, and T-bills all offer steady, low-risk returns that won’t keep you up at night.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.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc, Discover Financial Services, and Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
A friend of mine said the safest money move right now is to buy Bitcoin. I nearly spit out my coffee!
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!
If you’re looking for actually safe places to park your money — the kind with predictable returns and no emotional rollercoaster — this list is more your speed.
Here are four smart places to stash your cash (no crypto required).
1. High-yield savings accounts
These are like regular savings accounts — but earn up to 10X the national average interest rate.
High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are FDIC insured, and right now can be found with rates as high as 5.00% APY.
But for example purposes, we’ll use a more common APY of 4.10% for our calculations. To put this into dollars, here’s what earnings could look like after 12 months at various balances:
Savings
Interest Earned 4.10% APY
$5,000
$205.00
$10,000
$410.00
$20,000
$820.00
$50,000
$2,050.00
Data source: Author’s calculations.
Unlike my buddy’s Bitcoin, there’s zero risk to your principal. With FDIC insurance, your money stays safe. Even if the bank goes under, you’re protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.
HYSA rates do ebb and flow with the economy and Federal Reserve changes. But movement is slow and often predictable.
CDs are like the “set it and forget it” crockpot of saving. You lock in a great rate, walk away, and come back to guaranteed growth.
In May 2025, short-term CDs (3- to 12-month terms) are offering rates around the 4.00% mark, with some online banks offering up to 4.65% APY. These are ideal if you anticipate needing access to your funds in the near future.
On the other hand, you might prefer locking your money in for a longer term and accepting a slightly lower rate. Mid-term CDs (1 year to 3 years) are yielding between 3.25% and 4.00% APY. Locking in these rates now can be a smart move, especially if interest rates decline in the coming months.
Keep in mind that CDs do come with early withdrawal penalties. So, choose a term that aligns with your financial goals and timeline.
T-bills are like super-safe IOUs from the U.S. government. You give them money now, and they promise to pay you back later, with interest.
As of May 2025, short-term T-bills (three to six months) are yielding around 4.30% APY.
How they work: You buy T-bills at a discount (say, $975), then get the full $1,000 back when they mature in a few weeks or months. That difference is your interest.
One cool thing about T-bills is that the interest you earn isn’t taxed at the state or local level — you only pay federal taxes. This is a big win if you’re in a higher tax bracket.
You can buy T-bills straight from TreasuryDirect.gov, or invest through a brokerage.
4. Money market funds
Imagine taking CDs, T-bills, and other super-safe investments and smooshing them together into one big fund. That’s basically what a money market fund is.
You get to spread your risk across many different short-term assets, and reap the blended yield of everything.
In May 2025, many money market funds are paying between 3.45% and 4.24%.
Something to check with your current broker: Many firms automatically “sweep” your uninvested cash into one of these funds. This is a great feature to earn the most on your cash while it’s sitting idle.
If you’re like me — and not taking financial advice from your Bitcoin-loving buddy — then you know that boring and proven methods are a better way to keep your cash safe.
HYSAs, CDs, money market funds, and T-bills all offer steady, low-risk returns that won’t keep you up at night.
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.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc, Discover Financial Services, and Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Just like Barry White says, “Too much of anything ain’t good for you, baby.” And yep — that even applies to hanging onto too much cash. If you’ve got over $50,000 sitting in the bank, it’s time to rethink your financial game plan.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. Keeping some cash savings is smart — like three to six months worth of expenses in an emergency fund.But hoarding excess cash could actually be hurting you and costing you thousands of dollars every year.Saving vs. investingA lot of people use the terms “saving” and “investing” like they’re the same thing. But there’s actually a big difference.Saving is for short-term goals and emergencies. Think: your emergency fund, a vacation next year, or a new car. This money needs to be kept in cash for quick access.Investing is for long-term goals. Think: retirement, growing wealth, or sending your future kid to college. This money should be invested, and not touched for decades.Both are important. And balance is key.How much cash should you be holding?The general rule of thumb: You typically want three to six months’ worth of essential expenses in an emergency fund.If you’re saving up for a home down payment, or large purchase in the next few years, that money can be kept in cash too.But, while it’s sitting idle, it should be earning maximum interest.I use a high-yield savings account to keep my $25,000 emergency fund handy and secure. Right now I earn an APY of 4.50%, which will make me over $1,000 in interest this year. Not bad!High-yield savings accounts are FDIC insured, you can withdraw your money at any time, and you’ll earn top interest rates.Want to see all the best HYSA options side by side? Check out our expert roundup of the top high-yield savings accounts available now.Where to put your excess cashAnything beyond your emergency fund can be invested for the long term. Here are some places to put that money to work.401(k) or IRA:A 401(k) is typically offered through your employer, while an IRA is something you can open yourself. Both accounts offer powerful tax advantages that can help your money grow way faster than it would in a regular bank account.Inside of these accounts, you can invest in broad index funds or target date funds. These typically have a low expense ratio, and are highly diversified.Regular brokerage accountA brokerage account doesn’t offer tax advantages. But it does have much more flexibility for investment options, and better access to your money. Inside of a brokerage account you can invest in stocks, ETFs, short-term bonds, and more — there is a lot of choice.Investing always carries risk. But if you’re patient and learn to invest wisely, the long-term growth can yield mind-blowing results.Still not sure where to stash your emergency fund? Check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts for the opportunity to earn more than 10 times the national average rate today.Pay off debt (high interest first)Still carrying a balance on a credit card or personal loan? Using excess cash to wipe out debt could give you a “guaranteed return” equal to your interest rate.For example, if your card is charging 20% APR, paying it off is like instantly earning 20% risk free. Tackling lower-interest debt can be smart too. It’s better than having cash sit idle and earning nothing.The true cost of excess savingsLet’s say you’re holding an excess $30,000 in cash, on top of your emergency fund.Here’s what growth would look like in these accounts:Savings account earning 4.00% APY (typical for today’s top HYSAs)Investment account averaging 8% annual returns (This is a rough example and actually a conservative estimate based on the S&P 500’s history)YearsSavings Account (4%)Investing Account (8%)1 year$31,200$32,4005 years$36,499$44,07910 years$44,407$64,76820 years$65,734$139,828Data source: Author’s calculations.Compound interest is wild. A tiny rate difference — over decades — makes a massive difference in how much money you end up with. Stop waiting and start making your money work harder for you 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.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
Just like Barry White says, “Too much of anything ain’t good for you, baby.” And yep — that even applies to hanging onto too much cash. If you’ve got over $50,000 sitting in the bank, it’s time to rethink your financial game plan.
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!
Keeping some cash savings is smart — like three to six months worth of expenses in an emergency fund.
But hoarding excess cash could actually be hurting you and costing you thousands of dollars every year.
Saving vs. investing
A lot of people use the terms “saving” and “investing” like they’re the same thing. But there’s actually a big difference.
Saving is for short-term goals and emergencies. Think: your emergency fund, a vacation next year, or a new car. This money needs to be kept in cash for quick access.
Investing is for long-term goals. Think: retirement, growing wealth, or sending your future kid to college. This money should be invested, and not touched for decades.
Both are important. And balance is key.
How much cash should you be holding?
The general rule of thumb: You typically want three to six months’ worth of essential expenses in an emergency fund.
If you’re saving up for a home down payment, or large purchase in the next few years, that money can be kept in cash too.
But, while it’s sitting idle, it should be earning maximum interest.
I use a high-yield savings account to keep my $25,000 emergency fund handy and secure. Right now I earn an APY of 4.50%, which will make me over $1,000 in interest this year. Not bad!
High-yield savings accounts are FDIC insured, you can withdraw your money at any time, and you’ll earn top interest rates.
Anything beyond your emergency fund can be invested for the long term. Here are some places to put that money to work.
401(k) or IRA:
A 401(k) is typically offered through your employer, while an IRA is something you can open yourself. Both accounts offer powerful tax advantages that can help your money grow way faster than it would in a regular bank account.
Inside of these accounts, you can invest in broad index funds or target date funds. These typically have a low expense ratio, and are highly diversified.
Regular brokerage account
A brokerage account doesn’t offer tax advantages. But it does have much more flexibility for investment options, and better access to your money. Inside of a brokerage account you can invest in stocks, ETFs, short-term bonds, and more — there is a lot of choice.
Investing always carries risk. But if you’re patient and learn to invest wisely, the long-term growth can yield mind-blowing results.
Still carrying a balance on a credit card or personal loan? Using excess cash to wipe out debt could give you a “guaranteed return” equal to your interest rate.
For example, if your card is charging 20% APR, paying it off is like instantly earning 20% risk free. Tackling lower-interest debt can be smart too. It’s better than having cash sit idle and earning nothing.
The true cost of excess savings
Let’s say you’re holding an excess $30,000 in cash, on top of your emergency fund.
Here’s what growth would look like in these accounts:
Savings account earning 4.00% APY (typical for today’s top HYSAs)
Investment account averaging 8% annual returns (This is a rough example and actually a conservative estimate based on the S&P 500’s history)
Years
Savings Account (4%)
Investing Account (8%)
1 year
$31,200
$32,400
5 years
$36,499
$44,079
10 years
$44,407
$64,768
20 years
$65,734
$139,828
Data source: Author’s calculations.
Compound interest is wild. A tiny rate difference — over decades — makes a massive difference in how much money you end up with. Stop waiting and start making your money work harder for you 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!
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
I love my high-yield savings account (HYSA). It keeps my money safe and easy to get to. I’m earning hundreds of dollars in interest every year with no effort.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 the time has come for me to move some cash to an account where it can earn even more. Here’s why — and why you may want to do the same.I have enough money in savings to cover an emergencyA high-yield savings account is the perfect place to keep your emergency fund. Your money is safe and FDIC insured, you can withdraw it whenever you need to, and you’ll earn a way higher interest rate than the average saver.Most people want to have at least three months’ worth of expenses in their emergency fund. I aim for six months’ worth so I’m prepared for worst-case scenarios — say, losing my job or having a major, expensive health issue.I recently reached my emergency savings goal, and then I got a big tax refund. So I’m taking that extra cash and investing it for long-term growth.If you’re still working on your emergency fund, one of the easiest ways to save money faster is to open a high-yield savings account. Our favorite HYSAs pay up to 4.40% APY — that’s over 10 times the national average. Don’t wait to start earning more interest. Click here to see the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.The stock market is down — and that’s a great reason to investI invest in stocks every month, no matter what the market is doing. But when stock prices drop, like they have recently, I try to invest even more. The market will eventually rebound and go on to reach new highs (as it always has), and today’s stock prices will look like bargains.If you’re spooked by stock market investing, I have good news: There’s an incredibly simple and relatively safe way to profit from the growth of American companies.I’ve used this strategy for years, and it’s the biggest reason I’m on track to retire early.1. Open an IRAAn individual retirement account (IRA) is pretty much what it sounds like: an account for retirement savings and investments. And if you don’t have one, you could be missing out on huge tax breaks and investing opportunities.Much like a 401(k), an IRA saves you from investing-related taxes. When you buy stocks, funds, etc., and hold them in your IRA, you won’t have to pay capital gains tax or dividend tax. So if you sell an investment at a profit, or receive a dividend payment, the IRS can’t touch your earnings.IRAs do come with one big limitation: If you withdraw funds before age 59 1/2, you’ll pay a big penalty (with rare exceptions).You can open an IRA through any major stock broker. Within minutes, you’ll be ready to start investing for retirement — the smart way. Click here to check out our list of the best stock brokers and open a new account today.Once your IRA is open, it’s time to add some funds and buy some investments. Here’s my personal favorite.2. Buy an S&P 500 Index ETFThe S&P 500 Index consists of 500 of the biggest companies in the U.S. It makes up more than half the stock market. Since 1957, the index has averaged an incredible return of 10% per year.An S&P 500 ETF is a type of fund that lets you buy a share of all those companies at once. With a single purchase, you’ll have a diversified portfolio of stocks from many different industries.Every major broker sells S&P 500 ETFs, so you can buy one through your IRA online. There are a lot of them, and most have ultra-low fees (known as “expense ratios”). You almost can’t go wrong — just make sure the expense ratio is under 0.1%.That’s it — open one account and make one investment. It’s so simple and effective that it feels like an investing cheat code. Even Warren Buffett recommends it for people who aren’t veteran stock-pickers.Then the only thing left to do is keep investing over time. I set up automatic monthly purchases through my broker, and my retirement savings are steadily growing. If you have money in savings that you won’t need within the next few years, then you may want to do the same. Your future self will thank 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. 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”:”
Image source: Getty Images
I love my high-yield savings account (HYSA). It keeps my money safe and easy to get to. I’m earning hundreds of dollars in interest every year with no effort.
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!
But the time has come for me to move some cash to an account where it can earn even more. Here’s why — and why you may want to do the same.
I have enough money in savings to cover an emergency
A high-yield savings account is the perfect place to keep your emergency fund. Your money is safe and FDIC insured, you can withdraw it whenever you need to, and you’ll earn a way higher interest rate than the average saver.
Most people want to have at least three months’ worth of expenses in their emergency fund. I aim for six months’ worth so I’m prepared for worst-case scenarios — say, losing my job or having a major, expensive health issue.
I recently reached my emergency savings goal, and then I got a big tax refund. So I’m taking that extra cash and investing it for long-term growth.
If you’re still working on your emergency fund, one of the easiest ways to save money faster is to open a high-yield savings account. Our favorite HYSAs pay up to 4.40% APY — that’s over 10 times the national average. Don’t wait to start earning more interest. Click here to see the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.
The stock market is down — and that’s a great reason to invest
I invest in stocks every month, no matter what the market is doing. But when stock prices drop, like they have recently, I try to invest even more. The market will eventually rebound and go on to reach new highs (as it always has), and today’s stock prices will look like bargains.
If you’re spooked by stock market investing, I have good news: There’s an incredibly simple and relatively safe way to profit from the growth of American companies.
I’ve used this strategy for years, and it’s the biggest reason I’m on track to retire early.
1. Open an IRA
An individual retirement account (IRA) is pretty much what it sounds like: an account for retirement savings and investments. And if you don’t have one, you could be missing out on huge tax breaks and investing opportunities.
Much like a 401(k), an IRA saves you from investing-related taxes. When you buy stocks, funds, etc., and hold them in your IRA, you won’t have to pay capital gains tax or dividend tax. So if you sell an investment at a profit, or receive a dividend payment, the IRS can’t touch your earnings.
IRAs do come with one big limitation: If you withdraw funds before age 59 1/2, you’ll pay a big penalty (with rare exceptions).
Once your IRA is open, it’s time to add some funds and buy some investments. Here’s my personal favorite.
2. Buy an S&P 500 Index ETF
The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 of the biggest companies in the U.S. It makes up more than half the stock market. Since 1957, the index has averaged an incredible return of 10% per year.
An S&P 500 ETF is a type of fund that lets you buy a share of all those companies at once. With a single purchase, you’ll have a diversified portfolio of stocks from many different industries.
Every major broker sells S&P 500 ETFs, so you can buy one through your IRA online. There are a lot of them, and most have ultra-low fees (known as “expense ratios”). You almost can’t go wrong — just make sure the expense ratio is under 0.1%.
That’s it — open one account and make one investment. It’s so simple and effective that it feels like an investing cheat code. Even Warren Buffett recommends it for people who aren’t veteran stock-pickers.
Then the only thing left to do is keep investing over time. I set up automatic monthly purchases through my broker, and my retirement savings are steadily growing. If you have money in savings that you won’t need within the next few years, then you may want to do the same. Your future self will thank 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!
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.
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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