Category

Money Management

Quick and Easy Ideas for Fundraising on a Tight Budget

By Money Management No Comments

 Need to raise some cash? Here are dozens of ideas to consider. 

Excited woman holding lots of money and money raining from above
Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock.com

In today’s world, where financial constraints often loom large, finding ways to fundraise effectively on a tight budget can seem daunting. Yet, with a dash of creativity and a strong sense of community involvement, it’s possible to achieve great results without breaking the bank. Welcome to our guide on the “Best Easy Fundraising Ideas for Tight Budgets,” where we’ll delve into innovative…

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3 Ways to Make Money As an Expat

By Money Management No Comments

 Here are proven ways to earn money while living overseas. 

Happy senior man with wallet fully of money and credit card ready for travel or vacation
Krakenimages.com / Shutterstock.com

Often, people move abroad at the request of their employer, and, just as often, the opportunity to be placed overseas for work is given to younger folks, those in the middle of their careers. But for many, that is not the situation. You might be in retirement and looking at moving to far-flung shores … maybe you’re single. If you’d like to supplement your funds—whatever your situation—there…

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Retirees: Why Now Is the Time to Switch to a High-Yield Savings Account (April 2025)

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”If you’re still using a savings account from a big-name brick-and-mortar bank (or worse, a checking account) earning as low as 0.01%, you could be earning just a fraction of $1 a year on every $1,000 you’ve got parked there. Ouch!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. Now is the time to move all those cash reserves — emergency funds, retirement savings withdrawals, proceeds from downsizing — into a high-yield savings account (HYSA). You can begin earning over 4.00% APY, starting immediately.That’s 400x more interest, with the same FDIC protection and easy access to your cash.Traditional savings vs. high-yield savingsHigh-yield savings accounts are just like regular savings accounts, except they pay significantly more interest.How? Well, most traditional banks have massive overhead because of all the physical branches they operate. Meanwhile, many of the best HYSAs are online-only, which allows them to pass savings on to customers in the form of higher rates.High-yield savings accounts still offer all the features and services you’d expect, like:FDIC insuranceLow or no feesEasy transfers to and from other accountsThey also let you set up automatic deposits and withdrawals. This makes it easier for retirees to manage their monthly cashflow.Looking for a bank with no fees and unlimited withdrawals? Compare all the top HYSAs and open a new account today to earn up to 4.40% on your savings.Interest you could be earningBased on a 4.10% APY in April 2025, here’s what you could earn in one year depending on your savings balance:SavingsInterest Earned$10,000$410$25,000$1,025$50,000$2,050$100,000$4,100Data source: Author’s calculations.Your money can be earning thousands more, just by switching accounts. And there’s no risk to your principal and no lock-in term required.Why now is the time to switchThere’s never a bad time to earn more on your savings. But with the economy on shaky ground, 2025 might be one of the best times to take action. Here’s why:Rates are high — Many top HYSAs are paying over 4.00% APY, a rare opportunity that won’t last forever.It helps fight inflation — A stronger yield helps your savings keep up with (or outpace) rising costs.No fees, more growth — Most online HYSAs skip the fees, so more of your money stays in your account.Switching to a top-rated high yield saving account is a low-risk move. But it has real upside.What are you waiting for?It’s important to preserve capital in retirement. But that doesn’t mean your cash can’t earn the most interest possible while it’s on hand.With a high-yield savings account, your reserves grow on autopilot — and it’s all still available for use, whenever you need it.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.Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A piggy bank with a small hammer beside it.

If you’re still using a savings account from a big-name brick-and-mortar bank (or worse, a checking account) earning as low as 0.01%, you could be earning just a fraction of $1 a year on every $1,000 you’ve got parked there. Ouch!

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.

Now is the time to move all those cash reserves — emergency funds, retirement savings withdrawals, proceeds from downsizing — into a high-yield savings account (HYSA). You can begin earning over 4.00% APY, starting immediately.

That’s 400x more interest, with the same FDIC protection and easy access to your cash.

Traditional savings vs. high-yield savings

High-yield savings accounts are just like regular savings accounts, except they pay significantly more interest.

How? Well, most traditional banks have massive overhead because of all the physical branches they operate. Meanwhile, many of the best HYSAs are online-only, which allows them to pass savings on to customers in the form of higher rates.

High-yield savings accounts still offer all the features and services you’d expect, like:

  • FDIC insurance
  • Low or no fees
  • Easy transfers to and from other accounts

They also let you set up automatic deposits and withdrawals. This makes it easier for retirees to manage their monthly cashflow.

Looking for a bank with no fees and unlimited withdrawals? Compare all the top HYSAs and open a new account today to earn up to 4.40% on your savings.

Interest you could be earning

Based on a 4.10% APY in April 2025, here’s what you could earn in one year depending on your savings balance:

Savings Interest Earned
$10,000 $410
$25,000 $1,025
$50,000 $2,050
$100,000 $4,100
Data source: Author’s calculations.

Your money can be earning thousands more, just by switching accounts. And there’s no risk to your principal and no lock-in term required.

Why now is the time to switch

There’s never a bad time to earn more on your savings. But with the economy on shaky ground, 2025 might be one of the best times to take action. Here’s why:

  1. Rates are high — Many top HYSAs are paying over 4.00% APY, a rare opportunity that won’t last forever.
  2. It helps fight inflation — A stronger yield helps your savings keep up with (or outpace) rising costs.
  3. No fees, more growth — Most online HYSAs skip the fees, so more of your money stays in your account.

Switching to a top-rated high yield saving account is a low-risk move. But it has real upside.

What are you waiting for?

It’s important to preserve capital in retirement. But that doesn’t mean your cash can’t earn the most interest possible while it’s on hand.

With a high-yield savings account, your reserves grow on autopilot — and it’s all still available for use, whenever you need it.

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.Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

What Really Happens If You Deposit Over $10K in Cash Right Now?

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”A few years ago, I sold my motorbike on Craigslist for $11,600. The buyer showed up with an envelope so fat it looked like it could tip over a vending machine. We counted the bills, shook hands, and I drove straight to the bank to deposit the 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. The bank teller took one look at the cash and asked, “Where did you get all this?”At first, I wanted to joke, “None of your business!” But I quickly realized it was her business. Legally, she was required to ask. Once a cash deposit hits five digits, things get real formal, real fast.So what actually happens when you walk into a bank with over $10,000 in cash? Here’s what you need to know before you make the deposit.Why $10,000 is the magic numberWhen you deposit $10,000 or more in cash, your bank is legally required to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.This law began in 1970 as part of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). The goal is to prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and other illegal activities.Basically, you’re not being singled out. It’s routine, and it’s the law.Things your bank might ask youIt’s not just banks. Credit unions, brokerages, and casinos all follow the same rule.While there is no official government script banks have to follow, here’s a general example of what they might ask you:”What is the source of the funds?” — Selling a car? Tips? Business income? Just tell them the truth.”What do you do for work?” — They’re checking that the cash amount makes reasonable sense with your job.”Is this your money or are you depositing it for someone else?” — Obvious checks for money laundering.”What will you be doing with the money?” — Sometimes asked to understand your intent (but not always).Again, there’s no need to freak out. Just answer whatever they ask you honestly.What happens after the depositHere’s the usual process:Your bank will file the CTR, which includes your name, Social Security number, occupation, and the source of the fundsThe U.S. Treasury stores it in a secure government database, along with millions of other CTRs filed each yearNo automatic red flag is raised, unless something about the transaction looks odd or suspicious (e.g., stacks of wrinkled bills smelling like weed)Basically, after your deposit is made and the CTR is filed, life goes on. I never heard another word about my motorbike money.Don’t try to outsmart themWhat you don’t want to do is try to avoid the $10,000 threshold by splitting up the deposit. That’s called structuring, and it’s actually a federal crime.For example if you’re being sneaky by depositing $9,900 today and $500 tomorrow — the bank is trained to spot that stuff, and it could trigger an investigation.Earning interest on your $10,000+Once your deposit clears, don’t let that money sit idle. You could be earning interest — compounded daily — while you decide your next move.A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is one of the best spots to stash your cash short term.Personally, I keep about $25,000 in an HYSA (my emergency fund and short-term savings), and I earned a whopping $798 in interest last year.The best HYSAs pay over 4.00% APY right now, and there are no penalties if you need to move your money anytime.Still trying to find the best fit for you? Compare the best high-yield savings accounts here and start earning more 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.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 standard bank building structure with columns.

A few years ago, I sold my motorbike on Craigslist for $11,600. The buyer showed up with an envelope so fat it looked like it could tip over a vending machine. We counted the bills, shook hands, and I drove straight to the bank to deposit the 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.

The bank teller took one look at the cash and asked, “Where did you get all this?”

At first, I wanted to joke, “None of your business!” But I quickly realized it was her business. Legally, she was required to ask. Once a cash deposit hits five digits, things get real formal, real fast.

So what actually happens when you walk into a bank with over $10,000 in cash? Here’s what you need to know before you make the deposit.

Why $10,000 is the magic number

When you deposit $10,000 or more in cash, your bank is legally required to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

This law began in 1970 as part of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). The goal is to prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and other illegal activities.

Basically, you’re not being singled out. It’s routine, and it’s the law.

Things your bank might ask you

It’s not just banks. Credit unions, brokerages, and casinos all follow the same rule.

While there is no official government script banks have to follow, here’s a general example of what they might ask you:

  1. “What is the source of the funds?” — Selling a car? Tips? Business income? Just tell them the truth.
  2. “What do you do for work?” — They’re checking that the cash amount makes reasonable sense with your job.
  3. “Is this your money or are you depositing it for someone else?” — Obvious checks for money laundering.
  4. “What will you be doing with the money?” — Sometimes asked to understand your intent (but not always).

Again, there’s no need to freak out. Just answer whatever they ask you honestly.

What happens after the deposit

Here’s the usual process:

  • Your bank will file the CTR, which includes your name, Social Security number, occupation, and the source of the funds
  • The U.S. Treasury stores it in a secure government database, along with millions of other CTRs filed each year
  • No automatic red flag is raised, unless something about the transaction looks odd or suspicious (e.g., stacks of wrinkled bills smelling like weed)

Basically, after your deposit is made and the CTR is filed, life goes on. I never heard another word about my motorbike money.

Don’t try to outsmart them

What you don’t want to do is try to avoid the $10,000 threshold by splitting up the deposit. That’s called structuring, and it’s actually a federal crime.

For example if you’re being sneaky by depositing $9,900 today and $500 tomorrow — the bank is trained to spot that stuff, and it could trigger an investigation.

Earning interest on your $10,000+

Once your deposit clears, don’t let that money sit idle. You could be earning interest — compounded daily — while you decide your next move.

A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is one of the best spots to stash your cash short term.

Personally, I keep about $25,000 in an HYSA (my emergency fund and short-term savings), and I earned a whopping $798 in interest last year.

The best HYSAs pay over 4.00% APY right now, and there are no penalties if you need to move your money anytime.

Still trying to find the best fit for you? Compare the best high-yield savings accounts here and start earning more 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.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 

4 Ways Shoppers Are Now Taking Advantage of Retailers to Save Money

By Money Management No Comments

 Consumers admit to crossing ethical lines in an attempt to save when shopping online. 

Young woman with credit card shopping online on her phone, surrounded by boxes and bags of goods.
Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com

As the price of goods and services has risen across the board, frustrated consumers have searched frantically for new ways to save when shopping online. Unfortunately, some of them may have crossed ethical lines in an attempt to avoid paying full price. Nearly half of U.S. and U.K. consumers — 49% — admit to abusing retailers’ policies within the past 12 months, often doing so as a way to avoid…

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6 Steps You Can Take Now to Prepare for a Recession

By Money Management No Comments

 Want to be recession-proof? Here’s how to get there. 

Man worried about his bills
Sam Wordley / Shutterstock.com

It’s an unhappy fact of life: Sooner or later, the economy’s going to take another dive. In the last U.S. recession, millions of Americans lost their homes, jobs or businesses. With that in mind, we’re here with steps you can take to protect yourself from a recession and mitigate the damage it can cause you.

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