Category

Money Management

Remote Work Isn’t Dead, but Here’s How It’s Changing

By Money Management No Comments

 Some workers are being called back to the office, but there are still plenty of remote jobs to be found. 

happy remote worker
fizkes / Shutterstock.com

As the nature of work continues to evolve, FlexJobs is excited to launch the Remote Work Economy Index—a quarterly resource tracking the latest remote work statistics and trends in hiring, pay, and workforce priorities. The index combines exclusive remote work data with expert insights to offer a clear snapshot of where remote work is heading. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 (January to March)…

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5 Ways to Use Coconut Oil As a Beauty Product

By Money Management No Comments

 This one item can replace a whole shelf of specialized products. 

Smiling young woman
Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com

Coconut oil is having a moment — and for good reason. Once dismissed by health experts for its high saturated fat content, this tropical treasure has made a comeback. Today, it’s celebrated as a healthy dietary fat that can be used for several great things. But here’s the real beauty secret: coconut oil isn’t just for your kitchen. It’s a powerhouse for your skin, hair, and wallet.

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Best CD Rates Today, April 16, 2025: Up to 4.65%

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash
Interest rates for CDs are solid right now, especially for terms from six months to a little over a year. The best rates today are between 4.50% and 4.65%.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 Fed might trim those rates a time or two before the end of this year. So, if you’re thinking about a CD, it might be wise to lock in a rate now.Explore some of the top CD rates we found today.BankAPYTermMinimum DepositOMB4.65%7 Months$1,000United Fidelity Bank4.60%10 Months$1,000Brilliant Bank4.55%9 Months$1,000Marcus by Goldman Sachs4.50%14 Months$500United Fidelity Bank4.50%6 Months$1,000Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 15, 2025.Why we chose these CDsExtremely competitive rates. Some CDs have slightly higher rates, but most come with a catch.Low minimum deposits. Some CDs require a minimum deposit of $5,000 or more, while the CDs above let you deposit as little as $500.Available nationwide. Some high-yield CDs are offered by regional credit unions that not everyone can easily join. The CDs above come from banks that anyone in the U.S. can join without jumping through hoops.Online convenience. All the CDs on our list can be opened and managed quickly and conveniently on the bank issuer’s website, from the comfort of home.While the CDs above offer some of the most competitive rates available today, they’re not the only strong options worth considering. Discover offers a solid alternative, with CDs that are budget friendly, easy to open, and are available in a huge variety of terms. If you value a smooth online experience and the recognition of a trusted digital bank, they’re worth a look. Explore Discover® Bank rates here.Should you open a certificate of deposit?Despite a decline since mid-2024, CD rates remain elevated. Although the Federal Reserve is maintaining the current federal funds rate for now, experts widely predict that rate reductions are probable later in 2025.Now could be a great time to lock in a CD if:You want safe, guaranteed returnsYou want to protect your savings from near-term interest rate cutsYou have cash that you can leave untouched for the full CD termThe best CDs come with FDIC insurance, ensuring that deposits of up to $250,000 per individual, per institution, are secure. While investing in CDs carries almost no risk, alternative options such as the stock market may offer the potential for greater returns.How to open a CDWhen you’re ready, you can open a CD in just a few simple steps:Shop around to find the highest APY for the term you want.Read the fine print and make sure you can meet the minimum deposit, if there is one.Apply for a new account on the bank’s website or mobile app, or over the phone. You’ll likely be approved and ready to invest in minutes.Link an existing bank account to transfer funds to a new CD.Remember, each CD allows only one deposit. Plan your amount wisely. When you’re ready, click here to explore the best CD rates and open a high-yield CD today.Once you’ve opened your CD, keep an eye on its maturity date. When a CD matures, the bank will typically do one of two things unless you say otherwise:Pay out your initial deposit plus your earnings as cashReinvest your funds in a new CD with the same term (but potentially a different APY)Most banks give you a grace period of seven to 10 days after the CD’s maturity date to make a decision.Earn up to 4.40% APY without the commitmentIf you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment, a high-yield savings account will allow you to deposit and withdraw money whenever you want and transfer money to other accounts quickly and easily. You can leave your money in the account as long as you want, with no time requirement.Unlike CDs, savings accounts have variable rates, meaning they can change any time at the issuer’s discretion. But right now, high-yield savings account rates are nearly on par with the best CD rates, making either one a great choice, depending on your savings goals.If you want to earn a competitive APY without losing access to your cash for a minimum of several months, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts.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. James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A red piggy bank against a yellow background

Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash

Interest rates for CDs are solid right now, especially for terms from six months to a little over a year. The best rates today are between 4.50% and 4.65%.

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 Fed might trim those rates a time or two before the end of this year. So, if you’re thinking about a CD, it might be wise to lock in a rate now.

Explore some of the top CD rates we found today.

Bank APY Term Minimum Deposit
OMB 4.65% 7 Months $1,000
United Fidelity Bank 4.60% 10 Months $1,000
Brilliant Bank 4.55% 9 Months $1,000
Marcus by Goldman Sachs 4.50% 14 Months $500
United Fidelity Bank 4.50% 6 Months $1,000
Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 15, 2025.

Why we chose these CDs

  • Extremely competitive rates. Some CDs have slightly higher rates, but most come with a catch.
  • Low minimum deposits. Some CDs require a minimum deposit of $5,000 or more, while the CDs above let you deposit as little as $500.
  • Available nationwide. Some high-yield CDs are offered by regional credit unions that not everyone can easily join. The CDs above come from banks that anyone in the U.S. can join without jumping through hoops.
  • Online convenience. All the CDs on our list can be opened and managed quickly and conveniently on the bank issuer’s website, from the comfort of home.

While the CDs above offer some of the most competitive rates available today, they’re not the only strong options worth considering. Discover offers a solid alternative, with CDs that are budget friendly, easy to open, and are available in a huge variety of terms. If you value a smooth online experience and the recognition of a trusted digital bank, they’re worth a look. Explore Discover® Bank rates here.

Should you open a certificate of deposit?

Despite a decline since mid-2024, CD rates remain elevated. Although the Federal Reserve is maintaining the current federal funds rate for now, experts widely predict that rate reductions are probable later in 2025.

Now could be a great time to lock in a CD if:

  • You want safe, guaranteed returns
  • You want to protect your savings from near-term interest rate cuts
  • You have cash that you can leave untouched for the full CD term

The best CDs come with FDIC insurance, ensuring that deposits of up to $250,000 per individual, per institution, are secure. While investing in CDs carries almost no risk, alternative options such as the stock market may offer the potential for greater returns.

How to open a CD

When you’re ready, you can open a CD in just a few simple steps:

  1. Shop around to find the highest APY for the term you want.
  2. Read the fine print and make sure you can meet the minimum deposit, if there is one.
  3. Apply for a new account on the bank’s website or mobile app, or over the phone. You’ll likely be approved and ready to invest in minutes.
  4. Link an existing bank account to transfer funds to a new CD.

Remember, each CD allows only one deposit. Plan your amount wisely. When you’re ready, click here to explore the best CD rates and open a high-yield CD today.

Once you’ve opened your CD, keep an eye on its maturity date. When a CD matures, the bank will typically do one of two things unless you say otherwise:

  1. Pay out your initial deposit plus your earnings as cash
  2. Reinvest your funds in a new CD with the same term (but potentially a different APY)

Most banks give you a grace period of seven to 10 days after the CD’s maturity date to make a decision.

Earn up to 4.40% APY without the commitment

If you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment, a high-yield savings account will allow you to deposit and withdraw money whenever you want and transfer money to other accounts quickly and easily. You can leave your money in the account as long as you want, with no time requirement.

Unlike CDs, savings accounts have variable rates, meaning they can change any time at the issuer’s discretion. But right now, high-yield savings account rates are nearly on par with the best CD rates, making either one a great choice, depending on your savings goals.

If you want to earn a competitive APY without losing access to your cash for a minimum of several months, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts.

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. James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Earn up to 5% APY in a High-Yield Savings Account Today, April 16, 2025

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash
Nobody likes watching their money just gather dust. Keeping an eye on savings account rates is key, and you’ll find some right now at about 5.00% APY. That’s over 10 times better than the national average. It’s a great way to let your money grow 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. We gather the top rates daily, so you don’t have to. Whether you’re starting a new nest egg or have extra cash, consider a high-yield savings account.Here are today’s best savings rates and some tips to choose the right fit for you.Bank AccountAPYMinimum Account BalanceVaro Savingsup to 5.00%Max APY on up to $5,000, 2.50% APY afterAxos ONE®up to 4.66%$1,500Pibank Savings4.60%$0Peak Bank Envision High Yield Savingsup to 4.54%$100 to open, 2.02% APY on balances of $10,000,000 and abovePresidential Bank Advantage Savingsup to 4.50%$5,000 to open. Must maintain an Advantage Checking Account to be eligible for top APY.Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 15, 2025.Why we chose these savings accountsThe accounts above stood out to us for several key reasons:High APYs. These are among the most competitive interest rates available, helping your money grow faster.Low barriers to entry. Some accounts have low or no minimum deposit requirements to open or earn interest.Available nationwide. These banks let you open an account from anywhere in the U.S. without needing to join a local credit union.Online convenience. Every account listed can be opened and managed entirely online from your phone or computer.If you’re not earning more than 4.00% APY on your savings, it might be time to switch. Rates have been mostly flat since the end of 2024, but several online banks are leading the pack without requiring huge balances. We like LendingClub LevelUp Savings account because it pays a competitive APY in exchange for a fairly low amount in monthly deposits. Pro tip: Be careful with teaser rates that drop after a few months. Always check the fine print. Read our full LendingClub LevelUp Savings review to learn more.Want to grow your money without locking it up?High-yield savings accounts combine flexibility with competitive interest. If you value easy access to your funds and no long-term commitment, an HYSA may be the perfect fit.Explore more options:Best High-Yield Savings Accounts — See our top picks todayBanks With Savings Buckets — Track your savings goals separatelyShould you open a high-yield savings account now?Have spare cash just lounging in a low-interest account? It might be time to switch things up. With current high rates, high-yield savings accounts can boost your funds and keep them handy. Consider one of these accounts if you want to earn more without having to lock away your money for a period of time.Most HYSAs are insured by the FDIC, so they’re safe. Plus, they provide easy online access and often have low or no fees. They offer the freedom you need with no fixed terms.Enjoy better returns with the convenience of easy access to your cash. They’re great for saving up for emergencies, home repairs, or future getaways. Click here to compare the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.How to open a high-yield savings accountGetting started with a high-yield savings account is easy and usually takes just a few minutes:Compare your options. Look for the best APY, but also consider fees, ease of access, and minimum balance rules.Apply online. Most accounts can be opened from your phone or computer — no paperwork required.Fund your account. Link an existing checking or savings account and transfer the amount you want to deposit.Set up recurring deposits (optional). Some accounts offer higher APYs when you make regular monthly contributions.Track your balance and earnings. Interest usually compounds daily and is paid monthly, helping your savings grow faster over time.Don’t want to deal with monthly deposit requirements?Some high-yield accounts offer the best rates with no strings attached — no recurring deposit requirements, no minimum balance to earn interest, and no monthly fees. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, learn more about the American Express® High Yield Savings (Member FDIC), which offers a competitive APY with no minimum deposit.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.Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. SLM is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Ally is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Synchrony Financial is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Axos Financial, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Financial Services, and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc, Charles Schwab, Discover Financial Services, and HSBC Holdings and recommends the following options: short June 2025 $85 calls on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it

Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash

Nobody likes watching their money just gather dust. Keeping an eye on savings account rates is key, and you’ll find some right now at about 5.00% APY. That’s over 10 times better than the national average. It’s a great way to let your money grow 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.

We gather the top rates daily, so you don’t have to. Whether you’re starting a new nest egg or have extra cash, consider a high-yield savings account.

Here are today’s best savings rates and some tips to choose the right fit for you.

Bank Account APY Minimum Account Balance
Varo Savings up to 5.00% Max APY on up to $5,000, 2.50% APY after
Axos ONE® up to 4.66% $1,500
Pibank Savings 4.60% $0
Peak Bank Envision High Yield Savings up to 4.54% $100 to open, 2.02% APY on balances of $10,000,000 and above
Presidential Bank Advantage Savings up to 4.50% $5,000 to open. Must maintain an Advantage Checking Account to be eligible for top APY.
Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 15, 2025.

Why we chose these savings accounts

The accounts above stood out to us for several key reasons:

  • High APYs. These are among the most competitive interest rates available, helping your money grow faster.
  • Low barriers to entry. Some accounts have low or no minimum deposit requirements to open or earn interest.
  • Available nationwide. These banks let you open an account from anywhere in the U.S. without needing to join a local credit union.
  • Online convenience. Every account listed can be opened and managed entirely online from your phone or computer.

If you’re not earning more than 4.00% APY on your savings, it might be time to switch. Rates have been mostly flat since the end of 2024, but several online banks are leading the pack without requiring huge balances. We like LendingClub LevelUp Savings account because it pays a competitive APY in exchange for a fairly low amount in monthly deposits. Pro tip: Be careful with teaser rates that drop after a few months. Always check the fine print. Read our full LendingClub LevelUp Savings review to learn more.

Want to grow your money without locking it up?

High-yield savings accounts combine flexibility with competitive interest. If you value easy access to your funds and no long-term commitment, an HYSA may be the perfect fit.

Explore more options:

Should you open a high-yield savings account now?

Have spare cash just lounging in a low-interest account? It might be time to switch things up. With current high rates, high-yield savings accounts can boost your funds and keep them handy. Consider one of these accounts if you want to earn more without having to lock away your money for a period of time.

Most HYSAs are insured by the FDIC, so they’re safe. Plus, they provide easy online access and often have low or no fees. They offer the freedom you need with no fixed terms.

Enjoy better returns with the convenience of easy access to your cash. They’re great for saving up for emergencies, home repairs, or future getaways. Click here to compare the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.

How to open a high-yield savings account

Getting started with a high-yield savings account is easy and usually takes just a few minutes:

  1. Compare your options. Look for the best APY, but also consider fees, ease of access, and minimum balance rules.
  2. Apply online. Most accounts can be opened from your phone or computer — no paperwork required.
  3. Fund your account. Link an existing checking or savings account and transfer the amount you want to deposit.
  4. Set up recurring deposits (optional). Some accounts offer higher APYs when you make regular monthly contributions.
  5. Track your balance and earnings. Interest usually compounds daily and is paid monthly, helping your savings grow faster over time.

Don’t want to deal with monthly deposit requirements?

Some high-yield accounts offer the best rates with no strings attached — no recurring deposit requirements, no minimum balance to earn interest, and no monthly fees. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, learn more about the American Express® High Yield Savings (Member FDIC), which offers a competitive APY with no minimum deposit.

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.Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. SLM is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Ally is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Synchrony Financial is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Axos Financial, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Financial Services, and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc, Charles Schwab, Discover Financial Services, and HSBC Holdings and recommends the following options: short June 2025 $85 calls on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Mind the Skills Gap: What It Is and How AI Can Help

By Money Management No Comments

 Workers with the right skills could find themselves in demand. 

When passion connects with skills and experience, you're set for your best chance of being effective in a new job.
By tsyhun / Shutterstock.com

You’ve likely heard about the skills gap, but do you know which industries are most affected and which skills are in the shortest supply? In this article, I’ll explore the critical aspects of the skills gap that is currently shaping the U.S. economy and impacting Americans. We’ll dive into the industries struggling the most, identify the skills employers desperately need, and discuss how this…

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The ‘Magic Number’ for a Comfortable Retirement Just Went Down

By Money Management No Comments

 Americans are anxious about the “magic number” they say will be necessary to enjoy their golden years. 

Happy retired couple
WHYFRAME / Shutterstock.com

The “magic number” that Americans say they need to live comfortably in retirement is coming down, but it still remains beyond the reach of many people today. Recently, Northwestern Mutual surveyed more than 4,600 adults for its 2025 Planning & Progress Study and asked them how much money they will need to save to retire comfortably. Their magic number? A cool $1.26 million, on average.

 Read More