Category

Money Management

I Just Tried to Apply for Social Security. Here’s What Happened.

By Money Management No Comments

 If you’re going to apply for Social Security anytime soon, learn from my recent experience. 

James R. Martin / Shutterstock.com

If you’re one of the millions of Americans relying on Social Security, recent news about deepening staff cuts and office closures might have you worried. You’re right to be concerned. I’m within a few months of my 70th birthday. I recently received a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that it was time to apply for benefits. (Waiting until age 70 to claim your benefits means a…

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5 Ways to Brace Yourself for a Health-Triggered Retirement

By Money Management No Comments

 If you think health problems might cut your career short, now’s the time to take smart steps that could protect your finances and ease the transition. 

Tamakhin Mykhailo / 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. When serious health issues arise, they don’t always give advance notice — but they often bring serious consequences. If you’re dealing with chronic issues, job-related physical strain, or a nagging sense that…

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9 Mark Cuban Money Habits That Could Change Your Life

By Money Management No Comments

 Learn the surprisingly accessible strategies this billionaire used to build financial security from nothing. 

Mark Cuban
Kathy Hutchins / 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. Mark Cuban didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. The billionaire investor, best known for Shark Tank and owning the Dallas Mavericks, made his fortune through grit, smart money moves, and a willingness to think…

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The Best CD Rates Today, April 7, 2025: Up to 4.65% APY

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
Today, you can find CDs offering rates up to 4.65%. CDs with terms of a year or less typically have the best APYs right now.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 is keeping rates steady for the time being, but cuts might happen later this year. Locking in these high rates today is a smart move.Check out some of the best CD options available now.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$500LendingClub4.50%10 Months$2,500Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 6, 2025.Why we chose these CDsExtremely competitive rates. Some CDs have slightly higher rates than those on our list, 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. Some banks require you to visit a branch to open a CD. The CDs on our list can each be opened straight from the issuer’s website.While the CDs above offer some of the most competitive rates available today, they’re not the only strong options worth considering. LendingClub offers a solid alternative, with CDs that are easy to open and come from a well-known digital bank. If you value a smooth online experience and flexible terms, it’s worth a look. Explore LendingClub rates here.The Best CD Rates From Our Partners TodayWant to find the best CD for your timeline and goals? Explore top rates by term:Best CD Rates — Our expert picks for the top accounts available todayBest 6-Month CD Rates — Short-term savings with fast accessBest 12-Month CD Rates — Solid returns with just a 1-year commitmentBest 5-Year CD Rates — Maximize earnings over the long haulShould you open a CD now?CD rates began to fall towards the middle of 2024 as the Fed reduced rates for the first time in four years. Even with this drop, CDs remain a strong option. The Fed is holding rates steady now, but more cuts might happen in the second half of this year.Here’s why CDs are a good choice:Provide stable and safe returnsProtected by FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, per bankSafeguard against future rate drops during the CD termWhile CDs offer low-risk and steady returns, those with a longer investment timeline or more risk tolerance may want to consider investing in the stock market for more growth.How to open a CDIf you’re ready to open a CD, you can do so 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 that you can only make one deposit per CD.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 4.10% APY without locking up your cashIf you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment, then look into a high-yield savings account.You can deposit and withdraw money whenever you want.You can quickly transfer money to other accounts.You can simply deposit cash and leave it, while CDs require some work and decision-making when they mature.Savings account rates are variable and can change at any time. However, high-yield savings accounts currently have APYs that rival the best CDs.If you want to earn a competitive APY without committing 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.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 has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A person holding a bunch of dollar bills in front of their face

Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash

Today, you can find CDs offering rates up to 4.65%. CDs with terms of a year or less typically have the best APYs right now.

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 is keeping rates steady for the time being, but cuts might happen later this year. Locking in these high rates today is a smart move.

Check out some of the best CD options available now.

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
LendingClub 4.50% 10 Months $2,500
Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 6, 2025.

Why we chose these CDs

  • Extremely competitive rates. Some CDs have slightly higher rates than those on our list, 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. Some banks require you to visit a branch to open a CD. The CDs on our list can each be opened straight from the issuer’s website.

While the CDs above offer some of the most competitive rates available today, they’re not the only strong options worth considering. LendingClub offers a solid alternative, with CDs that are easy to open and come from a well-known digital bank. If you value a smooth online experience and flexible terms, it’s worth a look. Explore LendingClub rates here.

The Best CD Rates From Our Partners Today

Want to find the best CD for your timeline and goals? Explore top rates by term:

Should you open a CD now?

CD rates began to fall towards the middle of 2024 as the Fed reduced rates for the first time in four years. Even with this drop, CDs remain a strong option. The Fed is holding rates steady now, but more cuts might happen in the second half of this year.

Here’s why CDs are a good choice:

  • Provide stable and safe returns
  • Protected by FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank
  • Safeguard against future rate drops during the CD term

While CDs offer low-risk and steady returns, those with a longer investment timeline or more risk tolerance may want to consider investing in the stock market for more growth.

How to open a CD

If you’re ready to open a CD, you can do so 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 that you can only make one deposit per CD.

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 4.10% APY without locking up your cash

If you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment, then look into a high-yield savings account.

  • You can deposit and withdraw money whenever you want.
  • You can quickly transfer money to other accounts.
  • You can simply deposit cash and leave it, while CDs require some work and decision-making when they mature.

Savings account rates are variable and can change at any time. However, high-yield savings accounts currently have APYs that rival the best CDs.

If you want to earn a competitive APY without committing 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.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 has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

The Best Savings Account Rates Today, April 7, 2025: Up to 5.00%

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
A high-yield savings account keeps your money handy while allowing it to grow. Today, it’s possible to find rates as high as 5.00%.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 keep in mind, APYs vary quite a bit. Some accounts offer far better returns, so comparing options is crucial when searching for your next high-yield savings account. We’ve researched top banks to help you out.Check out our selection of the best high-yield savings rates available now.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%$0TIMBR High Yield Savings4.55%$1,000Peak Bank Envision High Yield Savingsup to 4.54%$100 to open, 2.02% APY on balances of $10,000,000 and aboveBrioDirect High-Yield Savings4.50%$25, $5,000 to open accountData source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 6, 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. Most 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 looking for an account that combines a strong APY with online access and flexibility, CIT Platinum Savings stands out. It’s a smart option for savers who want high returns. Read our full CIT Platinum 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?If you have extra cash in an account that’s earning you very little, it’s a great time to make a change. High-yield savings accounts offer strong rates now, helping your money grow.Consider opening one if you:Need low-fee, easy online accessWant freedom and flexibility from your bank accountSeek higher returns without locking funds awayValue the safety net FDIC insurance providesThese accounts provide better returns while keeping your cash accessible. They’re perfect for home and auto repairs, vacation planning, or providing cushion in the event of job loss.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.Click here to compare the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.Sick of 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.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Ally is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. SLM is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Synchrony Financial 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. Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup 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 March 2025 $80 calls on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

A glass jar full of bills and coins

Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash

A high-yield savings account keeps your money handy while allowing it to grow. Today, it’s possible to find rates as high as 5.00%.

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 keep in mind, APYs vary quite a bit. Some accounts offer far better returns, so comparing options is crucial when searching for your next high-yield savings account. We’ve researched top banks to help you out.

Check out our selection of the best high-yield savings rates available now.

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
TIMBR High Yield Savings 4.55% $1,000
Peak Bank Envision High Yield Savings up to 4.54% $100 to open, 2.02% APY on balances of $10,000,000 and above
BrioDirect High-Yield Savings 4.50% $25, $5,000 to open account
Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 6, 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. Most 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 looking for an account that combines a strong APY with online access and flexibility, CIT Platinum Savings stands out. It’s a smart option for savers who want high returns. Read our full CIT Platinum 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?

If you have extra cash in an account that’s earning you very little, it’s a great time to make a change. High-yield savings accounts offer strong rates now, helping your money grow.

Consider opening one if you:

  • Need low-fee, easy online access
  • Want freedom and flexibility from your bank account
  • Seek higher returns without locking funds away
  • Value the safety net FDIC insurance provides

These accounts provide better returns while keeping your cash accessible. They’re perfect for home and auto repairs, vacation planning, or providing cushion in the event of job loss.

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.

Click here to compare the best high-yield savings accounts and open one today.

Sick of 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.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Ally is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. SLM is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Synchrony Financial 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. Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup 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 March 2025 $80 calls on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Smart Shopping: 6 Dollar Tree Must-Haves for Boomers

By Money Management No Comments

 Discover budget-friendly treasures that combine practicality and efficiency, perfect for enhancing the lifestyle of anyone 50 and over. 

Dollar Tree
Jonathan Weiss / 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. If you want to save money without sacrificing quality, Dollar Tree might be your new best friend. For Boomers on fixed incomes or simply trying to shop smarter, this budget-friendly retailer offers everyday…

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