Category

Money Management

Here’s What You Can — and Can’t — Put in a Compost Bin

By Money Management No Comments

 Learn how to turn everyday waste into useful compost, without pests or rank odors. 

Composting bin
kay roxby / Shutterstock.com

Composting is an easy and eco-friendly way to reduce yard and kitchen waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for your lawn, garden, and flowerbeds. But knowing what you can put in a compost bin is essential for maintaining the right balance of materials. Brown materials — such as dried leaves, shredded newspaper, and cardboard — provide carbon. Green materials — like fruit and vegetable scraps…

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The Best Savings Account Rates Today, April 2, 2025: Up to 4.50%

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
A high-yield savings account is a smart place to grow your money while keeping it easily accessible. With interest rates still near or above 4.00%, now is an excellent time to take advantage of competitive savings rates. But not all accounts are created equal. Some offer significantly higher annual percentage yields (APYs) than others — we’re talking more than 10 times the national average.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’ve researched and compared savings accounts from top financial institutions to bring you the best options with the highest rates available today.Below, you’ll find a selection of accounts with the best APYs we’ve found.Bank AccountAPYMinimum Account Balance$25, $5,000 to open accountLendingClub LevelUp Savings4.40% with $250+ in monthly deposits$250 cumulative monthly deposits for max APYBask Interest Savings4.35%$0EverBank Performance℠ Savings4.30%$0Ivy Bank High-Yield Savings Accountup to 4.25%$2,500Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 2, 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 todayAmerican Express® High Yield Savings (Member FDIC) — Earn a high annual percentage yield with no minimum deposit requiredCIT Platinum Savings — Higher rate available with $5,000 minimum depositShould you open a high-yield savings account now?If you’re holding extra cash in a traditional savings account earning a fraction of a percent, now’s a great time to make a switch. With interest rates still elevated, high-yield savings accounts give you an easy, low-risk way to earn more — without giving up access to your money.Opening a high-yield savings account could make sense if:You want to earn more interest without locking up your moneyYou value safety — most accounts are FDIC insuredYou prefer flexibility over committing to a fixed termYou want an account with no or low fees and easy online accessHigh-yield savings accounts let you earn a competitive return while keeping your money accessible. That makes them ideal for emergency funds, upcoming expenses, or savings goals you want to reach in the next year or two.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.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 aobut the American Express® High Yield Savings account (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 pile of bills

Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash

A high-yield savings account is a smart place to grow your money while keeping it easily accessible. With interest rates still near or above 4.00%, now is an excellent time to take advantage of competitive savings rates. But not all accounts are created equal. Some offer significantly higher annual percentage yields (APYs) than others — we’re talking more than 10 times the national average.

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’ve researched and compared savings accounts from top financial institutions to bring you the best options with the highest rates available today.

Below, you’ll find a selection of accounts with the best APYs we’ve found.

Bank Account APY Minimum Account Balance
$25, $5,000 to open account
LendingClub LevelUp Savings 4.40% with $250+ in monthly deposits $250 cumulative monthly deposits for max APY
Bask Interest Savings 4.35% $0
EverBank Performance℠ Savings 4.30% $0
Ivy Bank High-Yield Savings Account up to 4.25% $2,500
Data source: Issuing banks. Rates are accurate as of April 2, 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’re holding extra cash in a traditional savings account earning a fraction of a percent, now’s a great time to make a switch. With interest rates still elevated, high-yield savings accounts give you an easy, low-risk way to earn more — without giving up access to your money.

Opening a high-yield savings account could make sense if:

  • You want to earn more interest without locking up your money
  • You value safety — most accounts are FDIC insured
  • You prefer flexibility over committing to a fixed term
  • You want an account with no or low fees and easy online access

High-yield savings accounts let you earn a competitive return while keeping your money accessible. That makes them ideal for emergency funds, upcoming expenses, or savings goals you want to reach in the next year or two.

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.

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 aobut the American Express® High Yield Savings account (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 

18 Career Certifications That Can Boost Your Income

By Money Management No Comments

 These certifications may be your ticket to a high-paying career. 

Happy senior worker looking confident and successful
Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com

Earning a career certification can be a great way to boost your income, qualify for new opportunities, or break into a different field without committing to a full degree program. From finance to IT to marketing, the right certification can make you a more competitive job candidate and help you negotiate with employers for a higher salary. In the following, we provide an overview of career…

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The Best CD Rates Today, April 2, 2025: Up to 4.65% APY

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
Looking to boost your savings? Today’s top CD rates sit between 4.50% and 4.65%. Short-term CDs, especially those under a year, offer the best rates 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. Since the Federal Reserve won’t meet again until May, rates should hold steady for a bit. That makes now a good time to lock in a high-yield CD.Ready to invest? Check out some of the best CD rates available today.BankAPYTermMinimum DepositOMB4.65%7 Months$1,000DR Bank4.65%6 Months$500United 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 1, 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?CD rates have dipped since mid-2024, but they’re still worth a look. The Federal Reserve is holding rates steady for now, though experts see possible cuts later in 2025.Now could be a great time to lock in a CD if:You want safe, guaranteed returns on your cashYou want protection from near-term interest rate cutsCDs are backed by FDIC insurance. Deposits up to $250,000 per person, per bank, are covered in the event of bank failure. While CDs are low-risk, the stock market might offer more gains.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 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 the commitmentIf you want to earn a high APY with more flexibility and less commitment, then look into a high-yield savings account.The best high-yield savings accounts allow you to:Deposit and withdraw money whenever you wantQuickly transfer money to other accountsSavings account rates are variable and can change at any time. However, high-yield savings accounts currently have APYs that rival the best CDs, making either one a great choice now, depending on your savings goals.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 pile of money with a seedling growing out of it

Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash

Looking to boost your savings? Today’s top CD rates sit between 4.50% and 4.65%. Short-term CDs, especially those under a year, offer the best rates 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.

Since the Federal Reserve won’t meet again until May, rates should hold steady for a bit. That makes now a good time to lock in a high-yield CD.

Ready to invest? Check out some of the best CD rates available today.

Bank APY Term Minimum Deposit
OMB 4.65% 7 Months $1,000
DR Bank 4.65% 6 Months $500
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 1, 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?

CD rates have dipped since mid-2024, but they’re still worth a look. The Federal Reserve is holding rates steady for now, though experts see possible cuts later in 2025.

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

  • You want safe, guaranteed returns on your cash
  • You want protection from near-term interest rate cuts

CDs are backed by FDIC insurance. Deposits up to $250,000 per person, per bank, are covered in the event of bank failure. While CDs are low-risk, the stock market might offer more gains.

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 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 the commitment

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

The best high-yield savings accounts allow you to:

  • Deposit and withdraw money whenever you want
  • Quickly transfer money to other accounts

Savings account rates are variable and can change at any time. However, high-yield savings accounts currently have APYs that rival the best CDs, making either one a great choice now, depending on your savings goals.

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 

13 Aldi Products That Shoppers Love the Most

By Money Management No Comments

 These foods and drinks are the latest favorites of devoted Aldi fans. 

Aldi store
Sharkshock / Shutterstock.com

With more than 90% of its products being from store brands that are exclusive to Aldi, the retailer has earned a reputation for its unique products and great prices on its rotation of “Aldi Finds.” But regular shoppers love Aldi for more than just its well-priced seasonal items. For six years now, Aldi has asked its customers about their favorite products as part of its annual Fan Favorites…

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5 Ways Weaker IRS Enforcement Could Hurt Rule-Following Taxpayers

By Money Management No Comments

 Learn how shifting tax enforcement trends could increase your financial risk — even if you always play by the rules. 

LightField Studios / 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. The IRS faces unprecedented challenges due to staffing cuts and policy changes, weakening its enforcement capabilities. Experts warn these changes could encourage more taxpayers to underreport income or avoid filing…

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