Discover the essential factors that might determine if a pre-nup is the right choice for your relationship.
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Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Marriage involves both an emotional and financial connection. Creating a prenuptial agreement can help couples safeguard their interests, potentially reducing future misunderstandings if the marriage doesn’t last.
Market volatility and economic uncertainty signal the time to prepare for rising costs. These smart purchases could save you thousands.
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Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. The economy stands at a crossroads. Markets have lost trillions, and inflation is squeezing household budgets. With warning signs flashing, smart consumers are taking protective steps. In uncertain times…
Discover these smart wealth-building strategies that come straight from popular games.
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Success in games — whether it’s chess, poker, or even video games — relies on strategy, patience, and calculated risks. The best players don’t just react; they anticipate, adapt, and think several moves ahead. The same principles apply to managing money. By applying lessons from favorite games, you can build wealth, protect your assets, and ensure long-term financial security.
Find out where SNAP benefits play a bigger role for folks across the country.
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For decades, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been one of the most significant social welfare programs in the United States, helping millions of Americans afford basic nutrition. As a federally funded program, SNAP has been a focal point of debate for both major political parties, often framed as either a critical tool in reducing poverty and food insecurity or a costly…
[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
The best certificate of deposit (CD) rates today hover around 4.50% to 4.65%. Short-term CDs, especially those with terms of 12 months or less, offer the most appealing rates in the current CD environment.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. As the Federal Reserve does not meet again until May, we can expect CD rates to stay relatively stable in the near term. This stability presents a great opportunity to take advantage of a CD now, while rates remain attractive.Here are some of the best CD rates available today.BankAPYTermMinimum DepositOMB4.65%7 Months$1,000DR Bank4.65%6 Months$500MutualOne Bank4.59%6 Months$500Brilliant 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 March 31, 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 CD 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?Even though CD rates have decreased since mid-2024, they remain competitive. While the Federal Reserve has decided to keep the federal funds rate unchanged for now, many experts anticipate that rate cuts are likely to occur as we move further into 2025.Now could be an excellent time to lock in a CD if:You want safe, guaranteed returns on your cashYou want to protect your savings from the possibility of near-term interest rate cutsThe best CDs are backed by FDIC insurance, which protects deposits of up to $250,000 per person, per bank, in case of a bank failure. Although CDs present minimal risk, other investment avenues like the stock market might provide opportunities for higher 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 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, 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 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”:”
Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
The best certificate of deposit (CD) rates today hover around 4.50% to 4.65%. Short-term CDs, especially those with terms of 12 months or less, offer the most appealing rates in the current CD environment.
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!
As the Federal Reserve does not meet again until May, we can expect CD rates to stay relatively stable in the near term. This stability presents a great opportunity to take advantage of a CD now, while rates remain attractive.
Here are 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
MutualOne Bank
4.59%
6 Months
$500
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 March 31, 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. ExploreLendingClub CDrates 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:
Best CD Rates — Our expert picks for the top accounts available today
Even though CD rates have decreased since mid-2024, they remain competitive. While the Federal Reserve has decided to keep the federal funds rate unchanged for now, many experts anticipate that rate cuts are likely to occur as we move further into 2025.
Now could be an excellent time to lock in a CD if:
You want safe, guaranteed returns on your cash
You want to protect your savings from the possibility of near-term interest rate cuts
The best CDs are backed by FDIC insurance, which protects deposits of up to $250,000 per person, per bank, in case of a bank failure. Although CDs present minimal risk, other investment avenues like the stock market might provide opportunities for higher returns.
How to open a CD
When 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.
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 cash
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, 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.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.James McClenathen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about how much money is sitting in your checking account. It’s safe, easy to access, and gives you peace of mind, right? But here’s something your bank won’t tell you: Keeping too much money in your checking account is costing you.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. I used to make the same mistake. I liked seeing a big cushion in my checking account — it made me feel financially secure. But then I realized I was missing out on hundreds of dollars in extra interest each year.If you’re sitting on more cash than you actually need for bills and everyday spending, it’s time to make a change.How much is too much in checking?Here’s a simple rule that helped me: Keep one to two months’ worth of expenses in your checking account. Anything beyond that you need to move somewhere it can actually grow.Here’s why:Your money isn’t earning much. The average checking account offers 0.07% APY or less.Inflation is eating away at your cash. With rising prices, the money in your checking account loses value over time.High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) pay far more. Many offer 4.00% APY or higher, meaning your money could be earning 50 to 60 times more in an HYSA than a checking account.Start earning more money on your extra cash today. Check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts.So, where should you put your extra cash?I get it — moving money around can feel like a hassle. But trust me, it’s worth it. Here’s where I put my extra funds:1. High-yield savings account (HYSA)This was a game-changer for me. With an HYSA, my savings started earning 50 to 60 times more than what my checking account paid. And the best part is that I could still access my money anytime I needed.2. Investments for long-term growthOnce I had my emergency fund in place, I started putting extra cash into stocks and ETFs. Historically, the S&P 500 has returned an average of about 10% annually. With some patience, the stock market is still the best place to save for things like retirement.3. Paying down debtIf you have credit card debt, extra cash in checking is wasted. I used some of my excess to knock out high-interest debt, and it saved me way more than I’d ever earn in a savings account.Take action: Move your money and earn moreI wish I had made the switch sooner. If you have extra money just sitting in checking, it’s time to move it to a high-yield savings account where it can actually grow. Many online banks make the process easy with high APYs, no fees, and quick transfers.Compare the best high-yield savings accounts today and find one that fits your needs. Trust me, once you start seeing those higher interest earnings roll in, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about how much money is sitting in your checking account. It’s safe, easy to access, and gives you peace of mind, right? But here’s something your bank won’t tell you: Keeping too much money in your checking account is costing you.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
I used to make the same mistake. I liked seeing a big cushion in my checking account — it made me feel financially secure. But then I realized I was missing out on hundreds of dollars in extra interest each year.
If you’re sitting on more cash than you actually need for bills and everyday spending, it’s time to make a change.
How much is too much in checking?
Here’s a simple rule that helped me: Keep one to two months’ worth of expenses in your checking account. Anything beyond that you need to move somewhere it can actually grow.
Here’s why:
Your money isn’t earning much. The average checking account offers 0.07% APY or less.
Inflation is eating away at your cash. With rising prices, the money in your checking account loses value over time.
High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) pay far more. Many offer 4.00% APY or higher, meaning your money could be earning 50 to 60 times more in an HYSA than a checking account.
I get it — moving money around can feel like a hassle. But trust me, it’s worth it. Here’s where I put my extra funds:
1. High-yield savings account (HYSA)
This was a game-changer for me. With an HYSA, my savings started earning 50 to 60 times more than what my checking account paid. And the best part is that I could still access my money anytime I needed.
2. Investments for long-term growth
Once I had my emergency fund in place, I started putting extra cash into stocks and ETFs. Historically, the S&P 500 has returned an average of about 10% annually. With some patience, the stock market is still the best place to save for things like retirement.
3. Paying down debt
If you have credit card debt, extra cash in checking is wasted. I used some of my excess to knock out high-interest debt, and it saved me way more than I’d ever earn in a savings account.
Take action: Move your money and earn more
I wish I had made the switch sooner. If you have extra money just sitting in checking, it’s time to move it to a high-yield savings account where it can actually grow. Many online banks make the process easy with high APYs, no fees, and quick transfers.
Compare the best high-yield savings accounts today and find one that fits your needs. Trust me, once you start seeing those higher interest earnings roll in, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.
Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Tarra “Madam Money” Jackson is a financial educator, international speaker, author, and wealth empowerment strategist helping you heal, build, and grow your wealth.
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