Category

Money Management

Eat Less, Spend Less: 9 Money-Saving Perks of Intermittent Fasting

By Money Management No Comments

 What if the secret to saving money was simply eating less often? Reducing meal frequency isn’t just a health trend—it’s a way to cut grocery bills, avoid impulse buys, and even reduce long-term medical costs. 

Woman pushing away doughnuts
Cat Box / Shutterstock.com

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting, with fasting windows typically lasting 16 to 20 hours. Many people try IF for weight loss and metabolic health, but an often-overlooked benefit is how much money it can save. By reducing meal frequency, you naturally spend less on food, cut down on unnecessary snack purchases, and even lower long…

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Forget CDs: You Could Lock in a 4.4% Yield for 10 Years

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The best thing about certificates of deposit (CDs) is that they pay a guaranteed interest rate. The advertised rate is what you’ll get until the CD matures.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. At today’s CD rates, you can lock in an annual percentage yield (APY) of about 4.00% for a 5-year CD. That’s a pretty good return for such a safe investment.What if I said you could earn a higher yield for twice as long? It’s true — though you should read up on the basics before you invest.Introducing the 10-year Treasury noteTreasury notes (aka “T-notes”) are government-issued investments. Much like CDs, they have maturity dates, and until that date, they pay a fixed interest rate.Unlike CDs, however, T-notes pay interest every six months. So twice per year, you get half of your annual interest earnings. When the T-note matures, you get your initial investment back.T-notes have terms ranging from two to 10 years. And right now, you can purchase 10-year T-notes that yield 4.40%.They’re not quite as intuitive as CDs, though. There are a few things you should know before you buy.Prefer to keep your savings simple? Check out our list of the best CD rates for a safe, dependable place to keep your cash.How to buy 10-year Treasury notesThere are a few ways to invest in Treasury notes, and each has its pros and cons.At auctionThe Treasury Department auctions off 10-year T-notes once per month. The next batch is expected to be up for sale on March 12. The Treasury will announce the date and more details about a week in advance.You can bid on T-notes at TreasuryDirect.gov. You’ll first need to create an online account and then link your bank account.Pros of buying Treasury notes at auction:You can purchase Treasury notes in $100 increments, so you don’t need to commit a lot of money.You won’t pay any fees, because there’s no middle man. You’re buying directly from the government.Cons of buying Treasury notes at auction:Interest rates are decided at auction. That means you won’t know beforehand exactly what interest rate you’ll get.There are simpler ways to buy T-notes.TreasuryDirect.gov is not the most user-friendly site.Through a brokerMany of the best stock brokers let you buy and sell Treasury notes. Some allow you to buy them at auction; you just go through your broker instead of TreasuryDirect.gov.However, investors can buy and sell T-notes among themselves at any time, and some brokers help you buy them through this secondary market. You can currently buy the 10-year T-notes that were auctioned in mid-February, which have a yield of 4.40%.Pros of buying Treasury notes on the secondary market:You can purchase T-notes at any time.You can pick and choose T-notes with different maturity dates and yields.Making a purchase is fairly simple.Cons of buying Treasury notes on the secondary market:The minimum investment may be extremely high.Some brokers charge a commission fee.Through an exchange-traded fundTreasury exchange-traded funds (ETFs) invest in a variety of T-notes. You can purchase a share of the ETF, which means you own a portion of all those T-notes. ETFs are traded just like stocks, and they’re offered by many brokers.Pros of buying T-notes through an ETF:The minimum investment is low.They typically pay interest monthly instead of semi-annually.They continually buy new T-notes, which means that if interest rates go up, your ETF will be buying T-notes with more attractive rates.Buying and selling ETFs is fast and easy.Cons of buying T-notes through an ETF:You may not get the best possible yield, since you can’t hand-pick the highest-yielding T-notes.You’ll pay a small fee to the fund manager.Are 10-year Treasury notes worth it?10-year Treasury notes are best for people who:Can invest a large amount of money. If you can only make a small investment (say, $1,000 or less), then the returns may not be worth the hassle and commitment.Can leave their investment untouched for years. There’s no penalty for selling a T-note before it matures. However, if you’re forced to cash out early, there’s a risk that you’ll sell your T-note at a loss. And of course, you’ll no longer get interest payments.Want guaranteed interest and minimal risk. T-notes are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, which has never failed to pay T-note investors on time and in full.If Treasury notes aren’t right for you, then you could stash your money in a high-yield savings account and call it a day. Savings account APYs can change at any time, but today’s best rates are around 4.00%.But if you have thousands of dollars that you want to keep safe while earning a solid return for years, then a 10-year Treasury note is one of the best options you’ll find.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”:”

Man uses laptop while another person sits behind him on the couch.

Image source: Getty Images

The best thing about certificates of deposit (CDs) is that they pay a guaranteed interest rate. The advertised rate is what you’ll get until the CD matures.

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.

At today’s CD rates, you can lock in an annual percentage yield (APY) of about 4.00% for a 5-year CD. That’s a pretty good return for such a safe investment.

What if I said you could earn a higher yield for twice as long? It’s true — though you should read up on the basics before you invest.

Introducing the 10-year Treasury note

Treasury notes (aka “T-notes”) are government-issued investments. Much like CDs, they have maturity dates, and until that date, they pay a fixed interest rate.

Unlike CDs, however, T-notes pay interest every six months. So twice per year, you get half of your annual interest earnings. When the T-note matures, you get your initial investment back.

T-notes have terms ranging from two to 10 years. And right now, you can purchase 10-year T-notes that yield 4.40%.

They’re not quite as intuitive as CDs, though. There are a few things you should know before you buy.

Prefer to keep your savings simple? Check out our list of the best CD rates for a safe, dependable place to keep your cash.

How to buy 10-year Treasury notes

There are a few ways to invest in Treasury notes, and each has its pros and cons.

At auction

The Treasury Department auctions off 10-year T-notes once per month. The next batch is expected to be up for sale on March 12. The Treasury will announce the date and more details about a week in advance.

You can bid on T-notes at TreasuryDirect.gov. You’ll first need to create an online account and then link your bank account.

Pros of buying Treasury notes at auction:

  • You can purchase Treasury notes in $100 increments, so you don’t need to commit a lot of money.
  • You won’t pay any fees, because there’s no middle man. You’re buying directly from the government.

Cons of buying Treasury notes at auction:

  • Interest rates are decided at auction. That means you won’t know beforehand exactly what interest rate you’ll get.
  • There are simpler ways to buy T-notes.
  • TreasuryDirect.gov is not the most user-friendly site.

Through a broker

Many of the best stock brokers let you buy and sell Treasury notes. Some allow you to buy them at auction; you just go through your broker instead of TreasuryDirect.gov.

However, investors can buy and sell T-notes among themselves at any time, and some brokers help you buy them through this secondary market. You can currently buy the 10-year T-notes that were auctioned in mid-February, which have a yield of 4.40%.

Pros of buying Treasury notes on the secondary market:

  • You can purchase T-notes at any time.
  • You can pick and choose T-notes with different maturity dates and yields.
  • Making a purchase is fairly simple.

Cons of buying Treasury notes on the secondary market:

  • The minimum investment may be extremely high.
  • Some brokers charge a commission fee.

Through an exchange-traded fund

Treasury exchange-traded funds (ETFs) invest in a variety of T-notes. You can purchase a share of the ETF, which means you own a portion of all those T-notes. ETFs are traded just like stocks, and they’re offered by many brokers.

Pros of buying T-notes through an ETF:

  • The minimum investment is low.
  • They typically pay interest monthly instead of semi-annually.
  • They continually buy new T-notes, which means that if interest rates go up, your ETF will be buying T-notes with more attractive rates.
  • Buying and selling ETFs is fast and easy.

Cons of buying T-notes through an ETF:

  • You may not get the best possible yield, since you can’t hand-pick the highest-yielding T-notes.
  • You’ll pay a small fee to the fund manager.

Are 10-year Treasury notes worth it?

10-year Treasury notes are best for people who:

  • Can invest a large amount of money. If you can only make a small investment (say, $1,000 or less), then the returns may not be worth the hassle and commitment.
  • Can leave their investment untouched for years. There’s no penalty for selling a T-note before it matures. However, if you’re forced to cash out early, there’s a risk that you’ll sell your T-note at a loss. And of course, you’ll no longer get interest payments.
  • Want guaranteed interest and minimal risk. T-notes are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, which has never failed to pay T-note investors on time and in full.

If Treasury notes aren’t right for you, then you could stash your money in a high-yield savings account and call it a day. Savings account APYs can change at any time, but today’s best rates are around 4.00%.

But if you have thousands of dollars that you want to keep safe while earning a solid return for years, then a 10-year Treasury note is one of the best options you’ll find.

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.

“}]] Read More 

Tired of Low Interest Rates? This Bank Account Could Change Everything

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash
If you’re like most savers, you’ve probably felt the sting of traditional savings accounts offering measly interest rates — sometimes as low as 0.01%! The frustration is real. After all, shouldn’t your hard-earned money work just as hard for 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. Enter high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) — a simple, low-risk way to make your savings grow faster. If you’re tired of watching your money sit idle, this could be the change you’ve been waiting for.What is a high-yield savings account?A high-yield savings account is just like a regular savings account, but with a much better interest rate. While the national average interest rate for standard savings accounts is 0.41%, many HYSAs offer rates of 4.00% or more. That’s nearly 10 times what the national average account pays.And your money stays safe. High-yield savings accounts are typically offered by reputable online banks and are FDIC insured, just like more traditional accounts. This means your money is protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.Why should you switch to a HYSA?Higher returns with less risk: Unlike investing in stocks or crypto, HYSAs offer a steadier return. No market swings. No sleepless nights. Your rate will likely drop if the Federal Reserve lowers national interest rates, but that tends to be a slow decline.Your emergency fund works for you: Experts recommend keeping three to six months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund. Why not keep that cash in a high-yield savings account where it can earn more while remaining accessible?Beat inflation (sort of): While no savings account fully shields you from inflation, earning 4.00% or more in interest certainly helps your money hold its value better than a traditional account.How to choose the best high-yield savings accountNot all HYSAs are created equal. Here’s what to look for:Competitive APY: Aim for an account offering 4.00% or higher.No monthly fees: The best accounts don’t charge maintenance fees.Easy access: Having a highly rated mobile app is crucial.No minimum balance requirements: Some of the best high-yield savings accounts have no minimum balance requirements.Ready to earn more? Here’s your next stepStop letting your savings collect dust. Moving your money to a high-yield savings account is one of the easiest financial wins out there.Start earning up to 10 times the national average on your money. Check out our list of best high-yield savings accounts now.It takes just minutes to open an account online and it’s seamless to transfer funds from an old account to a new one.Stop waitingIf you’re tired of settling for low interest rates, switching to a high-yield savings account could be the financial game-changer you need. Your money should work as hard as you do.With higher rates, no risks, and flexible access, there’s no reason to wait. Let your savings finally do some heavy lifting.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”:”

A red piggy bank against a yellow background

Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash

If you’re like most savers, you’ve probably felt the sting of traditional savings accounts offering measly interest rates — sometimes as low as 0.01%! The frustration is real. After all, shouldn’t your hard-earned money work just as hard for 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.

Enter high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) — a simple, low-risk way to make your savings grow faster. If you’re tired of watching your money sit idle, this could be the change you’ve been waiting for.

What is a high-yield savings account?

A high-yield savings account is just like a regular savings account, but with a much better interest rate. While the national average interest rate for standard savings accounts is 0.41%, many HYSAs offer rates of 4.00% or more. That’s nearly 10 times what the national average account pays.

And your money stays safe. High-yield savings accounts are typically offered by reputable online banks and are FDIC insured, just like more traditional accounts. This means your money is protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.

Why should you switch to a HYSA?

  1. Higher returns with less risk: Unlike investing in stocks or crypto, HYSAs offer a steadier return. No market swings. No sleepless nights. Your rate will likely drop if the Federal Reserve lowers national interest rates, but that tends to be a slow decline.
  2. Your emergency fund works for you: Experts recommend keeping three to six months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund. Why not keep that cash in a high-yield savings account where it can earn more while remaining accessible?
  3. Beat inflation (sort of): While no savings account fully shields you from inflation, earning 4.00% or more in interest certainly helps your money hold its value better than a traditional account.

How to choose the best high-yield savings account

Not all HYSAs are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

  • Competitive APY: Aim for an account offering 4.00% or higher.
  • No monthly fees: The best accounts don’t charge maintenance fees.
  • Easy access: Having a highly rated mobile app is crucial.
  • No minimum balance requirements: Some of the best high-yield savings accounts have no minimum balance requirements.

Ready to earn more? Here’s your next step

Stop letting your savings collect dust. Moving your money to a high-yield savings account is one of the easiest financial wins out there.

Start earning up to 10 times the national average on your money. Check out our list of best high-yield savings accounts now.

It takes just minutes to open an account online and it’s seamless to transfer funds from an old account to a new one.

Stop waiting

If you’re tired of settling for low interest rates, switching to a high-yield savings account could be the financial game-changer you need. Your money should work as hard as you do.

With higher rates, no risks, and flexible access, there’s no reason to wait. Let your savings finally do some heavy lifting.

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.

“}]] Read More 

“I Want to Break Free:” 9 Money Traps Keeping You Stuck

By Money Management No Comments

 You don’t need to be a rock star to master money. Queen’s iconic lyrics capture financial struggles better than most gurus. If you feel “under pressure,” here’s how to escape these costly traps. 

Excited businessman investing and leaping into new opportunities
aslysun / Shutterstock.com

Queen wasn’t just one of the greatest rock bands of all time—they also unknowingly delivered some of the best financial wisdom through their lyrics. Feeling like money is “playing the game” with you? If your financial life has been a “crazy little thing,” it’s time to regain control. These nine common money traps could keep you from financial freedom—but don’t worry, we’ll help you “break free.

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11 Fees That Are Robbing You Blind (and How to Fight Back)

By Money Management No Comments

 Learn how unexpected charges are quietly draining your bank account and discover ways to spot and avoid them, helping you keep more of your hard-earned money. 

Thief stealing money from closet
Melnikov Dmitriy / Shutterstock.com

Hidden charges can quietly eat away at your finances. Companies have found countless ways to take more of your money, from sneaky banking fees to unexpected service costs. The good news? Many of these charges are avoidable once you know where to look. Here are 11 common money drains—and how to stop paying for them.

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How to Have Fun, Learn Skills and Expand Your Mind for Free

By Money Management No Comments

 Look no further if you need something fun for the whole family without spending a dime. 

Father baking with his child
eggeegg / Shutterstock.com

Want to shine a spotlight on good times? Family fun takes center stage with these no-cost options. Here are a variety of ways to watch movies and TV shows, take a class, earn gift cards or find movies, music and more, all for free! Whether you’re into live music, interactive workshops, or creative activities, there’s something for everyone. This list is a combination of in-person and free…

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