It’s never too late to secure your financial future. These expensive missteps can be corrected with some effort, helping you get back on track and safeguard your nest egg.
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Retirement is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but missteps can derail your plans. From financial blunders to overlooked details, avoiding mistakes is important for a secure and happy retirement, allowing you to focus on what matters most without unnecessary stress. Planning ahead, managing your investments wisely, and staying organized can ensure that your retirement years are as…
Want to boost your income without relying on technology? These easy side gigs let you earn extra cash the old-fashioned way—using just your skills, effort, and creativity.
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In an era where technology seems to power everything, it’s reassuring to know you can still make extra money the old-fashioned way. Whether you’re looking to boost your income or just want a hands-on way to stay productive, there are plenty of simple, tech-free opportunities to explore. No apps, no screens—just practical ways to earn using your skills, effort, and creativity!
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Credit card debt can feel overwhelming, especially when high interest rates keep making the balance grow. The good news is you can take control of your debt and pay it off faster with the right strategies. Here are some of the best ways to get out of credit card debt and take back your financial freedom.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. 1. Use a balance transfer credit cardThe best balance transfer credit cards can help you get rid of debt faster by reducing or eliminating interest payments. Many of these cards offer 0% APR for up to 21 months, giving you a window to pay off your balance without interest piling up.Here’s how it works:Apply for a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory APR.Move your existing credit card debt to the new card.Pay down the balance as much as possible during the interest-free period.Keep in mind that many balance transfer cards charge a fee of 3% to 5% of the debt transferred, so make sure the savings outweigh the cost before you apply. Also, avoid making new purchases on the card — your goal is to pay off debt, not add to it.2. Tackle it with the snowball or avalanche methodIf you have multiple credit cards with an outstanding balance, you’ll need a strategy to pay them off efficiently. Two of the most popular methods are:The snowball method: Pay off the smallest balance first while making minimum payments on the others. Once the first card is paid off, move on to the next smallest. This builds momentum and keeps you motivated. Staying motivated can be the hardest part of tackling debt, and seeing some debts completely disappear as you go helps keep morale high.The avalanche method: Focus on paying off the card with the highest interest rate first. This method saves you the most money in interest over time.Both strategies work, so choose the one that keeps you motivated to stick with your plan.Get out of debt faster. Check out our list of the best 0% intro APR credit cards to find out today if you can get up to 21 months of 0% interest on your debt.3. Cut unnecessary spendingIf you’re serious about getting out of debt, take a hard look at your expenses. Small cuts can add up quickly:Cancel unused subscriptions.Eat at home instead of dining out.Look for free or low-cost entertainment.Reduce impulse spending by using a 24-hour rule before buying anything non-essential.Every dollar you save can go toward paying down your debt faster.4. Consider a side hustleEarning extra income is one of the fastest ways to pay off debt. Even an extra $200 to $500 a month can make a big difference. Consider:Freelancing or gig work (writing, graphic design, tutoring, etc.)Driving for a rideshare or food delivery serviceSelling unused items onlinePicking up extra shifts at your current jobEvery extra dollar you earn should go directly toward paying off your credit cards.5. Negotiate a lower interest rateYou might be able to lower your interest rate just by asking, especially if you’ve been a long-time customer with a good payment history. Call your credit card company and request a rate reduction. Even a small rate cut can save you money and help you pay off debt faster.Start getting out of debt todayGetting out of credit card debt takes discipline, but it’s absolutely possible. Whether you use a balance transfer card, focus on cutting expenses, or pick up a side hustle, the key is to stick to a plan and keep making progress. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be debt free.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
Credit card debt can feel overwhelming, especially when high interest rates keep making the balance grow. The good news is you can take control of your debt and pay it off faster with the right strategies. Here are some of the best ways to get out of credit card debt and take back your financial freedom.
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!
The best balance transfer credit cards can help you get rid of debt faster by reducing or eliminating interest payments. Many of these cards offer 0% APR for up to 21 months, giving you a window to pay off your balance without interest piling up.
Here’s how it works:
Apply for a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory APR.
Move your existing credit card debt to the new card.
Pay down the balance as much as possible during the interest-free period.
Keep in mind that many balance transfer cards charge a fee of 3% to 5% of the debt transferred, so make sure the savings outweigh the cost before you apply. Also, avoid making new purchases on the card — your goal is to pay off debt, not add to it.
2. Tackle it with the snowball or avalanche method
If you have multiple credit cards with an outstanding balance, you’ll need a strategy to pay them off efficiently. Two of the most popular methods are:
The snowball method: Pay off the smallest balance first while making minimum payments on the others. Once the first card is paid off, move on to the next smallest. This builds momentum and keeps you motivated. Staying motivated can be the hardest part of tackling debt, and seeing some debts completely disappear as you go helps keep morale high.
The avalanche method: Focus on paying off the card with the highest interest rate first. This method saves you the most money in interest over time.
Both strategies work, so choose the one that keeps you motivated to stick with your plan.
If you’re serious about getting out of debt, take a hard look at your expenses. Small cuts can add up quickly:
Cancel unused subscriptions.
Eat at home instead of dining out.
Look for free or low-cost entertainment.
Reduce impulse spending by using a 24-hour rule before buying anything non-essential.
Every dollar you save can go toward paying down your debt faster.
4. Consider a side hustle
Earning extra income is one of the fastest ways to pay off debt. Even an extra $200 to $500 a month can make a big difference. Consider:
Freelancing or gig work (writing, graphic design, tutoring, etc.)
Driving for a rideshare or food delivery service
Selling unused items online
Picking up extra shifts at your current job
Every extra dollar you earn should go directly toward paying off your credit cards.
5. Negotiate a lower interest rate
You might be able to lower your interest rate just by asking, especially if you’ve been a long-time customer with a good payment history. Call your credit card company and request a rate reduction. Even a small rate cut can save you money and help you pay off debt faster.
Start getting out of debt today
Getting out of credit card debt takes discipline, but it’s absolutely possible. Whether you use a balance transfer card, focus on cutting expenses, or pick up a side hustle, the key is to stick to a plan and keep making progress. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be debt free.
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.
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
With rates currently over 4%, certificates of deposit (CDs) can seem like a no-brainer: They offer a guaranteed return with zero risk. But despite the tempting rates, I’ve never opened a CD, and I don’t plan to. Here’s why.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. 1. My money needs to stay flexibleOne of the biggest drawbacks of CDs is the lack of flexibility. When you put your money in a CD, you’re committing to leave it there for months or even years. If you need to withdraw money before the CD matures, you’ll often face penalties that eat into your interest and sometimes even your principal.I prefer to keep my cash in one of the best high-yield savings accounts. The rates are currently similar to CDs, and I can access my money anytime without worrying about penalties. Life is unpredictable, and I’d rather have quick access to my cash if an emergency, or an investment opportunity, comes up.2. I can earn more elsewhereWhile a 4% (or higher) return sounds great, it’s not the best option for growing wealth over the long term. CDs are safe, but they often lag behind inflation and don’t offer the same upside as other investments.Instead, I keep most of my money in stocks and index funds through a tax-advantaged retirement account: a Roth IRA. Historically, the stock market has returned 10% annually over the long run — far outpacing even the best CD rates. Sure, the market has ups and downs, but since I don’t need that money right away, I’m willing to ride out the volatility for higher potential returns.3. Interest rates are always changingLocking my money into a CD feels like a gamble. If I open a CD today at 4%, what happens if rates climb to 5% next month? I’ll be stuck with a lower rate while others are earning more.By keeping my cash in a more flexible account, I can take advantage of rising rates without being locked into a long-term commitment. Some savings accounts adjust their rates regularly, meaning I can benefit from increasing returns without losing access to my money.Earn more than 10 times the national average on your savings. Open a high-yield savings account today.There are better options out thereCDs can be a good option for those who prioritize safety and don’t mind locking up their money. But for me, flexibility, higher earning potential, and the ability to adapt to changing rates are more important.If you’re considering a CD, ask yourself: Do I need access to my money? Am I comfortable with the returns? Do I want to lock in a rate now? Depending on your answers, a CD might be the right choice for you. But for now, I’ll be keeping my cash elsewhere.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
With rates currently over 4%, certificates of deposit (CDs) can seem like a no-brainer: They offer a guaranteed return with zero risk. But despite the tempting rates, I’ve never opened a CD, and I don’t plan to. Here’s why.
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!
One of the biggest drawbacks of CDs is the lack of flexibility. When you put your money in a CD, you’re committing to leave it there for months or even years. If you need to withdraw money before the CD matures, you’ll often face penalties that eat into your interest and sometimes even your principal.
I prefer to keep my cash in one of the best high-yield savings accounts. The rates are currently similar to CDs, and I can access my money anytime without worrying about penalties. Life is unpredictable, and I’d rather have quick access to my cash if an emergency, or an investment opportunity, comes up.
2. I can earn more elsewhere
While a 4% (or higher) return sounds great, it’s not the best option for growing wealth over the long term. CDs are safe, but they often lag behind inflation and don’t offer the same upside as other investments.
Instead, I keep most of my money in stocks and index funds through a tax-advantaged retirement account: a Roth IRA. Historically, the stock market has returned 10% annually over the long run — far outpacing even the best CD rates. Sure, the market has ups and downs, but since I don’t need that money right away, I’m willing to ride out the volatility for higher potential returns.
3. Interest rates are always changing
Locking my money into a CD feels like a gamble. If I open a CD today at 4%, what happens if rates climb to 5% next month? I’ll be stuck with a lower rate while others are earning more.
By keeping my cash in a more flexible account, I can take advantage of rising rates without being locked into a long-term commitment. Some savings accounts adjust their rates regularly, meaning I can benefit from increasing returns without losing access to my money.
CDs can be a good option for those who prioritize safety and don’t mind locking up their money. But for me, flexibility, higher earning potential, and the ability to adapt to changing rates are more important.
If you’re considering a CD, ask yourself: Do I need access to my money? Am I comfortable with the returns? Do I want to lock in a rate now? Depending on your answers, a CD might be the right choice for you. But for now, I’ll be keeping my cash elsewhere.
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.
Not all borrowing is bad—some financial tools can work in your favor. Understanding these key terms can help you make smarter money moves and avoid costly mistakes.
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Debt can be confusing, especially since there are many different ways to classify it. You’ve likely heard terms like secured vs. unsecured debt and revolving vs. installment loans, but what do they really mean for your finances? Understanding these categories can help you borrow smarter, manage payments more effectively, and avoid financial pitfalls. Let’s break down the major debt…
Behind on savings? These expert-approved strategies can help you catch up, grow your wealth, and create a more secure financial future—starting now.
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Realizing your retirement savings aren’t where they should be? You’re not alone—but it’s not too late to turn things around. Whether life got in the way, expenses piled up, or you simply didn’t save enough, there are proven strategies to catch up and build financial security. You can still grow your nest egg and confidently retire by maximizing savings, cutting unnecessary costs…
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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