Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
It’s hard to believe, but 2024 is coming to a close quickly. And while it’s a busy time of year for many people in the United States, it’s also a smart time to check in with your investment accounts to see if there are any moves you need to make before the end of the year.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. With that in mind, here are three you might want to consider. Not all of them will apply to everyone reading this, but it’s smart to keep them in mind, both now and in the future.Do you want to start investing in 2025 or find a new investment platform? Click here for our list of the top investment apps right now.1. Tax-loss harvestingIf you’re an investor, you may already know that you might have to pay capital gains tax on profitable investments. For example, if you invested $8,000 in a mutual fund and sold it for $10,000, you’d have $2,000 in capital gains that could be taxable, depending on your income and if the mutual fund was held in a taxable brokerage account.What you might not know is that any investment losses can be used to help offset gains for tax purposes. And even if you don’t have any taxable gains, losses can be used to reduce your other taxable income by up to $3,000 per year.Consider this example. We’ll say that you have a $2,000 gain on a mutual fund investment like I just discussed above. We’ll also say that you bought a stock for $10,000 and sold it for $7,000, giving you a $3,000 loss. This is known as tax-loss harvesting.Not only can you use this loss to erase the $2,000 capital gain, but the additional $1,000 loss can be used to reduce your other taxable income. Like any financial strategy, there are someimportant rules for tax-loss harvesting to know, and it’s not a good idea to sell investments you like just to get a tax deduction.2. Consider rebalancingIt can be a good idea to check in on your portfolio every so often to make sure your asset allocation is where you want it and to rebalance if necessary. That’s especially true in years where stocks perform exceptionally well, as they have in 2024. In fact, the S&P 500 is up by about 30% for the year through early December.Rebalancing basically means strategically selling certain assets and buying others to maintain the desired allocation.Think of it this way. Let’s say that you set up a portfolio with 50% of your money in stocks and the other 50% in stable investments like certificates of deposit (CDs) and bonds. After an excellent year, your stocks have become far more valuable and now make up 60% of your portfolio. You might sell some of your stocks and shift that money into CDs and bonds to bring the split back to 50/50.3. Take advantage of charitable donationsThe deadline for charitable donations is Dec. 31 each year, but it can be a smart tax-planning idea to donate stock instead of cash or goods. If you donate stock, you get to take a deduction for the full market value, regardless of how much you paid.For example, let’s say that you invested $500 in a certain stock years ago, and it’s now worth $10,000. If you donate that stock to charity, not only would you get to deduct the entire $10,000 as a charitable contribution, but you’d avoid paying capital gains tax on the $9,500 profit you’d get if you decided to sell the stock and donate cash.Just a few ideasThis is not an exhaustive list by any means. For example, retirees may need to take required minimum distributions before the end of the year, and tax benefits for state 529 college savings plans have an end-of-year contribution deadline in most places, just to name a couple more. But the last few weeks of the year can be a smart time to take a look at where your investment accounts stand and make adjustments accordingly.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”:”

It’s hard to believe, but 2024 is coming to a close quickly. And while it’s a busy time of year for many people in the United States, it’s also a smart time to check in with your investment accounts to see if there are any moves you need to make before the end of the year.

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.

With that in mind, here are three you might want to consider. Not all of them will apply to everyone reading this, but it’s smart to keep them in mind, both now and in the future.

Do you want to start investing in 2025 or find a new investment platform? Click here for our list of the top investment apps right now.

1. Tax-loss harvesting

If you’re an investor, you may already know that you might have to pay capital gains tax on profitable investments. For example, if you invested $8,000 in a mutual fund and sold it for $10,000, you’d have $2,000 in capital gains that could be taxable, depending on your income and if the mutual fund was held in a taxable brokerage account.

What you might not know is that any investment losses can be used to help offset gains for tax purposes. And even if you don’t have any taxable gains, losses can be used to reduce your other taxable income by up to $3,000 per year.

Consider this example. We’ll say that you have a $2,000 gain on a mutual fund investment like I just discussed above. We’ll also say that you bought a stock for $10,000 and sold it for $7,000, giving you a $3,000 loss. This is known as tax-loss harvesting.

Not only can you use this loss to erase the $2,000 capital gain, but the additional $1,000 loss can be used to reduce your other taxable income. Like any financial strategy, there are someimportant rules for tax-loss harvesting to know, and it’s not a good idea to sell investments you like just to get a tax deduction.

2. Consider rebalancing

It can be a good idea to check in on your portfolio every so often to make sure your asset allocation is where you want it and to rebalance if necessary. That’s especially true in years where stocks perform exceptionally well, as they have in 2024. In fact, the S&P 500 is up by about 30% for the year through early December.

Rebalancing basically means strategically selling certain assets and buying others to maintain the desired allocation.

Think of it this way. Let’s say that you set up a portfolio with 50% of your money in stocks and the other 50% in stable investments like certificates of deposit (CDs) and bonds. After an excellent year, your stocks have become far more valuable and now make up 60% of your portfolio. You might sell some of your stocks and shift that money into CDs and bonds to bring the split back to 50/50.

3. Take advantage of charitable donations

The deadline for charitable donations is Dec. 31 each year, but it can be a smart tax-planning idea to donate stock instead of cash or goods. If you donate stock, you get to take a deduction for the full market value, regardless of how much you paid.

For example, let’s say that you invested $500 in a certain stock years ago, and it’s now worth $10,000. If you donate that stock to charity, not only would you get to deduct the entire $10,000 as a charitable contribution, but you’d avoid paying capital gains tax on the $9,500 profit you’d get if you decided to sell the stock and donate cash.

Just a few ideas

This is not an exhaustive list by any means. For example, retirees may need to take required minimum distributions before the end of the year, and tax benefits for state 529 college savings plans have an end-of-year contribution deadline in most places, just to name a couple more. But the last few weeks of the year can be a smart time to take a look at where your investment accounts stand and make adjustments accordingly.

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.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
When it comes to saving money on purchases with credit cards, most people think of rewards programs. Some cards earn cash back, while others earn miles or points. Some have a flat rate for all purchases, while others offer better earning rates on certain types of spending, like gas and groceries.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. However, there’s another way you can save money with your credit cards. And it could be even more lucrative than the rewards program itself.Most major card issuers have some sort of affiliate discount portal, where deals offered by partner merchants are posted. As an example, American Express card members have access to the Amex Offers portal, which generally features dozens of offers from merchants of all sizes — some for cash back, and others for additional Membership Rewards points on purchases.Are you looking to maximize your holiday shopping budget? Here’s our list of the top credit cards you can apply for right now.What kind of deals are we talking about?Of course, the deals offered by these platforms change over time. But just to give a few examples, I recently logged into a couple of my cards’ online platforms to see what I could find.I logged into my American Express card’s portal and looked at my available Amex Offers (there are about 100 on the list). A few current highlights are:$40 back after spending $200 or more at LensCrafters6% back on Pandora Jewelry purchases, up to $250$5 back on $25 at Exxon MobilI also logged into Capital One and checked my available offers. All of these are in the form of additional Capital One miles, such as:Up to 10X miles at Best BuyUp to 5X miles at Marriott BonvoyUp to 4X miles at SamsungThese are just a few examples from two offers programs, and there are more from other card issuers. But the point is that they are certainly worth a closer look, as they can help you get far more value for your money.Also, the deals offered by these platforms typically stack on top of any rewards your card would ordinarily earn. For example, let’s say that I use my Amex card to buy jewelry at Pandora as a holiday gift. I’ll earn the 1% back my card earns on general purchases in the form of American Express Membership Rewards points plus I’d get a statement credit equal to 6% of the purchase (terms apply).It’s worth noting that you might not see these exact deals. On credit card discount platforms, there are two types of offers: those that are available to all customers, and those that are targeted to the specific cardholder. Some might be specific to a certain credit card product. For example, a travel credit card might offer more hotel and airline bonuses.It’s worth a look for sureOf course, not every offer in your card issuer’s discount portal is likely to appeal to you. As an example, of the 104 offers currently in my Amex Offers list, I found nine that I’m likely to use before they expire.However, you’ll never know until you look, so if you haven’t checked your specific offers, or haven’t looked in a while, now could be a smart time to take a peek. You might be surprised at how much you could save, even on items you were planning to buy anyway.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. Matt Frankel has positions in American Express and Capital One Financial. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Best Buy and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Marriott International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

When it comes to saving money on purchases with credit cards, most people think of rewards programs. Some cards earn cash back, while others earn miles or points. Some have a flat rate for all purchases, while others offer better earning rates on certain types of spending, like gas and groceries.

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.

However, there’s another way you can save money with your credit cards. And it could be even more lucrative than the rewards program itself.

Most major card issuers have some sort of affiliate discount portal, where deals offered by partner merchants are posted. As an example, American Express card members have access to the Amex Offers portal, which generally features dozens of offers from merchants of all sizes — some for cash back, and others for additional Membership Rewards points on purchases.

Are you looking to maximize your holiday shopping budget? Here’s our list of the top credit cards you can apply for right now.

What kind of deals are we talking about?

Of course, the deals offered by these platforms change over time. But just to give a few examples, I recently logged into a couple of my cards’ online platforms to see what I could find.

I logged into my American Express card’s portal and looked at my available Amex Offers (there are about 100 on the list). A few current highlights are:

• $40 back after spending $200 or more at LensCrafters
• 6% back on Pandora Jewelry purchases, up to $250
• $5 back on $25 at Exxon Mobil

I also logged into Capital One and checked my available offers. All of these are in the form of additional Capital One miles, such as:

• Up to 10X miles at Best Buy
• Up to 5X miles at Marriott Bonvoy
• Up to 4X miles at Samsung

These are just a few examples from two offers programs, and there are more from other card issuers. But the point is that they are certainly worth a closer look, as they can help you get far more value for your money.

Also, the deals offered by these platforms typically stack on top of any rewards your card would ordinarily earn. For example, let’s say that I use my Amex card to buy jewelry at Pandora as a holiday gift. I’ll earn the 1% back my card earns on general purchases in the form of American Express Membership Rewards points plus I’d get a statement credit equal to 6% of the purchase (terms apply).

It’s worth noting that you might not see these exact deals. On credit card discount platforms, there are two types of offers: those that are available to all customers, and those that are targeted to the specific cardholder. Some might be specific to a certain credit card product. For example, a travel credit card might offer more hotel and airline bonuses.

It’s worth a look for sure

Of course, not every offer in your card issuer’s discount portal is likely to appeal to you. As an example, of the 104 offers currently in my Amex Offers list, I found nine that I’m likely to use before they expire.

However, you’ll never know until you look, so if you haven’t checked your specific offers, or haven’t looked in a while, now could be a smart time to take a peek. You might be surprised at how much you could save, even on items you were planning to buy anyway.

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. Matt Frankel has positions in American Express and Capital One Financial. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Best Buy and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Marriott International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The housing market has become a bit like the Wild West these last few years. I bought a house this year, but during the two years before that I spent paying off debt and saving money, I watched mortgage rates almost double between spring 2022 and spring 2024.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. Are you set on buying a home in 2025? Focus on the following strategies to get yourself in the best shape to buy.1. Boost your credit scoreA higher credit score will directly save you money on a home purchase by qualifying you for a lower mortgage rate. The biggest part of your credit score is your payment history, so if you’ve been lax about on-time payments to creditors in the past, now is the time to focus on that and make every single payment on time.If you have a way to pay down high-interest debt, like that held on credit cards, that’ll also go a long way toward boosting your credit score by reducing your credit utilization ratio. Your credit report could also have errors dragging down your score, like a delinquent account that was actually paid in full and closed.Head over to AnnualCreditReport.com to get your free credit reports from the three major consumer credit bureaus and pore over them to see if they’re accurate. If they’re not, you can ask the credit bureau with the error on file to fix it, if you can prove that it’s false.2. Open a high-yield savings accountAnother huge piece of the home-buying puzzle is saving money for a down payment and all the related costs of becoming a homeowner (appraisal, closing costs, et al). I recommend opening a high-yield savings account (HYSA) for this — our favorite ones are still paying around 4% APY.A HYSA gives you a separate place to keep your savings, away from your checking account. And you’ll earn interest on it, too — that’s passive income, and it can help you grow your funds faster.3. Research typical home pricesKnowledge is power in all things, but especially when buying a house. Do you know how much you can expect to pay for a house in your area? When I was starting the process, it turned out that I was slightly optimistic when imagining how much I’d pay. I don’t live in a very expensive area, but it has seen price jumps just like the country overall.Between Q2 2020 and Q3 2024, the median sales price of a U.S. home spiked from $317,100 to $420,400 — or an increase of about 25%. Dig into numbers for your own area (Zillow is great for this), and check current home listings to see what prices look like. Having these numbers will help you prepare for what you can expect to spend — and also refine your down payment target.4. Vet mortgage lendersOnce you have some dollar figures in mind, it’s time to start looking for mortgage lenders. Good news: We’ve done the hard part for you. Click here for a list of the best mortgage lenders, vetted by our experts.In addition to saving a solid down payment and improving your credit score, the best way to save money on a home purchase is to shop around with different lenders. They all have different rates and all weigh risk differently.Here’s a breakdown of rates and payments on a $300,000 home purchased with a 20% down payment.Mortgage RateMonthly PaymentTotal Interest Paid6.25%$1,478$292,0946.50%$1,518$306,3376.75%$1,558$320,736Data source: Author’s calculations using Motley Fool Money mortgage calculator. Saving $40 a month doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s cash you could use for other bills — and over the life of the loan, that savings comes to over $14,000. So talk to multiple lenders and get pre-approved to see what you could expect to pay.2025 is a bit of a mystery regarding what the housing market will look like. Experts in the field recently predicted rates in the low 6% range for next year, which is surely an improvement over the 6.69% average we’re looking at now. Whatever happens, if you’ve got your eye on buying in 2025, make the moves above for the best chance of success.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 positions in and recommends Target and Zillow Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The housing market has become a bit like the Wild West these last few years. I bought a house this year, but during the two years before that I spent paying off debt and saving money, I watched mortgage rates almost double between spring 2022 and spring 2024.

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.

Are you set on buying a home in 2025? Focus on the following strategies to get yourself in the best shape to buy.

1. Boost your credit score

A higher credit score will directly save you money on a home purchase by qualifying you for a lower mortgage rate. The biggest part of your credit score is your payment history, so if you’ve been lax about on-time payments to creditors in the past, now is the time to focus on that and make every single payment on time.

If you have a way to pay down high-interest debt, like that held on credit cards, that’ll also go a long way toward boosting your credit score by reducing your credit utilization ratio. Your credit report could also have errors dragging down your score, like a delinquent account that was actually paid in full and closed.

Head over to AnnualCreditReport.com to get your free credit reports from the three major consumer credit bureaus and pore over them to see if they’re accurate. If they’re not, you can ask the credit bureau with the error on file to fix it, if you can prove that it’s false.

2. Open a high-yield savings account

Another huge piece of the home-buying puzzle is saving money for a down payment and all the related costs of becoming a homeowner (appraisal, closing costs, et al). I recommend opening a high-yield savings account (HYSA) for this — our favorite ones are still paying around 4% APY.

A HYSA gives you a separate place to keep your savings, away from your checking account. And you’ll earn interest on it, too — that’s passive income, and it can help you grow your funds faster.

3. Research typical home prices

Knowledge is power in all things, but especially when buying a house. Do you know how much you can expect to pay for a house in your area? When I was starting the process, it turned out that I was slightly optimistic when imagining how much I’d pay. I don’t live in a very expensive area, but it has seen price jumps just like the country overall.

Between Q2 2020 and Q3 2024, the median sales price of a U.S. home spiked from $317,100 to $420,400 — or an increase of about 25%. Dig into numbers for your own area (Zillow is great for this), and check current home listings to see what prices look like. Having these numbers will help you prepare for what you can expect to spend — and also refine your down payment target.

4. Vet mortgage lenders

Once you have some dollar figures in mind, it’s time to start looking for mortgage lenders. Good news: We’ve done the hard part for you. Click here for a list of the best mortgage lenders, vetted by our experts.

In addition to saving a solid down payment and improving your credit score, the best way to save money on a home purchase is to shop around with different lenders. They all have different rates and all weigh risk differently.

Here’s a breakdown of rates and payments on a $300,000 home purchased with a 20% down payment.

Saving $40 a month doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s cash you could use for other bills — and over the life of the loan, that savings comes to over $14,000. So talk to multiple lenders and get pre-approved to see what you could expect to pay.

2025 is a bit of a mystery regarding what the housing market will look like. Experts in the field recently predicted rates in the low 6% range for next year, which is surely an improvement over the 6.69% average we’re looking at now. Whatever happens, if you’ve got your eye on buying in 2025, make the moves above for the best chance of success.

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 positions in and recommends Target and Zillow Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
A great credit score is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. You won’t have to worry whether you’re likely to be approved for a new credit card, auto loan, or even to finance a living room couch.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. You’ll also qualify for lower interest rates when you borrow — this can be especially impactful when you borrow money for a big purchase, like a house.If you’ve set your sights on better credit in the new year, here’s how to get there.1. Recommit to on-time paymentsThe most important thing you can do for your credit score is make every single payment to your creditors on time, every month. Payment history is the biggest factor in your FICO® Score, making up 35% of it. It makes sense — lenders want to know whether you’ll pay them back if they lend you money, after all.So if you’ve been a bit lax about this in the past, make the effort to really lean in and pay on time. Set up autopay for loans and credit cards if you struggle with forgetting due dates, or do what I do with my credit cards: pay them every single week (or whenever you get a paycheck).That way, you’ll be assured your payment is never late, and you’ll get to make smaller payments each time.2. Focus on debt payoffDebt payoff was a major item on my to-do list for 2022, and I watched my credit score grow by 100 points by the time I was out of debt. Credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you’re using vs. the amount you have) is a major part of your FICO® Score — it’s the second-most important factor after payment history.You might assume the best way to tackle debt payoff is to cut every last bit of fun spending out of your life and huddle under a 40-watt light bulb eating ramen every night. You’d be wrong, though.Yes, it’s worth seeing where you can make mostly painless cuts — if you usually order takeout three times a week, can you cut back to just once? The more effective way to get out of debt is to grow your income, though.I originally started freelancing with a goal of paying off debt and saving to buy a home. Since none of the freelance money I was earning was already committed to bills, I could just funnel all of it (less taxes) to my debt payoff, and then to savings for a house after I was out of debt.If you’ve got some free time and an enterprising spirit, consider boosting your income with a side hustle or taking on extra work (and extra dollars) at your regular job.3. Check your credit reports regularlyCredit report errors could be dragging your score down, and they’re extremely common. In a study by Consumer Reports and WorkMoney, 44% of those surveyed reported finding at least one error on theirs.Good news, though: You can check your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. It’s worth doing this a few times a year, especially before you apply to borrow money.Examples of errors you might find include mistakes in your name or address, closed accounts being reported as still open, and late payments that were made on time.If you spot problems like these, reach out to the credit bureau that generated the report and request that they be removed (you’ll have to provide proof, like a monthly statement from your credit card issuer).4. Hold steady with your credit accountsIf you want better credit in the new year, consider holding off on applying for new credit for a while. Every time you apply for a loan or a credit card, the lender runs a hard credit check that dings your credit score by a few points.It’s no big deal to do this every so often, but if you’re trying to boost your score, it’s a good idea to space out applications even more. And while you’re at it, keep old accounts open, as they’ll lengthen your credit history, which is also a contributing factor to a higher credit score.5. Consider a secured credit cardFinally, if you’re building credit for the first time or rebuilding from past missteps (you got this!), it’s worth exploring secured credit cards to give yourself a leg up.These cards work differently from traditional credit cards in that your credit limit doesn’t come from the card issuer, but from a security deposit you make when you open the account. If you put down $500, you’ll get a $500 credit limit that you can spend against and repay.As you make your monthly payments, the card issuer will report your positive credit behavior to the credit bureaus and your credit score will increase. Eventually, you may be able to “graduate” to a regular unsecured card, and you’ll get your security deposit back.We’ve rounded up the best secured credit cards — click here for card options to help you build a strong credit score.You could do worse than focusing on building up your credit in the new year. After all, a higher credit score could help you save money on interest when you borrow money. It could also lead to cheaper insurance, an easier time getting hired, and more. Add these tasks to your list of 2025 money moves for the best results.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 great credit score is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. You won’t have to worry whether you’re likely to be approved for a new credit card, auto loan, or even to finance a living room couch.

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.

You’ll also qualify for lower interest rates when you borrow — this can be especially impactful when you borrow money for a big purchase, like a house.

If you’ve set your sights on better credit in the new year, here’s how to get there.

1. Recommit to on-time payments

The most important thing you can do for your credit score is make every single payment to your creditors on time, every month. Payment history is the biggest factor in your FICO® Score, making up 35% of it. It makes sense — lenders want to know whether you’ll pay them back if they lend you money, after all.

So if you’ve been a bit lax about this in the past, make the effort to really lean in and pay on time. Set up autopay for loans and credit cards if you struggle with forgetting due dates, or do what I do with my credit cards: pay them every single week (or whenever you get a paycheck).

That way, you’ll be assured your payment is never late, and you’ll get to make smaller payments each time.

2. Focus on debt payoff

Debt payoff was a major item on my to-do list for 2022, and I watched my credit score grow by 100 points by the time I was out of debt. Credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you’re using vs. the amount you have) is a major part of your FICO® Score — it’s the second-most important factor after payment history.

You might assume the best way to tackle debt payoff is to cut every last bit of fun spending out of your life and huddle under a 40-watt light bulb eating ramen every night. You’d be wrong, though.

Yes, it’s worth seeing where you can make mostly painless cuts — if you usually order takeout three times a week, can you cut back to just once? The more effective way to get out of debt is to grow your income, though.

I originally started freelancing with a goal of paying off debt and saving to buy a home. Since none of the freelance money I was earning was already committed to bills, I could just funnel all of it (less taxes) to my debt payoff, and then to savings for a house after I was out of debt.

If you’ve got some free time and an enterprising spirit, consider boosting your income with a side hustle or taking on extra work (and extra dollars) at your regular job.

3. Check your credit reports regularly

Credit report errors could be dragging your score down, and they’re extremely common. In a study by Consumer Reports and WorkMoney, 44% of those surveyed reported finding at least one error on theirs.

Good news, though: You can check your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. It’s worth doing this a few times a year, especially before you apply to borrow money.

Examples of errors you might find include mistakes in your name or address, closed accounts being reported as still open, and late payments that were made on time.

If you spot problems like these, reach out to the credit bureau that generated the report and request that they be removed (you’ll have to provide proof, like a monthly statement from your credit card issuer).

4. Hold steady with your credit accounts

If you want better credit in the new year, consider holding off on applying for new credit for a while. Every time you apply for a loan or a credit card, the lender runs a hard credit check that dings your credit score by a few points.

It’s no big deal to do this every so often, but if you’re trying to boost your score, it’s a good idea to space out applications even more. And while you’re at it, keep old accounts open, as they’ll lengthen your credit history, which is also a contributing factor to a higher credit score.

5. Consider a secured credit card

Finally, if you’re building credit for the first time or rebuilding from past missteps (you got this!), it’s worth exploring secured credit cards to give yourself a leg up.

These cards work differently from traditional credit cards in that your credit limit doesn’t come from the card issuer, but from a security deposit you make when you open the account. If you put down $500, you’ll get a $500 credit limit that you can spend against and repay.

As you make your monthly payments, the card issuer will report your positive credit behavior to the credit bureaus and your credit score will increase. Eventually, you may be able to “graduate” to a regular unsecured card, and you’ll get your security deposit back.

We’ve rounded up the best secured credit cards — click here for card options to help you build a strong credit score.

You could do worse than focusing on building up your credit in the new year. After all, a higher credit score could help you save money on interest when you borrow money. It could also lead to cheaper insurance, an easier time getting hired, and more. Add these tasks to your list of 2025 money moves for the best results.

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.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Net worth is a way to gauge how you’re doing financially. To calculate it, you add up all your assets, then subtract your debts. The median U.S. household has a net worth of $192,700, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances.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. While it isn’t everything, a high net worth is a good sign overall. It shows you’re in a comfortable position and that you’re likely on track to retire when you want.There are lots of ways to build your net worth, such as investing and increasing your income. Below, you’ll find the methods that don’t get discussed as often.1. Earn more back on your money with an online savings accountSaving money regularly is a key part of building your net worth. It’s also important to earn as much back as possible on your savings. You won’t do that if you keep your cash in a typical savings account with an average interest rate.The average savings account APY is only 0.43%, according to the FDIC. Some high-yield savings accounts from online banks are offering over 4%. On a $10,000 balance, that’s the difference between earning under $50 in yearly interest and earning over $400.If you don’t use a high-yield savings account, you’re leaving money on the table. To change that, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts to choose one that works for you.2. Buy an affordable car and drive it as long as you canCars are sometimes described as the biggest wealth killer, and they certainly can be. The average cost of car ownership is about $12,000 per year, according to data gathered by Motley Fool Money.In much of the United States, you need a car to get around. But many drivers overspend on their cars. They only consider whether they can afford the monthly payment on an auto loan and not the total cost. But the loan payments and other costs that come with an expensive car tie up a large portion of your income.One of the best money moves you can make is buying a reasonably priced car. If you do, you’ll have more money to save and invest. Also, resist the temptation to upgrade your car every few years. Your car’s cost of ownership is at its lowest when you have it paid off. As long as your car is safe to drive, keep it for as long as you can to maximize your savings.3. Use cash back cards and invest what you earnInvesting, and particularly investing in stocks, is the best method to build wealth. For an outside-the-box way to invest more, pay for all your expenses with cash back cards, then send the cash back to your brokerage account.Some brokers have their own credit cards with cash back that you can easily invest. But you can do this with just about any cash back card. Most of them let you deposit cash back to your bank account. You could do that once per month, and then transfer the cash back from your bank account to your broker.Let’s say you have a card that earns 2% back on purchases, and you spend $2,500 per month on it. You’d earn $50 cash back. If you invested that, it’s an additional $6,000 per year. At a 10% return (the S&P 500’s average annual return), you’d have $98,696 after 30 years. That’s nearly an additional $100,000 added to your net worth, just by investing your cash back.Looking for a card you can use to earn as much back as possible? Check out our list of the best cash back cards with generous welcome offers and rates as high as 6%.It takes time to get a high net worth, but there are ways to speed up the process. If you follow these tips, you’ll get the most out of your savings, avoid overspending on a car, and have more money to invest every month.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”:”

Net worth is a way to gauge how you’re doing financially. To calculate it, you add up all your assets, then subtract your debts. The median U.S. household has a net worth of $192,700, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances.

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.

While it isn’t everything, a high net worth is a good sign overall. It shows you’re in a comfortable position and that you’re likely on track to retire when you want.

There are lots of ways to build your net worth, such as investing and increasing your income. Below, you’ll find the methods that don’t get discussed as often.

1. Earn more back on your money with an online savings account

Saving money regularly is a key part of building your net worth. It’s also important to earn as much back as possible on your savings. You won’t do that if you keep your cash in a typical savings account with an average interest rate.

The average savings account APY is only 0.43%, according to the FDIC. Some high-yield savings accounts from online banks are offering over 4%. On a $10,000 balance, that’s the difference between earning under $50 in yearly interest and earning over $400.

If you don’t use a high-yield savings account, you’re leaving money on the table. To change that, check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts to choose one that works for you.

2. Buy an affordable car and drive it as long as you can

Cars are sometimes described as the biggest wealth killer, and they certainly can be. The average cost of car ownership is about $12,000 per year, according to data gathered by Motley Fool Money.

In much of the United States, you need a car to get around. But many drivers overspend on their cars. They only consider whether they can afford the monthly payment on an auto loan and not the total cost. But the loan payments and other costs that come with an expensive car tie up a large portion of your income.

One of the best money moves you can make is buying a reasonably priced car. If you do, you’ll have more money to save and invest. Also, resist the temptation to upgrade your car every few years. Your car’s cost of ownership is at its lowest when you have it paid off. As long as your car is safe to drive, keep it for as long as you can to maximize your savings.

3. Use cash back cards and invest what you earn

Investing, and particularly investing in stocks, is the best method to build wealth. For an outside-the-box way to invest more, pay for all your expenses with cash back cards, then send the cash back to your brokerage account.

Some brokers have their own credit cards with cash back that you can easily invest. But you can do this with just about any cash back card. Most of them let you deposit cash back to your bank account. You could do that once per month, and then transfer the cash back from your bank account to your broker.

Let’s say you have a card that earns 2% back on purchases, and you spend $2,500 per month on it. You’d earn $50 cash back. If you invested that, it’s an additional $6,000 per year. At a 10% return (the S&P 500’s average annual return), you’d have $98,696 after 30 years. That’s nearly an additional $100,000 added to your net worth, just by investing your cash back.

Looking for a card you can use to earn as much back as possible? Check out our list of the best cash back cards with generous welcome offers and rates as high as 6%.

It takes time to get a high net worth, but there are ways to speed up the process. If you follow these tips, you’ll get the most out of your savings, avoid overspending on a car, and have more money to invest every month.

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 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Have you ever been scrunched up in an economy-class seat, wondering why you didn’t look into the cost of business class? After all, you had to pass by those very comfy-looking business-class seats as you made your way toward the back of the plane.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. Although a business-class ticket typically costs three to four times as much as an economy-class ticket, it’s a matter of deciding when it’s worth the splurge (and it is sometimes worth the splurge).Benefits begin before you boardWhen you fly business class, the pampering begins before you set foot on the plane. In addition to perks like lounge access, you may enjoy priority check-in and an additional baggage allowance.Want to experience luxury while you wait for your flight? Click here for our picks for the best credit cards with lounge access.If your idea of purgatory is standing in a long queue waiting to make your way on board and fight for overhead space, you’re in luck. Business class passengers also receive priority boarding. That’s right; you get to skip the long line and make your way to your far more comfortable seat near the front of the plane.Once aboard, you’ll enjoy complimentary beverages, onboard entertainment options, more legroom, and, depending on the flight, a seat that transforms into a bed. Plus, while the folks in economy are eating cold sandwiches, you’ll likely be offered a warm meal.If you want a credit card that helps you rack up rewards points, consider the card we highlight in this review. You can use rewards points to upgrade your seat through the issuer’s travel portal.As great as business class is, it doesn’t always make sense to pay extra for it. Asking yourself these three questions can help you decide.1. How long is my flight?If you’re flying from St. Louis to Chicago, paying cash or trading points for an upgrade may not make sense. However, if your itinerary has you flying cross country from Washington D.C. to San Francisco or internationally, the perks and comfort associated with business class travel may be worth it.2. Do I have a credit card that will help offset the cost?As mentioned, the best credit cards are designed to make your life more comfortable when traveling. Many allow you to upgrade your seat and provide more generous rewards for travel-related expenses.If you’re a frequent traveler, having more than one travel-centric credit card may not hurt. While some cards allow you to use rewards while flying various airlines, others give you the biggest bang for your buck when you fly a specific airline and its partners.3. Do I have comfort concerns?It goes without saying that it makes sense to consider an upgrade if you have a physical condition that makes flying economy class especially difficult. For one person that may be mobility issues, while another may be so tall they can’t comfortably fit into an ever-shrinking economy seat.There’s also the issue of where you’re flying and how well you typically sleep on a plane. Let’s say you’re taking an overnight flight to Frankfurt and have never had much luck getting any shut-eye in economy class. If you’re taking a flight that offers business-class seats that pull out into a bed, upgrading to business class may mean the difference between arriving in Germany fresh and ready to go or dead tired.The truth is, economy and business passengers arrive at their destination at the same time. It’s all a matter of how comfortable you want the flight to be and how you’d like to feel when you land.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”:”

Have you ever been scrunched up in an economy-class seat, wondering why you didn’t look into the cost of business class? After all, you had to pass by those very comfy-looking business-class seats as you made your way toward the back of the plane.

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.

Although a business-class ticket typically costs three to four times as much as an economy-class ticket, it’s a matter of deciding when it’s worth the splurge (and it is sometimes worth the splurge).

Benefits begin before you board

When you fly business class, the pampering begins before you set foot on the plane. In addition to perks like lounge access, you may enjoy priority check-in and an additional baggage allowance.

Want to experience luxury while you wait for your flight? Click here for our picks for the best credit cards with lounge access.

If your idea of purgatory is standing in a long queue waiting to make your way on board and fight for overhead space, you’re in luck. Business class passengers also receive priority boarding. That’s right; you get to skip the long line and make your way to your far more comfortable seat near the front of the plane.

Once aboard, you’ll enjoy complimentary beverages, onboard entertainment options, more legroom, and, depending on the flight, a seat that transforms into a bed. Plus, while the folks in economy are eating cold sandwiches, you’ll likely be offered a warm meal.

If you want a credit card that helps you rack up rewards points, consider the card we highlight in this review. You can use rewards points to upgrade your seat through the issuer’s travel portal.

As great as business class is, it doesn’t always make sense to pay extra for it. Asking yourself these three questions can help you decide.

1. How long is my flight?

If you’re flying from St. Louis to Chicago, paying cash or trading points for an upgrade may not make sense. However, if your itinerary has you flying cross country from Washington D.C. to San Francisco or internationally, the perks and comfort associated with business class travel may be worth it.

2. Do I have a credit card that will help offset the cost?

As mentioned, the best credit cards are designed to make your life more comfortable when traveling. Many allow you to upgrade your seat and provide more generous rewards for travel-related expenses.

If you’re a frequent traveler, having more than one travel-centric credit card may not hurt. While some cards allow you to use rewards while flying various airlines, others give you the biggest bang for your buck when you fly a specific airline and its partners.

3. Do I have comfort concerns?

It goes without saying that it makes sense to consider an upgrade if you have a physical condition that makes flying economy class especially difficult. For one person that may be mobility issues, while another may be so tall they can’t comfortably fit into an ever-shrinking economy seat.

There’s also the issue of where you’re flying and how well you typically sleep on a plane. Let’s say you’re taking an overnight flight to Frankfurt and have never had much luck getting any shut-eye in economy class. If you’re taking a flight that offers business-class seats that pull out into a bed, upgrading to business class may mean the difference between arriving in Germany fresh and ready to go or dead tired.

The truth is, economy and business passengers arrive at their destination at the same time. It’s all a matter of how comfortable you want the flight to be and how you’d like to feel when you land.

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