Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Gassing up your vehicle is the great equalizer — no matter the weather, when you pull into a gas station, you’re likely to see folks of all kinds standing next to their cars, nozzle in hand. There’s one way to make your gas purchases safer, more rewarding, and more convenient: paying with a credit card.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. Here’s why I always buy gas with a credit card and why you should follow my lead.Fraud protectionsCredit cards are perhaps the safest way to pay for anything you buy, for one simple reason: They’re not tied to your personal bank account like a check or debit card. And unlike cash, if you lose your credit card, you’re not out of luck — you’ll just need to report the loss to your card issuer, which will disable the lost card and issue you a new one.Speaking of lost cards, most of the best credit cards available come with $0 fraud liability. So if you accidentally drop your credit card at the gas pump and drive off without realizing it and some thief grabs your card and uses it, you won’t be responsible for any of the unauthorized charges.There’s another notable risk to using your debit card to buy gas instead of a credit card. Gas pumps are a frequent target for scammers who install “skimmers” on the payment equipment. These machines steal your card information, and since your debit card is linked to your bank account, if a thief gets access to your account info, they can steal your money quite easily. You do get some protection from your bank, depending on when you report the problem (ideally, as soon as possible).But even if your bank returns your lost cash to you, you could still face financial issues and struggle to cover your bills and expenses until that happens. Credit cards have the advantage, since they give you access to borrowed money that you must pay back, rather than a direct line to your own funds. It’d be a bummer to wait on a new credit card to arrive in the mail if yours was compromised, but it’s likely not a financial catastrophe that prevents you from paying rent on time.RewardsGas is a pretty common expense for most Americans. Research assembled by Motley Fool Money shows that the average American spent $225 a month on gas and oil in 2023. Thankfully, using the right credit card can help defray these costs by offering cash back or rewards points on gas purchases.Even though I don’t drive a ton (or buy anywhere near as much gas as the average American), I still use a gas rewards card that pays me 3% cash back on fill-ups. You can find the same rate or better from the range of cards we’ve reviewed — click here for our picks for the best cards for gas purchases.ConvenienceFinally, I always use a credit card to pay for gas because I love how convenient it is. I can pay right at the pump in most cases, without needing to leave my car, go inside, and potentially wait in line to pay. (And hey, there’s no having to remember my gas pump number to tell the gas station clerk, either.)Admittedly, this is surely my silliest reason for using a credit card to buy gas, but as a self-employed person, my time is literally money. If I can shave 10 or 15 minutes off my weekday morning errands, that’s time I can use to work and earn more.An exceptionSome gas stations will cut you a break on the price of fuel if you’re paying with cash instead of plastic, and this makes sense — credit card processing fees can add up quickly for merchants, and if you pay with cash, they don’t have to cover that extra expense. So if you’re fueling up at such a station, see what the difference between the cash price and credit price is, and make the choice accordingly.If it’s a smaller difference than the percentage of rewards you’ll earn from a credit card (perhaps 2%-5% depending on your card), you might want to stick with plastic. I rarely carry more cash than $20 or so, and since I aim to entirely fill up my gas tank from close to empty on every trip to the gas station, I’m likely to just pay with plastic anyway (remember, I also value the convenience and time savings, which translate to more time to earn money).Credit cards offer a lot of advantages for purchases in general, gas and otherwise. If you drive often and frequently find yourself fueling up, it’s worth choosing a credit card that’ll reward you for those gas station trips — and enjoy the convenience and fraud protection, as well.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”:”

Gassing up your vehicle is the great equalizer — no matter the weather, when you pull into a gas station, you’re likely to see folks of all kinds standing next to their cars, nozzle in hand. There’s one way to make your gas purchases safer, more rewarding, and more convenient: paying with a credit card.

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.

Here’s why I always buy gas with a credit card and why you should follow my lead.

Fraud protections

Credit cards are perhaps the safest way to pay for anything you buy, for one simple reason: They’re not tied to your personal bank account like a check or debit card. And unlike cash, if you lose your credit card, you’re not out of luck — you’ll just need to report the loss to your card issuer, which will disable the lost card and issue you a new one.

Speaking of lost cards, most of the best credit cards available come with $0 fraud liability. So if you accidentally drop your credit card at the gas pump and drive off without realizing it and some thief grabs your card and uses it, you won’t be responsible for any of the unauthorized charges.

There’s another notable risk to using your debit card to buy gas instead of a credit card. Gas pumps are a frequent target for scammers who install “skimmers” on the payment equipment. These machines steal your card information, and since your debit card is linked to your bank account, if a thief gets access to your account info, they can steal your money quite easily. You do get some protection from your bank, depending on when you report the problem (ideally, as soon as possible).

But even if your bank returns your lost cash to you, you could still face financial issues and struggle to cover your bills and expenses until that happens. Credit cards have the advantage, since they give you access to borrowed money that you must pay back, rather than a direct line to your own funds. It’d be a bummer to wait on a new credit card to arrive in the mail if yours was compromised, but it’s likely not a financial catastrophe that prevents you from paying rent on time.

Rewards

Gas is a pretty common expense for most Americans. Research assembled by Motley Fool Money shows that the average American spent $225 a month on gas and oil in 2023. Thankfully, using the right credit card can help defray these costs by offering cash back or rewards points on gas purchases.

Even though I don’t drive a ton (or buy anywhere near as much gas as the average American), I still use a gas rewards card that pays me 3% cash back on fill-ups. You can find the same rate or better from the range of cards we’ve reviewed — click here for our picks for the best cards for gas purchases.

Convenience

Finally, I always use a credit card to pay for gas because I love how convenient it is. I can pay right at the pump in most cases, without needing to leave my car, go inside, and potentially wait in line to pay. (And hey, there’s no having to remember my gas pump number to tell the gas station clerk, either.)

Admittedly, this is surely my silliest reason for using a credit card to buy gas, but as a self-employed person, my time is literally money. If I can shave 10 or 15 minutes off my weekday morning errands, that’s time I can use to work and earn more.

An exception

Some gas stations will cut you a break on the price of fuel if you’re paying with cash instead of plastic, and this makes sense — credit card processing fees can add up quickly for merchants, and if you pay with cash, they don’t have to cover that extra expense. So if you’re fueling up at such a station, see what the difference between the cash price and credit price is, and make the choice accordingly.

If it’s a smaller difference than the percentage of rewards you’ll earn from a credit card (perhaps 2%-5% depending on your card), you might want to stick with plastic. I rarely carry more cash than $20 or so, and since I aim to entirely fill up my gas tank from close to empty on every trip to the gas station, I’m likely to just pay with plastic anyway (remember, I also value the convenience and time savings, which translate to more time to earn money).

Credit cards offer a lot of advantages for purchases in general, gas and otherwise. If you drive often and frequently find yourself fueling up, it’s worth choosing a credit card that’ll reward you for those gas station trips — and enjoy the convenience and fraud protection, as well.

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
Of the various places I buy groceries, Costco happens to be my favorite. And it’s not just because of the savings I get to enjoy on everything from produce to pantry staples.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. I happen to be a fan of the way Costco runs its business, as evidenced by how well it treats its employees. Whether you’re looking for your first job, a part-time job, or a career change, here are a few good reasons to work at Costco.1. A generous hourly wageYou may not expect much more than minimum wage (currently $7.25 per hour) when you take a retail job. But the pay you get at Costco might exceed your expectations.On its most recent earnings call, President and CEO Ron Vachris confirmed that “currently, the average wage is just north of $30 an hour” in the U.S. If you’re able to earn $30 an hour and work 40 hours a week, that’s $1,200. Multiply that by 50 weeks, and you’re looking at an annual $60,000 paycheck.2. Generous benefitsCostco employees enjoy more than just generous pay. Employees get to enjoy a host of benefits. These include:Health insurance with low out-of-pocket copays and premiumsDental and vision insurancePaid bonding leaveAccess to a 401(k) plan for retirement savingsWellness programsPaid sick and vacation timeAnd it’s not just full-timers who get access to their perks. Costco’s benefits are available to part-time workers as well.3. Opportunities for promotionMany people end up having to job-hop to get promoted and grow their wages. At Costco, that may not be necessary, since the warehouse club giant has a preference for promoting from within.As Vachris said during the company’s last earnings call, “In fiscal year ’24, we promoted 95 new warehouse managers. 85% of those promoted started at Costco as an hourly employee. This promotes from within the culture and the long-term career it helps to build is core to who we are as a company, community member, and retailer.”Another reason for me to love CostcoI love Costco for its low prices. And I’m able to save even more by being savvy with the credit cards I use there. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco to boost your rewards as a member.But I also happen to be a fan of businesses that treat their employees well. And I respect that Costco pays nicely and supports a culture of helping workers grow their careers.I know plenty of people who work for supermarkets in my town who barely make over $12 per hour. And a friend of mine who works a part-time retail job makes under $20 per hour. So the fact that Costco pays around $30 on average is fantastic.Essential workers should earn a livable wage. I’m happy to keep paying Costco’s membership fee knowing that part of that is helping to support a business that actually allows its employees to make a decent living.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!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.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Of the various places I buy groceries, Costco happens to be my favorite. And it’s not just because of the savings I get to enjoy on everything from produce to pantry staples.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

I happen to be a fan of the way Costco runs its business, as evidenced by how well it treats its employees. Whether you’re looking for your first job, a part-time job, or a career change, here are a few good reasons to work at Costco.

1. A generous hourly wage

You may not expect much more than minimum wage (currently $7.25 per hour) when you take a retail job. But the pay you get at Costco might exceed your expectations.

On its most recent earnings call, President and CEO Ron Vachris confirmed that “currently, the average wage is just north of $30 an hour” in the U.S. If you’re able to earn $30 an hour and work 40 hours a week, that’s $1,200. Multiply that by 50 weeks, and you’re looking at an annual $60,000 paycheck.

2. Generous benefits

Costco employees enjoy more than just generous pay. Employees get to enjoy a host of benefits. These include:

• Health insurance with low out-of-pocket copays and premiums
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid bonding leave
• Access to a 401(k) plan for retirement savings
• Wellness programs
• Paid sick and vacation time

And it’s not just full-timers who get access to their perks. Costco’s benefits are available to part-time workers as well.

3. Opportunities for promotion

Many people end up having to job-hop to get promoted and grow their wages. At Costco, that may not be necessary, since the warehouse club giant has a preference for promoting from within.

As Vachris said during the company’s last earnings call, “In fiscal year ’24, we promoted 95 new warehouse managers. 85% of those promoted started at Costco as an hourly employee. This promotes from within the culture and the long-term career it helps to build is core to who we are as a company, community member, and retailer.”

Another reason for me to love Costco

I love Costco for its low prices. And I’m able to save even more by being savvy with the credit cards I use there. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco to boost your rewards as a member.

But I also happen to be a fan of businesses that treat their employees well. And I respect that Costco pays nicely and supports a culture of helping workers grow their careers.

I know plenty of people who work for supermarkets in my town who barely make over $12 per hour. And a friend of mine who works a part-time retail job makes under $20 per hour. So the fact that Costco pays around $30 on average is fantastic.

Essential workers should earn a livable wage. I’m happy to keep paying Costco’s membership fee knowing that part of that is helping to support a business that actually allows its employees to make a decent living.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

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.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
When inflation started surging after the pandemic, the Federal Reserve had to react by raising its benchmark interest rate. That drove up the cost of borrowing, but it also helped savers earn more interest on the money they had in the bank.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Since inflation has cooled this year, the Fed has been cutting the federal funds rate to reverse its previous hikes. The central bank’s first interest rate cut happened in September, followed by another one in November. And with one final 2024 meeting on the calendar in December, we could see a third rate cut before the year is over.Despite all of these rate cuts, savings accounts are still paying a nice amount of interest right now. But savings account rates could slide in the new year as the Fed’s rate cuts continue. It’s important to have realistic expectations as to how much interest you might earn.Don’t expect the best — or the worstEven though the Fed has cut interest rates twice this year, many savings accounts are still paying around 4%. And if yours isn’t, check out this list of the best high-yield savings accounts so you can get a better rate.But in 2025, a savings account with a 4% APY may be hard to find. Of course, it’s hard to determine exactly how much interest rates will fall in the new year. And because of that, it’s hard to know how much interest you might earn on $10,000.Let’s run through some scenarios. If 4% interest rates stick around all year, $10,000 in savings earns you $400 in interest.But let’s say you’re able to get 4% interest on your savings for the first three months of the year, but from that point on, you’re looking at 3%. That gives you about $325 in interest earnings for 2025.Now, let’s say 4% interest rates hold steady for three months, but 3% interest rates only stick around for three months also, after which they fall to 2% for the rest of the year. In that case, you’re looking at about $275 in interest for 2025.The good news is that because interest rates are expected to start off strong, and they’re not expected to plunge to negligible levels, you stand to earn a nice amount of interest on a $10,000 deposit either way. But if you want more of a sure thing, there’s a way to get it.A CD could be a better bet for 2025If you have $10,000 in the bank that’s serving as your emergency fund, then it needs to stay in your savings account. But if that $10,000 is beyond what you need for emergency situations, then you may want to put it into a CD.The nice thing about CDs is that your interest rate is guaranteed. That’s a good thing at a time when rates are expected to fall.In fact, say you’re able to lock in a 12-month CD at 4.25%. On $10,000, that guarantees you $425. Seeing as how one of the scenarios above only has you earning $275 on your $10,000, that’s a pretty big difference.If you want a guaranteed interest rate on your money, check out this list of the best CDs and open one at the end of 2024 or the start of 2025. In fact, you may want to open a 24-month CD if you’re not quite ready to invest your money but also want to lock in a great rate a little bit longer.Remember, too, that if you don’t open a CD, as interest rates fall, it’s important to keep tabs on what different savings accounts are paying in 2025. The nice thing about a savings account is that you’re not committing to keep your money in a single place. This means you’ll have the flexibility to move it around if you find a better rate.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”:”

When inflation started surging after the pandemic, the Federal Reserve had to react by raising its benchmark interest rate. That drove up the cost of borrowing, but it also helped savers earn more interest on the money they had in the bank.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Since inflation has cooled this year, the Fed has been cutting the federal funds rate to reverse its previous hikes. The central bank’s first interest rate cut happened in September, followed by another one in November. And with one final 2024 meeting on the calendar in December, we could see a third rate cut before the year is over.

Despite all of these rate cuts, savings accounts are still paying a nice amount of interest right now. But savings account rates could slide in the new year as the Fed’s rate cuts continue. It’s important to have realistic expectations as to how much interest you might earn.

Don’t expect the best — or the worst

Even though the Fed has cut interest rates twice this year, many savings accounts are still paying around 4%. And if yours isn’t, check out this list of the best high-yield savings accounts so you can get a better rate.

But in 2025, a savings account with a 4% APY may be hard to find. Of course, it’s hard to determine exactly how much interest rates will fall in the new year. And because of that, it’s hard to know how much interest you might earn on $10,000.

Let’s run through some scenarios. If 4% interest rates stick around all year, $10,000 in savings earns you $400 in interest.

But let’s say you’re able to get 4% interest on your savings for the first three months of the year, but from that point on, you’re looking at 3%. That gives you about $325 in interest earnings for 2025.

Now, let’s say 4% interest rates hold steady for three months, but 3% interest rates only stick around for three months also, after which they fall to 2% for the rest of the year. In that case, you’re looking at about $275 in interest for 2025.

The good news is that because interest rates are expected to start off strong, and they’re not expected to plunge to negligible levels, you stand to earn a nice amount of interest on a $10,000 deposit either way. But if you want more of a sure thing, there’s a way to get it.

A CD could be a better bet for 2025

If you have $10,000 in the bank that’s serving as your emergency fund, then it needs to stay in your savings account. But if that $10,000 is beyond what you need for emergency situations, then you may want to put it into a CD.

The nice thing about CDs is that your interest rate is guaranteed. That’s a good thing at a time when rates are expected to fall.

In fact, say you’re able to lock in a 12-month CD at 4.25%. On $10,000, that guarantees you $425. Seeing as how one of the scenarios above only has you earning $275 on your $10,000, that’s a pretty big difference.

If you want a guaranteed interest rate on your money, check out this list of the best CDs and open one at the end of 2024 or the start of 2025. In fact, you may want to open a 24-month CD if you’re not quite ready to invest your money but also want to lock in a great rate a little bit longer.

Remember, too, that if you don’t open a CD, as interest rates fall, it’s important to keep tabs on what different savings accounts are paying in 2025. The nice thing about a savings account is that you’re not committing to keep your money in a single place. This means you’ll have the flexibility to move it around if you find a better rate.

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
Finances aren’t always the first topic of discussion when you get married. But it’s important to decide how you’ll manage money, including which accounts you’ll use.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. Many couples decide to share a credit card by having one spouse add the other as an authorized user. One of you is still the primary cardholder, but the other receives a card in their name tied to the account. If you’re considering adding your spouse to your credit card, here are the biggest benefits of doing so.1. It’s an easy way to merge your financesMerging finances could lead to a happier marriage. Multiple studies, including one last year by Indiana University Kelley School of Business, have found a link between joint financial accounts and stronger relationships.If you want a shared credit card account, adding your spouse as an authorized user is the easiest option. Joint credit cards aren’t nearly as common as they used to be. Many card issuers don’t offer them anymore.But most card issuers allow authorized users. You can add an authorized user in your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card.It’s always important to choose a quality credit card, but especially if you and your spouse are both going to use it. Explore our picks for the best credit cards to find one and apply today.2. You earn rewards on their spendingIf you add your spouse to a rewards card, you’ll earn rewards on their purchases. This is a great way for couples to maximize rewards with a cash back card or a travel card.Let’s say you have a card that earns 3% back on groceries and gas, but your spouse does most of the grocery shopping. By adding them to your credit card, they’ll have their own card as an authorized user, and their grocery spending will also earn 3%.Looking for a cash back card that can earn this much — or more? Click here to see our list of the top cash back credit cards, including cards with bonus rates as high as 6%!3. There may be a bonus availableCredit card companies want people to use their cards often, so they like when cardholders add authorized users. Some of them even offer authorized user bonuses to sweeten the deal.Bonus amounts generally range from 5,000 to 20,000 points (worth approximately $50 to $200). These bonuses typically require you to add an authorized user and for that authorized user to spend a certain amount. For example, your spouse may need to spend $1,000 in the first three months to earn the bonus.4. It could help their credit scoreIf you have a high credit score and your spouse doesn’t, adding them as an authorized user could help with that. Your credit card activity will start being reported on their credit history. If you add them to a 10-year-old card, they’ll now have 10 years of credit activity. If you consistently pay your card on time, those on-time payments will boost your spouse’s credit.Keep in mind that this works both ways. Positive activity on your credit card will be good for your spouse’s credit score. But negative activity, such as missed payments, could cause their credit score to drop. Make sure to pay on time and avoid overspending with your card so your spouse benefits from being an authorized user.Every couple has their own way of handling the financial side of the relationship. Some merge everything, some keep it all separate, and some do a partial merger. If you’re a couple that’s interested in sharing at least some accounts, adding one partner as an authorized user on the other’s credit card could be a good money move.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”:”

Finances aren’t always the first topic of discussion when you get married. But it’s important to decide how you’ll manage money, including which accounts you’ll use.

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.

Many couples decide to share a credit card by having one spouse add the other as an authorized user. One of you is still the primary cardholder, but the other receives a card in their name tied to the account. If you’re considering adding your spouse to your credit card, here are the biggest benefits of doing so.

1. It’s an easy way to merge your finances

Merging finances could lead to a happier marriage. Multiple studies, including one last year by Indiana University Kelley School of Business, have found a link between joint financial accounts and stronger relationships.

If you want a shared credit card account, adding your spouse as an authorized user is the easiest option. Joint credit cards aren’t nearly as common as they used to be. Many card issuers don’t offer them anymore.

But most card issuers allow authorized users. You can add an authorized user in your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card.

It’s always important to choose a quality credit card, but especially if you and your spouse are both going to use it. Explore our picks for the best credit cards to find one and apply today.

2. You earn rewards on their spending

If you add your spouse to a rewards card, you’ll earn rewards on their purchases. This is a great way for couples to maximize rewards with a cash back card or a travel card.

Let’s say you have a card that earns 3% back on groceries and gas, but your spouse does most of the grocery shopping. By adding them to your credit card, they’ll have their own card as an authorized user, and their grocery spending will also earn 3%.

Looking for a cash back card that can earn this much — or more? Click here to see our list of the top cash back credit cards, including cards with bonus rates as high as 6%!

3. There may be a bonus available

Credit card companies want people to use their cards often, so they like when cardholders add authorized users. Some of them even offer authorized user bonuses to sweeten the deal.

Bonus amounts generally range from 5,000 to 20,000 points (worth approximately $50 to $200). These bonuses typically require you to add an authorized user and for that authorized user to spend a certain amount. For example, your spouse may need to spend $1,000 in the first three months to earn the bonus.

4. It could help their credit score

If you have a high credit score and your spouse doesn’t, adding them as an authorized user could help with that. Your credit card activity will start being reported on their credit history. If you add them to a 10-year-old card, they’ll now have 10 years of credit activity. If you consistently pay your card on time, those on-time payments will boost your spouse’s credit.

Keep in mind that this works both ways. Positive activity on your credit card will be good for your spouse’s credit score. But negative activity, such as missed payments, could cause their credit score to drop. Make sure to pay on time and avoid overspending with your card so your spouse benefits from being an authorized user.

Every couple has their own way of handling the financial side of the relationship. Some merge everything, some keep it all separate, and some do a partial merger. If you’re a couple that’s interested in sharing at least some accounts, adding one partner as an authorized user on the other’s credit card could be a good money move.

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
You probably know that at-fault accidents and traffic tickets increase your car insurance premiums. It’s easy to see why: If you’re taking risks behind the wheel, you’re more likely to get into accidents, which means you’re more likely to file claims your insurer will have to pay.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. But few people would guess just how big an effect your credit score has on your car insurance premiums. It can more than double your annual premiums in 27 states, and some drivers pay an even steeper price.The 10 states that penalize drivers with poor credit scores the mostInsurers argue that poor credit, which often indicates risky financial behavior, goes hand in hand with risk-taking behind the wheel. This is why most states permit insurers to charge higher premiums to drivers with low credit scores. For context, a low credit score is usually considered one between 350 and 579, while an excellent score is between 800 and 850.Every state and insurer has its own rules, which is why you see different increases everywhere. Here’s a closer look at the states that charge the 10 highest average penalties for drivers with poor credit:StateAverage Annual Premium (Excellent Credit)Average Annual Premium (Poor Credit)Increase for Drivers with Poor CreditMichigan$2,774$8,759216%Arizona$1,737$4,698170%New Hampshire$1,622$4,263163%New York$2,353$6,046157%New Jersey$2,442$6,190153%Minnesota$1,673$4,145148%Kentucky$2,519$5,881133%Virginia$1,706$3,910129%Wisconsin$1,435$3,258127%South Dakota$1,975$4,459126%Source: Quadrant (2023).The difference can be substantial, though drivers in nearly all states see increases with lower credit scores. The few exceptions to this rule are California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, which have banned insurers from considering credit information when setting auto insurance rates. Washington had a similar ban, but a judge overturned it in 2022.Interestingly, Michigan has a ban as well, yet it’s at the top of our list. It’s possible this is because of a correlation between riskier financial behavior and riskier driving behavior, as insurers suggest. However, many variables go into auto insurance rates and each company’s formula is proprietary, so it’s difficult to say for sure what’s going on here.That’s also why it’s important to get quotes from at least three to five companies when trying to find the best rate. Start with our list of the best car insurance companies to find great coverage today.What to do if poor credit is costing you a fortune in car insurance premiumsIf you’re struggling with high car insurance premiums due to poor credit, here are three key ways to reduce your current and future costs.Lower your other car insurance risk factorsDemonstrating safe driving behavior behind the wheel as much as possible is key to reducing your car insurance rate. You may also be able to lower premiums with some insurers by storing your vehicle in a garage instead of on the street or installing a car alarm.Factors like obtaining higher levels of education, getting married, and turning 25 also reduce your riskiness in the eyes of auto insurers. Be sure to notify your insurer when you reach any of these milestones.Shop smartShopping around is an important first step in securing a low rate. Once you get your quote, you’ll have another opportunity to reduce your costs by setting your coverage limits and deductible. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce premiums by 40% or more, though it means you’ll have higher out-of pocket costs in the event of a claim.Reducing coverage may also be an option in a pinch, though this could put you at risk of having too little coverage for serious accidents. Consider working with one of the insurers on our best cheap car insurance companies list to help you save instead.Raise your credit scoreRaising your credit score takes time, but it can benefit all aspects of your financial life. In addition to lower insurance premiums, you can also qualify for better credit cards and lower interest rates on loans. Some of the best actions to help you raise your credit score include:Paying your bills on timeLimiting your monthly credit card charges to 30% or less of your credit limitApplying for new credit no more than once every six monthsLeaving old credit cards open as long as they don’t charge an annual feePaying down existing credit card debtIt will take time, but sticking with these behaviors for a few months or years can bring your credit score up significantly. And when you get into the good to excellent range, you can shop around for new car insurance again to find a lower rate.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”:”

You probably know that at-fault accidents and traffic tickets increase your car insurance premiums. It’s easy to see why: If you’re taking risks behind the wheel, you’re more likely to get into accidents, which means you’re more likely to file claims your insurer will have to pay.

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.

But few people would guess just how big an effect your credit score has on your car insurance premiums. It can more than double your annual premiums in 27 states, and some drivers pay an even steeper price.

The 10 states that penalize drivers with poor credit scores the most

Insurers argue that poor credit, which often indicates risky financial behavior, goes hand in hand with risk-taking behind the wheel. This is why most states permit insurers to charge higher premiums to drivers with low credit scores. For context, a low credit score is usually considered one between 350 and 579, while an excellent score is between 800 and 850.

Every state and insurer has its own rules, which is why you see different increases everywhere. Here’s a closer look at the states that charge the 10 highest average penalties for drivers with poor credit:

The difference can be substantial, though drivers in nearly all states see increases with lower credit scores. The few exceptions to this rule are California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, which have banned insurers from considering credit information when setting auto insurance rates. Washington had a similar ban, but a judge overturned it in 2022.

Interestingly, Michigan has a ban as well, yet it’s at the top of our list. It’s possible this is because of a correlation between riskier financial behavior and riskier driving behavior, as insurers suggest. However, many variables go into auto insurance rates and each company’s formula is proprietary, so it’s difficult to say for sure what’s going on here.

That’s also why it’s important to get quotes from at least three to five companies when trying to find the best rate. Start with our list of the best car insurance companies to find great coverage today.

What to do if poor credit is costing you a fortune in car insurance premiums

If you’re struggling with high car insurance premiums due to poor credit, here are three key ways to reduce your current and future costs.

Lower your other car insurance risk factors

Demonstrating safe driving behavior behind the wheel as much as possible is key to reducing your car insurance rate. You may also be able to lower premiums with some insurers by storing your vehicle in a garage instead of on the street or installing a car alarm.

Factors like obtaining higher levels of education, getting married, and turning 25 also reduce your riskiness in the eyes of auto insurers. Be sure to notify your insurer when you reach any of these milestones.

Shop smart

Shopping around is an important first step in securing a low rate. Once you get your quote, you’ll have another opportunity to reduce your costs by setting your coverage limits and deductible. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce premiums by 40% or more, though it means you’ll have higher out-of pocket costs in the event of a claim.

Reducing coverage may also be an option in a pinch, though this could put you at risk of having too little coverage for serious accidents. Consider working with one of the insurers on our best cheap car insurance companies list to help you save instead.

Raise your credit score

Raising your credit score takes time, but it can benefit all aspects of your financial life. In addition to lower insurance premiums, you can also qualify for better credit cards and lower interest rates on loans. Some of the best actions to help you raise your credit score include:

• Paying your bills on time
• Limiting your monthly credit card charges to 30% or less of your credit limit
• Applying for new credit no more than once every six months
• Leaving old credit cards open as long as they don’t charge an annual fee
• Paying down existing credit card debt

It will take time, but sticking with these behaviors for a few months or years can bring your credit score up significantly. And when you get into the good to excellent range, you can shop around for new car insurance again to find a lower rate.

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: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
A lot of people are rushing to open CDs while rates are still strong. And thankfully, many banks are still paying 4% or more on CDs — even in light of the Federal Reserve’s pair of interest rate cuts this 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. You may be tempted to open a CD while rates are still as high as they are. But even with rates at 4%, you could lose out on serious money by turning to CDs right now.Why CDs aren’t your best bet in the long runCDs are a good option if you’re trying to sock money away for a short-term goal. But in the long run, stocks are a much better option. The reason? They’ve historically delivered much higher returns.You may be thinking, “But aren’t stocks risky?” And yes, there is some risk in putting your money into stocks. The market could have a bad year and you could end up losing money by selling right away.The solution? Don’t sell right away. Instead, hold your stocks for a long period to give yourself opportunities to ride out downturns and come out ahead — and in some cases, way ahead.Say you have $10,000 to put into a CD, and you’re able to get 4%. Let’s also assume you’re able to keep getting 4% out of CDs over the next 20 years, even though that’s highly unlikely. In that case, you’re looking at growing your $10,000 into about $22,000.But imagine if you’re able to get 10% a year out of a stock portfolio over 20 years, which is likely based on the S&P 500’s historical performance. In that case, you’re looking at growing $10,000 into about $67,000.This means that even with CD rates being notably high, over a 20-year period, you could lose out on a whopping $45,000 by sticking with CDs instead of opening a brokerage account or IRA and starting to invest.Don’t sell yourself shortThere’s nothing wrong with putting money into a CD if you’re saving for a short-term goal, like buying a house or car in a couple of years. And if your bank isn’t paying 4%, compare rates at other institutions. Online banks, in particular, are known for offering competitive rates on deposit accounts.But if that’s not the case, review this list of the best brokerage accounts so you can potentially grow your money well beyond what CDs will pay you. And if you specifically want to invest for retirement, open an IRA for the tax benefits.Remember, too, that the Fed isn’t done cutting interest rates. Once more rate cuts come down the pike, we could see CD rates drop to 3%, 2%, or lower. It’s happened before, and it could easily happen again. In that case, the difference between what a series of CDs might pay you versus a stock portfolio may be even bigger.Don’t shy away from stocks because you’re scared of losing money. As you can see, sticking with CDs could cause you to lose money, too.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 lot of people are rushing to open CDs while rates are still strong. And thankfully, many banks are still paying 4% or more on CDs — even in light of the Federal Reserve’s pair of interest rate cuts this 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.

You may be tempted to open a CD while rates are still as high as they are. But even with rates at 4%, you could lose out on serious money by turning to CDs right now.

Why CDs aren’t your best bet in the long run

CDs are a good option if you’re trying to sock money away for a short-term goal. But in the long run, stocks are a much better option. The reason? They’ve historically delivered much higher returns.

You may be thinking, “But aren’t stocks risky?” And yes, there is some risk in putting your money into stocks. The market could have a bad year and you could end up losing money by selling right away.

The solution? Don’t sell right away. Instead, hold your stocks for a long period to give yourself opportunities to ride out downturns and come out ahead — and in some cases, way ahead.

Say you have $10,000 to put into a CD, and you’re able to get 4%. Let’s also assume you’re able to keep getting 4% out of CDs over the next 20 years, even though that’s highly unlikely. In that case, you’re looking at growing your $10,000 into about $22,000.

But imagine if you’re able to get 10% a year out of a stock portfolio over 20 years, which is likely based on the S&P 500’s historical performance. In that case, you’re looking at growing $10,000 into about $67,000.

This means that even with CD rates being notably high, over a 20-year period, you could lose out on a whopping $45,000 by sticking with CDs instead of opening a brokerage account or IRA and starting to invest.

Don’t sell yourself short

There’s nothing wrong with putting money into a CD if you’re saving for a short-term goal, like buying a house or car in a couple of years. And if your bank isn’t paying 4%, compare rates at other institutions. Online banks, in particular, are known for offering competitive rates on deposit accounts.

But if that’s not the case, review this list of the best brokerage accounts so you can potentially grow your money well beyond what CDs will pay you. And if you specifically want to invest for retirement, open an IRA for the tax benefits.

Remember, too, that the Fed isn’t done cutting interest rates. Once more rate cuts come down the pike, we could see CD rates drop to 3%, 2%, or lower. It’s happened before, and it could easily happen again. In that case, the difference between what a series of CDs might pay you versus a stock portfolio may be even bigger.

Don’t shy away from stocks because you’re scared of losing money. As you can see, sticking with CDs could cause you to lose money, too.

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