Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The holiday gift shopping season doesn’t traditionally kick off until Black Friday, but the hunt for holiday travel deals often starts much sooner. You may have already begun looking at flights and hotels for your upcoming trips, which is great.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 just passively checking prices might not lead to the savings you’d hoped for. You need some additional, lesser-known strategies to score the best holiday travel deals in 2024.1. Consider all means of travelDriving is the obvious solution if you’re only traveling an hour or two away while flying is most people’s preferred option when traveling longer distances. But those aren’t the only ways you can get from point A to point B.Buses, trains, or even ferries could also be options depending on where you need to go. Sites like Rome2Rio can help you explore all of your options. They’ll also highlight the cheapest and fastest options so you can quickly identify the itinerary that best suits your needs.2. Use the right travel rewards credit cardTravel rewards credit cards can help you save on flights and hotels and sometimes score useful perks, like access to airport lounges. Frequent flyers may prefer to go for a specific airline card for maximum perks on that airline. But a general travel rewards card could be a better fit if you want something that can benefit you on all types of purchases.Check out the best travel credit cards we’ve found to start earning more rewards. Now could be the perfect time to open one of these if you plan to book a trip within the next 90 days.3. Use incognito mode when shopping for travel dealsWhen you look for travel deals online, your web browser stores data about your searches, known as cookies. This can influence what it shows you in later searches. It’s generally a good idea to look for travel deals in an incognito browser or after deleting your cookies.It may not make a significant difference in the prices you see, but it doesn’t hurt to have a clean slate when looking at travel deals. It could turn up options you wouldn’t have seen in your regular browser, even if they’re not significantly cheaper.4. Shop at the right timeThe cheapest time to buy airline tickets depends on when you’re traveling and where you want to go. You can score cheap flights as early as 26 days before Thanksgiving, according to Google, but you probably don’t want to wait any longer than that. For Christmas, it’s best to book even earlier — at least 36 days in advance and possibly even longer.Those traveling internationally are best off looking for flights at least 50 days in advance of when they plan to travel. That means if you haven’t started looking for flights yet, it’s time to start shopping.5. Be flexibleFlexibility is an underrated money-saving trait when it comes to holiday travel. If you’re locked into a specific airport on a specific date with a specific arrival window, you’ll have far fewer choices than someone who’s willing to consider all airports within a certain radius of their destination, several departure and arrival dates, and possible layovers over a nonstop flight.Traveling on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday can score you more affordable prices, according to Google, and accepting at least one layover could reduce your costs by 25%. But it’s ultimately up to you to decide what you’re comfortable with.Even following the above tips, traveling for the holidays may not necessarily be cheap. But even if you only manage to keep a few dollars in your savings account, that’s something to celebrate.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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Kailey Hagen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The holiday gift shopping season doesn’t traditionally kick off until Black Friday, but the hunt for holiday travel deals often starts much sooner. You may have already begun looking at flights and hotels for your upcoming trips, which is great.

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 just passively checking prices might not lead to the savings you’d hoped for. You need some additional, lesser-known strategies to score the best holiday travel deals in 2024.

1. Consider all means of travel

Driving is the obvious solution if you’re only traveling an hour or two away while flying is most people’s preferred option when traveling longer distances. But those aren’t the only ways you can get from point A to point B.

Buses, trains, or even ferries could also be options depending on where you need to go. Sites like Rome2Rio can help you explore all of your options. They’ll also highlight the cheapest and fastest options so you can quickly identify the itinerary that best suits your needs.

2. Use the right travel rewards credit card

Travel rewards credit cards can help you save on flights and hotels and sometimes score useful perks, like access to airport lounges. Frequent flyers may prefer to go for a specific airline card for maximum perks on that airline. But a general travel rewards card could be a better fit if you want something that can benefit you on all types of purchases.

Check out the best travel credit cards we’ve found to start earning more rewards. Now could be the perfect time to open one of these if you plan to book a trip within the next 90 days.

3. Use incognito mode when shopping for travel deals

When you look for travel deals online, your web browser stores data about your searches, known as cookies. This can influence what it shows you in later searches. It’s generally a good idea to look for travel deals in an incognito browser or after deleting your cookies.

It may not make a significant difference in the prices you see, but it doesn’t hurt to have a clean slate when looking at travel deals. It could turn up options you wouldn’t have seen in your regular browser, even if they’re not significantly cheaper.

4. Shop at the right time

The cheapest time to buy airline tickets depends on when you’re traveling and where you want to go. You can score cheap flights as early as 26 days before Thanksgiving, according to Google, but you probably don’t want to wait any longer than that. For Christmas, it’s best to book even earlier — at least 36 days in advance and possibly even longer.

Those traveling internationally are best off looking for flights at least 50 days in advance of when they plan to travel. That means if you haven’t started looking for flights yet, it’s time to start shopping.

5. Be flexible

Flexibility is an underrated money-saving trait when it comes to holiday travel. If you’re locked into a specific airport on a specific date with a specific arrival window, you’ll have far fewer choices than someone who’s willing to consider all airports within a certain radius of their destination, several departure and arrival dates, and possible layovers over a nonstop flight.

Traveling on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday can score you more affordable prices, according to Google, and accepting at least one layover could reduce your costs by 25%. But it’s ultimately up to you to decide what you’re comfortable with.

Even following the above tips, traveling for the holidays may not necessarily be cheap. But even if you only manage to keep a few dollars in your savings account, that’s something to celebrate.

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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Kailey Hagen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
There was a time not very long ago when it was pretty easy to find a CD with an APY of 5%. All you had to do was shop around for the best CD rates and choose one of several options.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 ever since the Federal Reserve made its first benchmark rate cut in September, CD rates have been on the decline. So now, it’s harder to find a CD paying 5%.The good news, though, is that you can still get close. And while a 4.5% CD doesn’t have quite the same ring as 5%, it’s hardly a shabby return given that your money in a CD is protected as long as your bank is FDIC insured and your deposit is $250,000 or less.But while you may be eager to open another CD to earn close to 5% on your cash, there’s an even better option for money you have that you don’t expect to need in the near term. And it’s an option worth exploring as soon as possible.Don’t settle for close to 5%You may like the idea of earning almost 5% on your money in a CD. But how does 10% sound instead?Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%, accounting for years when the market did wonderfully and years when it completely tanked. So if you put some of your money into a stock portfolio and leave it alone for many years, you may find that the return you snag far surpasses what even the top-paying CDs can offer you today.Now to be clear, investing in stocks is not a good idea if you expect to need your money within a few years. You need plenty of time to ride out market declines to make money in stocks without taking on undue risk. But if that’s the case, you may be surprised at how much better off you are putting money into a stock portfolio.Say you have $10,000 to work with. If you open a 12-month CD at 4.5%, you’re guaranteed to earn $450. After the one-year mark, who knows? By then, CDs could be paying 3.5%, or 3%, or less. And it’s pretty safe to say they won’t be paying 10%.On the other hand, let’s say you put $10,000 into a stock portfolio that gives you a yearly 10% return over 20 years. By the end of that window, you’re looking at a balance of a little over $67,000. That’s about a $57,000 profit.It pays to start investing as soon as you canYou may be inclined to open one more 12-month CD before rates start to fall from where they are today. But even that could hurt you if the money you’re talking about is cash you won’t need for many years.Imagine that instead of investing $10,000 in a stock portfolio paying 10% a year for 20 years, you only have 19 years to work with. In that case, you’re looking at growing your money to about $61,000, which is $6,000 less than the $6,700 you’d have by investing for a full two decades.So which would you rather do — earn $450 in a CD in the next year, or earn an extra $6,000 from a stock portfolio?If it’s the second choice, which it should be, instead of opening another CD, click here to open a brokerage account and start putting your money to work in the stock market immediately. You may find that it pays off big time compared to choosing a CD, even with rates close to 5%.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”:”

There was a time not very long ago when it was pretty easy to find a CD with an APY of 5%. All you had to do was shop around for the best CD rates and choose one of several options.

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 ever since the Federal Reserve made its first benchmark rate cut in September, CD rates have been on the decline. So now, it’s harder to find a CD paying 5%.

The good news, though, is that you can still get close. And while a 4.5% CD doesn’t have quite the same ring as 5%, it’s hardly a shabby return given that your money in a CD is protected as long as your bank is FDIC insured and your deposit is $250,000 or less.

But while you may be eager to open another CD to earn close to 5% on your cash, there’s an even better option for money you have that you don’t expect to need in the near term. And it’s an option worth exploring as soon as possible.

Don’t settle for close to 5%

You may like the idea of earning almost 5% on your money in a CD. But how does 10% sound instead?

Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%, accounting for years when the market did wonderfully and years when it completely tanked. So if you put some of your money into a stock portfolio and leave it alone for many years, you may find that the return you snag far surpasses what even the top-paying CDs can offer you today.

Now to be clear, investing in stocks is not a good idea if you expect to need your money within a few years. You need plenty of time to ride out market declines to make money in stocks without taking on undue risk. But if that’s the case, you may be surprised at how much better off you are putting money into a stock portfolio.

Say you have $10,000 to work with. If you open a 12-month CD at 4.5%, you’re guaranteed to earn $450. After the one-year mark, who knows? By then, CDs could be paying 3.5%, or 3%, or less. And it’s pretty safe to say they won’t be paying 10%.

On the other hand, let’s say you put $10,000 into a stock portfolio that gives you a yearly 10% return over 20 years. By the end of that window, you’re looking at a balance of a little over $67,000. That’s about a $57,000 profit.

It pays to start investing as soon as you can

You may be inclined to open one more 12-month CD before rates start to fall from where they are today. But even that could hurt you if the money you’re talking about is cash you won’t need for many years.

Imagine that instead of investing $10,000 in a stock portfolio paying 10% a year for 20 years, you only have 19 years to work with. In that case, you’re looking at growing your money to about $61,000, which is $6,000 less than the $6,700 you’d have by investing for a full two decades.

So which would you rather do — earn $450 in a CD in the next year, or earn an extra $6,000 from a stock portfolio?

If it’s the second choice, which it should be, instead of opening another CD, click here to open a brokerage account and start putting your money to work in the stock market immediately. You may find that it pays off big time compared to choosing a CD, even with rates close to 5%.

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
A lot of people join Costco so they can fill up their cars on the cheap and save money on products like groceries and paper towels. But one of the best — and less obvious — deals at Costco is the store’s selection of gift cards. If you’ve never purchased a gift card from Costco before, here are three important things to know.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!1. Costco’s gift cards are discountedThe main benefit of buying gift cards at Costco is that you can purchase them at a price that’s below their face value. Here are some of the fantastic restaurant gift card offers Costco has available today (Nov. 6):$100 of TGI Friday’s gift cards for $79.99$75 worth of Subway’s gift cards for $59.99$100 worth of IHOP gift cards for $79.99$100 worth of Domino’s gift cards for $74.99But it’s not just restaurants you can buy gift cards to. Costco also sells gift cards for entertainment venues like bowling alleys and movie theaters, among other things. It pays to browse the store or look online and see what additional deals catch your eye, especially with the holidays coming up.You may find a wider selection of options at Costco.com. And many of the site’s gift cards can be delivered to you electronically so you get them right away.2. They can’t be returnedCostco’s return policy is one of the most generous ones out there. You can typically return almost any item at any time for any reason.But gift cards are one of the rare Costco purchases that can’t be returned. Once you buy one, you’re stuck with it. For this reason, be careful when buying gift cards to places you don’t normally go to.For example, Costco is currently selling $100 worth of Dave & Buster’s gift cards for $79.99. You might tell yourself that’s a good deal to grab because your kids like going there. But if the closest one is 90 minutes away and you haven’t been to Dave & Buster’s in ages because of that, your $100 in gift cards might sit unused in your wallet.3. You can earn 2% on gift cards with an Executive membershipThe benefit of upgrading to an Executive membership at Costco for $130 a year (versus $65 for a basic membership) is getting to earn 2% cash back on your purchases. And that extends to gift cards. If you spend $79.99 on a $100 gift card, not only are you saving $20, but you’re also earning $1.60.What’s more, if you use the right credit card to buy your gift cards at Costco, you can bank extra rewards that put more cash in your pocket. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.Costco’s gift cards are one of the store’s best lesser-known deals. It pays to take advantage of them for the discounted prices and cash back rewards. But be careful to only buy gift cards you know you’ll use. Otherwise, instead of saving money at Costco, you could end up wasting money and getting stuck with gift cards that don’t do you any good.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”:”

A lot of people join Costco so they can fill up their cars on the cheap and save money on products like groceries and paper towels. But one of the best — and less obvious — deals at Costco is the store’s selection of gift cards. If you’ve never purchased a gift card from Costco before, here are three important things to know.

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!

1. Costco’s gift cards are discounted

The main benefit of buying gift cards at Costco is that you can purchase them at a price that’s below their face value. Here are some of the fantastic restaurant gift card offers Costco has available today (Nov. 6):

$100 of TGI Friday’s gift cards for $79.99$75 worth of Subway’s gift cards for $59.99$100 worth of IHOP gift cards for $79.99$100 worth of Domino’s gift cards for $74.99

But it’s not just restaurants you can buy gift cards to. Costco also sells gift cards for entertainment venues like bowling alleys and movie theaters, among other things. It pays to browse the store or look online and see what additional deals catch your eye, especially with the holidays coming up.

You may find a wider selection of options at Costco.com. And many of the site’s gift cards can be delivered to you electronically so you get them right away.

2. They can’t be returned

Costco’s return policy is one of the most generous ones out there. You can typically return almost any item at any time for any reason.

But gift cards are one of the rare Costco purchases that can’t be returned. Once you buy one, you’re stuck with it. For this reason, be careful when buying gift cards to places you don’t normally go to.

For example, Costco is currently selling $100 worth of Dave & Buster’s gift cards for $79.99. You might tell yourself that’s a good deal to grab because your kids like going there. But if the closest one is 90 minutes away and you haven’t been to Dave & Buster’s in ages because of that, your $100 in gift cards might sit unused in your wallet.

3. You can earn 2% on gift cards with an Executive membership

The benefit of upgrading to an Executive membership at Costco for $130 a year (versus $65 for a basic membership) is getting to earn 2% cash back on your purchases. And that extends to gift cards. If you spend $79.99 on a $100 gift card, not only are you saving $20, but you’re also earning $1.60.

What’s more, if you use the right credit card to buy your gift cards at Costco, you can bank extra rewards that put more cash in your pocket. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

Costco’s gift cards are one of the store’s best lesser-known deals. It pays to take advantage of them for the discounted prices and cash back rewards. But be careful to only buy gift cards you know you’ll use. Otherwise, instead of saving money at Costco, you could end up wasting money and getting stuck with gift cards that don’t do you any good.

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: Getty Images
How great is it to look at your checking account balance and see more money than you need for bills that month? As lovely as it may feel, there’s little reason to keep more than you need in checking. In fact, it’s costing you money.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, we’ll look at how you can discover the sweet spot — the amount of money that will prevent overdrafts while also freeing up your excess cash to earn interest.How much does the average person have in checking?Last year, CNBC and Dynata Banking Behaviors conducted a survey. It found that 27% of Americans have less than $500 in checking, 11% carry a balance between $500 and $999, and 23% have between $1,000 and $4,999.However, a quick Google search found about 100 dramatically different answers to this question. There’s no consensus among banking officials, so it’s essential that you figure out what’s right for you and stick with that number.If you’re not thrilled with the treatment you’re receiving from your bank, click here for a list of our favorite checking accounts. Life’s too short to be unhappy.The rule of thumbThe general rule of thumb is to keep enough money in your checking account to cover one to two months’ living expenses. Coming up with that number is as easy as making a list of your monthly payments and adding them together. Then, multiply that number by two.Here’s why you might want to aim for this target:No more overdrafts: It’s difficult to remember when irregular bills, such as HOA fees or property taxes, come due. Having more than you need to get through the month leaves you with enough to cover unexpected expenses and avoid overdrafting your account. This is particularly true if your payments are set up to auto-pay.Helps you avoid minimum balance requirements: Some banks still have old-fashioned minimum balance requirements that charge a fee each time your checking account drops below a specific threshold.Reduces the need to hover over your account: Knowing you have enough to cover two months’ worth of bills means you don’t have to constantly worry about whether you have enough to pay bills or cover an unexpected debit.If you can’t keep two months’ worth of bills in checkingNot everyone can sock two months’ worth of living expenses in a checking account. Maybe you’re not earning much money, lost your job, or live in a high-cost-of-living area. Whatever the reason, most of us have been there at one time or another.The answer may be to keep enough in checking to cover two weeks’ worth of expenses or even just one week’s worth, plus a 25% “pad” for good measure. Let’s say your weekly expenses are $500. Aim to keep $1,000 in your checking account. If that’s not possible, aim for $625. That’s $500 to cover your expenses and 25% ($125) in case the unexpected happens.Regardless of your current situation, you undoubtedly have goals. As you work toward those goals, try adding a little more each week to your bank account. Even if it’s just coins you throw into a bowl at the end of each day, every little bit helps.If your bank allows you to link overdraft protectionIf you’re banking with a financial institution that doesn’t seem to realize we’re living in the 21st century, it may be time to switch banks. Many banks and credit unions now allow you to link your checking account to another account type, like a savings account, money market account (MMA), or even a credit card.If a debit hits your checking account but there’s not enough money to cover the expense, the bank will pull the money from one of your linked sources. Even better, some of the best financial institutions don’t charge a fee for the service. That’s peace of mind.Reminder: It’s essential to shop around for a bank or credit union. Each has its own set of rules, and some are simply more consumer-friendly. Before opening a bank account, ask a customer service rep hard questions, like how the bank handles overdrafts.Only you know how much money you have coming in to pay expenses. The point is to keep enough money in your checking account to cover upcoming bills, plus 25% to 30% extra to cover unexpected events. Whether you can cover one week’s expenses or two months’ worth depends on your financial situation and is likely to change over time.Once you’ve done what you can with checking, it’s time to think about places to put additional funds that earn you money. Read our guide to where you park your cash to find out more.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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Dana George has positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

How great is it to look at your checking account balance and see more money than you need for bills that month? As lovely as it may feel, there’s little reason to keep more than you need in checking. In fact, it’s costing you money.

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, we’ll look at how you can discover the sweet spot — the amount of money that will prevent overdrafts while also freeing up your excess cash to earn interest.

How much does the average person have in checking?

Last year, CNBC and Dynata Banking Behaviors conducted a survey. It found that 27% of Americans have less than $500 in checking, 11% carry a balance between $500 and $999, and 23% have between $1,000 and $4,999.

However, a quick Google search found about 100 dramatically different answers to this question. There’s no consensus among banking officials, so it’s essential that you figure out what’s right for you and stick with that number.

If you’re not thrilled with the treatment you’re receiving from your bank, click here for a list of our favorite checking accounts. Life’s too short to be unhappy.

The rule of thumb

The general rule of thumb is to keep enough money in your checking account to cover one to two months’ living expenses. Coming up with that number is as easy as making a list of your monthly payments and adding them together. Then, multiply that number by two.

Here’s why you might want to aim for this target:

No more overdrafts: It’s difficult to remember when irregular bills, such as HOA fees or property taxes, come due. Having more than you need to get through the month leaves you with enough to cover unexpected expenses and avoid overdrafting your account. This is particularly true if your payments are set up to auto-pay.Helps you avoid minimum balance requirements: Some banks still have old-fashioned minimum balance requirements that charge a fee each time your checking account drops below a specific threshold.Reduces the need to hover over your account: Knowing you have enough to cover two months’ worth of bills means you don’t have to constantly worry about whether you have enough to pay bills or cover an unexpected debit.

If you can’t keep two months’ worth of bills in checking

Not everyone can sock two months’ worth of living expenses in a checking account. Maybe you’re not earning much money, lost your job, or live in a high-cost-of-living area. Whatever the reason, most of us have been there at one time or another.

The answer may be to keep enough in checking to cover two weeks’ worth of expenses or even just one week’s worth, plus a 25% “pad” for good measure. Let’s say your weekly expenses are $500. Aim to keep $1,000 in your checking account. If that’s not possible, aim for $625. That’s $500 to cover your expenses and 25% ($125) in case the unexpected happens.

Regardless of your current situation, you undoubtedly have goals. As you work toward those goals, try adding a little more each week to your bank account. Even if it’s just coins you throw into a bowl at the end of each day, every little bit helps.

If your bank allows you to link overdraft protection

If you’re banking with a financial institution that doesn’t seem to realize we’re living in the 21st century, it may be time to switch banks. Many banks and credit unions now allow you to link your checking account to another account type, like a savings account, money market account (MMA), or even a credit card.

If a debit hits your checking account but there’s not enough money to cover the expense, the bank will pull the money from one of your linked sources. Even better, some of the best financial institutions don’t charge a fee for the service. That’s peace of mind.

Reminder: It’s essential to shop around for a bank or credit union. Each has its own set of rules, and some are simply more consumer-friendly. Before opening a bank account, ask a customer service rep hard questions, like how the bank handles overdrafts.

Only you know how much money you have coming in to pay expenses. The point is to keep enough money in your checking account to cover upcoming bills, plus 25% to 30% extra to cover unexpected events. Whether you can cover one week’s expenses or two months’ worth depends on your financial situation and is likely to change over time.

Once you’ve done what you can with checking, it’s time to think about places to put additional funds that earn you money. Read our guide to where you park your cash to find out more.

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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Dana George has positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
For some travelers, a cruise is the ultimate vacation. Since cruise companies arrange most of the details of a vacation, the entire experience can be less stressful for travelers. But if you’re planning a solo vacation and considering a cruise, you may spend more than cruising with a friend or as a couple. 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. There’s a hidden cost you should budget for before you set sail. Here’s what you need to know about this potential expense and how to minimize or avoid it altogether. Many cruise lines charge a single supplement fee Many cruise lines advertise the total price of a cruise by stateroom or cabin. So, it’s common for a per-cabin price to be listed. But it’s typically assumed that two travelers will be rooming together.If you’re a solo traveler who is thinking about booking a cruise, don’t assume the rate you see advertised is what you’ll be charged. You may be required to pay an additional fee because only one person will be occupying the stateroom you book. It’s common practice for many popular cruise lines to charge a single supplement fee. This surcharge is factored into the total cost when only one traveler occupies a cabin. There’s no industry standard rate, but solo cruisers can expect to pay anywhere from 50% to 100% more. This extra cost can vary from one cruise line to another. It’s in your best interest to research the full cost of a cruise before you finalize your booking. Want to get rewarded for traveling? Pay for your bookings with a travel credit card that earns rewards. Click here to review the top travel rewards credit cards and apply for one today.A closer look at how solo cruising can impact your walletHow much more might you pay when booking a cruise for yourself? I did some research to get a feel for how much more I might pay to take a solo cruise with Carnival.I compared pricing for a two-person cabin booking vs. a one-person booking. To compare apples to apples, I looked at prices for the same route, ship, cabin type, and travel dates. I would pay $304 per traveler if I booked a cabin for two travelers. Meanwhile, the total cost for the same cabin for only one traveler is $499, which is about 64% more. That’s a noticeable difference in cost. Make sure you know what to expect before you book. How to avoid paying more for a cruise The good news is that it may be possible to avoid paying single supplement charges or at least pay only slightly more than those traveling with a companion. Some cruise lines offer cabins for solo travelers. One example is Norwegian. I researched prices to understand what to expect when setting sail with Norwegian. I compared the same cruise, ship, and travel dates. I compared the cost of booking a solo studio cabin vs. a two-person inside stateroom booking, which is the cheapest option for two travelers. The per-traveler cost is $1,432 for a solo cabin. Meanwhile, the per-traveler cost for a two-person cabin is $1,232. You’d pay an extra $200 or about 16% more as a solo cruise goer. That’s much better than 64% more like the scenario above. I don’t know about you, but if available, I’d much rather book a solo cabin than pay much more to stay in a more expensive room intended for two travelers. Another way to avoid or minimize added costs is by booking last-minute sailings. Many cruise lines heavily discount rates at the last minute to increase occupancy before a cruise departs. Regardless of the cabin type, you may be able to find a reasonable rate for a solo booking. An easy way to maximize your savings when taking a cruise or booking other travel is to use a top-rated cash back credit card at checkout. You can earn cash back rewards every time you travel. Check out our list of the top cash back credit cards that offer big rewards.Research all fees before making travel arrangements Don’t throw your finances in disarray. Whether planning a cruise or a different kind of vacation, you need to research all travel costs before booking. Doing this in advance will allow you to budget accordingly so you can enjoy your trip without feeling financial regret. The last thing you want to do is rack up expensive credit card debt because you didn’t plan for the financial impact. 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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

For some travelers, a cruise is the ultimate vacation. Since cruise companies arrange most of the details of a vacation, the entire experience can be less stressful for travelers. But if you’re planning a solo vacation and considering a cruise, you may spend more than cruising with a friend or as a couple.

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.

There’s a hidden cost you should budget for before you set sail. Here’s what you need to know about this potential expense and how to minimize or avoid it altogether.

Many cruise lines charge a single supplement fee

Many cruise lines advertise the total price of a cruise by stateroom or cabin. So, it’s common for a per-cabin price to be listed. But it’s typically assumed that two travelers will be rooming together.

If you’re a solo traveler who is thinking about booking a cruise, don’t assume the rate you see advertised is what you’ll be charged. You may be required to pay an additional fee because only one person will be occupying the stateroom you book.

It’s common practice for many popular cruise lines to charge a single supplement fee. This surcharge is factored into the total cost when only one traveler occupies a cabin.

There’s no industry standard rate, but solo cruisers can expect to pay anywhere from 50% to 100% more. This extra cost can vary from one cruise line to another. It’s in your best interest to research the full cost of a cruise before you finalize your booking.

Want to get rewarded for traveling? Pay for your bookings with a travel credit card that earns rewards. Click here to review the top travel rewards credit cards and apply for one today.

A closer look at how solo cruising can impact your wallet

How much more might you pay when booking a cruise for yourself? I did some research to get a feel for how much more I might pay to take a solo cruise with Carnival.

I compared pricing for a two-person cabin booking vs. a one-person booking. To compare apples to apples, I looked at prices for the same route, ship, cabin type, and travel dates.

I would pay $304 per traveler if I booked a cabin for two travelers. Meanwhile, the total cost for the same cabin for only one traveler is $499, which is about 64% more.

That’s a noticeable difference in cost. Make sure you know what to expect before you book.

How to avoid paying more for a cruise

The good news is that it may be possible to avoid paying single supplement charges or at least pay only slightly more than those traveling with a companion.

Some cruise lines offer cabins for solo travelers. One example is Norwegian. I researched prices to understand what to expect when setting sail with Norwegian.

I compared the same cruise, ship, and travel dates. I compared the cost of booking a solo studio cabin vs. a two-person inside stateroom booking, which is the cheapest option for two travelers.

The per-traveler cost is $1,432 for a solo cabin. Meanwhile, the per-traveler cost for a two-person cabin is $1,232. You’d pay an extra $200 or about 16% more as a solo cruise goer. That’s much better than 64% more like the scenario above.

I don’t know about you, but if available, I’d much rather book a solo cabin than pay much more to stay in a more expensive room intended for two travelers.

Another way to avoid or minimize added costs is by booking last-minute sailings. Many cruise lines heavily discount rates at the last minute to increase occupancy before a cruise departs. Regardless of the cabin type, you may be able to find a reasonable rate for a solo booking.

An easy way to maximize your savings when taking a cruise or booking other travel is to use a top-rated cash back credit card at checkout. You can earn cash back rewards every time you travel. Check out our list of the top cash back credit cards that offer big rewards.

Research all fees before making travel arrangements

Don’t throw your finances in disarray. Whether planning a cruise or a different kind of vacation, you need to research all travel costs before booking. Doing this in advance will allow you to budget accordingly so you can enjoy your trip without feeling financial regret. The last thing you want to do is rack up expensive credit card debt because you didn’t plan for the financial impact.

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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
As many savvy travelers know, you can unlock amazing travel opportunities when you pay with points. I’ve used points to book business-class airfare, five-star hotel stays, and expensive vacation rentals for as little as $0.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. The challenge is getting enough points to pay for the travel you want. If you’re only earning points on purchases you make with your travel card, it can be slow going, unless you’re a big spender. Here are five little-known ways to speed up the process.1. Open new travel cards regularly for more bonus opportunitiesWe’ll start with an easy one. Many travel rewards cards have sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. For example, a card may offer 50,000 bonus points or bonus miles if you spend $3,000 on it in the first three months.Sign-up bonuses are my favorite way to earn more travel points. I regularly earn 200,000 to 300,000 bonus points per year with them.If you haven’t gotten a travel card recently, you’re missing out on bonus opportunities like these. Click here to see our list of the best travel rewards cards, including several with sign-up bonuses of 60,000 points or more!2. Complete special offers with your favorite airlines and hotelsAirlines and hotels often send out special offers to members of their loyalty programs. Completing a quick online or phone survey could net you 2,000 to 3,000 points. Renting a car through a rental partner could be worth 5,000 or 6,000 miles.Make sure you’re signed up with the loyalty programs of any airlines and hotels you like. It’s free, and once you’re a member, you’ll receive special offers like these, normally by email. Complete offers as you can, and you’ll have more points for your next vacation.3. Send travel card referral links to your friends and familySome credit card companies offer referral programs for their cardholders. You get a referral link you can share with people. If they apply for the card through your referral link and are approved, the card issuer deposits bonus points to your account.Bonus amounts vary depending on the card. With my own cards, I’ve seen bonuses ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 points per referral. If you have a large group of friends who want to start earning travel rewards, there could be some points in it for you, too. Just make sure to help them find the best credit card, even if it isn’t one that will earn you a referral bonus.4. Use your card issuer’s online shopping portalMost of us do our fair share of online shopping. Instead of going directly to the retailer’s website, see if you can get there through a credit card shopping portal.If your card issuer has a shopping portal, you should be able to access it from your online account. You’ll see a list of its retail partners where you can earn additional travel points on your purchases.Let’s say you’re buying a few new pairs of jeans. You could just go to Levi’s website, where your card would earn 1 point per $1. But you check your card’s shopping portal first and see there’s an offer of 3 points per $1. You can still get the same jeans at the same price. The only difference is you visit the Levi’s website through your card issuer’s shopping portal and earn three times as many points.5. Consider buying points if you need more for an award bookingIt’s usually not recommended to buy travel points or miles because of the cost. But there are exceptions, with the most common being when you don’t quite have enough points for an award booking. In this case, you could save money by buying points compared to what you’d pay for a cash booking.I’ve done this with airfare and hotel stays. To give you a recent example, I spent $1,600 buying Hilton points last year. Since there was a promotion, I got 320,000 Hilton points. I redeemed 300,000 points for a six-night hotel stay that would’ve cost about $2,440 in cash. Because I bought points, I saved $840, and I still had 20,000 points to spare.Travel is much more affordable when you’re paying in points. With the strategies above, you can accumulate more points so you’re able to book the travel you want.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.Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

As many savvy travelers know, you can unlock amazing travel opportunities when you pay with points. I’ve used points to book business-class airfare, five-star hotel stays, and expensive vacation rentals for as little as $0.

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.

The challenge is getting enough points to pay for the travel you want. If you’re only earning points on purchases you make with your travel card, it can be slow going, unless you’re a big spender. Here are five little-known ways to speed up the process.

1. Open new travel cards regularly for more bonus opportunities

We’ll start with an easy one. Many travel rewards cards have sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. For example, a card may offer 50,000 bonus points or bonus miles if you spend $3,000 on it in the first three months.

Sign-up bonuses are my favorite way to earn more travel points. I regularly earn 200,000 to 300,000 bonus points per year with them.

If you haven’t gotten a travel card recently, you’re missing out on bonus opportunities like these. Click here to see our list of the best travel rewards cards, including several with sign-up bonuses of 60,000 points or more!

2. Complete special offers with your favorite airlines and hotels

Airlines and hotels often send out special offers to members of their loyalty programs. Completing a quick online or phone survey could net you 2,000 to 3,000 points. Renting a car through a rental partner could be worth 5,000 or 6,000 miles.

Make sure you’re signed up with the loyalty programs of any airlines and hotels you like. It’s free, and once you’re a member, you’ll receive special offers like these, normally by email. Complete offers as you can, and you’ll have more points for your next vacation.

3. Send travel card referral links to your friends and family

Some credit card companies offer referral programs for their cardholders. You get a referral link you can share with people. If they apply for the card through your referral link and are approved, the card issuer deposits bonus points to your account.

Bonus amounts vary depending on the card. With my own cards, I’ve seen bonuses ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 points per referral. If you have a large group of friends who want to start earning travel rewards, there could be some points in it for you, too. Just make sure to help them find the best credit card, even if it isn’t one that will earn you a referral bonus.

4. Use your card issuer’s online shopping portal

Most of us do our fair share of online shopping. Instead of going directly to the retailer’s website, see if you can get there through a credit card shopping portal.

If your card issuer has a shopping portal, you should be able to access it from your online account. You’ll see a list of its retail partners where you can earn additional travel points on your purchases.

Let’s say you’re buying a few new pairs of jeans. You could just go to Levi’s website, where your card would earn 1 point per $1. But you check your card’s shopping portal first and see there’s an offer of 3 points per $1. You can still get the same jeans at the same price. The only difference is you visit the Levi’s website through your card issuer’s shopping portal and earn three times as many points.

5. Consider buying points if you need more for an award booking

It’s usually not recommended to buy travel points or miles because of the cost. But there are exceptions, with the most common being when you don’t quite have enough points for an award booking. In this case, you could save money by buying points compared to what you’d pay for a cash booking.

I’ve done this with airfare and hotel stays. To give you a recent example, I spent $1,600 buying Hilton points last year. Since there was a promotion, I got 320,000 Hilton points. I redeemed 300,000 points for a six-night hotel stay that would’ve cost about $2,440 in cash. Because I bought points, I saved $840, and I still had 20,000 points to spare.

Travel is much more affordable when you’re paying in points. With the strategies above, you can accumulate more points so you’re able to book the travel you want.

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.Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More