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Motley Fool Money Articles

Learn more about applying the principles of money management to help stay in control of your finances.
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Recent Articles

A young adult calculates their personal finances at the kitchen table using a tablet.
Aug. 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What $5,000 in Credit Card Debt Actually Costs You at Today's APR

Carrying a card balance at today's rates quietly drains thousands in interest. See the real cost and faster ways to pay it down.
Woman smiling holding cash.
Aug. 27, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

I Kept $30,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account for 1 Year. Here's What I Earned

My tens of thousands in a traditional bank account was earning next to nothing. Here's how much I made by opening a high-yield savings account.
A piggy bank sits on top of a steering wheel with a view of the road and outdoors beyond.
Aug. 27, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Best Savings Accounts Offering up to 4.50% APY Today, Aug. 27, 2026

The Fed has held rates steady five times so far in 2026. Find out where top high-yield savings rates stand now.
A person holding a fan of credit cards.
Aug. 26, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You Open 5 Credit Cards in One Year

Wondering what opening five credit cards in a year does to your credit? Here's the real impact on your credit score, finances, and more.
Couple smiling while reviewing something on smartphone screen.
Aug. 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Savings Accounts Absolutely Crushing the National Average APY in 2026

Leaving cash in a big-bank account can cost you hundreds a year. Here's how three online options compare and which saver each one fits.
Vault filled with stacks and rolls of money.
Aug. 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Leave a Lot of Money in Your Savings Account

A big savings balance feels safe, but past a point it actually costs you money. Here's the line I use to decide what to save and what to invest.
A chalkboard with question marks next to a piggy bank wearing glasses.
Aug. 26, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Top High-Yield Savings Accounts Offering up to 4.50% APY Right Now, Aug. 26, 2026

The Fed won't meet again on interest rates until mid-September. Top HYSAs continue to offer up to 4.50% APY, for now.
Person smiles while holding credit card and looking at cellphone.
Aug. 25, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

I Compared Every 21-Month 0% Intro APR Card. Here's the One I'd Actually Use

Looking for the best 0% intro APR card out there? Here's my pick, plus a great alternative available now.
Man holding a fan of cash appears to be in thought.
Aug. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Why I'm Not Opening Any CDs in 2026 -- Even Though Rates Are up to 4.15%

A top CD barely out-earns a good high-yield savings account right now, so I'd rather keep my cash flexible and liquid.
An older adult uses a credit card to make a payment on a smartphone in their living room.
Aug. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Hands Down the Simplest Cash Back Card I Recommend: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

I gave up chasing bonus categories a few years ago. Here's why 2% flat rate cash rewards on purchases quietly won me over -- and the card I recommend most.
Woman relaxes in shallow pool on vacation.
Aug. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus Is Worth up to $1,125 Toward Travel. Here's How to Get It

This travel card can pay for itself with one annual credit. Here's how I'd earn the welcome offer and turn points into real trips.
A piggy bank with folded bills sticking out the top and coins scattered around its feet.
Aug. 25, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Today, Aug. 25, 2026: Earn up to 4.50% APY

The best high-yield savings accounts continue to offer up to 4.50% APY after the Fed held rates steady again last month. Find out more.
Female bank teller smiling at customer.
Aug. 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Why Your Checking Account Should Contain as Little Money as Possible

I keep almost nothing in my checking account on purpose. Here's how much cash to actually leave there, and where to move the rest so it finally earns.
Well dressed woman in first class on flight.
Aug. 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Do Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Actually Cover the Cost of a Flight?

A new travel card can earn enough to fly for free, or barely dent the fare. Here's how I spot the difference before applying.
A delivery man handing over a bag of takeout food to a customer.
Aug. 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The 3 Chase Sapphire Preferred Perks Most Cardholders Never Use

Most people carry the Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel, but three of its most useful benefits show up in everyday spending at home.
Hourglass full of blue sand next to a calendar
Aug. 24, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What 21 Months of 0% APR Is Actually Worth in Real Dollars

Credit card rates keep climbing, and carrying a balance costs more every month. I break down what hitting pause on interest is actually worth right now.
An ascending stack of coins being watered with a sprout coming from the tallest stack and a piggy bank behind.
Aug. 24, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Top High-Yield Savings Accounts Offering up to 4.50% APY Today, Aug. 24, 2026

Today's best high-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.50% APY -- see top rates and choose the perfect place to help your money grow faster this year.
Man in suit running away from a wrecking ball that says DEBT
Aug. 24, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, Aug. 24, 2026: Up to 21 Months to Make Every Payment Count

Make payments count for up to 21 months. These balance transfer cards come with 0% intro APR, no annual fees, and time to finally gain control of debt.
Group of friends gathered on couch watching a streaming service on the TV.
Aug. 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Activate This Chase Sapphire Preferred Perk Before Dec. 31 for a Free Year of Apple TV

The Chase Sapphire Preferred now includes a complimentary Apple TV subscription. Here's how the benefit works for new and current cardholders.
Two people sitting at a desk and going over papers while typing in a calculator.
Aug. 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Move $15,000 in Debt to a 0% Intro APR Card

The interest on a large balance can top $6,000 before it's paid off. Pausing it with a 0% intro period changes the math in a big way.
Couple smiles while looking at laptop screen.
Aug. 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Our 3 Favorite Balance Transfer Cards Offering up to 21 Months of 0% Intro APR Right Now: August 2026

A long interest-free window can save you four figures on a balance transfer. Here's how our top picks compare and which fits your payoff plan.
Man sits at laptop and appears to be in thought.
Aug. 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Can You Transfer a Balance More Than Once? Here's What Happens When You Try.

A second balance transfer can buy more time on high-interest debt, but stacking fees and credit checks can cancel out the savings.
Young woman causing cash to fly into the air from her hands.
Aug. 23, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Get up to $400 Bonus Cash Plus an APY Boost: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Aug. 23, 2026

My favorite high-yield savings account is offering $50 or $400 in bonus cash and a boosted APY for up to six months. Here's how you can get it.
Bearded guy flailing around in the ocean.
Aug. 23, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Longest 0% Intro APR Credit Cards This Week, Aug. 23, 2026: Stop Drowning -- Get up to 21 Months Interest-Free

Up to 21 months of 0% intro APR is available with this week's longest offers. Put your money toward debt, not interest -- finally get ahead.
A pink piggy bank labeled Traditional IRA nose to nose with a blue piggy bank labeled Roth IRA with a roll of cash in between the two.
Aug. 22, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Is a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA Better for You in 2026? Here's How to Decide

The choice really hinges on whether your tax rate will be higher now or in retirement, plus your age, income, and how each account is taxed.