Banking Articles
From get out of debt strategies to advice on improving your savings returns, we've got recommendations to help you make smarter banking decisions.
Recent Articles
June 12, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The 3 Best High-Yield Savings Accounts With No Minimum Deposit for June 2026
These savings accounts have no minimum deposit, no monthly fees, and rates that leave big-bank accounts in the dust. See which fits your goal.
June 7, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
A $444 Speeding Ticket Broke Me at 17. I've Kept a Cash Cushion Ever Since
A silly teenage mistake taught me to keep months of expenses in cash. Here is why a healthy emergency buffer beats scrambling when life surprises you.
June 6, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Americans Are Saving 53% Less Than They Were a Year Ago. Here's How to Make Every Dollar Count
With saving rates falling and prices still climbing, where you park your cash has become one of the few money moves still fully in your control.
June 1, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
38% of $100K+ Earners Are Still Financially Stressed -- and Suze Orman Says It's Not About the Money
A bigger paycheck doesn't always mean less stress. Here's why so many high earners are still anxious about money -- and what actually helps.
May 30, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's One Downside to a High-Yield Savings Account in 2026
High-yield savings APYs have drifted lower in 2026. Here's the one downside savers overlook -- and where to put long-term money instead.
May 24, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's How Much Your Savings Account Is Losing to Inflation Right Now -- and the Fix
Inflation jumped to 3.8% in April 2026 while most big-bank savings accounts pay just 0.01% APY. See exactly how much that gap costs you each year -- and how to close it.
May 23, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
56% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennials Don't Have a 1-Month Emergency Fund. Here's Where to Start.
A new Motley Fool Money survey reveals most younger Americans lack emergency savings. Here's how to build a starter cushion without overhauling your life.
May 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
My Friend Built a $60,000 CD Ladder. Here's How Much It Earns Monthly in 2026
A simple CD ladder strategy that pays monthly interest, keeps cash accessible, and locks in rates before they drop further.
May 18, 2026 | By
James McClenathen
Inflation Could Hit 6% This Summer. Here's What That Means for Your Wallet
Q2 inflation forecasts just jumped from 2.7% to 6%. Don't panic -- but do move your cash somewhere it earns more than 0.01%.
May 14, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
'Save Three to Six Months of Expenses' -- What if That's Not Enough?
The three- to six-month emergency fund rule has been around for ages. Here's whether it still holds up, and how to figure out what you actually need.
May 10, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
You Might Not Believe How Much $5,000 Would Earn in a 6-Month CD Now
A $5,000 deposit in a 6-month CD at today's top rates earns less than most people expect. Here's the real number -- and what to consider before you open one.
April 30, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
What 'Zelle' Actually Is -- and How It's Different From Venmo
Zelle and Venmo both send money fast, but they work very differently. Here's a plain-English breakdown of how each one works and when to use which.
April 29, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's How Much $50,000 Would Earn in a 1-Year CD Right Now
A $50,000 CD earning 3.25% APY pays $1,625 in guaranteed interest in 12 months. See what today's best 1-year CD rates actually pay.
April 27, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's What Banks Do With Your Income and Spending Data
Banks collect and share your financial data in ways most people don't realize. Here's exactly where it goes and who sees it.
April 26, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
7 Money Habits That Feel Harmless but Cost You Thousands Over Time
Convenience apps and auto-renewing insurance can drain hundreds per year from your savings. Here are seven money habits that add up fast.
April 26, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Here's When a CD Beats a High-Yield Savings Account
High-yield savings accounts get most of the attention. But there are specific situations where a CD is the smarter move.
April 25, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
The $400 Financial Test That Millions of Americans Fail
Just 44% of Americans could cover a $400 emergency using only money from their bank account.
April 24, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Why I'd Never Keep More Than 6 Months of Expenses in a Savings Account
A savings account is the right home for your emergency fund. It's the wrong home for everything else.
April 23, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's When a CD Ladder Actually Makes Sense -- and When It Doesn't
A CD ladder can smooth out your rates and free up cash regularly -- but it's not the right move for everyone. Here's when it works and when to skip it.
April 23, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
How Much Are Americans Saving? Here's What the Data Says
Motley Fool Money data shows how much Americans actually have in savings, and how many can't cover a $400 emergency.
April 21, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
The Best CD Term Right Now Isn't the One Most People Are Opening
Most people default to 6-month CDs when rates feel uncertain. In a falling-rate environment, that instinct can cost you money.
April 20, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
My Friend Is $1.2M 'House Poor' -- Here's What I Learned From Watching It Happen
Being house poor means your home owns you, not the other way around. Here's what I learned watching a high-earning friend get stuck in a $1.2M house.
April 20, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Here's Why Your Bank Might Flag Your Venmo and Zelle Transfers
Banks can flag Venmo and Zelle transfers for reasons that have nothing to do with fraud. Here's what triggers a review and how to respond.
April 19, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
What I'd Do With $5,000 Right Now, in Order
Got $5,000 sitting around? Here's exactly what I'd do with it, ranked in order of priority.
April 17, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Here's What Happens if You Still Haven't Filed Your Taxes
The April 15 deadline has passed. Here's what the penalties look like, who's off the hook, and the fastest way to limit the damage.
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