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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.

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Recent Articles

A young woman sitting on the floor of her living room with her laptop and bills around her.
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.
A jar labeled emergency fund holding a stash of cash.
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.
young woman holding a piggy bank
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.
Man using laptop with his Shiba Inu dog beside him on the couch
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.
Woman sitting on sofa holding cash and using a calculator.
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.
Man with glasses using laptop looks away appearing to be in thought.
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.
Couple lounging by an inground pool in the back yard of a large home.
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.
Two people holding cellphones using a payment app to send and receive money.
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.
Man holding a fan of cash appears to be in thought.
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.
Tax forms scattered on top of a messy pile of money.
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.
Couple Having A Discussion At Table
April 17, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's When a High-Yield Savings Account Stops Making Sense

A high-yield savings account isn't always the smartest move. Here are five situations where your money could be working harder somewhere else.
Money on bait hook.
April 15, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's Why I Stopped Chasing the Highest Savings Rate

Moving your cash just to get the highest savings rate isn't always worth it. Here's why strings, rate drops, and marginal gains changed how I save.
Man standing in front of a white board with a decreasing bar graph drawn on it
April 15, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Your High-Yield Savings Account Is Probably Paying You Less Than It Did Last Year. Here's What to Do

Savings account rates have dropped over the past year. Learn how to spot the gap, compare today's top APYs, and decide if switching makes sense.
Broken Piggy Bank
April 14, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Your Emergency Savings Fund Is Probably Losing Money. Here's How to Fix It

The national savings rate is 0.39%, but top high-yield accounts pay over 4.00%. If your emergency fund is at a big bank, this is for you.
A young couple having a serious discussion sitting on their living room floor.
April 12, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The 5 Financial Conversations Most Couples Avoid Until It's Too Late

Money is the most common source of conflict in relationships, and most couples avoid the conversations that would actually help. Here are the five worth having.
A man reviewing his finances on a tablet with bills on the coffee table in front of him.
April 12, 2026 | By Brooklyn Sprunger

5 Smart Money Moves to Make Right After Filing Your Taxes

Filed your taxes? Don't go on autopilot. Make these five quick money moves to fix your withholdings, grow your refund, and set a clear financial goal.
Rich older man sitting in a leather chair at his desk.
April 11, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Subtle Ways People Signal Wealth Without Talking About Money

The wealthiest people in the room are rarely the ones who seem like it. Here's what they're actually signaling and how they're doing it without saying a word.
A stressed businesswoman sitting at her computer with her hand on her face.
April 11, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You File for Bankruptcy

Learn how filing for bankruptcy affects your debt, credit score, and overall finances -- plus what to expect during the process.
Man holding infant while using laptop and having a bowl of cereal and glass of milk.
April 10, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

I Opened a High-Yield Savings Account One Year Ago. Here's How Much I Actually Earned

I finally opened a high-yield savings account a year ago -- and I have absolutely no regrets. Here's how much I earned and how you can do the same.
Person has there head in their hands at desk with an hourglass and calculator in the foreground.
April 9, 2026 | By James McClenathen

This CD Mistake Could Cost You Hundreds Every Year

When your CD matures, your bank might renew it automatically. Letting that happen could cost you a lot of money -- here's why.
Woman holding finger to her mouth in thought.
April 8, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Should You Put Money in CDs or Savings in April 2026?

CD rates are hovering around 4.00% APY. So are high-yield savings accounts. Here's which one makes more sense for your money in April 2026.
Friends looking at the mobile phone at a cafe.
April 7, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Should You Tell Your Friends How Much Money You Make?

Talking about money with friends feels taboo. It probably shouldn't.
hand typing on calculator with papers in background
April 6, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's Why Your Checking Account Is a Terrible Place to Save Money

If you're keeping thousands of dollars in your checking account, you're missing out on easy money. Here's where to put your cash instead.
A series of ladders arranged at different heights.
April 5, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Are CD Ladders Worth It in April 2026?

Want to earn more on your savings the easy way? Learn how a CD ladder works and how it can earn you serious cash this year.
plant growing out of jar of coins
April 5, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Put $25,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What Happens

The math is straightforward, and keeping your savings in the wrong account is likely costing you thousands.