Motley Fool Money Articles
Learn more about applying the principles of money management to help stay in control of your finances.
Recent Articles
May 22, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
We Compared Opening a CD vs. an HYSA for a $20,000 Emergency Fund. Here's the Right Answer
A locked-in rate might look better on paper, but flexibility usually wins when comparing a 6-month CD against a high-yield savings account for a $20,000 emergency fund.
May 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Forget the Apple Card: Here Are 3 Better Options
The Apple Card 2% earning rate sounds great -- until you realize not every merchant accepts Apple Pay. Here are three better options.
May 22, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The Best Checking Account of 2026: Capital One 360 Just Won Our Top Pick
Capital One 360 Checking won Motley Fool Money's Best Checking Account of 2026. Here's why it stood out -- and how to pair it with a high-yield savings account.
May 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
The 3 Little-Known Perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Most Cardholders Never Use
The Chase Sapphire Preferred packs more than great rewards. Here are three underused benefits that can easily cover the $95 annual fee on their own.
May 22, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The 3 Best Cards for Streaming, Dining, and Delivery in 2026
Most basic credit cards have low rewards for streaming, dining, and delivery. These three are built differently to match how you actually spend money.
May 22, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The Citi Diamond Preferred Won Best Balance Transfer Card of 2026 -- Here's Why
A long 0% intro APR, low balance transfer fee, and no annual fee make this card our top pick for paying off high-interest credit card debt.
May 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Best High-Yield Savings Rates Today, May 22, 2026: Up to 5.00% APY Still on Offer
Today's best high-yield savings accounts offer up to 5.00% APY -- see top rates and choose the perfect place to help your money grow faster this year.
May 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
The Bank Account I've Been Begging My Friends to Open for Years
It's 2026, and I still have friends keeping their money in a traditional savings account. Here's the account I tell them to get instead, plus a couple alternatives.
May 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Trump Accounts Are Coming July 4. Here's How They Work, and Who Gets $1,000
Trump accounts launch July 4, 2026. Here's what they are, who qualifies for the $1,000 federal seed money, and how families can use them to save for kids.
May 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Is 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worth It? A Brutally Honest Breakdown
Buy now, pay later services like Afterpay and Klarna are more popular than ever -- but the math rarely works in your favor. Here's what to know.
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 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's Why the Best Balance Transfer Cards Have No Rewards Programs
No-rewards balance transfer cards beat the ones offering both 0% intro APR and cash back for most people in heavy debt – here's the math that proves it.
May 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Already Have the Sapphire Preferred? Here's the Card to Get Next
If you already carry the Chase Sapphire Preferred, adding this no-annual-fee Chase card can supercharge your savings. Here's what to know.
May 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Best Savings Account Rates Today, May 21, 2026: Up to 5.00% Still Available
Top high-yield savings accounts are still paying up to 5.00% APY, but those yields could decrease as we head further into 2026.
May 20, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The Best High-Yield Savings Account of May 2026, Hands Down
I'm telling friends and family to open this savings account in May 2026, with no fees, no minimums, and an APY over 8X the national average.
May 20, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's How Much Using a Debit Card Everywhere Actually Costs You: $708 a Year
The average American household leaves more than $700 a year on the table by swiping debit instead of a flat-rate cash back card. Here's the math.
May 20, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
The 3 Best Credit Cards to Pair With the Amex Platinum
The Amex Platinum is a premium travel card with thousands of dollars in perks -- but its earning rates leave a lot of gaps. These three cards help you fill them.
May 20, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Here's How Much $50,000 Would Earn in a CD Ladder Right Now
If you want a way to earn easy money on your savings, now might be the time to lock your money in a CD. Here's what to know before you do.
May 20, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Card of May 2026, Hands Down
The Wells Fargo Autograph is a no-annual-fee travel card with 3X points on dining, gas, travel, streaming, and transit. Here's why it's an award winner for 2026.
May 20, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
$750 Bonus and up to 5% Cash Back: Should You Sign Up for Chase Ink Business Cash?
The Chase Ink Business Cash offers a large sign-up bonus, up to 5% cash back, and no annual fee. Here's how to know if it's right for you and your business.
May 20, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Top High-Yield Savings Accounts Offering up to 5.00% APY Right Now, May 20, 2026
The Fed cut rates a total of three times in 2025, but today's top high-yield savings accounts continue to offer up to 5.00% APY. Find out more.
May 19, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Flight Costs Are Going Up. These 3 Cards Could Save You $750+
Jet fuel prices are rising fast and airlines are passing the cost to travelers. These three travel rewards cards can help offset higher airfare in 2026.
May 19, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
The Amex Business Gold Just Got $450 in New Credits. Is Now the Time to Sign Up?
The Amex Business Gold has added $450 in new credits over the last few months. Here's how to know if the card's right for you now.
May 19, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Chase Ink Business Cash vs. Unlimited: Which Card Is Better?
The Chase Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited are two great business cards -- but there are some key differences. Here's how to choose.
May 19, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's What 5 Years of Not Investing Has Cost You, in 2026 Dollars
Investors in the S&P 500 made huge gains over the past five years. Here's what you can still do today to start building long-term wealth.
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