Motley Fool Money Articles
Learn more about applying the principles of money management to help stay in control of your finances.
Recent Articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aug. 22, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
HYSA vs. CD in August 2026: Which One Pays More Right Now?
Top savings accounts and CDs pay nearly the same today, so the real choice comes down to access, flexibility, and how long you can lock up cash.
Aug. 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Should You Wait for a Better Amex Platinum Welcome Bonus Offer? Here's My Honest Answer
Wondering if you should wait for a bigger Amex Platinum welcome bonus? Here's what I recommend, and how to find out your offer before even landing the card.
Aug. 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Paid Off a Card With a Balance Transfer? Don't Close It -- Here's Why
Paid off a card with a balance transfer? Closing it can hurt your credit score. Here's why to keep your card open -- and what to do next.
Aug. 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Best High-Yield Savings Rates Today, Aug. 22, 2026: Up to 4.50% APY Still on Offer
Top high-yield savings accounts are still paying up to 4.50% APY after the Fed's latest decision. Start earning more on your savings balance today.
Aug. 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Earn $750+ in Chase Travel: Best Credit Card Bonuses This Week, Aug. 22, 2026
This updated Chase card is offering one of the more valuable welcome bonuses out there, plus new and refreshed perks. Here's what to know.
Aug. 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The 4 Best High-Yield Savings Accounts for Kids in August 2026
The highest-yield savings accounts for a kid in 2026, plus when chasing a top APY is worth it for a child and when it isn't.
Aug. 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card vs. Citi Simplicity® Card: Which Citi Balance Transfer Card Is Better?
It comes down to payoff speed versus a built-in safety net. Here's a clear, no-jargon way to pick the card that matches how you'll pay off debt.
Aug. 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Still Worth It After the 10% Anniversary Bonus Cut?
A few months ago, the Chase Sapphire Preferred got one of its biggest updates ever -- but not all the changes were positive. Here's what to know.
Aug. 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
No Minimum Deposit, No Monthly Fee: The Best Free Savings Accounts of 2026
A rundown of the online savings accounts that skip monthly fees and minimum deposits, and how to pick the one that fits how you save.
Aug. 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
My Top 3 Balance Transfer Cards for People With Good Credit: August 2026
Need to get rid of debt? See our top three balance transfer cards for people with good credit and find the one for you today.
Aug. 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Best Savings Accounts Offering up to 4.50% APY Today, Aug. 21, 2026
The Fed has held rates steady five times so far in 2026. Find out where top high-yield savings rates stand now.
Aug. 20, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The Biggest Reason I Chose a Roth IRA Has Nothing to Do With Taxes
The ability to pull your original contributions out penalty-free is an underrated perk that makes this retirement account easier to commit to.
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