Motley Fool Money Articles
Learn more about applying the principles of money management to help stay in control of your finances.
Recent Articles
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
Ryan Wilcox
Here's What to Do When a Card's Annual Fee Is No Longer Worth It
Got a credit card that's not pulling its weight? Here's what to do about it -- and when canceling might not be the best idea.
April 23, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Chase Freedom Flex vs. Freedom Unlimited: Which Card Is Better for You in April 2026?
Both Chase Freedom cards earn cash back with no annual fee. Here's how they differ and which one fits your spending style.
April 23, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Here's What Happens When You Pay Down $5,000 in Credit Card Debt at Once
Paying down $5,000 in credit card debt at once affects your interest charges, credit score, and monthly cash flow. Here's what changes and when.
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 23, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's What Happens When Your 0% Intro APR Period Ends and You Still Have a Balance
Carrying a balance when your 0% intro APR expires means interest hits immediately. Here's what to expect and how to protect yourself.
April 23, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Here's the Biggest Reason the Chase Sapphire Preferred Beats Other Travel Cards Now
With just one perk, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can unlock over $750 in first-year value. Here's what to know.
April 23, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Last Chance: Earn an Easy $250 Bonus With the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is offering a limited-time bonus -- but it's ending soon. Here's what to know, and why it's worth applying before then.
April 23, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Top High-Yield Savings Accounts Offering up to 5.00% APY Today, April 23, 2026
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.
April 22, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
6 Credit Card Benefits Almost Always Worth More Than the Annual Fee
These credit card benefits often add up to more than the annual fee -- before you've earned a single point. Here's what to look for.
April 22, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Apply for the Amex Platinum Card
Applying for the Amex Platinum Card doesn't automatically hurt your credit score. Here's how the process works and what to expect.
April 22, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
The Credit Card That Makes Every Purchase a Little Cheaper
Wells Fargo Active Cash earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. No categories, no annual fee.
April 22, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The Boring Strategy That Built My $1M Portfolio
Index fund investing is the backbone of my $1M+ portfolio. Here's how this simple strategy works and why I'm sticking with it.
April 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
3 Credit Cards Worth Getting in Your 20s
Just because you're only in your twenties doesn't mean you can't save with credit cards. Here are three great options worth looking into today.
April 22, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
This Credit Card Can Earn the Average Household $500+ a Year
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, and just won our Best Overall Credit Card award for 2026.
April 22, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- Here's the Best Balance Transfer Card for April 2026
This Bank of America card card is our favorite way to save on interest and earn rewards at the same time. Here's how to know if it's right for you.
April 22, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Best High-Yield Savings Rates Today, April 22, 2026: Up to 5.00% APY Still on Offer
Top high-yield savings accounts are still paying up to 5.00% APY, but those yields could decrease as we head further into 2026.
April 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Here's What Happens When You Apply for Two Credit Cards on the Same Day
Applying for two credit cards in one day is more common than you think. Here's what actually happens to your credit score and approval odds.
April 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
The Average American Will Spend 21+ Years in Credit Card Debt if Only Making Minimum Payments
Making only minimum payments on $6,523 in credit card debt costs over $10,000 in interest and takes 21+ years to pay off. Here's how to escape faster.
April 21, 2026 | By
Jake FitzGerald
Don't Miss Out: The Fastest Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus to Earn Right Now
Chase Freedom Unlimited's limited-time bonus requires just $500 in spending. That's among the lowest bar on any competitive sign-up offer right now.
April 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
The Easy Way to Avoid Late Payments in 2026 (It's Not Just Autopay)
Autopay alone might not save you from late payments. Here's how to build a system that actually works in a few simple steps.
April 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
Does Closing a Credit Card Really Hurt Your Score? Here's the Truth
A closed account in good standing stays on your credit report for 10 years. Here's what closing a card actually does to your score.
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 21, 2026 | By
Ryan Wilcox
Still Paying 20% Interest? These Balance Transfer Cards Can Help You Stop
Struggling with credit card debt? These three cards offer 0% intro APR on balance transfers -- and can earn valuable cash back at the same time.
April 21, 2026 | By
Joel O'Leary
$3,000 a Year on Gas: This Is the Best Card for Your Commute
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card earns 6% cash back in a chosen category for the first year -- no annual fee, plus a welcome offer.
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