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Motley Fool Money Articles

Learn more about applying the principles of money management to help stay in control of your finances.

Recent Articles

Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

CDs Are More Risky Than You Think. Here's Why

CDs feel safe, but they can limit your access, earnings, and financial freedom. Here's how to spot the risks before locking up your cash.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Spend More Than $5,000 on Your Credit Card

Large credit card purchases can affect your score, trigger fraud alerts, or lead to debt. Learn how to handle them smartly and maximize rewards.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By James McClenathen

What Happens When You Hit an 850 Credit Score? Here's the Truth

Is an 850 credit score worth chasing? See why perfect credit does not unlock better deals than an excellent score -- and what matters more.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

If You Withdraw $10,000, the Government Is Going to Know About It. Here's Why

The government tracks cash withdrawals over $10,000. Here's what triggers a report, what it means for you, and how to handle big withdrawals the smart way.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Why Premium Cards Are Worth It in 2026 -- Even With High Annual Fees

Scared off by the annual fee on premium credit cards? Here's how easy it is to get value from them -- using one of my favorite cards as an example.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Best CD Rates Today, Jan. 31, 2026: Don't Miss What's Left of Top APYs

Top CDs today offer up to 4.27% APY -- consider locking in a strong return now before rates drift lower as we get further into the new year.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- These 5 Made the Winner's List for 2026

These five credit cards won awards for simplicity, rewards, and long-term value in their category. Learn which 2026 picks made our expert-backed winner's list.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Top High-Yield Savings Rates Today, Jan. 31, 2026 -- Up to 5.00% APY to Close the Month

High-yield savings accounts are still paying up to 5.00% APY following a total of three Fed rate cuts in 2025 -- compare the top rates still available now.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Save on Travel, Earn Cash Back, and More: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, Jan. 31, 2026

A valuable welcome bonus can single-handedly make a card worth applying for. Explore our favorite credit card bonuses available now to see what stands out.
Jan. 31, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Average American Has This Much Debt. How Does Yours Compare?

The average household debt just hit $105,056. Here's how it breaks down, plus tips to help pay off what you owe faster, starting now.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

LendingClub Just Won Best Savings Account in America for 2026 -- Here's Why

With one of the highest APYs available and zero monthly fees, LendingClub earned top honors for 2026. Here's what makes it stand out.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Pay for Everything in Cash

Switching to a cash-only lifestyle might help you save more, but it also comes with surprising trade-offs that spark strong opinions.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Why People Stay in Terrible Savings Accounts Even When Rates Are High

Many savers earn 0.01% APY without realizing they're missing out. Here's why people stay in low-rate savings accounts, and how to make the switch simple.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's Why I Wouldn't Put $50,000 in CDs

CDs lock up your cash and limit your growth. Learn how much more $50K could earn elsewhere, and where I'd actually put my money.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Most Valuable Credit Card Bonus I've Seen This Winter

The no-annual-fee Prime Visa bonus quietly delivers outsized value this winter if you already shop Amazon or Whole Foods.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

3 Unexpected Benefits of Choosing CDs Over Other Savings Accounts

CDs let you lock in a high interest rate, but there are other perks you might not know. Keep reading to learn why a CD might be your best move today.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Most Valuable Credit Card Perk in 2026 Almost Everyone Ignores

0% intro APR cards can help you skip interest while you pay off debt or finance big purchases. See how to use this underrated perk to your advantage in 2026.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Best CD Rates Today, Jan. 30, 2026: Fed Held Rates Steady This Month -- Snag a 4.00% or Higher APY While You Can

Today's best CDs pay up to 4.27% APY. It could be a smart idea to lock in a solid return as we head further into the new year.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Forget the Amex Platinum: This Is My Favorite Travel Card Now

Don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for a top travel card? Here's how you can still get tons of value from my favorite $95 card.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Best High-Yield Savings Account Rates Today, Jan. 30, 2026 -- Up to 5.00% APY After Fed Holds Rates Steady

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.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Pay Nothing and Rack Up Rewards: The Best No-Annual-Fee Cards This Week, Jan. 30, 2026

Earn rewards without paying an annual fee. Explore our top no-annual-fee credit card picks and find the one that fits your spending style today.
Jan. 30, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

Don't Keep Cash at Home. Here Are 3 Dead Simple Places to Put It Instead

Looking for a better place to keep your cash than under the mattress? Here are three great ways to save while earning a solid return.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Happens When You Max Out Your Credit Card Once

Maxing out a credit card once can ding your score and flexibility, but the damage is usually temporary if you act fast.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When You Switch From a Savings Account to CDs

CDs give you fixed returns, but locking up your cash can backfire. Here's how to know when it makes sense and when it doesn't.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

This Discover Card Offers a Bigger Bonus Than Any Other No-Annual-Fee Card

Discover's first-year cashback match is one of the most lucrative welcome offers for any no-annual-fee card. Find out more.