Tools to Help You Reach Your Money Goals

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are savings accounts that let you deposit money for a set period in exchange for a guaranteed, fixed return. They’re popular among savers who want predictable growth and simple terms. CDs are also backed by FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, which makes them one of the safest… Continue reading Understanding the different types of CDs: Find your ideal certificate of deposit

If you’ve been investing in a 401(k) plan, you’re probably used to being given a menu of investments to choose from. In the months ahead, you might see the menu become more varied. Recent changes in regulatory guidance have opened up 401(k) investments to more complex and risky types of assets. Think of the addition… Continue reading Do alternative investments belong in your 401(k)?

The 2026 tax filing season is underway, and many Americans will receive refunds that provide an opportunity to strengthen their financial position. Average refund amounts of $2,476 for the initial weeks of the 2026 tax season were up 14.1% from a year earlier, the Internal Revenue Service reported in mid-February. That’s a decent sum of… Continue reading What to do with your tax refund: Smart investment strategies for 2026

Interest rates have the potential to affect nearly every aspect of your investment portfolio, especially interest-sensitive savings vehicles such as certificates of deposit, high-yield savings and money market accounts, as well as government-backed bonds and Treasury bills. The Federal Reserve declined to initiate another rate cut in its first meeting of 2026, but there’s a… Continue reading Portfolio strategy: Diversification guide for 2026 Fed rate cuts

Consolidating debt is often a good way to save money on interest and pay off credit card debt faster. For years, a traditional bank loan was the only option to consolidate debt. Recent years have seen an explosion in peer-to-peer loans (also called P2P lending), allowing Americans the possibility of better terms, but that doesn’t… Continue reading P2P loans vs. personal loans: Real money-saving differences

When choosing a personal loan, borrowers often face a tradeoff between lower monthly payments and lower total interest costs. Interest rate is important, but personal loan term length can significantly affect both your monthly payment and the total amount of money you’ll repay. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less interest overall. Longer terms… Continue reading Personal loan terms: Why a 3-year term often offers the best balance

Compound interest is a powerful tool for growing your money over time. The best compound interest accounts allow you to earn interest on your deposits (principal) and on the interest that accumulates over time. Over months and years, that interest earned can significantly increase your balance, especially if your accounts have high APYs and frequent… Continue reading Best compound interest accounts: Ultimate guide to growing your money

Raiding your emergency fund may be a good idea if you have a financial crisis. That’s what it’s there for, right? An emergency fund is a dedicated savings account meant to cover unexpected expenses or sudden income loss. For some households, finding money to solve a financial problem can be very challenging. According to data… Continue reading What are three questions to ask yourself before you spend your emergency fund?

Budgeting is a well-known way to manage your personal finances. Unfortunately, known but irregular expenses can easily bust your budget. That’s where sinking funds come in. We all face nonrecurring costs that require extra resources we don’t account for when planning our budget, such as auto insurance premiums or holiday gifts. Using a credit card… Continue reading What is a sinking fund? Guide to purpose-driven saving

Most experts recommend saving a minimum of three to six months’ worth of essential expenses in an emergency fund. Some households may need more, up to 12 months. The right amount depends on factors specific to you, such as income security, household responsibilities, and risk tolerance. According to BlackRock research, nearly four in ten U.S.… Continue reading How much should an emergency fund be in 2026?