Making more than $5,000 a month is a big milestone. But leaving the money in checking likely doesn't make much sense since most checking accounts pay minimal or no interest.
Once you've worked hard, you want to put your money to work for you. Here are 6 money moves you can make to get the most bang for your buck and get on the path towards a bright financial future.
Pay no interest into 2028 with this no annual fee card
If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to pause credit card interest into 2028 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.
Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable); Balance transfer fee applies.) That's right — you can now finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.
But it doesn't end there. The Discover it® Cash Back card also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. You can also receive a $200 statement credit when you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months of account opening. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year (terms apply).
Turn your savings into passive income
Wealthfront is an app that lets you earn nearly 9x more interest on your money today than an average savings account ... while keeping your cash OUT of the stock market. How? Wealthfront powers your money by doing what most banks refuse to do … paying you a 3.55% APY1 <p>Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) for your uninvested cash in a Wealthfront Cash Account: a 3.55% base APY (provided by program banks, as of 1/30/26) plus a 0.75% APY Boost for 3 months for new clients (on balances up to $150,000). Eligibility requirements must be met to earn the APY boost. Without the boosts, the base rate is 3.55% APY. Rates are variable, subject to change. The Cash Account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, and is not a bank or deposit account. Wealthfront Brokerage LLC is not a bank. Funds are swept to program banks where they earn a variable APY and are eligible for FDIC insurance. See full terms at<a href="https://www.wealthfront.com/cash"> wealthfront.com/cash</a>.</p> on your cash.
To get started, download the app here and create your account.
When you deposit your money into a Wealthfront Cash Account,2 <p>Wealthfront Cash account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. We convey funds to partner banks who accept and maintain deposits, provide the interest rate, and provide FDIC insurance. Rate is subject to change.</p> you can supercharge your emergency fund, short-term savings, return on cash, and more with interest income generated from their high 3.55% APY payout. There are no account fees and you can withdraw your money at any time. You can open your account with a deposit as low as $1.
Wealthfront has over 570K trusted clients, over $35 billion in assets managed, and an App Store rating of 4.8/5 stars as of June 2023.
Pay off $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you settle your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.
How to get National Debt Relief to help you settle your debt:Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you take the first step.3 <p>Please note that all calls with the company may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating. "Debt-Free" applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Results vary.</p>
Earn a $200 bonus + up to 5% cash back with this criminally underrated cash back card
Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) and you could earn a $200 bonus after spending an easy $500 in the first 3 months. This card is criminally underrated with one of the best spend-to-bonus ratios we've ever seen — the bonus is worth almost half the spend!
No additional work is required. Apply for the card, see if you're approved, spend $500 within 3 months, and earn a $200 bonus. Boom!
The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) also lets you earn cash back on everything you buy: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Plus, if you want to finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt, you can also do that with this card. Take advantage of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro period, the APR is 18.49% - 27.99% Variable. Do not skip this card — it's a sleeper hit with insane value and NO annual fee.
Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.
Take this quiz to get matched with a financial advisor to help you thrive in a recession
If your investments and retirement accounts are more than $500,000, compare up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors who serve your area and hire the pro who fits your unique needs.
A study by legendary investment firm Vanguard found that, on average, a $500,000 investment over 25 years would grow to $1.7 million if you manage it yourself, but more than $3.4 million if you enlist professional help.
Here’s how to find a financial advisor in the next five minutes:
1. Take this 5-minute retirement quiz from SmartAsset. (Yes, there are a fair amount of questions but they are all easy.)
2. Make sure you enter your zip code towards the end so you get matched with up to three financial advisors4 <p></p>SmartAsset Advisors, LLC ("SmartAsset"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Insight Technology, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. SmartAsset’s services are limited to referring users to third party registered investment advisers and/or investment adviser representatives (“RIA/IARs”) that have elected to participate in our matching platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. SmartAsset does not review the ongoing performance of any RIA/IAR, participate in the management of any user’s account by an RIA/IAR or provide advice regarding specific investments.</p>
<p>We do not manage client funds or hold custody of assets, we help users connect with relevant financial advisors</p> who serve your area.
3. Once you’ve got your matches, get a free consultation with each!
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