As you survey safe options to eke out interest on your savings, one that may catch your eye is the Series I savings bond. I bonds are issued by the U.S. Treasury Department (buy them at treasurydirect.gov) and backed by the full faith and credit of the government. Such a low-risk investment has appeal for savers, “particularly when there’s so much turmoil and uncertainty in the economy,” says Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate.com. But I bonds are likely suitable for only a...

In these uncertain times, picking a rewards credit card may not be the financial task at the top of your to-do list. But especially now that most households have new spending priorities, you may be able to get more value out of the plastic in your wallet. Depending on how much you spend, you may accumulate cash-back rewards totaling hundreds of dollars each year to put toward everyday expenses, your rainy-day fund or any other place you'd like to direct some extra bucks. When choosing a card,...

Long-term 0% introductory rate: The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card stretches the 0% window on both purchases and balance transfers to 20 billing cycles (thereafter, the variable rate was recently 13.99% to 23.99%). The balance-transfer fee is the greater of $5 or 3% of the transfer amount. No-fee balance transfers: The American Express EveryDay card -- which is also our silver medalist in the "Flexible Travel Redemptions" rewards category -- charges no balance-transfer fee and has a 0% rate for...

Saving early and implementing a smart investing strategy helped Alison Sowell make big gains over time. The number of investors with at least $1 million in their 401(k)s reached a record 233,000 in late 2019, and IRA millionaires totaled 208,000, according to Fidelity Investments, which tracks 30 million retirement plans. Thanks to an early start on saving and a disciplined strategy, Alison Sowell, 51, is a proud member of the club, with more than $1 million saved for retirement through her...

Building wealth is essential to accomplish a variety of goals, from sending your kids to college to retiring in style. But establishing a solid financial foundation will also help you survive stock market corrections and bear markets, recessions, health emergencies and other setbacks. Our plan outlined here covers every aspect of your financial life, from investing to insurance to building credit. Most of our advice is basic, because a strong foundation sets you up to reach your financial...