High-Yield Savings Accounts Reach 4.60% APY; CD Rates Climb to 4.40% APY
Key Takeaways
- High-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.60% APY; CDs reach 4.40% APY.
- Only 41% of Americans view finances positively; 53% live paycheck to paycheck.
- Suze Orman recommends VanEck Semiconductor (SMH) and Invesco QQQ ETF for AI exposure.
- Credit card APRs exceed 20%; average debt per borrower is $6,473.
- Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) averages 12% annual returns since 2004.
Top Stories
High-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.60% APY.
On September 8, 2025, a report indicated that high-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.60% APY, with online banks providing the best rates.
CD rates up to 4.40% APY; Marcus by Goldman Sachs leads.
On September 9, 2025, the best CD rates offer up to 4.40% APY, with Marcus by Goldman Sachs providing the highest rate for a 6-month CD.
Only 41% of Americans view finances as good or excellent.
On September 8, 2025, the Ramsey Solutions report revealed that only 41% of Americans view their finances positively, with 53% living paycheck to paycheck.
Suze Orman recommends investing in AI stocks through specific ETFs.
On September 8, 2025, Suze Orman recommended investing in AI stocks through the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and the Invesco QQQ ETF for long-term returns.
Credit card APRs above 20%; average debt per borrower at $6,473.
On September 8, 2025, MarketWatch warned that credit card APRs remain above 20%, with average debt per borrower rising to $6,473.
Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) averages 12% annual returns since 2004.
On September 7, 2025, Stefon Walters recommended investing in the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG), which has averaged 12% annual returns since 2004.
Debt-Free Living
Negative equity plagues US car owners as auto loan rates climb.
On September 8, 2025, Moneywise reported that many U.S. car owners are stuck with negative equity as auto loan rates climbed to 7.67%.
Debt payoff strategies vary by amount: snowball, consolidation, loans.
On September 8, 2025, Emi Gjini advised using different debt payoff strategies based on the amount owed, such as the snowball method for debts under $10,000.
Investing Insights
Shelton launches Equity Premium Income ETF (SEPI) for income generation.
On September 8, 2025, Shelton Capital Management launched the Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF (SEPI), aiming to generate cash flow via covered call options.
Wall Street experts share top investment ideas: tech, UK, value, small-caps.
On September 8, 2025, four Wall Street experts recommended tech, UK market, deep value stocks, and small/mid-cap stocks as top investment ideas.
Cramer bullish on AppLovin, Robinhood; recommends EMCOR Group.
On September 8, 2025, Jim Cramer reviewed AppLovin, Robinhood, and EMCOR Group, expressing optimism for AppLovin and Robinhood and recommending EMCOR Group.
Motley Fool: Top AI stocks include Nvidia, Alphabet, Microsoft.
On September 8, 2025, Motley Fool analyst Keithen Drury released a list of ten AI stocks, including Nvidia, Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Housel, Buffett: Simple buy-and-hold index funds are most effective.
On September 8, 2025, financial experts Morgan Housel and Warren Buffett advocate for a simple, buy-and-hold strategy with index funds.
Money Management 101
Kiyosaki: Financial education, passive income, estate planning for legacy.
On September 8, 2025, Robert Kiyosaki outlined three financial moves—financial education, passive income, and estate planning—to build a lasting legacy.
FAFSA opens October 1, 2025, for the 2026-27 school year.
The FAFSA officially opens on October 1, 2025, for the 2026-27 school year, with a federal deadline of June 30, 2026.
Advice: Build plan, pay debt, max match, defer up to $23,500.
On September 8, 2025, Yahoo Finance advised a 44-year-old with $17,000 in a 401(k) to build a financial plan and defer up to $23,500 annually.
Ramsey: Avoid home before marriage, car upgrades, low-paying debt.
On September 8, 2025, Dave Ramsey highlighted three common money mistakes: buying a home before marriage, upgrading a car after it's totaled, and taking on student debt for low-paying careers.
Ramsey advises selling stocks to pay 2.875% mortgage; questioned.
On September 8, 2025, Dave Ramsey advised a Boston couple to sell $150,000 in stocks to pay down their $329,000 mortgage at a 2.875% rate, a decision that is questioned.
$13.23M–$15.37M net worth needed for top 1% (ages 50–59).
On September 8, 2025, the article outlines that a household in the 50–54 age group must have a net worth of about $13.23 million and those in 55–59 about $15.37 million to be in the top 1%.
Real Estate Guide
Mortgage rates see largest one-day drop in over a year.
On September 8, 2025, CNBC reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate saw its largest one-day drop in over a year, nearing 6.29%.
Retirement Ready
ChatGPT lists best side hustles for retirees: teaching, VA, consulting.
On September 8, 2025, ChatGPT provided a list of the best side hustles for retirees, including online teaching ($20-$150/hr) and virtual assistant work ($25-$100/hr).
Top dividend stocks for retirees: ACNB, Amgen, Grupo Aval.
On September 8, 2025, Zacks Equity Research recommended ACNB, Amgen, and Grupo Aval as top dividend stocks for retirees seeking to improve their income.
Smart Saving Strategies
Fidelity highlights seven often-overlooked sources of 'free money'.
On September 8, 2025, Fidelity identified seven sources of 'free money,' including maximizing 401(k) matches and utilizing HSAs.
ChatGPT advises on savings options for extra interest income.
On September 9, 2025, ChatGPT suggested savings options ranging from High-Yield Savings Accounts (4-5% APY) to Stock Index Funds (7-10% annual average).
Energy rates to rise 9-18% by 2035; saving tips offered.
By 2035, Energy Innovation predicts national energy rates will increase by 9% to 18%, with Oklahoma, Kentucky, Missouri, and Kansas facing the highest increases.