Consumers use credit cards like never before, and now have the highest credit card balance of all time. The average credit card balance in the US is a whopping $6,501 per cardholder.
In addition to this, the stock market has shown much more volatility in 2025 than we have seen in the past few years. Both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ are touching on the realm of correction levels. Despite a new surge to regain the market in party mode, investors are increasingly more willing to put nest eggs at risk.
In light of these unstable conditions, whether it’s savings or credit card debt, you’re looking for a safer investment and account.
When it comes to credit cards, high-yield savings accounts, and money market accounts today, let’s take a look at the best of the best.
Credit Card
The best credit card for you depends on your needs, such as whether you prefer credit card rewards, or whether you need it over the long term with zero interest to reduce that balance to the right size, or whether you are focused on finding the lowest long term interest rates in particular. Dive in more, spread your photos and help you find the right card for you.
Interest rates vary widely: 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable APR. Currently, cashback rewards are offered from 1% to 5%, with no annual fees. Due to the welcome offer, Discover matches all cashbacks earned at the end of the first year.
You also spend $4,000 in the first three months and earn 75,000 miles after spending $250 in travel credits. A 75,000-mile welcome offer is available, but this card costs an annual fee of $95.
This card currently offers a 5% cashback reward. A $200 “bonus” welcome offer has also been introduced.
When I think about it, my personal favorite is the Wells Fargo Reflect card. This is because you have not paid interest for almost two years and there is no annual fee.
Savings account
Below are some of the best high-revenue savings accounts available for March 2025.
These accounts are insured up to $250,000, ensuring your money is safe while earning interest.
Beware of the emergence of online institutions such as Pibank. Pibank, a Miami-based brand of Intercredit Bank, serves customers across the country. Its only product is a high-yield savings account that comes with a competitive 4.60% APY. Given the minimum deposit requirements and the best APY, this is my recommendation.
Money Market Account
Some of the best money market accounts available today are:
Like the savings accounts highlighted above, FDIC insurance covers your money up to the $250,000 limit. Note that as today’s interest rates in savings accounts, the range of interest rates in money market accounts varies considerably.
For the Vio Bank Cornerstone Money Market account, I feel you have the best and best. It offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for savers, including one of the best APYs available, the $100 requirement to open an account, and no fees (unless you choose a paper statement). Additionally, you can manage your account completely online with features like fund transfer and mobile banking.
summary
If your sense is to pay attention to risk reduction, make sure to consider these three important factors by moving some or all stock investments to the money market, the US Treasury, a high yield savings account, or certificate of deposit.
Short and long term goals. The stocks have proven to be a good long-term investment, but smooth out bumps and volatility while holding them for at least five years, providing the best investment return. But your goals may be changing. You may need to make sure your principal is protected in the short term.
Tax impact. If the stock investment is in a (unqualified) taxable intermediary account, sales can generate short-term and/or long-term capital gains taxes. On the other hand, if they are in a qualifying account such as an IRA, then you don’t have to worry as your only tax is income-based and only account withdrawals. Additionally, there may be a harvest of tax losses in taxable brokerage accounts.
inflation. I’ve explained how to lock over 4%, but after inflation the “actual” rate is only about 1.5-2.0%. This clearly constitutes “low growth” and cannot be reduced in terms of retirement plans or egg goals. This is a call for judgment, as inflation can rise, but it can also return.
The bottom row is fearing a recession, believing that stocks are overvalued if they have been going on for years, and that it is wise to protect the principal despite having a modest single-digit return. And good fortune to you!
Epoch Times Copyright©2025. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author. They are for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted or interpreted as recommendations or solicitations. Epoch Times does not provide investments, taxes, legal, financial planning, real estate planning, or other personal financial advice. Epoch Times is not responsible for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.