10 Smart Money Moves to Retire

Retire with more by starting with these easy moves

Crush High-Interest Debt First: Debt with double-digit interest rates is like trying to fill a leaky bucket. Pay down credit cards and personal loans aggressively. Every dollar you wipe out in interest is a dollar that can start working for you instead of the bank.

Catch Up Like It’s Your Last Job: Being 50 or older comes with a financial bonus — bigger contribution limits. You can put thousands more into your 401(k) and IRA each year. It’s like a legal cheat code to build your nest egg faster while also lowering your taxable income.

Turn Idle Time Into Income: Your free time has value — especially if you use it to build passive income. Start a side hustle, buy dividend-paying stocks, rent out a space, or sell your expertise online. People who retire early often have more than one stream of income. You can too.

Track Every Dollar (Just for 30 Days): Most people think they know where their money goes — until they write it all down. Do a one-month audit of your spending. You’ll spot patterns, cut waste, and uncover cash you can redirect toward savings or investing. Awareness is the first step to wealth.

Put Your Savings on Autopilot: The easiest way to save more? Stop relying on willpower. Set up automatic transfers into a high-yield savings account or retirement fund. Even small amounts grow fast when they move consistently.

Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000 portfolio

If you have $1,000,000 saved up, this guide is for you. The last thing you want in retirement is to run out of money. Instead, you want your money to generate a real income while you enjoy your life.

Now you can learn the strategies wealthy retirees use to fund their retirement with $1,000,000 — and how you can, too — with this new guide: The 7 Secrets of High Net Worth Investors from Fisher Investments.

Fisher Investments has helped tens of thousands of investors retire comfortably since 1979. With over $332 billion under management, they provide tailored money management to help achieve long-term goals. Download the guide today!

Get your guide here

Get the budgeting app that truly does it all

You think you're doing fine financially. You pay your bills, you save some money, and you're not eating out every meal. But do you really know exactly where your money’s going?

Monarch lets you visualize your spending with intuitive diagrams. Most people are scared to look. But once you see exactly where every dollar goes, you can finally take control.

This powerful all-in-one budgeting app is not only great for tracking, but gives you a true view of all your assets in one place, and our editor Greg loves it.

“I love Monarch Money. It was such an easy way to see where my money was going vs building a budget from scratch. The real value is giving my wife access so we can both follow along together!”

Monarch’s money tools are top-notch, which means they do come with a cost — as low as $8.33/mo. But you can get started today with a 7-day free trial. Plus, for a limited time, get 50% off your first year with code MONARCHVIP.

Try Monarch for free today and get 50% off your first year with code MONARCHVIP

Set up direct deposit and complete qualifying activities - pocket $400

If you aren't banking with Truist, you're missing out on a huge boost of extra cash just by following a few simple steps.

Earn a bonus of $400 when you open a new Truist One Checking account online between October 30, 2025 and March 25, 2026 using promo code AFL400TR1Q425.¹ <p><b><u>Terms and Conditions for Truist One Checking $400 Affiliate Online Offer Q4 2025 and Q1 2026:</u>&nbsp;AFL400TR1Q425<br><br></b></p> <p><b><u>Offer Information</u></b>: Open a new Truist One Checking account <b><u>online&nbsp;</u></b>from 10/30/25 through 3/25/26, complete the following activities within 120 days of the account opening and earn $400. You must open the account online and enter the promo code to be eligible to participate in the promotion.</p><br> <p>• Receive at least two qualifying direct deposits* totaling $2,000 or more <b>AND</b></p> <p>• Complete at least 20 qualifying debit card purchases** within 120 days of account opening. All debit purchases must be posted to your account to qualify.</p><br> <p>Account must be opened online. Enrollment in the promotion is required at the time of account opening using promo code <b>AFL400TR1Q425</b>. Please refer to the Account Opening and Enrollment section below for full instructions.</p><br> <p>*A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic credit (greater than $5.00) deposited into your new checking account via ACH. Person to person payments (such as Zelle®), Real Time Payments (RTP), pre-authorized transfers made from one account to another, or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible direct deposits.</p><br> <p>**Qualifying debit card purchases include any purchase made with a Truist debit card and posted to the new checking account within 120 days of account opening. ATM withdrawals using your debit card are not qualifying transactions. Zelle® transactions are not qualifying transactions. Bank fees are not included.</p><br> <p><b><u>Offer Eligibility</u></b>: Clients that are the primary account holder on an existing personal checking account with Truist or who have closed a personal checking account with Truist on or after 10/30/24 are not eligible to participate. Offer valid for Truist One Checking accounts only. Primary account holder must be 18 or older at the time of account opening. Truist employees, Directors, Officers, and Local Boards/Advisors are not eligible. Offer available only to US residents with a valid US taxpayer identification number. The qualifying checking account must be opened online and have a physical address in: AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC.</p><br> <p><b><u>Reward Processing</u></b>: The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. Promotion is only applicable once per checking account and per client. Truist may report the value of any offer reward received to the IRS as required by law. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.</p><br> <p><b><u>Reward Forfeiture</u></b>: Reward forfeiture will occur if: (1) the new checking account is changed to an account type not included in this client offer (2) the new checking account has a $0.00 or negative available balance or is restricted at the time Truist verifies the qualification requirements have been met or (3) the new checking account is closed at the time of payout. An account is considered restricted if it has a temporary or permanent block that prevents credits from posting to the account. Truist verification will occur one time after the qualification requirements are initially met.</p><br> <p><b><u>Other Terms</u></b>: Minimum opening deposit is $50. The offer is non-transferable, may not be combined with any other checking offers, is subject to change, and may be discontinued at any time. Truist reserves the right, in its sole discretion: 1) to prohibit a reward payout for any offers claimed through third-party websites with no affiliation or prior authorization from Truist; and 2) to disqualify any account if Truist suspects accounts are being opened for the purpose of exploiting this promotional offer. All promotional payouts will be processed no later than 3/31/27 at which point this promotion (and any related disbursements) will be considered final, and no further disbursements will be made. All standard account terms and conditions apply.</p><br> <p><b><u>Account Opening &amp; Enrollment Instructions</u></b>: To open and enroll your new account in the promotion, visit the offer website and click on “Open an account online.” Enter <b>AFL400TR1Q425</b> into the promo code field provided, review the offer Terms and Conditions, and then select “Accept Offer”. Accounts opened without the promo code applied will not be eligible to participate in the offer. Once enrolled in the promotion, clients may receive promotional updates via the email address provided or by calling 800.709.8700.</p><br> <p class="">Version 3 09162025 <b>AFL400TR1Q425</b></p> To earn the $400 bonus, your account needs to receive at least 2 qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more and complete 20 qualifying debit card purchase transactions within 120 days of account opening. Terms apply.

This is a great way to supercharge your earnings. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following the steps above. Plus, your new account offers benefits like no overdraft fee and options to avoid a monthly maintenance fee on top of the bonus.

Open your account and earn a $400 bonus

Ask this company to help you pay off your late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.

It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Plus, owing back taxes could affect your Social Security benefits — the IRS can garnish a significant portion of your benefits to satisfy delinquent tax debt.

Alleviate Tax is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Alleviate Tax talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe.

Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program you must owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes. If you're ready to make retirement what you always dreamed of and you're ready to get out of debt for good, take a few minutes to see if you're eligible.

Answer a few questions to get started

Earn a $3,500 bonus with this checking account

We hate to tell you this, really. But if you aren’t banking with HSBC, you’re missing out on extra cash — as much as up to $3,500. Don’t worry though … It's easy to fix.

Earn up to a $3,500 Direct Deposit Cash Bonus when you open an HSBC Premier checking account by December 31, 2025. Add New Deposits to your Premier checking account, Premier Savings account and/or Premier Relationship Savings account by December 31, 2025, and maintain the New Deposits through March 31, 2026.² <p>Qualifying direct deposits are electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income) deposited through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to this account by your employer or an outside agency (please check with your employer or outside agency to determine if they use the ACH network). Direct deposits that do not qualify include but are not limited to transfers from one account to another, mobile deposits, or deposits made at a Wealth Center or ATM.</p>

• Get a $1,000 Cash Bonus: Add and maintain New Deposits of $150,000 to $249,999
• Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add and maintain New Deposits of $250,000 to $499,999
• Get a $3,500 Cash Bonus: Add and maintain New Deposits of $500,000+

HSBC is a premium bank you’ll love. You’ll pay no foreign transaction fees on purchases when you use the HSBC Premier Debit World Mastercard® card. And you’ll get access to wealth solutions, insights and advice from an HSBC Wealth Relationship Manager.

This is a great way to supercharge your earnings. But hurry, this up to $3,500 Direct Deposit Cash Bonus won’t last forever. Open an account today and connect direct deposit to take advantage of this significant bonus while it lasts!

Open your new HSBC Premier checking account here

Save potentially $1,000 or more on home insurance in Columbus

Most people don't even think twice about what they pay for home insurance. Huge mistake. Especially if you want more money in retirement. If you live in Columbus and you haven’t checked rates recently, you could save potentially $1,000s.

Provide Home Insurance is actively helping homeowners score huge savings on better home insurance. They bring top insurance providers together to compete for your business, potentially giving you a better deal. This could drive the cost down for you by orders of magnitude.

You could slash the cost of home insurance by tapping into potential discounts and incentives most homeowners probably don’t even know exist.

You might be eligible if you check these 3 boxes:

1. You own your home.
2. You are willing to switch providers to save money.
3. Your ZIP code qualifies.

Complete this short questionnaire to see if you qualify

Don’t pay a CENT to contractors for home repairs until you do this

Sounds crazy. And maybe you’re not even sure if this is real. But … you’re probably curious anyway, especially if you want to retire soon. Choice Home Warranty makes it so you might be able to save $100s in home repairs!

They’ve been around since 2008 (so you know they’re legit) and they offer affordable plans to cover appliances and systems in your home that could break down from routine wear and tear.

Think of it like this: Say your furnace breaks down during a cold snap. Instead of paying up to $3,000 for repairs, you may only need to pay a $100 service fee with Choice Home Warranty, and the tech comes over and fixes it right away. This could save you up to $2,900 almost instantly!

Choose a plan here and you can lock in their ultra-low 2025 rates. Then, whenever a covered system in your home breaks down, all you have to do is make your claim online or give them a call. Their team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.³ <p>CHW reserves the right to offer cash back in lieu of repair or replacement in the amount of CHW's actual cost (which at times may be less than retail) to repair or replace any covered system, component or appliance. In the event that CHW makes such payment, CHW will provide written notification of the basis for the amount of the payment. First Month Free with purchase of any single payment home warranty plan. The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.</p>

Choose a plan from Choice Home Warranty here and lock in 2024 rates

P.S. Use the links above and you’ll get $50 off and 1 month free. We don’t know how long this will last, so take advantage of it today before it disappears.

Claim special travel benefits by doing this (see if you're eligible)

If you're someone who loves to travel, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) is the perfect companion for your adventures. New cardholders can earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

But that's not all. When you use the VentureOne card, you can earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Redeem miles for flights, hotels, and car rentals, OR statement credits, gift cards, and transfers to over 15 airline or hotel partners! This means that your dream vacation could be closer than you think, thanks to the rewards you earn from everyday purchases! There is also no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee.

So if you're gearing up for your next adventure, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) should be at the top of your wallet.

Annual fee: $0

Purchase and Transfer APR: 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Click here to apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card now

Diversify your hard-earned retirement savings with gold

You’ve spent your whole life building up your retirement savings, but market volatility and inflation could be threatening everything you’ve worked so hard for.

Thor Metals is actively helping Americans like you find greater retirement security with precious metal investments. They offer everything from physical ownership to IRAs in gold and silver that have a proven track record during unstable markets.

In fact, from 2005 to 2020, the price of gold increased by 330%. And during the stock market crash of 2008, the value of gold actually increased by 25%.⁴ <p>Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected returns, or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All securities involve risk and may result in significant losses.</p>

Take control of your legacy today in 3 easy steps:

1. Request your FREE Gold IRA Quick Start Guide and receive up to $20,000 in free gold on qualifying orders.⁵ <p>Requires purchase of precious metals. Free metals represent actual metals up to 1% of the purchase price and is subject to availability. Call for details. Subject to change at any time.</p>
2. Speak to a dedicated specialist about the best option for you.
3. Transfer or invest to better diversify your portfolio.

You're in good hands — Thor boasts an A+ rating with the BBB, 4/8/5 stars on TrustPilot, and are 100% American owned. If you have at least $30,000 in savings, IRAs, or your 401K take control of your savings now and download your FREE Gold IRA Quick Start Guide.

Pay no interest into 2027 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 completely pause credit card interest into 2027 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.  

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 billing cycles on purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. (Then APR is 17.49% - 27.49% Variable.) 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 withno annual fee.

But it doesn't end there. The Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card also lets you earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice and 3% cash back after the first year from account opening in your choice category. Plus,earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Apply now for the Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card 

Cancel your car insurance

Driving without car insurance is illegal. But if you’ve been driving for decades and you do this, you’re not actually breaking the law.

This tool can help you see if you’re overpaying for car insurance in just a few clicks. You’d be shocked by the difference. $159 per month is what they wanted to charge me. I thought that was the best price, don’t even look anywhere else. Right? Wrong.

I used Insurify and now I’m able to pay just $51 a month for two cars.⁶ <p>Actual savings and coverage options vary based on factors such as driving history, location, and insurer policies. The rates shown in this example may not reflect what every user will qualify for.</p> Too many insurance companies do this. They push up our rates and make us pay even more. But if you want to try this tool and compare and potentially score same-day savings, here’s what to do:

1. Click the link below and enter your zip code, date of birth, and phone number.
2. Answer a few questions about your car’s make and model to get matched with top offers.
3. Choose the best quote for you and lock it in before rates go up.

Compare rates now and see if you could score same-day savings today!

I can hardly believe I waited so long to do this, but I’m glad I finally did. It only took me two minutes. Super fast. You have to trust me on this. Just try it out.

Take advantage of massive discounts at restaurants and meal delivery companies

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on:

• Restaurants (save up to $450 per year!)
• Meal deliveries
• Airfare, Hotels, Cruises and Rental Cars
• Eyeglasses and even prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance

Plus you’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning.

How to become a member today:

• Click the link below, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
• Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
• Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Get 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal

Ohio residents, save big on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Ohio and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save big.

Renewal by Andersen is actively helping homeowners score huge savings. Their certified master professionals install high-quality, energy-efficient windows that could help reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

They make it extremely easy to upgrade your windows with financing options available and special limited-time offers. The entire process is hassle free.

1. You own your home.
2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
3. You live in an available ZIP code.

BONUS: For a limited time, buy one get one 40% OFF.⁷ <p>DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 12/31/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 9/30/2025 and 12/31/2025. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $200 off your entire purchase, minimum purchase of 4 required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 12/31/2025. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer's loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for detail "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.</p> Plus, get $200 off your purchase!⁷ <p>DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 12/31/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 9/30/2025 and 12/31/2025. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $200 off your entire purchase, minimum purchase of 4 required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 12/31/2025. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer's loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for detail "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.</p>

See if your credit card debt is eligible for this debt relief program

If you have a lot of debt, getting out of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it may get to fix. If you don’t take control of it before you retire, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get out of debt once and for all?

National Debt Relief could help. If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their representatives may be able to help you resolve your debt for less than you owe — with one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero upfront fees, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a caring representative. The consultation is completely free and only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify!⁸ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for National Debt Relief

Ohio homeowners could access up to $400,000 thanks to this

If you want to renovate your home or consolidate debt before you retire, you could get a loan. But if you own a home in Ohio and have decent equity, you need to see this instead. This popular program lets you tap into up to $400,000 fast, without affecting your mortgage rate or getting into more high interest debt.

Rocket Mortgage is actively helping homeowners use their home’s equity to wipe out toxic high interest debt or finally tackle big home upgrades. Their tool finds your lowest eligible fixed rate and gets you the money you need so you can use it immediately. No hidden fees. No long waits. No hassle.

Slash your interest burden and fix what’s broken without giving up your current mortgage rate.

You might be eligible if you check these 3 boxes:

1. You’ve owned your home for 2+ years.
2. You’ve built some equity.
3. Your credit score is 680 or higher.

See how much cash you can access (no impact to your credit)

You could be overpaying for your retirement planning

Fees matter. High fees can cut into your returns and affect your overall nest egg. But the ways fees are levied vary. Some are “fee only,” charging a flat rate regardless of usage. Others take a percentage of all assets under management. Some earn commissions directly from mutual funds or other financial products, which presents a significant conflict of interest.

This free matching quiz helps Americans get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors who serve their area so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

Paid Non-Client Promotion

FinanceBuzz doesn’t invest its money with this provider, but they are our referral partner. We get paid by them only if you click to them from our website and take a qualifying action (for example, opening an account.)