Saving money is the foundation of financial health. Having extra cash set aside can help you prepare for unexpected expenses, build up your golden-years nest egg, and achieve specific goals like purchasing a new car or home. However, the process of stockpiling funds is no longer quite so simple. The days of the proverbial piggy bank are behind us, and more programs for saving exist than ever before, which may leave you questioning which type is right for you: a high-interest-earning bank account, a retirement fund, or something else entirely.
The best solution is to do your research before funneling your money anywhere. As the saying goes, knowledge is power—and when it comes to finances, learning can even be lucrative. Check out three account types that could just help your wealth blossom faster with minimal risk.
Conveniently available at most banks and credit unions, these interest-bearing products could offer far greater rates of return than typical savings accounts. CDs are known for two distinct features: first, they require you to invest money for a predetermined time, ranging from a few months to several years; and second, you cannot withdraw funds within said period without a penalty. Essentially, opening such an account means loaning a sum of money to an institution, who rewards you handsomely by offering an appealing interest rate; compare Chase Bank’s respectable APYs as high as 4.00 percent on CDs to its minimal 0.01 percent returns for standard savings accounts. (These numbers are current at the time of writing but are subject to change, especially depending on your location.)
What’s more, most CDs are federally insured, so unlike buying stocks and other riskier investments, these funds generally cannot be lost. The only real gamble you make is that you won’t need them for incidentals: major home repairs, medical bills, replacing your vehicle, etc. After all, any money you choose to deposit loses its liquidity until the maturity date. However, if you’re willing to make a reasonable portion of your savings untouchable, you can reap a guaranteed return from a CD, a feature that is absent from many investment types.
You may not think that you can gain returns from using a checking account, but certain ones now allow you to earn where you spend. This can be useful in several ways. To start, you can accrue money from your deposited paychecks, allowing you to benefit before the money is directed elsewhere. Additionally, you can safely pad this account for easy access to funds in case of unexpected expenses without losing out on interest earnings—while still setting aside money in separate savings for your longer-term needs.
Although not every bank or credit union will offer this option, you can shop for some products that feature attractive rates. For example, as of this writing, Axos Bank advertises an APY of up to 3.30 percent on its Rewards Checking Account, while you could land one as high as 4.62 percent with an Advantage Checking Account from Presidential Bank. Just be forewarned that these interest rates are typically variable, meaning that yours could be altered occasionally. To stay abreast of these changes, regularly check your statements and any news alerts from your institution; you could also track rates of different services so you can transfer your funds to a better one if you’re unhappy with the variations.
Be mindful of the other terms as well. Some banks may charge checking-account holders convenience fees, out-of-network ATM fines, or other costs that could eat into the funds accumulated. Also, earning interest at all may depend on you meeting certain account qualifications, such as balance or monthly deposit minimums. It can be particularly tough to stay above a balance threshold if you use checking to make substantial payments (e.g., credit card or mortgage bills). That said, should you decide to open such an account and manage it appropriately, you can securely and modestly gain interest, potentially boosting your returns from holding a simple savings fund alone.
Retirement accounts are downright essential investments for just about anyone. They may typically be nonliquid like CDs, but they allow you to accrue long-term savings that you may come to depend on in the future. Roth IRAs in particular could be highly profitable due to their freedom from taxation—at least in the future. They do require you to contribute after-tax dollars, meaning that, unlike with a traditional IRA or 401(k), you can’t avoid deductions from any money you deposit into the account.
The upside, though, is tax-free growth—in other words, you get to keep all your earnings over the years. What’s more, Roth IRAs allow for withdrawals of contributions without penalty at any time and withdrawals of both contributions and earnings after you reach age 59½, granting you the freedom to access these funds as needed. (Note, though, that withdrawing earnings prior to that age or within the first five years of opening the account may result in a 10 percent tax penalty.) You can even set up an account to pass tax-free inheritances on to your loved ones after you pass.
Roth IRAs are available to all Americans of any age, so if you aren’t offered or opt out of an employee-sponsored plan like a 401(k), you can still build retirement savings with one. But remember that the sooner you invest in retirement, the better, so don’t hesitate if you feel that this option is appealing you!
While there are many interest-earning programs available, it may be in your best interest to consider multiple approaches. A wise savings strategy features a combination of assets and accounts based on your unique needs and risk tolerance. You might decide that one or more of the above options is ideal for you, which you could then incorporate into a more diverse investment portfolio. And should you find yourself in possession of extra savings, contemplate dipping your toe into other higher-risk opportunities as well, such as building a stock portfolio, engaging in peer-to-peer lending, or purchasing real estate.
The tricky part of a full portfolio, however, is that its components are typically complex to understand and market variable, which could limit your returns or even cost you in the long run. So to protect your hard-earned money and help it grow, discuss your options with a financial professional to select a potentially lucrative plan, laying out a golden path for a brighter future.
With this season’s gorgeous weather, there’s no better time to be outdoors—whether you like to garden, play tennis, or simply bask in the sunshine. Whatever your preferences, these nutritious recipes are packed with wholesome and delicious ingredients that can help fuel all your adventures.
Overflowing with colorful vegetables, this dish gets an extra flavor boost with toppings like avocado, tortilla chips, and queso fresco.
Treat yourself to this guilt-free pudding, perfectly accented by crushed nuts and a light, fluffy coconut whip.
These frozen, rich desserts—flavored with maple syrup and vanilla instead of sugar—will give your day a sweet note.
This veggie-loaded version of the classic tortilla soup is a great way to launch a fun-filled day of outdoor activities. Plus, you can customize it with your preferred toppings—whether it’s fully decked out or lightly loaded, you’re the soup master!
Serves 4
Tip: If you are planning on having leftovers or want to make this soup for packed lunches, keep the corn tortilla strips separate—this will prevent them from getting soggy. Just add them after reheating the soup, and enjoy!
Made with a medley of pure ingredients, this cool dessert is the ultimate treat for a hot summer day. Grab some extra spoons—its creamy goodness is perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Serves 6
These irresistible, chocolatey concoctions may skimp on calories and sugar, but they’re well stocked with flavor. Simply mix and pour the ingredients into ice-pop molds, and the next day, you’ll have indulgent frozen delights to help you beat the heat.
When it comes to exercise, the value of preventative measures has become well understood. By warming your body up before a workout and cooling it down after, you can loosen your muscles and improve your blood flow to help avoid soreness or injury as you push your limits with an activity like aerobics, weight lifting, or cycling.
But this isn’t the only area where it’s important to take a proactive approach. Even for those without a regular workout routine, certain daily habits can result in cumulative wear and tear, leading to potential issues with your spine, joints, and more. By adopting habits that promote better posture and movement throughout the day, you can mitigate such issues so they don’t become chronic problems. Discover what makes this tactic so crucial along with some top tips for incorporating it into your lifestyle for improved long-term health.
Especially with the rise of remote employment, the modern work environment has become increasingly deskbound, resulting in more people spending hours sitting each day. And even off the clock, many engage in downtime activities that have them lounging on the couch or slouching in front of a screen. While these may seem like harmless activities, prolonged periods of immobility can take a serious toll on the body. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle is linked to numerous health issues—especially the following two.
Musculoskeletal pain
One of the most common complaints among individuals who spend much of the day in a chair is musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the shoulders and back. Studies show that sitting for long periods compresses the spine and places undue strain on key joints and muscles. Paired with poor posture featuring rounded shoulders and slumping, this can lead to discomfort that gradually worsens. By the time many people seek treatment, the damage can be significant, causing constant pain in the lower back or stiffness in the shoulders that hinders everyday activities.
The neck is another area that suffers from prolonged sitting in front of a screen. The condition commonly referred to as “tech neck” occurs when the head is consistently tilted downward or pushed forward while staring at a computer, smartphone, or other digital device. This poor alignment puts excessive pressure on the cervical spine and the muscles in the neck, leading to tension and enduring aches.
Cardiovascular risks
Being overly solitary poses numerous threats to your heart health as well. When you’re inactive, your circulation slows and blood may tend to pool in your lower legs and feet. In extreme cases, this could potentially lead to deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot) that may, in turn, cause a pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack. But even without this condition, your risk for these issues increases, as does the impact on your sugar regulation and blood pressure. As a result, you may be more likely to develop diabetes and struggle with weight management, both of which can have long-term complications.
Though there is no magic bullet for perfect health, a few easy steps can help significantly.
Correcting posture
First and foremost, work to correct any poor posture habits you may have developed—namely, sitting with slumped shoulders, leaning forward, or craning your neck toward a screen. As you sit, periodically pause to assess your alignment. You want your keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor as much as possible; a corrective tool such as the UPRIGHT Go 2 can help you create better muscle memory. Another useful strategy is adjusting your workstation, such as by adding a monitor stand or raising or lowering your chair to ensure that your screen is at eye level. And consider using lumbar cushions or a standing desk for added support.
Incorporating continuous movement
Just as important, aim to get more movement throughout your day. Set a reminder to stand every thirty to sixty minutes, and engage in some light stretching followed by a quick walk. You don’t have to get outside every time; even a few minutes of pacing around your space can improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension. In addition, adopt an exercise routine or enhance your current one with a low-impact activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Any of these can help strengthen your muscles and boost your overall cardiovascular health without straining your joints.
Stretching and mobility exercises
As indicated, working stretches into your daily routine can be a smart move, greatly improving your flexibility, reducing your muscle tension, and supporting your long-term joint health. The best of these may be dynamic stretching, which involves going through a range of motion to not only warm up your muscles but also promote blood flow to areas that typically tighten up when sitting, like your hip flexors, lower back, and neck. Some easy ones include arm circles, upper body twists, and basic squats, or you can push yourself more with walking lunges and leg swings.
Beyond dynamic stretches, mobility exercises like yoga and Pilates can have a profound impact on both your flexibility and strength. The former, for example, is excellent for improving posture, opening up tense muscles, and strengthening your core—key areas that support your spine and joints. If you’re new to these practices, consider joining a beginner class to explore different styles and see which puts your muscles most at ease.
Muscle strengthening
A leading cause of musculoskeletal pain is feeble muscles that are unable to support the body correctly. For instance, a weak core can lead to lower back pain, while inactive glutes may contribute to hip and knee issues. Pay attention to areas where you feel tension or discomfort, such as tightness in the lower back or hips after sitting. These signals can guide you toward which muscles need the most focus.
To address identified issues, build a routine that includes targeted strength exercises, such as planks for core stability and glute bridges to activate supporting muscles. As you develop these areas over time, you may begin to feel relief from any current pain while at the same time fortifying your body against potential future injury.
Preventative fitness is all about making small adjustments to improve posture, incorporate more movement, and strengthen weak muscles. By taking such proactive measures, you can reduce your discomfort and aid your long-term health, allowing you to move confidently through your daily activities.
*Consult with your health-care provider before trying any new exercises, especially if you have existing pain or medical conditions.
Like many other crowd-drawing industries, cruises sunk to a low point in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak as many potential passengers sought the safety of solitude instead. But in the past five years, life has largely returned to normal, with it coming a renewed desire to live in the present, appreciate nature, and see the world. It should be no surprise, then, that people are hitting the open seas again, especially to Alaska—in fact, such cruises are experiencing record numbers, with over 1.68 million sailing these waters in 2024 alone.
It may seem like an obvious question to ask: Alaska has a reputation for being cold, after all, making the sun-drenched Caribbean sound like a tempting alternative. But, simply put, such an excursion is about as unique an experience as you can get. Whether it’s encountering massive glaciers, witnessing rarely seen wildlife, or touring expansive national parks, there’s so much adventure to be had up north. With summer being peak season for cruising these parts, discover what makes sailing off to the forty-ninth state a once-in-a-lifetime event.
As with any other cruise, these ones offer everything from basic amenities to enticing activities, such as live entertainment, water parks, and spa treatments. But it’s their breathtaking views that truly set them apart.
Wildlife
Considering the locale, it’s only natural that wildlife is abundant here. For example, tourists love catching glimpses of whales, the most frequently sighted being humpbacks, orcas, and gray whales. Other reasons to keep your binoculars handy include seals, sea lions, birds like puffins, and various bears, especially if you have the chance to trek the land.
Glaciers
You simply cannot take this journey without allowing yourself to be awestruck by these natural wonders (and any accompanying icebergs). Two popular sights often found on cruise itineraries are the mammoth Hubbard Glacier, which boasts a six-mile-wide face, and Glacier Bay, a three-million-acre national park with over 1,000 glaciers.
National parks
Speaking of, Alaska is home to several such parks, the most notable being the aforementioned Glacier Bay and Denali National Park and Preserve. Many ships take you right into the former for a day, though for the best experience, try to book one with a ranger-led tour. In contrast, you must depart your ship to see the majesty of Denali, which features Mount McKinley (formerly known as Mount Denali)—the tallest in all of North America at over 20,000 feet.
Flightseeing
If you’re truly daring, give flightseeing a shot. As the name indicates, the activity involves sightseeing the rugged wilderness from above via helicopter or plane; options offered as part of certain cruise lines’ land outings even include witnessing McKinley’s peak from such heights.
Culture
Don’t forget to take in some civilization by visiting popular cities like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Just as excursion worthy are smaller places that serve as ports of call, such as Sitka and the more intimate Wrangell. You may also have the opportunity to interact with native cultures.
The northern lights (if you’re lucky)
As thrilling as these are in person, they can best be seen here in winter and maybe in autumn, the very end of cruise season. So while you can hope for it as a bonus, don’t plan your vacation around experiencing the aurora borealis firsthand.
Now that you have an overview of the many pluses of Alaskan cruises, you might be eager to book your vacation. But take note that like most true expeditions, you’ll need to look ahead—you may very well be planning now for next year. Here are just a few key considerations when doing so.
Cost
Your final tab will primarily depend on your liner and accommodations as well as when and where you go and for how long. As a starting point, weeklong voyages can range from around $2,500 to $5,500 per person on average. In addition, don’t assume that everything is included; for instance, airfare is often a separate cost.
Cruise line
There are dozens of cruise lines to choose from, so narrow down your options based on what your priorities are. Carnival lives up to its partyesque name and Disney is like an amusement park at sea, but both are uberpopular and usually super crowded. Others, such as Holland America and Oceania, have smaller passenger counts and thus a more intimate vibe.
Cabin type
This choice will be contingent on your preferences and budget. Interior cabins without views will be cheaper, but you’ll have to walk up to a packed deck to see the sights. Conversely, balcony staterooms are pricier but provide your own personal view of the scenery.
Type of voyage
You can do a one-way or round-trip journey, and each generally lasts seven or fourteen days. The typical route is between Vancouver or Seattle and Anchorage, though some cruises go as far down as San Francisco or even San Diego. You’ll also need to decide if you want to travel through the calmer Inside Passage or cross the Gulf of Alaska and its choppier waters. Furthermore, consider offshore options, known in the industry as cruise tours, that include land-based adventures.
Timing
Peak season runs from early May through late September/early October, with warmer summer months being the most popular. Prices are often cheaper and more cabins are available at the beginning or end of this time frame, but it’s also colder, wildlife may be scarcer, and offshore itinerary pickings are slimmer since many places are closed.
Temperatures
The area is renowned for its chill, seeing an average high temperature of 28 degrees. However, the state does warm up during summertime; typical coastal highs are in the 60s and can even reach the 80s. Plus, there’s more daylight for exploring.
What to pack
The best general advice is twofold: overpack instead of underpack, and be prepared for any weather condition—sun, snow, rain, or wind—by bringing layers and multiple pairs of shoes. And don’t forget binoculars and, if need be, seasickness pills.
This guide is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Alaskan cruises. To minimize hitches in your plans, put in ample research while giving yourself a deadline for booking since slots tend to fill up fast. For the most seamless process, contact a travel agent, who can walk you through your choices and help you select the best itinerary for the trip of a lifetime.
For more info, visit alaskatravel.com/find/cruises
