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Many pet owners save money for emergency care so their pet can receive proper treatment should the unexpected happen. But the cost of minor visits to the vet can also add up.
A pet owner recently posted in the subreddit r/Pets about the regular visits for small issues like a patch of dry skin or a slightly runny eye, which have been straining the user’s finances.
“I want to be a responsible owner, but paying the consult fee every single time something might be wrong is bleeding me dry,” the pet owner said. “I’m paralyzed by the fear of missing something serious, but I’m also going broke paying for peace of mind on things that turn out to be nothing.”
The pet owner has funds saved up for emergencies, such as accidents, sudden illness or serious pain. But with $50 visits for minor concerns adding up, they’re looking for a better solution.
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Expert advice: Keep up with your pet’s checkups, ask for options and consider health insurance
Part of being a responsible pet owner is taking your furry friend to the vet, but doing so too often can significantly chip away at your funds. The American Animal Hospital Association says that it makes sense for multiple visits per year for young puppies, but that changes as the animal ages.
The association considers dogs to be puppies up to six to nine months old (depending on their breed and size), young adults up to three or four years old, mature adults up to the beginning of the last 25% of the estimated lifespan and seniors after that.
“As dogs transition out of puppyhood into young adults, it’s still important that they receive routine preventative healthcare,” according to the association. “Most healthy young adults should visit the vet at least once a year (and as needed for illness and injury), although some may benefit from biannual visits depending on breed, lifestyle, and health risks.”
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Mature adult dogs should see the vet once or twice a year as needed. In an article for Whole Dog Journal, veterinarian Dr. Eileen Fatcheric recommends a wellness exam at least twice each year for pets that are seven years or older.
“Time starts moving a little faster for these guys, bringing with it a higher likelihood of medical problems that may not be outwardly apparent to you, but may be picked up by your veterinarian with physical exam and diagnostics,” Fatcheric wrote.
Veterinarian Dr. Rhiannon Koehler wrote in an article for PetMD by Chewy that when considering visits for young kittens, you should check your vet’s recommendations for your cat’s vaccine schedule. Then when a cat turns one, they should have a wellness appointment annually until age 10. Cats over 10 years old should visit the vet at least once every six months, she added.
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Ideally, if you keep up with your wellness checkups, your vet will be able to catch issues early so you can address them before they become larger problems. Pet insurance can also help you save costs. Check out Money’s list of the best pet insurance companies, which can reimburse you for diagnostic tests, hospitalization, surgery and more if your pet gets sick or injured.
You can also explain your financial restraints to a vet and ask them for all of your options before making a decision. Sometimes, there are more cost-effective solutions that can still help your pet than the first solution mentioned. Another option is to ask your vet about payment plans.

Today’s gold prices see the precious metal move down from yesterday.
Here are today’s gold futures prices and a quick snapshot of where gold was yesterday, as well as overall trends:

Gold futures open today, Mar. 18: $4,867.46 per per troy ounce
Gold futures closed yesterday, Mar. 17: $5,008.20 per troy ounce
Percent change: Down 2.81%
Last five-day change: Gold has decreased 6.02% in the last five days.

Note: These prices fluctuate during the day.

Where People Are Buying Gold Right Now

American Hartfold Gold – Get an free investor kit, plus see if you qualify for $25,000 in free silver
American Silver & Gold – Free account set up, free insured shipping and free storage for up to 5 years
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Gold as part of your portfolio
Gold has historically underperformed the stock market. However, over the past two years, the tables have turned. In both 2024 and 2025, the precious metal gained 28% and 65%, respectively. Over the same period, the S&P 500 gained 25% and 18%, respectively.
But gold should not be viewed as part of a short-term strategy. Rather, it has made its name as a buy-and-hold asset. (See Money’s guide to how to buy gold for more detail.) Because of its weak correlation with the stock market, over time gold has served as a hedge, insulating portfolios against inflation, market volatility and falling interest rates.
For long-term investors who are looking to diversify their holdings, allocating between 5% and 10% of their capital to alternative investments — including safe-have assets like gold — can help reduce overall portfolio risk while providing supplemental upside potential to traditional equity investments.

Where People Are Buying Gold Right Now

American Hartfold Gold – Get an free investor kit, plus see if you qualify for $25,000 in free silver
American Silver & Gold – Free account set up, free insured shipping and free storage for up to 5 years
Explore gold exposure with a gold ETF — Public’s investing app can do this for you

How to invest in gold
For those interested in adding gold to their portfolios, there are a number of pathways to achieve that. Physical gold ownership can complement a retirement savings plan through gold IRAs — we vet the best ones monthly, which you can read here.
Money has also carefully scrutinized numerous online gold dealers that provide free and insured shipping, buyback commitments and secure storage at IRS-approved depositories.
But investing in gold does not require ownership of the physical metal. Investors who are more comfortable with equity markets can gain exposure through gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds.
While gold-backed ETFs and physical gold do not generate yield, the stocks of some gold mining companies pay dividends. Investing in companies — such as AngloGold Ashanti, for example — can provide investors with gold’s appreciation potential as well as income.
 

You don’t have to be a professional on Wall Street strategically picking stocks and analyzing the financial markets to generate long-term returns. In fact, taking a more hands-off, lazy approach to investing instead of buying and selling on market moves may be the key to making you rich.
Earning enough to make long-term goals like retirement a reality requires staying consistent and diversifying. Here’s how to do this with the three-fund portfolio strategy.

Must Read

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Why Retirees Are Turning to Gold as a Buffer Against Stock Market Losses
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The three-fund portfolio
Each investor’s plan should be based on their unique goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But for some, a low-maintenance, three-fund portfolio can do the trick.
The three-fund portfolio consists of the following:

A U.S. total stock market index fund
An international stock market index fund
A total bond market index fund

Many brokerage firms offer these index funds in the form of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and they usually come with low expense ratios.
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The pros of the three-fund portfolio
The low expense ratios are a major perk of this portfolio. But another reason this strategy can work is its diversification and the long-term approach. Diversification involves putting your money into a variety of assets like small-, medium- and large-cap stocks from the U.S. and abroad, as well as bonds, to reduce risk. The idea is that when one area of your portfolio performs poorly, another will hold steady or even outperform, reducing overall risk.
This is the type of strategy that doesn’t produce life-changing returns right away, but the compounded growth over many years can result in a sizable nest egg by the time someone is ready to retire. It’s important to stay the course during the market downturns so that you can benefit during recoveries.
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The cons of the three-fund portfolio
Like with most investment strategies, this portfolio won’t make sense for every investor. As experts at Morningstar point out, it may not make sense to use this portfolio in taxable accounts, since a taxable-bond fund will generate income distributions that you’ll have to pay taxes on. Plus, you won’t necessarily have the same high growth potential of growth-oriented funds, and you won’t get exposure to alternative investments.
Keep in mind that you still need to rebalance regularly when you implement this strategy, since one portion of your portfolio may grow too large in value compared to another, increasing risk.
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How to set up the three-fund portfolio
Setting up the three-fund portfolio can be fairly simple. The first step is to choose a low-cost brokerage account like Vanguard or Fidelity Investments.
Then, decide how you want to allocate your capital based on your risk tolerance. Putting 60% of your funds into stocks and the remaining 40% into bonds is a common strategy. Investors who have a higher risk tolerance may lean more into stocks, while risk-averse investors will likely opt to allocate a higher percentage to bonds.
Finally, you can set automatic contributions so money from your bank account automatically goes towards your investments. You can conduct a regular rebalance based on changes in your portfolio and risk tolerance. Investors typically put more money into bonds as they get older, especially if their stock positions have rallied recently.

Must Read

Experts are Bullish on Gold — Here’s How to Get In
Why Retirees Are Turning to Gold as a Buffer Against Stock Market Losses
Warren Buffett on Market Volatility — and 3 Ways You Can Take Advantage

Buying gold can be a good way to diversify your portfolio, especially if you want to hedge against inflation and stock market uncertainty. However, making a few beginner mistakes when investing in gold can introduce unnecessary risk and potentially hurt your long-term returns.
For instance, some retirees may regret investing too much money into gold too quickly.

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This mistake and others are easy to avoid. Read on for the mistakes you should look out for and how to avoid them.
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Mistakes around timing, allocation and more
While adding precious metals to your portfolio comes with benefits, it’s important to understand both the pros and cons before investing. You should also ensure buying gold aligns with your risk tolerance, goals and time horizon.
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As you get started, here are 10 mistakes to avoid:

Going all in after a scary headline: The stock market is filled with short-term noise, and it’s important to stay focused on the long-term picture. Headlines can make investors more prone to emotional decisions that hurt their long-term returns.
Buying too much too fast: You don’t have to get all your exposure to gold right away. Gradually building your position over time and setting limits on how much gold to include in your portfolio can make investors less susceptible to this mistake.
Ignoring how gold fits the overall plan: Gold is just a small piece of a portfolio that typically shouldn’t take up more than 5-10% of your overall assets. Investors can speak with fiduciary advisors if they aren’t sure how much gold should be in their portfolios.
Selling too much gold during a bull market: While gold can act as a valuable hedge, there are some instances when the S&P 500 will rally and outpace gold. That’s not a good time to sell gold and put it into the stock market. Gold is meant to recession-proof your portfolio instead of maximizing returns. It’s natural for gold to fall behind the stock market during some cycles, but that usually doesn’t warrant exiting gold completely.
Choosing high-pressure sales outfits: A gold seller shouldn’t include an artificial deadline in the sales pitch or aggressively prompt you to buy gold. Research gold providers before buying from them.
Not understanding fee structures: Gold individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can have excessive fees that make it more beneficial to use a traditional IRA and buy shares of a gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) instead. Before committing to any gold provider, check their fee schedule so you know the costs.
Buying collectible coins: Gold investing can be complicated — and purchasing collectible gold coins can add to the complexity. There are plenty of variables that determine the value of these coins. It’s often simpler to buy grams or ounces of gold or opt for a gold ETF instead of physical gold.
Storing large amounts at home without security: It’s possible for gold at home to be lost, stolen or damaged.
Losing key documentation: Losing vital records about gold can cause potential buyers to question its authenticity when you want to sell it. Investors should organize their documents so they can verify that any piece of gold is legitimate.
Misunderstanding IRA rules: Not only do gold IRAs often have high fees, but they also have different rules around storage. You are not allowed to store physical gold that is part of an IRA in your home, for instance. Be sure your fully understand the IRS’ rules before investing.

Volatility Shield: Learn about Newport Gold Group’s precious metals price matching

Must Read

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3 Ways You Can Make Cash on Your Couch
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Gas prices are soaring as Israel and the United States wage war with Iran, and drivers are likely looking for ways to save.
Shipping traffic is disrupted at the critical Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of global oil typically passes through. Gas prices are back above $4 per gallon on the West Coast and are still rising nationwide.
There are more than a dozen strategies you can consider to save at the pump. Even if you normally don’t put much thought into fuel rewards or gas-saving strategies, now’s the time to pay attention to how much gas you’re using — and how much you’re paying for it.

Table of contents:

Pay with cash instead of a card
Use a gas rewards card
Join a grocery store rewards program
Use gas station rewards programs
Fill up on the cheapest day of the week
Compare gas prices with an app
Use gas station rewards programs
Drive patiently
Spend less time idling
Plan out your routes
Know when to use cruise control
Reduce AC use
Remove excess weight
Check your tires routinely
Keep your engine in good shape
Saving on gas FAQs

14 ways to save money on gas
Short of switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle or taking other forms of transportation, here’s how you can save money on gas:
1. Pay with cash instead of a card
Next time you’re checking the big gas station billboards for prices, look closely. The lowest price you see is likely a cash-only price.
The difference between cash and credit card prices for gas typically ranges from 5 to 10 cents per gallon, but in some cases, it can be more. Gas stations often charge more for card purchases because they get charged fees by banks and credit card providers for each transaction. When you pay cash, the gas station avoids these fees, and they pass along some of the savings to you with a discount.
Debit purchases, even though they represent real “cash” in your bank account, may also incur a transaction fee. Policies vary by gas station, so check with your local clerk if you’re unsure about using your debit card.
2. Use a gas rewards card
Cash back on gas is one of the best credit card rewards. A handful of no-annual-fee credit cards can provide 5% cash back on gas, including cards like the Citi Custom Cash Card that give extra cash back in a particular spending category, such as fuel. If you regularly shop at Costco or Sam’s Club, the two wholesale clubs also have branded credit cards that offer 5% back on gas purchased at their pumps.
Assuming you pay your monthly bill on time, credit card rewards can beat cash discounts. At current prices, you’ll likely save more with a credit card that provides at least 3% cash back for gas.
Always check the fine print and do the math to see if the rewards program is truly worth it in your individual case.
3. Join a grocery store rewards program
Check to see if your local grocery store has a gas rewards program.
Several major grocery chains partner with gas stations to offer members a nice discount at the pump, frequently 10 cents or more off per gallon. For example, Kroger, Safeway, Stop & Shop and many other grocers offer gas discounts if you spend a certain amount of money at their store after signing up for the rewards program.
The programs often work similarly: For every $50 to $100 spent at the grocery store, you might earn a fuel discount of 5 cents to 10 cents at a partner gas station.
If you’re already spending that much at a grocer that offers a rewards program, this strategy could be a no-brainer. But be mindful of going out of your way to join a rewards program from a faraway or more expensive grocer just to earn a gas discount.
4. Use gas station rewards programs
Major gas brands typically have loyalty programs that offer fuel rewards. For example, BP’s earnify rewards app offers 5 cents back per gallon or 10 cents back per gallon with a linked Amazon Prime account. Exxon Mobil Rewards+ gives customers 6 points per gallon (100 points are worth $1 off a future purchase).
The Shell Fuel Rewards program offers savings of 3 cents, 5 cents or 10 cents per gallon, depending on your status level in the program, which is based on spending at Shell stations.
Walmart+ users can use the company’s app to secure savings of 10 cents per gallon at 13,000 stations, including Exxon and Mobil locations. The Upside app is another popular choice for cash back at many of the large gas station chains, and it can save drivers as much as 10 cents (or sometimes more) per gallon.
5. Fill up on the cheapest day of the week
It should come as no surprise that gas prices fluctuate day to day, but pricing trends show that one day in particular each week tends to be cheaper than others.
Sunday is generally the cheapest day, according to GasBuddy, a tech company that tracks the real-time prices of gas at more than 150,000 stations across the country. The days to avoid tend to be Wednesday through Friday.
Keep in mind, though, that these recommendations are based on national data trends from prior years, and these days might not always be the cheapest in your area on any given week. Use your best judgment.

6. Compare gas prices with an app
Instead of driving around town to look for the cheapest gas (all while wasting time and burning fuel), you should consider using a gas app to compare prices.
GasBuddy is one of the most popular apps that’s fully dedicated to comparing nearby gas prices. But you can also scope out how much gas stations are charging with some navigation apps as well. For example, with both Google Maps and Waze, you can select a gas station as your destination and filter by price.
7. Drive patiently
Abiding by the speed limit, accelerating slowly and coasting more are not only safer ways to drive, but they’re also extremely cost-efficient driving habits.
So the next time you approach a red light, don’t accelerate and brake hard right at the line. Lay off the gas pedal and coast your way to a halt. When it turns green, resist the urge to gun it.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, these safe-driving methods can boost your fuel efficiency by up to 40%, depending on the speed and how frequently you stop and go. At highway speeds, your fuel efficiency jumps 15% to 30%, whereas in stop-and-go traffic, it ranges widely between 10% to 40%.
Assuming that fuel prices are about $3.50 in your area, that translates to a whopping savings rate of 30 cents to $1.40 per gallon.
8. Spend less time idling
The federal government says idling can drain a quarter-gallon to a half-gallon of gas per hour.
If you’re in an exceptionally long line or waiting for someone to hop in, cutting your engine is the fuel-efficient move to make.
Depending on your engine size and your AC or heater habits, choosing to turn off your engine instead of idling could save you up to 3 cents per minute, according to federal government estimates.
9. Plan out your routes
When it comes to driving, proper planning can really pay off. Consider this strategy a catch-all for figuring out when, where and how you’re going to drive.
Important questions to consider when planning out your trips include:

Is there a more fuel-efficient route I can take to get to my destination?
If I have to use my car, can I combine my trips or errands?
Can I plan to carpool with my coworker(s) on certain days?
If I have to commute to work, can I drive during non-rush hour times?

If you answered yes to even one of these questions, creating a plan around it and sticking to it can have a major impact on the amount of gas you use.
According to the U.S Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, combining trips could double your fuel economy when compared to taking multiple short drives because your car gets better gas mileage when it is warmed up.
Likewise, carpooling can cut your weekly fuel costs in half by saving on gas expenses, all while reducing wear-and-tear on your vehicle, the agencies say.
10. Know when to use cruise control
Cruise control can boost your fuel savings when used properly, but it’s not always a sure-fire gas saver.
If you have long commutes or road trips with relatively uninterrupted miles of driving, cruise control can save gas. You can simply choose the speed that is most fuel efficient for your car while on the highway to reduce the urge to drive at inconsistent speeds that drain your gas quicker.
It should go without saying that cruise control is not an effective method in stop-and-go situations, especially off the freeway.
11. Reduce AC use
Warm weather is a blessing and a curse when it comes to saving on gas.
One one hand, the heat can help your engine warm up quicker, thus improving fuel economy. Adding to that, the federal government also says warm air causes “less aerodynamic drag” than cold air.
On the other hand, using air-conditioning in hot weather can reduce fuel efficiency by 25%, especially during short trips. This is one of the single biggest contributors to gas guzzling.
The double whammy: Driving with your windows down might also waste gas because it increases your vehicle’s wind resistance.
So what should you do? Here are some tips from the feds:

When turning on your car, don’t idle with the air conditioner blasting to cool it off. Most AC systems cool faster while driving.
Try to use your AC only while driving at highway speeds. When driving slower, roll the windows down.
Optimize your temperature and fan settings instead of defaulting to the max.

Where you park also makes a difference, as driving with a cold engine can reduce your gas mileage between 15% and 24%, according to fuel-efficiency tests. Parking your car in a garage, as opposed to right on the street during cold weather, can keep your engine temperatures higher.
In hot environments, parking in the shade can reduce how hot your cabin gets and help you resist the urge to blast the AC.
12. Remove excess weight
A rule of thumb: the heavier your vehicle, the more gas it guzzles. That also goes for what you’re storing or hauling. If there are removable items, like sporting equipment or storage bins, you should consider taking them out of the car unless you specifically need them for your trip.
According to the federal government, your fuel efficiency drops 1% for every 100 pounds of excess weight.
This also goes for racks or storage on the top or back of your vehicle. If you leave your canoe or bike strapped to your car, not only is it weighing your vehicle down, the vehicle is also less aerodynamic.
13. Check your tires routinely
While it might seem trivial, tire pressure affects your gas mileage.
The Department of Transportation estimates that for every 1 PSI your tires are underinflated, you lose 0.2% fuel economy. That may not sound like much, but considering tire PSIs can vary widely, you could be losing notable gas mileage if you’re not paying attention to your tires.
Assuming gas prices are about $3.50 in your area, keeping your tires properly inflated could save you between 2 cents and 10 cents per gallon.
14. Keep your engine in good shape
Your gas mileage is heavily dependent on how well your engine is maintained. Driving an older car? It’s a good idea to track your mileage and fuel economy with an app like Fuelio. If you aren’t getting anywhere near the advertised fuel economy for the car, that could be a sign of a problem under the hood.
Engine troubles affect fuel economy by an average of 4%, according to a report by the consulting firm Energy and Environmental Analysis. If that wasn’t reason enough to keep an eye on your check-engine light, more serious engine problems could affect mileage by as much as 40%.
Gas savings aside, keeping your engine in good shape will also help your vehicle last longer and avoid the need for costly repairs.
One easy maintenance tip: Ensure you’re using the correct grade of motor oil. Check your owner’s manual to see what your manufacturer recommends and start using that version if you’re not already. Based on $3.50 gas prices, this maintenance move alone could save you 4 cents to 7 cents a gallon.
Most cars need only regular unleaded fuel and will not benefit from premium gas, which is typically much more expensive.

Gas-saving FAQs
Does cruise control save gas?
Cruise control may help save on gas if used properly. To get a gas boost out of cruise control, set your speed to one that’s fuel efficient for your car during trips on the highway, ideally across flat terrain.
Does eco mode save gas?
Yes, using “eco mode” can save gas if your car has this feature. That’s why it was created. Manufacturers often say it improves mileage by 5%. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, eco mode throttles your vehicle’s ability to accelerate, reduces AC features and may also affect transmission or steering.
Does driving slower save gas?
In certain cases, driving slower can reduce fuel consumption, but it’s not a universal rule. What most helps you save on gas is avoiding aggressive driving in general, such as rapidly accelerating and frequently braking. As mentioned above, driving more patiently can boost gas mileage by 10% to 40%.
Does auto stop save gas?
Generally speaking, auto-stop technology can improve a vehicle’s gas mileage. This technology cuts your engine when it’s not moving, usually within a few seconds. Once you lift your foot off the brake, the car automatically starts again. This cuts down on idle time, which is a major gas guzzler. Automotive research firm Edmunds says auto-stop tech can improve mileage by 3% to as much as 12%.

How gas prices are determined
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says that the retail price of gas consists of four main factors: crude oil costs, oil refining costs, distribution and marketing costs, and taxes.
Of the price you pay at the pump, the EIA says as much as 51% goes toward the wholesale cost of crude oil, and that key factor is what has been fluctuating so much recently.
When it comes to cutting fuel expenses, an important thing to remember is that the best money-saving techniques aren’t just about finding the cheapest gas in town. What’s also important are your driving habits and how well you take care of your vehicle.

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Today’s gold prices see the precious metal move up from yesterday.
Here are today’s gold futures prices and a quick snapshot of where gold was yesterday, as well as overall trends:

Gold futures open today, Mar. 17: $5,021.30 per per troy ounce
Gold futures closed yesterday, Mar. 16: $5,002.20 per troy ounce
Percent change: Up 0.38%
Last five-day change: Gold has decreased 4.21% in the last five days.

Note: These prices fluctuate during the day.

Where People Are Buying Gold

American Hartfold Gold – Get an free investor kit, plus see if you qualify for $25,000 in free silver
American Silver & Gold – Free account set up, free insured shipping and free storage for up to 5 years
Explore gold exposure with a gold ETF — Public’s investing app can do this for you

Gold as part of your portfolio
Gold has historically underperformed the stock market. However, over the past two years, the tables have turned. In both 2024 and 2025, the precious metal gained 28% and 65%, respectively. Over the same period, the S&P 500 gained 25% and 18%, respectively.
But gold should not be viewed as part of a short-term strategy. Rather, it has made its name as a buy-and-hold asset. (See Money’s guide to how to buy gold for more detail.) Because of its weak correlation with the stock market, over time gold has served as a hedge, insulating portfolios against inflation, market volatility and falling interest rates.
For long-term investors who are looking to diversify their holdings, allocating between 5% and 10% of their capital to alternative investments — including safe-have assets like gold — can help reduce overall portfolio risk while providing supplemental upside potential to traditional equity investments.

Where People Are Buying Gold

American Hartfold Gold – Get an free investor kit, plus see if you qualify for $25,000 in free silver
American Silver & Gold – Free account set up, free insured shipping and free storage for up to 5 years
Explore gold exposure with a gold ETF — Public’s investing app can do this for you

How to invest in gold
For those interested in adding gold to their portfolios, there are a number of pathways to achieve that. Physical gold ownership can complement a retirement savings plan through gold IRAs — we vet the best ones monthly, which you can read here.
Money has also carefully scrutinized numerous online gold dealers that provide free and insured shipping, buyback commitments and secure storage at IRS-approved depositories.
But investing in gold does not require ownership of the physical metal. Investors who are more comfortable with equity markets can gain exposure through gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds.
While gold-backed ETFs and physical gold do not generate yield, the stocks of some gold mining companies pay dividends. Investing in companies — such as AngloGold Ashanti, for example — can provide investors with gold’s appreciation potential as well as income.
 

A perfect credit score might sound like the ultimate financial goal. But a very small percentage of Americans actually have one.
According to a spokesperson for credit reporting agency Equifax, just 0.24% of U.S. adults with a credit file — roughly 2 out of every 1,000 people — have a perfect 850 credit score using the VantageScore 4.0 model. At the same time, about 53% of consumers fall within the model’s “super-prime” range of 720 to 850.
The top of most credit scoring scales, which typically range from 300 to 850, is reserved for folks with near-perfect credit habits, including years of on-time payments, low credit card balances and long, well-established credit histories. Consumers with perfect scores also tend to have an above-average number of credit cards, lower credit utilization rates and lower-than-average total debt, according to Experian, another major consumer credit reporting agency.

On average, Americans use about 28% of their available credit card limits, while people with 850 credit scores use just 4%, according to data from Experian.
Maintaining low balances matters because credit utilization accounts for roughly 30% of a FICO score — the credit scoring model used by about 90% of lenders in the U.S. — making it one of the most important factors in the credit-scoring formula. Lower utilization rates signal that a borrower isn’t heavily relying on credit, which lenders generally view as a sign of lower borrowing risk.
Perfect scorers also have no delinquent accounts on their credit reports, meaning they’ve consistently paid their bills on time. By comparison, about 4.8% of U.S. household debt is currently in some stage of delinquency, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s latest household debt and credit report.
Why you don’t need a perfect 850 credit score
Reaching the maximum credit score is rare — and financial experts say consumers don’t need to chase perfection to access the best borrowing terms.
“It is not necessary to have a perfect credit score to qualify for the best rates when you’re applying for funding, such as a personal loan, a new credit card or even a mortgage,” Leslie H. Tayne, debt expert and founder of Tayne Law Group, tells Money. “A lot of the time, if the consumer has great credit — within the 780 bracket or even higher — they’ll qualify for the best rate a lender offers.”
The average U.S. credit score is about 715, according to FICO data. Although 715 is generally considered “good” as opposed to “very good” or “exceptional,” many borrowers are already within the range lenders typically reserve for their best rates.
“If you look at the best deals by FICO score, you need a 720 to get the best deals on auto loans and 760 to get the best deals on mortgages,” says John Ulzheimer, a credit card expert formerly with FICO and Equifax.
Still, borrowers should aim to improve their credit whenever possible. A higher score can provide a buffer if your credit profile changes — for example, if you temporarily carry higher credit card balances — and help keep your score high enough so you still qualify for favorable rates.
The biggest mistakes people make when trying to improve their credit
For consumers trying to boost their credit scores, experts say the biggest improvements usually come from focusing on long-term habits, not quick fixes. Think: debt repayment, not balance transfers, Tayne says.
Another common misstep is closing older credit accounts, which can actually hurt a borrower’s scores because it may reduce available credit and increase credit utilization.
“It’s ironic in some ways that closing a credit account or even paying off a large revolving debt, like a mortgage or car, can actually hurt your score, but it’s true,” Tayne explains.
If a credit card is no longer useful to you, she says it may be better to keep the account open rather than closing it outright — especially if it doesn’t carry an annual fee.
“The benefit of keeping it open would have to outweigh that fee,” she adds. “However, having a card that you don’t use can contribute to a better debt-to-income ratio as well as your credit utilization percentage.”
Borrowers should also be wary of questionable advice online.
“Improving your credit is not a mystery,” says Ulzheimer. “When I was at FICO, we would tell people the same thing until we were blue in the face: Make your payments on time, stay out of excessive credit card debt and apply for credit sparingly. Lather, rinse, repeat.”

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When planning for retirement, Social Security is an important factor to consider. But simply claiming without a strategy could be a mistake.
Here are six steps you can take to potentially increase your Social Security benefits.

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1. Work longer to raise lifetime earnings
The Social Security Administration reviews your 35 highest-earning years to determine how much you will receive in benefits. Typically, people’s earnings go up as they get older and move into senior positions. That means if you work into your 50s and 60s, your highest earning years will replace some of the lower-earning years you had when you were just getting started, potentially increasing your earnings.
2. Tap retirement savings accounts
The longer you wait to receive Social Security benefits until age 70, the more you can receive. That’s why many people use the “bridge strategy,” which entails using their retirement savings and investments before they claim Social Security.
Making these withdrawals can allow you to wait longer to get your benefits, increasing your lifetime income.
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3. Increase your current income
The more income you earn, the more you can receive in Social Security. If you can get a raise, higher-paying job or side gig to increase your income, you can also increase your future Social Security payouts.
4. Strategize with your spouse
Social Security gets a bit more complicated if you are planning with your spouse when to claim your money. If you both wait until age 70, you can both get the largest possible benefits.
But if you need extra money now, the spouse with lower lifetime earnings can tap into Social Security. That way, you can get by until the spouse with a higher lifetime income turns 70 and can take the higher payout.
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5. Leverage catch-up contributions
Leveraging catch-up contributions throughout your 50s can result in a larger nest egg and tax-deferred growth if you use traditional accounts. You can then withdraw from your 401(k) and individual retirement account (IRA) plans before claiming Social Security. If you can live off the nest egg for a few years, you will give your Social Security benefits more time to grow.
Catch-up contributions are additional contributions people over age 50 are allowed by the IRS to make to 401(k)s and IRAs.
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6. Check your Social Security record for errors
It’s possible for the Social Security Administration to make mistakes when gathering your previous income and calculating your benefit. Detecting these errors can result in you receiving the correct — and maybe a higher — benefit. You can check your history for any errors by logging into your “My Social Security” account on Social Security’s website, and report any mistakes directly to the Social Security Administration.

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It’s important to have a financial plan at any stage in life, but when you’re nearing retirement, it’s extra critical to get your money in order. It’s also crucial to avoid financial planning mistakes that could be detrimental to your long-term goals.
Popular personal finance guru Dave Ramsey, known for his aversion to debt and focus on budgeting, has offered a lot of advice over the years on how to set yourself up for success once you’re in your 50s. Here are three mistakes he says to avoid when you’re planning to retire.

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1. Retiring with debt
Ramsey emphasizes that leaving your career while you still have debt could be a big mistake. He suggests paying off your mortgage, car loans, credit cards and other types of debt before retiring. While a nest egg may make debt feel manageable, a medical bill or another surprise expense could put you in a position where you become late on your debt payments.
Ramsey recommends attacking debt with intensity before stepping into retirement. That way, you also have time to let your money accumulate before retiring. Those extra few years of asset gains can give you more flexibility when you retire so you don’t have to feel strapped and can spend on what you enjoy.
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2. Living without a budget
Creating and maintaining a budget isn’t just a solid financial move for people who are thinking about retirement. It can help you keep your spending in line with your expenses and goals no matter your age — and doing that can help ensure you save enough for retirement.
People who don’t budget can end up overspending on housing, cars and more. Some people buy larger homes than they can afford or opt for a luxury car when a used vehicle makes more sense for their long-term financial goals.
Ramsey views budgeting as “permission to spend” rather than a punishment. Once you take care of key expenses, make debt payments and invest some of your money, the remaining cash can go toward guilt-free spending.
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3. Overestimating Social Security
Social Security is a retirement safety net, but it won’t necessarily offer enough money to cover all your expenses. Some people underestimate their monthly costs and quickly find that Social Security isn’t enough to cover their essentials. And remember that taking Social Security as soon as you’re allowed to can reduce your benefits compared to prolonging your payments, which increases your payment amounts.
Ramsey advises savers not to solely rely on Social Security for their retirement years. As costs of living rise — and health care costs in particular balloon — it’s important to build a nest egg that can help cover your living expenses and retirement goals, like traveling. That way, Social Security provides additional funds as opposed to being the cornerstone of funding your lifestyle.
Aspiring retirees shouldn’t just focus on when they can retire. They should also consider how they can retire, and calculate just how much money they’ll need as costs increase.
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Leaving your job and heading into retirement is exciting. But it can also be scary — especially if you still have debt to pay off. Retirees are contending with rising costs of living and the need to make their money last, and monthly debt payments can take a significant bite out of your sayings.
But it’s not too late to aggressively pay off your debt, and it’s especially important to do so with high-interest debt, like from credit cards. Personal financial guru Dave Ramsey has offered tons of advice over the years about how to become debt-free, and people over 50 who are nearing retirement can use his playbook to prepare themselves for what’s next.

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1. Adjust your lifestyle
Freezing new borrowing is a top priority. That may mean adjusting your lifestyle so that you no longer rely on borrowing to fund your purchases. For example, if you tend to rack up a credit card bill that you can’t always pay off from dining out, it’s time to meal prep and cook at home.
You also need to pay off your existing debts — and doing so may mean making a few more lifestyle changes. Maybe you can swap a high-end vacation this year for a weekend stay at a nearby vacation spot during the offseason. That way, you can use the extra savings to help pay off your debt. Review all your non-essential spending and see what you can cut. Then, review what you spend on essentials (think groceries, gas and utilities) and see if there are ways to shop around or negotiate costs with providers so you can spend less.
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Making lifestyle adjustments isn’t just about saying no to certain things. You can also consider picking up a side hustle or semi-retiring with a part-time job for a few years before you fully retire. People in their 50s don’t have as much time for wealth to compound as young adults do, so it’s more urgent for them to aggressively trim debt.
2. Build a budget
Budgeting can help you track your expenses and make sure you aren’t overspending. You can use a budgeting app like Monarch or YNAB, or simply create a spreadsheet or write down your budget. This can allow you to designate a certain amount of money to your debt payments, and helps limit how much you spend on non-essentials.
Note that financial advisors tend to recommend having an emergency fund that can cover three to six months’ worth of your living expenses. That way, you don’t have to borrow money and fall back into that trap if you end up with a surprise expense.
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3. Choose a debt strategy
Next it’s time to choose how you’ll attack your debt. The debt avalanche strategy entails paying off high-interest balances first and minimizing how much interest you pay in the long run. People who follow this method usually prioritize credit card debt since it is more expensive than most debt balances. Then, you tackle the debt with the second-lowest interest rate, then the third-lowest, and so on.
Another option is the snowball method, which involves paying off your smallest balance first, regardless of the interest rate. This strategy lets you build momentum, which can motivate you to stick with your plan.
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