This Week’s Money Map:

• 💰 Have you heard about this multi-million-dollar treasure hunt? (This is going viral!)

• 💳 Credit card points palooza (part I): Big wins with sign-up bonuses

• 😎 Money hacks (part I): Legal money hacks your bank hopes you'll never discover

• 💸 Boost your returns: Make the most of high interest rates

• 💵 HELOC today, peace of mind tomorrow

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💰 Have you heard about this multi-million-dollar treasure hunt? (This is going viral!)

A wealthy adventurer and crypto investor named John Collins-Black has buried five treasure chests across the United States, each containing treasure with a combined value of MILLIONS of dollars.

But the loot isn’t just cash — it’s a smorgasbord of high-value goodies: gold coins, a 96-carat emerald, a diamond brooch from Jackie Onassis and even Bitcoin. The catch? You need to decipher cryptic clues in his newly released book to find these hidden riches. It’s like The Da Vinci Code meets National Treasure, with a real-life payday at the end.

Thousands are buying the book and none of the treasures have been found yet.

Are you up for the adventure? Imagine trekking through forests, exploring hidden corners of the country and experiencing the thrill of chasing something extraordinary. For some, it’s the journey — not just the jackpot — that makes this hunt irresistible.

But if treasure hunting isn’t your thing, don’t worry — building your financial future is its own adventure.

Saving, investing and budgeting doesn’t have a map, but Smart Cents by MoneyGeek is here to help you find your path. Whether chasing a literal chest of gold or just trying to grow your financial nest egg, the excitement lies in taking that first step.  

So, what’s your treasure? An epic road trip or a rock-solid financial plan? Maybe both.

💳 Credit card points palooza (part I): Big wins with sign-up bonuses

Sign-up bonuses are your ticket to racking up points fast. Earning a million points? Doable! Many cards offer 50,000 to 100,000+ points for meeting spending thresholds within a few months. But here’s the catch — not all bonuses are created equal.

Choose cards with flexible points — like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards — for maximum value. These cards let you transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners, stretching your rewards farther.

How to Choose the Right Card for Sign-Up Bonuses:

1. Look for Cards With High Bonuses: Sign-up bonuses fluctuate, so look out for a limited-time offer. Typically, look for cards with at least a 50,000-point bonus or more.

2. Consider Flexibility: Cards with transferable points let you redeem with airlines and hotels, often making your points go farther.

3. Timing Is Key: Got a big purchase coming up? Use it to hit a new card’s spending requirement and snag the bonus — no extra spending needed!

4. Space Out Applications: Don’t sign up for multiple cards at once. Stagger them for at least 60 days. Set up autopay to avoid interest charges and keep your points' value intact.

Opening more credit cards can cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score. But over time, responsible use can boost it. The key? Pay on time, keep balances low and space out new applications. Read more tips on how credit card points work.

😎 Money hacks (part I): Legal money hacks your bank hopes you'll never discover

Have you ever wondered why some people magically multiply their money while you're still checking your couch cushions for spare change? It might be because of some money moves that financial institutions prefer to keep quiet about.

First up: The "Credit Card Surfing" strategy. Americans leave an average of $747 on the table by not maximizing credit card rewards. Here's the hack: Sign up for cards with hefty welcome bonuses (we're talking 100,000+ points), meet the minimum spend using regular expenses, then rinse and repeat. Chase Sapphire Preferred's current bonus alone equals roughly $750 in travel value.

Next, the "Digital Bank Bonus Bonanza." In 2024, online banks are desperately competing for customers. Capital One's offering up to $400 for new checking accounts, while SoFi's dishing out $250. Pro tip: You can legally claim multiple bank bonuses yearly, earning $2,000+ just for moving your money around.

The "Lazy Money Multiplication" technique is gaining traction. With high-yield savings accounts now offering up to 5.25% APY (as of March 2024), parking $10,000 in these accounts instead of traditional banks (0.46% average) means an extra $479 annually – for doing absolutely nothing.

Here's a lesser-known gem: the "IRS Loophole." The Saver's Credit allows eligible individuals to claim up to $1,000 ($2,000 if married) just for contributing to retirement accounts. Yet, according to recent IRS data, only 5% of eligible Americans claim it.

Start making your money work harder for you today. Pick one of these strategies and take action now—remember, small steps can eventually add up to big results.

💸 Boost your returns: Make the most of high interest rates

Despite short-term interest rates from the Fed, interest rates remain high. And although that’s a headache for borrowers, it’s a golden opportunity for savers.

Compound interest is a great tool to grow your wealth. Although the following investments generally yield lower returns than long-term stock market strategies, they are lower risk and less volatile. 

Open a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA)
High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are offering jaw-dropping rates — some over 4%! These are perfect for building your emergency fund while earning solid returns. Compare options to snag the best rate.

Explore Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
CDs offer competitive rates for locking in your money for a set term, often six to 12 months. Pro tip: Use a CD ladder to balance flexibility and returns.

Consider Treasury Notes With Higher Rates
Treasury notes are interest-bearing investments with two- to 10-year terms that are backed by the U.S. government. They’re a good choice if you want safety with solid returns as longer-term maturity rates remain high.

Max Out Employer-Sponsored Accounts
Take advantage of higher interest rates in your 401(k) or other retirement accounts. Compound growth + higher returns = big wins over time.

Keep Your Debt in Check
If you carry variable-rate debt, consider refinancing to a fixed rate before interest hikes eat away at your budget.

Don’t let this high-rate window pass you by. Make your money grow smarter, not harder. For more savvy strategies, check out MoneyGeek’s guide to investing. Your future self will thank you!

💵 HELOC today, peace of mind tomorrow

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit secured by your home's equity that lets you borrow funds as needed up to an approved limit. A HELOC can help with emergencies, home renovations or investing. But the best time to get one is actually before you need it. Sounds counterintuitive, but here’s why it makes sense: 

Timing Matters
Lenders love stability. They’ll offer better terms when your income is steady, your credit score shines and your home equity is solid. If you wait until you’re scrambling for cash, you’ll face tougher approval odds — or higher rates. 

Flexibility = Financial Freedom
What makes HELOCs so great? A HELOC works like a credit card but with lower interest rates. You can borrow only what you need, repay it and borrow again within your draw period. Having options takes some of the stress out of being in a financial pinch.

Steps to Secure Your HELOC

1. Check your credit score — aim for 680 or higher.

2. Calculate your home equity — lenders typically require 15–20% equity.

3. Compare lenders to find the best terms.

4. Get approved.

Plan and Sleep Easy
Don’t let a financial emergency catch you off guard. Explore MoneyGeek’s HELOC guide to understand the benefits and take charge of your financial future today.

Smart Cents gives you actionable tips and mindset shifts to help you reach your financial happy place. Thanks for being a part of our community.

The MoneyGeek Team

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