Personal Finance Tips — 2026-05-15

Key Highlights

Should You Buy Series I Bonds Right Now?

Series I bonds are gaining momentum among savers seeking a safe, inflation-protected place to park their money. With inflation pressures returning, these government-backed savings instruments are drawing fresh scrutiny.

Monarch Money Tops the Mint Replacement List

Following the shutdown of Intuit's Mint app, budgeting users have been searching for alternatives. According to Forbes Advisor's updated 2026 rankings, Monarch Money stands out as the best Mint replacement — offering flexible category budgeting, customizable dashboards, and comprehensive account overviews. YNAB remains a strong contender, though its subscription cost is its biggest drawback.

PCMag's Top-Tested Personal Finance Apps for 2026

PCMag has updated its list of the best personal finance and budgeting apps tested in 2026. The guide helps users quickly access checking account balances, credit scores, and spending data in seconds.

Australia's 2026 Budget Shifts Wealth Strategy Rules

For Australian investors, the 2026 federal budget introduced significant policy changes: a new 30% minimum tax floor on capital gains and trust distributions, and the removal of negative gearing on established properties. These shifts are reshaping property and investment strategies. — Note: This story is behind a paywall and may require a subscription.

NerdWallet: Monarch Money and YNAB Lead 2026 Budget App Rankings

NerdWallet's updated budget app roundup (refreshed this week) confirms that Monarch Money and YNAB both earn top marks from users. Monarch Money is particularly noted for users migrating off Mint, while YNAB's biggest caveat remains its price.

USA Today: Where Did Mint Users Go?

A USA Today report published this week confirms that when Mint shut down, many users tried Credit Karma but found it lacking in budgeting functionality. The majority who wanted budgeting features migrated to apps like Monarch Money.

2 sources

pcmag.com

pcmag.com

forbes.com

forbes.com

Deep Dive

Are Series I Bonds Worth Buying as Inflation Returns?

Series I bonds — savings bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury that earn interest tied to inflation — are back in the conversation. Here's what you need to know:

• How they work: I bonds earn a composite rate made up of a fixed rate (set at purchase) plus an inflation-adjusted rate updated every six months based on CPI data.
• Why now: With inflation heating up again in 2026, the variable component of I bond rates rises, making them more attractive than high-yield savings accounts for some savers.
• Purchase limits: Individuals can buy up to $10,000 per year in electronic I bonds through TreasuryDirect.gov, plus up to $5,000 in paper bonds using a tax refund.
• Liquidity trade-off: You cannot redeem I bonds within the first 12 months. Redeeming before five years costs you the last three months of interest — a key consideration.
• Who they're best for: I bonds are ideal for savers who don't need the money for at least a year and want guaranteed, inflation-protected returns without credit risk.

For most people, I bonds work best as a component of a diversified savings strategy — not a replacement for an emergency fund or equity investments.

This Week's Action

Open a TreasuryDirect account and check the current I bond rate.

If you have cash sitting in a low-yield savings account and won't need it for at least a year, visit to check the current I bond rate (updated every May and November). If the rate beats your high-yield savings account and your timeline fits, consider purchasing up to your annual limit. It takes less than 20 minutes to open an account and make a purchase.