Find out what privatizing Fannie and Freddie might mean for rates, lending rules, and your next move.
The housing market’s already been a rollercoaster these past few years, and now there’s another twist that could shake things up. Bill Ackman, the billionaire hedge fund manager who runs Pershing Square Capital Management, is pushing hard for something that might sound wonky but could hit your wallet: privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, according to a recent report from TheStreet.
How much will you lose and what can you do instead?
Verizon customers who’ve been enjoying the convenience of managing all their streaming subscriptions in one place are about to lose that luxury. The telecom giant announced it’s pulling the plug on its +Play service in July, leaving subscribers scrambling to figure out their next move, according to TheStreet. The +Play Verizon website states that starting July 9, 2025, Verizon will no longer…
Last month, I spent $1,190 on groceries.
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That’s high for our family of four. But we stocked up on wine and hosted a lot last month. Usually, our bill hovers just under $1,000.
Even so, groceries are one of our biggest budget categories. And in this inflation-heavy era, prices just keep creeping up. So we’ve built a routine of stretching every grocery dollar possible.
Here are five ways we save money on groceries without sacrificing quality or going hungry.
The average grocery spend for two people is about $557 per month according to WalletHub. That’s $6,684 per year.
By simply using the right credit card with a high rewards rate for grocery spending, you could earn hundreds back each year.
For example, one top grocery card right now offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year in purchases, then 1%). At the average couple’s spend rate, this perk alone can earn you $360 back per year, without changing any spending habits. Check out all the best gas and grocery credit cards here and start earning the most cash back.
You’ve probably heard this tip before, but making a grocery list (and actually sticking to it!) can make a huge difference.
When I plan our meals for the week, I write my list on a sticky note and bring it to the store. It keeps me on track to only buy what I need.
And the times I don’t make a list? That’s when random bags of chips and $7 craft beers sneak into my cart.
Pro tip: Try shopping online and using curbside pickup. Many grocery stores don’t charge a fee if you meet a minimum spend (eg. $35). That helps you avoid temptations, see your total as you add items to your cart, and remove anything nonessential before checking out.
According to Consumer Reports, many store-brand products match (if not beat) name brands when it comes to taste and quality, often for a much lower price.
How much lower? It depends on the products, but on average you can expect a 20%-25% lower price for store-brand products. Even if you only saved $10 per week, that’s $520 saved over the course of a year. Pair it with a high-yield savings account to earn interest on what you don’t spend.
I know, ditching your go-to brand name can feel weird. But I challenge you to swap just one or two items on your next grocery run. If the store brand flops, no big deal — just switch back.
Let’s be real. Nobody wants to sit at the kitchen table with a pile of flyers and a pair of scissors anymore. Thankfully, you don’t have to.
These days, most grocery stores have their own mobile apps where you can quickly browse digital coupons. Just tap to “clip” the ones you want, and they’re automatically applied at checkout when you scan your loyalty card or phone number.
Another place to check for digital deals is your bank or credit card app. Sometimes you’ll find cash back deals for grocery stores that you can apply to your card before purchases. I recently got a 10% cash back deal for Ralphs (up to $90).
Here’s a weird trick that works wonders for my family… Instead of taking multiple smaller shopping trips, we shoot for fewer, larger ones.
We now shop once every seven to 10 days instead of two or three times a week. Yes, the total bills are higher when we bulk buy. But it totally reduces our impulse spending and food waste, because we’re better at using what we already have.
We also learned how to stretch meals, freeze and reinvent leftovers, and make creative use of stuff in our pantry.
There are plenty of thrifty grocery hacks out there, but these are the five big ones that actually move the needle for me and my ridiculous grocery bill.
You don’t have to do them all. Just try one or two this month and see how it feels. Because every $10 you don’t spend at the store means $10 that stays in your pocket (or goes toward something way more fun!)
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This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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Plan for a summer of fun — and savings — starting now.
No other season on a busy family’s calendar fills up like summer. Camps, hikes, vacations, camping trips, family reunions — there’s hardly a week without an event to look forward to. But summer events can get pricey. That’s why you’ll want to check out these upcoming deals for family fun on a budget. Some offer discounted tickets, food or admission. Others are completely free. Tip: Read each…
Here’s how to navigate Amazon’s marathon shopping event without financial regret.
For the first time since launching Prime Day a decade ago, Amazon is stretching its mega sale to four full days this July, running from July 8 through July 11, CBS News reports. This expanded window doubles the usual 48-hour deal rush, giving shoppers more time to hunt for discounts but also more chances to overspend on things they don’t actually need. Last year alone, more than 200 million…
Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry some form of car insurance. But what happens if you only have the bare minimum coverage and get into an accident? The short answer: It can get expensive fast.
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Minimum coverage might meet your state’s legal requirements, but it rarely covers everything that can go wrong — and you could be left footing a big bill.
Every state sets its own minimum requirements, but most only ask for liability insurance. That means your policy covers damage or injuries you cause to others, not to yourself or your car.
If you’re at fault in an accident, liability insurance can help pay for:
But here’s the catch: If your damages go beyond your coverage limits, you pay the difference out of pocket.
Say you’re at fault in a wreck and the other driver ends up with $85,000 in medical bills. Your state minimum might only cover $25,000 per person. That leaves you on the hook for $60,000 — and that’s before considering damage to their car, your car, or your own injuries.
And if you don’t have the money, they can come after your assets. That could mean wage garnishment, liens, or worse.
You might be able to save hundreds of dollars per year just by switching car insurance — and it only takes a few minutes to find out. Check out this free tool to compare rates from the top insurance companies.
This is where a lot of drivers get caught off guard:
Collision and comprehensive coverage can help protect your car, but those are usually optional add-ons. And while they cost more, skipping them can backfire in a big way.
Minimum auto insurance is cheaper month to month. That makes it tempting if you’re trying to keep expenses low. But it’s not always the smartest play. Even a minor accident can spiral into thousands of dollars in costs. And with medical bills and car prices where they are today, it doesn’t take much to blow past your limits.
If you have minimum coverage, you’re taking a financial gamble. One accident could lead to massive out-of-pocket expenses and long-term money stress. If it’s been a while since you compared quotes, now’s a good time to check. Rates vary more than you’d think — and you might find better coverage for the same (or even less) money.
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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