Here’s how to prepare now, whether you’re planning a home purchase, carrying debt, or boosting savings.
An upcoming inflation report could give the Federal Reserve its clearest signal on whether to shift course on interest rates or hold steady. The stakes are rising for consumers: timing, strategy, and flexibility may matter more now than trying to predict what’s next. The latest Consumer Price Index data may further strengthen the case for cutting rates or delay relief.
Costco’s offer sounds tempting. Before you switch phone plans, here’s what it means — and what to weigh first.
With wireless prices creeping up, some phone users are reconsidering their options. That’s where promotional offers — like a new Costco and T-Mobile deal — come in. Between June 18 and July 20, 2025, Costco members can receive up to $450 per line when switching to T-Mobile and activating a new device on eligible plans, according to Costco Insider’s preview of the retailer’s July Coupon Book.
Is paying for ad-free streaming worth the extra cost?
Amazon Prime Video has more than doubled its commercial time per hour, jumping from about two to three minutes to as much as six, according to a June 2025 report in Adweek based on feedback from advertising industry insiders. For the 180 million-plus members in the U.S. paying $139 a year, this change means a service that once provided nearly ad-free streaming now feels much more like…
Many states ease the property tax burden of residents who are 65 or older.
With age comes certain privileges, including lower property tax bills. More than one-quarter of states offer some type of property tax exemption to those who are 65 or older. A property tax exemption is a specific type of property tax break that reduces the assessed value of your home, which in turn typically lowers your property taxes themselves. Here’s a look at some states that offer…
I used to think paying an annual fee for a credit card was a scam. Why would I shell out $95, $350, or even $695 just for the privilege of using a credit card?
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.
Then I booked a luxury hotel room in Italy with points, breezed through airport security, and chilled in a lounge before my flight — all thanks to the perks that came with my travel card. And just like that, I stopped hating annual fees.
Here are three reasons they’re worth it, and how you can make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Let’s say your card has a $95 or $350 fee. That might sound steep — until you realize what you’re getting in return.
Many travel cards come with benefits that are worth the annual fee several times over. Think:
Even using just one or two of these perks on a single trip could cover the fee. One of my favorite travel cards only charges $95 a year — and the value of the welcome bonus alone more than makes up for the annual fee for the next several years.
Cards with annual fees tend to have better earning rates — which means more free travel, faster.
For example, a no-fee travel card might earn 1.5x points across the board. A $95 card might earn 3x on dining and 2x on travel. A premium card might go even higher and give you bonuses on flights, hotels, groceries, and more.
That adds up fast, especially if you’re using your card for everyday spending. And more points means more trips. Simple as that.
Many top travel cards offer a welcome bonus of 60,000 points or more after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. That’s often worth $750+ in travel — sometimes even $1,000 or more if you use your points strategically.
So if you’re debating whether to pay that $95 or $350 upfront, remember this: You’re getting hundreds in free travel in exchange. It’s a no-brainer if you’re planning a trip in the next year.
Annual fees aren’t something to fear; they’re just part of the equation. If the perks, points, and bonuses you’re getting are worth more than what you’re paying, it’s a win.
I’ve used travel credits to wipe out airline fees, relaxed in airport lounges that felt like mini hotels, and saved thousands of dollars on flights and hotels. And that was only possible because I paid for the right card.
Ready to see which cards offer the most perks for the price? Check out our favorite travel cards here.
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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Your cart isn’t the problem — it’s the sneaky staples bloating your total.
If your grocery receipt feels longer than your list, you’re not imagining it. Food prices have jumped more than 25% since 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and everyday items are now eating up more of your budget. Some of the worst culprits don’t look flashy or luxurious — they’re the familiar products you grab without thinking. These 12 items could be padding your…
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