Money Management

Are you a JetBlue flyer who typically checks a bag? You should expect higher fees the next time you fly with JetBlue. Find out how much you’ll be charged. [[{“value”:”

If you feel like the cost of everything is increasing, you’re not alone. Many everyday living expenses have continued to climb in recent years. But other costs, like travel, may also impact your wallet more this year. JetBlue recently increased checked bag fees for the second time in 2024. Here’s what you should know if you like to fly with JetBlue.

Prepare to pay more for checked bags for peak travel dates

Previously, we discussed how, along with other airlines, JetBlue increased checked bag fees. Unfortunately, JetBlue recently made additional bag fee changes for the second time this year.

The airline now charges different fees depending on whether customers fly during off-peak or peak dates and when they add a checked bag to their reservation. Fees also vary by flight route. These updated fees apply to bookings made on or after March 22, 2024.

Here’s an overview of the checked bag fees you can expect to pay when flying with JetBlue.

Flights within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada

Transatlantic flights

Expect to pay more when flying during these travel dates

Avoiding peak travel dates can be challenging, especially if you have limited flexibility with your vacation schedule. However, traveling during off-peak periods could benefit your checking account balance when checking a bag and flying with JetBlue.

Peak season pricing applies to travelers flying on the following dates:

April 11 through April 29, 2024June 20 through Sept. 3, 2024Nov. 21, through Dec. 2, 2024Dec. 19, 2024 through Jan. 6, 2025Feb. 13, 2025 through Feb. 24, 2025April 3, 2025, through April 28, 2025

Off-peak pricing applies to dates outside of these.

Look for ways to save on bag fees

Some travelers can avoid paying checked bag fees. Some airline credit cards include free checked bag perks, which can be valuable if you find it difficult to pack light.

Another way to save is by adding a checked bag to your reservation well before your flight departure. JetBlue extends a slight discount to flyers who do this. Finally, earning elite status with your favorite airline may make you eligible for complimentary checked bag perks.

But if you cannot avoid these fees, outline a realistic vacation budget before your next trip so you’re prepared and can save enough money before your flight.

Want to earn rewards on your travel spending? Your credit card can help you boost your rewards. Review our list of the best travel rewards credit cards to learn more.

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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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent 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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Insurance rates have increased dramatically since 2020. Discover five things you can do about your rate. [[{“value”:”

If you’re a driver, you’ve undoubtedly noticed a steep increase in the price of auto insurance. CNN reports that there are a couple of reasons for this: weather-related claims and supply chain issues. According to insurers, extreme weather events around the country have led to lower profitability for insurance companies and new, higher prices for consumers — even if they live in a state unaffected by extreme weather. And those supply chain issues that arose during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago have lingered, making it more expensive for companies to pay for repairs.

At this point, the “why” of it all doesn’t matter as much as what you can do about it. Here are five tips to help you combat the rising cost of auto insurance.

1. Don’t believe you’re stuck with your current insurer

No matter how much you might have liked your insurance company in the past or what you think of your agent, periodically checking around for better rates has practically become a necessity. You may be surprised by how much rates vary as you shop for quotes from other insurance carriers.

Many insurers offer online quotes to make it easy to shop. As long as you get quotes for the same level of coverage (or better), you can fairly compare another company’s price with what you’re paying now. You may not even have to speak with a human to switch your policy. But if you prefer to work with a live representative, the best insurance companies offer that option, too.

Finally, don’t assume you’re out of luck if you’re considered a high-risk driver. There are still plenty of companies out there willing to insure you.

2. Pay upfront

Some insurers offer a nice discount if you pay your entire premium upfront. Let’s say you receive a quote for six months of coverage for $600. You can either make monthly payments of $100 (plus a small fee) or pay $600 upfront. If you decide to pay upfront, the average discount hovers around 10%. So now, instead of paying $600, you’ll pay $540.

3. Set up automatic payments

Automatic payments means your insurer won’t worry that you’ll forget to pay every month. Whether you make payments from a checking account, debit card, or credit card, setting up autopay may save you another 5% to 10%.

4. Seek out discounts

Even though they’re raising their rates, insurance companies know they’re also competing for business. That’s one reason why so many offer a wide range of discounts. If you haven’t looked at your current insurer’s discounts lately, now is the time. Here’s a sample of some of the most common discounts:

Safe driverDefensive drivingDriver’s educationLow-mileage drivingGood studentDistant studentBundled coverageMulti-carContinuous coverageNew carVehicle safety featuresMilitaryOnline-only discountPaperless

5. Increase your deductible

A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay before the insurance company kicks in and pays the remainder. Let’s say you have a $1,000 deductible. You’re in an accident, and your vehicle requires $5,000 in repairs. You’re responsible for paying the first $1,000, and your insurance company will pay the rest.

Raise your deductible, and your insurance company will reward you with a lower premium. That’s because the company knows it won’t have to pay out as much in the event of a claim. How much your premium will fall depends on the insurer.

If you can think of about 1,000 things you would rather do with your money than pay for auto insurance, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to bring your premiums under control.

Our best car insurance companies for 2024

Ready to shop for car insurance? Whether you’re focused on price, claims handling, or customer service, we’ve researched insurers nationwide to provide our best-in-class picks for car insurance coverage. Read our free expert review today to get started.

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent 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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Healthcare expenses continue to rise, but a Costco membership could help you keep them at bay. Keep reading to learn how. [[{“value”:”

Costco members know they can boost their personal finances by buying in bulk on household essentials, but many shoppers are likely missing the steep discounts they offer on healthcare expenses.

The price for routine medical care and prescriptions is costly. In fact, roughly half of Americans say they struggle to keep up with their healthcare expenses, according to a study by KFF. And if you are one of the 25.6 million people living without health insurance, these four healthcare perks at Costco can help keep you and your dependents out of debt this year.

1. Optical services

Even with vision insurance, eye care isn’t cheap. My last visit to the eye doctor cost me just under $400 for new frames and lenses, which is more than my monthly grocery budget, and, yes, that was with insurance.

Thankfully, Costco offers affordable exams, glasses, and contact lenses and takes most major insurance plans. Here’s what you can expect in terms of pricing:

Exam: This varies based on location, but you can expect to pay between $60 and $120 without insurance.Glasses: Frames start at $59.99, but the final price will depend on what type of lens you select.Contacts: Costco offers a variety of top name brands as well as a Kirkland Signature daily lens option. A 90-pack is $58.99 but as with most Costco products buying in bulk is where the steep savings are. From now until June 30, 2024, you can save $95 when you purchase eight boxes.

If you prefer the (more affordable) monthly lenses on the other hand, you can get a 12-pack of Acuvue Vita for $86.87, or about $14.48 monthly.

2. Member prescription program

Costco’s member prescription program is a membership benefit that can help members and their dependents get low-priced prescriptions. It’s not insurance, but it can offer those without health insurance huge discounts (up to 80%) on popular medications. It can also be beneficial for those who do have insurance, as it can help you save on drugs not covered under your current plan.

While you’ll typically get the lowest price by shopping in-person at a Costco warehouse, you can also use your membership card to access these discounts online and at other retailers. For cost comparison, I searched for my wife’s thyroid medication (Levothyroxine) and here’s the breakdown:

These are prices without insurance. But even with insurance, we were only paying slightly less (about $10) for the same 90-day supply. So, for the uninsured, Costco’s member prescription program could put your medication on par with what you’d pay with a health insurance plan.

3. Pet medications

I hate taking my cats to the vet. Not only because it’s hard to get them in their carrier, or because I hate seeing them sick, but also because I know I’m going to walk out of there with a huge bill. And no, Costco does not have a veterinary clinic (yet), but it can help you save up to 40% on pet medications.

Next time you take Fido in for a visit, have the veterinarian write out the prescription. Then, take it to the Costco pharmacy or have them send it directly to your nearest Costco. On the flip side, you could also look into pet insurance if you want to try to avoid big veterinary bills altogether.

4. Virtual care providers and therapists

Recently, Costco partnered with Sesame — a healthcare marketplace connecting healthcare providers with consumers — to offer its members special discounts on certain healthcare services, such as the following:

This partnership means Costco members can access same-day virtual appointments with a variety of healthcare professionals. And unlike many insurance plans, there are no hoops to jump through in order to see a specialist. It’s a really great deal, especially if you’re not currently insured.

All in all, if you or your family have been struggling with rising healthcare costs, Costco could help you cut back on your expenses. You might even want to check out the Executive membership, as you can earn 2% cash back on your purchases.

Alert: our top-rated cash back card now has 0% intro APR until 2025

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a lengthy 0% intro APR period, 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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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If you’re borrowing for a big purchase, you might consider a personal loan. Keep reading for the situations where a loan might beat a credit card. [[{“value”:”

If you have to buy something you can’t afford right away, you’ll need to borrow for it. And there are a few ways you can do that. Two common options are a personal loan and a credit card.

Deciding between these two methods of borrowing can sometimes be hard, so here are a few key signs to look out for that suggest a personal loan could be the better choice.

1. You know exactly how much you need to borrow upfront

One of the big benefits of a credit card is that you can borrow money over time, as you need it. For example, you can apply for a card and might be given a $5,000 credit limit. But you don’t have to borrow $5,000. You could borrow $1,000, pay back some of it, borrow some more, pay back some of that, and on and on as long as you didn’t borrow more than $5,000 at any given time.

If your costs are uncertain and will be paid over time, this can give credit cards an edge. For example, if you’re taking on a DIY bathroom remodel over time, you could buy the tile, pay it off, buy the vanity, pay it off, and keep going with the project that way.

If you know upfront exactly how much you need, though, and need the money all at once, a personal loan could work for you. You get the funds distributed as a lump sum and start paying interest right away, so these loans are best when you need the funds distributed all at once and require a precise amount. You can’t just go back and borrow more with a personal loan without applying for a new loan altogether.

2. You’re borrowing a lot of money

When you use a credit card, you get a set limit, such as our $5,000 example above. Most people do not have access to credit cards with $50,000 or $100,000 in available credit (although it is possible for some to have such high limits). But personal loans routinely allow you to borrow these large sums.

If you need a substantial amount of funds, then looking for a personal loan lender that will offer it could be a smarter choice than trying to apply for a credit card that will give you tens of thousands of dollars in credit right away.

3. It’s going to take you a year or longer to pay off the purchase

The average credit card interest rate is 21.47% while the average personal loan interest rate is 12.35%.

Some 0% APR cards allow you to borrow for purchases at 0% for a limited time, such as 12 or 15 months. But if you are going to be paying off your debt for a long time, such as a few years, you’ll spend a long time paying interest at that high credit card interest rate. A personal loan at a more affordable rate could be a better choice in this situation.

4. You tend to make only the payments required of you

Finally, if you tend to make only the required payment, a personal loan is definitely the best option. Credit card minimum payments are usually only around 1.5% to 2.0% of the amount due. Very little of the money you pay each month actually reduces your balance if you make minimum payments alone, so you could be in debt for an extremely long time.

If you use a personal loan, though, the required monthly payments are designed to allow you to pay off the loan in a set time period such as two, three, five, or seven years. So, you’ll know when you’ll be debt free and should get there faster just by paying what’s mandated.

If you spot these signs that a personal loan is your best option, then start shopping around among the best lenders to find one today that’s right for you.

Our picks for the best personal loans

Our team of independent experts pored over the fine print to find the select personal loans that offer competitive rates and low fees. Get started by reviewing our picks for the best personal loans.

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent 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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Some credit card benefits can noticeably improve your life and your vacations. Find out about some of my favorite credit card perks. [[{“value”:”

I love using my credit cards. This may come as a surprise, because cards often get a bad reputation. But if you pay the bill in full from your bank account every month and never carry a balance that you owe interest on, credit cards are really pretty great.

Cards offer some benefits that have improved my life in meaningful ways. Here are four big credit card perks I’d never want to live without, so you can see why I believe cards can be such a good thing.

1. An in-flight incidentals credit

One of my credit cards offers me a $100 credit for “airline incidentals.” This means if I pay for things like picking my seats, checking luggage, or in-flight snacks or wifi, I’m able to get the money I spent back, up to $100 per year.

Because of this card, I don’t feel guilty if I am hungry on the plane and I want to buy the overpriced cheese-and-crackers box — a glorified Lunchable at an obscene price. Or I can opt for the in-flight wifi and pass the time more quickly without getting annoyed at the excess cost.

Sure, I could spend the money for these things anyway — but why pay out of pocket when my card will give them to me? I do pay a $95 annual fee for the card, but between this credit and all of the rewards I earn with it, the fee is more than covered and I get to enjoy in-flight perks without spending my own cash.

If you fly often, like I do, choosing a travel card that offers these perks could make your own flights a lot more pleasant.

2. Airline lounge access

Airline lounge access is one of the single best things my credit card offers to me. I get my lounge access from another credit card in my wallet, which does come with a $595 annual fee. But the other perks the card offers, including money back on GrubHub, Lyft, and car rentals plus free checked bags, make this card more than worth paying for.

The lounge access, though, is life-changing. Instead of having to eat overpriced, bad meals at the airport, I can go to the lounge and fill up for free on slightly more appetizing food offerings. I can find comfortable seating, enjoy free drinks, and actually relax in the time leading up to my flight taking off.

Again, if you are a frequent traveler, a card with airline lounge access is an unbelievably awesome perk. These cards can either be cobranded with airlines or general purpose travel cards, so check out the best credit cards offering lounge access to see if any are right for you.

3. Rewards

It may seem obvious to state that credit card rewards are a great benefit of using a card. But they really are. When you earn rewards and pay off your balance in full so you don’t pay interest, your card issuer is basically giving you free money.

I charge a lot on my cards because I put most bills on them, including my income tax bill. As a result, I earn hundreds of dollars a year in credit card rewards, as well as enough miles for several free airline tickets.

If you can find a card offering generous rewards for your spending, you can make all of your purchases cheaper. Say, for example, you get 2% cash back and you charge $10,000 a year on your credit cards. You’d end up with a free $200. Why pass that up?

4. Purchase protections

Finally, I love the purchase protections my credit cards can offer me. I know if a merchant doesn’t deliver, I can contact my creditor, and it will help me with a chargeback so I’m not out the money. Some cards also offer extended warranties or return protection, so you have even more security in case you’re disappointed by a product.

These are all awesome perks that you can take advantage of — as long as you can use credit cards responsibly. This means charging only what you can afford and paying off the balance monthly. Check out the best credit cards to find one that offers bonus rewards for your spending activities and valuable perks, and start enjoying these benefits today.

Alert: our top-rated cash back card now has 0% intro APR until 2025

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a lengthy 0% intro APR period, 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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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When a meme stock or Bitcoin hits all-time highs, the fear of missing out (FOMO) can cause people to make regrettable choices. See how to invest without fear. [[{“value”:”

Bitcoin recently reached all-time highs. This is exciting news for Bitcoin enthusiasts, and many investors who have not yet bought Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies might feel like they’re missing out on big money. Especially if you have friends who post on social media about their latest big investment moves, or if you read financial news media, “fear of missing out” (FOMO) can be a powerful feeling.

But don’t let FOMO drive your investment decisions. Making investments based on short-term emotions can be bad for your long-term financial gains.

Here are a few reasons why FOMO is a bad reason to buy Bitcoin, stocks, or any other investment.

What goes up…doesn’t always keep going up

Just because a stock, crypto asset, precious metal, or any other type of investment has recently had a big run-up in price, doesn’t mean it’s a good long-term investment. Investment bubbles happen all the time throughout history:

During the Dutch Tulip Craze of the mid-1600s, people in wooden clogs and buckle hats bet their life savings on a single colorful flower bulb.The Japanese stock market bubble burst in 1989, and the Nikkei 225 index just recently passed its 1989 levels — in 2024.Lots of eager home buyers in 2007 (the peak of America’s housing bubble) thought real estate prices in Florida, Arizona, and Nevada would just keep going up forever.

And remember the meme stock craze of 2021? Let’s check in on a few popular meme stocks from 2021 and see how they’re doing as of March 17, 2024:

AMC movie theaters stock (AMC) is down 98% from its 2021 meme stock bubble peakGameStop stock (GME) is down 82% from its 2021 peakHertz car rental stock (HTZ) is down 78% since its 2021 peakBed Bath & Beyond was a popular meme stock for a while in 2021, but it went bankrupt in 2023.

Many popular stocks and “meme coins” can be fun, and some people make a profit on short-term bets — but they don’t turn out to be successful long-term investments. Do you really want to bet your retirement savings on an internet fad?

If you’ve heard about it, the trend is already over

I’ve never been cool, OK? I’m a frugal, responsible middle-aged dad who invests in S&P 500 index funds and buys pants at Costco. But I have studied the theoretical concept of what is considered cool, and here’s what my research shows: Whenever some cool new music scene, fashion trend, or subculture develops, as soon as journalists and investment analysts start talking about it, the cool factor is already done. It’s over now.

Just like the best time to see a Nirvana show was in 1990 before they got too famous, the best time to buy a meme stock or a highly speculative asset is before it gets popular with everyone else. If everyone is talking about your favorite investment category or cult stock, it’s probably time to sell, not buy. Sure, maybe there are still some future gains to be had, but the biggest profits likely already went to the people who bought in earlier than you did. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Do you want to bet that you can not only beat the market but defeat the entire history of the global economy? If so, go for it! But I’m not cool enough for that.

FOMO makes you doubt yourself

I don’t know what it says about human nature, but people hate feeling like their friends are all getting rich while they get left behind. If you’re in a social circle where lots of people talk about how much money they’re making in the stock market or on Bitcoin or on precious metals or whatever the hot investment of the day might be, it can be emotionally painful. “What’s wrong with me?” you might think.

This is an unhealthy, unhelpful way to look at investing. Try not to envy people or compete against your friends. Investing for the future is a marathon, not a sprint; run your own race. Unless you can actually see the brokerage accounts of your friends and you know the full picture of their personal finances — how much debt they have, what their credit scores are, how much income they make — you just never truly know how successful someone else is with money.

Invest with long-term discipline, not short-term emotion

Investing is not gambling. Investing is about managing risks and making long-term decisions based on reasonable expectations about the future. FOMO in investing can put people into a bad headspace where they feel anxious and twitchy, like they absolutely must act now to invest in something, or else they’re throwing away a fortune and ruining their lives.

In truth, the stakes of investing don’t have to be that high. You don’t have to try that hard or make risky bets to build wealth for the future. The S&P 500 index has delivered average annual returns of 10.7% for the past 30 years. If you just keep building a diversified portfolio of stocks month after month with every paycheck, hopefully for many years, you’re likely to save and invest enough money for a comfortable retirement. You don’t have to beat the market, or beat anyone!

Bottom line

Some people love picking individual stocks or trying alternative asset classes like crypto or precious metals. There’s nothing wrong with learning about investing and doing your own thing. But make sure you understand why you’re putting your hard-earned money into these investments — ideally based on research and reasonable expectations — and try not to live in fear.

Alert: our top-rated cash back card now has 0% intro APR until 2025

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a lengthy 0% intro APR period, 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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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