Money Management

Costco offers affordable groceries, but you can save even more. Check out one trick to make ground beef even cheaper. [[{“value”:”

Costco can be a great place to buy groceries while keeping a little bit of extra money in your bank account. The warehouse club offers discounted prices on many items if you buy in bulk, allowing you to spend less — especially if you opt for store-brand Kirkland products.

But if you’re knowledgeable about a few little tricks, you can keep your credit card bills even lower than the typical Costco shopper. For example, there’s a great way to get ground beef for truly rock bottom prices. Here’s what it is.

Try this to get reduced-price ground beef at your local Costco

Costco prices can vary by location, but the warehouse club typically sells ground beef for somewhere around $3.49 per pound to $3.99 per pound. But you don’t have to pay that much.

If you want to get the absolute best price on Costco ground beef, there’s a trick. Simply ask your butcher for the ground beef chub. This item isn’t sold on store shelves, so you may not be familiar with it. It’s basically a huge 10-pound log of ground beef in a long, skinny package.

The ground beef chub is cheaper than the regular meat you’ll find in the butcher’s case. Again, the price can vary by location but it typically runs somewhere between $2.99 and $3.29 per pound. Since you’re buying a good amount of it, that savings-per-pound can add up. If you save $0.40 per pound and you’re buying a 10-pound supply, you’re getting $4 off your ground beef!

Now, the chubs are between 92% and 95% lean, while ground beef used to make burgers is typically around 80% lean meat and 20% fat. For most things you make, opting for the leaner meat isn’t going to make much of a difference in taste — but saving that extra money can make a big difference in your credit card balance.

Check out the ground beef chubs next time you’re at Costco

If you’re a ground beef eater, be sure to try this trick the next time you visit your local Costco. It’s just a simple matter of asking the butcher directly if you can buy the chub instead of the other meat that’s available.

Of course, 10 pounds of ground beef can be a lot. But you can package it into freezer-safe plastic bags and freeze it in smaller one or two pound portions so you can take it out as needed and avoid waste. You may also want to consider splitting the log of meat with friends or family if your household will take a long time to go through that much ground beef.

The good news is, frozen ground beef usually keeps well in the freezer for around three to four months. Over that time, most people can use up a 10-pound supply. Just be sure you’re one of them before you try this trick. Otherwise you could end up wasting money on ground beef that just gets thrown in the trash — and that’s not a good way to save.

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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.Christy Bieber has positions in Visa. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Booking a cruise through the Delta Cruises portal could earn you more miles. Find out how to earn double Delta miles on select cruise bookings in March 2024. [[{“value”:”

If you’ve been considering booking a cruise, Delta has a bonus miles promotion that may motivate you to start planning your next adventure. Now through March 31, 2024, travelers can earn 4 Delta SkyMiles per $1 spent on select cruise sailings when booking through Delta Cruises. If you plan to set sail on an upcoming vacation, this promotion could be an excellent opportunity to earn more SkyMiles. Here’s what you need to know about this deal.

How to earn double Delta miles on your next cruise booking

Delta is running a bonus miles promotion for travelers who book eligible cruises throughout March. Now, through the end of the month, you can earn 4 miles per $1 on select balcony and suite cruise bookings made with Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.

This deal applies to sailings departing through Dec. 31, 2025. To qualify for this offer, you must book an eligible cruise through Delta Cruises. Eligible cruise dollars include the base cruise rate when booking, excluding port charges, port expenses, taxes, gratuities, room service, and travel protection.

Miles are awarded to one passenger per cruise booking. Keep in mind that only select balcony and suite bookings qualify. Ensure that a particular cruise and booking qualifies for this offer before you make a reservation.

If you book non-qualifying cruises, you’ll earn only 2 miles per $1. You must provide your Delta SkyMiles number before embarkation. Travelers should allow six to eight weeks after cruising for miles to post to their Delta SkyMiles accounts.

Typically, travelers earn 2 Delta SkyMiles per $1 on cruises booked through Delta Cruises. This limited-time promotion provides double the rewards opportunity. If you love cruises or have been meaning to try one, taking advantage of this promotion may be worthwhile.

Prepare for all cruise costs before you set sail

When planning a cruise vacation, ensure you’re aware of all the costs involved. The advertised cruise price may not include taxes and port fees, which can drive up the cost of your adventure. Additional costs may also be associated with the cruise, like a daily fee for gratuities.

You should also set aside money in your savings account for additional expenses like flight costs. Unless you live near the departure port or within a short driving distance, you should prepare for additional transit and accommodation costs.

Finally, budgeting for additional activities and excursions is wise. You’re not required to participate in excursions, but they can enhance your trip experience. Before you depart, research activity and excursion costs so you can outline a realistic vacation budget.

Boost your rewards with a rewards credit card

Earning double Delta SkyMiles by booking an eligible cruise through Delta Cruises is a great way to earn more rewards. But there are other ways to get rewarded for your travel spending.

Using a rewards credit card at checkout is an easy way to boost your rewards when booking vacations. Many travelers use travel rewards credit cards to maximize the rewards they earn. If you frequently fly with Delta, you can pay with a Delta credit card to earn Delta SkyMiles faster.

Booking an eligible cruise through Delta Cruises and using your airline credit card could allow you to maximize your rewards potential. Review our list of the best Delta credit cards to learn how each card earns rewards.

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 a disclosure policy.

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Your Costco membership doesn’t just help you save money on groceries. See how to get Costco discounts on luxury items and high-end goods. [[{“value”:”

Costco is not just a great place to buy bulk grocery items or shockingly low-priced rotisserie chicken. A Costco membership can also help you save money on higher-priced luxury items and household goods like appliances, furniture, electronics, vacations, and even new cars.

One of the most fun aspects of being a Costco member is going on Costco “treasure hunts” — where you wander the aisles and find exciting deals on high-end merchandise. When you see how much you can save on these big-ticket items compared to a typical retail price, Costco’s affordable luxuries can more than make up for the price of your Costco membership.

Let’s look at a few of the latest affordable luxury Costco finds.

(Note: All prices listed are for online purchases as of Feb. 20, 2024 and were available for my nearest Costco warehouse in West Des Moines, Iowa. Prices may vary based on location.)

1. Sekkisei: Luxury skin care from Japan

Sekkisei is a Japanese luxury skin care brand that uses Asian herbal remedies to help improve skin complexion and moisturization. Costco members can use the Costco Next program to buy high-end products directly from Sekkisei and other partner brands, with special members-only discounts.

I logged in to Costco Next with my Costco membership. Sekkisei offers its Best Skincare Bundle, which includes Sekkisei Enriched Lotion and Sekkisei Enriched Emulsion (moisturizer), for $84.99 (special pricing for Costco members). This is a good deal compared to the usual price of $98 for both products sold separately on the Sekkisei website.

Costco savings: $13.01

2. Priority Bicycles: Low-maintenance bikes that are fun to ride

The past few years of the pandemic saw a surge of interest in riding bicycles, and commuting by bike is becoming more popular. But do you ever feel like too many bikes are overly complicated, with too many gear-shifters and exposed bike chains and hard-to-use bike pumps?

Priority Bicycles offer smartly designed, fun-to-ride bikes that don’t require a lot of fussy equipment or extra maintenance. If you want a bike for adults that brings back some of the thrill of being a kid again, this could be another must-have affordable luxury from Costco.

The Costco Next program offers special pricing of $549 for a Priority Coast 3-speed cruiser bike. It’s rust-resistant and built for all kinds of wet weather conditions. And this Costco members-only price is a significant discount from the usual price of $649 on the Priority Bicycles website. (Exact pricing depends on which model of bike, features, and color you choose. But this was a fairly even comparison of two 3-speed bikes.)

Costco savings: $100

3. Travelpro® Luggage: Elevate your luggage for elegant travel

If you’re trying to travel more often in 2024, it might be time to upgrade your luggage. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just getting started with airline credit cards, a better carryon bag can make your packing, plane-boarding and deplaning experience a little smoother and more enjoyable.

The Travelpro® Roundtrip® set of hardsided luggage gives you a medium-sized checked bag, and a carry-on sized bag. Both pieces are made with lightweight 100% polycarbonate shells that flex on impact, with clean lines and elegant design. Both bags include zippered expansion options for up to two inches of additional packing capacity.

The 360-degree rotating spinner wheels make the bags easy to move in any direction. And you can choose from a range of standard or more creative colors, from Ash Lilac to White to Gunmetal Gray, that make your bags easier to spot on the luggage carousel.

Costco members can use Costco Next to get a special price of $249 on the Travelpro Roundtrip Carry-on/Medium Check-in Hardside Set. This is a good discount compared to the Travelpro website price of $329.99.

Costco savings: $80.99

4. LG 31 cubic foot French Door Refrigerator: Enjoy iced coffee every day

In 2022, my family bought a new refrigerator, and for the first time in my adult life, I had what I consider to be the height of luxury: a built-in ice dispenser, right there in the door of the fridge. Join me in the lap of luxury, and have iced coffee whenever you want. Even in the depths of winter when it’s too cold to have iced coffee: let’s keep sipping that cold coffee through clenched, shivering teeth.

Costco offers an LG 31 cubic foot Standard Depth MAX French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker for $1,799.99. This price includes a $700 savings and is valid through Feb. 28, 2024. The same model of refrigerator is available on the LG website for $1,998.99.

Costco savings: $199

Bottom line

Shopping at Costco can be good for your personal finances, whether you’re saving money on groceries or getting special members-only discounts on high-end merchandise. If you bought all the items on this list, you’d save a total of $393.

These high-end items from Costco can help you get a dose of affordable luxury in your life. Whether you want to improve your skin care regimen, bring back the joy of everyday bike riding, elevate your carry-on bag, or get ice directly from your refrigerator, it’s all possible at Costco.

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

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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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Car insurance premiums have been on the rise. Learn about the smart way that some drivers, millennials in particular, are keeping their costs down. [[{“value”:”

If you have a car, you need auto insurance. It’s an important financial protection, but it’s also one that has been getting much more expensive. The cost of car insurance went up by 20.6% in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But there are ways you can put your insurance premiums in reverse. One of the best options is also one of the most underutilized: shopping around for a new policy. Most drivers don’t do this often, but millennial drivers are the exception.

Millennials shop around for car insurance more than any other generation

It’s a good idea to shop around for car insurance at least once a year. Only 26% of drivers do this, according to a recent car insurance survey by The Motley Fool Ascent. More than half (52%) say that they do it rarely or never.

Millennials are far more likely to compare their insurance options regularly. More than 4 in 10 (42%) said they shop for car insurance annually, and another 21% said they do so every two or three years. Here’s how many people in other generations said they shop for car insurance every year:

Generation Z: 19%Generation X: 24%Baby boomers: 19%

The importance of rate shopping

When it comes to car insurance, loyalty doesn’t pay. In fact, it often works against you. In many states, car insurance companies are allowed to conduct price optimization. If they don’t expect you to comparison shop, based on the data they have about you, then they may charge you higher rates.

Even if you live in a state that doesn’t allow price optimization, it’s still smart to shop around for insurance every year. That’s the only way to know if you’re getting the best car insurance rates.

Most drivers who switch insurance carriers are likely to save at least some money, according to research by the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) in Texas. Those who have been with the same carrier the longest tend to save the most. OPIC also found that drivers who had been with their carriers for eight years could save 19% by switching.

You also have nothing to lose. If your current policy turns out to be the best deal, you can keep it. You won’t have to worry about paying a higher rate due to price optimization, either, as your carrier will know that you’re the type to shop around.

How to shop for a new auto insurance policy

There are a few ways to get car insurance quotes. The most convenient option is a car insurance comparison tool. You provide some basic information, including your age, location, and details about your car. Then you’ll see quotes from different auto insurance providers.

That’s a good way to quickly pull up quotes from lots of companies. You could also pick out a few car insurance companies you’re interested in, and then go to their websites for quotes. This can work well if you’re looking for a specific type of car insurance, such as:

High-risk car insuranceCar insurance for military and veteransCar insurance for young driversCar insurance for drivers with poor credit

With online car insurance quotes, you can rate shop in a matter of minutes. Make sure to do this at least once a year to look for opportunities to save.

You should also do this after any life events that could impact your insurance rates. For example, if you recently improved your credit score, you may qualify for lower premiums. The same is true if you switched to remote work and aren’t driving as much. By rate shopping after big life events, you can ensure you’re not overpaying and that you have the coverage you need.

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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Does your favorite furry companion have expensive taste? Don’t let the cost of pet food get you down. Find out how to save money on expensive pet food. [[{“value”:”

As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to give your fuzzy and non-fuzzy pets plenty of love and care. Many pet owners invest in expensive pet food for their pals. However, the high cost of these foods can make owning a pet considerably more expensive.

If you prefer treating your furry best friend to high-quality pet food, there may be ways to save money on this essential expense. I’ll share a few strategies to help you get expensive pet food for less.

1. Compare pricing for alternatives

Your furry pal may be eating a specific type of food because of dietary restrictions or health concerns. But there may be more affordable food solutions available. You could save on pet food costs by switching to an alternative product or brand. Talk to your vet and compare ingredients and pricing for other premium pet food options to see if you can save by switching.

2. Enroll in an auto-delivery subscription

Another way to save money on the cost of expensive pet food is by enrolling in an auto-delivery subscription through an online pet supply store. Chewy, PetSmart, and Petco are examples of companies that offer autoship delivery subscriptions.

Enrolling in this service could save you 5% on pet food costs. That may not sound like a lot, but any amount saved can benefit your bank account. In addition to saving money, auto-ship services can ensure you always have enough pet food on hand to feed your furry companion.

3. Buy in bulk

If you belong to a warehouse club like Sam’s Club or Costco, you may want to see if you can get your preferred pet food or a similar alternative at your local club. You could get a better deal by purchasing pet food in bulk. Not yet a member? Before joining a nearby warehouse club, browse the company’s website to see what kind of pet food products it sells.

4. Pay attention to sales

You can keep more money in the bank when stocking up on expensive pet food by shopping during sales. Review sales flyers for your favorite pet supply retailers before your next restock.

If you time out your next purchase, you can take advantage of a promotion that results in significant savings. If you’re shopping online, don’t ignore coupon codes. Using one of the best coupon apps could help you get an even better deal when you place your order.

5. Use your pet insurance benefits

If you have pet insurance for your furry pal, review your policy details to see if your insurer will reimburse you for food costs. Most insurers don’t reimburse for regular pet food costs.

However, some pet insurance companies offer wellness plans as an add-on to their insurance products. If you have a wellness plan like this, your insurer may provide reimbursement for eligible prescription pet foods. This could be beneficial if your pet requires expensive prescription food for allergies or other health concerns.

If you have this kind of coverage, there may be annual coverage limits, and your pet will likely need to meet specific health conditions to qualify for reimbursement. It’s a good idea to carefully review your pet insurance coverage terms so you know what to expect.

Look for ways to keep more money in your pocket

Life is expensive. Everyday essentials are getting more costly – including pet food. But if you’re strategic, you can find ways to save money when you purchase your pet’s favorite food. Every dollar you save by getting a discount or deal is a win for your personal finances.

Our picks for the best credit cards

Our experts vetted the most popular offers to land on the select picks that are worthy of a spot in your wallet. These best-in-class cards pack in rich perks, such as big sign-up bonuses, long 0% intro APR offers, and robust rewards. Get started today with our recommended credit cards.

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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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