Money Management

Staying on Walt Disney World Property can be expensive. But is the extra cost justified? Find out here. [[{“value”:”

You can expect to pay significantly more to stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel than you would at a comparable off-property hotel. But you might be surprised at just how much of a difference we’re talking about. Here’s a closer look, as well as information about the perks of staying at a Disney hotel.

How much more do Disney hotels cost?

Disney splits its hotels into three different main categories — value-priced resorts, moderately-priced resorts, and deluxe resorts. There are also studios and villas available at some of its resorts that are popular among larger families. According to OrlandoParksGuy.com, the typical value-priced Disney resort, which includes the popular “All Star” series of resorts, costs $220 to $265 per night for a standard room. Moderately priced resorts, which include Disney’s Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Resorts, range from $268 to $505, on average. And you can expect a room at a Disney deluxe resort to set you back $409 to $779 per night at properties like the Beach Club Resort and well-known Grand Floridian Resort.

Of course, these are just averages and the prices can vary dramatically based on the time of year you go and which resort you choose. And if you were curious, average rates for one- and two-bedroom villas at Disney resort hotels start at $643 and $928 per night, respectively.

For comparison, the median hotel price out of 750 Orlando-area hotels is $151 per night, according to travel website Budget Your Trip. And the analysis found that more than 200 of the 750 hotels have average daily rates of $101 or less. Plus, the average price of a luxury hotel (which are comparable to Disney deluxe resorts) is $358 for Orlando as a whole.

Benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World hotel

There are some obvious advantages to staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, such as being closer to the theme parks. But there are some other key advantages that are important to know as well:

Extra time in the parks: While staying at a Disney resort hotel, you can enter all four Walt Disney World theme parks 30 minutes before they open to the public, and guests of certain hotels can stay after the parks’ normal closing time on select nights.Disney dining plans: On-property guests can add prepaid meal plans to a Disney resort hotel package.Disney transportation: Guests at Disney hotels can use Disney’s buses, boats, and monorails to get to the parks, as well as the Disney Skyliner, which serves certain resort hotels.Free parking: Resort guests get free standard parking at all the Disney World theme parks and water parks. This typically costs $30 per day at the theme parks.

There is also special financing available for Disney vacations (including resort hotel stays) if you have one of the Disney credit cards.

Should you pay the extra money or use it elsewhere?

There is no perfect answer for everyone, and judging by the fact that most Walt Disney World hotels are sold out (or close to it) much of the year, there are plenty of vacationers that find value in staying on Disney property. The best move for you depends on your travel budget, personal financial situation, and how important the benefits listed above are to you. For example, the additional early morning hours can be great if you want to get on a popular ride before the park opens to the public, but if you prefer to sleep in on vacation, this perk isn’t very valuable to you at all.

The bottom line is that there are pros and cons to staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. My family has annual passes to Walt Disney World and we’ve done it both ways and found solid arguments in favor of each one.

In addition to the cost savings of staying off-property, you can also choose to stay in a location convenient to other Orlando-area attractions, and could get more space than you’d find in an on-property accommodation. I can tell you firsthand that a four-bedroom Airbnb in a nice resort close to the parks comes with a very reasonable price, while the same amount of space at a Disney resort would cost you more than a nice used car.

So, the best course of action to decide is to compare prices for the dates you’re going and weigh the value of the benefits versus the additional cost.

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Having pet insurance doesn’t mean you’ll spend $0 on care for your animal. Far from it. Read on to learn more. [[{“value”:”

A few months ago, I made what I can only call a rookie dog owner mistake (which is a bit sad, given that I’ve owned dogs for many years). I left a plate of cooked chicken on the bone out on my counter unattended. And sure enough, my meat-loving dog pounced on it, devouring its contents in under a minute.

The chicken itself wasn’t a problem. But swallowing cooked bones can be really bad news for dogs. The bone pieces can splinter and cause bowel perforations, among other problems. So once I realized my mistake, off to the emergency vet we went.

After several hours of waiting and a detailed X-ray, the vet determined that my dog would probably be okay to pass the bones through his digestive system without surgery, which would’ve been risky and costly. Needless to say, I was relieved.

On the way out, I was given instructions for my dog’s care (a special diet to help pass the bones through his system) and swiped my credit card to the tune of $500. The clinic was also kind enough to take down my pet insurance details and submit a claim to the company on my behalf, thereby sparing me the paperwork.

Weeks later, I got a check from my insurer for $250. But clearly, that was only 50% of my total bill. And there’s a reason for that.

Don’t forget your deductible

If you have health insurance, auto insurance, or homeowners insurance, you may be familiar with the concept of the deductible. It’s a sum of money you have to pay before your insurer covers the cost of your care.

My pet insurance policy comes with a $250 deductible. Because of that, I had to pay for half of my dog’s $500 treatment, while my insurer covered the remaining half.

Now a deductible of that amount isn’t so unusual. Nationwide, a major pet insurer, says that most pet owners choose a policy with a $250 annual deductible.

But when I paid my bill at the clinic, I wasn’t thinking about my insurance deductible. So I was expecting to be reimbursed the full $500 I paid, and it was a bummer once I realized that wasn’t going to be the case.

Always have money in savings

The good news in all of this (aside from my dog being okay, of course) is that I had $250 sitting in my savings account to cover my share of my pet’s care. I didn’t have to carry a credit card balance forward and pay it off over time.

In fact, even with pet insurance, I always make a point to have money in savings for dog-related emergencies because deductibles aside, it’s possible to encounter a situation where your insurer won’t pay for 100% of the medical bills you incur. And if you have pet insurance, I suggest you do the same.

At the very least, set aside enough money to cover your full deductible. But for better protection, go beyond that.

You never know when you might incur a $6,000 pet care bill where your insurer will only pay 80% after your deductible is met. And you never want to land in a situation where you have to damage your finances to give your beloved pet the care they need.

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It’s common to stress about money. Here’s what you can do to stop stressing about your finances for good. [[{“value”:”

Americans are stressed out about money. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of U.S. adults say they stress about their finances at least once a month, according to a study by Empower. And 17% say they worry about money every day.

That kind of constant stress is no way to live, and it doesn’t have to be something you go through forever. There are some simple strategies you can follow to feel more comfortable and worry-free about your personal finances.

Set realistic financial goals

We’re told throughout life to think big and set ambitious goals for ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with that, if they’re also realistic goals.

The problem is when you set goals that are so ambitious, they’re impossible to achieve. If you’re 25 years old with a $60,000 salary, and you want $2 million by the time you retire at 65, that’s an achievable goal. Invest regularly, and you could do it. If you want to have $2 million and retire at 30, that’s impossible without a massive salary increase (or winning the lottery). You’d need to invest over $300,000 per year.

Impossible goals aren’t helpful, because they make you feel bad about yourself when you don’t accomplish them. Set goals that will require hard work, but are realistic if you do the work.

Plan how you’ll use your income every month

It’s stressful when you feel like you aren’t in control of your financial situation. By having a plan for how you’ll use your money, it puts you in control.

One of the best methods I’ve found is Ramit Sethi’s conscious spending plan. Start with your monthly take-home pay. Then, decide how much of that money you’ll use for fixed costs (your regular bills), savings, investments, and guilt-free spending. Here’s what Sethi recommends:

Fixed costs: 50% to 60%Savings: 5% to 10%Investments: 10%Guilt-free spending: 20% to 35%

Feel free to adjust those as necessary for your expenses and goals. What’s most important is that you have a spending plan to follow.

Automate as much as you can

Another common source of financial stress is managing everything. Did I remember to pay my credit card bill? If not, I’ll get charged a late fee — there’s $29 down the drain. Am I going to be able to save $500 this month like I planned, or did I spend too much?

You don’t need to remember all this. Your bank, credit card company, and stock broker will do it for you. You can:

Set up an automatic monthly transfer to your savings account to ensure you’re saving money regularly.Put all your bills on autopay from your credit cards or checking account.Schedule automatic payments on your credit cards (set it up to pay the full statement balance, and you’ll never get charged interest).Make automatic monthly investments with your stock broker.

Be careful about taking on big expenses

Once you commit to a big expense, it can be hard to get out of that later. If you finance an expensive car and take on a huge monthly payment, you’ll be dealing with that for the life of the loan. Two years in, that car might not feel so special anymore, but the monthly payment will be just as expensive. And if you want to get out of it, you may need to sell the car and take a loss.

Try to avoid taking on large monthly bills that you’re not sure you can afford. The two that people tend to regret the most are expensive home and car payments. But it’s good to be careful before committing to any major expense. Make sure you can really afford it, and that it’s not going to be a constant source of stress later.

Cut back on social media

Social media has its pros and cons. On the bright side, it can help you keep in touch with friends and family.

But it’s also where you can’t escape your uncle’s latest conspiracy theories. It’s where you get bombarded with the fabulous, expensive lives seemingly everyone else is living. And it’s where shady “entrepreneurs” try to sell you their systems for making $1 million a month, while telling you how stupid it is to have a job or go to college.

It’s natural to feel worse about your own financial situation after seeing all these people who supposedly have it made. Now, appearances can be deceiving, so don’t trust everything you see on social media. Better yet, cut back on how much you use it, and avoid any content that makes you feel stressed after you view it.

Financial stress doesn’t have to be the norm. All those methods are ones I’ve used in my own life. Give them a try, and you’ll likely start feeling a lot better about money.

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Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it. Read on for some great gift ideas you can buy on Amazon. [[{“value”:”

For some people, Valentine’s Day is nothing more than an overblown money-grab disguised as a holiday. But if you’re someone who likes celebrating Valentine’s Day, then you may be gearing up to purchase some gifts in the coming days.

If money is tight these days, or if you’re still paying off a credit card balance from the holidays, then you may want to go light on your Valentine’s Day spending. The good news is that Amazon has plenty of great gifts in stock that won’t upend your finances or bust your budget. Here are a few to consider.

1. Hazel & Creme Chocolate Covered Pretzel Gift Box

Valentine’s Day tends to be synonymous with sweet things. And the upside of giving the gift of food is that you don’t have to find a long-term spot for it. So if your living quarters are cramped and you don’t have much storage at home, a gift your partner can consume and be done with might be best.

These chocolate-covered pretzels certainly fit the bill. For $26.99, you’ll get a 12-piece assortment with three flavor varieties. If you’re lucky, your loved one might even be willing to share some with you.

2. MADDIFY’s Spa Gift Basket Set

Not sure if your loved one would prefer bath bombs, soap, or candles? Why choose? This spa gift basket comes loaded with items designed to help your partner pamper themself. And right now, it’s available for 29% off its regular price, bringing your total to $19.98.

3. greenoak Electric Heated Blanket

A heated blanket may not exactly scream romance. But it’s a thoughtful, practical gift for the special someone in your life who’s always cold. This 62 inch by 84 inch blanket is big enough to fit a twin-size bed, but it can also double as an oversized throw for the couch. Right now, it’s available for $39.99, which is 20% off its regular price.

4. KOPHINYE Fox Plush with Rose

Who says your special someone for Valentine’s Day has to be an adult? It’s not uncommon for parents to give their kids a special gift on Valentine’s Day. And this plush fox is downright adorable. It comes with a cute plush rose and is available now for $9.99. For that price, you could of course buy your kids candy instead. But if you’d rather go a less-sugary route, this option works nicely.

5. It’s a Date!, 40 Fun and Romantic Scratch Off Date Ideas

You could buy your partner jewelry or flowers for Valentine’s Day. But if you and your partner are the type of people who value experiences more so than things, then this box of date idea cards may be a much more appreciated gift. For $16.95, you’ll get 40 different outings you can explore. It’s a gift that’s apt to keep on giving throughout the year. And, let’s face it — if you and your partner are trying to save up for a big goal, you’re better off keeping your Valentine’s Day spending to a minimum.

As you can see, you can pull off a fun Valentine’s Day gift even if you don’t have a ton of money to spend on one. But don’t wait to do your Amazon shopping. February could bring about weather-related delays on the shipping front, and you don’t want your gift to be late. Shop sooner rather than later so you don’t accidentally leave your special someone disappointed.

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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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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In February, Sam’s Club is offering winter specials to keep you warm. Here’s what you can expect to find. [[{“value”:”

Whether the snow is falling in your part of the country or the weather remains a balmy 72 degrees, this is the time of year many of us enjoy nesting around home. Sam’s Club comes to the rescue this month with low prices on items sure to make us more comfortable without impacting our personal finances too much.

Legacy Heating 36″ Round Gas Fire Pit Table

Sam’s Club price: $449

Home Depot price: $534

Winter savings: $85

This Legacy Gas Fire Pit Table gives you the perfect spot to gather when you want to get out of the house but it’s too cold to be comfortable outside. Invite a few friends over, place your favorite patio chairs around the fire pit, fill mugs with a warm drink, and enjoy the great outdoors — without freezing your extremities off.

The 36-inch fire pit doubles as a table, ideal for holding food and drinks. Better yet, it’s easy to use. You simply turn on the ignition and you have instant flames. With 50,000 BTUs of heat, spending a relaxing evening outdoors is easy, even when the weather is less than ideal.

Lucky Brand Ladies’ Hat and Scarf Set

Sam’s Club price: $13

eBay price: $30

Winter savings: $17

Even with the warmth of a fire pit, you’re going to want to bundle up before heading out of the house. This Lucky Brand Ladies’ Hat and Scarf set is a stylish way to do just that. The blanket scarf has fringe detailing, and the ribbed beanie has a faux fur pom-pom for a touch of flair.

The hat and scarf are available in ivory, brown, and black, each neutral enough to go with just about anything — without damaging your bank account.

Larson Power Reclining Home Theater Chair With Tray

Sam’s Club price: $399

Abbyson Home price: $795

Winter savings: $396

Deal expires: Feb. 25

A new theater chair makes it even easier when it’s time to get cozy indoors. However, if you’ve ever shopped for home theater chairs, you probably know how hard it is to find a comfortable chair with a tray. Plenty of models have cup holders, but few come with a swivel tray to hold snacks or a laptop for working from home.

The durable upholstery is made with 80% polyester and 20% PU. It looks like leather but withstands everyday wear and tear. With 2.0-density foam cushions and a pocket coil core, the chair is designed to provide comfortable seating, ideal for binging your favorite TV series or enjoying a movie marathon.

In addition to the swivel tray table, the Larson Power Reclining Home Theater Chair comes with a storage compartment for remotes and a built-in plastic cup holder in each armrest.

Member’s Mark Chenille Faux Fur Throw, 60″ x 70″

Sam’s Club price: $40

No competitor carries a similar product

Member’s Mark describes this Chenille Faux Fur Throw as “one-of-a-kind,” and it’s not kidding. When we tried to find a comparable item, it was impossible. We found plenty of faux fur throws and we found chenille throws, but nothing with chenille on one side and soft faux fur on the other.

The chenille side is made from the softest polyester yarn, and you’ll want to run your hands across the plush faux fur backing every time you cuddle up to read or watch a movie with this incredibly comfortable throw.

Available in ivory, blue, dark gray, rust, and gold.

TurboTax Deluxe 2023 Fed + E-file & State Digital Download

Sam’s Club price: $45

Staples price: $55

Winter savings: $10

Deal expires: Feb. 10

This February deal won’t keep you warm but may make your life easier. After all, winter brings slippery roads and ushers in tax season. If you’re not already working on your tax return, you’re probably gathering the documents you need to get taxes done. Not fun, but necessary. Why spend more than you have to on software that makes tax time less stressful?

As a member bonus, you’ll receive a $10 credit toward an in-product add-on, like state e-file fees, product upgrades, audit defense, or additional state downloads.

Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, home is home. And if you’re in the mood to settle in, Sam’s Club is making it easier to do in February.

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If you have money in a savings account, take steps to maximize your account growth. You could be making mistakes that slow your growth progress. Learn more. [[{“value”:”

Saving more money is an excellent financial goal to tackle. You never know when you could benefit from having extra cash in the bank. An unexpected car repair bill or job loss are two life surprises that can negatively impact your finances if you’re unprepared. Are you saving money but want to see more account growth? I’ll share a few reasons your savings account may not be growing as expected. You can make some changes to improve your results.

1. You’re not making frequent contributions to your account

You can boost your savings account balance through interest as your money sits in the bank. But if you’re not adding money to your account, growth can be slow. It’s wise to contribute to your savings account regularly. You can reach your savings goals faster.

A great way to ensure you continue saving is to automate your savings. You can set up automatic transfers through your online account. Once you do this, money will be transferred from your checking account to your savings account on a set schedule of your choosing.

I’ve chosen to set up bi-weekly transfers, but you might consider less frequent or more frequent transfers depending on your needs. By doing this, you can ensure you stay on top of your savings goal. This is a beneficial move if you struggle to remember to save.

With automation, there is no more forgetting to contribute money to your savings fund. This method can save you time and make saving easier.

2. You’re spending your savings without replenishing the funds

Another reason you may be disappointed in your account growth is because you’re spending the money you saved. You should use the money in your savings account when you need it. That’s what it’s there for — but it’s essential to replenish the funds you take out.

Otherwise, your balance will decrease when you take money out of it. The best strategy is to replenish any savings you spend as quickly as possible. Doing this ensures you remember to rebuild your savings fund and allows you to have money available if you need it later.

3. Your bank account has a low APY

If your savings account growth is sluggish, do yourself a favor and check the annual percentage yield (APY). This is the rate of return you can expect by keeping your cash in the bank for one year. A lower APY will result in less interest and slower growth.

If you’re using a traditional savings account, you’re likely earning interest at a low rate. Consider keeping your savings in a high-yield savings account to earn more interest. Right now, many banks are offering attractive rates for these accounts. Review our list of the best high-yield savings accounts to compare rates and choose an ideal account.

Set yourself up for success

It’s fantastic that you’re prioritizing your saving goals. Keep up the great work! But make sure you’re maximizing your growth. Avoiding the above mistakes could help you increase your savings account balance. For more tips, check out our free personal finance resources.

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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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