Money Management

Remote work can be a lifesaver, but you need the right tools for success. Read on for the best gear from Amazon to improve your work life. 

Remote work hit the big time in the spring of 2020 when we all watched the world shut down thanks to COVID-19, and a whopping 27.5% of private sector employers had staff working remotely some or all of the time in 2022, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite the many headlines and orders of “go back to the office,” many of us are digging in our heels and enjoying the greater work-life balance that can come from ditching a long commute and fixed working hours.

I ended up changing careers altogether in the wake of the pandemic, and since I started working remotely permanently, I’ve had to find the right tools to keep me comfortable and productive. If you’re starting a new remote job in 2024, or even just want to improve your ongoing work-from-home experience, here are some excellent and reasonably priced Amazon buys to consider.

1. An excellent weekly planner

Not only am I a remote worker, but I’m also a full-time freelancer, so I must stay on top of my to-do list and keep track of the time I spend working. To that end, I lean on a paper desk calendar that shows me a whole week at once.

This Paper Junkie weekly planner is colorful and features lots of space to fill in the details for any given day. Plus, its small footprint doesn’t take up much room, and you add the dates, making it customizable. It’s available right now for just $9.99.

2. Colorful sticky notes

Some things are a classic for a reason, and Post-it notes definitely qualify. I’ve tried non–name brand sticky notes and found them lacking in sticking power. But I love these Post-it Super Sticky Notes.

They come in bright, eye-catching colors and the 3″ by 3″ size is perfect for covering my workspace with reminders, checklists, and other notes. Best of all, they are reasonably priced at $7.06 as of this writing.

3. A straightforward coffee maker

Coffee is the fuel that powers many remote workers, and making it at home is a good way to save money. Personally, I’m a big fan of this Black+Decker model, as it is reasonably priced ($35.15 for the black one as of this writing), easy to use, and makes 12 standard cups of coffee (five ounces, apparently, for a total capacity of 60 ounces). But let’s be real — you likely drink from bigger cups.

So I measured. My favorite coffee mug holds 12 ounces, and five cups of coffee is more than I drink in a day (or two days). So this modestly priced and easy-to-use machine should do the trick for many remote workers.

4. An adjustable laptop stand

Spend a long day working on a laptop, and you’ll definitely feel it in your neck and shoulders. You can try elevating that laptop with hardcover books, but being able to adjust the angle is what you really need.

Feast your eyes on this Nulaxy laptop stand, which is height-adjustable within a range of more than 18″. It’s going for $46.89 as of this writing, and can give you a more ergonomically comfortable remote work experience.

5. A handy dongle for all your plug-ins

I don’t have many issues with Apple computers, but the lack of ports can be a bummer, especially if you’re hoping to plug in a receiver for a wireless mouse, a phone charger, or any other accessory. Thankfully, extra ports can be yours for just $24.99 as of this writing, because you can get the UGREEN Revodok from Amazon. It has three USB ports, an HDMI port, and even slots for SD and TF cards.

If any of these have caught your eye, I recommend using a great rewards credit card to make them yours. The best rewards credit card for Amazon specifically is the Prime Visa — cardholders earn 5% cash back on Amazon purchases. And unlike with some cash back cards, you can use the cash back you earn toward additional purchases as soon as the next day. What’s not to like?

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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Target, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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When spending $1,000 or more on a cellphone, you should take steps to protect it. Find out how one writer did this and how it saved her a lot of money. 

This spring, I decided to upgrade my phone, and I purchased a brand-new iPhone 14 Pro. Since I’m very clumsy, I immediately bought some accessories to protect my investment from the many drops it would likely endure throughout its lifetime.

A few weeks ago, I thought one drop significantly damaged my screen. But luckily, the screen protector I had purchased for less than $10 saved the day. Here’s how much money I saved by not having to get my screen replaced.

Phone accessories can protect your phone from damage

After spending hundreds of dollars (or $1,100, as I did) on a new cellphone, the last thing you probably want to do is spend more money on additional accessories. But spending money on quality phone accessories can save you money in the long run.

Immediately after ordering my iPhone 14 Pro, I purchased a phone case and a two-pack of screen protectors. I knew that, realistically, my phone would experience some near-fatal accidents. As it turns out, I wasn’t wrong about that.

Less than eight months after buying my phone, I dropped it screen-first onto my living room’s hardwood floor. I picked it up and was sad to see what appeared to be a sizable screen crack. I was leaving for a trip to London a couple of weeks later, so I decided that it wasn’t something that needed to be urgently fixed, and went about my everyday routine.

While traveling with my sister, she suggested that the screen protector was likely what was damaged, not the phone screen itself. After returning home, I carefully removed the screen protector. She was correct — there was zero damage to my iPhone.

Even better, I had a second screen protector at home ready to put on my phone after removing the damaged one. It turns out that was a very worthwhile Amazon purchase. It only cost me $9.47 to safeguard my iPhone’s screen.

Here’s how much money I saved

Since I anticipated needing to repair my screen, I had previously researched how much an iPhone screen repair would cost me. Getting the screen fixed at an official Apple store would cost me $329, since I don’t have AppleCare coverage.

Luckily, I have a credit card with cellphone protection benefits. I carry the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card in my wallet, which offers up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage. This is the second time I’ve used this card perk during the five years I’ve had it — and I’m shocked I haven’t had to use it more often.

I’m eligible for cellphone protection coverage if I pay my bill with my credit card. I can make up to three claims within a 12-month period. But when I make a claim, I have to pay a $100 deductible. I also pay taxes on any repair or replacement costs.

So, based on my estimations, I would have paid around $125 to repair my phone screen if I had to use this coverage. If I hadn’t had it, I would have paid about $350 in total to get it repaired by Apple. I lucked out big time after having only paid $9.47 for screen protectors.

Take extra steps to protect expensive purchases

When buying expensive items like laptops, cellphones, and household appliances, it can be worthwhile to pay a little extra to protect your purchases. That may mean purchasing a protection plan in case of damage or accessories to keep your device safe.

It’s also wise to review what benefits your rewards credit cards offer. You may have benefits like cellphone protection that could help you keep more money in your checking account. If you’re looking for a new credit card with valuable perks, check out our list of the best credit cards.

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Apple, and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Read More 

Don’t want to spend a fortune on every holiday gift you buy? Read on for some great Amazon picks for less than $50 apiece. 

Many people find themselves conflicted during the holidays. They want to shower the important people in their lives with generous gifts, but they don’t have an unlimited savings account balance.

If that’s the boat you’re in, Amazon just might be able to come to your rescue. Right now, you’ll find a host of great gifts on the site for under $50. Here are a few worth checking out.

1. HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa

A day at the spa can be an indulgent experience, but it could also result in a large credit card tab. That’s what makes this foot spa a great gift. It’s designed to rejuvenate tired feet after a long day and comes with a removable pumice stone for easy callus removal. Treat someone you care about to a product that will leave their feet feeling soothed and relaxed. You can buy this foot spa on Amazon for $29.74.

And if you’re wondering if $29.74 is a good deal, it seems to be the going price. Walmart has it listed at the same value — though if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get it in two days for free.

2. Bedsure Heated Blanket Electric Blanket

On those ultra-cold winter nights, sometimes, even the best working home heating system isn’t enough to take the chill out of the air. If you know someone special who’s always cold at home, this heated blanket makes a great gift. It comes with six different heat settings your recipient can customize and is available in a variety of colors for only $34.99 for the throw size.

Compare that to this similar-looking model at Target that’s available for $45.99, and Amazon’s offering looks like a great deal.

3. Crock-Pot 7 Quart Slow Cooker

Have a friend or close family member who’s resolving to cook more in the new year and spend less money on restaurant meals and takeout? This Crock Pot could be a great gift. Your recipient can use it to whip up a variety of soups and stews in a flash, and it’s large enough to allow for plenty of leftovers. Amazon has it discounted right now to $42.99, but even its original price is just under $50.

It’s worth noting, though, that Target has what looks like the same item for $41.99, so that price is actually better by $1. But if you have the Prime Visa, the 5% cash back you get on your Amazon purchase makes up the difference.

4. Hasbro Gaming Trivial Pursuit Master Edition

Looking for a great family gift? Consider a classic board game like Trivial Pursuit. This version is available on Amazon for $36.58, and it comes with almost 3,000 challenging questions across six categories. It’s the perfect addition to Family Game Night. At Walmart, the Master Edition costs $57.47.

Another option? Buy a branded version of the game based on your recipients’ interests. There’s a Harry Potter version for $18.95, for example. There’s also a Friends version for $21.99 for fans of the classic TV show.

5. SMIRLY Charcuterie Board Gift Set

Know someone who loves to host? This charcuterie board set could be a great gift. It’s made of high-quality bamboo and comes with four serving knives, six sampler forks, and two ceramic bowls for dipping sauces. You get all of this for $39.99 — but sorry, the cheese isn’t included.

Walmart sells this set for the same price but notes an original price of $56.62, so now seems a good time to scoop it up.

These are just five of many reasonably priced items Amazon has available. But don’t wait too much longer to do your Christmas shopping on Amazon. You never know when a package might get delayed or lost in shipping purgatory. The sooner you place your order, the less likely you’ll be to run into a situation where you don’t have all of your gifts in time for the holiday.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

If you’re using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our experts love this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee.

In fact, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Read our free review

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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. Read More 

Auto leases and loans are both viable ways to get your hands on a new vehicle. Here’s how to decide which one is best for you. 

You’ve found the perfect car, but that’s only half the challenge. Now you have to decide how you want to pay for it. Leasing and purchasing both have their pros and cons, and it’s important to understand them before deciding which is right for you. Here’s what you need to know so you can make a decision you’re happy with.

How auto loans work

Auto loans are similar to any other type of loan: You find a lender who is willing to back you. It then gives you the money for the purchase and charges you an interest rate that’s determined by your credit history, the loan term, and market conditions. You might have to pay closing costs when you take out the loan, and then you make monthly payments for a number of years.

If you do this, you own the vehicle free and clear in the end. Fail to keep up with your payments and the lender can take it back from you — commonly called repossession — and sell it to get its money back.

Here’s a brief look at the pros and cons of buying your vehicle:

Auto loan pros

Generally cheaper over the long term, especially when holding on to the car after the loan term endsThe vehicle is yours, free and clear at the end of the loan termOption to customize your car however you wantNo limits on how many miles you can drive

Auto loan cons

Monthly payments are generally more expensive than leasesMaintenance costs are the owner’s responsibilitySelling or trading it can be a pain

How auto leases work

Auto leases are essentially long-term vehicle rentals. You agree to borrow a vehicle for a set amount of time — usually two to three years — and during that time, you pay taxes, fees, and interest, plus the amount the car depreciates. This is generally cheaper than a loan monthly payment. Lessees pay about $143 less per month than loan borrowers on average, according to Experian.

But leases have rules. Drivers can’t make any permanent changes to the vehicle, and they’re also restricted to how many miles they can drive. Violating these rules or putting excessive wear and tear on the vehicle results in additional fees. Early termination of the lease can also carry a fee. And, of course, you’ll still have to pay for things like insurance and tires yourself.

Companies typically offer leases on new cars, so there are generally fewer maintenance issues, and some leases may even come with free scheduled maintenance. At the end of the lease term, you can choose to purchase the vehicle or upgrade to a different leased vehicle.

Here are the pros and cons of leasing a vehicle:

Auto lease pros

Cheaper monthly paymentsMay be able to afford a newer, more expensive vehicle than you could if buyingNo need to sell it at the end of the termFree scheduled maintenance with some lessors

Auto lease cons

You don’t own the vehicle unless you choose to buy it at the end of the termMore expensive than buying in the long run if going from one lease to anotherPotential for a bunch of extra fees if lease terms are violated

How to decide whether an auto lease or loan is right for you?

Whether to buy or lease your vehicle is a highly personal decision. When weighing the two, it’s important to consider the short- and long-term financial implications of your decision. Monthly payments are understandably a huge factor in your decision. But you should also look at how much you’ll pay in total over the life of a lease or loan.

To do this, you’ll probably need to talk to a few lenders and lessors to learn what they can offer you. Review the terms of your lease or loan to make sure you’re comfortable with them, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if there’s anything you’re unclear about.

Finally, consider non-monetary factors, like the type of vehicle you want. If you’re interested in a new vehicle that’s too expensive for you to buy, for example, a lease might be a better option. Or if you have young kids you worry might damage or sully the vehicle, a loan could help you avoid paying extra fees for excess wear and tear.

Take your time and don’t rush into a decision. Whichever way you go, you’re locking yourself into several years of monthly payments, and that’s not a decision to make lightly.

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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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I really enjoy shopping at Costco warehouses stores. But read on to see why I’m not such a fan of Costco’s website. 

Some people join Costco and use their memberships only on occasion. But I’m someone who shops at Costco every week. In fact, I upgraded to an Executive membership for the cash back long ago because I found myself visiting Costco so often.

But while I love going to Costco, shopping on Costco.com is a different story. That’s something I do sparingly for these reasons.

1. The prices tend to be higher

When you look up a given item on Costco’s website, it will often say something along the lines of “Item may be available in your local warehouse, prices may vary.” But in my experience, the in-store price of a given item is pretty much always less expensive than the online price.

Often, when you go to order something from Costco.com, you’ll see a price quoted with shipping and handling included. And that’s a nice thing, because you’re getting a single price all in. But know that Costco is baking the cost of shipping into your price, whereas if you pick up your item yourself from the store, you might reap more savings.

2. There can be an order minimum for free shipping

Certain items you’ll find on Costco.com are designated for two-day delivery. These tend to include pantry staples and household cleaners.

To get free two-day delivery, you need to meet a $75 order minimum. Sometimes, this isn’t a problem for me. But sometimes, it is.

When I shop at my local Costco store, I can buy as many or as few items as I want. Granted, it’s pretty rare for me to visit Costco and leave the store with a single item in my cart, but it’s an option nonetheless that won’t cost me more. Since I’m someone who doesn’t like to pay for shipping, I don’t love that feature of Costco.com.

That said, if you’re someone who lives far away from your closest Costco location, then in some cases, it could be worth it to pay a modest fee for shipping. What you spend there, you might save on gas. But since I have a Costco close by, the only scenario where I’d really be willing to pay for shipping is if my local store doesn’t have an item I need, and I can’t find it anywhere other than Costco.com for a reasonable price.

3. I don’t get to sample new items like I might get to at the store

One of the nice things about shopping at Costco is getting to sample different food items. Well, you can’t do that at Costco.com. What this means is that if I’m unsure about a given item, I’ll generally just pass when I see it online only, since I don’t really know what I’m getting.

However, Costco has a generous return policy. You can generally take food items back on the basis of simply not liking them, and you’ll usually get a refund provided you don’t do that too often and you’re returning the bulk of the item you bought. So you can argue that taking a chance on food products at Costco.com without sampling them first isn’t such a huge risk. But I’d still rather try before I buy.

If you don’t live near a Costco, then Costco.com might be your next best bet. But since I have access to a nearby store, my plan is to stick to in-person shopping for my Costco needs.

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In fact, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Read our free review

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.Maurie Backman 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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