Money Management

When shopping, you may want to check if your favorite products have gotten smaller. Learn more about which Costco finds have been subject to shrinkflation. 

As living costs rise, we’re all getting more used to paying more for groceries and household essentials. But not every item sold at your favorite retailers has increased significantly in price. Some products are now being sold in smaller packages instead.

Costco members have noticed that some items sold at the warehouse club have shrunk in size, and they’re now getting less product for the same price, meaning they’re not getting as good of a deal as they once were. Here’s why some Costco finds are smaller than they used to be.

Here’s why you may see smaller packages on shelves

Some brands want to avoid upsetting customers with significant price increases, so they’ve adjusted the size of product packaging instead of raising prices. The practice, known as shrinkflation, allows companies to keep prices similar while reducing the size of the product being sold. When that happens, consumers get fewer items for the same price.

In many cases, shoppers don’t realize there’s been a change in packaging because it’s easy to miss. Even Costco is not immune from shrinkflation. Some shoppers have taken to Reddit to share their shrinkflation findings as a warning to other members. We’ve outlined a few examples of Costco finds that have been reduced in size below:

1. Dixie Ultra 8.5-inch Paper Plates

Paper plates can be handy for parties and events. But if you plan to buy paper plates at Costco, you may get fewer plates for the same price. A Reddit user took to r/Costco to share their experience. The member noted that the Dixie Ultra 8.5-inch plates used to contain 285 plates in a package but now contain only 240 for the same price.

2. Gillette Mach3 Razor Cartridges

Many people buy razor cartridges at warehouse clubs like Costco. But you may be getting fewer cartridges thanks to new packaging. A Costco member shared their disappointment with recent package changes in r/Shrinkflation. The shopper shared a photo of Gillette Mach3 Cartridges that they purchased at their local club.

The newer packaging includes five four-packs of cartridges. The Reddit user noted that earlier versions of the same product featured more cartridges for the same price. Several other members commented that they’d also noticed this packaging change.

3. Windex Glass Cleaner

Another item impacted by shrinkflation is Windex Glass Cleaner. Costco packages this glass cleaner with a spray bottle and a refill. One member took to r/Shrinkflation to discuss the packaging changes. The previous package sold at Costco totaled 208 oz. of product. But the newer version totals only 201 oz. of product. While only a slight change in size, this packaging change could impact your personal finances.

4. Las Fortunitas Organic Flour Tortillas

Another item sold at Costco that has been impacted by shrinkflation is the two-packs of Las Fortunitas Organic Flour Tortillas. One shopper went to r/Shrinkflation to warn members that Costco now sells two packs of 19 tortillas instead of two packs of 20 for the same price. If you buy these tortillas at your local club, you can expect to get two fewer tortillas now.

5. Kirkland Signature Organic Medium Salsa

Another victim of shrinkflation is Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Medium Salsa. A Reddit user noticed that Costco switched the product from its original plastic packaging to a smaller glass jar and shared their findings in r/Costco. Earlier versions were 38 ounces, while the new glass jars feature only 35 ounces of product. But some members consider it a win now that their favorite salsa is sold in a glass jar, as they’re trying to cut down on their plastic usage.

It pays to pay attention to product packaging

While a slight change in packaging resulting in you receiving less product for the same price may not feel like a big deal, it can add up, especially as more brands make changes to their product packaging. Whether you like to shop at Costco or another retailer, it’s worthwhile to pay attention to product packaging details.

You can calculate the true cost of the items that you’re buying by reviewing the packaging details and looking to see how much product you’re getting in each package. Knowing the best place to buy certain items to maximize the amount or number of products you receive for the price you pay can help you keep more money in your checking account.

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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.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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A personal loan can be a good way to borrow, but you don’t want to use a loan for certain things such as buying investments or purchasing a car. Find out more. 

Personal loans can be a good option for borrowing money. With the Federal Reserve reporting the average interest rate on a 24-month loan at 11.48% as of February 2023, it’s easy to see how a personal loan could be a more affordable option than many other kinds of borrowing — including credit card debt.

However, while there are times when taking out a personal loan is the right choice, there are also situations where this method of borrowing just doesn’t make sense. Here’s what they are.

1. When you’re buying a car

Personal loans usually shouldn’t be used to buy a car because you can get a better interest rate on a car loan. In fact, as of 2022, the average interest rate on a new car loan was as low as 4.07%, while the average rate on a loan for a used vehicle was 8.62%.

Car loan rates tend to be lower than the rates on personal loans because vehicle loans are secured loans while most personal loans are not. The car acts as collateral so the lender takes less risk with an auto loan because it can repossess the vehicle to make itself whole if you fail to pay back the loan. But, as long as you don’t default on your car loan, this isn’t a concern. You’re better off with a cheaper car loan rather than a personal loan.

2. When you need to borrow a small amount for a short time

Personal loans can take some time to apply for, and many of them have payoff periods of a year or longer. If you want to borrow money for a short time, you may be better off with a 0% APR credit card.

Many cards offer no interest on purchases within the first month of becoming a cardholder. If you opt for one of them instead of a personal loan, you can avoid paying any interest as long as you pay off the loan before the promotional rate expires. It can also be faster and easier to apply for a credit card than a personal loan.

3. When you’re borrowing to invest

Using a personal loan to invest money is a bad idea. Investments all carry some level of risk. If you borrow and then lose money, you’d still have to pay back the personal loan. This could put a strain on your finances, especially as you’d be paying interest on money that you lost in your bad investment.

4. When you’re borrowing for something you really can’t afford

Finally, you shouldn’t borrow to fund a lifestyle you can’t afford, as this will only make living within your means harder in the future since you’ll now have another monthly payment that comes out of your bank account.

It’s far better to save up for big purchases and pay cash for them. Even if you can’t do that, you need to be careful about how much you’re spending on borrowed money. If the monthly payments on a personal loan would be at the top of your budget, this is a situation when you should definitely avoid borrowing.

In all of these situations, getting a personal loan could be a choice you regret. So, avoid getting a personal loan under these four circumstances.

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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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There’s no need to spend a small fortune pulling together a bedroom oasis. Find out how it can be done for under $500. 

We all deserve a bedroom that serves as a mini vacation, a space so comfortable that simply walking through the door feels like self care. Creating that space can be expensive, though. If you’re not currently in a position to shell out money for new decor, you’re in the right place. For less than $500, it’s possible to make strategic purchases that will totally transform a bedroom.

Paint: $95

According to the Remodeling Calculator, the average gallon of paint costs between $30 and $55. And because the right paint is vital to the overall look and feel of your room, let’s say you spring for $50 per gallon. It’s worth it to pay a little extra for a paint that includes a primer. You may pay more upfront but can save by using less paint.

While each paint type can cover a slightly different amount of wall space, Lowe’s suggests buying one gallon for each 350 to 400 square feet of wall you need to cover, which means you won’t have to drain your checking account to update the color of your room.

The average size of a master bedroom in the U.S. is 14′ x 16′. That’s 224 square feet. If that’s the case, one gallon of quality paint will be plenty, even if your ceilings are high. For less than $12, The Home Depot sells a combination paint kit that includes a tray, three rollers, two brushes, and a paint stir stick.

You’ll want to make sure the entire floor of the room is covered, so add a reusable tarp to your shopping list. Walmart offers a 16′ x 20′ medium duty tarp for $33.

For $95 you can bathe the room in a shade that is both serene and inspiring. No one has to know how much money you saved.

Upgrade your lighting: $132

If you’re working with a Plain Jane ceiling light or fan, why not add some style with a light-fan combo. While it’s true that some lighting is outside your current decorating budget, by shopping around you’re sure to find one or more styles that appeal to you. For example, Overstock.com currently offers a triple-tiered crystal ceiling fan for $132. If you’d prefer to stick with bedside lamps instead, Overstock.com has a wide selection of lamp pairs for under $100.

Change out hardware: $50

Whoever first described new drawer knobs and pulls as “jewelry for your furniture,” was a genius. You can breathe new life into an old nightstand or dresser by changing out the hardware. Walmart.com offers some of the most inexpensive, stylish hardware on the market. In fact, you can easily replace the pulls and knobs on several pieces of furniture for less than $50.

Focus on the bed: $155

When it comes to creating a bed fit for royalty, it pays to get creative. Comfort is everything, so that’s where you want to focus your attention first. Begin with a cushiony mattress by adding something like this breathable, king-size, bamboo topper from Amazon for $69. Next, indulge in a set of super-soft sheets at a discount price. These extra deep pocket king-size sheets are only $36 at Overstock.com. Cover those sheets with another Overstock.com find — an all-season reversible down alternative comforter for only $37. To polish the look even more, add this $13 bedskirt from Wayfair with a tailored finish. With a little online shopping/sleuthing, it was possible to pull together a comfortable, attractive bed for $155.

Create a focal wall: $65

If art is in short supply, why not keep it simple by choosing one wall as your designated gallery? It’s easy to create your own masterpiece with this collection of nine frames, each 12″ x 12″. Each frame is already matted and ready for photos of your favorite people, pets, and places. Best of all, they’re only $40 on Amazon

Having your photos printed is as easy as visiting your closest CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or Target, and shouldn’t cost more than $25. You may even find a better price through an online printer.

Imagine walking into a room that’s covered from ceiling to floor with colors, fabrics, art, and lighting that fit your personal taste. Now, imagine doing it on a budget that allows you to put more money away in savings. It is possible if you have a little patience and are willing to shop around.

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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. Dana George has positions in Amazon.com, Target, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com, Target, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Paying points on a mortgage could cost you upfront, but it can result in a lower rate on your loan. Read on to learn more. 

It’s gotten pretty expensive to sign a mortgage loan these days. As of late June, the average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan was 6.67%, according to Freddie Mac. And the higher your rate, the more your mortgage is apt to cost you over time in the form of interest payments.

The good news, though, is that there’s a step you can take to lower your mortgage’s interest rate. It’ll cost you some money upfront, but it may be worth it.

How paying points on a mortgage works

Many lenders allow borrowers to pay points on their mortgages to lower their loans’ interest rates. And this is a move that could make sense if you expect to be in your home for a long time. If you’re buying a starter home you only anticipate living in for a few years, it may not be worth it.

When you buy mortgage points, each point costs 1% of the amount of your loan. So if you’re borrowing $200,000, one point will cost you $2,000. And that point will, in turn, generally reduce the interest rate on your loan by 0.25%.

Now, the downside of paying points is having to fork over money upfront. The upside is that you might save yourself a lot of money in the course of paying off your home.

Let’s say you’re borrowing $200,000 at a fixed rate of 6.5% over 30 years. All told, that will have you paying $255,280 in interest.

Now, let’s say you buy down your rate by paying for two mortgage points. It’ll cost you $4,000 upfront, but it’ll take the rate on your loan down to 6%. And assuming you’re borrowing $200,000 over 30 years, that leaves you racking up a total of $231,677 of interest in the course of paying off your home.

When we run the numbers, this reads like a good deal. You’re looking at saving $23,603 in interest by forking over $4,000 upfront. So all told, you’re ahead $19,603.

You may be thinking, “But what if I don’t buy down my mortgage rate and just invest my money instead?” The stock market has averaged a 10% annual return before inflation over the past 50 years, as measured by the S&P 500. So investing $4,000 at 10% over 30 years means gaining about $65,800. That could easily make the case for you not to buy points even if doing so saves you $19,603 in interest.

However, this assumes that a) you’ll actually invest that money instead, and b) your portfolio will enjoy solid growth for many years. If you can admit that you likely will not invest your money, then paying points on your mortgage could make sense.

What if you plan to refinance?

You may be inclined not to buy points on your mortgage because you intend to refinance once interest rates drop. That logic makes sense, because if you’re able to refinance in a year or two from now to a much lower rate, then you may not recoup enough interest in that short time frame to make up for the money you spent to buy points. So that’s a risk.

However, we also don’t know when mortgage rates will fall to the point where refinances will make sense. So you may want to consider paying points if that option is available to you.

Another thing you may be able to do is get your seller to buy down your rate for you. This tactic commonly works when a seller is desperate for a quick sale.

However, today’s housing market sorely lacks inventory. So generally speaking, sellers may not be willing to pay down their buyers’ rates. If that’s the case, you’ll need to decide if paying points is something that makes sense for you.

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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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If you don’t monitor hotel rate price changes, you may overpay for your next hotel stay. Find out how HotelSlash can save you money on hotel costs. 

Travel provides an excellent opportunity to see new destinations and try activities and food that are new to you. If you’re not careful, travel expenses can quickly add up, making your vacation more expensive than you initially planned. But resources are available that can make getting a good deal on hotels and flights easier. One membership-based company wants to make it simple for travelers to get a better deal when booking hotels.

Introducing HotelSlash

For many travelers, hotel accommodations make up a significant portion of their trip budget. When you’re trying to adhere to a strict vacation budget that you’ve set, it can feel like a massive win when you book a discounted hotel stay. HotelSlash, a paid, membership-based website, wants to help more travelers get cheaper hotel rates.

The company provides two ways for travelers to save money. One option is to request a quote for your desired destination, and HotelSlash will send you the best available hotel deals. You can then book through HotelSlash, and the company will continue to monitor rates for price drops and alert you if a better deal is available before your trip starts.

Travelers can also save money by using HotelSlash to monitor hotel prices for hotel bookings they’ve already made. Members can forward their confirmation emails from the original booking site to save@hotelslash.com, and HotelSlash will monitor prices and alert them if a better deal is found. To take advantage of price drops, travelers must make refundable bookings.

HotelSlash estimates that members who book a hotel one month before their arrival date can save up to 30%. A yearly membership costs $29.95. The company offers travelers a free 90-day trial to explore savings opportunities before joining. Unlike other membership-based websites, you won’t need to provide your credit card details when signing up for the free trial.

While this is a paid service, it could be an excellent resource for people who travel often. Members can cancel anytime, and the company offers a full membership refund to anyone unsatisfied with the service. Not overpaying for hotel stays can free up more money in your travel budget for other vacation costs like activities, food, and transportation.

Four tips to save money when booking hotel stays

HotelSlash isn’t the only resource that can help travelers keep more money in their checking accounts. There are other ways to get a good deal on hotels. Here are a few tips that could help you save money the next time you need to book a hotel for an upcoming trip:

Don’t wait to book: Many travelers save money by booking their accommodations well in advance. If you wait until a few days or a couple of weeks before your trip starts, you may end up overpaying for your hotel stay. Don’t delay planning.Use price comparison tools: You can take advantage of price comparison tools like Hotels.com, Expedia, Priceline, and Travelocity to quickly compare hotel rates before making a reservation. It’s a good idea to also review the prices available when booking directly with the hotel to ensure you’re getting the best deal.Book refundable rooms and monitor prices: It’s not uncommon for hotel rates to change from one day to another. If you don’t want to invest in a membership service like HotelSlash, you can save money by booking refundable hotel rates and monitoring prices yourself. If you find cheaper rates after booking, you can cancel your earlier reservation and make a new one to get the best rate.Use rewards credit cards: If you travel often, you may want to consider getting a travel credit card or a hotel credit card. These cards include useful travel benefits and make it easy to earn rewards when you spend money with your cards. You can use your credit card rewards to book free hotel stays in the future.

Travel can be expensive, but planning a trip without disregarding your personal finance goals is possible. Using money-saving tools can allow you to plan a fantastic trip without going broke. Knowing you landed a great hotel deal may make you appreciate your next trip even 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.Natasha Gabrielle 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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A delisted stock could impact your portfolio. Read on to learn more. 

The stocks people buy and hold in their brokerage accounts are generally stocks that are listed on a public exchange, like the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq. There are rules that companies have to follow to trade on public exchanges, and there are financial requirements that need to be met. When this doesn’t happen, it’s possible for a stock to become delisted. This means it’s removed from a public exchange.

This doesn’t automatically mean that the stock in question is worth nothing, and that you can’t still trade it. But delisted stocks tend to see their value drop, and in many cases, quickly. And trading them can become complicated. So if you own shares of a company you think might get delisted, you may want to sell them before that happens.

Why do companies get delisted?

Stock exchanges set rules that listed companies must follow. Failure to follow those rules could lead to a stock getting delisted. For example, failing to file certain financial reports could be grounds for getting delisted.

There are also financial requirements that companies need to adhere to. For a stock to stay listed on the Nasdaq, for example, it must have a $1 minimum share price. It also has to adhere to one or more of the following:

Have a market capitalization of at least $50 million (which is measured by stock price multiplied by shares outstanding)Have total assets and revenue of at least $50 millionHave shareholders’ equity total at least $10 million

Keep in mind that some companies can actively seek to be delisted. This could happen if they decide they want to become privately held.

What to do if a stock of yours gets delisted

When a stock gets delisted, its value isn’t automatically wiped out. But often, stocks get delisted when companies find themselves in bankruptcy or on the verge of it. And that has the potential to render your stock worthless, or worth very little.

Also, once a stock is delisted, it’s possible to buy and sell shares in what’s known as the over-the-counter market. This means those shares trade through private brokers.

It’s generally best to try to sell your shares before a company gets delisted. So if you own shares of a given company and there are rumors of a near-term bankruptcy filing, that should signal to you that a delisting of that stock may be in the cards. And in that case, it may be a good idea to sell your shares before that happens.

As an example, you might remember Sears, the once-beloved department store that ran into tough financial times. Sears was delisted in late October 2018. Its final share price before its Nasdaq delisting was $0.36 a share. Just a week or so prior, Sears had filed for bankruptcy.

Can a delisted stock get relisted?

It’s certainly possible. But it also doesn’t tend to happen all that often. For a company to get relisted, it would need to solve the issues that led it to get delisted. But since those issues are often financial in nature, that’s not always possible.

For example, many companies file for bankruptcy and close up operations. So in that case, a relisting is unlikely.

It’s not always possible to predict when a company will get delisted. But if you keep tabs on your investments, it’s a situation you might be able to get ahead of.

Of course, if you’re worried about the idea of having stocks you own delisted, you could opt to load your portfolio with broad market ETFs instead. Although it’s possible for ETFs to get delisted, too, if you own shares of something like an S&P 500 ETF, that may be less likely to happen, since in this case, you’re tracking a giant index instead of investing in a single company.

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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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