Money Management

Member’s Mark is Sam’s Club private label. Read on to learn more about the big brand names behind some of these products. 

If you’re a frequent shopper at Sam’s Club, you’ve definitely come across the Member’s Mark brand. From household essentials to office supplies, the brand has a wide range of products that appeal to a broad demographic. However, have you ever wondered about the origins of these Member’s Mark products? Who makes them and where do they come from? Let’s find out.

What is Member’s Mark?

Member’s Mark is a private label brand exclusive to Sam’s Club, which means its products are sold under its own brand name. The brand has been part of Sam’s Club since 1998 and is known for its quality and value, helping members save money.

In 2017, Sam’s Club brought together its 20 proprietary brands under the Member’s Mark umbrella. The brand offers a variety of products, ranging from groceries and household essentials to electronics and furniture.

About 20% of all items in Sam’s Club stores are Member’s Mark products. The proprietary brand is designed to provide Sam’s Club members with high-quality items at an affordable price. Purchasing these products can lead to a lower credit card tab, compared to other grocery retailers.

Who makes Member’s Mark?

Walmart, the parent company of Sam’s Club, is responsible for the manufacture of the Member’s Mark brand. Walmart is a worldwide retailer that generates billions of dollars in revenue every year, and it’s no surprise that it has the capacity to manufacture the products in-house.

Some Member’s Mark products are sourced from companies that offer quality products at an excellent value. According to Chandra Holt, Vice President of Private Brands, her team scours the globe in search of these products, like Italian-sourced olive oil that was discovered during Holt’s visit with local olive and tomato farmers.

Another gem is the Member’s Mark sangria from Madrid, Spain, and mouth-watering frozen lasagna, traced back to an Italian family recipe, sourced from Chicago.

In 2020 Sam’s Club refurbished, revamped, and revolutionized over 1,200 of its products. As a result, an increasing number of members are attributing their membership renewals to the quality and innovation of Member’s Mark offerings.

Interestingly, Sam’s Club’s business model is quite different from Costco’s in terms of in-house brands. Costco is known for working with top name brands to produce its Kirkland brand products.

In contrast, Sam’s Club doesn’t openly disclose the companies it partners with to produce the Member’s Mark brand. However, there are rumors that suggest that leading manufacturers in the industry make some of the products. Here are some of them:

Member’s Mark dog food is made by PurinaMember’s Mark batteries are made by EnergizerMember’s Mark chicken comes from TysonMember’s Mark jeans are made by WranglerMember’s Mark milk comes from Walmart’s Great Value

If these rumors are accurate, it means that Sam’s Club is working with powerful companies to produce in-house products.

Member’s Mark rebrands

In 2020, Sam’s Club unveiled a new Member’s Mark brand and logo that prioritizes quality and sustainability. Sam’s Club is committed to creating more sustainable products by making Member’s Mark items and its packaging more recyclable, reusable, and compostable.

The company is striving to reduce the brand’s impact on the environment by encouraging suppliers to participate in the Project Gigaton™ consortium. This initiative, led by Walmart, aims to eliminate 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the private sector.

Regardless of who makes Member’s Mark, Sam’s Club is focusing on meeting its industry-leading sustainability goals by 2025. Suppliers and vendors have to source the Member’s Mark products responsibly, create inclusive economic opportunities, and prioritize diverse suppliers.

Sam’s Club Member’s Mark is a great option for anyone looking for high-quality products at an affordable price. With such a range of products, there’s sure to be something that meets your needs. While Sam’s Club sources its products differently than Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand, Member’s Mark is leading the way with its sustainability initiatives. Sam’s Club is committing to a regenerative mindset by prioritizing nature, humanity, and its members in the development of Member’s Mark products.

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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.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Walmart. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Need a Father’s Day gift in a pinch? Read on to see how Amazon can come to your rescue. 

At this point, there isn’t much time to come up with the perfect Father’s Day gift. And if money is tight, you may have limited options for buying your dad something you think he’ll love.

The good news is that if you turn to Amazon, you can choose from a range of options that won’t require you to raid your savings account. Plus, if you’re a Prime member, you can have your gift shipped quickly so it arrives in time for Father’s Day.

It pays to look around on Amazon to see what items you can find based on your father’s hobbies and your personal budget. But here are a few items that may be a good fit.

1. Under Armour Men’s Tech Golf Polo

Whether your dad plays golf or not, this Under Armour polo makes a great gift. It’s made of breathable fabric that wicks away sweat, so it’s perfect for not just a day outdoors, but someone who commutes to an office during the sweltering days of summer. You can buy it on Amazon for just $32.98, which is 27% off its usual price of $45.

2. A basket of beef jerky

Have a dad who loves his jerky? Amazon’s got you covered with its Jerky Lovers Assortment Box. For $59.99, you get a mix of jerky sticks, beef bars, and more. It’s a great gift for dads who aren’t a fan of stuff and prefer gifts that can be enjoyed without taking up permanent space at home.

3. ROMANTICIST 27pcs Heavy Duty BBQ Tools Gift Set

If your dad is into grilling, this barbecue set might come in extra handy. It features 27 pieces, including a grill fork, basting brush, tongs, and meat claws. Right now, it’s on sale for $28.99, down from $49.99. And it comes in a carrying case for easy storage.

4. Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler

Whether your dad enjoys afternoons at the beach, tailgating at football games, or hanging out in his own backyard, this 100-quart cooler makes an awesome gift. It’s equipped with heavy-duty 6-inch wheels and includes cup holders and a stain-resistant liner. Amazon has it on sale for $109.99, marked down from $115.99.

5. Trivial Pursuit Master Edition

If your dad is a trivia buff, then you may want to consider the Master Edition version of Trivial Pursuit as a Father’s Day gift. It comes with almost 3,000 questions designed to test your dad’s knowledge. Better yet, pair the game with an invitation to come over and play, whether at your place or your dad’s. You can buy it for $44.95.

You don’t have to rack up a giant credit card bill in the course of buying a Father’s Day gift. And remember, your dad probably wouldn’t want you to anyway. So focus on giving your dad something you know he’ll enjoy, but also, something that aligns with your financial comfort zone right now. Your dad is apt to appreciate the thought no matter what.

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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.com. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Need a gift for Father’s Day? Read on to see how Costco has you covered. 

Father’s Day may not always get the same amount of media hype as Mother’s Day. But it’s an important event to celebrate nonetheless. If you’re at a loss as to what to get your dad this year, Costco may just come to your rescue. Here are just a few items that could end up being the perfect gift.

1. Weber Genesis II E335 Gas Grill

If your dad could use a serious grill upgrade, here’s a Costco find worth considering. Weber has long been a trusted name in the world of grills, and this model comes loaded with features that include a side burner for sauteing vegetables and a sear station to create those perfect grill marks on meat.

Now, this grill will run up a pretty high credit card tab, since it’s not a cheap model. But Costco has it marked down online from its usual price of $1,049.99 to $949.99. (Do note that Costco prices can vary by region, and also between online and in-store purchases.) If you have a bunch of siblings, it could be a great item to chip in for together.

2. 32 Degrees Men’s Shorts, 2-pack

Maybe you’re on more of a budget, or you’re looking for a gift your dad is apt to find useful. This two-pack of shorts could fit the bill. It’s available for just $19.99 and you can choose from blue or green, depending on which color you think your father might like the most. Best of all, these shorts are made of breathable material that can help your dad stay cool throughout the summer.

3. Kirkland Signature Men’s Reversible Leather Belt

If your dad commutes to work, he might appreciate a high-quality belt he can pair with different slacks and shirts. This Kirkland belt is made of full grain leather and is reversible so your dad can switch between black and brown. It’s available online for just $24.99.

4. Northrock XC27 Mountain Bike

If you have a dad who enjoys fitness and the great outdoors, you may want to consider scooping up this mountain bike. It features an aluminum frame that’s sturdy yet light and disc brakes for optimal control. You can find it for $339.97.

5. Samsung Galaxy Watch4 44mm Smartwatch

If your father’s been stuck in the dark ages with a standard watch that merely tells time, he may be eager for an upgrade. Enter this Samsung watch. It can help your dad track his heart rate, workouts, and oxygen, and it features Google app integration and call and text notifications. For $249.99, you get the watch itself, a bonus band, and an extended warranty that gives you two years of protection.

Clearly, you have choices when it comes to buying a Father’s Day gift at Costco. If money is tight and you don’t want to raid your savings account too badly, opt for something economical. Your dad is apt to appreciate the thought more so than anything else.

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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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Alphabet. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Costco Wholesale, and Gala. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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A higher deductible is a bummer, but in our case, there’s a silver lining. Read on to see what it is. 

For many years, I was spoiled when it came to health insurance. That’s because my husband’s employer provided us with a plan that didn’t impose an annual deductible for in-network services. That saved us a lot of money, especially since we have kids and tend to visit the doctor frequently.

Last year, however, my husband switched jobs, and that meant getting onto a new health insurance plan. It also meant going from a $0 deductible to a $3,000 deductible.

Thankfully, we factor medical bills into our monthly budget, so we already had some funds allocated for healthcare costs. And also, we have money in our savings account we can tap in case our paychecks can’t cover a larger medical bill.

But still, going from no deductible to a $3,000 deductible was a big change, to say the least. And while it wasn’t the most welcome one at first, at this point, I’m actually not bothered by it. Here’s why.

When you get access to a really useful account

Switching over to our new high-deductible health insurance plan meant being able to fund a health savings account, or HSA, for the first time in our lives. And HSAs offer a host of tax benefits.

For one thing, HSA contributions are tax-free, so they exempt a portion of your income from taxes. This year, the family-level limit for HSA contributions is $7,750. By putting that money into our HSA, we make it so the IRS can’t tax us on that amount of earnings.

Also, unlike flexible spending accounts, HSA balances don’t have to be spent down year after year. In fact, it’s a good idea to reserve some of your HSA funds and invest them for future healthcare needs. Another benefit of HSAs is that investment gains in your account are tax-free, as are withdrawals used to cover qualified medical expenses.

Does your health insurance plan render you eligible for an HSA?

There are certain requirements your health insurance plan needs to meet in order to be compatible with an HSA. First, you’ll need a minimum deductible that changes from year to year.

This year, an individual deductible of $1,500 is required, or a family-level deductible of $3,000. These limits are rising to $1,600 and $3,200, respectively, in 2024.

Your plan also has to meet maximum out of pocket requirements. This year, that max can’t exceed $7,500 for individual coverage or $15,000 for family-level coverage. Next year, these limits increase to $8,050 and $16,100, respectively.

Going from a health insurance plan with no in-network deductible to a $3,000 deductible wasn’t an easy thing. But getting access to an HSA not only softened the blow, but made me realize that our current health plan may actually be a better deal. While our deductible is high, the premiums we pay for our plan are fairly reasonable. And between that and being able to fund an HSA and enjoy a world of tax savings, it’s really not such a bad setup.

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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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