These two young rising generations aren’t all professional YouTubers. Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com
Not every millennial or Gen Z adult is a YouTuber or a TikTok influencer. Members of these two generations have varied career paths and occupations. A recent study from SkyNova identified the 10 jobs most popular with young adults — ages 22 to 35. The company, which provides small-business invoicing tools, used labor force data from 2020 to 2022 and then surveyed more than 1,000 adults.
Sometimes, it’s worth spending a little more. FotograFFF / Shutterstock.com
As you wind through Ikea’s blue-and-yellow labyrinth or shop online, it’s nearly impossible to resist buying something cute and affordable. The retailer has an abundance of reasonably priced, sleek and trendy items for everyone, from people furnishing first homes to families hunting for baby cribs. But some of Ikea’s products may not be such a good bargain when you factor in a history of safety…
Learn the tips and tricks that might help you save on your taxes just like the wealthy. Mags Ascough / Shutterstock.com
The tax season is over, but for Americans with the means to hire tax advisers or other financial experts, tax planning often happens year round. Generally, taxpayers must report every dollar earned and will owe taxes on the portion that’s considered taxable income. But there are many legal ways to shrink your taxable income and thus your tax liability, such as by taking advantage of tax deductions.
Some consumers believe that it’s best to stick to a single credit card. Here are the most important reasons why having more than one card is a good idea.
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People tend to be cautious about the number of credit cards they open. More than half (51%) of Americans have either zero or one credit card, according to a credit card study by The Motley Fool Ascent.
Keeping your credit cards to a minimum number is understandable, considering how expensive credit card debt can be. But it’s not the best approach. While you don’t need a wallet full of credit cards, there are several reasons why you should at least have more than one.
Save: This credit card has one of the longest intro 0% interest periods around
More: Save while you pay off debt with one of these top-rated balance transfer credit cards
If your credit card is compromised in any way, you’ll need to request a replacement from your card issuer. This could happen if your card is lost or stolen, but it’s also possible for cybercriminals to steal your card number through data breaches or even guessing it through brute force methods.
You’ll still need a way to pay for purchases while you wait for your replacement card to arrive. If you have multiple credit cards, then you’ll have another card to use in the meantime.
Rewards credit cards are a good way to save money through your regular purchases. You’re going to be buying things anyway, so you might as well earn cash back or points in the process.
While you can do this with one card, combining them is a smart strategy to earn more rewards. That’s because rewards rates vary from card to card. For example, one card may offer 2% back on all eligible purchases, while another may offer 4% on groceries and 3% on gas, but only 1% back on other purchases.
If you got both of those cards, you could use the second card for groceries and gas, and the first one for everything else. You’ll earn more this way than you would by carrying just one of the two.
Earning more rewards on your purchases isn’t the only benefit of carrying two or more rewards cards. Many of these cards also offer sign-up bonuses, which are incentives for new cardholders.
For example, some cards have sign-up bonuses of $200 if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. Once again, when you’re spending that much anyway on your regular bills, a bonus is an easy way to take advantage. And if you’re open to getting multiple credit cards, you can earn multiple bonuses.
There’s a misconception that it’s bad for your credit score if you have too many credit cards. That’s not true, as your number of credit cards isn’t a factor used in calculating your credit score. But there is actually a way that having multiple cards can be good for your credit.
One of the heavily weighted factors in your credit score is your credit utilization ratio — the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits. For example, if you have a $5,000 balance and a $10,000 limit, your credit utilization is 50%. That’s on the high side. Lower is better, and the standard recommendation is to try and keep this below 30%.
When you have more credit cards, you also have more credit, so your credit utilization will be lower. Let’s say that you have the same $5,000 in credit card balances, but you have two cards, each with $10,000 limits. Your credit utilization would be 25%, which is much better for your credit score.
Credit cards offer a lot of perks. Some get you free checked baggage with your airline of choice, or even airport lounge access. Some have a 0% intro APR. Some provide complimentary cell phone insurance coverage when you pay your phone bill with your card.
No single card is going to have everything. But when you open more than one credit card, you can get access to a larger selection of money-saving perks.
It’s easy to get into trouble with credit cards, so you always need to be careful about how you use them. Follow a spending plan and only charge what you can afford to pay back. Pay the bill by the due date, and aim to pay the entire balance every time. These are good habits regardless of how many credit cards you have. If you follow them, then it’s worth having more than one credit card for the advantages this offers.
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 until 2024, 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.
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.
The current state of the economy has left many feeling uneasy about their financial futures, but it could be a great time to start investing. Find out how.
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Investing can be a daunting and stressful task for anyone, particularly when the economy is struggling. However, investing during tough times is crucial to building a secure financial future, and there are ways to do it even when the market is volatile. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a novice, here are some tips on how to start investing during tough economic times.
RELATED: Best Online Stock Brokers for Beginners
Investing doesn’t have to require a lot of money upfront. In fact, some of the best investment opportunities can be found through small, incremental investments. If you don’t know what to invest in, consider setting up a robo-advisor account.
These AI-powered investment platforms invest your money in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds based on your risk tolerance and goals. With many robo-advisors, you can start investing with as little as $5 or $10 per month.
This is a great strategy to employ when you are hesitant about investing during a market downturn. Dollar-cost averaging involves investing a fixed dollar amount into a stock or fund on a regular basis, regardless of the current market conditions.
This means that when the market is down, you get more shares for your money, and when the market is up, you get fewer shares. Over time, this will average out and can help reduce your risk while maximizing your returns.
Investing during an economic downturn may seem daunting, but there are still ways you can grow your money. One option is to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or low-cost mutual funds. Both are great choices for those who are new to investing or want to diversify their portfolio.
ETFs track a particular market or index and offer low fees. Low-cost mutual funds also provide diversified investments and typically have lower fees compared to actively managed funds.
If your employer offers a 401(k) or other retirement plan, take advantage of it. Contributing to a workplace retirement plan is an easy way to invest in the stock market. Many workplace plans allow you to invest in mutual funds or target-date funds that automatically adjust your investments as you get closer to retirement.
These plans also typically offer tax benefits and employer contributions, which can help boost your savings and returns.
Another option to consider is a Roth IRA. This type of retirement account allows you to invest after-tax dollars, meaning you won’t pay taxes on your withdrawals during retirement. A Roth IRA is an excellent way to invest during a market downturn because you won’t have to worry about capital gains taxes affecting your returns.
Additionally, you can withdraw your contributions at any time without penalty, making it a flexible investment option.
If you are still unsure of the stock market, a high-yield savings account can provide reliable returns even in a downturn.
These accounts typically offer much better interest rates than traditional savings accounts or CDs, and your money is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per bank, per person. Best of all, you can withdraw your money whenever you need it without penalty.
Perhaps the most important aspect of successful investing is having a solid plan and sticking to it. This means setting realistic goals, developing a diversified portfolio based on your risk tolerance, and regularly monitoring your investments to ensure they’re on track.
It can be tempting to react to every market fluctuation, but this usually leads to poor investment decisions. Instead, focus on what you can control, which is your own investment strategy and behavior.
Investing during tough economic times can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. By employing these strategies and staying disciplined, you can build a secure financial future. Remember, investing is a long-term game, and the stock market will ebb and flow. However, with patience and perseverance, your portfolio can withstand the ups and downs of the market, and you can reap the rewards of investing. Start small, stay the course, and let the magic of compounding work in your favor. Happy investing!
We pored over the data and user reviews to find the select rare picks that landed a spot on our list of the best stock brokers. Some of these best-in-class picks pack in valuable perks, including $0 stock and ETF commissions. Get started and review our best stock brokers.
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 Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Check out six affordable Father’s Day gifts from Costco for under $100, including new earbuds, a travel hammock, and more.
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Father’s Day is fast approaching and now is the time to start shopping for great gifts if you haven’t already.
If you don’t have tons of spare cash in your checking account, Costco can be a great place to shop for affordable gifts for your dad’s special day. Check out six great gifts you can buy at Costco that won’t give your credit cards too much of a workout.
Costco’s Hurley Men’s Puff Clog Shoe is comfortable enough to act as a slipper but it can be worn out of the house too, thanks to its durable rubber outsole. Dad will be delighted to open this gift and see stylish clogs that feel good on the feet.
Best of all, the shoe costs just $9.97 and it’s part of a promotion Costco is currently running where you can save $25 if you purchase $100 worth of clothing (or $60 if you spend $200 or more).
Costco has a huge selection of colognes, including Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio, Montblanc Explorer Utra Blue, and more. Costs vary, but Costco is currently offering members-only pricing and extra discounts including up to $70 off on certain cologne brands.
If your dad needs a little break from the noise and chaos on Father’s Day, some new earbuds could do the trick. Costco has Beats Flex Wireless Earphones for just $39.99. These are compatible with both Apple and Android devices and they provide up to 12 hours of listening time on one charge.
Costco’s price is considerably cheaper than the $69.99 these earbuds sell for elsewhere. The earbuds also received 4 out of 5 stars, with users claiming the earbuds both sound great and are easy to use.
Whether you’ll be heading out camping with Dad this summer or your father simply wants to relax outdoors in the backyard, this $24.99 travel hammock could be the perfect gift. It can fit between one or two users, comes with its own carry bag, and can be hung in minutes with two included carabiners and straps with 18 loops.
Similar travel hammocks are priced at $40 from competitors, so comfort will cost you less if you splurge on this treat for dad from Costco.
Dads often get stuck doing the heavy lifting, so a shoulder and neck massager could be just the thing to give the dad in your life on his special day.
This Sharper Image Realtouch Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager from Costco is available at a bargain price of $69.99 with manufacturer coupon. It includes optional heat and six massage modes, and reviewers claim it “really does feel like a Shiatsu massage.” While this is a little more of a splurge than some of the other items on this list, dad will likely get a ton of use out of it over time.
If your dad loves manning the grill, consider adding this awesome set to his outdoor cooking tool kit. The nine-piece set includes scissors, tongs, and knives of various sizes perfect for slicing all the meat your dad wants to dine on.
The ergonomic handle makes this BBQ gear easy to use, and the fact it’s dishwasher safe means dad won’t have to spend hours cleaning. The tools will also be durable and are sure to last, since they are forged of German stainless steel.
At $99.99, this set is still under $100 and the numerous positive reviews suggest it will be well worth the money. With the same item priced at $150 elsewhere, you’ll still get a bargain by adding this to your Costco cart.
Each of these items comes at a good price and may make the dad in your life happy. Just be sure to stick within your budget for Father’s Day presents and consider using a credit card that offers rewards and cash back so you get the most bang for your buck — just like your dad would probably want you to do.
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 until 2024, 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.
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 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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