Money Management

Love Trader Joe’s? Read on for some new products that are worth checking out. 

Trader Joe’s may be the sort of store you shop at only occasionally. Or maybe you shop there weekly.

Either way, one thing you might pick up on quickly is that the lineup at Trader Joe’s is constantly changing. And that makes for a pretty interesting shopping experience, to say the least. If you’re someone who enjoys trying new products, here are some items you may want to put on your shopping list this month.

1. Milk Chocolate Bar with Corn Flakes

Leave it to Trader Joe’s to take snacking to the next level with this crispy, delicious chocolate bar. The Corn Flakes help offset the sweetness and give this bar the right amount of crunch. It’s a great snack to share with friends, but you can also eat the entire bar yourself and no one would have to be any the wiser. A 6.3-ounce bar will set you back just $2.99, which isn’t bad for high-quality Belgian chocolate.

2. Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds

If you’ve never had a cheese curd before, you’re missing out. You can think of these cheese curds as a fritter of sorts. They’re great as an appetizer if you’re having a party, and they’re also a great bite to snack on at home during a movie marathon. These delicious cheese curds can be found in the freezer section at Trader Joe’s. Pick up a 16-ounce bag for $4.99 and prepare to be delighted.

3. Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers

Clearly, Trader Joe’s has taken snacking to the next level this month. These sandwich crackers are beyond tasty. It’s almost as though you’re eating an everything bagel with cream cheese — only in bite-sized form. They make a great car snack, late-night snack, or “I’m bored during a Zoom meeting” snack. You can buy a 7.05-ounce box for $3.49.

4. Italian Tomato & Burrata Ravioloni

While Trader Joe’s may be a snacker’s haven, sometimes, you need a real meal. Enter this entree. It features pasta stuffed with creamy burrata cheese and tomatoes in a basil paste. You can whip up dinner in a flash and even pretend you made these bad boys from scratch. An 8.8-ounce box costs just $3.99.

5. Gluten Free Strawberry Muffins

Following a gluten free diet often means having to either do your own baking or otherwise rack up a giant credit card tab at a specialty store or bakery. If you’re tired of raiding your savings account to buy baked goods that meet your dietary needs, head to Trader Joe’s this month instead, where you can find a four-pack of strawberry muffins for just $5.99. They make a great breakfast, afternoon snack, or dinner for those times where you’ve given up on real food and just want something yummy.

All of these Trader Joe’s items are worth sampling, but if they’re not your thing, head over to your nearest store and see what else is new on the shelves. Chances are, you’ll find something that tickles your taste buds.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

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.

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.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 Read More 

I’ll be applying for a mortgage soon. Take a look at the steps I’m taking to make sure I get the best possible mortgage rate. 

I’m going to be getting a new mortgage loan soon since I’m buying a house. I want to be sure I get the best possible mortgage rate, so I’m taking some steps to ensure that I’m as well-qualified a borrower as possible. I also want to make the process of applying for a mortgage easier for myself, as it’s always been a big hassle when I’ve obtained a home loan in the past.

Here are some of the things I’m doing to make sure I’m ready when the time to get my home loan comes.

1. I’ve paid down all my credit card balances

Mortgage lenders look at both your credit history and the amount of debt you have relative to your income when they decide if you should be approved for a loan and how much you can borrow. So, I want to have as little debt as possible when a lender reviews my application.

I don’t borrow for anything except for buying a house, so I don’t have car loans or personal loans. I do, however, charge everything on my credit card in order to maximize the rewards I earn. This can be a bit of a problem when applying for a mortgage, though, even though I pay my balance in full every month.

Here’s the issue: I pay my balance off when my statement comes to avoid owing interest, but my creditor reports my balance at a different time of the month. So, even though I always pay my cards off, my credit report always shows I have a large balance on my cards.

When mortgage lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to decide whether to approve you for a loan, they take into account the credit card payments you’d have to make based on the balance shown on your credit report. Since I don’t want my DTI to be affected by the fact that it always looks like I have a large balance, I have taken to paying my credit card multiple times per month.

Rather than waiting until my statement comes, I just sign into my online account regularly and pay off the current balance. That way, my card always shows close to a $0 balance because only my most recent charges haven’t been paid off. This helps improve both my credit score, since I’ll have a lower utilization ratio reported to the credit bureaus, and my DTI.

2. I’ve got my paperwork all ready

One of the biggest things I dislike about applying for a mortgage is all of the paperwork involved in the process. Since I am self-employed, I need to submit a ton of documents to lenders. To make the process as quick and easy as possible, I’ve started gathering all the stuff I’ll need. I have digital copies of everything in a special folder on my computer so I can use it when applying for different loans and when my lender requests it.

Some of the documents I’ve gathered include:

Tax returns for the most recent two yearsBank statements showing my down payment moneyBrokerage statements showing my assetsProfit and loss statements from my business

If you are an employee, then you may not need as much documentation, but you should still have tax returns, pay stubs, and brokerage and bank account statements ready to go.

3. I’m avoiding taking on any new debt

Finally, the last thing I am doing is making sure I don’t apply for any new credit cards or loans. Doing so would give me a new inquiry on my credit report, which could lower my credit score and cause my mortgage lender to be concerned about whether I was getting in too deep with borrowing.

By taking these three steps, I can ensure that I’m able to get the best rate possible so my home loan is as affordable as it can be. Anyone who is applying for their own mortgage may wish to do the same.

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.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 Read More 

Stolen credit card information often ends up on the dark web. Learn about what happens next and how you can protect yourself in this situation. 

The dark web is a popular place for illegal activities, which means it’s definitely not where you want your credit card info to be. Unfortunately, consumers don’t always have a say in the matter. Even if you carefully guard your credit cards and do everything right, there are still ways for criminals to get their hands on your card information.

One way this can happen is a data breach, where a company that has your credit card information doesn’t store it properly. Data breaches happen often. There were 1,862 of them in 2021, affecting nearly 300 million people, according to recent identity theft statistics.

Another technique used by cybercriminals is the brute force method, where an attacker attempts to guess your credit card number using invalid payment requests. Research from Newcastle University has found that with this method, it’s possible to steal credit card information in as little as six seconds.

This can happen to anyone, and that’s why it’s so important to be prepared. If your credit card info ends up on the dark web, here’s what will happen next and how you can protect yourself.

You may receive an alert

Identity protection companies monitor information being sold on the dark web. If you’ve signed up for any sort of identity protection or credit monitoring service, you may get a notification that your credit card information was detected.

It’s a good idea to sign up for one of these services, and you don’t need to pick one that charges a monthly fee. There are several credit card companies offering free identity protection. Some card issuers offer identity protection to cardholders, and others offer it to anyone and everyone.

Your card info gets packaged and sold with any other info the thief has on you

Stolen credit card numbers are a big business on the dark web. After a cybercriminal gets a credit card number, they bundle it with any other info they have, such as the:

Expiration dateCVV (the security code)Billing ZIP code or full billing addressCardholder’s nameCardholder’s date of birthCardholder’s Social Security number

They typically sell packages of credit card numbers. It won’t just be your credit card info getting sold, but yours and that of dozens or hundreds of others.

Research by NordVPN found that there were nearly 1.6 million sets of payment card details available from the United States alone on the dark web. And on a per-card basis, they cost barely anything. NordVPN reported that a hacked payment’s card data costs less than $10 on average. Cybersecurity company Flare reports an average price of just $5.72.

Scammers could test your credit card info with a small transaction

Once a scammer has their hands on your credit card information and is ready to use it, they may start small. The idea is to check if the credit card works first by charging an inexpensive transaction, often for less than $5.

Because it’s for a low amount, the test transaction is less likely to set off a card issuer’s fraud detection or be noticed right away by the cardholder. If the test transaction works, then the scammer will likely try for a bigger score.

This is why it’s important to review your credit card statement regularly and never ignore anything that looks suspicious, even if it’s for a very small amount. Report it to your card issuer and get a replacement card sent out.

How to protect yourself against credit card fraud

There’s no way to guarantee that your credit card information stays off the dark web. But you can reduce your risk and get it fixed quickly if you are a victim of credit card fraud. To recap, here’s how to protect yourself:

Sign up for identity protection. Remember that many credit card companies offer this service free of charge.Check your credit card transactions regularly. Review your entire bill at least once per month. Doing this weekly is even better, because if there is any fraud, you’ll catch it sooner and potentially prevent further unauthorized transactions.Report fraud right away. Your card issuer can then cancel the compromised credit card and send you a new one.

It’s worrisome to know that a criminal could steal your credit card information and sell it on the dark web. Remember that even if you are a victim of fraud, federal law limits your liability to no more than $50 of unauthorized charges. Most credit card issuers take it a step further and have zero-liability policies. If your credit card has a zero-liability policy, and the vast majority do, you won’t need to pay anything for fraudulent charges.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

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.

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.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 Read More 

Do you want to take a cruise? If you’re not careful, it can be easy to overspend. Here are some extra cruise expenses to budget for before you set sail. 

A cruise can make for an exciting way to see multiple destinations in a stress-free manner. But you want to make sure you consider all the potential costs of taking a cruise before planning your getaway. If you don’t plan for all of these costs, you could negatively impact your personal finances. Are you ready to take an adventure at sea? Below we’ve outlined some extra costs to consider before booking a cruise.

1. Taxes and port fees

When advertising cruises, many cruise lines list prices that exclude taxes and fees. This lower figure is used to attract travelers. What might look like a fantastic deal may not be as good as it seems. You’ll notice taxes and port fees added to your total bill during the booking process. To avoid an expensive surprise, review the total charges, including taxes and fees.

2. Alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages aren’t included in the standard cruise price. Depending on how much you like to drink, it can get expensive to do so on a cruise. Most cruise lines offer various alcoholic beverage packages that offer unlimited drinks for a set price. One way to save money on this cost is by booking an unlimited drink package in advance. Since most cruise lines offer money-saving deals to early bookers, you could score a great deal by thinking ahead.

3. Shore excursions

While shore excursions are optional, they can add to your cruise experience. You may want to pay extra to enjoy experiences such as a guided hike, a cultural performance, or a food-or-wine tour. As you outline a vacation budget for your cruise, consider planning to save for extra costs like shore excursions if you want to explore each port of call on your cruise.

4. Gratuities

You’ll want to thank the cruise staff for all their hard work making your vacation a memorable experience. You should know that gratuities are handled in a unique way on cruise ships. Most cruise lines charge a daily fee to cover the cost of gratuities. The tips are then split between staff members. You can leave additional tips if you’d like, but you’ll want to budget for this.

5. Laundry

You’ll probably want to do laundry if you’re packing light. Some cruise lines have self-service laundry facilities available to passengers at an extra charge. Other companies provide professional laundry services for an additional fee. While laundry costs likely won’t make up a large portion of your budget, this is another cost to consider as you save for your trip.

6. Wifi

While cruising, it can be nice to unplug from technology to relax and unwind fully. But if that’s impossible and you must be connected while sailing, you’ll have to pay for wifi. Many cruise lines offer several internet package options. It’s not uncommon to be required to pay for access for the entire cruise duration, rather than paying for only a day or two here and there. You may want to stash extra cash in your savings account to prepare for this expense.

7. Transit and lodging costs

Unless you live near your cruise’s departure port, you should budget for other travel costs. Consider whether you’ll be flying, driving, or using other transit. If you are traveling far, you’ll likely want to arrive at least the day before your cruise starts to avoid unexpected delays.

Transit and lodging expenses can add up quickly, making an affordable cruise much more expensive than initially planned. Booking these additional expenses early can offer savings, though. You can earn rewards by using a travel credit card to book your hotel stays and flights.

Keep your personal finances top of mind

When planning any vacation, considering your finances is a good idea. A cruise can offer you a much-needed escape from reality. But before booking, consider the total cost of taking a cruise so you’re able to make sound financial divisions as you plan your adventure at sea.

If you want to score a great deal on a cruise, consider booking either well in advance or at the last minute to take advantage of significant discounts. If you decide to become a regular cruise goer, check out cruise rewards programs to access special deals and valuable perks.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

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.

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.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.

 Read More 

Want to see your savings grow this month? Read on to see what you can do to give your savings a lift. 

If you’re concerned about the state of your finances, you may be in good company. Many people are worried about money these days, especially with all of the recession warnings that keep sounding. If you’re looking for a way to grow your savings account balance this month, here are some options worth looking at.

1. Get outdoors

Now that the weather has finally warmed up, you have a prime opportunity to do more things outside, whether it’s hiking with friends or picnicking in the park. These are all fun, free activities that could help you grow your savings by the amount you would have spent on indoor entertainment.

Similarly, warmer weather means it may be more feasible to cook more outside. That may be more appealing to you than being trapped in your kitchen. And the more motivated you are to cook, the less you might spend on food.

2. Consider a warehouse club membership

Shopping at warehouse club stores could save you money on not just groceries and household essentials, but also, apparel, electronics, travel, and events. So if your goal is to boost your savings this month, consider signing up for a Costco or Sam’s Club membership.

The cost of a basic Costco member is $60 a year, while an upgraded executive membership costs $120. That upgraded membership, however, gives you 2% back on all Costco purchases you make, similar to how your credit card might give you 2% back on different purchases.

Meanwhile, a basic Sam’s Club membership costs $50 a year, while an upgraded plus membership costs $110. With the latter, you get 2% back on Sam’s Club purchases and other perks that include free curbside pickup and pharmacy savings.

Now if you’re not sure which warehouse club to join, spend some time looking at each one’s features. And also, consider location. If you have a Sam’s Club that’s 10 minutes away and your closest Costco is a 20-minute drive, that’s reason enough to opt for Sam’s Club (though keep in mind that both warehouse club chains maintain an extensive inventory of online items you can buy without having to leave your home).

3. Ask for hand-me-downs for your kids

Many parents spend lots of money on swimwear, sports equipment, and other gear needed for their children to enjoy a fun, busy summer. Rather than go that route, ask around for hand-me-downs. If you’re part of a town social media group, make it known that you’re looking for items other families no longer need, and offer to pass on items to others once your kids have outgrown them.

Let’s say you’ve signed your child up for a week-long tennis camp this summer. The cost of a kid’s racket could be $25 to $50 or more, depending on the model you choose. If someone is able to pass along a gently used racket their child is done with, that’s money you won’t have to spend.

Given all of the economic uncertainty out there, now’s certainly a good time to boost your savings. Make these moves, and your bank account balance might end up growing nicely this June.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

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.

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.

 Read More 

Amazon is known for its low prices. But read on to see how you might manage to save even more on select items. 

Of the various charges you might see hit your credit card, the cost of an Amazon Prime membership might be the easiest one to reconcile. Not only does a Prime membership give you access to free two-day shipping, but you also get to enjoy other perks like free books and streaming content.

Now, you may be trying to save money ahead of Amazon Prime Day. And as such, you may be looking to limit the number of Amazon purchases you make in June. But if money isn’t particularly tight and you have a need for these items, the following bargains are worth checking out.

1. Hiboy S2 Pro/S2 MAX Electric Scooter

Tired of driving everywhere? Now that the weather is warmer, you might prefer to scoot your way to work or various destinations rather than get behind the wheel. This Amazon offering has an impressive 40.4-mile range. And it folds, so you can take it on a bus or train. It normally retails for $719.99, but right now, Amazon’s got it for $499.99.

2. INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV

If you’re in the market for a mid-sized smart TV, you may want to scoop up this model before its price goes up. This TV normally retails for $149.99, but Amazon is offering it up for just $89.99. With Alexa voice control, you can choose your content without having to so much as reach for a remote. This TV is compatible with services that include Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Peacock. And you can of course use it to stream Amazon Prime Video content.

3. AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

If you have a pool, you’re no doubt aware that cleaning it can be a chore. This tool could make the job easier, though. This robotic pool vacuum lasts for 90 minutes of runtime and is ideal for pools up to 40 feet. It’s on sale right now for $199.99, which is a steal compared to its usual $299.99 price point.

4. Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24″ Vertical Smoker

If you’re a self-proclaimed carnivore who loves grilling season, you can take your game to the next level with this vertical smoker. It comes equipped with an easy-to-read door thermometer and two adjustable smoking racks, plus a jerky smoking rack. Its usual price is $439.99, but right now, Amazon has it on sale for just $303.99.

5. ABCCANOPY Patio Pop Up Canopy Tent 10×10 Commercial-Series

You may be excited to spend the summer enjoying your outdoor space or hitting the beach. But it can get really hot out there without some cover. Enter this pop-up canopy tent. Offering enough shade to cover three beach chairs or 10 people around a table, it’s a product worth investing in to enjoy the summer months to the fullest. It’s also quick to set up and comes with a roller bag for easy portability. Right now, it’s marked down from $232.95 to just $190.31.

Amazon Prime Day is likely to fall out in July this year like it has in the past, so you may want to keep more money tucked away in your savings account for that big event. But if that’s not the case, and any of the above items fulfill a particular need for you, then they may be worth adding to your cart — before their price increases.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

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.

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.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.

 Read More