Organize any room in your house with this unique tool. Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap. I recently decided to organize my garage using pegboard. Before I began, I looked at organization ideas and wow, was I surprised at how much can be done with some simple, inexpensive pegboard. No matter what room you want to get into shape, pegboard can help, and it’s cheap. We’ve found pegboard storage ideas for the craft room…
No degree? No problem. You can still earn a good income with these jobs that don’t require a degree. Undrey / Shutterstock.com
There is no doubt that higher education can lead to higher incomes. After all, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that those with a bachelor’s degree have median wages that are $525 per week more than those with only a high school diploma and no college experience. Still, college isn’t right for everyone, and not every good job requires a degree. Employment website Indeed analyzed its…
Researchers find evidence that time online might protect your brain. pixelheadphoto digitalskillet / Shutterstock.com
Critics long have charged that watching too much TV rots your brain. However, it appears that using the internet may have the opposite effect. Using the internet regularly may cut the risk of being diagnosed with dementia by roughly half, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. In the study, researchers followed more than 18,000…
You don’t have to spend a fortune on products designed to save you time and energy. Here are some of Costco’s best buys under $100.
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We all know that no one beats Costco when it comes to the price of rotisserie chicken, quality batteries, and organic maple syrup. What’s so surprising is how much lower the retail giant’s prices are on other — larger — items. Here are five products with prices that the competition can’t touch.
Costco price: $99.97
Walmart price: $450
We had to double-check these prices, just to make sure we were comparing two comparable items. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two seven-piece systems:
While no security system can guard against everything, installing SimpliSafe is one way to decrease the risk of a break-in or costly insurance claim.
Costco price: $60
Walmart price: $85
Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or weekend bike trips, it’s good to have a dependable first aid kit available. This kit measures 10.5″ x 7″ x 5.25″ and includes a total of 211 first aid components, each color coded and labeled for easy identification.
Costco price: $99.99
Walmart price: $179
Ideal for designing a neat and organized bed of herbs, fruits, vegetables, or flowers, this planting grid allows you to make the most of limited gardening space. Better yet, you can put it together in any shape that works for you. It’s BPA- and phthalate-free, and comes with a 20-year warranty against material defects. The price includes two modular garden beds.
The $79 price difference may even leave you with enough money in your checking account to splurge on plants this year.
Costco price: $70
Walmart price: $143
For less than half the price you’d pay at Walmart, this two-person backpacking tent offers both size and functionality. Weighing just 5.75 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry along on long hikes while also offering protection against the elements when needed. The 91″ x 52″ x 40″ tent includes two entrances, each with a vestibule for added storage. It’s easy to pack and set up.
Costco price: $99.99 (special event, ends 5/21/23)
Walmart price: $209
If you’ve shopped for pots, pans, or griddles lately, you undoubtedly know that quality cookware is expensive. That’s one of the factors that made this griddle stand out. Another feature is that you can cook with little or no butter or oil, making it a healthier option if you’re watching what you eat. The HexClad has a stay-cool handle, and you can use metal utensils without worrying about scratching the surface.
Great cookware is one way to enjoy time in the kitchen more, and ultimately, save money on eating out.
Throughout the year, Costco finds ways to justify the cost of an annual membership. You just have to keep your eyes out for the deepest discounts and keep your budget in mind.
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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. Dana George has positions in Walmart. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
I’ve had more moving days than many people. Keep reading to learn my best tricks for a successful move.
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After 35 moves in my lifetime, I consider myself a bit of a moving expert. When I was a kid, my family moved around a lot thanks to my parents’ military service and then living in a series of rental houses after they were discharged. As an adult, I’ve just kept moving, and logged almost 5,000 miles of moves between school and jobs in my old career (museums and remote work don’t really mix).
I’m hoping to buy a house next year and settle in for at least a few years, but since I’ve got all this wisdom to share, here are a few of my best moving insights.
When I got my first paid museum job, I relocated 1,000 miles from the East Coast to the South, and the bank I was with at the time had no locations anywhere near where I moved. So I decided to join a big national bank so I would be assured of having a bank branch anywhere life might take me. This proved to be a good decision, and I highly recommend it if you move frequently and want one less thing to worry about.
These days, you could even join an online-only bank and get the same result. If your bank exists only on the internet, you won’t have to worry about being near a branch location. And many of the best online banks have partnerships with ATMs everywhere, should you need quick access to cash.
This is really more of a concern if you’re moving to a new town; if you’re moving within the same area, you’ll already know the lay of the land. If you have the opportunity to get to know your new area before moving, make sure you find out where the grocery store is sooner rather than later. And while you’re at it, pop inside and get a few basics to stock your new fridge and pantry, if possible. Think bottled water, granola bars, and perhaps milk for the coffee you’ll be wanting on the first morning in your new home.
I’ve only been able to afford movers twice as an adult, but after using them for my last move, I hope to be able to get professional help for future moves. Why? They made the whole process so much easier.
Yes, I still had to do all the packing (you may be able to hire full-service movers who will also pack for you, but I would rather take care of this task myself) and unpacking, and coordinate moving day, and handle all the other moving tasks that can add up to one giant headache.
But I didn’t have to move full boxes from the second floor of the house I moved out of, load them onto a truck, drive them 130 miles through the mountains on winding country roads in pouring rain (my last move entailed this), and then carry those boxes up the stairs to my second-floor apartment. I paid about $1,500 for movers, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. The more hassle you can save yourself during a move, the happier you’ll be.
I highly recommend having an honest look at your finances ahead of moving, and making a real budget. Decide what expenses you’ll need to cover, which could include:
Movers, if you want to hire them (and you already know I recommend it)Boxes, tape, and other suppliesA truck or van rentalProfessional cleaning or cleaning supplies, if you’re going to clean your old or new home yourself while moving in/out
Then, once you’ve got your total, add $500 more to it. Moving always costs more than you expect it to, and if you have some lead time before your move and can scrounge up the extra cash, you’ll be able to avoid using your credit card if it turns out you need to buy more boxes than you originally figured, or purchase smoke detectors for your new home the day you move in.
Let’s end this with a sillier moving lesson. Moving (even with movers to do most of the heavy lifting) is exhausting, and you will absolutely end up sweaty, tired, and desperate for a hot shower once the truck is unloaded and returned and you’re sitting in your new home, surrounded by boxes of all your worldly possessions.
To that end, I highly recommend setting up a bathroom first, before any other room. Put up your shower curtain, ensure you have clean towels easily accessible, and don’t forget to pack your toiletries along with the clothes you’ll need for the first few days in an easy-to-find place (I recommend using your suitcase for this). That way, you can easily wash off the stress of moving day. Your future self will thank you.
Moving can be a pain, but if you can hire movers, expand your budget, and join a bank that has locations everywhere (or is purely internet-based), it’ll go more smoothly for you. When you’re settled into your new home (and everything is unpacked!), you’ll be glad you approached moving day strategically.
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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.
Dave Ramsey believes you should have zero credit cards. Keep reading to learn a few reasons why this is bad advice.
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How many credit cards should you have? The answer can vary depending on your situation, but for most people, there is a wrong answer — despite the fact that it’s the answer given by finance expert Dave Ramsey.
See, Ramsey believes that you should have zero credit cards. But he’s wrong about this for three key reasons.
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One of the main reasons Ramsey is wrong in suggesting you shouldn’t have any credit cards is because cards help you build credit. A good credit score is a very important financial asset.
With good credit, you can more easily get an affordable mortgage loan so you can buy a home and begin building equity. You can sign up for utilities or cellphone service without a huge deposit. You can also qualify for personal loans or other credit cards.
Ramsey doesn’t think these things are important because he doesn’t believe your credit score matters. Ramsey urges his followers to avoid debt at all costs. But even if you do follow this advice and steer clear of borrowing, good credit still is important because it affects your insurance costs and your ability to do things like rent an apartment.
Since credit cards are one of the easiest tools to help with credit building and since good credit really does make life easier, Ramsey is absolutely wrong that you should avoid having cards in your name.
Credit cards undoubtedly make your life a lot more convenient. If you want to book a rental car or a hotel room, you can put the deposit on a credit card. That way, you won’t tie up your money as you would if you made a deposit using a debit card (which is what Ramsey suggests doing).
It’s also a lot easier and more convenient to pay with a credit card than with cash. Yes, it is true you can use a debit card for most transactions, as Ramsey suggests. But debit cards don’t come with all the same benefits that cards can offer. For example, many credit cards will extend your manufacturer warranty, which means you won’t have to worry about paying for repairs on items you’ve purchased for a longer time period.
Why give up the benefits of having a credit card for no reason?
Finally, a third reason Ramsey is wrong about how many cards you should have is that he doesn’t believe you should have any rewards cards because the rewards aren’t worth it. Ramsey said they often expire or go unused. But in reality, you can sign up for any rewards card you want. This way, you can make sure you get one with perks and rewards you are excited about and will use.
For each of these three key reasons, Ramsey is wrong to tell you that you need zero credit cards. You likely do need a card to help you build credit, earn rewards, and simplify your borrowing. You can always commit to using it responsibly — and should do so — to make sure the card helps you over time, rather than hurting your financial security by leaving you a big debt hole to dig out of.
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.
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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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