Money Management

Have you used either of these before? 

If you use Gmail for your email service, there are a lot of helpful features that can enable you to better manage various aspects of your life — including your finances.

Many people don’t really take the time to think about how they can set up their email for better money management, but there are some simple techniques you can implement that will help you do just that. Here are two of them.

1. Snooze emails

Chances are good you get emails sent to you that have to do with your finances. For example, you might get electronic credit card statements or an email alerting you to an opportunity to earn extra credit card perks for specific types of spending. You may even get some tax forms sent to you via email from lenders or brokerage accounts.

When these emails come in, they can easily get pushed to the bottom of your to-do list — which can make filing taxes harder or cause you to forget to make payments. Fortunately, a Gmail feature can help you avoid that. You can “snooze” the email by clicking on it, selecting the little clock icon, and picking a time for it to pop back up.

When you snooze the email, you can pick a pre-selected or a custom time. At your chosen time, the email will pop back up to the top of your inbox. So, for example, you could choose to have your credit card statement pop back up on payday when you’re going to pay it or on the day after your autopay should have been processed so you can check and make sure the payment went through as planned.

2. Gmail filtering

Gmail allows you to filter emails you have coming in. For example, you can direct an email from a particular sender to skip your inbox and go directly into a specific folder or label you have created.

This feature can easily be used to make sure you’re only seeing promotional emails from stores when you want to. For example, let’s say you have a store you like to shop at and you want to sign up for coupons from that store. You may not want to see every coupon that comes in because that might just tempt you to shop when you don’t want to. But you may want those promotional emails available so when you do go shopping at the store, you can access a coupon to help you save.

With Gmail filtering, you can arrange to have all of your promotional emails filtered into a special folder that you only open when you want to — rather than showing up in your inbox. You can do this by setting up the filter for particular senders, but there’s an easier way. You can add full stops to your email address by using the “+” sign and a descriptive word.

So, if your email was joe@gmail.com, every time you signed up for a promotional email from a store, you could enter your email on the store’s website as joe+store@gmail.com. You’d still receive all those emails, but you could set up a filter so they all go into a special folder you only access when needed.

These two features can make a big difference in helping you spend less and stay on top of money deadlines, so they’re worth making use of if you’re a Gmail user.

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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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These mistakes could cost you money and stress you out. 

Travel credit cards allow travelers to earn rewards when they use their cards to make travel purchases. While the process of earning rewards is simple, it can take time and research to find the best redemption options. You can make costly award travel redemption mistakes if you’re not careful. Here are four of the award travel redemption mistakes I’ve made over the years so you can learn from them and make better choices.

1. The easiest redemption option isn’t always the best move

Many travel rewards credit cards offer flexible redemption options. You may be able to book travel reservations through a portal, transfer your points or miles to a transfer partner and book directly with an airline or hotel, or cash in your rewards for a statement credit.

The last option is usually the most stress-free solution. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best move to make — this convenient option may not offer the best value. By exploring other redemption choices, you may be able to stretch your points or miles further for better use of your rewards.

Here’s an example: Let’s imagine you have 100,000 points, and they’re worth $1,000 if you redeem them as a statement credit. Sounds great, right? After researching further, you realize you can book a round-trip business class ticket to Paris for 95,000 points and around $400 in taxes and fees instead of a retail cost of more than $3,000. You might decide to go to France instead.

2. Check availability before transferring points or miles

Before redeeming your credit card points or miles, make sure that you check availability. This is especially important if you want to transfer your rewards to a travel transfer partner. If you transfer your points to a hotel or airline loyalty program without first checking availability, you may be put in a difficult situation if you stumble upon roadblocks in the booking process.

There may be no availability, or you may be surprised to learn that you need more points or miles than you realized. Once transferred, you won’t be able to move your points or miles back to your credit card issuer. You can avoid disappointment by verifying availability first.

3. Review the taxes and fees before booking

Another tip worth remembering is to review taxes and fees. When redeeming award travel flights, keep in mind that the airline charges taxes and fees. So, while your flight may cost $0 thanks to points and miles, you’ll owe additional taxes and fees during the checkout process.

For flights that originate in the United States, these fees begin at $5.60. However, some international award bookings charge more expensive fees. Make sure you research these fees before redeeming your points or miles. The last thing you want to do is score a free flight only to find out that you owe hundreds in additional fees.

4. Don’t hoard points and miles

Once you begin using rewards credit cards, it can turn into a fun game. But don’t get so caught up in the excitement of collecting points that you forget to redeem them. Airline and hotel loyalty programs can change, and your points and miles may lose value over time. Hoarding your rewards can end up costing you money. Once you earn them, outline a redemption plan and put them to use instead of letting them collect dust in your account.

When first learning how to maximize travel rewards, it can be easy to make mistakes. But you can set yourself up for success by doing plenty of research before booking award travel. If you’re looking for a new credit card, check out our list of the best travel rewards credit cards.

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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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All this and cheaper hot dogs, too! 

While Costco has a lot of very devoted fans, they’re not the only warehouse store worth talking about. The Walmart-owned Sam’s Club is an increasingly strong competitor for your bulk-buying bucks. (They’ve even encroached on Costco’s classic hot dog combo!)

In fact, when you get down to the nitty-gritty, Sam’s Club may actually be a better offering for a lot of people — especially those who like to skip the trip to the store. Sam’s Club has a far better selection of shippable items, plus you can do store pick-up for online orders. Costco’s digital presence is…disappointing.

But it’s not just about convenience; your bank account can also tell the difference. When you compare the two online, Sam’s Club comes in at the same price — and frequently cheaper — than Costco on tons of everyday items.

1. Facial tissues

Member’s Mark Ultra Soft Facial Tissues: $0.015 per tissueKirkland Signature Facial Tissue: $0.020 per tissue

2. Paper towels

Member’s Mark Super Premium Select & Tear Paper Towels: $0.008 per sheetKirkland Signature Create-a-Size Paper Towels: $0.012 per sheet

3. Olive oil

Member’s Mark Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: $12.48 for 2LKirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: $15.99 for 2L

4. Walnuts

Member’s Mark Natural Shelled Walnuts: $9.98 for 3lbKirkland Signature Walnut Halves: $10.99 for 3lb

5. Coffee

Member’s Mark Colombian Supremo Whole Bean Coffee: $6.39 per poundKirkland Signature Colombian Supremo Coffee Whole Bean: $8.00 per pound

6. Diapers

Member’s Mark Premium Baby Diapers: $0.16 per diaperKirkland Signature Diapers: $0.20 per diaper

7. Maple syrup

Member’s Mark Organic 100% Pure Maple Syrup: $0.40 per ounceKirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup: $0.44 per ounce

How you buy matters

This is where it’s worth noting that the actual difference you’ll pay at one warehouse club versus the other will vary significantly depending on where and how you shop. For example, in-warehouse prices can fluctuate a lot by region, so different Costco locations could have different prices.

But the main difference is between shopping online or in person — particularly at Costco. Sam’s Club has some variation on a few items between the in-warehouse and shipped prices, but arguably the bulk of their products are the same price either way. (Indeed, Sam’s Club actually encourages shopping online, going so far as to offer free shipping for Plus members.)

Not Costco. Of the limited selection of items you can actually order online, most of them have a pretty significant premium tacked on — plus the cost of shipping. Even if you meet the minimum purchase to waive shipping fees, you’re still paying more for your items than you would in store.

All this is to say that the best way to compare prices between Costco and Sam’s Club is to visit your local clubs to see for yourself. This will give you the most accurate idea of which warehouse chain will offer the most value for your area, as well as for your specific purchasing habits.

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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.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Don’t keep using the wrong credit card forever. 

Are you using the best credit card for your situation? This isn’t a question many people think about. In fact, it’s common for people to just sign up for a credit card and continue using it indefinitely even when many other things change in their lives.

Using the wrong credit card can cost you the chance to take full advantage of cardmember benefits and perks. You should watch for these three signs that your card isn’t really right for you so you can make a change to a card that’s a better fit.

1. Your card doesn’t reward your spending very well

If you don’t have a rewards card, chances are good you’re using the wrong credit card. Unless you have bad credit and thus have a very limited choice of available cards, you should have a rewards card. There is no reason to pass up the chance to earn points, miles, or cash back for purchases you make.

There are also many different choices of rewards cards with different bonus structures. For example, some give extra rewards for gas purchases, others for buying groceries, and others for travel purchases. Your card should offer bonus rewards for things you actually buy. Otherwise, it may be the wrong one for you.

2. You don’t take advantage of any of your card’s perks

Most cards offer perks beyond rewards. This might be things like rental car insurance or trip interruption insurance or an extension of the manufacturer warranty on items you purchase with the card.

If you haven’t used any of the perks your current credit card offers and if you don’t intend to do so because they don’t excite you, it may be worth looking into a different card that has perks you would actually benefit from.

3. Your card has an annual fee that you’re not getting enough value from

Some credit cards have annual fees. In fact, these can be quite expensive. If your cards do, that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t the right cards for you. If you are getting enough value from the card to cover the fee and then some, then there’s no problem.

But, if you are paying for a card and not actually benefiting from its unique offerings, then you are just wasting money. For example, if you have a travel credit card with an annual fee that offers airline lounge access but you always drive instead of flying, you are probably wasting money on that card and might be better off with a different one.

If you spot any of these signs, you should start looking into some other credit card offers to see what else is out there. You may discover you’re actually happy with your card compared with other offerings on the market, in which case you can continue to use it. But, you may also find there’s another card that makes more sense for your current lifestyle, in which case a switch would be in order so you can get the full value associated with having a credit card.

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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. Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Fast food mobile app deals can help you keep your spending in check. 

Some days, the easiest solution to ensure you eat is to stop for fast food. While fast food meals are generally more affordable than sit-down meals and certainly a lot quicker, it can be easy to spend more money than you plan. However, you can avoid overspending and keep more money in your bank account by taking advantage of fast food deals. Here are some McDonald’s mobile app deals that are a win for your wallet.

1. $0.99 for any size hot or iced coffee

If you have already left the house but forgot to bring your tumbler full of coffee, the McDonald’s app has a deal for you. You can get any size cup of hot or iced coffee for $0.99. At just over $1 with taxes, this is the perfect way to get the fuel you need to conquer your busy day.

2. 20% off any purchase of $5 or more

If you’re picking up food for the whole crew and plan to ring up a pricey bill, you may want to put this deal to use. By activating it in the mobile app, you can get 20% off any purchase of $5 more (excluding tax). The savings could add up, especially when placing a large order.

3. $1 breakfast sandwich

If you’re running out the door and are too rushed to eat breakfast, why not stop at McDonald’s? During breakfast hours, you can get a $1 breakfast sandwich. Most breakfast sandwiches qualify for this promotion — however, the steak, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich is excluded. You don’t have to spend much money to enjoy a filling breakfast.

4. $5 meal combo

It’s still possible to get a $5 lunch or dinner if you use mobile app deals. McDonald’s has this bargain buy available in its app: $5 Big Mac, 10-piece chicken McNuggets or Quarter Pounder with cheese, medium fries, and a medium soft drink. All you have to do is pick your favorite entree item, and you’ll have yourself an affordable meal.

5. $1 basket of fries

Are you trying to make your way through an afternoon slump? A snack is a perfect solution, and I’d argue that fried potatoes are the best kind of snack to have. You can score a basket of fries at Mcdonald’s for $1. This tasty treat makes for a cost-effective way to fill your belly.

Use the mobile app to stay on budget and earn rewards

Don’t let these McDonald’s deals go to waste. In addition to money-saving offers, you can earn reward points on your orders. You’ll earn 100 points for each dollar that you spend. Plus, you can take advantage of in-app bonus rewards offers. You can redeem your rewards points for free food and drinks, which gives you another way to stretch your money further.

Take the extra step to save money

It’s possible to satisfy your fast food cravings without ignoring your personal finance goals. Many fast food restaurants have mobile apps that allow you to get a better deal on your next meal. Use them to spend less, get more, and keep your budget on track.

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 expert loves 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 expert even uses 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.

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You can’t afford to make this huge error when buying a house. 

When you buy a home, you’ll spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on your property over time. Getting a mortgage and making that purchase is most likely going to be the biggest financial decision you make. You want it to be the right one.

That’s why it’s so important to avoid mistakes that could leave you with regrets. To make sure you don’t find yourself in a situation where you wish you hadn’t bought your home, you should heed this warning from Dave Ramsey about when your home purchase could turn into a disaster.

Ramsey says this home-buying mistake could leave you full of regrets

According to Ramsey, many homeowners are tempted to make a decision they shouldn’t when they’re purchasing a home — and this could have lasting financial consequences.

“Don’t give into the temptation to buy a home you can’t afford,” he warns. “If you buy that budget-busting dream home, it will soon become a nightmare.”

Ramsey explained that you should set your budget early on in the process and stick to it — even if you end up finding a home that costs a little bit more or even if a mortgage lender is willing to give you a larger loan to buy your dream property. While it’s easy to get caught up in the emotional side of home buying and stretch to purchase a property you are in love with that’s out of your budget, this won’t work out well for you in the long run.

“Your house payment will become a source of constant stress, and every time the house needs some type of repair (and it will), you’ll feel like it’s the end of the world,” Ramsey explained when detailing why you absolutely do not want to commit to buying a house that’s a financial stretch.

Should you listen to Ramsey’s advice?

Ramsey is 100% correct. If you push your home-buying budget to the limit, you are almost certainly going to wish you had made a different choice.

Buying a house at the top of your budget means that even a slight reduction in your earnings could make your payments unaffordable. If you want to cut back on hours at work after having a family or take some time off to travel, you aren’t going to be able to do any of that. And if you get let go, you may struggle to find a well-paying job to continue to afford your housing costs.

You will also be devoting so much money to your housing payment that other things you may want to save for — like retirement or big purchases — could be out of reach. And you’ll be making your mortgage payment for decades, so you’ll feel cash-strapped the entire time unless you manage to dramatically increase your income.

To avoid this financial disaster, be sure you do stick to a mortgage that’s easy to afford. Your total housing costs should be no more than around 25% of your take-home home pay if you want to be comfortable making your monthly payments.

Our picks for the best credit cards

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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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