Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Shopping for a mom who seems to have it all? Let’s be honest — her “thanks, but I don’t really need anything” response isn’t helpful. Fear not; Costco has the perfect lineup of gifts she didn’t know she needed but absolutely deserves. And here’s the twist: Every pick follows our top savings strategy at Costco.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!From gadgets to gourmet treats, here are five fabulous options that will make her life easier, tastier, or just a little more luxe — all without breaking the bank.1. Longfield Gardens Lily Collections, 40 BulbsGot a green-thumb mom? These 40 lily bulbs will ensure her garden blooms all summer long. Easy to grow and perfect for containers, these lilies will add an exotic touch to her backyard oasis. At $49.99 (originally $59.99), it’s a thoughtful and affordable pick.2. Almond Cow Complete Plant-Based Milk SystemIf your mom has ever said, “I should really try making my own almond milk,” this one’s for her. The Almond Cow makes 48 ounces of plant-based milk in just one minute (yes, you read that right). It’s sustainable, easy to clean, and comes with access to 600 recipes so she can experiment with cashew, oat, or even pistachio milk. At $199.99 (down from $249.99), it’s also a steal.3. Best Massage Two-Fold Portable Massage Table BMC100Give her the gift of relaxation — anytime, anywhere. This foldable massage table features a black beechwood frame, high-density foam, and luxe PU leather upholstery. Whether she’s booking a professional masseuse or convincing the family to step up their back rub game, this table has her covered. And at $119.99 (originally $149.99), you’ll have cash left over for a massage oil set.4. The Fruit Company Holiday Celebration 8 Gift Box TowerBecause sometimes the way to a mom’s heart is through her taste buds. This festive gift tower is brimming with Oregon’s finest fresh fruit — think Royal Comice pears, Fuji apples, and more — plus decadent treats like chocolate-covered cherries and caramel cashew popcorn. And here’s the juicy part: It’s only $59.99 (down from $79.99), but the $20 off discount ends Dec. 2.5. Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo Milk FrotherIf coffee is her love language, this espresso machine will make her swoon. It delivers five aromatic coffee options and features a LatteGo milk frother for creamy cappuccinos at the push of a button. Plus, with 12-step grinder adjustments, she’ll get her perfect cup every time. The $499.99 price tag (down from $649.99) makes it a splurge-worthy deal.This holiday season, skip the generic candles and opt for something a little more unexpected. Costco’s curated selection has everything to surprise and delight even the pickiest of moms — because she deserves nothing less than perfection.Want to save more on your Costco shopping? Click here for our favorite credit cards for Costco spending to earn 1.5%, 2%, or more cash back at the warehouse.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Shopping for a mom who seems to have it all? Let’s be honest — her “thanks, but I don’t really need anything” response isn’t helpful. Fear not; Costco has the perfect lineup of gifts she didn’t know she needed but absolutely deserves. And here’s the twist: Every pick follows our top savings strategy at Costco.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

From gadgets to gourmet treats, here are five fabulous options that will make her life easier, tastier, or just a little more luxe — all without breaking the bank.

1. Longfield Gardens Lily Collections, 40 Bulbs

Got a green-thumb mom? These 40 lily bulbs will ensure her garden blooms all summer long. Easy to grow and perfect for containers, these lilies will add an exotic touch to her backyard oasis. At $49.99 (originally $59.99), it’s a thoughtful and affordable pick.

2. Almond Cow Complete Plant-Based Milk System

If your mom has ever said, “I should really try making my own almond milk,” this one’s for her. The Almond Cow makes 48 ounces of plant-based milk in just one minute (yes, you read that right). It’s sustainable, easy to clean, and comes with access to 600 recipes so she can experiment with cashew, oat, or even pistachio milk. At $199.99 (down from $249.99), it’s also a steal.

3. Best Massage Two-Fold Portable Massage Table BMC100

Give her the gift of relaxation — anytime, anywhere. This foldable massage table features a black beechwood frame, high-density foam, and luxe PU leather upholstery. Whether she’s booking a professional masseuse or convincing the family to step up their back rub game, this table has her covered. And at $119.99 (originally $149.99), you’ll have cash left over for a massage oil set.

4. The Fruit Company Holiday Celebration 8 Gift Box Tower

Because sometimes the way to a mom’s heart is through her taste buds. This festive gift tower is brimming with Oregon’s finest fresh fruit — think Royal Comice pears, Fuji apples, and more — plus decadent treats like chocolate-covered cherries and caramel cashew popcorn. And here’s the juicy part: It’s only $59.99 (down from $79.99), but the $20 off discount ends Dec. 2.

5. Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo Milk Frother

If coffee is her love language, this espresso machine will make her swoon. It delivers five aromatic coffee options and features a LatteGo milk frother for creamy cappuccinos at the push of a button. Plus, with 12-step grinder adjustments, she’ll get her perfect cup every time. The $499.99 price tag (down from $649.99) makes it a splurge-worthy deal.

This holiday season, skip the generic candles and opt for something a little more unexpected. Costco’s curated selection has everything to surprise and delight even the pickiest of moms — because she deserves nothing less than perfection.

Want to save more on your Costco shopping? Click here for our favorite credit cards for Costco spending to earn 1.5%, 2%, or more cash back at the warehouse.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The stock market performed exceptionally well in both 2023 and 2024 and is close to an all-time high. In fact, both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 benchmark indices reached fresh all-time highs on the day this article was written. Because of this, it may seem like the stock market is expensive, and that it isn’t a great time to invest.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. While it’s true that the central goal of investing is to buy low and sell high, you’d be surprised at how little the timing of your investment matters — especially if you’re planning to keep your money in your brokerage account or IRA for a decade or more.Are you looking to start investing? Check out our up-to-date list of the best brokerage accounts right now.Why you shouldn’t worry about an all-time highOf course, it would be ideal to buy stocks when the market is at a low point, but trying to time the market is a losing battle. Just because it is at an all-time high doesn’t mean it can’t go much higher.For example, in late 2014 the market had essentially gone straight up in the five years since the financial crisis ended, and the S&P 500 was sitting at a new all-time high. Many investors were worried that the market had become too expensive and was due for a major correction. Since that time, the S&P 500 has produced a 249% total return for investors who held on. Imagine if you were one of the many people who stayed out of the market — you would have missed out.Even if you buy at the worst possible time, history tells us that you’ll be just fine in the long run. Here are a couple of real-world examples.The S&P 500 reached a (then) all-time high on Feb. 19, 2020. It then proceeded to plunge by 34% in just over a month as the COVID-19 pandemic changed life in the United States as we knew it. However, if you had put $10,000 into an S&P 500 index fund on Feb. 19, the worst possible moment before the COVID-19 crash, your investment would be worth about $19,000 today.Arguably the worst time in the past two decades to have invested is Oct. 9, 2007. That was the S&P 500’s all-time high before the financial crisis triggered a drop of more than 50% and led to the worst recession since the Great Depression in the 1930s. But a $10,000 investment in the index at that point would be worth nearly $54,000 today. And that’s if you bought at the absolute worst possible time.One strategy that works in all market environmentsThe point is that the longer you invest, the less that timing matters. Older Americans who invested at a peak before the deep recession in the 1970s likely look back and are thrilled with their decision.Having said all that, if you’re worried that we might be near a market peak, one smart strategy that could work for you is known as dollar-cost averaging. This essentially involves investing equal dollar amounts at specific intervals (for example, $500 on the first day of every month).By using this type of strategy, you’ll naturally end up buying fewer shares of your favorite stocks and ETFs when the market is high, and more shares when prices are lower. Over time, you’ll end up with a mathematically favorable average cost, and it completely takes market timing out of the equation. Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The stock market performed exceptionally well in both 2023 and 2024 and is close to an all-time high. In fact, both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 benchmark indices reached fresh all-time highs on the day this article was written. Because of this, it may seem like the stock market is expensive, and that it isn’t a great time to invest.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

While it’s true that the central goal of investing is to buy low and sell high, you’d be surprised at how little the timing of your investment matters — especially if you’re planning to keep your money in your brokerage account or IRA for a decade or more.

Are you looking to start investing? Check out our up-to-date list of the best brokerage accounts right now.

Why you shouldn’t worry about an all-time high

Of course, it would be ideal to buy stocks when the market is at a low point, but trying to time the market is a losing battle. Just because it is at an all-time high doesn’t mean it can’t go much higher.

For example, in late 2014 the market had essentially gone straight up in the five years since the financial crisis ended, and the S&P 500 was sitting at a new all-time high. Many investors were worried that the market had become too expensive and was due for a major correction. Since that time, the S&P 500 has produced a 249% total return for investors who held on. Imagine if you were one of the many people who stayed out of the market — you would have missed out.

Even if you buy at the worst possible time, history tells us that you’ll be just fine in the long run. Here are a couple of real-world examples.

The S&P 500 reached a (then) all-time high on Feb. 19, 2020. It then proceeded to plunge by 34% in just over a month as the COVID-19 pandemic changed life in the United States as we knew it. However, if you had put $10,000 into an S&P 500 index fund on Feb. 19, the worst possible moment before the COVID-19 crash, your investment would be worth about $19,000 today.

Arguably the worst time in the past two decades to have invested is Oct. 9, 2007. That was the S&P 500’s all-time high before the financial crisis triggered a drop of more than 50% and led to the worst recession since the Great Depression in the 1930s. But a $10,000 investment in the index at that point would be worth nearly $54,000 today. And that’s if you bought at the absolute worst possible time.

One strategy that works in all market environments

The point is that the longer you invest, the less that timing matters. Older Americans who invested at a peak before the deep recession in the 1970s likely look back and are thrilled with their decision.

Having said all that, if you’re worried that we might be near a market peak, one smart strategy that could work for you is known as dollar-cost averaging. This essentially involves investing equal dollar amounts at specific intervals (for example, $500 on the first day of every month).

By using this type of strategy, you’ll naturally end up buying fewer shares of your favorite stocks and ETFs when the market is high, and more shares when prices are lower. Over time, you’ll end up with a mathematically favorable average cost, and it completely takes market timing out of the equation.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money 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 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/ The Motley Fool
There are around 128 million Costco members, more than half of whom have the top-tier (read: more expensive) Executive membership. If you live within driving distance of a Costco, there’s a good chance someone on your gift list is a Costco fan.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. (You know the one. They tell you all about their latest Costco haul at every party.)So what do you get the Costco fan that has everything? Here are a few ideas fit for the most dedicated Costcovite.1. Costco or Kirkland Signature Logo SweatshirtNothing says “I like to maximize per-unit value without sacrificing quality” like a Costco-branded sweatshirt. Take your pick between the classic Costco Wholesale logo or a more subtle Kirkland Signature design.You really can’t put a price on fashion like this. It’s sure to be a conversation starter and is an excellent way to find a mate.But seriously, if you like rocking branded merch, and want a warm sweatshirt, you could do worse. They’re only $22, which is reasonable for a good sweatshirt, and reviewers seem to like them.2. Kirkland Signature Logo Pet HoodieIf your puppers need a little help staying warm in the winter, then a Costco hoodie could be just the thing. It’s generously patterned with Costco Wholesale logos, and features a hood and two short sleeves.Maybe it’s the models, but this thing is actually kind of cute. Stock is limited online, but you may have better luck at your local warehouse.Pro tip: You don’t need to be a megafan to earn great rewards on your Costco purchases. Check out our top rewards credit cards for maximizing Costco purchases.3. Kirkland Signature Unisex Logo JoggerSavvy Costco shoppers know the best time to go is early in the morning, or late in the evening just before close. If you’re going to schlep out to the store first or last thing, then you may as well do it in comfort, such as while wearing these cozy cotton-blend joggers.They come in black or grey, with a relatively subtle Kirkland Signature logo down one leg. The sizing and fit is unisex. Reviewers give them good ratings, an overall 4.6 out of 5 stars.4. Costco Gift of MembershipWhat would a Costco megafan love more than a free Costco membership?! You can give them the gift of even more Costco by gifting a Gold Star membership (a $65 cost/value).You can order it online, and a physical Gift of Membership card will be shipped to your giftee. Or you can pick up the card from a warehouse; they may even have a decorative bag on hand if you go in person.Don’t worry if the recipient has an active membership, as they can still redeem the Gift of Membership to upgrade or renew your current Costco Membership.5. Costco Shop CardAs with most retailers, Costco has its own store gift cards called Costco Shop Cards. A Shop Card can be used at any Costco location, as well as online at Costco.com. Costco Shop Cards can also be used toward a Costco membership.A Shop Card could also be a good gift if you know a potential Costco fan who wants to take a look. Non-members can make a purchase at Costco provided they use a Shop Card to pay.Shop Costco for everyone else on the list, tooDon’t underestimate the amount of holiday shopping you can do at Costco even if your list isn’t full of devotees. Be sure to check out the deals on popular brands and gifts, from electronics to household goods.You can also make the most of all that holiday shopping by earning a valuable credit card sign-up bonus. Explore our top welcome bonus credit cards to see how much you can earn.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money 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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

There are around 128 million Costco members, more than half of whom have the top-tier (read: more expensive) Executive membership. If you live within driving distance of a Costco, there’s a good chance someone on your gift list is a Costco fan.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

(You know the one. They tell you all about their latest Costco haul at every party.)

So what do you get the Costco fan that has everything? Here are a few ideas fit for the most dedicated Costcovite.

1. Costco or Kirkland Signature Logo Sweatshirt

Nothing says “I like to maximize per-unit value without sacrificing quality” like a Costco-branded sweatshirt. Take your pick between the classic Costco Wholesale logo or a more subtle Kirkland Signature design.

You really can’t put a price on fashion like this. It’s sure to be a conversation starter and is an excellent way to find a mate.

But seriously, if you like rocking branded merch, and want a warm sweatshirt, you could do worse. They’re only $22, which is reasonable for a good sweatshirt, and reviewers seem to like them.

2. Kirkland Signature Logo Pet Hoodie

If your puppers need a little help staying warm in the winter, then a Costco hoodie could be just the thing. It’s generously patterned with Costco Wholesale logos, and features a hood and two short sleeves.

Maybe it’s the models, but this thing is actually kind of cute. Stock is limited online, but you may have better luck at your local warehouse.

Pro tip: You don’t need to be a megafan to earn great rewards on your Costco purchases. Check out our top rewards credit cards for maximizing Costco purchases.

3. Kirkland Signature Unisex Logo Jogger

Savvy Costco shoppers know the best time to go is early in the morning, or late in the evening just before close. If you’re going to schlep out to the store first or last thing, then you may as well do it in comfort, such as while wearing these cozy cotton-blend joggers.

They come in black or grey, with a relatively subtle Kirkland Signature logo down one leg. The sizing and fit is unisex. Reviewers give them good ratings, an overall 4.6 out of 5 stars.

4. Costco Gift of Membership

What would a Costco megafan love more than a free Costco membership?! You can give them the gift of even more Costco by gifting a Gold Star membership (a $65 cost/value).

You can order it online, and a physical Gift of Membership card will be shipped to your giftee. Or you can pick up the card from a warehouse; they may even have a decorative bag on hand if you go in person.

Don’t worry if the recipient has an active membership, as they can still redeem the Gift of Membership to upgrade or renew your current Costco Membership.

5. Costco Shop Card

As with most retailers, Costco has its own store gift cards called Costco Shop Cards. A Shop Card can be used at any Costco location, as well as online at Costco.com. Costco Shop Cards can also be used toward a Costco membership.

A Shop Card could also be a good gift if you know a potential Costco fan who wants to take a look. Non-members can make a purchase at Costco provided they use a Shop Card to pay.

Shop Costco for everyone else on the list, too

Don’t underestimate the amount of holiday shopping you can do at Costco even if your list isn’t full of devotees. Be sure to check out the deals on popular brands and gifts, from electronics to household goods.

You can also make the most of all that holiday shopping by earning a valuable credit card sign-up bonus. Explore our top welcome bonus credit cards to see how much you can earn.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money 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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you want to live comfortably later in life, you need to save for retirement. The average retired worker on Social Security today only collects $1,924 per month in benefits. Since that’s not a lot of money to live on, you’ll need savings of your own to supplement.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Unfortunately, an estimated 20% of Americans aged 50 and over have no retirement savings, says AARP. And that perhaps explains why the median retirement savings balance among Americans aged 65 to 74 is only $200,000, according to the Federal Reserve.A $200,000 retirement account is certainly better than nothing. But if we apply a 4% withdrawal rate to that balance, which financial experts have long recommended, it amounts to $8,000 in annual income from savings, or about $667 per month.When we add $667 to the average $1,924 Social Security benefit, the total is about $2,600. You may be able to get by on that sum of money in retirement, but you can bet that it won’t buy you too many extras. And at a time when you’re not working, having almost no money available to pay for hobbies and entertainment isn’t a good thing.That’s why it pays to try to save well more than $200,000 for your retirement. And if you play your cards right, you can get there pretty easily.How to build a solid nest egg without breaking a sweatIt’s a big myth that you need to earn a lot of money to save a lot of money for retirement. If you start funding a retirement account early enough and invest your money for added growth, you may be surprised at how much wealth you’re able to build by the time you retire.But let’s not talk hypothetically. Let’s talk numbers.Imagine you earn $60,000 a year, so saving more than $3,000 a year, or 5%, just isn’t realistic. If you save and invest $250 a month (which amounts to $3,000 per year) in an IRA over a 30-year period, and your investments deliver a 10% yearly return during that time, you could end up with about $493,000, which is roughly 2.5 times what the typical older American has saved today.Now you may be thinking, “Well, sounds good, but how do I snag that 10% return in my IRA?”The truth is that a 10% return, or any return, is never guaranteed. But you should know that over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%, accounting for years when stock values climbed and years when stocks tanked.If you invest for retirement over an extended period, there’s a good chance you’ll earn a comparable return in your IRA. And you don’t even have to be a stock-picking whiz to make that happen. Simply load up on S&P 500 ETFs (exchange-traded funds), which basically let you invest in the stock market’s 500 largest companies.The key is to start youngIt’s possible to save well more than $200,000 for retirement if you start fairly young and go heavy on stocks. So if you haven’t begun saving for retirement yet, check out this list of the best IRAs and open one today.And if you can’t manage to put $250 a month into an IRA right now, save whatever amount you can afford. Maybe it’s $50 a month. Maybe it’s $25. The sooner you get started with some amount of consistent savings, the more wealth you stand to grow by the time your career comes to an end.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you want to live comfortably later in life, you need to save for retirement. The average retired worker on Social Security today only collects $1,924 per month in benefits. Since that’s not a lot of money to live on, you’ll need savings of your own to supplement.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Unfortunately, an estimated 20% of Americans aged 50 and over have no retirement savings, says AARP. And that perhaps explains why the median retirement savings balance among Americans aged 65 to 74 is only $200,000, according to the Federal Reserve.

A $200,000 retirement account is certainly better than nothing. But if we apply a 4% withdrawal rate to that balance, which financial experts have long recommended, it amounts to $8,000 in annual income from savings, or about $667 per month.

When we add $667 to the average $1,924 Social Security benefit, the total is about $2,600. You may be able to get by on that sum of money in retirement, but you can bet that it won’t buy you too many extras. And at a time when you’re not working, having almost no money available to pay for hobbies and entertainment isn’t a good thing.

That’s why it pays to try to save well more than $200,000 for your retirement. And if you play your cards right, you can get there pretty easily.

How to build a solid nest egg without breaking a sweat

It’s a big myth that you need to earn a lot of money to save a lot of money for retirement. If you start funding a retirement account early enough and invest your money for added growth, you may be surprised at how much wealth you’re able to build by the time you retire.

But let’s not talk hypothetically. Let’s talk numbers.

Imagine you earn $60,000 a year, so saving more than $3,000 a year, or 5%, just isn’t realistic. If you save and invest $250 a month (which amounts to $3,000 per year) in an IRA over a 30-year period, and your investments deliver a 10% yearly return during that time, you could end up with about $493,000, which is roughly 2.5 times what the typical older American has saved today.

Now you may be thinking, “Well, sounds good, but how do I snag that 10% return in my IRA?”

The truth is that a 10% return, or any return, is never guaranteed. But you should know that over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%, accounting for years when stock values climbed and years when stocks tanked.

If you invest for retirement over an extended period, there’s a good chance you’ll earn a comparable return in your IRA. And you don’t even have to be a stock-picking whiz to make that happen. Simply load up on S&P 500 ETFs (exchange-traded funds), which basically let you invest in the stock market’s 500 largest companies.

The key is to start young

It’s possible to save well more than $200,000 for retirement if you start fairly young and go heavy on stocks. So if you haven’t begun saving for retirement yet, check out this list of the best IRAs and open one today.

And if you can’t manage to put $250 a month into an IRA right now, save whatever amount you can afford. Maybe it’s $50 a month. Maybe it’s $25. The sooner you get started with some amount of consistent savings, the more wealth you stand to grow by the time your career comes to an end.

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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.
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With car prices rising quickly over the past few years, finding the best car for a first-time driver may seem impossible. However, good deals can still be found without compromising on quality.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Here are some of the best used and new models with high safety and reliability ratings.1. 2021-2022 Mazda3 Price: $16,400Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+The Mazda3 offers drivers superior styling compared to similarly sized cars and comes in a sporty hatchback version that will likely appeal to younger drivers. The Mazda3 earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), comes with automatic emergency braking, and above-average reliability. While modestly priced, the Mazda3’s interior doesn’t skimp on the details. The base model comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, and you can shop for higher-end trims to get Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, AWD, and leather seats. Opt for the base 2.0-liter engine with a combined (highway and city) estimated 31 MPG to save on gas money. Car-buying tip: Used vehicles are usually cheaper to insure than new vehicles. No matter which vehicle you choose, shop around to find the cheapest car insurance.2. 2017 Toyota RAV4Price: $14,700Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+Toyota consistently ranks at the top of reliability ratings, and the RAV4 is no different. The 2017 RAV4 is a recommended pick from Consumer Reports and was listed as “among the most reliable small SUVs you can buy” by the publication. While we’re focusing on the 2017 model, newer models also have high safety and reliability ratings. The base LE model gets a combined estimated 26 MPG, and you can opt for an all-wheel-drive version for additional versatility. With the RAV4’s automatic emergency braking and lane departure alerts, you’ll also have plenty of peace of mind on the road.3. 2024 Subaru Impreza Price: $22,995Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety PickThe Impreza is a well-rounded vehicle for new drivers, combining an adventurous personality (standard AWD) with practical traits (standard automatic braking and emergency steering). The compact hatchback also has a recommendation from Consumer Reports and above-average reliability. A standard 152-hp 2.0-liter engine will easily get new drivers around town, and an estimated 34 MPG on the highway will ensure the fun doesn’t have to stop. A standard 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ will keep new drivers connected to their favorite music and podcasts. Related: Your vehicle model, trim level, and size can all impact your insurance premiums. Click here to get quotes from top-rated insurance companies.4. 2024 Hyundai TusconPrice: $27,600Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+While it is the most expensive vehicle on this list, this small SUV comes with plenty of standard features, including a forward-collision avoidance system and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. You’ll also get a 187-horsepower engine, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a coveted “recommended” rating from Consumer Reports.The Tuscon has an estimated combined 28 MPG, and if you opt for the AWD option, you’ll still get an acceptable combined 25 MPG. Upgrade to the SEL trim for larger 19-inch wheels, a wireless charger, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.No matter which vehicle you choose, it’s always a good idea to check the IIHS website for its top safety picks and Consumer Reports for predicted reliability ratings. With car prices rising quickly over the past few years, finding the most reliable vehicle you can afford can go a long way to keeping your monthly budget in line. Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Chris Neiger has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

With car prices rising quickly over the past few years, finding the best car for a first-time driver may seem impossible. However, good deals can still be found without compromising on quality.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Here are some of the best used and new models with high safety and reliability ratings.

1. 2021-2022 Mazda3

Price: $16,400
Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+

The Mazda3 offers drivers superior styling compared to similarly sized cars and comes in a sporty hatchback version that will likely appeal to younger drivers. The Mazda3 earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), comes with automatic emergency braking, and above-average reliability.

While modestly priced, the Mazda3’s interior doesn’t skimp on the details. The base model comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, and you can shop for higher-end trims to get Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, AWD, and leather seats. Opt for the base 2.0-liter engine with a combined (highway and city) estimated 31 MPG to save on gas money.

Car-buying tip: Used vehicles are usually cheaper to insure than new vehicles. No matter which vehicle you choose, shop around to find the cheapest car insurance.

2. 2017 Toyota RAV4

Price: $14,700
Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Toyota consistently ranks at the top of reliability ratings, and the RAV4 is no different. The 2017 RAV4 is a recommended pick from Consumer Reports and was listed as “among the most reliable small SUVs you can buy” by the publication.

While we’re focusing on the 2017 model, newer models also have high safety and reliability ratings. The base LE model gets a combined estimated 26 MPG, and you can opt for an all-wheel-drive version for additional versatility. With the RAV4’s automatic emergency braking and lane departure alerts, you’ll also have plenty of peace of mind on the road.

3. 2024 Subaru Impreza

Price: $22,995
Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick

The Impreza is a well-rounded vehicle for new drivers, combining an adventurous personality (standard AWD) with practical traits (standard automatic braking and emergency steering). The compact hatchback also has a recommendation from Consumer Reports and above-average reliability.

A standard 152-hp 2.0-liter engine will easily get new drivers around town, and an estimated 34 MPG on the highway will ensure the fun doesn’t have to stop. A standard 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ will keep new drivers connected to their favorite music and podcasts.

Related: Your vehicle model, trim level, and size can all impact your insurance premiums. Click here to get quotes from top-rated insurance companies.

4. 2024 Hyundai Tuscon

Price: $27,600
Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+

While it is the most expensive vehicle on this list, this small SUV comes with plenty of standard features, including a forward-collision avoidance system and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. You’ll also get a 187-horsepower engine, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a coveted “recommended” rating from Consumer Reports.

The Tuscon has an estimated combined 28 MPG, and if you opt for the AWD option, you’ll still get an acceptable combined 25 MPG. Upgrade to the SEL trim for larger 19-inch wheels, a wireless charger, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

No matter which vehicle you choose, it’s always a good idea to check the IIHS website for its top safety picks and Consumer Reports for predicted reliability ratings. With car prices rising quickly over the past few years, finding the most reliable vehicle you can afford can go a long way to keeping your monthly budget in line.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

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.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Chris Neiger has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More