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Flying in business class is a hotly debated subject. Many travelers love it or are hoping to give it a try one day. But there are also those who think business class is overrated, and that the people who fly this way have more money than sense.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. There are a few common arguments that get thrown around for why business class is a waste. Below, I’ll go into each one and why they shouldn’t deter you from booking a business-class ticket.1. You don’t get there any fasterThis is the classic argument against buying a better seat when you fly. Everyone arrives at the same time. For all the extra money you pay, you’re not getting to your destination any sooner.But no one flies business class for that reason. We all know how planes work. People buy business-class tickets so they’re more comfortable along the way. You’ll have a more spacious seat, and on long flights, there are often lie-flat seats that serve as a bed. You’re not crammed into a tight space with barely any room to stretch your legs.Everyone has a limited amount of vacation time. It’s nice when you can arrive well-rested, instead of spending your first day or two recovering from the flight over. I’ve taken 12-hour overseas flights in economy and business class. The difference in how I felt after each one is night and day.2. It’s so much more expensiveBusiness-class ticket prices are usually much higher than economy prices. While the price difference depends on the flight, it’s not uncommon for business class to cost three to four times as much. If an economy seat is selling for $750, the airline may be charging $2,250 to $3,000 for business class.Indeed, business-class tickets are often extremely expensive. This isn’t always the case. There are sometimes good deals available. It also tends to be much cheaper if you buy an economy ticket and then upgrade it to business class (if the airline gives you that option).And there’s an even better way to make business class more affordable: pay using travel points instead of cash. If you have a travel credit card, you could fly business class at a fraction of the usual cost or even as little as $0. That’s how I save on most of my airfare.Want to learn more and find a travel card? Click here to see our list of the best travel rewards cards and get more details on how they work.3. The perks aren’t that luxuriousFinally, there’s the argument that business-class perks are overhyped. It’s not as amazing as YouTubers and travel bloggers claim. To be fair, I agree with this argument to an extent. On many airlines, business class isn’t an ultra-luxurious experience.But it’s still a huge step up from what you get with an economy ticket. Here’s a quick rundown of some benefits of flying in business class:More spacious seating that may convert into a bedAccess to the airline’s lounge at the airportA larger baggage allowance and priority service so your baggage comes out firstHigher-quality meal service with premium food and drink optionsMore attentive service from flight attendantsGetting to disembark from the plane firstTo see exactly what an airline offers in business class, check its website, or look at online reviews from previous passengers. You can then decide if the benefits are worth it for you.There’s nothing wrong with flying business class if you can afford it, either with cash or travel points. And despite what the critics say, it’s a great way to upgrade your travel experience. If it’s something you’re interested in, you may want to find a credit card that earns travel rewards first. It’s how I got started, and I’ve now flown business class many times thanks to my travel cards.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.Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Flying in business class is a hotly debated subject. Many travelers love it or are hoping to give it a try one day. But there are also those who think business class is overrated, and that the people who fly this way have more money than sense.

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.

There are a few common arguments that get thrown around for why business class is a waste. Below, I’ll go into each one and why they shouldn’t deter you from booking a business-class ticket.

1. You don’t get there any faster

This is the classic argument against buying a better seat when you fly. Everyone arrives at the same time. For all the extra money you pay, you’re not getting to your destination any sooner.

But no one flies business class for that reason. We all know how planes work. People buy business-class tickets so they’re more comfortable along the way. You’ll have a more spacious seat, and on long flights, there are often lie-flat seats that serve as a bed. You’re not crammed into a tight space with barely any room to stretch your legs.

Everyone has a limited amount of vacation time. It’s nice when you can arrive well-rested, instead of spending your first day or two recovering from the flight over. I’ve taken 12-hour overseas flights in economy and business class. The difference in how I felt after each one is night and day.

2. It’s so much more expensive

Business-class ticket prices are usually much higher than economy prices. While the price difference depends on the flight, it’s not uncommon for business class to cost three to four times as much. If an economy seat is selling for $750, the airline may be charging $2,250 to $3,000 for business class.

Indeed, business-class tickets are often extremely expensive. This isn’t always the case. There are sometimes good deals available. It also tends to be much cheaper if you buy an economy ticket and then upgrade it to business class (if the airline gives you that option).

And there’s an even better way to make business class more affordable: pay using travel points instead of cash. If you have a travel credit card, you could fly business class at a fraction of the usual cost or even as little as $0. That’s how I save on most of my airfare.

Want to learn more and find a travel card? Click here to see our list of the best travel rewards cards and get more details on how they work.

3. The perks aren’t that luxurious

Finally, there’s the argument that business-class perks are overhyped. It’s not as amazing as YouTubers and travel bloggers claim. To be fair, I agree with this argument to an extent. On many airlines, business class isn’t an ultra-luxurious experience.

But it’s still a huge step up from what you get with an economy ticket. Here’s a quick rundown of some benefits of flying in business class:

• More spacious seating that may convert into a bed
• Access to the airline’s lounge at the airport
• A larger baggage allowance and priority service so your baggage comes out first
• Higher-quality meal service with premium food and drink options
• More attentive service from flight attendants
• Getting to disembark from the plane first

To see exactly what an airline offers in business class, check its website, or look at online reviews from previous passengers. You can then decide if the benefits are worth it for you.

There’s nothing wrong with flying business class if you can afford it, either with cash or travel points. And despite what the critics say, it’s a great way to upgrade your travel experience. If it’s something you’re interested in, you may want to find a credit card that earns travel rewards first. It’s how I got started, and I’ve now flown business class many times thanks to my travel cards.

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.Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The winter holidays are upon us yet again — have you finished your shopping yet? If not, no sweat. Costco has you covered with plenty of thoughtful gift ideas for less than $100. Here are five that caught my eye.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!1. Bose SoundLink Flex SE Portable Waterproof Bluetooth SpeakerOne of the problems with so many of us transitioning our music collections to streaming services is that we now lack the classic stereo systems our parents (and perhaps grandparents, for you Gen Zers) had in their living rooms. What’s the solution? How about a Bluetooth speaker that offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge?You can pick up the Bose SoundLink Flex SE speaker from Costco for a cool $99.99 right now — $30 off the list price and about $20 cheaper than Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. This model is even waterproof and dustproof, so your gift recipient will be tickled to take it to the beach or the pool when warmer days return.2. Lasko Motion X Whole Room Heater with RemoteI live in a place that gets serious winter weather, and I hate paying the gas company any more than necessary, so I often rely on electric space heaters to get by. If you’ve got someone on your list who is also at least part reptile, consider this Lasko heater.While you’re shopping for loved ones, don’t forget to maximize your Costco membership — click here for our No. 1 tip to do just that.It has all-important safety features, like automatic shut-off if it’s tipped over. It’ll heat a room of 300-499 square feet, and it even comes with a remote control. You can grab it for $54.99 right now — quite a deal when you compare that to Walmart’s price of $78.99.3. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus with 6 Month Ring Subscription PlanI’ve had a Ring doorbell for about a year now, and I recommend them. It’s great to be able to check who’s at my front door anytime. Now if only my neighbors would quit stopping by with baked goods at the rare times when I’m not home…Costco has the wireless (powered by rechargeable battery — one charge lasts several weeks) Ring Doorbell for $99.99. This might not seem like a good deal at first glance, since Amazon has an even better price of $59.99 right now. But Costco’s deal comes with a six-month subscription plan for your new doorbell. Since Ring’s Standard plan will run you $9.99 per month, this is a $160 value for less than $100.You can squeeze even more benefits from Costco shopping if you use the right credit card. Check out our picks for the best cards to whip out in the Costco checkout line.4. Fanttik N100 7-piece Household Tool Kit with Studio Electric ScrewdriverA handy toolkit is a fantastic gift for the new homeowner in your life. You can pick up this Fanttik set from Costco for just $69.99 — a vast savings over Amazon’s price of almost $110. The kit includes a hammer, utility knife, tape measure, and an electric screwdriver with 10 bits and an extension. Plus it even comes in its own carrying case!5. Austin Cake Ball Catering AssortmentWant your gift to be the hit at the family get-together? Consider this assortment of 48 cake balls in four different flavors. You’ll get 12 each of red velvet cake, salted caramel, birthday cake, and Oreo, for $89.99. If you buy these puppies directly from Austin Cake Ball, you’ll pay $24.95 per dozen (with a minimum order of four dozen), so going the Costco route will save you about 10%.There’s no reason to run up a huge credit card tab in the course of buying holiday gifts. Just turn to your friendly neighborhood Costco (or Costco.com), where the best gifts are waiting.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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The winter holidays are upon us yet again — have you finished your shopping yet? If not, no sweat. Costco has you covered with plenty of thoughtful gift ideas for less than $100. Here are five that caught my eye.

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!

1. Bose SoundLink Flex SE Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

One of the problems with so many of us transitioning our music collections to streaming services is that we now lack the classic stereo systems our parents (and perhaps grandparents, for you Gen Zers) had in their living rooms. What’s the solution? How about a Bluetooth speaker that offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge?

You can pick up the Bose SoundLink Flex SE speaker from Costco for a cool $99.99 right now — $30 off the list price and about $20 cheaper than Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. This model is even waterproof and dustproof, so your gift recipient will be tickled to take it to the beach or the pool when warmer days return.

2. Lasko Motion X Whole Room Heater with Remote

I live in a place that gets serious winter weather, and I hate paying the gas company any more than necessary, so I often rely on electric space heaters to get by. If you’ve got someone on your list who is also at least part reptile, consider this Lasko heater.

While you’re shopping for loved ones, don’t forget to maximize your Costco membership — click here for our No. 1 tip to do just that.

It has all-important safety features, like automatic shut-off if it’s tipped over. It’ll heat a room of 300-499 square feet, and it even comes with a remote control. You can grab it for $54.99 right now — quite a deal when you compare that to Walmart’s price of $78.99.

3. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus with 6 Month Ring Subscription Plan

I’ve had a Ring doorbell for about a year now, and I recommend them. It’s great to be able to check who’s at my front door anytime. Now if only my neighbors would quit stopping by with baked goods at the rare times when I’m not home…

Costco has the wireless (powered by rechargeable battery — one charge lasts several weeks) Ring Doorbell for $99.99. This might not seem like a good deal at first glance, since Amazon has an even better price of $59.99 right now. But Costco’s deal comes with a six-month subscription plan for your new doorbell. Since Ring’s Standard plan will run you $9.99 per month, this is a $160 value for less than $100.

You can squeeze even more benefits from Costco shopping if you use the right credit card. Check out our picks for the best cards to whip out in the Costco checkout line.

4. Fanttik N100 7-piece Household Tool Kit with Studio Electric Screwdriver

A handy toolkit is a fantastic gift for the new homeowner in your life. You can pick up this Fanttik set from Costco for just $69.99 — a vast savings over Amazon’s price of almost $110. The kit includes a hammer, utility knife, tape measure, and an electric screwdriver with 10 bits and an extension. Plus it even comes in its own carrying case!

5. Austin Cake Ball Catering Assortment

Want your gift to be the hit at the family get-together? Consider this assortment of 48 cake balls in four different flavors. You’ll get 12 each of red velvet cake, salted caramel, birthday cake, and Oreo, for $89.99. If you buy these puppies directly from Austin Cake Ball, you’ll pay $24.95 per dozen (with a minimum order of four dozen), so going the Costco route will save you about 10%.

There’s no reason to run up a huge credit card tab in the course of buying holiday gifts. Just turn to your friendly neighborhood Costco (or Costco.com), where the best gifts are waiting.

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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The average retirement age in the United States depends on who you ask. For most people, Social Security defines full retirement age as 67 years old, while Medicare uses 65 as its age of eligibility. But whatever metric you use to define retirement age, it’s fair to say that age 60 is slightly sooner than the average person leaves the workforce for good and relies on their investments for living expenses.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. I’m in my early 40s right now and aim to be fully ready to retire by the time I reach 60. I plan to get there by sticking to three important strategies for the next 18 years. Here’s what they are.Strategy 1: Build my retirement nest eggThe first step in my plan to be ready to retire at 60 is perhaps the most obvious — to build up my savings as much as possible.I’m not the most frugal person in the world, but I’ve prioritized retirement savings since my mid-20s. As a primarily self-employed person, I use a SEP IRA account to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis and contribute as much to my account as I can. Depending on your circumstances, a traditional or Roth IRA, a 401(k), 403(b), or some combination of accounts could be the best bet.The point is to utilize tax-advantaged retirement accounts and to construct a portfolio of investments appropriate for your financial goals and risk tolerance. If that sounds like too much, there are automated investing services, or robo-advisors, that can do it for you.Are you looking to build more retirement savings? Click here for our up-to-date list of the top places to start or roll over an IRA right now. You might be surprised at the new customer bonuses some offer.Strategy 2: Eliminate all debtHere’s one important concept about retirement that you should know. It isn’t necessarily about how much money you’ve saved — it’s about whether you can create enough income after you retire to cover your expenses.We’ve addressed one side of that. The more I have saved for retirement, the more sustainable income I can create. Since I won’t be eligible for Social Security yet if I retire at 60, I’m ignoring that in this discussion.The other side of the equation is to lower your post-retirement expenses as much as possible. To do that, I’m planning to have zero debt by the time I’m 60. I don’t just mean things like credit cards and auto loans, which are a good idea to get rid of well before you turn 60. I plan on strategically paying off my mortgage — whether I’m living at my current home or not — before I reach that age.Think about it this way. Whatever income stream I can create from my investments will go a lot longer if I’m not paying a mortgage every month.Strategy 3: Set a budget and stick to itAlthough a budget can be an excellent tool in many circumstances, I’m not the biggest advocate for budgets in the CFP® community and don’t have a set-in-stone budget myself. My main financial strategy is to aggressively save money before doing anything else. I prioritize the things I have to pay and then have some freedom with what is left.However, that will likely change when I’m retired. Even if I’m successful with saving and investing, my income will likely be lower after I retire than it is now. This is quite common, and most retirement planners say you’ll need 80%-85% of your pre-retirement income to maintain the same lifestyle. However, I do plan to stick to more of a budget after I retire to be sure that the money I saved will last as long as I need it to.Will I really be ready?To be perfectly clear, I’m not necessarily saying that I will retire at age 60, or at any particular age. In fact, if I enjoy what I’m doing as much as I do now, I don’t see myself completely walking away from it. And numerous studies have shown that keeping engaged with something that is intellectually challenging can be great for mental health as you get older.Rather, my goal is to be able to retire at 60 if I want to. My wife and I have big ambitions to travel the world and live by the beach, and we want to be able to do those things while we’re still young enough to fully enjoy them. And I’m confident that if I stick to these three strategies, I’ll be financially comfortable enough to work because I want to, not because I have to.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 average retirement age in the United States depends on who you ask. For most people, Social Security defines full retirement age as 67 years old, while Medicare uses 65 as its age of eligibility. But whatever metric you use to define retirement age, it’s fair to say that age 60 is slightly sooner than the average person leaves the workforce for good and relies on their investments for living expenses.

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.

I’m in my early 40s right now and aim to be fully ready to retire by the time I reach 60. I plan to get there by sticking to three important strategies for the next 18 years. Here’s what they are.

Strategy 1: Build my retirement nest egg

The first step in my plan to be ready to retire at 60 is perhaps the most obvious — to build up my savings as much as possible.

I’m not the most frugal person in the world, but I’ve prioritized retirement savings since my mid-20s. As a primarily self-employed person, I use a SEP IRA account to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis and contribute as much to my account as I can. Depending on your circumstances, a traditional or Roth IRA, a 401(k), 403(b), or some combination of accounts could be the best bet.

The point is to utilize tax-advantaged retirement accounts and to construct a portfolio of investments appropriate for your financial goals and risk tolerance. If that sounds like too much, there are automated investing services, or robo-advisors, that can do it for you.

Are you looking to build more retirement savings? Click here for our up-to-date list of the top places to start or roll over an IRA right now. You might be surprised at the new customer bonuses some offer.

Strategy 2: Eliminate all debt

Here’s one important concept about retirement that you should know. It isn’t necessarily about how much money you’ve saved — it’s about whether you can create enough income after you retire to cover your expenses.

We’ve addressed one side of that. The more I have saved for retirement, the more sustainable income I can create. Since I won’t be eligible for Social Security yet if I retire at 60, I’m ignoring that in this discussion.

The other side of the equation is to lower your post-retirement expenses as much as possible. To do that, I’m planning to have zero debt by the time I’m 60. I don’t just mean things like credit cards and auto loans, which are a good idea to get rid of well before you turn 60. I plan on strategically paying off my mortgage — whether I’m living at my current home or not — before I reach that age.

Think about it this way. Whatever income stream I can create from my investments will go a lot longer if I’m not paying a mortgage every month.

Strategy 3: Set a budget and stick to it

Although a budget can be an excellent tool in many circumstances, I’m not the biggest advocate for budgets in the CFP® community and don’t have a set-in-stone budget myself. My main financial strategy is to aggressively save money before doing anything else. I prioritize the things I have to pay and then have some freedom with what is left.

However, that will likely change when I’m retired. Even if I’m successful with saving and investing, my income will likely be lower after I retire than it is now. This is quite common, and most retirement planners say you’ll need 80%-85% of your pre-retirement income to maintain the same lifestyle. However, I do plan to stick to more of a budget after I retire to be sure that the money I saved will last as long as I need it to.

Will I really be ready?

To be perfectly clear, I’m not necessarily saying that I will retire at age 60, or at any particular age. In fact, if I enjoy what I’m doing as much as I do now, I don’t see myself completely walking away from it. And numerous studies have shown that keeping engaged with something that is intellectually challenging can be great for mental health as you get older.

Rather, my goal is to be able to retire at 60 if I want to. My wife and I have big ambitions to travel the world and live by the beach, and we want to be able to do those things while we’re still young enough to fully enjoy them. And I’m confident that if I stick to these three strategies, I’ll be financially comfortable enough to work because I want to, not because I have to.

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: Getty Images
One of the surprising perks of a Costco membership is that you can use Costco for many of your everyday healthcare needs, like prescription drugs and vaccinations from the Costco Pharmacy, and annual eye checkups from Costco Optical. But is Costco really the best place to buy glasses?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!As a longtime glasses-wearer and 20-year Costco member, I have a surprising take on this question: Costco is not the best place to buy eyeglasses. I never do, even though I get my eye exams there every year.Let’s look at the biggest reasons why you shouldn’t buy glasses at Costco.1. Costco eye exams have no obligation to buy glassesCostco typically offers its members access to an in-house independent doctor of optometry (eye doctor) who sets up shop inside the Costco warehouse location. But this eye doctor is independent of Costco — they don’t care if you buy glasses at Costco, buy online, or buy from some other specialty optical shop down the street.This lack of sales pressure makes it easier to not buy glasses at Costco. Just get your new eyeglass prescription and go on with your day. No one from the Costco Optical department is going to be lurking outside the door of the eye doctor’s office, trying to upsell you on a pair of glasses.But whether you get your eye exams or buy glasses at Costco (or both), you might want to pay with a Costco credit card. Click here to learn more about the best Costco credit cards that help you earn 2% to 3% (or more) cash back on Costco purchases.I actually love my Costco eye doctor — he’s friendly and thorough, and the eye exam costs are affordable for a self-employed person with no vision insurance. I’ve been getting my eye exams and eyeglass prescriptions at Costco for years. But just because you get your vision checked at Costco doesn’t mean you have to buy glasses at Costco.And that’s a good thing, because…2. Costco eyeglasses aren’t always the most stylishEveryone has their own sense of style when buying eyeglasses. Perhaps you’ll find that Costco’s selection of frames are perfect for what you need. But for me, I have finicky preferences for the shape, style, and color of my eyeglass frames. There’s one designer brand of eyeglasses that I like to buy, and Costco doesn’t offer it — Costco’s eyeglass designs tend to be a little more plain, and they’re mostly offered in gray, brown, and black.If you want eyeglasses with a bolder design, more vivid colors, or that make a more powerful, creative fashion statement, Costco Optical might not have what you’re looking for. And that’s OK! If you buy eyeglasses somewhere else, you can still wear them at Costco without feeling guilty. That’s because…3. Costco will fix other stores’ eyeglasses for freeHere’s another nice perk of Costco Optical, along with the affordable eye exams: Costco will provide free adjustments to any eyeglasses, whether you bought them at Costco or not. I took advantage of this great perk last year, without knowing it was available — I had a pair of eyeglasses I bought online from a non-Costco retailer, and the frames had gotten slightly bent and the glasses weren’t fitting right.The friendly staff at Costco Optical quickly adjusted my eyeglass frames, and helped me make sure the fit was right. Even though I didn’t spend a dollar buying glasses from them, Costco solved my problem. This is another example of how Costco memberships can offer surprising added value.Bottom lineGetting eye exams at Costco is another great way to maximize the rewards of your Costco membership. But don’t assume that you have to buy eyeglasses from Costco, too. Costco’s eyewear designs might be a little too plain and conventional for your personal fashion sense.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 positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

One of the surprising perks of a Costco membership is that you can use Costco for many of your everyday healthcare needs, like prescription drugs and vaccinations from the Costco Pharmacy, and annual eye checkups from Costco Optical. But is Costco really the best place to buy glasses?

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!

As a longtime glasses-wearer and 20-year Costco member, I have a surprising take on this question: Costco is not the best place to buy eyeglasses. I never do, even though I get my eye exams there every year.

Let’s look at the biggest reasons why you shouldn’t buy glasses at Costco.

1. Costco eye exams have no obligation to buy glasses

Costco typically offers its members access to an in-house independent doctor of optometry (eye doctor) who sets up shop inside the Costco warehouse location. But this eye doctor is independent of Costco — they don’t care if you buy glasses at Costco, buy online, or buy from some other specialty optical shop down the street.

This lack of sales pressure makes it easier to not buy glasses at Costco. Just get your new eyeglass prescription and go on with your day. No one from the Costco Optical department is going to be lurking outside the door of the eye doctor’s office, trying to upsell you on a pair of glasses.

But whether you get your eye exams or buy glasses at Costco (or both), you might want to pay with a Costco credit card. Click here to learn more about the best Costco credit cards that help you earn 2% to 3% (or more) cash back on Costco purchases.

I actually love my Costco eye doctor — he’s friendly and thorough, and the eye exam costs are affordable for a self-employed person with no vision insurance. I’ve been getting my eye exams and eyeglass prescriptions at Costco for years. But just because you get your vision checked at Costco doesn’t mean you have to buy glasses at Costco.

And that’s a good thing, because…

2. Costco eyeglasses aren’t always the most stylish

Everyone has their own sense of style when buying eyeglasses. Perhaps you’ll find that Costco’s selection of frames are perfect for what you need. But for me, I have finicky preferences for the shape, style, and color of my eyeglass frames. There’s one designer brand of eyeglasses that I like to buy, and Costco doesn’t offer it — Costco’s eyeglass designs tend to be a little more plain, and they’re mostly offered in gray, brown, and black.

If you want eyeglasses with a bolder design, more vivid colors, or that make a more powerful, creative fashion statement, Costco Optical might not have what you’re looking for. And that’s OK! If you buy eyeglasses somewhere else, you can still wear them at Costco without feeling guilty. That’s because…

3. Costco will fix other stores’ eyeglasses for free

Here’s another nice perk of Costco Optical, along with the affordable eye exams: Costco will provide free adjustments to any eyeglasses, whether you bought them at Costco or not. I took advantage of this great perk last year, without knowing it was available — I had a pair of eyeglasses I bought online from a non-Costco retailer, and the frames had gotten slightly bent and the glasses weren’t fitting right.

The friendly staff at Costco Optical quickly adjusted my eyeglass frames, and helped me make sure the fit was right. Even though I didn’t spend a dollar buying glasses from them, Costco solved my problem. This is another example of how Costco memberships can offer surprising added value.

Bottom line

Getting eye exams at Costco is another great way to maximize the rewards of your Costco membership. But don’t assume that you have to buy eyeglasses from Costco, too. Costco’s eyewear designs might be a little too plain and conventional for your personal fashion sense.

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 positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Fidelity, a big name in the financial industry, recommends having 10 times your salary saved for retirement by age 67. But figuring out how much to put away for retirement on a yearly basis is a bit trickier.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. Financial experts often say to aim for 15% to 20% of your income. But if you can’t afford that, you’d certainly be in good company — especially if you earn a $75,000 annual salary. To be clear, $75,000 is a respectable income. It’s just that you might need most of it to cover your bills, making that 15% to 20% savings target less feasible.Here’s an idea of what you could be contributing to your retirement savings each year — and the balance it might produce.Small contributions can go a long wayIf saving 15% to 20% of a $75,000 salary sounds tough, how does saving more like 3% sound? If you contribute $2,400 a year, or $200 a month, to an individual retirement account (IRA), that’s roughly 3% of your salary. And it’s a sum that could also go a long way over time.Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%. That 10% represents years when the market did exceptionally well and years when it crashed. This should tell you that if you invest your IRA in stocks over a long period, you could conceivably end up with a similar average return on your money.So let’s get back to that $200 a month. If you’re 30 now and you contribute that sum to your IRA through age 67, you’ll end up with a balance of about $792,000 if your investments grow 10% per year.Not only is that a lot of money, but it may be enough to represent 10 times your salary by age 67 like Fidelity recommends. So all told, this sounds like a win.Get started todayThe amount of money you should be contributing toward retirement savings hinges on what you can afford. Experts can recommend 15% to 20%, but if that’s not possible without falling behind on bills, then that guidance clearly won’t work for you.But with a long enough savings and investment window, you can turn a series of smaller contributions into a large sum over time. If you haven’t begun saving for retirement yet, check out this list of the best IRAs and open one today. The more time you give your money to grow, the less pressure you have to save a large amount on a yearly or monthly basis.Case in point: Say you only have 27 years to save for retirement instead of 37 years like in the example above. In that case, it would take $545 a month to end up with about $792,000 in retirement savings instead of just $200 monthly contributions.That may be harder to swing on $75,000 a year. But if you start funding your IRA early enough, you won’t have to push yourself to part with an uncomfortably large chunk of your income to get great results.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.Maurie Backman has positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Fidelity, a big name in the financial industry, recommends having 10 times your salary saved for retirement by age 67. But figuring out how much to put away for retirement on a yearly basis is a bit trickier.

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.

Financial experts often say to aim for 15% to 20% of your income. But if you can’t afford that, you’d certainly be in good company — especially if you earn a $75,000 annual salary. To be clear, $75,000 is a respectable income. It’s just that you might need most of it to cover your bills, making that 15% to 20% savings target less feasible.

Here’s an idea of what you could be contributing to your retirement savings each year — and the balance it might produce.

Small contributions can go a long way

If saving 15% to 20% of a $75,000 salary sounds tough, how does saving more like 3% sound? If you contribute $2,400 a year, or $200 a month, to an individual retirement account (IRA), that’s roughly 3% of your salary. And it’s a sum that could also go a long way over time.

Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%. That 10% represents years when the market did exceptionally well and years when it crashed. This should tell you that if you invest your IRA in stocks over a long period, you could conceivably end up with a similar average return on your money.

So let’s get back to that $200 a month. If you’re 30 now and you contribute that sum to your IRA through age 67, you’ll end up with a balance of about $792,000 if your investments grow 10% per year.

Not only is that a lot of money, but it may be enough to represent 10 times your salary by age 67 like Fidelity recommends. So all told, this sounds like a win.

Get started today

The amount of money you should be contributing toward retirement savings hinges on what you can afford. Experts can recommend 15% to 20%, but if that’s not possible without falling behind on bills, then that guidance clearly won’t work for you.

But with a long enough savings and investment window, you can turn a series of smaller contributions into a large sum over time. If you haven’t begun saving for retirement yet, check out this list of the best IRAs and open one today. The more time you give your money to grow, the less pressure you have to save a large amount on a yearly or monthly basis.

Case in point: Say you only have 27 years to save for retirement instead of 37 years like in the example above. In that case, it would take $545 a month to end up with about $792,000 in retirement savings instead of just $200 monthly contributions.

That may be harder to swing on $75,000 a year. But if you start funding your IRA early enough, you won’t have to push yourself to part with an uncomfortably large chunk of your income to get great results.

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.Maurie Backman has positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
You might think that a higher credit score can improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage, and of getting a lower interest rate. And you’d be right.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. However, a strong credit score is only one of many factors lenders consider when deciding if you’ll get approved or not. In fact, there are several other reasons why you can get denied for a mortgage, even if you have a top-tier credit score.Are you curious about what mortgage rates you could get? Click here for our up-to-date list of the top mortgage lenders right now.The home is too expensiveLenders want to be sure you’re able to make your mortgage payments every month. The first way they do this is to make sure the monthly payments on your loan don’t consume too much of your income.Now, the exact threshold depends on the type of mortgage you choose, as well as the lender’s own policies, but your new mortgage payment typically can’t exceed a certain percentage of your pre-tax income. The traditional maximum is 28%, but many lenders will allow higher ratios.You can eliminate any confusion by applying for a pre-approval before you start shopping for a home. By doing so, you can find out the maximum amount of money you’ll get approved for.Your other debts are highIt isn’t just about your new mortgage payment. Lenders want to make sure your bills aren’t consuming too much of your income, so they’ll take a look at any other debts you might have — specifically the required monthly payments on each one.This is known as your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. A ratio of 36% of your income or lower is ideal (including your new mortgage payment), but many lenders will allow DTI ratios as high as 45%. So, if you have pre-tax household income of $10,000 per month, no more than $4,500 can go towards debt repayment, at least for the purposes of mortgage approval.Your employment history isn’t solidNot only will lenders take a look at your income, but they’ll want to ensure that there is a high probability that your income will continue. For this reason, your employment history is a big piece of the puzzle.In most cases, lenders want to see an employment history of at least two years in the same career field (more is better) without any significant gaps. If you leave one job and start another shortly after, that’s fine. Plus, it’s worth noting that there’s an exception if you were in school. For example, if you graduated from college and started your first job a year ago, it won’t necessarily prevent you from getting a mortgage.You don’t have much cashOf course, a solid employment history doesn’t guarantee that you’ll always have a job in the future. So, it’s important to show lenders that you have enough money in reserves to cover your mortgage in case something unexpected happens.This can vary significantly by lender and the type of mortgage, but six months’ worth of reserves is a common figure. The good news is that this doesn’t need to be cash sitting in a savings account. Money in investments, or even in retirement accounts in some cases, can be considered.The home isn’t up to parYou should always schedule a home inspection for your own protection. But with some popular types of mortgages — such as FHA loans — the home needs to meet certain requirements. If the home you want to buy doesn’t pass the relevant inspections, it could be grounds for mortgage denial.These factors can work for or against youAs mentioned, you can be denied a mortgage for any of these reasons, and this isn’t even an exhaustive list. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that they can also work in your favor if they strengthen your application. For example, if you have virtually no debt other than a mortgage or have lots of cash in the bank for reserves, it can boost your chances of approval and make you look like a more solid borrower in the lender’s eyes.The key takeaway is that there’s more to mortgage approval than just your credit score. It’s important to be a solid all-around applicant.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”:”

You might think that a higher credit score can improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage, and of getting a lower interest rate. And you’d be right.

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.

However, a strong credit score is only one of many factors lenders consider when deciding if you’ll get approved or not. In fact, there are several other reasons why you can get denied for a mortgage, even if you have a top-tier credit score.

Are you curious about what mortgage rates you could get? Click here for our up-to-date list of the top mortgage lenders right now.

The home is too expensive

Lenders want to be sure you’re able to make your mortgage payments every month. The first way they do this is to make sure the monthly payments on your loan don’t consume too much of your income.

Now, the exact threshold depends on the type of mortgage you choose, as well as the lender’s own policies, but your new mortgage payment typically can’t exceed a certain percentage of your pre-tax income. The traditional maximum is 28%, but many lenders will allow higher ratios.

You can eliminate any confusion by applying for a pre-approval before you start shopping for a home. By doing so, you can find out the maximum amount of money you’ll get approved for.

Your other debts are high

It isn’t just about your new mortgage payment. Lenders want to make sure your bills aren’t consuming too much of your income, so they’ll take a look at any other debts you might have — specifically the required monthly payments on each one.

This is known as your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. A ratio of 36% of your income or lower is ideal (including your new mortgage payment), but many lenders will allow DTI ratios as high as 45%. So, if you have pre-tax household income of $10,000 per month, no more than $4,500 can go towards debt repayment, at least for the purposes of mortgage approval.

Your employment history isn’t solid

Not only will lenders take a look at your income, but they’ll want to ensure that there is a high probability that your income will continue. For this reason, your employment history is a big piece of the puzzle.

In most cases, lenders want to see an employment history of at least two years in the same career field (more is better) without any significant gaps. If you leave one job and start another shortly after, that’s fine. Plus, it’s worth noting that there’s an exception if you were in school. For example, if you graduated from college and started your first job a year ago, it won’t necessarily prevent you from getting a mortgage.

You don’t have much cash

Of course, a solid employment history doesn’t guarantee that you’ll always have a job in the future. So, it’s important to show lenders that you have enough money in reserves to cover your mortgage in case something unexpected happens.

This can vary significantly by lender and the type of mortgage, but six months’ worth of reserves is a common figure. The good news is that this doesn’t need to be cash sitting in a savings account. Money in investments, or even in retirement accounts in some cases, can be considered.

The home isn’t up to par

You should always schedule a home inspection for your own protection. But with some popular types of mortgages — such as FHA loans — the home needs to meet certain requirements. If the home you want to buy doesn’t pass the relevant inspections, it could be grounds for mortgage denial.

These factors can work for or against you

As mentioned, you can be denied a mortgage for any of these reasons, and this isn’t even an exhaustive list. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that they can also work in your favor if they strengthen your application. For example, if you have virtually no debt other than a mortgage or have lots of cash in the bank for reserves, it can boost your chances of approval and make you look like a more solid borrower in the lender’s eyes.

The key takeaway is that there’s more to mortgage approval than just your credit score. It’s important to be a solid all-around applicant.

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