Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
In September, Costco raised the cost of its membership fees after keeping them steady for more than seven years. That took the cost of a Gold Star membership from $60 a year to $65, while the cost of an Executive membership rose from $120 to $130.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!If you weren’t happy with that fee hike, you may have canceled your Costco membership. But here are a few reasons to reconsider — and pay the higher price to rejoin.1. The savings on gas alone might pay for your membership feeCanceling your Costco membership is the right move when you’re not going to use it. So if you’ve decided it doesn’t make sense for you to buy groceries in bulk, then you might assume there’s no sense in paying for Costco access.But if you drive a car and live near a Costco, you can easily justify the cost of a membership with the savings you get on gas. Not only does Costco sell some of the cheapest gas in town, but its fuel is TOP TIER certified, which means it’s designed to clean your engine and lead to better performance.Let’s say you put 12 gallons of gas in your car each week, and that filling up at Costco saves you $0.20 per gallon. That’s $2.40 in savings per week. And if you snag that savings for 52 weeks during the year, it’s a total of $130.That covers the entire cost of an Executive membership. And it easily justifies a $65 Gold Star membership.2. You can score discounted gift cards right in time for the holidaysIf you’re scratching your head trying to figure out what gifts to give out this holiday season, you may want to turn to gift cards for simplicity. But if you’re going to hand out gift cards, you might as well spend less on them. And that’s where Costco comes in.Costco carries a wide range of gift cards that are discounted below their face value. Some of the deals you’ll find now include:Four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $74.99Five $15 Subway gift cards for $59.99Four $15 Krispy Kreme gift cards for $44.99If you have Costco’s Executive membership, gift card purchases score you 2% cash back on top of the savings you get from their discounted value.And if you don’t want to pay for an Executive membership, you can still earn plenty of cash back at Costco by using the right credit card when you shop there. If you like the sound of that, check out this list of the best credit cards for Costco.3. You can snag a great deal on your next vacationYou may not associate shopping at Costco with going on vacation. But did you know that Costco Travel offers a wide range of vacation packages at competitive prices?When you book a Costco vacation, you get the benefit of seasoned travel professionals who can help you choose the right itinerary. And booking through Costco often means not just saving money on your travels but scoring extra perks, like free resort credits. If you’re able to save $200 on a vacation by booking it through Costco, that alone makes the case to pay the membership fee.Nobody likes to see their expenses go up. So if your reaction to Costco’s September fee hike was to cancel your membership, that’s understandable. But given the benefits a Costco membership offers, you may want to reconsider and pay a slightly higher fee to avoid losing out on numerous perks like these.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.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

In September, Costco raised the cost of its membership fees after keeping them steady for more than seven years. That took the cost of a Gold Star membership from $60 a year to $65, while the cost of an Executive membership rose from $120 to $130.

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!

If you weren’t happy with that fee hike, you may have canceled your Costco membership. But here are a few reasons to reconsider — and pay the higher price to rejoin.

1. The savings on gas alone might pay for your membership fee

Canceling your Costco membership is the right move when you’re not going to use it. So if you’ve decided it doesn’t make sense for you to buy groceries in bulk, then you might assume there’s no sense in paying for Costco access.

But if you drive a car and live near a Costco, you can easily justify the cost of a membership with the savings you get on gas. Not only does Costco sell some of the cheapest gas in town, but its fuel is TOP TIER certified, which means it’s designed to clean your engine and lead to better performance.

Let’s say you put 12 gallons of gas in your car each week, and that filling up at Costco saves you $0.20 per gallon. That’s $2.40 in savings per week. And if you snag that savings for 52 weeks during the year, it’s a total of $130.

That covers the entire cost of an Executive membership. And it easily justifies a $65 Gold Star membership.

2. You can score discounted gift cards right in time for the holidays

If you’re scratching your head trying to figure out what gifts to give out this holiday season, you may want to turn to gift cards for simplicity. But if you’re going to hand out gift cards, you might as well spend less on them. And that’s where Costco comes in.

Costco carries a wide range of gift cards that are discounted below their face value. Some of the deals you’ll find now include:

• Four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $74.99
• Five $15 Subway gift cards for $59.99
• Four $15 Krispy Kreme gift cards for $44.99

If you have Costco’s Executive membership, gift card purchases score you 2% cash back on top of the savings you get from their discounted value.

And if you don’t want to pay for an Executive membership, you can still earn plenty of cash back at Costco by using the right credit card when you shop there. If you like the sound of that, check out this list of the best credit cards for Costco.

3. You can snag a great deal on your next vacation

You may not associate shopping at Costco with going on vacation. But did you know that Costco Travel offers a wide range of vacation packages at competitive prices?

When you book a Costco vacation, you get the benefit of seasoned travel professionals who can help you choose the right itinerary. And booking through Costco often means not just saving money on your travels but scoring extra perks, like free resort credits. If you’re able to save $200 on a vacation by booking it through Costco, that alone makes the case to pay the membership fee.

Nobody likes to see their expenses go up. So if your reaction to Costco’s September fee hike was to cancel your membership, that’s understandable. But given the benefits a Costco membership offers, you may want to reconsider and pay a slightly higher fee to avoid losing out on numerous perks like these.

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Accumulating reward points and cash back is a big perk of charging expenses on a credit card. But you don’t have to settle for just the regular cash back and points you get during the year. Many credit card issuers offer sign-up bonuses to new cardholders. And that’s an opportunity to earn even more.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’s how they work: Spend a certain amount of money on your new credit card within a few months of opening your account, and you’ll get a specific number of points, miles, or cash back in your account. For example, you may find an offer for $200 cash back if you spend $3,000 or more within three months of opening a new card.There’s nothing wrong with going after sign-up bonuses you think will work for you. And you should definitely check out this list of the best credit card sign-up bonuses this month to explore different offers.But it’s also important to know the ins and outs of sign-up bonuses — and to avoid one potential trap that could cause you to lose yours.When you’re this close to a bonus and fail to snag itIn theory, earning a credit card sign-up bonus is easy. Just spend a certain amount of money within a certain time frame, and, well, that’s really it. The problem is that you may end up getting refunded on some of your purchases that helped you meet your new card’s spending requirement. And that could cause you to fall short of earning the bonus.Let’s say you need to spend $3,000 in three months to get your sign-up bonus, and you spend that amount in full. But if you’re then refunded a portion of that $3,000 right before the three-month deadline, bye bye bonus.You may be thinking, “Okay, well then I’ll just make sure not to make any returns for charges on my credit card.” But in some cases, you may end up getting a refund on a purchase without asking for one.Let’s say you book a cruise on your credit card, and that purchase covers your spending requirement to snag your sign-up bonus. If your cruise is canceled, you’ll be due a refund. A cruise line can’t keep your money for booking an itinerary it decides not to run.In that case, you may be out of luck as far as your sign-up bonus is concerned.How to avoid losing your sign-up bonusIf you’re opening a new credit card specifically to try to claim the sign-up bonus, you’ll no doubt want to do what you can to avoid losing it. To that end, starting by reading the fine print. It may be that certain purchases don’t count toward your card’s spending requirement. Get all of the details, so there are no unwanted surprises.It’s also a good idea to aim for sign-up bonuses you can score through ordinary purchases. It’s one thing to book a trip on a credit card that may get canceled. But let’s say you put all of your essential expenses on a new credit card for three months. Chances are, you’re not going to get refunded for purchases like the gas you put in your car. So that’s a “safer” way to meet the spending requirement.There’s nothing wrong with going after a sign-up bonus you feel is attainable based on your spending habits and plans. But be careful not to fall into the trap of applying for a credit card for its sign-up bonus only to end up without it.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”:”

Accumulating reward points and cash back is a big perk of charging expenses on a credit card. But you don’t have to settle for just the regular cash back and points you get during the year. Many credit card issuers offer sign-up bonuses to new cardholders. And that’s an opportunity to earn even more.

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’s how they work: Spend a certain amount of money on your new credit card within a few months of opening your account, and you’ll get a specific number of points, miles, or cash back in your account. For example, you may find an offer for $200 cash back if you spend $3,000 or more within three months of opening a new card.

There’s nothing wrong with going after sign-up bonuses you think will work for you. And you should definitely check out this list of the best credit card sign-up bonuses this month to explore different offers.

But it’s also important to know the ins and outs of sign-up bonuses — and to avoid one potential trap that could cause you to lose yours.

When you’re this close to a bonus and fail to snag it

In theory, earning a credit card sign-up bonus is easy. Just spend a certain amount of money within a certain time frame, and, well, that’s really it. The problem is that you may end up getting refunded on some of your purchases that helped you meet your new card’s spending requirement. And that could cause you to fall short of earning the bonus.

Let’s say you need to spend $3,000 in three months to get your sign-up bonus, and you spend that amount in full. But if you’re then refunded a portion of that $3,000 right before the three-month deadline, bye bye bonus.

You may be thinking, “Okay, well then I’ll just make sure not to make any returns for charges on my credit card.” But in some cases, you may end up getting a refund on a purchase without asking for one.

Let’s say you book a cruise on your credit card, and that purchase covers your spending requirement to snag your sign-up bonus. If your cruise is canceled, you’ll be due a refund. A cruise line can’t keep your money for booking an itinerary it decides not to run.In that case, you may be out of luck as far as your sign-up bonus is concerned.

How to avoid losing your sign-up bonus

If you’re opening a new credit card specifically to try to claim the sign-up bonus, you’ll no doubt want to do what you can to avoid losing it. To that end, starting by reading the fine print. It may be that certain purchases don’t count toward your card’s spending requirement. Get all of the details, so there are no unwanted surprises.

It’s also a good idea to aim for sign-up bonuses you can score through ordinary purchases. It’s one thing to book a trip on a credit card that may get canceled. But let’s say you put all of your essential expenses on a new credit card for three months. Chances are, you’re not going to get refunded for purchases like the gas you put in your car. So that’s a “safer” way to meet the spending requirement.

There’s nothing wrong with going after a sign-up bonus you feel is attainable based on your spending habits and plans. But be careful not to fall into the trap of applying for a credit card for its sign-up bonus only to end up without it.

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
I live less than two miles from Target, so it’s a store I shop at frequently. The retailer sells refrigerated and frozen foods, pantry items, toiletries, clothing, electronics, and much more. Some essentials are only sold at Target and can’t be found at other retailers. Are you looking for inspiration for your next shopping trip? Here are some great items you’ll only find at Target.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. 1. A New Day Women’s Madison Sneakers with Memory Foam Insole: $29.99These are my favorite basic white sneakers. I wear them as walking shoes when traveling and for daily use when I’m not wearing boots or lace up fitness sneakers. I love them so much that I always order two pairs at a time to have an extra backup pair ready when my old pair needs replacing. These last me about six to eight months with very regular wear. I walk a lot every day. If you want a cute but comfy pair of white sneakers, you may want to give them a try.2. Good & Gather Olive Tapenade Hummus: $2.99Here’s another Target exclusive I swear by: Good & Gather Olive Tapenade Hummus. You can get a 10-ounce container of this unique hummus spread for around $2.99. It’s one of my favorite hummus flavors that the retailer offers. If you enjoy snacking on hummus and are a fan of olives, you may like the salty taste of this hummus. I’m constantly recommending it to friends.Want to get rewarded for your next Target haul? Use a cash back rewards card at checkout. Click here to explore our list of top cash back credit cards with big rewards.3. Auden Women’s Cloud Knit Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Pajama Set: $17.50Here’s another Target-exclusive item I can recommend. I don’t know about you, but I only wear comfortable pajamas. I wear them as lounge clothes at home, so they must feel good. I own an Auden Women’s Cloud Knit Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Pajama Set, and they’re so comfy.Plus, they’re affordable. At the time of writing, they’re on sale for $17.50 per set. But even at the standard $25.00 sticker price, these Target jammies are affordable and hold up well. I suggest sizing up if you’re getting a set with shorts.4. up&up Soft and Strong Toilet Paper: $13.59It may not sound like anything special, but I’m loyal to Target’s up&up Soft and Strong Toilet Paper. It gets the job done, feels comfortable, and doesn’t feel cheap. You can get an 18-roll pack for around $13.59, though prices may vary by location. I like it so much that I have yet to try Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand toilet paper, even though I’m a Costco member! If you’re looking for your new favorite toilet paper, you may want to pick up a pack from Target.Join the Target Circle Rewards program to save bigUsing credit cards that earn rewards isn’t the only way to save when you shop. If you shop at Target, it’s advantageous to use the retailer’s free loyalty program, Target Circle Rewards. You can save money with membership-only coupons when you shop in-store or online.Members can also activate bonus rewards opportunities to earn additional discounts or free gift cards when making eligible purchases. Being a Target Circle Rewards member can help you maximize your savings when you shop, so don’t miss out.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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

I live less than two miles from Target, so it’s a store I shop at frequently. The retailer sells refrigerated and frozen foods, pantry items, toiletries, clothing, electronics, and much more. Some essentials are only sold at Target and can’t be found at other retailers. Are you looking for inspiration for your next shopping trip? Here are some great items you’ll only find at Target.

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.

1. A New Day Women’s Madison Sneakers with Memory Foam Insole: $29.99

These are my favorite basic white sneakers. I wear them as walking shoes when traveling and for daily use when I’m not wearing boots or lace up fitness sneakers. I love them so much that I always order two pairs at a time to have an extra backup pair ready when my old pair needs replacing. These last me about six to eight months with very regular wear. I walk a lot every day. If you want a cute but comfy pair of white sneakers, you may want to give them a try.

2. Good & Gather Olive Tapenade Hummus: $2.99

Here’s another Target exclusive I swear by: Good & Gather Olive Tapenade Hummus. You can get a 10-ounce container of this unique hummus spread for around $2.99. It’s one of my favorite hummus flavors that the retailer offers. If you enjoy snacking on hummus and are a fan of olives, you may like the salty taste of this hummus. I’m constantly recommending it to friends.

Want to get rewarded for your next Target haul? Use a cash back rewards card at checkout. Click here to explore our list of top cash back credit cards with big rewards.

3. Auden Women’s Cloud Knit Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Pajama Set: $17.50

Here’s another Target-exclusive item I can recommend. I don’t know about you, but I only wear comfortable pajamas. I wear them as lounge clothes at home, so they must feel good. I own an Auden Women’s Cloud Knit Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Pajama Set, and they’re so comfy.

Plus, they’re affordable. At the time of writing, they’re on sale for $17.50 per set. But even at the standard $25.00 sticker price, these Target jammies are affordable and hold up well. I suggest sizing up if you’re getting a set with shorts.

4. up&up Soft and Strong Toilet Paper: $13.59

It may not sound like anything special, but I’m loyal to Target’s up&up Soft and Strong Toilet Paper. It gets the job done, feels comfortable, and doesn’t feel cheap. You can get an 18-roll pack for around $13.59, though prices may vary by location. I like it so much that I have yet to try Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand toilet paper, even though I’m a Costco member! If you’re looking for your new favorite toilet paper, you may want to pick up a pack from Target.

Join the Target Circle Rewards program to save big

Using credit cards that earn rewards isn’t the only way to save when you shop. If you shop at Target, it’s advantageous to use the retailer’s free loyalty program, Target Circle Rewards. You can save money with membership-only coupons when you shop in-store or online.

Members can also activate bonus rewards opportunities to earn additional discounts or free gift cards when making eligible purchases. Being a Target Circle Rewards member can help you maximize your savings when you shop, so don’t miss out.

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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
With interest rates falling, it’s getting harder to choose between investments. Stock market investments often pay higher returns than CDs over time. However, CD rates have recently been high enough to make them a viable alternative. The slightly lower return was worth it for a guaranteed payout and substantially less risk. But now you may need to think about the elements of such an investment a bit harder.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. So, where’s the best place to park your cash now: the stock market or CDs? Let’s look at them head to head, based on a few serious considerations.1. Guaranteed returnsAlthough nothing in this life is guaranteed, a certificate of deposit is far more secure than investing in the stock market. The stock market tends to rise over time, for example, the S&P 500 has grown over 3% in value since this time last year, and over 90% in the last five years. But there are also years when it falls. Plus, any individual stock is going to be far more volatile. You could even lose your entire investment if the company you chose hits rough waters and ends up in bankruptcy.CD rates are still pretty solid, and they have virtually zero risk — take a look at our curated list of high-yielding certificates of deposit here.2. LiquidityThe downside of CDs is that they are not liquid. if you have to take the money out early, you’ll often lose some amount of your interest, based on the length of the CD. That can be a major problem if you get into a financial pickle.On the other hand, investing in stocks is a bit more like putting money into a money market account. You earn on what you have invested, and there are few, if any, penalties for early withdrawal. You can also add to your investment portfolio at will, if you decide you want to put another chunk of cash toward a new company, or invest more deeply in one you already have a conviction in.If you’re considering investing in stocks and need a great broker, we offer an excellent list to get you started. Click here for a list of our favorite stock brokers. Think about the types of investments you may want to make in the future before you settle into a brokerage firm.3. Passive investment potentialWhen it comes to acting as passive investments, both CDs and stocks can meet your needs. CDs are clearly passive investments, you give your money to the bank and you walk away. Stocks require some initial research, but after that stage is complete, a yearly review of your companies is plenty to keep yourself on track.Then again, if you’re really into stock investing, you can also manage your stocks more actively. At The Motley Fool, we tend to take long-term views of stocks and think of them as passive investments in great companies we love. But there are certainly different schools of thought on this subject.4. FeesThese days, most CDs have relatively low minimum deposit requirements and most don’t charge a monthly fee. That means the only thing you have to worry about eating into your profit is taxes (and early withdrawal penalties should you need access to your funds before the CD term ends). Stocks, on the other hand, can be expensive to trade, depending on your broker, and how often you buy or sell.No matter what kind of investment you choose, consider the costs since they will eat into your return. Even though CDs have a pretty fixed return potential, they also have fixed fees or no fees. Brokerages may have a whole world of fees, depending on how you trade and what you’re buying and selling.5. Loss protectionAlthough I already mentioned this a bit above, I think it’s really important to drive this point home. With a CD, you are protected by the FDIC for up to $250,000 should the bank go belly up — your investment is protected against loss, period dot. This is a comforting thought for anyone who is relying on their nest egg to not disappear in a down year.Stocks, although shares in tangible companies, can lose virtually all of their value, and you may end up holding the bag, even when your brokerage remains solvent. There’s no protection for you against loss of value in a stock, you were made aware of the risk, theoretically, and you agreed to it. This is also why the returns tend to be higher. You’re taking on a lot more risk.Investing in ETFs and index funds can be a safer way to invest in the stock market, since they are the equivalent of buying a small chunk of an entire portfolio of professionally curated stocks. While likely to perform better, there is still no promise that your cash will remain intact, however. Always read the prospectus thoroughly before choosing an index fund or ETF.Stocks versus CDs: Which is better?There’s not really a winner in the stock versus CD debate — they’re complementary investments that should honestly be used together. If you’re just getting started as an investor, a CD is a much safer place to put your money. Once your cash reserves are solid, you can put extra money toward starting a stock portfolio. That way, your risk is minimal and all you lose is money you didn’t have to work for to begin with. Win win.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”:”

With interest rates falling, it’s getting harder to choose between investments. Stock market investments often pay higher returns than CDs over time. However, CD rates have recently been high enough to make them a viable alternative. The slightly lower return was worth it for a guaranteed payout and substantially less risk. But now you may need to think about the elements of such an investment a bit harder.

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.

So, where’s the best place to park your cash now: the stock market or CDs? Let’s look at them head to head, based on a few serious considerations.

1. Guaranteed returns

Although nothing in this life is guaranteed, a certificate of deposit is far more secure than investing in the stock market. The stock market tends to rise over time, for example, the S&P 500 has grown over 3% in value since this time last year, and over 90% in the last five years. But there are also years when it falls. Plus, any individual stock is going to be far more volatile. You could even lose your entire investment if the company you chose hits rough waters and ends up in bankruptcy.

CD rates are still pretty solid, and they have virtually zero risk — take a look at our curated list of high-yielding certificates of deposit here.

2. Liquidity

The downside of CDs is that they are not liquid. if you have to take the money out early, you’ll often lose some amount of your interest, based on the length of the CD. That can be a major problem if you get into a financial pickle.

On the other hand, investing in stocks is a bit more like putting money into a money market account. You earn on what you have invested, and there are few, if any, penalties for early withdrawal. You can also add to your investment portfolio at will, if you decide you want to put another chunk of cash toward a new company, or invest more deeply in one you already have a conviction in.

If you’re considering investing in stocks and need a great broker, we offer an excellent list to get you started. Click here for a list of our favorite stock brokers. Think about the types of investments you may want to make in the future before you settle into a brokerage firm.

3. Passive investment potential

When it comes to acting as passive investments, both CDs and stocks can meet your needs. CDs are clearly passive investments, you give your money to the bank and you walk away. Stocks require some initial research, but after that stage is complete, a yearly review of your companies is plenty to keep yourself on track.

Then again, if you’re really into stock investing, you can also manage your stocks more actively. At The Motley Fool, we tend to take long-term views of stocks and think of them as passive investments in great companies we love. But there are certainly different schools of thought on this subject.

4. Fees

These days, most CDs have relatively low minimum deposit requirements and most don’t charge a monthly fee. That means the only thing you have to worry about eating into your profit is taxes (and early withdrawal penalties should you need access to your funds before the CD term ends). Stocks, on the other hand, can be expensive to trade, depending on your broker, and how often you buy or sell.

No matter what kind of investment you choose, consider the costs since they will eat into your return. Even though CDs have a pretty fixed return potential, they also have fixed fees or no fees. Brokerages may have a whole world of fees, depending on how you trade and what you’re buying and selling.

5. Loss protection

Although I already mentioned this a bit above, I think it’s really important to drive this point home. With a CD, you are protected by the FDIC for up to $250,000 should the bank go belly up — your investment is protected against loss, period dot. This is a comforting thought for anyone who is relying on their nest egg to not disappear in a down year.

Stocks, although shares in tangible companies, can lose virtually all of their value, and you may end up holding the bag, even when your brokerage remains solvent. There’s no protection for you against loss of value in a stock, you were made aware of the risk, theoretically, and you agreed to it. This is also why the returns tend to be higher. You’re taking on a lot more risk.

Investing in ETFs and index funds can be a safer way to invest in the stock market, since they are the equivalent of buying a small chunk of an entire portfolio of professionally curated stocks. While likely to perform better, there is still no promise that your cash will remain intact, however. Always read the prospectus thoroughly before choosing an index fund or ETF.

Stocks versus CDs: Which is better?

There’s not really a winner in the stock versus CD debate — they’re complementary investments that should honestly be used together. If you’re just getting started as an investor, a CD is a much safer place to put your money. Once your cash reserves are solid, you can put extra money toward starting a stock portfolio. That way, your risk is minimal and all you lose is money you didn’t have to work for to begin with. Win win.

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
The last leaves have fallen, the cold winds are blowing, and we’ve found ourselves firmly in the middle of the biggest shopping season of the year. It feels like I can’t blink without seeing another ad screaming, “Buy this!” or “Can’t-miss!”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. Whether you’re planning to shop on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, or really any day of the year, you want to be sure you’re truly getting the best deal you can find so you can keep more cash in your checking account.Follow this one step before completing any purchase so you can feel confident you’re getting the lowest price available.Check for an online coupon codeWhenever I shop online, whether it’s for new clothes, home goods, or gifts, I always do a quick Google search to see if there are any coupons available for that vendor. Usually just typing in “[store name] promo code” or something similar is enough to bring up a ton of websites that list potential coupon codes and sales.Not every code will be a winner; many can be inactive, expired, or not available to every customer. But I usually give a few codes a try and often get lucky. I’ve regularly found 10% or 20% discounts just by doing a quick online search.No matter what you’re buying, you’ll earn even more rewards if you use a great credit card. Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to earn rewards on your spending.I also use the PayPal Honey extension on my web browser, which searches for coupon codes automatically, saving me a step. Any available coupon codes are automatically applied to my online shopping cart, and the biggest winner will be applied to my total.The extension also lets me earn PayPal Rewards points on certain purchases from thousands of stores, which can be redeemed for cash back. I just checked, and I’ve cashed out almost $120 of rewards through this extension over the years, just for making the purchases I was already planning to make! And I’ve saved almost an equal amount from using coupons through the extension.And Honey is just one of many coupon apps available for shoppers looking to get the best deals on their online purchases.Ask about sales before buying in-storeMaybe you’re shopping in person instead of online. Well, we’re living in the future with tiny computers in our pockets, which means we have access to all the information we could need to make smart purchases.Before you head to the cashier with your items, check whether there are any advertised sales on the store’s website for online purchases. If you ask politely at the register, there’s a good chance the cashier will honor an online sale in-store — it’s worked for me in the past. And as my grandma used to say, the worst they can say is no, so there’s no harm in trying.If you don’t have a coupon code and can’t find an advertised sale, there’s one last move you can make: Ask a store employee if there are any upcoming sales you should know about. I’ve had stores offer me the discounted price on a purchase for an upcoming holiday sale that hadn’t started, simply because I asked.Make the effort to avoid paying full priceBetween travel expenses, holiday gifts, and all the delicious culinary treats, this is an especially expensive time of year. But no matter what you’re buying or when you’re shopping, following this one tip is a quick and easy way to save some money.Every little bit of extra cash can go straight into your savings account to wait for a rainy day — or next year’s holiday season shopping spree.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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and PayPal. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2027 $42.50 calls on PayPal and short December 2024 $70 calls on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The last leaves have fallen, the cold winds are blowing, and we’ve found ourselves firmly in the middle of the biggest shopping season of the year. It feels like I can’t blink without seeing another ad screaming, “Buy this!” or “Can’t-miss!”

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.

Whether you’re planning to shop on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, or really any day of the year, you want to be sure you’re truly getting the best deal you can find so you can keep more cash in your checking account.

Follow this one step before completing any purchase so you can feel confident you’re getting the lowest price available.

Check for an online coupon code

Whenever I shop online, whether it’s for new clothes, home goods, or gifts, I always do a quick Google search to see if there are any coupons available for that vendor. Usually just typing in “[store name] promo code” or something similar is enough to bring up a ton of websites that list potential coupon codes and sales.

Not every code will be a winner; many can be inactive, expired, or not available to every customer. But I usually give a few codes a try and often get lucky. I’ve regularly found 10% or 20% discounts just by doing a quick online search.

No matter what you’re buying, you’ll earn even more rewards if you use a great credit card. Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to earn rewards on your spending.

I also use the PayPal Honey extension on my web browser, which searches for coupon codes automatically, saving me a step. Any available coupon codes are automatically applied to my online shopping cart, and the biggest winner will be applied to my total.

The extension also lets me earn PayPal Rewards points on certain purchases from thousands of stores, which can be redeemed for cash back. I just checked, and I’ve cashed out almost $120 of rewards through this extension over the years, just for making the purchases I was already planning to make! And I’ve saved almost an equal amount from using coupons through the extension.

And Honey is just one of many coupon apps available for shoppers looking to get the best deals on their online purchases.

Ask about sales before buying in-store

Maybe you’re shopping in person instead of online. Well, we’re living in the future with tiny computers in our pockets, which means we have access to all the information we could need to make smart purchases.

Before you head to the cashier with your items, check whether there are any advertised sales on the store’s website for online purchases. If you ask politely at the register, there’s a good chance the cashier will honor an online sale in-store — it’s worked for me in the past. And as my grandma used to say, the worst they can say is no, so there’s no harm in trying.

If you don’t have a coupon code and can’t find an advertised sale, there’s one last move you can make: Ask a store employee if there are any upcoming sales you should know about. I’ve had stores offer me the discounted price on a purchase for an upcoming holiday sale that hadn’t started, simply because I asked.

Make the effort to avoid paying full price

Between travel expenses, holiday gifts, and all the delicious culinary treats, this is an especially expensive time of year. But no matter what you’re buying or when you’re shopping, following this one tip is a quick and easy way to save some money.

Every little bit of extra cash can go straight into your savings account to wait for a rainy day — or next year’s holiday season shopping spree.

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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and PayPal. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2027 $42.50 calls on PayPal and short December 2024 $70 calls on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you’re deciding whether business class is worth it, you probably already know about some of the perks. A business-class ticket usually gets you into a lounge at the airport. The seats are much bigger, and long flights often have lie-flat seats. The meal service is a huge step above what’s served in coach.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. Those are all great benefits, but they’re far from the only benefits. Read on for the business-class perks that don’t get discussed as much. And if you’re looking for ways to save money on business class, check out our list of the best travel rewards cards.1. Access to priority lanesGoing through the airport is much faster when you have a business-class ticket. If you need to check in or drop off baggage at the counter, you can use the lane reserved for business-class passengers and those with elite status. During busy travel periods, I’ve avoided massive lines that would’ve taken an hour or more.There’s normally also a faster lane to walk to airport security. And when it’s time to get on the plane, you’ll be among the first to board. That may not be an exciting perk when you’re traveling in economy, but it is when you’ll be sinking into a comfy business-class seat.2. A bigger baggage allowanceIf you’re traveling with heavy luggage, a business-class ticket could save you from paying an extra fee. Major airlines typically have a weight limit of 50 pounds for each checked bag. But in business class, that limit goes up to 70 pounds.Overweight baggage fees can be expensive, often costing $100 to $200 per bag. The extra weight allowance in business class makes it much easier to stay under the limit.3. Faster baggage deliveryYou don’t just get a bigger baggage allowance in business class; the airline will also put a priority tag on your checked luggage, indicating that you should get expedited baggage service.This cuts down on perhaps my least favorite part of air travel: waiting around at the baggage claim. Where people feel the need to crowd around two inches from the baggage carousel. You’ll still experience that, but your luggage will at least come out sooner.4. In-flight amenity kitsAirlines hand out amenity kits to their business-class passengers. These kits include items to make your flight more comfortable. Contents vary by airline, but here are some examples of what you could find in yours:A small toothbrush and toothpasteSocksA sleep maskEar plugsMoisturizerA penYou could bring all that yourself, but in business class, you don’t need to. I love not needing to buy ear plugs or a sleep mask before my flight. And it’s nice when you can brush your teeth without digging around in your carry-on for your toothbrush first.5. Getting off the plane firstBusiness-class passengers aren’t just the first ones on the plane; they also typically get to disembark first. This comes in handy if you’ll need to wait in line anywhere while leaving the airport, as you can get there earlier than most of the passengers on your flight. Here are a few examples:Going through immigration and customs after an international flightWaiting for a taxi outside the airportStopping by the rental car counter to pick up a vehicleFlying business class makes the entire air travel experience better, from beginning to end. It’s not cheap, although there are sometimes good deals available if you shop around. Don’t forget that you can also find a credit card with travel perks that will help you save on business-class tickets.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’re deciding whether business class is worth it, you probably already know about some of the perks. A business-class ticket usually gets you into a lounge at the airport. The seats are much bigger, and long flights often have lie-flat seats. The meal service is a huge step above what’s served in coach.

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.

Those are all great benefits, but they’re far from the only benefits. Read on for the business-class perks that don’t get discussed as much. And if you’re looking for ways to save money on business class, check out our list of the best travel rewards cards.

1. Access to priority lanes

Going through the airport is much faster when you have a business-class ticket. If you need to check in or drop off baggage at the counter, you can use the lane reserved for business-class passengers and those with elite status. During busy travel periods, I’ve avoided massive lines that would’ve taken an hour or more.

There’s normally also a faster lane to walk to airport security. And when it’s time to get on the plane, you’ll be among the first to board. That may not be an exciting perk when you’re traveling in economy, but it is when you’ll be sinking into a comfy business-class seat.

2. A bigger baggage allowance

If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, a business-class ticket could save you from paying an extra fee. Major airlines typically have a weight limit of 50 pounds for each checked bag. But in business class, that limit goes up to 70 pounds.

Overweight baggage fees can be expensive, often costing $100 to $200 per bag. The extra weight allowance in business class makes it much easier to stay under the limit.

3. Faster baggage delivery

You don’t just get a bigger baggage allowance in business class; the airline will also put a priority tag on your checked luggage, indicating that you should get expedited baggage service.

This cuts down on perhaps my least favorite part of air travel: waiting around at the baggage claim. Where people feel the need to crowd around two inches from the baggage carousel. You’ll still experience that, but your luggage will at least come out sooner.

4. In-flight amenity kits

Airlines hand out amenity kits to their business-class passengers. These kits include items to make your flight more comfortable. Contents vary by airline, but here are some examples of what you could find in yours:

• A small toothbrush and toothpaste
• Socks
• A sleep mask
• Ear plugs
• Moisturizer
• A pen

You could bring all that yourself, but in business class, you don’t need to. I love not needing to buy ear plugs or a sleep mask before my flight. And it’s nice when you can brush your teeth without digging around in your carry-on for your toothbrush first.

5. Getting off the plane first

Business-class passengers aren’t just the first ones on the plane; they also typically get to disembark first. This comes in handy if you’ll need to wait in line anywhere while leaving the airport, as you can get there earlier than most of the passengers on your flight. Here are a few examples:

• Going through immigration and customs after an international flight
• Waiting for a taxi outside the airport
• Stopping by the rental car counter to pick up a vehicle

Flying business class makes the entire air travel experience better, from beginning to end. It’s not cheap, although there are sometimes good deals available if you shop around. Don’t forget that you can also find a credit card with travel perks that will help you save on business-class tickets.

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