Money Management

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The end of the year is a popular time to set money goals. If one of yours is to save more, a good way to do that is by looking for a few expenses to cut. It’s easy to fall into the habit of overspending, especially when you don’t track your bills too closely.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 lots of common expenses that you can probably cut without too much difficulty. Here are five that could save you $655 per month.1. Unused subscription servicesIt sometimes seems like every company wants you to subscribe with them. Streaming services, retailers, apps — they all want you to sign up for a membership and start paying them a monthly or yearly fee.There’s nothing wrong with paying for services that you use regularly. But be careful not to waste money on services you rarely or never use anymore. The average value of unused monthly subscriptions is $32.84, according to a recent survey by Self Financial. Review your subscriptions every few months to see if there are any you don’t need.2. Credit card interestCredit card debt is one of the most common financial problems, and it can cost you quite a bit. The average rate on credit cards that are assessed interest is 23.37%, according to Federal Reserve data. At that rate, carrying a $5,000 balance would cost you $96.94 per month.You might be thinking that credit card interest isn’t exactly an expense you can just cut at any time. But you actually can if you get a balance transfer card. This type of card has a 0% intro APR on balances you bring over. So, you can transfer over your credit card debt and pay it down interest free during the introductory period.If you currently have credit card debt, click here for our list of top balance transfer cards, with 0% intro APRs lasting as long as 21 months.3. Food deliveriesServices like DoorDash and Uber Eats are definitely convenient. When you’ve had a long day, ordering food through an app saves you the time and work of preparing a meal.But ordering food is almost always more expensive than cooking it at home. That’s especially true after all the extra charges included on food delivery apps. There’s typically a delivery fee, service fee, and tip.Americans who use these delivery services spend an average of $407 per month, according to LendingTree. Even if you don’t delete these from your phone entirely, limiting how often you use them could make a big difference. If you’re currently spending $400 or $500 per month, see if you can get that down to $200.4. Banking feesBig banks tend to tack on lots of extra fees with their accounts. They often charge monthly fees, normally ranging from $5 to $25, unless you meet the requirements to get the fee waived. Other common charges include overdraft and ATM fees.If your bank is charging you any fees, switch to an online bank. There are plenty of excellent checking accounts with no monthly fees or account minimums. They’re just as safe as brick-and-mortar banks, too, as they have the same FDIC insurance.Online banks also typically offer the highest-paying savings accounts. Some big bank savings accounts earn as little as 0.01%. The best high-yield savings accounts are paying in the range of 4.00 APY now, and some are even a little higher. Click here to check out our list of favorites.5. Dining outDining is another area where many Americans spend heavily. That’s understandable — going out for lunch, dinner, or drinks is one of the most popular ways to socialize. Last year, U.S. households spent an average of $328 per month on food away from home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.I’m not recommending that you abandon your social life and never go out again. But consider swapping out one or two meals away from home each month for a cheap or free activity. You could easily cut $100 to $200 in spending this way.Adding up the savingsTo recap, let’s look at how much you could save if you cut back in the five categories above:$33 on unused subscriptions$97 in credit card interest$200 to $300 on food deliveries$5 to $25 in banking fees$100 to $200 on dining outIn total, you’d have another $435 to $655 that you could save or invest. Everyone’s spending habits are different, so your numbers might not line up entirely with the ones above. But if you’re spending in any of these categories, it’s worth seeing if you can cut back.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 has positions in and recommends Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The end of the year is a popular time to set money goals. If one of yours is to save more, a good way to do that is by looking for a few expenses to cut. It’s easy to fall into the habit of overspending, especially when you don’t track your bills too closely.

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 lots of common expenses that you can probably cut without too much difficulty. Here are five that could save you $655 per month.

1. Unused subscription services

It sometimes seems like every company wants you to subscribe with them. Streaming services, retailers, apps — they all want you to sign up for a membership and start paying them a monthly or yearly fee.

There’s nothing wrong with paying for services that you use regularly. But be careful not to waste money on services you rarely or never use anymore. The average value of unused monthly subscriptions is $32.84, according to a recent survey by Self Financial. Review your subscriptions every few months to see if there are any you don’t need.

2. Credit card interest

Credit card debt is one of the most common financial problems, and it can cost you quite a bit. The average rate on credit cards that are assessed interest is 23.37%, according to Federal Reserve data. At that rate, carrying a $5,000 balance would cost you $96.94 per month.

You might be thinking that credit card interest isn’t exactly an expense you can just cut at any time. But you actually can if you get a balance transfer card. This type of card has a 0% intro APR on balances you bring over. So, you can transfer over your credit card debt and pay it down interest free during the introductory period.

If you currently have credit card debt, click here for our list of top balance transfer cards, with 0% intro APRs lasting as long as 21 months.

3. Food deliveries

Services like DoorDash and Uber Eats are definitely convenient. When you’ve had a long day, ordering food through an app saves you the time and work of preparing a meal.

But ordering food is almost always more expensive than cooking it at home. That’s especially true after all the extra charges included on food delivery apps. There’s typically a delivery fee, service fee, and tip.

Americans who use these delivery services spend an average of $407 per month, according to LendingTree. Even if you don’t delete these from your phone entirely, limiting how often you use them could make a big difference. If you’re currently spending $400 or $500 per month, see if you can get that down to $200.

4. Banking fees

Big banks tend to tack on lots of extra fees with their accounts. They often charge monthly fees, normally ranging from $5 to $25, unless you meet the requirements to get the fee waived. Other common charges include overdraft and ATM fees.

If your bank is charging you any fees, switch to an online bank. There are plenty of excellent checking accounts with no monthly fees or account minimums. They’re just as safe as brick-and-mortar banks, too, as they have the same FDIC insurance.

Online banks also typically offer the highest-paying savings accounts. Some big bank savings accounts earn as little as 0.01%. The best high-yield savings accounts are paying in the range of 4.00 APY now, and some are even a little higher. Click here to check out our list of favorites.

5. Dining out

Dining is another area where many Americans spend heavily. That’s understandable — going out for lunch, dinner, or drinks is one of the most popular ways to socialize. Last year, U.S. households spent an average of $328 per month on food away from home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

I’m not recommending that you abandon your social life and never go out again. But consider swapping out one or two meals away from home each month for a cheap or free activity. You could easily cut $100 to $200 in spending this way.

Adding up the savings

To recap, let’s look at how much you could save if you cut back in the five categories above:

• $33 on unused subscriptions
• $97 in credit card interest
• $200 to $300 on food deliveries
• $5 to $25 in banking fees
• $100 to $200 on dining out

In total, you’d have another $435 to $655 that you could save or invest. Everyone’s spending habits are different, so your numbers might not line up entirely with the ones above. But if you’re spending in any of these categories, it’s worth seeing if you can cut back.

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 has positions in and recommends Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Joining Costco has so many benefits, it’s almost impossible to count them all. In addition to big savings on groceries and household essentials, Costco members get access to perks like discounted gift cards, affordable travel packages, and great prices on electronics and home appliances — just to name a few.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!Plus, if you use the right credit card at Costco, you can add to your savings even more. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.Another big benefit of being a Costco member is getting to enjoy hassle-free returns. There’s nothing more frustrating than bringing an item back to a store only to learn that you’ve just missed the return window — and you’re now stuck with a product you can’t use. At Costco, you can bring back almost any item at any time for any reason and get your money back in full.That said, you need to be careful about making returns at Costco. Going overboard could put your membership at risk. And losing it could mean missing out on the warehouse club benefits you know and love.How many Costco returns is too many?Costco’s rules state the following about memberships: “Costco reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant, and membership may be terminated at Costco’s discretion and without cause.” Reading between the lines, this tells us that abusing Costco’s return policy could result in having a membership taken away.The tricky thing, though, is that Costco does not state specifically how many returns constitute an abuse of its policy or how many returns will put your membership at risk of getting canceled. It also doesn’t give any guidance as to what’s considered an unreasonable number of returns as a percentage of your total purchases.Someone who maximizes a Costco membership and buys 1,000 items per year should, in theory, get a little more leeway with returns than someone who buys 400 items. But it’s not like Costco says “returning more than 25% of your purchases per year puts your membership at risk.” All Costco says is that it reserves the right to end your membership as it sees fit.Costco doesn’t want to cancel your membershipHowever, if you ask a customer service representative, they’ll tell you that Costco is definitely not looking to cancel memberships. It wants to retain customers because membership fees make up a lot of its revenue. Costco will typically only cancel a membership on the basis of too many returns if it’s an extreme number and if the returns themselves aren’t reasonable.To figure out what an extreme number is, let’s just use logic. If you typically buy 12 items from Costco each week and commonly take back eight of them, that’s kind of extreme. If you normally buy 12 things a week and return two, that doesn’t sound too bad.There’s also a difference between returning a jacket eight months after you buy it with the tags still on versus returning a jacket eight months later with torn sleeves and a broken zipper. If you make too many unreasonable returns of that nature, Costco might yank your membership, even if the total number of returns you make per year isn’t all that high.Play it cool with returns and you should be just fineWhile making too many Costco returns could result in losing your membership, you shouldn’t worry about returning one item here or two items there. If you shop at Costco often enough, you might even get away with making 100 returns in a single year if they’re all reasonable in nature.It’s when you take advantage of Costco’s generosity by returning damaged items that things start to get dicey. So rather than focus on the number of returns you’re making, focus on the nature of those returns. Keep things reasonable and chances are, you won’t risk losing access to your beloved warehouse club store.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 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”:”

Joining Costco has so many benefits, it’s almost impossible to count them all. In addition to big savings on groceries and household essentials, Costco members get access to perks like discounted gift cards, affordable travel packages, and great prices on electronics and home appliances — just to name a few.

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!

Plus, if you use the right credit card at Costco, you can add to your savings even more. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

Another big benefit of being a Costco member is getting to enjoy hassle-free returns. There’s nothing more frustrating than bringing an item back to a store only to learn that you’ve just missed the return window — and you’re now stuck with a product you can’t use. At Costco, you can bring back almost any item at any time for any reason and get your money back in full.

That said, you need to be careful about making returns at Costco. Going overboard could put your membership at risk. And losing it could mean missing out on the warehouse club benefits you know and love.

How many Costco returns is too many?

Costco’s rules state the following about memberships: “Costco reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant, and membership may be terminated at Costco’s discretion and without cause.” Reading between the lines, this tells us that abusing Costco’s return policy could result in having a membership taken away.

The tricky thing, though, is that Costco does not state specifically how many returns constitute an abuse of its policy or how many returns will put your membership at risk of getting canceled. It also doesn’t give any guidance as to what’s considered an unreasonable number of returns as a percentage of your total purchases.

Someone who maximizes a Costco membership and buys 1,000 items per year should, in theory, get a little more leeway with returns than someone who buys 400 items. But it’s not like Costco says “returning more than 25% of your purchases per year puts your membership at risk.” All Costco says is that it reserves the right to end your membership as it sees fit.

Costco doesn’t want to cancel your membership

However, if you ask a customer service representative, they’ll tell you that Costco is definitely not looking to cancel memberships. It wants to retain customers because membership fees make up a lot of its revenue. Costco will typically only cancel a membership on the basis of too many returns if it’s an extreme number and if the returns themselves aren’t reasonable.

To figure out what an extreme number is, let’s just use logic. If you typically buy 12 items from Costco each week and commonly take back eight of them, that’s kind of extreme. If you normally buy 12 things a week and return two, that doesn’t sound too bad.

There’s also a difference between returning a jacket eight months after you buy it with the tags still on versus returning a jacket eight months later with torn sleeves and a broken zipper. If you make too many unreasonable returns of that nature, Costco might yank your membership, even if the total number of returns you make per year isn’t all that high.

Play it cool with returns and you should be just fine

While making too many Costco returns could result in losing your membership, you shouldn’t worry about returning one item here or two items there. If you shop at Costco often enough, you might even get away with making 100 returns in a single year if they’re all reasonable in nature.

It’s when you take advantage of Costco’s generosity by returning damaged items that things start to get dicey. So rather than focus on the number of returns you’re making, focus on the nature of those returns. Keep things reasonable and chances are, you won’t risk losing access to your beloved warehouse club store.

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 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.

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Paying taxes is something a lot of people only think about when they sit down in April to file a return. But it’s helpful to understand the factors that can cause your tax bill to rise.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Here are a few reasons you may end up owing more to the IRS for 2024.1. Your bank paid you a lot of interestSavings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) have been paying generously since the start of the year. That’s a good thing, but the flip side is it may cause you to owe more taxes.Interest income is not only taxable but taxable at your ordinary income tax rate. If you’re in the 22% tax bracket based on your income, that’s the rate you’ll pay on the interest you earn in a savings account or CD.Let’s say you earned $400 in interest from your savings account this year, plus another $1,000 from a CD. If you didn’t pay estimated taxes on that income already, expect to owe it when you file your 2024 tax return in 2025.Of course, your goal should be to earn the most interest you can from your bank. If you’re not happy with your rates, click here for a list of the best savings account rates. And check out these top CD rates, too. But also be aware of the impact savings account and CD interest have on your taxes.2. You earned a lot from a side hustleWorked a side gig in 2024? If you were hired by a department store or small business, you may have received a series of paychecks that had taxes deducted from your hourly wages. But if you worked independently, as opposed to as a part-time employee, then you may not have paid taxes to the IRS on your extra income. If that’s the case, prepare to owe more for 2024.Keep in mind that even if you’re paid cash for your side hustle, you’re required to report that income to the IRS. And if you worked as a restaurant server, make sure to report your tips, not just your hourly wages.3. You sold investments at a profitThe S&P 500 has done fairly well this year, so you may have opted to capitalize on that by selling investments in your brokerage account at a profit. If so, you’re required to pay capital gains taxes on those investments.However, don’t worry about investments you sold at a profit in an individual retirement account (IRA). You don’t have to pay taxes on those gains immediately. Rather, they’ll come into play when you take withdrawals from that account in retirement.Ways to offset a higher tax billIf you’re worried about owing the IRS more taxes in 2024, there are a few strategies you can use. First, contribute more to your IRA. If you have a traditional IRA, you can put in up to $7,000 this year if you’re under age 50, or up to $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. And those contributions will shield that much of your income from taxes.Another option? See if you have losing investments in your brokerage account you can sell at a loss. You can use investment losses to offset capital gains. You’re also allowed to use up to $3,000 in investment losses per year to offset ordinary income.The more you boost your income in a given year, the more taxes you might owe. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to earn as much as possible, whether by working a second job or choosing the right savings account or CD. But it’s important to know how that extra income could affect your tax liability. It’s also a good idea to enlist the help of a tax professional to figure out ways to keep your tax bill to a minimum.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”:”

Paying taxes is something a lot of people only think about when they sit down in April to file a return. But it’s helpful to understand the factors that can cause your tax bill to rise.

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

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

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

Here are a few reasons you may end up owing more to the IRS for 2024.

1. Your bank paid you a lot of interest

Savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) have been paying generously since the start of the year. That’s a good thing, but the flip side is it may cause you to owe more taxes.

Interest income is not only taxable but taxable at your ordinary income tax rate. If you’re in the 22% tax bracket based on your income, that’s the rate you’ll pay on the interest you earn in a savings account or CD.

Let’s say you earned $400 in interest from your savings account this year, plus another $1,000 from a CD. If you didn’t pay estimated taxes on that income already, expect to owe it when you file your 2024 tax return in 2025.

Of course, your goal should be to earn the most interest you can from your bank. If you’re not happy with your rates, click here for a list of the best savings account rates. And check out these top CD rates, too. But also be aware of the impact savings account and CD interest have on your taxes.

2. You earned a lot from a side hustle

Worked a side gig in 2024? If you were hired by a department store or small business, you may have received a series of paychecks that had taxes deducted from your hourly wages. But if you worked independently, as opposed to as a part-time employee, then you may not have paid taxes to the IRS on your extra income. If that’s the case, prepare to owe more for 2024.

Keep in mind that even if you’re paid cash for your side hustle, you’re required to report that income to the IRS. And if you worked as a restaurant server, make sure to report your tips, not just your hourly wages.

3. You sold investments at a profit

The S&P 500 has done fairly well this year, so you may have opted to capitalize on that by selling investments in your brokerage account at a profit. If so, you’re required to pay capital gains taxes on those investments.

However, don’t worry about investments you sold at a profit in an individual retirement account (IRA). You don’t have to pay taxes on those gains immediately. Rather, they’ll come into play when you take withdrawals from that account in retirement.

Ways to offset a higher tax bill

If you’re worried about owing the IRS more taxes in 2024, there are a few strategies you can use. First, contribute more to your IRA. If you have a traditional IRA, you can put in up to $7,000 this year if you’re under age 50, or up to $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. And those contributions will shield that much of your income from taxes.

Another option? See if you have losing investments in your brokerage account you can sell at a loss. You can use investment losses to offset capital gains. You’re also allowed to use up to $3,000 in investment losses per year to offset ordinary income.

The more you boost your income in a given year, the more taxes you might owe. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to earn as much as possible, whether by working a second job or choosing the right savings account or CD. But it’s important to know how that extra income could affect your tax liability. It’s also a good idea to enlist the help of a tax professional to figure out ways to keep your tax bill to a minimum.

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.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
There’s a reason consumers are encouraged to try to boost their credit scores as much as possible. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for a new personal loan or credit card the next time you want one.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. But even if your credit score is a perfect 850, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll be granted a credit card every single time you apply for one. Here’s why a credit card issuer might choose to reject your application despite perfect credit.1. You’ve opened too many new cards recentlyIt’s natural to want to chase credit card sign-up bonuses for the cash back or extra rewards. The problem, though, is that if you open too many new credit cards in short order, it can signal a red flag to credit card issuers that you may be overextending yourself. And that could cause a credit card application to get rejected.Even if a credit card issuer isn’t worried about the risk of you not paying your balance (because with a perfect credit score, it’s clear that you have an impeccable payment history), they might reject your application because they think you won’t use your card all that often.Credit card companies want your business. But if you’ve recently applied for a handful of cards, an issuer might assume that you’re really only in it for the sign-up bonus since you clearly don’t have a need for yet another credit card.2. You’ve applied for too many credit cards from the same issuerSome credit card issuers have rules specific to them that say you can only apply for so many cards within the same time frame. If you go overboard, you could be denied on that basis alone, even if it’s pretty clear that you’re loyal to that one issuer.3. You don’t meet the income requirementsSome credit cards have certain income requirements that need to be met. It’s more than possible to have perfect credit even if your income isn’t all that high. It means you’re doing a fantastic job of managing your money and bills. But if you don’t meet an issuer’s income requirement for a given card, you could be denied despite having perfect credit.What to do if your credit card application is deniedIf you’re denied a credit card and have perfect credit, see if any of the factors above apply to you. But also, don’t hesitate to call the issuer and ask for an explanation — and also, to verify that the denial wasn’t a mistake.It could also be that you made an error in filling out your credit card application, or something else that’s correctable. But either way, it’s important to understand why you were denied so you can avoid the same issue the next time a new credit card catches your eye.At the same time, if you want to maintain perfect credit, using the cards you already have is a good way to avoid hard inquiries that drag your score down. But if you’re thrilled with your current cards and you’re willing to absorb a credit score hit from a hard inquiry, check out this list of the best credit cards to see what else is out there.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”:”

There’s a reason consumers are encouraged to try to boost their credit scores as much as possible. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for a new personal loan or credit card the next time you want one.

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.

But even if your credit score is a perfect 850, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll be granted a credit card every single time you apply for one. Here’s why a credit card issuer might choose to reject your application despite perfect credit.

1. You’ve opened too many new cards recently

It’s natural to want to chase credit card sign-up bonuses for the cash back or extra rewards. The problem, though, is that if you open too many new credit cards in short order, it can signal a red flag to credit card issuers that you may be overextending yourself. And that could cause a credit card application to get rejected.

Even if a credit card issuer isn’t worried about the risk of you not paying your balance (because with a perfect credit score, it’s clear that you have an impeccable payment history), they might reject your application because they think you won’t use your card all that often.

Credit card companies want your business. But if you’ve recently applied for a handful of cards, an issuer might assume that you’re really only in it for the sign-up bonus since you clearly don’t have a need for yet another credit card.

2. You’ve applied for too many credit cards from the same issuer

Some credit card issuers have rules specific to them that say you can only apply for so many cards within the same time frame. If you go overboard, you could be denied on that basis alone, even if it’s pretty clear that you’re loyal to that one issuer.

3. You don’t meet the income requirements

Some credit cards have certain income requirements that need to be met. It’s more than possible to have perfect credit even if your income isn’t all that high. It means you’re doing a fantastic job of managing your money and bills. But if you don’t meet an issuer’s income requirement for a given card, you could be denied despite having perfect credit.

What to do if your credit card application is denied

If you’re denied a credit card and have perfect credit, see if any of the factors above apply to you. But also, don’t hesitate to call the issuer and ask for an explanation — and also, to verify that the denial wasn’t a mistake.

It could also be that you made an error in filling out your credit card application, or something else that’s correctable. But either way, it’s important to understand why you were denied so you can avoid the same issue the next time a new credit card catches your eye.

At the same time, if you want to maintain perfect credit, using the cards you already have is a good way to avoid hard inquiries that drag your score down. But if you’re thrilled with your current cards and you’re willing to absorb a credit score hit from a hard inquiry, check out this list of the best credit cards to see what else is out there.

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.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Shopping for kids’ gifts can be tricky. They want everything, but you’re trying to keep your wallet from bursting into tears. Enter Costco, where the aisles are stacked with amazing deals on toys that scream “best parent ever!” It’s one of the best strategies for saving money at Costco during the holidays.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 a rundown of this year’s must-haves for the little ones, with enough savings to justify the oversized tub of popcorn you’ll snack on while wrapping.1. Step2 Gilded Gourmet KitchenA play kitchen fit for a budding Michelin-star chef — or at least a toddler who thinks toast is gourmet. This beauty comes with a 24-piece accessory set, an electronic stove burner that actually makes sounds, and enough gadgets (like a coffee station and a wall faucet) to make you jealous of your kid’s setup. Just don’t forget the AA batteries, because nothing kills the vibe like a non-working stove.At $99.99 (after $25 off), it’s a steal compared to other retailers’ $150 price tag. Plus, the next time your kid asks for yet another snack, you can redirect them to their “kitchen.” You’ve earned it.To get even more savings, click here to learn about our favorite credit cards for Costco — you can earn cash back on your purchases.2. Yourigami Kids Convertible Play FortThis is not just a fort; it’s a modular masterpiece that can turn into whatever your kid’s imagination dreams up — castle, spaceship, or the “no grown-ups allowed” zone. With twelve foam cushion pieces, washable covers, and handles for easy storage, it’s a gift that doubles as a sanity-saver when you need a few moments of peace.Costco has it for $129.99 (after $30 off), a small victory when similar sets sell for $134 or more elsewhere. Bonus: You won’t have to break out the duct tape like you did with that old cardboard box fort.3. Gabby’s Celebration Dollhouse and Deluxe Rooms SetYou can never go wrong with a dollhouse. And this 25-inch-tall dollhouse with 60-plus pieces and built-in sounds and music is their dream come true. Even better? AAA batteries are included, so you’re ready to go right out of the box (a Costco miracle).At $79.99 (after $20 off), this is a major win, especially since it’s listed for around $108 elsewhere. The only downside? You might end up singing along to the music and not realize it until you’re deep into the second verse.4. Disney Villainous Game Bundle with Exclusive Lorcana CardHere’s something for the older kids or the board-game-loving adults in your life. This bundle of three Disney Villainous strategy games features iconic characters like Maleficent and Ursula, plus an exclusive Disney Lorcana promo card that’s sure to spark excitement.Retailing close to $20 per game individually, this $49.99 bundle (after $20 off) is practically wickedly good. It’s the perfect way to inspire family game nights — or at least a solid reason to lock your phone away for an hour.5. Winter Snackles 14″ PlushSnackles are a plush and snack combo, which might just be the most genius toy concept ever. Each one comes with its favorite licensed snack, making it an adorable and affordable stocking stuffer for just $9.99 (note: you must buy at least two, per Costco’s rules for this item).With these cute, cuddly creatures selling for $15 elsewhere, it’s almost rude not to pick a couple up. Warning: You might be tempted to start a Snackles collection of your own.Costco strikes again with deals that make it hard to leave without filling an entire cart. Whether you’re shopping for tiny tots, tweens, or even the big kids (aka yourself), these gifts are affordable, fun, and just a little over the top. Oh, and use one of the best cash back cards to save even more money. Happy shopping — and good luck fitting it all under the tree!Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Shopping for kids’ gifts can be tricky. They want everything, but you’re trying to keep your wallet from bursting into tears. Enter Costco, where the aisles are stacked with amazing deals on toys that scream “best parent ever!” It’s one of the best strategies for saving money at Costco during the holidays.

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 a rundown of this year’s must-haves for the little ones, with enough savings to justify the oversized tub of popcorn you’ll snack on while wrapping.

1. Step2 Gilded Gourmet Kitchen

A play kitchen fit for a budding Michelin-star chef — or at least a toddler who thinks toast is gourmet. This beauty comes with a 24-piece accessory set, an electronic stove burner that actually makes sounds, and enough gadgets (like a coffee station and a wall faucet) to make you jealous of your kid’s setup. Just don’t forget the AA batteries, because nothing kills the vibe like a non-working stove.

At $99.99 (after $25 off), it’s a steal compared to other retailers’ $150 price tag. Plus, the next time your kid asks for yet another snack, you can redirect them to their “kitchen.” You’ve earned it.

To get even more savings, click here to learn about our favorite credit cards for Costco — you can earn cash back on your purchases.

2. Yourigami Kids Convertible Play Fort

This is not just a fort; it’s a modular masterpiece that can turn into whatever your kid’s imagination dreams up — castle, spaceship, or the “no grown-ups allowed” zone. With twelve foam cushion pieces, washable covers, and handles for easy storage, it’s a gift that doubles as a sanity-saver when you need a few moments of peace.

Costco has it for $129.99 (after $30 off), a small victory when similar sets sell for $134 or more elsewhere. Bonus: You won’t have to break out the duct tape like you did with that old cardboard box fort.

3. Gabby’s Celebration Dollhouse and Deluxe Rooms Set

You can never go wrong with a dollhouse. And this 25-inch-tall dollhouse with 60-plus pieces and built-in sounds and music is their dream come true. Even better? AAA batteries are included, so you’re ready to go right out of the box (a Costco miracle).

At $79.99 (after $20 off), this is a major win, especially since it’s listed for around $108 elsewhere. The only downside? You might end up singing along to the music and not realize it until you’re deep into the second verse.

4. Disney Villainous Game Bundle with Exclusive Lorcana Card

Here’s something for the older kids or the board-game-loving adults in your life. This bundle of three Disney Villainous strategy games features iconic characters like Maleficent and Ursula, plus an exclusive Disney Lorcana promo card that’s sure to spark excitement.

Retailing close to $20 per game individually, this $49.99 bundle (after $20 off) is practically wickedly good. It’s the perfect way to inspire family game nights — or at least a solid reason to lock your phone away for an hour.

5. Winter Snackles 14″ Plush

Snackles are a plush and snack combo, which might just be the most genius toy concept ever. Each one comes with its favorite licensed snack, making it an adorable and affordable stocking stuffer for just $9.99 (note: you must buy at least two, per Costco’s rules for this item).

With these cute, cuddly creatures selling for $15 elsewhere, it’s almost rude not to pick a couple up. Warning: You might be tempted to start a Snackles collection of your own.

Costco strikes again with deals that make it hard to leave without filling an entire cart. Whether you’re shopping for tiny tots, tweens, or even the big kids (aka yourself), these gifts are affordable, fun, and just a little over the top. Oh, and use one of the best cash back cards to save even more money. Happy shopping — and good luck fitting it all under the tree!

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

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

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

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

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Americans aren’t strangers to credit card debt. And as of 2023, the average credit card balance was $6,501, according to Experian. This means that if you owe $5,000 on your credit cards, you’re technically in better shape than folks who owe about $1,500 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. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to shed your credit card balance as quickly as possible. You may be surprised at how much money it ends up costing you.What will a $5,000 balance cost you in interest?The amount of interest you pay on a $5,000 credit card balance will depend on:The interest rate your cards or cards are charging youHow long it takes you to pay off your balanceLet’s assume you’re being charged 20% interest by your credit card companies, and that rate stays the same until your balance is paid down completely (credit card interest rates are variable and subject to change). Here’s the amount of interest you stand to lose, depending on the number of months it takes to pay off your debt:Months to Pay Off $5,000 BalanceTotal Spent on Interest12$55824$1,10836$1,69048$2,30360$2,948Data source: Author’s calculations. It shouldn’t surprise you that the longer you carry your debt, the more it’s going to cost you. But what may surprise you is how much interest you end up accumulating. If it takes you five years to pay off a $5,000 balance, in this example, you’re looking at paying almost $3,000 in interest. Yikes.How to pay off credit card debt quicklyIf you’re juggling multiple credit card balances, consolidating your debt could help you pay it off much sooner. Plus, it’s easier to pay a single bill every month than keep track of multiple due dates. And you have a few options here.One is to do a balance transfer, which allows you to move your balances onto a single credit card — and ideally, one with a 0% introductory interest rate. By not racking up interest for a period of time, you have an opportunity to get ahead of your debt. Click here for a list of the best balance transfer credit cards.Another strategy is to consolidate your debt into a personal loan. You won’t get an interest-free period with a personal loan. But what you will most likely get is a much lower interest rate on your debt, making it easier (and less expensive) to repay. And the higher your credit score, the lower a personal loan rate you’re likely to qualify for.Also, unlike credit cards, where your interest rate can vary (and increase), with a personal loan, you lock in a fixed interest rate. That makes your monthly loan payments more predictable. Click here for a list of the best personal loans for debt consolidation to explore your options.Carrying a $5,000 credit card balance could end up costing you more money than expected. So it’s in your best interest to try to get rid of it as quickly as you can.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”:”

Americans aren’t strangers to credit card debt. And as of 2023, the average credit card balance was $6,501, according to Experian. This means that if you owe $5,000 on your credit cards, you’re technically in better shape than folks who owe about $1,500 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.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to shed your credit card balance as quickly as possible. You may be surprised at how much money it ends up costing you.

What will a $5,000 balance cost you in interest?

The amount of interest you pay on a $5,000 credit card balance will depend on:

• The interest rate your cards or cards are charging you
• How long it takes you to pay off your balance

Let’s assume you’re being charged 20% interest by your credit card companies, and that rate stays the same until your balance is paid down completely (credit card interest rates are variable and subject to change). Here’s the amount of interest you stand to lose, depending on the number of months it takes to pay off your debt:

It shouldn’t surprise you that the longer you carry your debt, the more it’s going to cost you. But what may surprise you is how much interest you end up accumulating. If it takes you five years to pay off a $5,000 balance, in this example, you’re looking at paying almost $3,000 in interest. Yikes.

How to pay off credit card debt quickly

If you’re juggling multiple credit card balances, consolidating your debt could help you pay it off much sooner. Plus, it’s easier to pay a single bill every month than keep track of multiple due dates. And you have a few options here.

One is to do a balance transfer, which allows you to move your balances onto a single credit card — and ideally, one with a 0% introductory interest rate. By not racking up interest for a period of time, you have an opportunity to get ahead of your debt. Click here for a list of the best balance transfer credit cards.

Another strategy is to consolidate your debt into a personal loan. You won’t get an interest-free period with a personal loan. But what you will most likely get is a much lower interest rate on your debt, making it easier (and less expensive) to repay. And the higher your credit score, the lower a personal loan rate you’re likely to qualify for.

Also, unlike credit cards, where your interest rate can vary (and increase), with a personal loan, you lock in a fixed interest rate. That makes your monthly loan payments more predictable. Click here for a list of the best personal loans for debt consolidation to explore your options.

Carrying a $5,000 credit card balance could end up costing you more money than expected. So it’s in your best interest to try to get rid of it as quickly as you can.

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