Money Management

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New and used car prices have surged over the past few years, and while they’ve leveled off recently, cars are still more expensive than just a few years ago. The average transaction price for a used vehicle is about $25,500, while a new vehicle will set you back about $48,400.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Unfortunately, it’s not just vehicle prices that have risen. Auto insurance premiums spiked 26% this year.If you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you vehicle, here’s which one is cheaper to insure.Used cars are usually cheaper to insureIn general, used cars are typically cheaper to insure than new vehicles. The main reason is that an older vehicle is usually worth less than a new one, making their replacement costs cheaper.Older vehicles are also usually cheaper to repair because they may have less technology and fewer complex parts. Because of this, insurance companies usually charge lower premiums for used vehicles.If your older vehicle is still costing you too much in insurance, you might want to consider dropping some of your coverage. Some experts suggest dropping collision and comprehensive coverage if your premiums are more than 10% of your car’s value.How can you keep insurance costs within budget? Be on the lookout for a good deal. Many drivers save money when they compare insurance quotes. Click here to see the cheapest car insurance companies.This can help lower your new car insurance costsTwo of the best ways to help keep your car insurance costs lower for a new vehicle is to choose one with a high safety rating and select a vehicle style that’s more likely to get a lower rate.For example, AAA says compact SUVs (like a Honda CR-V) are usually the cheapest vehicle types to insure. Meanwhile, EVs and luxury vehicles are usually more expensive to insure. Electric vehicles are expensive to fix, and their parts are often pricey to replace (like large batteries), which makes them cost about $528 more to insure annually than gas-powered vehicles.Similarly, expensive luxury vehicles often require special parts and have higher replacement costs, pushing insurance premiums higher.You may also want to choose a vehicle with a high safety rating to help lower your new vehicle insurance costs. These vehicles can be cheaper to insure because they may have less damage and protect you better in a collision. Insurance companies are always weighing which vehicles will cost them more money in the event of a claim, and safer vehicles usually save them (and you) money.Insurance tip: You can compare insurance quotes for new vehicle models before you make a purchase. Click here to compare rates from the best car insurance companies.How to save no matter what you driveWhether you own a newer or older vehicle, there may be a few ways you can save money on your insurance. Here are a few suggestions:Shop around: Just like finding good deals when you’re out shopping, comparing insurance quotes is the best way to ensure you’ve found the lowest price.Raise your deductible: You might have to pay a higher out-of-pocket expense if you’re involved in an accident, but your monthly premiums can be up to 40% lower by raising your deductible.Lower your coverage: Talk to your insurance company and find out which coverage options you might be able to drop to help premiums better align with your budget.With car insurance costs up significantly this year, taking the time to consider a few insurance options to lower your rate is likely a smart financial move. And remember that no matter what vehicle you own, you always have the option to switch to an insurance company that offers a cheaper premium.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”:”

New and used car prices have surged over the past few years, and while they’ve leveled off recently, cars are still more expensive than just a few years ago. The average transaction price for a used vehicle is about $25,500, while a new vehicle will set you back about $48,400.

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

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

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

Unfortunately, it’s not just vehicle prices that have risen. Auto insurance premiums spiked 26% this year.

If you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you vehicle, here’s which one is cheaper to insure.

Used cars are usually cheaper to insure

In general, used cars are typically cheaper to insure than new vehicles. The main reason is that an older vehicle is usually worth less than a new one, making their replacement costs cheaper.

Older vehicles are also usually cheaper to repair because they may have less technology and fewer complex parts. Because of this, insurance companies usually charge lower premiums for used vehicles.

If your older vehicle is still costing you too much in insurance, you might want to consider dropping some of your coverage. Some experts suggest dropping collision and comprehensive coverage if your premiums are more than 10% of your car’s value.

How can you keep insurance costs within budget? Be on the lookout for a good deal. Many drivers save money when they compare insurance quotes. Click here to see the cheapest car insurance companies.

This can help lower your new car insurance costs

Two of the best ways to help keep your car insurance costs lower for a new vehicle is to choose one with a high safety rating and select a vehicle style that’s more likely to get a lower rate.

For example, AAA says compact SUVs (like a Honda CR-V) are usually the cheapest vehicle types to insure. Meanwhile, EVs and luxury vehicles are usually more expensive to insure. Electric vehicles are expensive to fix, and their parts are often pricey to replace (like large batteries), which makes them cost about $528 more to insure annually than gas-powered vehicles.

Similarly, expensive luxury vehicles often require special parts and have higher replacement costs, pushing insurance premiums higher.

You may also want to choose a vehicle with a high safety rating to help lower your new vehicle insurance costs. These vehicles can be cheaper to insure because they may have less damage and protect you better in a collision. Insurance companies are always weighing which vehicles will cost them more money in the event of a claim, and safer vehicles usually save them (and you) money.

Insurance tip: You can compare insurance quotes for new vehicle models before you make a purchase. Click here to compare rates from the best car insurance companies.

How to save no matter what you drive

Whether you own a newer or older vehicle, there may be a few ways you can save money on your insurance. Here are a few suggestions:

• Shop around: Just like finding good deals when you’re out shopping, comparing insurance quotes is the best way to ensure you’ve found the lowest price.
• Raise your deductible: You might have to pay a higher out-of-pocket expense if you’re involved in an accident, but your monthly premiums can be up to 40% lower by raising your deductible.
• Lower your coverage: Talk to your insurance company and find out which coverage options you might be able to drop to help premiums better align with your budget.

With car insurance costs up significantly this year, taking the time to consider a few insurance options to lower your rate is likely a smart financial move. And remember that no matter what vehicle you own, you always have the option to switch to an insurance company that offers a cheaper premium.

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 don’t know about you, but my Google News feed is just overflowing with articles about how people with the best credit scores are killing it, or what kind of perks come with 800-plus credit scores. And, hey, I’m happy for these people, but they make up no more than 25% of all adults in America, according to April 2024 FICO data.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. The rest of us, especially those of us who had significant financial setbacks during the pandemic, are just doing the best we can and hoping we can be good enough to exist in our credit-driven culture. So this is me, a personal finance and mortgage expert, telling my fellow bottom 25%-ers that a credit score of 660 is good enough for now. Here’s why.1. You can still get a mortgageAssuming you don’t have a lot of outstanding debt in collections or litigations pending, you can still get a mortgage with a 660 credit score. In fact, FHA loans with 3.5% down payments start at about 580 (you have to be a really strong borrower in ways beyond credit, though). And conventional loans start at about 620, depending on your down payment and other factors.If you’ve been putting off calling a lender to see if you can qualify for a home loan, there’s no time like today if you’re in the ballpark of 660. Touch base with some of the lenders on our list of favorites to see just what you can borrow based on your credit profile.2. Car loans are possibleWhen I say car loans are possible, I don’t mean buying a car at one of those “buy here, pay here” dealerships. With a 660, you can get a real car loan, though it may be a little bit easier if you go through your credit union. Depending on the type of car you want and how much you can spend, you certainly have options.Cars are one of our biggest purchases, and you’re not going to be left in the cold with a 660, even if you may need to shop a little bit more for the best rate.3. There are even credit cards for youYou probably get the same crappy credit card offers I do all the time — the ones that have huge deposits or massive annual fees for very small credit lines. But just because those are the offers you get mailed directly, it doesn’t mean they’re all you qualify for.Although you should use credit carefully, credit cards can make modern life a lot easier, and you can qualify for lots of decent cards with a 660 credit score. Check out our list of our favorite credit cards to find out which ones may be willing to extend you a line of credit with benefits at your current score.Getting to 700 and beyondIf you’re standing in your credit hole like I am, staring up at the stars and hoping for something better, I promise you it’s not forever. There are ways to improve your credit score, but the most frustrating element is time. Credit scores aren’t magically fixed overnight, especially when you’ve had a financial upset.But you can get to at least 700 if you’re:Satisfying collections and judgmentsDedicated to paying down your debt, especially on revolving credit linesNot opening a bunch of new credit lines (the age of your credit is important)Paying all your bills on timeUsing those older credit lines here and there to keep them open (and immediately paying off those charges in full)The tincture of time can cure a lot of ills, even when it comes to credit woes. I know it’s frustrating — I’m there with you. But over time, we can all improve our credit scores and our odds of being able to affordably finance whatever large purchases we may need to make.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. Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

I don’t know about you, but my Google News feed is just overflowing with articles about how people with the best credit scores are killing it, or what kind of perks come with 800-plus credit scores. And, hey, I’m happy for these people, but they make up no more than 25% of all adults in America, according to April 2024 FICO data.

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.

The rest of us, especially those of us who had significant financial setbacks during the pandemic, are just doing the best we can and hoping we can be good enough to exist in our credit-driven culture. So this is me, a personal finance and mortgage expert, telling my fellow bottom 25%-ers that a credit score of 660 is good enough for now. Here’s why.

1. You can still get a mortgage

Assuming you don’t have a lot of outstanding debt in collections or litigations pending, you can still get a mortgage with a 660 credit score. In fact, FHA loans with 3.5% down payments start at about 580 (you have to be a really strong borrower in ways beyond credit, though). And conventional loans start at about 620, depending on your down payment and other factors.

If you’ve been putting off calling a lender to see if you can qualify for a home loan, there’s no time like today if you’re in the ballpark of 660. Touch base with some of the lenders on our list of favorites to see just what you can borrow based on your credit profile.

2. Car loans are possible

When I say car loans are possible, I don’t mean buying a car at one of those “buy here, pay here” dealerships. With a 660, you can get a real car loan, though it may be a little bit easier if you go through your credit union. Depending on the type of car you want and how much you can spend, you certainly have options.

Cars are one of our biggest purchases, and you’re not going to be left in the cold with a 660, even if you may need to shop a little bit more for the best rate.

3. There are even credit cards for you

You probably get the same crappy credit card offers I do all the time — the ones that have huge deposits or massive annual fees for very small credit lines. But just because those are the offers you get mailed directly, it doesn’t mean they’re all you qualify for.

Although you should use credit carefully, credit cards can make modern life a lot easier, and you can qualify for lots of decent cards with a 660 credit score. Check out our list of our favorite credit cards to find out which ones may be willing to extend you a line of credit with benefits at your current score.

Getting to 700 and beyond

If you’re standing in your credit hole like I am, staring up at the stars and hoping for something better, I promise you it’s not forever. There are ways to improve your credit score, but the most frustrating element is time. Credit scores aren’t magically fixed overnight, especially when you’ve had a financial upset.

But you can get to at least 700 if you’re:

• Satisfying collections and judgments
• Dedicated to paying down your debt, especially on revolving credit lines
• Not opening a bunch of new credit lines (the age of your credit is important)
• Paying all your bills on time
• Using those older credit lines here and there to keep them open (and immediately paying off those charges in full)

The tincture of time can cure a lot of ills, even when it comes to credit woes. I know it’s frustrating — I’m there with you. But over time, we can all improve our credit scores and our odds of being able to affordably finance whatever large purchases we may need to make.

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. Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
When I first got my driver’s license, I worked at Dairy Queen over the summer just to be able to pay for my expensive car insurance. Three months of late nights and missed social activities to make sundaes and fill drive-thru orders barely covered the cost for a 16-year-old me to get around town.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. It wasn’t all bad, though; I did get half off on chili dogs and ice cream.That experience taught me early on that car insurance can be expensive. I learned later that the type of vehicle you drive, and not just your credit score and driving record, also play a part. Here’s how different types of vehicles can impact your insurance premiums.EVs and hybrids may cost you the mostElectric vehicles and hybrids can be great for saving money on gas, but they’ll likely cost you more when it comes to insurance premiums. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says EV insurance costs up to $528 more annually than traditional gas-powered vehicles.Progressive says EV and hybrid insurance is pricier because the vehicle selling prices are usually higher. They’re also more complicated to fix if they’re involved in an accident. For example, if the battery in an EV is damaged in a collision, it could cost between $4,000 to $20,000 to replace. Yikes!There are also fewer mechanics who are trained to fix hybrids and EVs, which can drive up the cost of repairs. All of these reasons make it even more important to shop around for car insurance quotes if you own a hybrid or EV. Whether you own a hybrid, EV, or traditional gas-powered vehicle, you can shop for cheap car insurance here.Luxury vehicles and cars with low safety ratings will cost you, tooThe average luxury vehicle costs just over $62,000 as of earlier this year. As you can imagine, the higher cost to replace or fix a luxury vehicle also means they’re more expensive to insure.Even if you get a less expensive vehicle, adding all the bells and whistles to it could also increase your premiums. Any features that could make repairing your vehicle after a collision more expensive could increase your rate.Similarly, it usually pays to pick a vehicle with a high safety rating. Progressive says that Subaru Ascents and Foresters, as well as the Honda Passport, are some of the least expensive vehicles to insure based on their impressive Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety rating. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima may be more expensive to insure because of their higher-than-average losses in a collision.Tip: The only way to know you’re not overpaying for insurance is to compare prices. Click here to compare rates from the best car insurance companies.This type of vehicle is generally the cheapest to insureIt may surprise you, but compact SUVs are usually the cheapest to insure. According to AAA, a compact SUV (like the Honda CR-V) costs about $1,681 annually to insure.That’s about $113 cheaper per month than the average cost to insure a small sedan!The next time you’re out browsing the dealer’s lot for your next vehicle, consider the potential cost of your car insurance premiums. Factoring the monthly insurance payment into your budget could make the difference between which vehicle you choose.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Progressive. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

When I first got my driver’s license, I worked at Dairy Queen over the summer just to be able to pay for my expensive car insurance. Three months of late nights and missed social activities to make sundaes and fill drive-thru orders barely covered the cost for a 16-year-old me to get around town.

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.

It wasn’t all bad, though; I did get half off on chili dogs and ice cream.

That experience taught me early on that car insurance can be expensive. I learned later that the type of vehicle you drive, and not just your credit score and driving record, also play a part. Here’s how different types of vehicles can impact your insurance premiums.

EVs and hybrids may cost you the most

Electric vehicles and hybrids can be great for saving money on gas, but they’ll likely cost you more when it comes to insurance premiums. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says EV insurance costs up to $528 more annually than traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Progressive says EV and hybrid insurance is pricier because the vehicle selling prices are usually higher. They’re also more complicated to fix if they’re involved in an accident. For example, if the battery in an EV is damaged in a collision, it could cost between $4,000 to $20,000 to replace. Yikes!

There are also fewer mechanics who are trained to fix hybrids and EVs, which can drive up the cost of repairs. All of these reasons make it even more important to shop around for car insurance quotes if you own a hybrid or EV. Whether you own a hybrid, EV, or traditional gas-powered vehicle, you can shop for cheap car insurance here.

Luxury vehicles and cars with low safety ratings will cost you, too

The average luxury vehicle costs just over $62,000 as of earlier this year. As you can imagine, the higher cost to replace or fix a luxury vehicle also means they’re more expensive to insure.

Even if you get a less expensive vehicle, adding all the bells and whistles to it could also increase your premiums. Any features that could make repairing your vehicle after a collision more expensive could increase your rate.

Similarly, it usually pays to pick a vehicle with a high safety rating. Progressive says that Subaru Ascents and Foresters, as well as the Honda Passport, are some of the least expensive vehicles to insure based on their impressive Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety rating. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima may be more expensive to insure because of their higher-than-average losses in a collision.

Tip: The only way to know you’re not overpaying for insurance is to compare prices. Click here to compare rates from the best car insurance companies.

This type of vehicle is generally the cheapest to insure

It may surprise you, but compact SUVs are usually the cheapest to insure. According to AAA, a compact SUV (like the Honda CR-V) costs about $1,681 annually to insure.

That’s about $113 cheaper per month than the average cost to insure a small sedan!

The next time you’re out browsing the dealer’s lot for your next vehicle, consider the potential cost of your car insurance premiums. Factoring the monthly insurance payment into your budget could make the difference between which vehicle you choose.

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

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

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

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Progressive. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Costco has its perks. For $65 or $130 a year, you get access to a warehouse of goods sold in bulk. The prices are competitive, an Executive membership earns cash back, and you can return just about anything — apparently, even used Christmas trees in January.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!For some people, however, the notion of paying a yearly subscription to shop may seem backward. Why pay $65 annually when you can shop at a discount grocery store (like Aldi) for free? It’s certainly a question worth asking. And while my household is currently maximizing our Costco membership, I’d be more hesitant to renew it if this one thing happened.Another hike in membership pricesRight now, you can get a basic Gold Star Costco membership for a yearly membership fee of $65. An Executive membership, which lets you earn 2% back for up to $1,250 in annual rewards, costs $130, but can pay for its own upgrade from basic with about $3,250 in annual spending. You could also save up to $300 over the next year by using this little-known Costco credit card trick.Getting a basic membership for $65 isn’t too much to ask, especially if Costco is helping you save more than that. However, for those who have been Costco members for several years, we know that $65 is the highest a Costco membership has ever cost.Earlier this year, for instance, you would have paid $60 for a basic membership, or $120 for Executive. The $5 price hike for Gold Star and $10 for Executive was the first membership fee increase since 2017. While that’s seven years without raising the cost of membership, it follows a larger trend among companies to raise the cost of services.For me, the news of a price hike was all the more troubling as I recently moved and am now closer to Sam’s Club and BJ’s. A basic membership at Sam’s Club is $50, while BJ’s is $55. While these warehouse clubs are not identical, Sam’s Club sells pretty much everything I need at prices comparable to Costco.If Costco was to raise its Gold Star membership fee to $70 without offering new benefits to offset the price hike, I’d have to say ciao. Already paying $65 means that I’m paying $15 more than what Sam’s Club is charging for an equivalent membership. Since I think of saving money as cumulative — $5 here, $3 there — rather than a single event, this $15 difference already makes me slightly uncomfortable.Your household situation will be different than mineI’m not suggesting that every Costco member join Sam’s Club instead of sticking with Costco. As I said before, Costco is a different warehouse than Sam’s Club and could help your household save more money than other warehouse clubs. But if what you save at Costco can be replicated at Sam’s Club or BJ’s, another fee increase might be enough to force a change.Currently, I’m sticking with Costco, especially since I’m earning 3% back on a credit card at the warehouse. Side note: If you’re only earning 2% back at Costco — or heaven forbid 1% back — check out the best credit cards to use at Costco to see how you can maximize your cash back.At the end of the day, we’re all trying to spend less on our credit cards. The good thing about Costco: If you’re not 100% satisfied with your membership, you can cancel and get a refund. If another membership club steals your business, you won’t waste any money by switching before your Costco membership ends.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”:”

Costco has its perks. For $65 or $130 a year, you get access to a warehouse of goods sold in bulk. The prices are competitive, an Executive membership earns cash back, and you can return just about anything — apparently, even used Christmas trees in January.

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!

For some people, however, the notion of paying a yearly subscription to shop may seem backward. Why pay $65 annually when you can shop at a discount grocery store (like Aldi) for free? It’s certainly a question worth asking. And while my household is currently maximizing our Costco membership, I’d be more hesitant to renew it if this one thing happened.

Another hike in membership prices

Right now, you can get a basic Gold Star Costco membership for a yearly membership fee of $65. An Executive membership, which lets you earn 2% back for up to $1,250 in annual rewards, costs $130, but can pay for its own upgrade from basic with about $3,250 in annual spending. You could also save up to $300 over the next year by using this little-known Costco credit card trick.

Getting a basic membership for $65 isn’t too much to ask, especially if Costco is helping you save more than that. However, for those who have been Costco members for several years, we know that $65 is the highest a Costco membership has ever cost.

Earlier this year, for instance, you would have paid $60 for a basic membership, or $120 for Executive. The $5 price hike for Gold Star and $10 for Executive was the first membership fee increase since 2017. While that’s seven years without raising the cost of membership, it follows a larger trend among companies to raise the cost of services.

For me, the news of a price hike was all the more troubling as I recently moved and am now closer to Sam’s Club and BJ’s. A basic membership at Sam’s Club is $50, while BJ’s is $55. While these warehouse clubs are not identical, Sam’s Club sells pretty much everything I need at prices comparable to Costco.

If Costco was to raise its Gold Star membership fee to $70 without offering new benefits to offset the price hike, I’d have to say ciao. Already paying $65 means that I’m paying $15 more than what Sam’s Club is charging for an equivalent membership. Since I think of saving money as cumulative — $5 here, $3 there — rather than a single event, this $15 difference already makes me slightly uncomfortable.

Your household situation will be different than mine

I’m not suggesting that every Costco member join Sam’s Club instead of sticking with Costco. As I said before, Costco is a different warehouse than Sam’s Club and could help your household save more money than other warehouse clubs. But if what you save at Costco can be replicated at Sam’s Club or BJ’s, another fee increase might be enough to force a change.

Currently, I’m sticking with Costco, especially since I’m earning 3% back on a credit card at the warehouse. Side note: If you’re only earning 2% back at Costco — or heaven forbid 1% back — check out the best credit cards to use at Costco to see how you can maximize your cash back.

At the end of the day, we’re all trying to spend less on our credit cards. The good thing about Costco: If you’re not 100% satisfied with your membership, you can cancel and get a refund. If another membership club steals your business, you won’t waste any money by switching before your Costco membership ends.

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: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
If you have investments in a brokerage account, there’s an important rule you should follow — don’t check your balance every day. In fact, you shouldn’t even check your balance every week or every month.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. The reason? Stock values can fluctuate based on a variety of factors. If you check your portfolio too often and see losses on the screen, you might get spooked and lock those losses in by liquidating investments when they’re down. It’s often the case that if you leave your portfolio alone to ride out downturns, it’ll recover at some point.But even though you don’t want to check your brokerage account too often, it’s a good idea to check it before the end of the year. You may want to make one specific move that could spare you a financial headache.Should you sell investments at a loss?The point of investing your money is to make a profit. And you should know that the more time you give your investments to grow, the more wealth you might amass.If you don’t have any money invested yet, click here to open a brokerage account and get started as soon as possible. Even if you start off with just $40 or $50, it’s a step in the right direction.But sometimes, investments don’t work out. So if you have a losing stock sitting in your brokerage account, the time to sell it is now.Stocks sold at a loss can be used to offset capital gains. So if you made money in your brokerage account this year, you’ve created a tax bill for yourself. If you sell stocks at a loss that aren’t doing well anyway, you may be able to cancel out your gain so you don’t owe the IRS extra.But it’s not just investment gains you can cancel out by selling losing stocks. You can also use up to $3,000 in stock losses per year to offset ordinary income.A lot of people earned a nice amount of interest this year from their savings accounts or CDs because rates were up. If that applies to you, and you didn’t pay estimated taxes on those earnings, then you may end up having to write the IRS a check this coming April. But if you sell some investments at a loss, you can potentially cancel out — or at least reduce — that tax liability.And even if you earned $0 from your bank, you probably still earned a paycheck. You can similarly use up to $3,000 in investment losses to cancel out up to $3,000 of regular earnings.Get moving before Dec. 31Selling investments at a loss is a great way to lower your tax bill for 2024. But for that to happen, you need to officially take those losses before the end of the calendar year.Don’t wait too long to give your portfolio a closer look. If you hold off, you risk getting wrapped up in holiday and year-end plans, and you might forget to make this simple but effective move. Instead, carve out an evening in late November or early December to get it done so you have one less thing to worry about.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 have investments in a brokerage account, there’s an important rule you should follow — don’t check your balance every day. In fact, you shouldn’t even check your balance every week or every month.

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.

The reason? Stock values can fluctuate based on a variety of factors. If you check your portfolio too often and see losses on the screen, you might get spooked and lock those losses in by liquidating investments when they’re down. It’s often the case that if you leave your portfolio alone to ride out downturns, it’ll recover at some point.

But even though you don’t want to check your brokerage account too often, it’s a good idea to check it before the end of the year. You may want to make one specific move that could spare you a financial headache.

Should you sell investments at a loss?

The point of investing your money is to make a profit. And you should know that the more time you give your investments to grow, the more wealth you might amass.

If you don’t have any money invested yet, click here to open a brokerage account and get started as soon as possible. Even if you start off with just $40 or $50, it’s a step in the right direction.

But sometimes, investments don’t work out. So if you have a losing stock sitting in your brokerage account, the time to sell it is now.

Stocks sold at a loss can be used to offset capital gains. So if you made money in your brokerage account this year, you’ve created a tax bill for yourself. If you sell stocks at a loss that aren’t doing well anyway, you may be able to cancel out your gain so you don’t owe the IRS extra.

But it’s not just investment gains you can cancel out by selling losing stocks. You can also use up to $3,000 in stock losses per year to offset ordinary income.

A lot of people earned a nice amount of interest this year from their savings accounts or CDs because rates were up. If that applies to you, and you didn’t pay estimated taxes on those earnings, then you may end up having to write the IRS a check this coming April. But if you sell some investments at a loss, you can potentially cancel out — or at least reduce — that tax liability.

And even if you earned $0 from your bank, you probably still earned a paycheck. You can similarly use up to $3,000 in investment losses to cancel out up to $3,000 of regular earnings.

Get moving before Dec. 31

Selling investments at a loss is a great way to lower your tax bill for 2024. But for that to happen, you need to officially take those losses before the end of the calendar year.

Don’t wait too long to give your portfolio a closer look. If you hold off, you risk getting wrapped up in holiday and year-end plans, and you might forget to make this simple but effective move. Instead, carve out an evening in late November or early December to get it done so you have one less thing to worry about.

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
Are you running out of gift ideas for your dad? There’s still time to pick up a winning gift he’ll love. Costco has some great finds that will impress, even if your dad already has everything he needs. Plus, you can benefit from the warehouse club’s discounted pricing to stretch your shopping budget further.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!Check out these dad-approved presents you can get at Costco.1. Four-pack of Apple Airtags: $79.99Even the dad who has it all can benefit from Apple Airtags. You can get a four-pack of Apple Airtags for $79.99 at Costco. The retail price for a four-pack of these tracking devices is $99.99, so you’ll save $20 and get a great gift that your dad will appreciate.The batteries are replaceable and last over a year. If ordering from Costco.com, shipping is included in the price.2. Beats Studio Pro Headphones: $249.99A quality pair of headphones can greatly improve one’s listening experience. A pair of wireless noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones is the perfect gift idea. You can pick up a pair of Beats Studio Pro Headphones at Costco for $249.99 through Nov. 26.Considering these wireless Bluetooth headphones retail for $349.99, this is a fantastic deal. These headphones are noise-canceling and support 40 hours of battery life. AppleCare+ is included with your purchase.Using the right credit card at checkout can help you maximize your savings. Click here to review our list of top credit cards with big rewards for Costco shoppers.3. $50 Cinemark gift card: $39.99Gifting an experience is a great way to show someone you care. Why not treat your dad to a night out at the movies? Costco sells a $50 gift card for Cinemark Theatres for $39.99.This electronic gift card is valid at all Cinemark locations nationwide and can be used to pay for movie tickets, food, drinks, and merchandise. It’s a great present and a win for your wallet.4. Costco membership: $65 to $130Did you know you can buy a Costco membership for someone else? If your dad has everything, why not give him a Costco card? A Costco membership can help him keep more money in his checking account.You can purchase a one-year Gold Star membership at Costco.com for $65. Another option is to gift an Executive membership for $130. The biggest difference between a Gold Star Membership and an Executive membership is that Executive members can earn 2% rewards back on eligible Costco purchases for a maximum of $1,250 in rewards earned each year.To order online, look for the Gift of Gold Star Membership at Costco.com. If you prefer to give your dad an Executive membership, place two Gift of Gold Star Memberships in your cart. Once purchased, a physical gift of membership card will be mailed to an address of your choosing.Alternatively, you can buy a Costco membership at the register in your local club.5. Bose SoundLink Flex SE Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: $129.99Here’s another gift idea that Dad will love: a portable Bluetooth speaker. This present will let your dad listen to his favorite tunes on the go or outside doing yard work. The Bose SoundLink Flex SE Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is available at Costco for $129.99.The retail price for this well-rated portable Bluetooth speaker is $149, so you’ll save $19 with your Costco membership. This speaker is waterproof and features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a high-end stocking stuffer.Costco has gifts for everyone on your listYou can maximize your Costco membership by shopping the warehouse club’s plentiful deals this holiday season. There are options for everyone on your holiday shopping list.Remember — it’s the thought that counts. You don’t have to spend a fortune to show your loved ones that you appreciate them. Your Costco card can help you stretch your shopping budget further.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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Are you running out of gift ideas for your dad? There’s still time to pick up a winning gift he’ll love. Costco has some great finds that will impress, even if your dad already has everything he needs. Plus, you can benefit from the warehouse club’s discounted pricing to stretch your shopping budget further.

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!

Check out these dad-approved presents you can get at Costco.

1. Four-pack of Apple Airtags: $79.99

Even the dad who has it all can benefit from Apple Airtags. You can get a four-pack of Apple Airtags for $79.99 at Costco. The retail price for a four-pack of these tracking devices is $99.99, so you’ll save $20 and get a great gift that your dad will appreciate.

The batteries are replaceable and last over a year. If ordering from Costco.com, shipping is included in the price.

2. Beats Studio Pro Headphones: $249.99

A quality pair of headphones can greatly improve one’s listening experience. A pair of wireless noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones is the perfect gift idea. You can pick up a pair of Beats Studio Pro Headphones at Costco for $249.99 through Nov. 26.

Considering these wireless Bluetooth headphones retail for $349.99, this is a fantastic deal. These headphones are noise-canceling and support 40 hours of battery life. AppleCare+ is included with your purchase.

Using the right credit card at checkout can help you maximize your savings. Click here to review our list of top credit cards with big rewards for Costco shoppers.

3. $50 Cinemark gift card: $39.99

Gifting an experience is a great way to show someone you care. Why not treat your dad to a night out at the movies? Costco sells a $50 gift card for Cinemark Theatres for $39.99.

This electronic gift card is valid at all Cinemark locations nationwide and can be used to pay for movie tickets, food, drinks, and merchandise. It’s a great present and a win for your wallet.

4. Costco membership: $65 to $130

Did you know you can buy a Costco membership for someone else? If your dad has everything, why not give him a Costco card? A Costco membership can help him keep more money in his checking account.

You can purchase a one-year Gold Star membership at Costco.com for $65. Another option is to gift an Executive membership for $130. The biggest difference between a Gold Star Membership and an Executive membership is that Executive members can earn 2% rewards back on eligible Costco purchases for a maximum of $1,250 in rewards earned each year.

To order online, look for the Gift of Gold Star Membership at Costco.com. If you prefer to give your dad an Executive membership, place two Gift of Gold Star Memberships in your cart. Once purchased, a physical gift of membership card will be mailed to an address of your choosing.

Alternatively, you can buy a Costco membership at the register in your local club.

5. Bose SoundLink Flex SE Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: $129.99

Here’s another gift idea that Dad will love: a portable Bluetooth speaker. This present will let your dad listen to his favorite tunes on the go or outside doing yard work. The Bose SoundLink Flex SE Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is available at Costco for $129.99.

The retail price for this well-rated portable Bluetooth speaker is $149, so you’ll save $19 with your Costco membership. This speaker is waterproof and features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a high-end stocking stuffer.

Costco has gifts for everyone on your list

You can maximize your Costco membership by shopping the warehouse club’s plentiful deals this holiday season. There are options for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Remember — it’s the thought that counts. You don’t have to spend a fortune to show your loved ones that you appreciate them. Your Costco card can help you stretch your shopping budget further.

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

“}]] Read More