Money Management

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Last year, emergency savings startup SecureSave reported that 63% of Americans did not have the funds needed to cover an unplanned $500 expense. So if you’re sitting on a $10,000 balance in your savings account, you’re clearly in a much better position than people in that category.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 is $10,000 enough money to keep in your savings account? Or should you be aiming higher? The answer depends on you, and you alone.The problem with putting too much money in your savings accountBelieve it or not, you don’t want to go overboard on funding your savings account. And the reason is that you’re likely to earn a much higher return on your money in a brokerage account than a savings account.Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%. Compare that to the 4% savings accounts are paying now (which is higher than the norm), and the difference is obvious.But while there’s a danger to keeping too much money in a savings account, it’s also quite problematic to not have enough money in a savings account. If you don’t have a fully loaded emergency fund, you may be forced to rack up expensive credit card debt when unexpected bills arise. So it’s important to strike a balance.Figure out your emergency fund needsIf you’re not sure whether $10,000 is enough money for your savings account, you’ll need to see what your essential monthly bills total. These include rent, car payments, utilities, and food. Then, multiply that number by three to six, which is what experts recommend for emergency fund purposes.If your essential bills come to $2,000 per month, your emergency fund should have a minimum of $6,000. And if you have $10,000 in your savings account, you’re in great shape. That means you can cover five months of expenses, which buys you fantastic protection in the event of a layoff.But if your essential monthly expenses come to $5,000, then a $10,000 savings account balance unfortunately doesn’t quite cut it. While that’s some protection, it’s not enough to cover three full months of essential bills. That leaves you vulnerable to credit card debt in the event of losing your job. So in that case, you’d want to work on boosting your savings balance by $5,000 at least.Make sure you’re getting a great deal on your savingsIdeally, your savings account should be able to get you through three months of bills at a minimum, regardless of what that amounts to. But you also don’t want to sell yourself short on interest while you’re parking your cash.If you’re not thrilled with your savings account’s interest rate, shop around for a new one. You can start with this list of our favorite savings accounts with APYs of 4.00% and higher today.You should especially consider switching savings accounts if you’re keeping your money in an account at a brick-and-mortar bank. Online banks have less overhead, so they’re commonly able to offer more competitive rates on savings accounts because of that.And remember, once you’re past the point of a three-month emergency fund, you shouldn’t feel compelled to keep your extra cash in savings. In that situation, you may decide to invest your extra money for a more generous return.But aim for at least three months of bills in your savings so you’re not left in the lurch when a period of unemployment strikes, or an unexpected expense comes your way.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”:”

Last year, emergency savings startup SecureSave reported that 63% of Americans did not have the funds needed to cover an unplanned $500 expense. So if you’re sitting on a $10,000 balance in your savings account, you’re clearly in a much better position than people in that category.

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 is $10,000 enough money to keep in your savings account? Or should you be aiming higher? The answer depends on you, and you alone.

The problem with putting too much money in your savings account

Believe it or not, you don’t want to go overboard on funding your savings account. And the reason is that you’re likely to earn a much higher return on your money in a brokerage account than a savings account.

Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%. Compare that to the 4% savings accounts are paying now (which is higher than the norm), and the difference is obvious.

But while there’s a danger to keeping too much money in a savings account, it’s also quite problematic to not have enough money in a savings account. If you don’t have a fully loaded emergency fund, you may be forced to rack up expensive credit card debt when unexpected bills arise. So it’s important to strike a balance.

Figure out your emergency fund needs

If you’re not sure whether $10,000 is enough money for your savings account, you’ll need to see what your essential monthly bills total. These include rent, car payments, utilities, and food. Then, multiply that number by three to six, which is what experts recommend for emergency fund purposes.

If your essential bills come to $2,000 per month, your emergency fund should have a minimum of $6,000. And if you have $10,000 in your savings account, you’re in great shape. That means you can cover five months of expenses, which buys you fantastic protection in the event of a layoff.

But if your essential monthly expenses come to $5,000, then a $10,000 savings account balance unfortunately doesn’t quite cut it. While that’s some protection, it’s not enough to cover three full months of essential bills. That leaves you vulnerable to credit card debt in the event of losing your job. So in that case, you’d want to work on boosting your savings balance by $5,000 at least.

Make sure you’re getting a great deal on your savings

Ideally, your savings account should be able to get you through three months of bills at a minimum, regardless of what that amounts to. But you also don’t want to sell yourself short on interest while you’re parking your cash.

If you’re not thrilled with your savings account’s interest rate, shop around for a new one. You can start with this list of our favorite savings accounts with APYs of 4.00% and higher today.

You should especially consider switching savings accounts if you’re keeping your money in an account at a brick-and-mortar bank. Online banks have less overhead, so they’re commonly able to offer more competitive rates on savings accounts because of that.

And remember, once you’re past the point of a three-month emergency fund, you shouldn’t feel compelled to keep your extra cash in savings. In that situation, you may decide to invest your extra money for a more generous return.

But aim for at least three months of bills in your savings so you’re not left in the lurch when a period of unemployment strikes, or an unexpected expense comes your way.

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: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
It’s kind of hard to believe I’ve been shopping at Costco for 18 years now — especially since that means I’ve been a suburbanite for at least that long. Ouch.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!But over the past 18 years, I’ve learned some useful tricks that help me save big at Costco. And I’m happy to share them with you so you can do the same. Here are my top five pieces of advice, whether you shop at Costco on occasion or all the time.1. Never buy anything from Costco.com unless it’s an online-only itemShopping at Costco.com can be convenient. You don’t have to leave the house or lug heavy items back to your car.But the prices at Costco.com are typically higher than the prices you’ll find in stores, since Costco builds the cost of shipping and handling into its online orders. And no, you won’t necessarily see a separate shipping charge. Instead, the items you want will be marked up compared to the in-store prices.Of course, certain Costco.com items are online-only products. So in that case, by all means, place your order online. But unless you’re looking at a product with the online-only designation, it pays to head over to the store and see what price it’s available for.2. When you shop in person, don’t linger at the front of the storeWhen you first walk into Costco, you’re generally bombarded with sale items across a range of categories. Over the past few months, I’ve seen everything from slippers to throw blankets to cat toys marked down at the front of the store.That’s problematic, though, because when are you most likely to throw an extra item into your cart on a whim? Why, when it’s empty, of course. And when does your cart have the most room? When you first walk in and haven’t filled it.That’s why I make a point to not look carefully at the sale items at the front of the door, and to move through it as quickly as possible. I know full well that buying something that wasn’t part of my plan just because it’s on sale does not mean I’m saving money. If anything, it means I’m spending money I wasn’t supposed to.3. Don’t go to Costco when you’re hungryShopping for groceries when you’re already jonesing for a meal could lead to unplanned buys. At a regular supermarket, that means you risk grabbing an extra bag of chips or box of cookies on your way to the checkout lane. At Costco, it could mean grabbing a few extra snacks in mass quantities — and shelling out a decent chunk of money in the process.A better bet? Eat something before you head to Costco. And if you arrive at the store and find that you’re ravenous, grab a cheap bite at the food court before doing your shopping.If you’re a meat-eater, Costco’s $1.50 hot dog and soda combo can’t be beat. And if not, there are always the $1.99 pizza slices, which happen to be gigantic.And yes, buying a food court meal at Costco does mean spending extra money. But you’re better off parting with $1.50 or $1.99 than impulse-buying a $14.99 bag of trail mix that’s not in your budget.4. Always take a chance on the Executive membershipCostco’s Executive membership costs twice as much as a basic Gold Star one — $130 a year vs. $65. In exchange, though, you get to earn 2% cash back on Costco purchases.The Executive membership makes sense for me because I shop at Costco almost every week. But even if you don’t shop there as often as I do, it pays to shell out the extra money and see how much cash back you rack up. If you don’t earn enough cash back to recoup the extra $65 the Executive membership costs, you can downgrade to a Gold Star membership and get refunded the difference. So there’s really no risk and only the potential for reward.5. Don’t just settle for Executive membership cash backThe main benefit of Costco’s Executive membership is the 2% cash back. But that’s not the only way to score cash back on the purchases you make. Using the right credit card is crucial at Costco, since it could put a lot of extra money in your pocket in the course of a year.Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco. It pays to apply for at least one so you’re able to maximize your savings at the store.And there you have it — 18 years of Costco shopping experience wrapped up into five simple tips. So go ahead and give these a try if you’re eager to get the maximum value out of your Costco membership while keeping your spending to a minimum.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

It’s kind of hard to believe I’ve been shopping at Costco for 18 years now — especially since that means I’ve been a suburbanite for at least that long. Ouch.

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!

But over the past 18 years, I’ve learned some useful tricks that help me save big at Costco. And I’m happy to share them with you so you can do the same. Here are my top five pieces of advice, whether you shop at Costco on occasion or all the time.

1. Never buy anything from Costco.com unless it’s an online-only item

Shopping at Costco.com can be convenient. You don’t have to leave the house or lug heavy items back to your car.

But the prices at Costco.com are typically higher than the prices you’ll find in stores, since Costco builds the cost of shipping and handling into its online orders. And no, you won’t necessarily see a separate shipping charge. Instead, the items you want will be marked up compared to the in-store prices.

Of course, certain Costco.com items are online-only products. So in that case, by all means, place your order online. But unless you’re looking at a product with the online-only designation, it pays to head over to the store and see what price it’s available for.

2. When you shop in person, don’t linger at the front of the store

When you first walk into Costco, you’re generally bombarded with sale items across a range of categories. Over the past few months, I’ve seen everything from slippers to throw blankets to cat toys marked down at the front of the store.

That’s problematic, though, because when are you most likely to throw an extra item into your cart on a whim? Why, when it’s empty, of course. And when does your cart have the most room? When you first walk in and haven’t filled it.

That’s why I make a point to not look carefully at the sale items at the front of the door, and to move through it as quickly as possible. I know full well that buying something that wasn’t part of my plan just because it’s on sale does not mean I’m saving money. If anything, it means I’m spending money I wasn’t supposed to.

3. Don’t go to Costco when you’re hungry

Shopping for groceries when you’re already jonesing for a meal could lead to unplanned buys. At a regular supermarket, that means you risk grabbing an extra bag of chips or box of cookies on your way to the checkout lane. At Costco, it could mean grabbing a few extra snacks in mass quantities — and shelling out a decent chunk of money in the process.

A better bet? Eat something before you head to Costco. And if you arrive at the store and find that you’re ravenous, grab a cheap bite at the food court before doing your shopping.

If you’re a meat-eater, Costco’s $1.50 hot dog and soda combo can’t be beat. And if not, there are always the $1.99 pizza slices, which happen to be gigantic.

And yes, buying a food court meal at Costco does mean spending extra money. But you’re better off parting with $1.50 or $1.99 than impulse-buying a $14.99 bag of trail mix that’s not in your budget.

4. Always take a chance on the Executive membership

Costco’s Executive membership costs twice as much as a basic Gold Star one — $130 a year vs. $65. In exchange, though, you get to earn 2% cash back on Costco purchases.

The Executive membership makes sense for me because I shop at Costco almost every week. But even if you don’t shop there as often as I do, it pays to shell out the extra money and see how much cash back you rack up. If you don’t earn enough cash back to recoup the extra $65 the Executive membership costs, you can downgrade to a Gold Star membership and get refunded the difference. So there’s really no risk and only the potential for reward.

5. Don’t just settle for Executive membership cash back

The main benefit of Costco’s Executive membership is the 2% cash back. But that’s not the only way to score cash back on the purchases you make. Using the right credit card is crucial at Costco, since it could put a lot of extra money in your pocket in the course of a year.

Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco. It pays to apply for at least one so you’re able to maximize your savings at the store.

And there you have it — 18 years of Costco shopping experience wrapped up into five simple tips. So go ahead and give these a try if you’re eager to get the maximum value out of your Costco membership while keeping your spending to a minimum.

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

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
Credit cards are one of my favorite financial tools. They may have a controversial reputation, but you can get all kinds of benefits from the top credit cards. With the right one, it’s possible to save $500 to $1,000 or more every year.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. Often, the hardest part is finding the card or cards that are right for you. I have ample experience with this, as I’ve used over 20 different credit cards. Here’s exactly what I look for to decide if a card is worth getting.A high return on spendingI always get rewards cards. Rewards are one of the most valuable credit card perks, as they allow you to earn cash back or travel points on your everyday spending.With these cards, it’s important to check the rewards rate to see how much you’ll earn. If you have a high credit score, I’d recommend looking for a card that earns either:A flat rate of 2% on purchases3% or more in bonus categories where you spend money regularlyIf you’re getting a travel card, also see how much its points are worth. Let’s say you find two cards earning 3 points per $1 in the same bonus categories. But with one of them, you can redeem rewards at $0.01 per point toward travel. With the other, you get $0.015 per point — 50% more. For every 10,000 points you earn, you’d get an additional $50 in value from the second card.Want to find a quality travel card without searching for hours? Click here for our list of the best travel rewards cards that could help you save big on airfare, hotel stays, and more.A competitive welcome offerA welcome offer is a bonus you can earn as a new cardholder. In most cases, you earn the welcome offer by meeting a spending requirement. For example, spend $500 in the first three months for a $200 bonus. Or, spend $6,000 in the first six months for 75,000 bonus points.This is a big benefit of opening a new credit card. Welcome offers are usually the fastest way to earn rewards. Here’s what I consider a good welcome offer, depending on the type of card and the cost:For a cash back card with no annual fee, look for a welcome offer worth at least $150 to $200.For a travel card with an annual fee, look for a welcome offer worth at least $500 in travel rewards.Before you apply for a card, check that you can meet the spending requirement for its welcome offer, too. If you won’t be able to spend enough, the card probably isn’t worth getting, because you’ll miss out on the welcome offer. It’s also not a good idea to overspend. You’re better off getting a card with a spend requirement you can reach from your regular bills.A reasonable annual feeI don’t mind paying an annual fee for a credit card. While some people are against this, cards with annual fees tend to have a lot more perks than no annual fee cards.The key is that the annual fee is reasonable for the benefits offered. I always want to get significantly more value from a card’s benefits than I pay for its annual fee. If it costs me $95 per year, I want to save at least $200 to $300 from its rewards and other features.Go over the card’s benefits to estimate how much value you’d get from it. Make sure to consider how easy these benefits are to use. For example, some cards have a high advertised value because they offer lots of spending credits. I ignore the advertised value and only count the spending credits that won’t require any effort to use.To recap, the three features I look for in a credit card are:A high return on my spendingA large welcome offerA reasonable annual fee for the card’s benefitsSome people will have other priorities. For example, if you need to refinance debt, then you need a card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers. But if you’re looking for a rewards card, the three features I listed are typically the most important.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”:”

Credit cards are one of my favorite financial tools. They may have a controversial reputation, but you can get all kinds of benefits from the top credit cards. With the right one, it’s possible to save $500 to $1,000 or more every year.

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.

Often, the hardest part is finding the card or cards that are right for you. I have ample experience with this, as I’ve used over 20 different credit cards. Here’s exactly what I look for to decide if a card is worth getting.

A high return on spending

I always get rewards cards. Rewards are one of the most valuable credit card perks, as they allow you to earn cash back or travel points on your everyday spending.

With these cards, it’s important to check the rewards rate to see how much you’ll earn. If you have a high credit score, I’d recommend looking for a card that earns either:

• A flat rate of 2% on purchases
• 3% or more in bonus categories where you spend money regularly

If you’re getting a travel card, also see how much its points are worth. Let’s say you find two cards earning 3 points per $1 in the same bonus categories. But with one of them, you can redeem rewards at $0.01 per point toward travel. With the other, you get $0.015 per point — 50% more. For every 10,000 points you earn, you’d get an additional $50 in value from the second card.

Want to find a quality travel card without searching for hours? Click here for our list of the best travel rewards cards that could help you save big on airfare, hotel stays, and more.

A competitive welcome offer

A welcome offer is a bonus you can earn as a new cardholder. In most cases, you earn the welcome offer by meeting a spending requirement. For example, spend $500 in the first three months for a $200 bonus. Or, spend $6,000 in the first six months for 75,000 bonus points.

This is a big benefit of opening a new credit card. Welcome offers are usually the fastest way to earn rewards. Here’s what I consider a good welcome offer, depending on the type of card and the cost:

• For a cash back card with no annual fee, look for a welcome offer worth at least $150 to $200.
• For a travel card with an annual fee, look for a welcome offer worth at least $500 in travel rewards.

Before you apply for a card, check that you can meet the spending requirement for its welcome offer, too. If you won’t be able to spend enough, the card probably isn’t worth getting, because you’ll miss out on the welcome offer. It’s also not a good idea to overspend. You’re better off getting a card with a spend requirement you can reach from your regular bills.

A reasonable annual fee

I don’t mind paying an annual fee for a credit card. While some people are against this, cards with annual fees tend to have a lot more perks than no annual fee cards.

The key is that the annual fee is reasonable for the benefits offered. I always want to get significantly more value from a card’s benefits than I pay for its annual fee. If it costs me $95 per year, I want to save at least $200 to $300 from its rewards and other features.

Go over the card’s benefits to estimate how much value you’d get from it. Make sure to consider how easy these benefits are to use. For example, some cards have a high advertised value because they offer lots of spending credits. I ignore the advertised value and only count the spending credits that won’t require any effort to use.

To recap, the three features I look for in a credit card are:

1. A high return on my spending
2. A large welcome offer
3. A reasonable annual fee for the card’s benefits

Some people will have other priorities. For example, if you need to refinance debt, then you need a card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers. But if you’re looking for a rewards card, the three features I listed are typically the most important.

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
Now is an ideal time to do your holiday shopping. Many retailers are running big holiday sales that can help you keep more money in your checking account. But there are other ways to save money when you shop.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 tools that you can use to maximize your savings on Black Friday — and beyond.1. Earn cash back with cash back appsTake advantage of opportunities to earn cash back when you shop. Cash back apps like Rakuten will pay you money when you activate offers and make eligible purchases. You can earn cash back on in-store and online purchases and pay yourself back for your shopping trips.I’ve been using Rakuten for years, and it’s a simple way to earn cash back rewards. Looking for an easy way to earn cash back? Check out our list of the best cash back apps.2. Use coupon codesMany people shop online because it’s convenient, but you’re likely overpaying if you’re not using coupon codes. Many retailers offer these to help you get a bigger discount at checkout.You can easily find current coupon codes for your favorite retailers with one of the best coupon apps. Don’t ignore extra savings opportunities like this.3. Earn rewards when you swipe your credit cardsAnother way to maximize your savings when you shop in-store and online is to use rewards credit cards to pay for your purchases. You can earn points, miles, or cash back on your spending. When you redeem your credit card rewards, you can pay yourself back for previous purchases. It’ll feel like getting a delayed discount.The more rewards you earn, the more money you save. Want to earn cash back when you shop? Click here to explore our list of top cash back credit cards with big rewards.4. Access members-only discounts with retail rewards programsMany retailers have free rewards programs that you can join. As a member, you may qualify for exclusive deals and discounts.One such retailer is Target. The Target Circle Rewards program is free to join and offers bonus rewards and deal opportunities exclusively to members. Thanks to this loyalty program, I’ve gotten extra discounts and earned free gift cards. Sign up for and use programs like this to maximize your savings when you shop.5. Earn a statement credit with credit card deal offersHere’s another way to save money when you use a credit card as your payment method. Some credit card issuers promote offers you can activate to earn discounts with select retailers. One example is the Chase Offers program, which is available to select Chase cardholders.You can earn a statement credit to your account when you activate offers and make eligible purchases with your card. Once applied, your upcoming credit card statement balance will be lower. This strategy provides yet another easy way to pay yourself back when you shop.Check out our list of the best Chase credit cards and see why we rank these cards so highly.Every dollar you save makes a differenceShopping holiday deals is a smart money move. But make sure you’re strategizing to save as much as you can. If you’re willing to make a few small changes to your shopping habits, you can save more money and boost your rewards. This will stretch your shopping budget further, which can help to make the busy holiday season feel less stressful.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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Now is an ideal time to do your holiday shopping. Many retailers are running big holiday sales that can help you keep more money in your checking account. But there are other ways to save money when you shop.

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 tools that you can use to maximize your savings on Black Friday — and beyond.

1. Earn cash back with cash back apps

Take advantage of opportunities to earn cash back when you shop. Cash back apps like Rakuten will pay you money when you activate offers and make eligible purchases. You can earn cash back on in-store and online purchases and pay yourself back for your shopping trips.

I’ve been using Rakuten for years, and it’s a simple way to earn cash back rewards. Looking for an easy way to earn cash back? Check out our list of the best cash back apps.

2. Use coupon codes

Many people shop online because it’s convenient, but you’re likely overpaying if you’re not using coupon codes. Many retailers offer these to help you get a bigger discount at checkout.

You can easily find current coupon codes for your favorite retailers with one of the best coupon apps. Don’t ignore extra savings opportunities like this.

3. Earn rewards when you swipe your credit cards

Another way to maximize your savings when you shop in-store and online is to use rewards credit cards to pay for your purchases. You can earn points, miles, or cash back on your spending. When you redeem your credit card rewards, you can pay yourself back for previous purchases. It’ll feel like getting a delayed discount.

The more rewards you earn, the more money you save. Want to earn cash back when you shop? Click here to explore our list of top cash back credit cards with big rewards.

4. Access members-only discounts with retail rewards programs

Many retailers have free rewards programs that you can join. As a member, you may qualify for exclusive deals and discounts.

One such retailer is Target. The Target Circle Rewards program is free to join and offers bonus rewards and deal opportunities exclusively to members. Thanks to this loyalty program, I’ve gotten extra discounts and earned free gift cards. Sign up for and use programs like this to maximize your savings when you shop.

5. Earn a statement credit with credit card deal offers

Here’s another way to save money when you use a credit card as your payment method. Some credit card issuers promote offers you can activate to earn discounts with select retailers. One example is the Chase Offers program, which is available to select Chase cardholders.

You can earn a statement credit to your account when you activate offers and make eligible purchases with your card. Once applied, your upcoming credit card statement balance will be lower. This strategy provides yet another easy way to pay yourself back when you shop.

Check out our list of the best Chase credit cards and see why we rank these cards so highly.

Every dollar you save makes a difference

Shopping holiday deals is a smart money move. But make sure you’re strategizing to save as much as you can. If you’re willing to make a few small changes to your shopping habits, you can save more money and boost your rewards. This will stretch your shopping budget further, which can help to make the busy holiday season feel less stressful.

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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Costco is hot, hot, hot — according to Statista, there were 71 million Costco members worldwide at the end of last year. Despite these numbers, joining isn’t necessarily right for everyone. If you’re a college student, it’s worth weighing the benefits of Costco vs. the potential downsides to decide if a membership is for you.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!Should you shell out $65 for a Costco Gold Star membership (or $130 for an Executive membership that pays 2% cash back) if you’re currently gearing up for final exams this semester? Let’s take a closer look.A few ways Costco could save you money as a studentThe easiest way to save money at Costco is by buying larger quantities of items you already use, for less money than you’d spend on smaller quantities at the grocery store. But being a current college student may make that difficult. How else can you save at Costco if you’re a college student?ElectronicsYou can turn to Costco for electronics purchases — the warehouse giant offers deals on laptops, TVs, cellphones, and more. For example, you can save $120 off the list price for a new 10.2 inch iPad with 256 GB of storage right now — the same iPad will cost you $20 more at Best Buy. Score enough money off even one item like this and the Costco membership will have paid for itself.You can save even more on Costco buys by using the right credit card. Click here for our picks for the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.Tires and auto insuranceIf you’re that lucky college student who has a car (I was that student when I was an undergrad — I drove all my dorm friends around), you’ll need to buy new tires for it every so often. Costco sells tires, and while you may not necessarily pay significantly less for them there than elsewhere, the included fringe benefits (like free installation, rotation, a road hazard warranty, and more) could make it very worthwhile.Speaking of driving, the odds are good that you pay a pretty penny for auto insurance (due to your age; that’s one of the risk factors car insurers take into consideration when setting premiums for drivers). Costco might help you save here, too. Costco members who take advantage of Costco’s partnership with American Family Insurance saved an average of almost $600 annually on auto insurance.The best way to save on auto insurance? Shop around. Check out our picks for the best auto insurance companies and compare rates.Optical servicesIf you’re having trouble seeing, it’s sure to affect your studies. Luckily, Costco has you covered here too, with Costco Optical. You can get an eye exam (Costco takes vision insurance, if you have it) and buy glasses or contacts either online or in-store.Glasses wearers can take advantage of Virtual Try-On to see what a given pair of frames will look like. And even if your glasses are from another optician, Costco will still adjust them for you for free.Should you give Costco a pass until after commencement?Despite these perks, being a college student might keep you from taking advantage of the most accessible perk of Costco membership: the bulk deals on everyday items, like toilet paper and granola bars. The odds are good at this point in your life that you don’t have a ton of free space at home, because you live in a tiny shared apartment or even a dorm room.If you don’t have the ability to store bulk purchases, is it still worth joining Costco? You’ll need to determine that for yourself. As we discussed above, Costco’s prices on big-ticket items (like laptops and other electronics), as well as deals on tires and optical services could certainly make paying $65 per year for an entry-level Gold Star membership worthwhile.Deciding whether a Costco membership is right for you as a college student comes down to running the numbers for your expenses and seeing if Costco would save you enough money to make that membership fee worth it.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 Best Buy and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Costco is hot, hot, hot — according to Statista, there were 71 million Costco members worldwide at the end of last year. Despite these numbers, joining isn’t necessarily right for everyone. If you’re a college student, it’s worth weighing the benefits of Costco vs. the potential downsides to decide if a membership is for you.

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!

Should you shell out $65 for a Costco Gold Star membership (or $130 for an Executive membership that pays 2% cash back) if you’re currently gearing up for final exams this semester? Let’s take a closer look.

A few ways Costco could save you money as a student

The easiest way to save money at Costco is by buying larger quantities of items you already use, for less money than you’d spend on smaller quantities at the grocery store. But being a current college student may make that difficult. How else can you save at Costco if you’re a college student?

Electronics

You can turn to Costco for electronics purchases — the warehouse giant offers deals on laptops, TVs, cellphones, and more. For example, you can save $120 off the list price for a new 10.2 inch iPad with 256 GB of storage right now — the same iPad will cost you $20 more at Best Buy. Score enough money off even one item like this and the Costco membership will have paid for itself.

You can save even more on Costco buys by using the right credit card. Click here for our picks for the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

Tires and auto insurance

If you’re that lucky college student who has a car (I was that student when I was an undergrad — I drove all my dorm friends around), you’ll need to buy new tires for it every so often. Costco sells tires, and while you may not necessarily pay significantly less for them there than elsewhere, the included fringe benefits (like free installation, rotation, a road hazard warranty, and more) could make it very worthwhile.

Speaking of driving, the odds are good that you pay a pretty penny for auto insurance (due to your age; that’s one of the risk factors car insurers take into consideration when setting premiums for drivers). Costco might help you save here, too. Costco members who take advantage of Costco’s partnership with American Family Insurance saved an average of almost $600 annually on auto insurance.

The best way to save on auto insurance? Shop around. Check out our picks for the best auto insurance companies and compare rates.

Optical services

If you’re having trouble seeing, it’s sure to affect your studies. Luckily, Costco has you covered here too, with Costco Optical. You can get an eye exam (Costco takes vision insurance, if you have it) and buy glasses or contacts either online or in-store.

Glasses wearers can take advantage of Virtual Try-On to see what a given pair of frames will look like. And even if your glasses are from another optician, Costco will still adjust them for you for free.

Should you give Costco a pass until after commencement?

Despite these perks, being a college student might keep you from taking advantage of the most accessible perk of Costco membership: the bulk deals on everyday items, like toilet paper and granola bars. The odds are good at this point in your life that you don’t have a ton of free space at home, because you live in a tiny shared apartment or even a dorm room.

If you don’t have the ability to store bulk purchases, is it still worth joining Costco? You’ll need to determine that for yourself. As we discussed above, Costco’s prices on big-ticket items (like laptops and other electronics), as well as deals on tires and optical services could certainly make paying $65 per year for an entry-level Gold Star membership worthwhile.

Deciding whether a Costco membership is right for you as a college student comes down to running the numbers for your expenses and seeing if Costco would save you enough money to make that membership fee worth it.

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 Best Buy and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Costco is known for its ultra-low prices. And that extends to its food court. Where else can you get a giant hot dog and soda for only $1.50, or a massive slice of pizza for $1.99?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!It used to be that anyone could get a meal from Costco’s food courts. But that rule recently changed. Now, food court access is limited to paying members only.If the idea of not getting to dine at Costco is upsetting to you, then you may be considering joining for the food court alone. But does that make financial sense? Let’s find out.The numbers could workA basic Gold Star membership at Costco costs $65 a year, while an Executive membership costs $130. The Executive membership offers the benefit of 2% cash back on Costco purchases. However, food court purchases are not eligible to earn that 2% cash back. So if you’re thinking of joining for the food court alone, then it certainly doesn’t pay to get the more expensive membership.From there, though, you’ll need to ask yourself whether you’ll enjoy $65 in savings or more in the course of a year. And if you go to a Costco food court often enough, you just might.Say you happen to work near a Costco and typically go there for lunch twice a week, getting a hot dog combo one day and a pizza slice the second day. That’s about $3.50 for both meals.At another eatery, you might pay $10 for a single meal, or $20 for two. So if joining Costco allows you to save $16.50 per week on food, then joining is actually an easy call.At that rate, you’ll make back your $65 membership fee in about four weeks. And all told, you could end up saving over $800 in the course of a year on meals you purchase outside the home.You might as well reap some of the other benefitsSo you can make the case for joining Costco even if the only thing you intend to do there is eat at the food court. And even if you only go there once a month, if you’re able to spend $1.50 on a hot dog combo vs. $10 at a restaurant, you’re saving $8.50 per month, or $102 per year, which is more than the $65 a Gold Star membership costs.But if you’re going to pay that money, you might as well see if there are other Costco perks you can benefit from. And that list may be longer than you’d think.Chances are, you’re getting to Costco by car, not by foot. But did you know that Costco gas is typically some of the cheapest fuel in town? And it’s also high in quality, as evidenced by its TOP TIER™ designation. This means it might give you better gas mileage. So even if you don’t care to shop at Costco, or if buying in bulk doesn’t make sense, you might as well fill up on your car and enjoy savings on fuel.There are also perks of a Costco membership you can use without setting foot in the store. These include booking vacations and using Costco’s approved contractors for home improvement services.And remember, Costco stocks plenty of non-bulk items at its warehouse clubs, from apparel to electronics to home goods. You might enjoy a world of savings thanks to Costco’s competitive prices — especially if you use the right credit card for extra rewards. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.If eating at Costco’s food courts is something you enjoy doing, then it could pay to get a membership for that access alone. But it also pays to explore the many benefits that Costco members get to enjoy.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Costco is known for its ultra-low prices. And that extends to its food court. Where else can you get a giant hot dog and soda for only $1.50, or a massive slice of pizza for $1.99?

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!

It used to be that anyone could get a meal from Costco’s food courts. But that rule recently changed. Now, food court access is limited to paying members only.

If the idea of not getting to dine at Costco is upsetting to you, then you may be considering joining for the food court alone. But does that make financial sense? Let’s find out.

The numbers could work

A basic Gold Star membership at Costco costs $65 a year, while an Executive membership costs $130. The Executive membership offers the benefit of 2% cash back on Costco purchases. However, food court purchases are not eligible to earn that 2% cash back. So if you’re thinking of joining for the food court alone, then it certainly doesn’t pay to get the more expensive membership.

From there, though, you’ll need to ask yourself whether you’ll enjoy $65 in savings or more in the course of a year. And if you go to a Costco food court often enough, you just might.

Say you happen to work near a Costco and typically go there for lunch twice a week, getting a hot dog combo one day and a pizza slice the second day. That’s about $3.50 for both meals.

At another eatery, you might pay $10 for a single meal, or $20 for two. So if joining Costco allows you to save $16.50 per week on food, then joining is actually an easy call.

At that rate, you’ll make back your $65 membership fee in about four weeks. And all told, you could end up saving over $800 in the course of a year on meals you purchase outside the home.

You might as well reap some of the other benefits

So you can make the case for joining Costco even if the only thing you intend to do there is eat at the food court. And even if you only go there once a month, if you’re able to spend $1.50 on a hot dog combo vs. $10 at a restaurant, you’re saving $8.50 per month, or $102 per year, which is more than the $65 a Gold Star membership costs.

But if you’re going to pay that money, you might as well see if there are other Costco perks you can benefit from. And that list may be longer than you’d think.

Chances are, you’re getting to Costco by car, not by foot. But did you know that Costco gas is typically some of the cheapest fuel in town? And it’s also high in quality, as evidenced by its TOP TIER™ designation. This means it might give you better gas mileage. So even if you don’t care to shop at Costco, or if buying in bulk doesn’t make sense, you might as well fill up on your car and enjoy savings on fuel.

There are also perks of a Costco membership you can use without setting foot in the store. These include booking vacations and using Costco’s approved contractors for home improvement services.

And remember, Costco stocks plenty of non-bulk items at its warehouse clubs, from apparel to electronics to home goods. You might enjoy a world of savings thanks to Costco’s competitive prices — especially if you use the right credit card for extra rewards. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

If eating at Costco’s food courts is something you enjoy doing, then it could pay to get a membership for that access alone. But it also pays to explore the many benefits that Costco members get to enjoy.

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

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More