Money Management

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At the last two Federal Reserve Board meetings, the agency cut the federal funds rate — for a total of 0.75%. You might think this means all interest rates will automatically drop by that same amount, but that’s not really how it works.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 federal funds rate is just the rate at which banks lend money to each other in the short term, but it does tend to indicate where mortgage rates and other commercial interest rates will go in the future.And this influences home prices and the activity level of the housing market. So, what does the federal rate cut mean for home prices right now? Let’s walk through it.Short-term prediction: Almost no change or worseRight now, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is sitting at 6.78%, which is up 0.70% over its most recent low in September 2024, prior to the beginning of rate cuts. As of the end of Q3 2024, the median sales price is sitting at $420,400, which is down from its high of $442,600 in Q4 2022. Although that sounds like a lot of change, it’s actually only about a 5% drop, so home prices are more or less steady and have been for a while.Even with the cut in the federal funds rate, mortgage interest rates have only gone up, which is terrible for home prices and home buyers. According to Freddie Mac research, over 60% of mortgages have interest rates at or below 4%. That means there are a lot of homes that aren’t going to go up for sale any time soon because homeowners aren’t really going to see a net gain by selling their current homes.Even if those homeowners religiously checked home mortgage rates, the best mortgage rates they’d find would be significantly higher than what they’re paying now. It doesn’t make financial sense to them to sell.So, for now, we’re still locked in a battle against tight inventory that doesn’t look like it’s going to end any time soon. Some local areas may be seeing this improve a bit, but nationally, there are only three months of supply out there for sale, and houses that are sold are still hotly competitive.This points to no change in home prices in the short term and a risk of prices increasing again if more buyers jump into the pool without a house to sell themselves.Long-term prediction: Housing prices may fall relative to incomesThe short-term outlook is pretty bleak no matter who you ask. But in the longer term, things are likely to be a bit better. When I say longer term, though, we’re talking about years and not months.Eventually, mortgage interest rates should catch up to the overall interest rate trends and cool somewhat. They have to cool pretty significantly to free enough of those 60% of homeowners locked in their golden handcuffs to move the needle, though. I do think that will happen — or people will simply age out of their homes and put them up for sale when they have to move to assisted living or other supportive senior housing.Boomers and older Gen Xers have been reluctant to give up their homes and are instead making changes to them so they can stay in place longer, but time stops for no man. When this happens, it will be a slow trickle at the same time that more housing is being built to combat shortages, but it all flows into the same pool.A significant gain in housing availability will push prices lower relative to incomes, and finally, the people who’ve been waiting on the sidelines to buy a home will be able to get into something they can afford. But again, this is a matter of years, not of months, so if you’re shopping for a house now, it’s still going to be rough out there.What you can do today to buy a home you can affordDon’t panic about this news — you can buy a house now. There’s nothing saying that you can’t. But you may have to make some adjustments to your overall game plan. Consider:Choosing a home farther from city centers, where prices are lowerLooking at homes that may need some repairs or updatesBuying in a small town that’s within reasonable commuting distance to your workPicking a multi-family building or a home with a room or accessory unit you can rent out for extra incomeBut first, meet with a few mortgage lenders to get prequalified for a home loan. Check out our list of some of our favorite lenders — it’s a great place to get started.Being prequalified leaves you with no doubt of what you can afford and what your money can buy, which aren’t always the same thing. That way, you can focus your efforts on the houses that make sense for you. No matter what housing prices are doing, you can only afford what you can afford, so focus on the factors that matter to you and not the overall market trends.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.Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

At the last two Federal Reserve Board meetings, the agency cut the federal funds rate — for a total of 0.75%. You might think this means all interest rates will automatically drop by that same amount, but that’s not really how it works.

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 federal funds rate is just the rate at which banks lend money to each other in the short term, but it does tend to indicate where mortgage rates and other commercial interest rates will go in the future.

And this influences home prices and the activity level of the housing market. So, what does the federal rate cut mean for home prices right now? Let’s walk through it.

Short-term prediction: Almost no change or worse

Right now, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is sitting at 6.78%, which is up 0.70% over its most recent low in September 2024, prior to the beginning of rate cuts. As of the end of Q3 2024, the median sales price is sitting at $420,400, which is down from its high of $442,600 in Q4 2022. Although that sounds like a lot of change, it’s actually only about a 5% drop, so home prices are more or less steady and have been for a while.

Even with the cut in the federal funds rate, mortgage interest rates have only gone up, which is terrible for home prices and home buyers. According to Freddie Mac research, over 60% of mortgages have interest rates at or below 4%. That means there are a lot of homes that aren’t going to go up for sale any time soon because homeowners aren’t really going to see a net gain by selling their current homes.

Even if those homeowners religiously checked home mortgage rates, the best mortgage rates they’d find would be significantly higher than what they’re paying now. It doesn’t make financial sense to them to sell.

So, for now, we’re still locked in a battle against tight inventory that doesn’t look like it’s going to end any time soon. Some local areas may be seeing this improve a bit, but nationally, there are only three months of supply out there for sale, and houses that are sold are still hotly competitive.

This points to no change in home prices in the short term and a risk of prices increasing again if more buyers jump into the pool without a house to sell themselves.

Long-term prediction: Housing prices may fall relative to incomes

The short-term outlook is pretty bleak no matter who you ask. But in the longer term, things are likely to be a bit better. When I say longer term, though, we’re talking about years and not months.

Eventually, mortgage interest rates should catch up to the overall interest rate trends and cool somewhat. They have to cool pretty significantly to free enough of those 60% of homeowners locked in their golden handcuffs to move the needle, though. I do think that will happen — or people will simply age out of their homes and put them up for sale when they have to move to assisted living or other supportive senior housing.

Boomers and older Gen Xers have been reluctant to give up their homes and are instead making changes to them so they can stay in place longer, but time stops for no man. When this happens, it will be a slow trickle at the same time that more housing is being built to combat shortages, but it all flows into the same pool.

A significant gain in housing availability will push prices lower relative to incomes, and finally, the people who’ve been waiting on the sidelines to buy a home will be able to get into something they can afford. But again, this is a matter of years, not of months, so if you’re shopping for a house now, it’s still going to be rough out there.

What you can do today to buy a home you can afford

Don’t panic about this news — you can buy a house now. There’s nothing saying that you can’t. But you may have to make some adjustments to your overall game plan. Consider:

Choosing a home farther from city centers, where prices are lowerLooking at homes that may need some repairs or updatesBuying in a small town that’s within reasonable commuting distance to your workPicking a multi-family building or a home with a room or accessory unit you can rent out for extra income

But first, meet with a few mortgage lenders to get prequalified for a home loan. Check out our list of some of our favorite lenders — it’s a great place to get started.

Being prequalified leaves you with no doubt of what you can afford and what your money can buy, which aren’t always the same thing. That way, you can focus your efforts on the houses that make sense for you. No matter what housing prices are doing, you can only afford what you can afford, so focus on the factors that matter to you and not the overall market trends.

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool
Now that we’re approaching the busy holiday season, many companies are running gift card promotions to encourage shoppers to spend money. Many eateries and retailers offer bonus gift cards to those who purchase gift cards within a set time period. These promotions offer an easy way to get extra money to spend at your favorite retailers.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 before shopping for these gift card offers, check to see if you can save more money with your Costco card. Costco sells discounted gift cards to many popular retailers — and the savings may be better. You may also have more flexibility in how you use the gift cards you buy.Before buying gift cards this holiday season, here’s what to consider.’Tis the season of gift card dealsAs we approach the end of the year, many brands are looking for ways to increase customer spending. The upcoming holidays make it a popular time of year to shop. For these reasons, many companies are running gift card promotions now or will be in the coming weeks.These deals can be worthwhile, especially if you plan to buy gift cards. You can give gift cards to your loved ones during the holidays or purchase gift cards for your favorite brands and use the funds for your regular spending in the future. Either option is a win for your checking account.But before loading up on gift cards because of promotions like this, consider whether it’s a good offer. Many companies provide bonus certificates or gift cards if you meet their gift card spending requirements in the set time frame. But often, these bonus rewards have restrictions.Here’s an example: I recently received an email that outlined a Panera gift card promotion. Throughout the end of the year, shoppers can earn a $10 bonus card for every $50 spent on Panera gift cards. Sounds great, right? But there is one restriction that is worth mentioning. The bonus card can only be redeemed in January.This deal may not appeal to those who don’t want to be restricted with how and when they use their bonus earnings. Before taking advantage of a gift card promotion like this, review the offer details carefully so you know what to expect.Want to maximize your savings? Use a rewards credit card to pay for your next Costco haul. Click here to explore our list of top credit cards for Costco shoppers.Here’s another way to save on gift cardsPromotions like the one mentioned above aren’t the only way to save. If you have a Costco membership, you can unlock discounts on gift cards. The warehouse club brand sells various gift cards at a discount off face value, including restaurant, lifestyle, and travel gift cards.You won’t find Panera gift cards there. But there are plenty of other great deals that offer big savings. Here are just a few gift card deals that you can shop at Costco or Costco.com:Get four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $74.99Buy four $25 TGI Friday’s gift cards for $79.99Purchase two $50 Uber gift cards for $79.99Get two $50 Dave & Busters gift cards for $79.99You may want to consider whether using your Costco membership perks is a better way to save on gift card purchases this holiday season. Taking advantage of all the members-only perks and discounts available to you can help you maximize your Costco membership.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 Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Now that we’re approaching the busy holiday season, many companies are running gift card promotions to encourage shoppers to spend money. Many eateries and retailers offer bonus gift cards to those who purchase gift cards within a set time period. These promotions offer an easy way to get extra money to spend at your favorite retailers.

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 before shopping for these gift card offers, check to see if you can save more money with your Costco card. Costco sells discounted gift cards to many popular retailers — and the savings may be better. You may also have more flexibility in how you use the gift cards you buy.

Before buying gift cards this holiday season, here’s what to consider.

‘Tis the season of gift card deals

As we approach the end of the year, many brands are looking for ways to increase customer spending. The upcoming holidays make it a popular time of year to shop. For these reasons, many companies are running gift card promotions now or will be in the coming weeks.

These deals can be worthwhile, especially if you plan to buy gift cards. You can give gift cards to your loved ones during the holidays or purchase gift cards for your favorite brands and use the funds for your regular spending in the future. Either option is a win for your checking account.

But before loading up on gift cards because of promotions like this, consider whether it’s a good offer. Many companies provide bonus certificates or gift cards if you meet their gift card spending requirements in the set time frame. But often, these bonus rewards have restrictions.

Here’s an example: I recently received an email that outlined a Panera gift card promotion. Throughout the end of the year, shoppers can earn a $10 bonus card for every $50 spent on Panera gift cards. Sounds great, right? But there is one restriction that is worth mentioning. The bonus card can only be redeemed in January.

This deal may not appeal to those who don’t want to be restricted with how and when they use their bonus earnings. Before taking advantage of a gift card promotion like this, review the offer details carefully so you know what to expect.

Want to maximize your savings? Use a rewards credit card to pay for your next Costco haul. Click here to explore our list of top credit cards for Costco shoppers.

Here’s another way to save on gift cards

Promotions like the one mentioned above aren’t the only way to save. If you have a Costco membership, you can unlock discounts on gift cards. The warehouse club brand sells various gift cards at a discount off face value, including restaurant, lifestyle, and travel gift cards.

You won’t find Panera gift cards there. But there are plenty of other great deals that offer big savings. Here are just a few gift card deals that you can shop at Costco or Costco.com:

Get four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $74.99Buy four $25 TGI Friday’s gift cards for $79.99Purchase two $50 Uber gift cards for $79.99Get two $50 Dave & Busters gift cards for $79.99

You may want to consider whether using your Costco membership perks is a better way to save on gift card purchases this holiday season. Taking advantage of all the members-only perks and discounts available to you can help you maximize your Costco membership.

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 Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
I’ve been a Costco member for 18 years now. And during that time, my shopping list has undergone some shifts.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!When my kids were younger, my Costco purchases consisted largely of diapers and baby wipes. Now, I’m constantly buying snacks to replenish our ever-dwindling supply — a side effect of having an almost-teenage son and twin daughters who aren’t so far behind.There are certain items at Costco I find myself buying on an almost-weekly basis. Here are three I can’t seem to do without.1. Bulk paper towelsSeeing as how I typically buy 12 rolls of paper towels at a time, it might astound you to learn that I often find myself replenishing my supply on a weekly basis. But alas, when you have daughters who love to bake and make slime, and when you have two large, clumsy dogs who love nothing more than to knock over your drink when the cup is filled to the top, you end up having to buy paper towels pretty often.This isn’t to say I buy 12 rolls of paper towel every week. But I easily buy 24 rolls per month. And I’m grateful to be able to save money on them thanks to Costco’s great prices.My go-to paper towel brand is Bounty, and I find that Costco often has the best price on that item. Right now, a 12-count of Bounty Advanced costs $29.99 at Costco.com. But Costco’s online prices are almost always more expensive than the in-store prices, so usually, I pay less. At Amazon, a 12-roll count of Bounty Advanced costs $43.95 right now.Whether I’m buying paper towels or something else at Costco, I use a credit card that gives me extra cash back on my purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.2. Kirkland peanut butter pretzel nuggetsAs I alluded to earlier, we’re a household of snackers. And while I don’t deny my kids gummy bears, sour worms, and other treats that are completely devoid of nutritional value, I also like to stock up on snacks that are actually filling and not just loaded with sugar.Kirkland peanut butter pretzel nuggets fit the bill there. They’re low in sugar and have a bit of protein thanks to the peanut butter component. They’re also downright delicious. And so even though Costco sells them in a 55-ounce tub with about that many individual servings, I find myself replenishing these bad boys most weeks.The online price for Kirkland peanut butter pretzels is $11.99, but remember, in-store prices are lower. I typically spend less than $10 when I buy them in person. Trader Joe’s sells a similar product, but there, you’ll pay $2.49 for 16 ounces. So when you do the math based on Costco’s in-person price, Costco edges out Trader Joe’s by just a bit.3. Bulk produceWe’ve clearly established that snacks are a big part of my family’s diet. So I make a point to balance that with plenty of fruits and vegetables. And I’m grateful for the ability to buy those in bulk at Costco for the savings involved.The money you’ll spend on produce at Costco will depend on what you’re buying and what price is available at the time. At my local store, I find that prices can fluctuate quite a bit. Sometimes I’ll pay $5.99 for a bulk supply of broccoli, while other times I’ll pay closer to $8.But when I compare the price of bulk produce at Costco to my local supermarket, Costco pretty much always wins by a long shot. If your family eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, I suggest buying the items you consume regularly at Costco.However, I’ll caution you not to buy produce in bulk if it’s an item you only eat on occasion. Unlike paper towels and peanut butter pretzels, produce will go bad pretty quickly. So limit your purchases to foods you eat most days of the week. In my house, that list includes cucumbers, strawberries, and raspberries.So there you have it — my list of Costco essentials I can’t do without. And if you have products you need to buy almost every week, I suggest checking out the prices at Costco and seeing what they look like.But also take advantage of rotating sales if you have the storage space. I’ll often buy 24 rolls of paper towels at a time when they’re on sale, and that saves me a lot of money. And even though I often inevitably blow some of that savings on snacks, overall, it’s still a win.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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

I’ve been a Costco member for 18 years now. And during that time, my shopping list has undergone some shifts.

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!

When my kids were younger, my Costco purchases consisted largely of diapers and baby wipes. Now, I’m constantly buying snacks to replenish our ever-dwindling supply — a side effect of having an almost-teenage son and twin daughters who aren’t so far behind.

There are certain items at Costco I find myself buying on an almost-weekly basis. Here are three I can’t seem to do without.

1. Bulk paper towels

Seeing as how I typically buy 12 rolls of paper towels at a time, it might astound you to learn that I often find myself replenishing my supply on a weekly basis. But alas, when you have daughters who love to bake and make slime, and when you have two large, clumsy dogs who love nothing more than to knock over your drink when the cup is filled to the top, you end up having to buy paper towels pretty often.

This isn’t to say I buy 12 rolls of paper towel every week. But I easily buy 24 rolls per month. And I’m grateful to be able to save money on them thanks to Costco’s great prices.

My go-to paper towel brand is Bounty, and I find that Costco often has the best price on that item. Right now, a 12-count of Bounty Advanced costs $29.99 at Costco.com. But Costco’s online prices are almost always more expensive than the in-store prices, so usually, I pay less. At Amazon, a 12-roll count of Bounty Advanced costs $43.95 right now.

Whether I’m buying paper towels or something else at Costco, I use a credit card that gives me extra cash back on my purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

2. Kirkland peanut butter pretzel nuggets

As I alluded to earlier, we’re a household of snackers. And while I don’t deny my kids gummy bears, sour worms, and other treats that are completely devoid of nutritional value, I also like to stock up on snacks that are actually filling and not just loaded with sugar.

Kirkland peanut butter pretzel nuggets fit the bill there. They’re low in sugar and have a bit of protein thanks to the peanut butter component. They’re also downright delicious. And so even though Costco sells them in a 55-ounce tub with about that many individual servings, I find myself replenishing these bad boys most weeks.

The online price for Kirkland peanut butter pretzels is $11.99, but remember, in-store prices are lower. I typically spend less than $10 when I buy them in person. Trader Joe’s sells a similar product, but there, you’ll pay $2.49 for 16 ounces. So when you do the math based on Costco’s in-person price, Costco edges out Trader Joe’s by just a bit.

3. Bulk produce

We’ve clearly established that snacks are a big part of my family’s diet. So I make a point to balance that with plenty of fruits and vegetables. And I’m grateful for the ability to buy those in bulk at Costco for the savings involved.

The money you’ll spend on produce at Costco will depend on what you’re buying and what price is available at the time. At my local store, I find that prices can fluctuate quite a bit. Sometimes I’ll pay $5.99 for a bulk supply of broccoli, while other times I’ll pay closer to $8.

But when I compare the price of bulk produce at Costco to my local supermarket, Costco pretty much always wins by a long shot. If your family eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, I suggest buying the items you consume regularly at Costco.

However, I’ll caution you not to buy produce in bulk if it’s an item you only eat on occasion. Unlike paper towels and peanut butter pretzels, produce will go bad pretty quickly. So limit your purchases to foods you eat most days of the week. In my house, that list includes cucumbers, strawberries, and raspberries.

So there you have it — my list of Costco essentials I can’t do without. And if you have products you need to buy almost every week, I suggest checking out the prices at Costco and seeing what they look like.

But also take advantage of rotating sales if you have the storage space. I’ll often buy 24 rolls of paper towels at a time when they’re on sale, and that saves me a lot of money. And even though I often inevitably blow some of that savings on snacks, overall, it’s still a win.

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
In case you hadn’t noticed, CD rates have been falling over the past couple of months. The drop is a result of the Federal Reserve lowering its benchmark interest rate twice now in response to cooling inflation.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. You may be eager to open a CD before rates fall even more. And the good news is that with many CDs still paying above 4%, you have a great opportunity to earn a nice amount of interest on your money. Click here for a list of the best CD rates today.But one thing you don’t want to do is overfund a CD. So if you have $10,000 to work with, you’ll want to ask yourself whether all of that cash should go into a CD or whether it pays to deposit less — or none at all.Are you set for emergencies?It’s important to have access to money for unplanned expenses at all times. You just never know when your car might die, your roof might spring a leak, or your employer might tell you that you’re out of a job.Ideally, you should maintain an emergency fund with enough money to cover at least three months of essential expenses. If you have $10,000 on top of three months of living expenses, then putting $10,000 into a CD may not be a bad idea. But make sure to keep your entire emergency fund in a savings account so you have easy access to that cash at all times.The good news is that many savings accounts today are paying almost as much interest as CDs. Granted, savings account rates aren’t set in stone. But for now, you can enjoy a higher rate while it’s still available. Click here for a list of the best high-yield savings accounts for your money.What’s the timing of your goals?The money you put into a CD is money you won’t have access to until that CD matures — unless you’re willing to take an early withdrawal penalty, which most banks charge. Because of this, you’ll need to think about the timing of your financial goals.Say there’s a chance you’ll buy a house next year if mortgage rates drop. If you put $10,000 into a 12-month CD this November but find that you’re ready to buy a home in May, you’re in a bad spot. You won’t be able to access your $10,000 for another six months, so you’ll either need to wait on that home purchase or risk a penalty fee.That’s why you need to make sure that any money you put into a CD, whether it’s $10,000 or a different sum, is money you won’t need too soon. If you’re not sure about your timeline, you’re better off sticking to a savings account.There’s a flipside to this, though. If you have $10,000 you don’t expect to need for a long time, rather than put it into a CD, you should consider investing it in a brokerage account. Or, open an individual retirement account (IRA) if you want that money earmarked specifically for retirement.Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%, which far surpasses the top CD rates today. And if you don’t think you’ll be using your $10,000 for many years, you have plenty of time to ride out potential stock market downturns and make money. In fact, a $10,000 investment today could be worth more than $108,000 in 25 years if you’re able to generate a yearly 10% return in your portfolio during that time.Whether $10,000 is too much to put into a CD this November really depends on you and your goals for the money. If it’s part of your emergency fund or cash you might need very soon, then it’s too much. If it’s cash you won’t need for a long time and can invest at a higher rate of return, it’s also too much.But if you’re saving for a goal that’s a few years away, putting $10,000 into a 12-month CD could be a great way to earn some risk-free interest while rates are still high enough to be tempting.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”:”

In case you hadn’t noticed, CD rates have been falling over the past couple of months. The drop is a result of the Federal Reserve lowering its benchmark interest rate twice now in response to cooling inflation.

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.

You may be eager to open a CD before rates fall even more. And the good news is that with many CDs still paying above 4%, you have a great opportunity to earn a nice amount of interest on your money. Click here for a list of the best CD rates today.

But one thing you don’t want to do is overfund a CD. So if you have $10,000 to work with, you’ll want to ask yourself whether all of that cash should go into a CD or whether it pays to deposit less — or none at all.

Are you set for emergencies?

It’s important to have access to money for unplanned expenses at all times. You just never know when your car might die, your roof might spring a leak, or your employer might tell you that you’re out of a job.

Ideally, you should maintain an emergency fund with enough money to cover at least three months of essential expenses. If you have $10,000 on top of three months of living expenses, then putting $10,000 into a CD may not be a bad idea. But make sure to keep your entire emergency fund in a savings account so you have easy access to that cash at all times.

The good news is that many savings accounts today are paying almost as much interest as CDs. Granted, savings account rates aren’t set in stone. But for now, you can enjoy a higher rate while it’s still available. Click here for a list of the best high-yield savings accounts for your money.

What’s the timing of your goals?

The money you put into a CD is money you won’t have access to until that CD matures — unless you’re willing to take an early withdrawal penalty, which most banks charge. Because of this, you’ll need to think about the timing of your financial goals.

Say there’s a chance you’ll buy a house next year if mortgage rates drop. If you put $10,000 into a 12-month CD this November but find that you’re ready to buy a home in May, you’re in a bad spot. You won’t be able to access your $10,000 for another six months, so you’ll either need to wait on that home purchase or risk a penalty fee.

That’s why you need to make sure that any money you put into a CD, whether it’s $10,000 or a different sum, is money you won’t need too soon. If you’re not sure about your timeline, you’re better off sticking to a savings account.

There’s a flipside to this, though. If you have $10,000 you don’t expect to need for a long time, rather than put it into a CD, you should consider investing it in a brokerage account. Or, open an individual retirement account (IRA) if you want that money earmarked specifically for retirement.

Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%, which far surpasses the top CD rates today. And if you don’t think you’ll be using your $10,000 for many years, you have plenty of time to ride out potential stock market downturns and make money. In fact, a $10,000 investment today could be worth more than $108,000 in 25 years if you’re able to generate a yearly 10% return in your portfolio during that time.

Whether $10,000 is too much to put into a CD this November really depends on you and your goals for the money. If it’s part of your emergency fund or cash you might need very soon, then it’s too much. If it’s cash you won’t need for a long time and can invest at a higher rate of return, it’s also too much.

But if you’re saving for a goal that’s a few years away, putting $10,000 into a 12-month CD could be a great way to earn some risk-free interest while rates are still high enough to be tempting.

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
For years, I got my Costco membership value strictly from the pharmacy, and that was fine. I didn’t buy much, but what I did buy absolutely made having the membership worthwhile. And once in a while, I’d get something off the Black Friday sales fliers for a little extra oomph.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 I decided last week that with my grocery bill at an all-time high, I’d find a way to squeeze some more value out of that Costco membership. Upon setting foot inside the grocery section of the warehouse, I immediately realized two things: One, that I could definitely save a lot of money very quickly, and two, that I was not at all equipped to do so.So, before you make the decision I made and come to the same horrifying conclusion, let me tell you about some things you need to maximize your Costco savings.1. StorageI’m afraid I never realized just how big the product packages are at Costco. I know this sounds ridiculous, but when I ordered from the pharmacy, the packages were reasonably small, though they certainly contained a lot of allergy pills or what have you.I had no idea how many rolls of paper towels or cans of tomatoes were in one package from Costco. And because of this, I was ill-prepared for really fleshing out my grocery list there when I was doing my big shopping trip last week.So, before you do anything, make sure you have plenty of places to tuck things away, like a big pantry or a lot of extra space under your bed for all those thousands of paper towel rolls.2. Freezer spaceIf you’re going to buy groceries at Costco like I intend to, you’ll need more than just storage for paper goods or nonperishable food. You’re also going to need cold storage. Even the smaller packages I bought were monsters compared to the biggest boxes from the nearest supermarkets. So, before I got too serious, I also bought a freezer — at Costco.The warehouse giant has a few different models on offer. The one I went with was a 11-cubic-foot Hamilton Beach upright with seven neat little bins inside. It was only $299 at my warehouse. If you order it online, it’s $399 with delivery, but you can also include it in your Costco Direct order and save on shipping with multiple items.If you’re planning on buying a freezer, you certainly can save a bundle at Costco by taking it home with you that day. But you can save even more by paying with a cash back credit card. Check out our curated list of the best credit cards to use at Costco.3. Someone to split withDespite having all of these things, you may still run into goods that are just more than you can fathom. Do you really need a 20-pound bag of rice? If you don’t have a family to feed, you may want to consider splitting that with a friend.The same goes for those enormous containers of paper goods or giant packs of canned vegetables. There’s just a lot there, and some of it might go bad before you actually get around to using it — and at that point, you’re not really saving money.You don’t both need memberships for you to go in and buy a crate of fresh tomatoes and 17 pineapples to split with a friend. You can go on your own and split it all at home — meaning you get to keep any potential cash back rewards you might earn from a cash back app for yourself. Or save the rewards for a special night out with your grocery buddy — your choice.Plan ahead for Costco savingsCostco is a great place to save money on the products you use all the time as well as those special purchases like couches and televisions, but you’re really going to have to plan ahead for the best results. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw on my first trip, but by the time I went back, I was armed and ready.You can be, too.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.Kristi Waterworth 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”:”

For years, I got my Costco membership value strictly from the pharmacy, and that was fine. I didn’t buy much, but what I did buy absolutely made having the membership worthwhile. And once in a while, I’d get something off the Black Friday sales fliers for a little extra oomph.

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 I decided last week that with my grocery bill at an all-time high, I’d find a way to squeeze some more value out of that Costco membership. Upon setting foot inside the grocery section of the warehouse, I immediately realized two things: One, that I could definitely save a lot of money very quickly, and two, that I was not at all equipped to do so.

So, before you make the decision I made and come to the same horrifying conclusion, let me tell you about some things you need to maximize your Costco savings.

1. Storage

I’m afraid I never realized just how big the product packages are at Costco. I know this sounds ridiculous, but when I ordered from the pharmacy, the packages were reasonably small, though they certainly contained a lot of allergy pills or what have you.

I had no idea how many rolls of paper towels or cans of tomatoes were in one package from Costco. And because of this, I was ill-prepared for really fleshing out my grocery list there when I was doing my big shopping trip last week.

So, before you do anything, make sure you have plenty of places to tuck things away, like a big pantry or a lot of extra space under your bed for all those thousands of paper towel rolls.

2. Freezer space

If you’re going to buy groceries at Costco like I intend to, you’ll need more than just storage for paper goods or nonperishable food. You’re also going to need cold storage. Even the smaller packages I bought were monsters compared to the biggest boxes from the nearest supermarkets. So, before I got too serious, I also bought a freezer — at Costco.

The warehouse giant has a few different models on offer. The one I went with was a 11-cubic-foot Hamilton Beach upright with seven neat little bins inside. It was only $299 at my warehouse. If you order it online, it’s $399 with delivery, but you can also include it in your Costco Direct order and save on shipping with multiple items.

If you’re planning on buying a freezer, you certainly can save a bundle at Costco by taking it home with you that day. But you can save even more by paying with a cash back credit card. Check out our curated list of the best credit cards to use at Costco.

3. Someone to split with

Despite having all of these things, you may still run into goods that are just more than you can fathom. Do you really need a 20-pound bag of rice? If you don’t have a family to feed, you may want to consider splitting that with a friend.

The same goes for those enormous containers of paper goods or giant packs of canned vegetables. There’s just a lot there, and some of it might go bad before you actually get around to using it — and at that point, you’re not really saving money.

You don’t both need memberships for you to go in and buy a crate of fresh tomatoes and 17 pineapples to split with a friend. You can go on your own and split it all at home — meaning you get to keep any potential cash back rewards you might earn from a cash back app for yourself. Or save the rewards for a special night out with your grocery buddy — your choice.

Plan ahead for Costco savings

Costco is a great place to save money on the products you use all the time as well as those special purchases like couches and televisions, but you’re really going to have to plan ahead for the best results. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw on my first trip, but by the time I went back, I was armed and ready.

You can be, too.

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
A high-yield savings account should be a good place to keep some of your money. High-yield accounts usually pay well above the national average interest rate and are a way better option than standard savings accounts that are currently paying an average of 0.45%, according to the FDIC.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. In some cases, though, you could actually end up losing money with your high-yield savings account. Here are three situations when that could happen to you.1. Invest more than the FDIC-insured limitOne of the most dangerous risks you could take with a high-yield savings account is putting more money into it than the FDIC will protect.The FDIC insures your deposit against bank failure so if your financial institution goes under, you won’t lose what you have in your account. However, there’s a limit on this coverage. You’re protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, for each account ownership category. That means if you have more than that amount, you risk uncompensated losses.Banks can and do fail, even in this day and age. There’s no real reason to put your money on the line and gamble on everything being OK. If you have a large sum of money at stake, make sure your funds are spread between multiple FDIC-insured banks or accounts.2. Get hit with penalties and feesIf you pay penalties and fees, you could also lose money. These charges could include monthly maintenance fees, inactivity fees, or fees associated with making too many withdrawals from a savings account over the course of the month.The last thing you want is for money that should be growing to shrink because your bank is charging you unnecessary fees. To avoid this, check out our picks for the best high-yield savings accounts. You’ll find tons of fee-free options that pay well above the national average rate, offer FDIC insurance, and can help you grow richer instead of just making your bank’s balance statement bigger.3. Lose out on higher returns elsewhereFinally, you could lose money if you put too much in savings and forget to consider the opportunity cost.The reality is that even high-yield savings accounts are typically going to offer a maximum return on investment of around 4.00% to 5.00%, and they’re often going to pay less than that depending on the economic climate. This is a lot less than you can earn if you put the money into a brokerage account and buy an S&P 500 index fund that’s consistently provided a 10% average rate of return over the long term.If you have a long enough timeline that you can afford to take the risk of a temporary market downturn and wait out a recovery, your money should not be in savings. It should be invested instead.Click here to explore great brokerage accounts with no minimum balance requirements that make investing easy and that don’t charge fees. If you open one, you can put any money that you won’t need for a few years into it and avoid losing out on all the extra returns you’d pass up by sticking the money in savings instead.Now you know some of the common ways that savings accounts can cost you money, so you can avoid them and end up richer in the end.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”:”

A high-yield savings account should be a good place to keep some of your money. High-yield accounts usually pay well above the national average interest rate and are a way better option than standard savings accounts that are currently paying an average of 0.45%, according to the FDIC.

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.

In some cases, though, you could actually end up losing money with your high-yield savings account. Here are three situations when that could happen to you.

1. Invest more than the FDIC-insured limit

One of the most dangerous risks you could take with a high-yield savings account is putting more money into it than the FDIC will protect.

The FDIC insures your deposit against bank failure so if your financial institution goes under, you won’t lose what you have in your account. However, there’s a limit on this coverage. You’re protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, for each account ownership category. That means if you have more than that amount, you risk uncompensated losses.

Banks can and do fail, even in this day and age. There’s no real reason to put your money on the line and gamble on everything being OK. If you have a large sum of money at stake, make sure your funds are spread between multiple FDIC-insured banks or accounts.

2. Get hit with penalties and fees

If you pay penalties and fees, you could also lose money. These charges could include monthly maintenance fees, inactivity fees, or fees associated with making too many withdrawals from a savings account over the course of the month.

The last thing you want is for money that should be growing to shrink because your bank is charging you unnecessary fees. To avoid this, check out our picks for the best high-yield savings accounts. You’ll find tons of fee-free options that pay well above the national average rate, offer FDIC insurance, and can help you grow richer instead of just making your bank’s balance statement bigger.

3. Lose out on higher returns elsewhere

Finally, you could lose money if you put too much in savings and forget to consider the opportunity cost.

The reality is that even high-yield savings accounts are typically going to offer a maximum return on investment of around 4.00% to 5.00%, and they’re often going to pay less than that depending on the economic climate. This is a lot less than you can earn if you put the money into a brokerage account and buy an S&P 500 index fund that’s consistently provided a 10% average rate of return over the long term.

If you have a long enough timeline that you can afford to take the risk of a temporary market downturn and wait out a recovery, your money should not be in savings. It should be invested instead.

Click here to explore great brokerage accounts with no minimum balance requirements that make investing easy and that don’t charge fees. If you open one, you can put any money that you won’t need for a few years into it and avoid losing out on all the extra returns you’d pass up by sticking the money in savings instead.

Now you know some of the common ways that savings accounts can cost you money, so you can avoid them and end up richer in the end.

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