Money Management

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If you spend any time in personal finance groups or reading about personal finance, you’ve likely heard about Dave Ramsey. He’s an author and personal finance expert, likely best known for his book The Total Money Makeover and his step-by-step program for getting out of debt. Many people struggling with debt turn to him for help paying down debt and building wealth.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. He says you should live below your means and use the snowball method to pay off debt. This method involves tackling your smallest debt first, then using that freed-up payment amount to take on the next debt, gradually building momentum as you go. That’s solid advice for anyone.But he has some questionable hiring practices (like requiring spouses to interview as well as potential employees) and some even worse advice. Here are three pieces of his advice you should definitely reconsider.1. Don’t invest until debt is paid offDave Ramsey’s “The 7 Baby Steps” are meant to help people take control of their money by creating an emergency fund and paying off all debt besides your house. Then (and only then) are you supposed to start investing for retirement.Getting out of debt is important, but the average American has more than $6,000 in credit card debt and nearly $24,000 in auto loan debt. That could take years to pay off — years you’re missing out on compounding interest and, possibly, a 401(k) match from your employer (which is essentially free money for retirement).Instead, try to put at least enough into your 401(k) to get the full match. If you have high-interest debt, aim to pay that off quickly, but don’t entirely put off saving for retirement until all other debts are paid off. Taking a balanced approach will help you get out of debt and build momentum for retirement.Need help getting out of debt? These budgeting apps help you track where your money goes.2. Don’t focus on your credit scoreRamsey argues that credit scores are unimportant, calling them an “I love debt” rating. But here’s the thing: A good credit score doesn’t mean you’re planning to take on more debt. And a personal finance expert telling people to ignore their credit score isn’t just bad advice; it’s downright dangerous for some.Having a good credit score can help you afford a safe place to live, either by landing a lower mortgage rate or being able to rent an apartment in a safe area. Employers sometimes use credit scores when they do background checks for potential hires. Car insurance companies and cellphone service providers may base your rates on your credit score, so a low credit score can cost you money.Having an 850 credit score doesn’t mean you’ve reached the pinnacle of financial success. But having a good credit score (or even a bad one!) is not a moral failing, and it’s important to remember that credit scores are used for more than just opening lines of credit.Comparing rates can lower your car insurance costs, no matter your credit score. Check out the cheapest car insurance companies.3. Pay off your mortgage earlyRamsey typically advocates for paying off your mortgage early. He says being completely debt-free, including mortgage debt, provides financial freedom and security. Once other debts are paid off and you have an emergency fund, he suggests directing extra funds toward your mortgage.But it doesn’t always make financial sense to pay off your mortgage early, especially if you have a lower interest rate. I recently wrote about how I stopped making extra payments on my mortgage because once I did the math, it didn’t make sense.My mortgage rate is below 4%, while the S&P 500 has an average return of 12.8% over the past 10 years. That means I can likely earn 8% more by putting money into investments. There are risks of market fluctuations, of course, but the potential return is worth it — at least in my case.There are some times when it makes sense to pay off your mortgage early. If you’re planning to retire soon and want to get rid of your largest expense, for example. Or maybe you just want to lift the burden of having to make that payment every month.Just take the time to make sure it makes sense for your financial situation and your goals — in fact, that’s a good idea no matter where you get your personal finance advice.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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you spend any time in personal finance groups or reading about personal finance, you’ve likely heard about Dave Ramsey. He’s an author and personal finance expert, likely best known for his book The Total Money Makeover and his step-by-step program for getting out of debt. Many people struggling with debt turn to him for help paying down debt and building wealth.

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.

He says you should live below your means and use the snowball method to pay off debt. This method involves tackling your smallest debt first, then using that freed-up payment amount to take on the next debt, gradually building momentum as you go. That’s solid advice for anyone.

But he has some questionable hiring practices (like requiring spouses to interview as well as potential employees) and some even worse advice. Here are three pieces of his advice you should definitely reconsider.

1. Don’t invest until debt is paid off

Dave Ramsey’s “The 7 Baby Steps” are meant to help people take control of their money by creating an emergency fund and paying off all debt besides your house. Then (and only then) are you supposed to start investing for retirement.

Getting out of debt is important, but the average American has more than $6,000 in credit card debt and nearly $24,000 in auto loan debt. That could take years to pay off — years you’re missing out on compounding interest and, possibly, a 401(k) match from your employer (which is essentially free money for retirement).

Instead, try to put at least enough into your 401(k) to get the full match. If you have high-interest debt, aim to pay that off quickly, but don’t entirely put off saving for retirement until all other debts are paid off. Taking a balanced approach will help you get out of debt and build momentum for retirement.

Need help getting out of debt? These budgeting apps help you track where your money goes.

2. Don’t focus on your credit score

Ramsey argues that credit scores are unimportant, calling them an “I love debt” rating. But here’s the thing: A good credit score doesn’t mean you’re planning to take on more debt. And a personal finance expert telling people to ignore their credit score isn’t just bad advice; it’s downright dangerous for some.

Having a good credit score can help you afford a safe place to live, either by landing a lower mortgage rate or being able to rent an apartment in a safe area. Employers sometimes use credit scores when they do background checks for potential hires. Car insurance companies and cellphone service providers may base your rates on your credit score, so a low credit score can cost you money.

Having an 850 credit score doesn’t mean you’ve reached the pinnacle of financial success. But having a good credit score (or even a bad one!) is not a moral failing, and it’s important to remember that credit scores are used for more than just opening lines of credit.

Comparing rates can lower your car insurance costs, no matter your credit score. Check out the cheapest car insurance companies.

3. Pay off your mortgage early

Ramsey typically advocates for paying off your mortgage early. He says being completely debt-free, including mortgage debt, provides financial freedom and security. Once other debts are paid off and you have an emergency fund, he suggests directing extra funds toward your mortgage.

But it doesn’t always make financial sense to pay off your mortgage early, especially if you have a lower interest rate. I recently wrote about how I stopped making extra payments on my mortgage because once I did the math, it didn’t make sense.

My mortgage rate is below 4%, while the S&P 500 has an average return of 12.8% over the past 10 years. That means I can likely earn 8% more by putting money into investments. There are risks of market fluctuations, of course, but the potential return is worth it — at least in my case.

There are some times when it makes sense to pay off your mortgage early. If you’re planning to retire soon and want to get rid of your largest expense, for example. Or maybe you just want to lift the burden of having to make that payment every month.

Just take the time to make sure it makes sense for your financial situation and your goals — in fact, that’s a good idea no matter where you get your personal finance advice.

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

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The perk that many of the most expensive credit cards have in common is complimentary access to select airport lounges. Many of the best travel rewards cards include free membership with at least one lounge network, if not several.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. While we call the memberships free, however, it’s more like they’re prepaid, since most cards with lounge access have annual fees upward of $450 a year. With airport lounges being a big selling point on many of these cards, it raises the question, what’s it really worth?I know I’m as bad as everyone else for talking up the lounges, and I do stand by my opinions, but even I have to admit the true lounge experience isn’t always (or even often) glitz and glam.Known problem: Busy times mean lounge waitlistsRight up front, we have to address the 747-sized elephant in the lounge — or, rather, should we say waiting to get into the lounge? Because they probably would be, you know, waiting, especially if they traveled during peak days and times.A lot of people have fancy travel rewards cards now, and air travel is more popular now than even before the COVID-19 pandemic. So the lounges are often at capacity during the morning and evening rush hours. This leads to waitlists, which can be anywhere from five minutes to half an hour or more.Want your own card with lounge access? Click here to get complimentary access to more than 1,400 lounges worldwide with our top cards for airport lounges.I’ve yet to be hit with waitlists (I purposefully travel during the least busy times: early in the morning, in the middle of the week), but I have been in a lounge or two that was a bit skint on seating. This can make them less restful than you might like, though you can typically still get drinks and a meal.Unspoken truth: Most lounges are mediocreEven if you get into lounges without a wait, there is a fact we really need to face: Most lounges aren’t that fancy. Sure, the newer lounges (less than 10 years old) tend to be more spacious, with nicer (and newer) decor and seating.Not all of the lounges are new. The older, smaller lounges can be cramped and feel rundown. International lounges tend to be a little nicer than domestic, but even there you’ll find the same issues with older lounges vs. new.Oh, and the free food we all tout so much? If we’re being honest, we’d all admit that sometimes it’s a little sad — especially if you’re in a lounge with buffet-style service instead of made-to-order (which is most of them, in my experience).Hard reality: Even a crap lounge is better than the gateSo, you’ve spent 15 minutes of your layover on the waitlist to get into the lounge just to find a glorified hotel breakfast and no seats next to the outlets. What do you do?You eat your sous vide egg bites and sad melon in your seat with no power and be grateful you’re not paying $20 for a Starbucks coffee and a cold muffin you stood in line for 20 minutes to order. Because that’s what you’d be doing if you weren’t in the lounge, friends. (Ask me how I know.)The saddest fact I have for you today is that no matter how bad the lounge experience gets, how long the wait lists are, or how terrible the food, it is still so much better than sitting in the travel equivalent of an open office for three hours, on a chair from the devil’s waiting room, listening to the dulcet tones of airline staff making boarding announcements.Actual value: Whatever you’d pay for it in cashHow do you value your travel card’s airport lounge perk? For whatever you’d pay, in cash, for lounge access during a year (or some percentage of this, based on how often you travel to airports with lounges to which your card gives you access).I’ll fully admit that I am spoiled (and privileged) to the point that if none of my credit cards can get me into a lounge for free, I will absolutely pay for a day pass if that’s an option. Since the typical day pass ranges from $50 to $75 a pop, I value the lounge access from my cards in the hundreds of dollars during high-travel years.You may not feel as strongly about it as I do. Maybe you’re perfectly happy at the gate with a bag full of snacks, your noise-canceling headphones, and a dubstep playlist (dubstep never dies). In that case, you probably shouldn’t put much, if any, value on your card’s airport lounge access.If you don’t need a fancy travel card for lounge access, consider one of our top travel cards with no annual fee.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.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The perk that many of the most expensive credit cards have in common is complimentary access to select airport lounges. Many of the best travel rewards cards include free membership with at least one lounge network, if not several.

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.

While we call the memberships free, however, it’s more like they’re prepaid, since most cards with lounge access have annual fees upward of $450 a year. With airport lounges being a big selling point on many of these cards, it raises the question, what’s it really worth?

I know I’m as bad as everyone else for talking up the lounges, and I do stand by my opinions, but even I have to admit the true lounge experience isn’t always (or even often) glitz and glam.

Known problem: Busy times mean lounge waitlists

Right up front, we have to address the 747-sized elephant in the lounge — or, rather, should we say waiting to get into the lounge? Because they probably would be, you know, waiting, especially if they traveled during peak days and times.

A lot of people have fancy travel rewards cards now, and air travel is more popular now than even before the COVID-19 pandemic. So the lounges are often at capacity during the morning and evening rush hours. This leads to waitlists, which can be anywhere from five minutes to half an hour or more.

Want your own card with lounge access? Click here to get complimentary access to more than 1,400 lounges worldwide with our top cards for airport lounges.

I’ve yet to be hit with waitlists (I purposefully travel during the least busy times: early in the morning, in the middle of the week), but I have been in a lounge or two that was a bit skint on seating. This can make them less restful than you might like, though you can typically still get drinks and a meal.

Unspoken truth: Most lounges are mediocre

Even if you get into lounges without a wait, there is a fact we really need to face: Most lounges aren’t that fancy. Sure, the newer lounges (less than 10 years old) tend to be more spacious, with nicer (and newer) decor and seating.

Not all of the lounges are new. The older, smaller lounges can be cramped and feel rundown. International lounges tend to be a little nicer than domestic, but even there you’ll find the same issues with older lounges vs. new.

Oh, and the free food we all tout so much? If we’re being honest, we’d all admit that sometimes it’s a little sad — especially if you’re in a lounge with buffet-style service instead of made-to-order (which is most of them, in my experience).

Hard reality: Even a crap lounge is better than the gate

So, you’ve spent 15 minutes of your layover on the waitlist to get into the lounge just to find a glorified hotel breakfast and no seats next to the outlets. What do you do?

You eat your sous vide egg bites and sad melon in your seat with no power and be grateful you’re not paying $20 for a Starbucks coffee and a cold muffin you stood in line for 20 minutes to order. Because that’s what you’d be doing if you weren’t in the lounge, friends. (Ask me how I know.)

The saddest fact I have for you today is that no matter how bad the lounge experience gets, how long the wait lists are, or how terrible the food, it is still so much better than sitting in the travel equivalent of an open office for three hours, on a chair from the devil’s waiting room, listening to the dulcet tones of airline staff making boarding announcements.

Actual value: Whatever you’d pay for it in cash

How do you value your travel card’s airport lounge perk? For whatever you’d pay, in cash, for lounge access during a year (or some percentage of this, based on how often you travel to airports with lounges to which your card gives you access).

I’ll fully admit that I am spoiled (and privileged) to the point that if none of my credit cards can get me into a lounge for free, I will absolutely pay for a day pass if that’s an option. Since the typical day pass ranges from $50 to $75 a pop, I value the lounge access from my cards in the hundreds of dollars during high-travel years.

You may not feel as strongly about it as I do. Maybe you’re perfectly happy at the gate with a bag full of snacks, your noise-canceling headphones, and a dubstep playlist (dubstep never dies). In that case, you probably shouldn’t put much, if any, value on your card’s airport lounge access.

If you don’t need a fancy travel card for lounge access, consider one of our top travel cards with no annual fee.

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.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
I am not a young buck, that’s for sure. And yet, even so, I recently opened my very first CD. You might be wondering, “Why would someone over 40, in their prime earning years, open a CD instead of putting money into higher-yield investments?” It’s a good question, and I have some good answers.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. For me, it really comes down to financial security, interest rates, and the balance a CD brings to my portfolio. Let me explain why it makes sense for me, and why it might for you too.CDs offer stability and predictabilityWhen I recently went over my current portfolio with my financial advisor, we saw that most of my investments were tied to the stock market. And while they have been good to me, and still have growth potential, growth potential equals risk. And financial risk is something that interests me less and less as I have gotten older.CDs, on the other hand, are nearly risk free. They are FDIC insured, and offer a predictable, stable return over a set period of time, usually three months to five years (these days, shorter-term CD interest rates hover around 4.5%).Given that, having a portion of my money in a low-risk vehicle like a CD feels like a smart move. Indeed, for risk-averse folks like my wife and I, CDs are actually pretty appealing.Interested in CDs? Click here for the best CD rates available today.CDs are a good place to park extra cashIt is always a good idea to have an emergency fund. In my case, my emergency fund consists of six months’ worth of living expenses. My wife and I keep that money in a regular savings account, earning regular (read: little) interest. Because CDs require that you lock up money for a set period of time, they are not a good place for emergency funds.But what they are good for is as a place to keep cash beyond your regular savings amount and emergency fund because you will earn more interest on your money there. The interest rate you earn on a CD is fixed for the term, meaning it won’t fluctuate the way a savings account APY does. That was another selling point for us.A CD rounds out my portfolioI was more aggressive with my investment portfolio when I was younger, but not now. At this stage, my main goal is to build a well-rounded, balanced portfolio, and that means both growth and security. While I love my IRA, CDs give me more security as they are not tied to the market. Fixed terms and interest rates higher than traditional savings accounts mean I am still growing that money, albeit more slowly, but also with less worry.A tax-advantaged retirement account is a great way to grow your money for your golden years — check out our picks for the best IRAs.So yes, we have some very good reasons for opening a CD after the age of 40. While it might not seem like the obvious choice, if you are looking for balance, financial security, and predictability, opening a CD just may make sense for you, too.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”:”

I am not a young buck, that’s for sure. And yet, even so, I recently opened my very first CD. You might be wondering, “Why would someone over 40, in their prime earning years, open a CD instead of putting money into higher-yield investments?” It’s a good question, and I have some good answers.

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.

For me, it really comes down to financial security, interest rates, and the balance a CD brings to my portfolio. Let me explain why it makes sense for me, and why it might for you too.

CDs offer stability and predictability

When I recently went over my current portfolio with my financial advisor, we saw that most of my investments were tied to the stock market. And while they have been good to me, and still have growth potential, growth potential equals risk. And financial risk is something that interests me less and less as I have gotten older.

CDs, on the other hand, are nearly risk free. They are FDIC insured, and offer a predictable, stable return over a set period of time, usually three months to five years (these days, shorter-term CD interest rates hover around 4.5%).

Given that, having a portion of my money in a low-risk vehicle like a CD feels like a smart move. Indeed, for risk-averse folks like my wife and I, CDs are actually pretty appealing.

Interested in CDs? Click here for the best CD rates available today.

CDs are a good place to park extra cash

It is always a good idea to have an emergency fund. In my case, my emergency fund consists of six months’ worth of living expenses. My wife and I keep that money in a regular savings account, earning regular (read: little) interest. Because CDs require that you lock up money for a set period of time, they are not a good place for emergency funds.

But what they are good for is as a place to keep cash beyond your regular savings amount and emergency fund because you will earn more interest on your money there. The interest rate you earn on a CD is fixed for the term, meaning it won’t fluctuate the way a savings account APY does. That was another selling point for us.

A CD rounds out my portfolio

I was more aggressive with my investment portfolio when I was younger, but not now. At this stage, my main goal is to build a well-rounded, balanced portfolio, and that means both growth and security. While I love my IRA, CDs give me more security as they are not tied to the market. Fixed terms and interest rates higher than traditional savings accounts mean I am still growing that money, albeit more slowly, but also with less worry.

A tax-advantaged retirement account is a great way to grow your money for your golden years — check out our picks for the best IRAs.

So yes, we have some very good reasons for opening a CD after the age of 40. While it might not seem like the obvious choice, if you are looking for balance, financial security, and predictability, opening a CD just may make sense for you, too.

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and that means it’s time for saving even more money on gifts and all the things you need for feasts and gatherings. There’s nowhere better to do that than Costco, ask anybody here at Motley Fool Money.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 you may not want to spend money on a membership if you’ve never been to the warehouse before and don’t yet know just how much you personally may be able to save in a year. For a lot of people it will make perfect sense, but they haven’t taken the chance because of the upfront costs.Luckily, I’ve got a solution for you if you’re hesitant to make a move.How to get your first Costco membership for $20A Costco membership normally costs $65 for the basic Gold Star version, or $130 for an Executive membership, which will give you 2% cash back on a variety of purchases. Understandably, most people choose the Gold Star membership when they’re just checking the place out.Fortunately for you, there’s a Groupon deal available through Dec. 22 for either Costco membership option, and it comes with a $45 Shop Card, which is basically just a Costco gift card. So, your first shopping trip can be on Groupon, and it’ll get you on your way to squeezing all the value you can out of your Costco membership, too.There are even more ways to save with Costco, including this winning strategy we’ve come across. Click here to read more about it.So, what’s the catch?The catch? There is no catch. OK, there’s a little bit of fine print, but it’s really not bad, I swear.Here are the major terms and conditions (but please read them all on the Groupon site before you sign up):You must be a new member, or have a membership that expired at least 18 months ago.You can’t upgrade or renew your membership using this deal.You’ll have to wait up to two weeks to receive your Digital Costco Shop Card.You have to go into the warehouse to get your membership card, even if you only intend to shop online.You must be at least 16 years of age to sign up.But for the most part, there is no catch. It’s just pretty standard stuff that you’d expect from anywhere offering a membership.Who benefits from a Costco membership?People who want to save money are Costco’s target audience, but they also have to be willing to save money in very specific ways. Costco members save by buying in bulk — sometimes considerable bulk, like the approximately one million Ritz crackers I bought last weekend (it was 18 tubes, but I’m pretty sure that’s close).People who use Costco and really reap the rewards are people who don’t mind using the same consumable things over and over, who plan large purchases around Costco’s sales and product availability, and people who are willing and able to visit the warehouse to buy these things.You don’t need to be feeding a family to save money with Costco as long as you have a good way to store purchases, which can reduce your shopping trips and spare your budget. You can even get cash back from those Costco trips by using certain credit cards. Click here to see our curated list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.Saving money on a membership is the biggest Costco thing you can doCostco is about empowering you to save money, and there’s not a more Costco move than to save money on a Costco membership, whether you choose a Gold Star or an Executive membership. As you explore the store, you’ll find even more ways to unlock the potential of your relationship with Costco, including saving money on things like home repair and upgrade services and getting discounts on tires and glasses.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”:”

The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and that means it’s time for saving even more money on gifts and all the things you need for feasts and gatherings. There’s nowhere better to do that than Costco, ask anybody here at Motley Fool Money.

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 you may not want to spend money on a membership if you’ve never been to the warehouse before and don’t yet know just how much you personally may be able to save in a year. For a lot of people it will make perfect sense, but they haven’t taken the chance because of the upfront costs.

Luckily, I’ve got a solution for you if you’re hesitant to make a move.

How to get your first Costco membership for $20

A Costco membership normally costs $65 for the basic Gold Star version, or $130 for an Executive membership, which will give you 2% cash back on a variety of purchases. Understandably, most people choose the Gold Star membership when they’re just checking the place out.

Fortunately for you, there’s a Groupon deal available through Dec. 22 for either Costco membership option, and it comes with a $45 Shop Card, which is basically just a Costco gift card. So, your first shopping trip can be on Groupon, and it’ll get you on your way to squeezing all the value you can out of your Costco membership, too.

There are even more ways to save with Costco, including this winning strategy we’ve come across. Click here to read more about it.

So, what’s the catch?

The catch? There is no catch. OK, there’s a little bit of fine print, but it’s really not bad, I swear.

Here are the major terms and conditions (but please read them all on the Groupon site before you sign up):

You must be a new member, or have a membership that expired at least 18 months ago.You can’t upgrade or renew your membership using this deal.You’ll have to wait up to two weeks to receive your Digital Costco Shop Card.You have to go into the warehouse to get your membership card, even if you only intend to shop online.You must be at least 16 years of age to sign up.

But for the most part, there is no catch. It’s just pretty standard stuff that you’d expect from anywhere offering a membership.

Who benefits from a Costco membership?

People who want to save money are Costco’s target audience, but they also have to be willing to save money in very specific ways. Costco members save by buying in bulk — sometimes considerable bulk, like the approximately one million Ritz crackers I bought last weekend (it was 18 tubes, but I’m pretty sure that’s close).

People who use Costco and really reap the rewards are people who don’t mind using the same consumable things over and over, who plan large purchases around Costco’s sales and product availability, and people who are willing and able to visit the warehouse to buy these things.

You don’t need to be feeding a family to save money with Costco as long as you have a good way to store purchases, which can reduce your shopping trips and spare your budget. You can even get cash back from those Costco trips by using certain credit cards. Click here to see our curated list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

Saving money on a membership is the biggest Costco thing you can do

Costco is about empowering you to save money, and there’s not a more Costco move than to save money on a Costco membership, whether you choose a Gold Star or an Executive membership. As you explore the store, you’ll find even more ways to unlock the potential of your relationship with Costco, including saving money on things like home repair and upgrade services and getting discounts on tires and glasses.

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
These days, I’m a Certified Financial Planner™ who helps other people get their financial lives right. I’ve been a CFP® for about six years and have been helping people learn about personal finance and investing for about 14 years. But I didn’t always have my own financial life in order.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. I’ve openly written about my past financial mistakes many times, but here’s the quick version: When I graduated from high school, I had absolutely no idea how to manage money or how credit worked.Plus, my college years happened before certain predatory lending practices were outlawed. Others in their 40s might remember being offered a week’s worth of free pizzas as an 18-year-old college student in exchange for simply applying for a new credit card. Plus, credit card companies weren’t required to verify young borrowers’ ability to pay the money back.To be clear, destroying my credit was my own fault. But because of my irresponsible financial decisions and the credit card companies that facilitated it, I had a credit score of about 530 when I was in my mid-20s. Not only could I not get a credit card, but it was difficult to rent an apartment, get auto insurance, and even get a job after I graduated.Do you have credit card debt? Click here to see our up-to-date list of the best credit card balance transfer offers right now.My journey to excellent creditFast-forward to my early 40s, and that is now (thankfully) a part of my distant past. But after destroying my credit and seeing how it impacted my post-college life, I was motivated to get it right. I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about credit and responsible personal finance, and I gradually increased my FICO® Score.It wasn’t a quick process. Within two years of getting serious about credit repair, I was to the point where I was able to buy a home (my lender required a FICO® Score of 600 at the time for an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment). In about four years, my score passed 700 for the first time. And less than a decade after my score bottomed out in the low 500s, I joined the exclusive “800 club,” well in the realm of excellent credit.How I did itThe exact FICO credit scoring formula is a well-guarded secret. But we do know that a FICO® Score is made up of five specific categories of information, each with a particular weight. And I used that to my advantage. Here are some of the strategies I used on my journey.Secured credit cardI used two strategies when I first set out to fix my credit. One was to establish some good information on my credit report by opening a secured credit card account. A secured credit card is essentially the same thing as a standard credit card, but you have to make a deposit to “secure” the account. Your payment history is reported to the credit bureaus just like any other credit card.Damage controlThe other initial strategy was dealing with the negative information on my credit report. I had several old collection accounts when I started my credit repair journey, and I finally dealt with them. In some cases, I negotiated for them to be completely removed from my credit file after I paid them. In others, I got them labeled as “paid in full” after accepting a settlement offer.I applied for more credit than I neededThis might sound counterintuitive. But 30% of your FICO® Score comes from the “amounts owed” category, which includes your credit card balances relative to your available credit. So, by applying for a few credit cards when I was able to qualify for them, I had more available credit than I would ever need, and I only used a small percentage of it.Build a payment historyFinally, 35% of your FICO® Score comes from your payment history, and another 15% comes from a category called “length of credit history.” In other words, half of your FICO® Score comes from behaviors over time. It may sound like a boring strategy, but the biggest reason my credit score steadily climbed for 10 years is that I simply paid my bills on time, every month, with no exceptions.Not a complete listTo be sure, this isn’t a complete list. But the key takeaways are credit repair can be a long process, and there’s no such thing as a legitimate quick fix for bad credit. The best and most surefire way to join the top credit tiers is a combination of two factors: responsible financial behavior and time.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”:”

These days, I’m a Certified Financial Planner™ who helps other people get their financial lives right. I’ve been a CFP® for about six years and have been helping people learn about personal finance and investing for about 14 years. But I didn’t always have my own financial life in order.

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.

I’ve openly written about my past financial mistakes many times, but here’s the quick version: When I graduated from high school, I had absolutely no idea how to manage money or how credit worked.

Plus, my college years happened before certain predatory lending practices were outlawed. Others in their 40s might remember being offered a week’s worth of free pizzas as an 18-year-old college student in exchange for simply applying for a new credit card. Plus, credit card companies weren’t required to verify young borrowers’ ability to pay the money back.

To be clear, destroying my credit was my own fault. But because of my irresponsible financial decisions and the credit card companies that facilitated it, I had a credit score of about 530 when I was in my mid-20s. Not only could I not get a credit card, but it was difficult to rent an apartment, get auto insurance, and even get a job after I graduated.

Do you have credit card debt? Click here to see our up-to-date list of the best credit card balance transfer offers right now.

My journey to excellent credit

Fast-forward to my early 40s, and that is now (thankfully) a part of my distant past. But after destroying my credit and seeing how it impacted my post-college life, I was motivated to get it right. I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about credit and responsible personal finance, and I gradually increased my FICO® Score.

It wasn’t a quick process. Within two years of getting serious about credit repair, I was to the point where I was able to buy a home (my lender required a FICO® Score of 600 at the time for an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment). In about four years, my score passed 700 for the first time. And less than a decade after my score bottomed out in the low 500s, I joined the exclusive “800 club,” well in the realm of excellent credit.

How I did it

The exact FICO credit scoring formula is a well-guarded secret. But we do know that a FICO® Score is made up of five specific categories of information, each with a particular weight. And I used that to my advantage. Here are some of the strategies I used on my journey.

Secured credit card

I used two strategies when I first set out to fix my credit. One was to establish some good information on my credit report by opening a secured credit card account. A secured credit card is essentially the same thing as a standard credit card, but you have to make a deposit to “secure” the account. Your payment history is reported to the credit bureaus just like any other credit card.

Damage control

The other initial strategy was dealing with the negative information on my credit report. I had several old collection accounts when I started my credit repair journey, and I finally dealt with them. In some cases, I negotiated for them to be completely removed from my credit file after I paid them. In others, I got them labeled as “paid in full” after accepting a settlement offer.

I applied for more credit than I needed

This might sound counterintuitive. But 30% of your FICO® Score comes from the “amounts owed” category, which includes your credit card balances relative to your available credit. So, by applying for a few credit cards when I was able to qualify for them, I had more available credit than I would ever need, and I only used a small percentage of it.

Build a payment history

Finally, 35% of your FICO® Score comes from your payment history, and another 15% comes from a category called “length of credit history.” In other words, half of your FICO® Score comes from behaviors over time. It may sound like a boring strategy, but the biggest reason my credit score steadily climbed for 10 years is that I simply paid my bills on time, every month, with no exceptions.

Not a complete list

To be sure, this isn’t a complete list. But the key takeaways are credit repair can be a long process, and there’s no such thing as a legitimate quick fix for bad credit. The best and most surefire way to join the top credit tiers is a combination of two factors: responsible financial behavior and time.

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
There are certain days of the year when it pays to stay out of the stores. Christmas Eve is one of them — unless, of course, you like the idea of battling frenzied shoppers for last-minute holiday purchases.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!Similarly, Black Friday tends to be a madhouse at popular retailers, so it’s a day I usually try to stay out of stores. But crowds aren’t my only issue with Black Friday. I also don’t like the fact that many of the so-called deals you see advertised are nothing but a giant dupe.It’s not uncommon for retailers to sell Black Friday versions of the products that normally grace their shelves, especially when it comes to electronics. And when you buy electronics on Black Friday, you run the risk of getting stuck with products that are inferior in quality because they’re made with lower-cost components than the regular version.But while I generally don’t seek out Black Friday deals, Costco is my one exception to that rule. Not only have I shopped for Black Friday deals at Costco in the past, but I actually wouldn’t hesitate to do so again for these reasons.1. I’m not worried about product quality at CostcoI’m not willing to buy an inferior version of a product I want just to save money. In my book, that’s not actually saving money — it’s taking a risk that your money is going down the drain.But because Costco has such a strong commitment to quality, I don’t see Costco engaging in the practice of offering sub-par products made for Black Friday only. And even if Costco does strike a deal with manufacturers to offer Black Friday–only versions of certain electronics, I’m confident that Costco will do its research to make sure its customers aren’t getting stuck with bum products.2. I’m confident in Costco’s return policyCostco has one of the most generous return policies among retailers. You can typically bring back any item at any time without an issue.Now, electronics are an exception. But even there, Costco gives you 90 days to get a refund. That’s more than enough time to try out a Black Friday deal on a TV or laptop and make sure it’s up to par.3. My savings are multiplied with my Executive membershipAs an Executive member at Costco, I’m eligible to earn 2% cash back on my purchases. Even if another store is able to match Costco’s Black Friday prices, it pays for me to shop at Costco to get that money back.Plus, my credit card also gives me money back at Costco specifically. And if you use the right one, you might snag your fair share of cash back even if you don’t pay extra for an Executive membership like I do. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.While I normally opt to sit out shopping on Black Friday, I’ve made exceptions in the past only for Costco. A few years back, I bought a TV there on Black Friday, and it’s still working perfectly fine. So if you’re like me and tend to avoid Black Friday like the plague, you may want to give Costco a chance, even if you swear off all other stores the day after Thanksgiving.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”:”

There are certain days of the year when it pays to stay out of the stores. Christmas Eve is one of them — unless, of course, you like the idea of battling frenzied shoppers for last-minute holiday purchases.

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!

Similarly, Black Friday tends to be a madhouse at popular retailers, so it’s a day I usually try to stay out of stores. But crowds aren’t my only issue with Black Friday. I also don’t like the fact that many of the so-called deals you see advertised are nothing but a giant dupe.

It’s not uncommon for retailers to sell Black Friday versions of the products that normally grace their shelves, especially when it comes to electronics. And when you buy electronics on Black Friday, you run the risk of getting stuck with products that are inferior in quality because they’re made with lower-cost components than the regular version.

But while I generally don’t seek out Black Friday deals, Costco is my one exception to that rule. Not only have I shopped for Black Friday deals at Costco in the past, but I actually wouldn’t hesitate to do so again for these reasons.

1. I’m not worried about product quality at Costco

I’m not willing to buy an inferior version of a product I want just to save money. In my book, that’s not actually saving money — it’s taking a risk that your money is going down the drain.

But because Costco has such a strong commitment to quality, I don’t see Costco engaging in the practice of offering sub-par products made for Black Friday only. And even if Costco does strike a deal with manufacturers to offer Black Friday–only versions of certain electronics, I’m confident that Costco will do its research to make sure its customers aren’t getting stuck with bum products.

2. I’m confident in Costco’s return policy

Costco has one of the most generous return policies among retailers. You can typically bring back any item at any time without an issue.

Now, electronics are an exception. But even there, Costco gives you 90 days to get a refund. That’s more than enough time to try out a Black Friday deal on a TV or laptop and make sure it’s up to par.

3. My savings are multiplied with my Executive membership

As an Executive member at Costco, I’m eligible to earn 2% cash back on my purchases. Even if another store is able to match Costco’s Black Friday prices, it pays for me to shop at Costco to get that money back.

Plus, my credit card also gives me money back at Costco specifically. And if you use the right one, you might snag your fair share of cash back even if you don’t pay extra for an Executive membership like I do. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

While I normally opt to sit out shopping on Black Friday, I’ve made exceptions in the past only for Costco. A few years back, I bought a TV there on Black Friday, and it’s still working perfectly fine. So if you’re like me and tend to avoid Black Friday like the plague, you may want to give Costco a chance, even if you swear off all other stores the day after Thanksgiving.

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