Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Kohl’s is a popular retailer with fantastic deals available to shoppers in-store and online. If you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, you may want to explore Kohl’s early holiday deals. There are gift options for everyone on your list.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. Looking for the best gifts for under $10? You’re in the right place. Here are seven amazing Kohl’s finds that cost less than $10 each.1. Terra by Battat Dinosaurs in a Tube: $9.99This one is for the dino lovers on your holiday list. Kohl’s sells a Terra by Battat Dinosaurs in a Tube for $9.99. Inside are 12 different miniature dinosaur toys, for a total of 60 toys. This buy makes for a fun and educational gift and is ideal for kids ages 3 and up.2. Women’s Softer Than Cashmere scarf: $9.59A beautiful scarf is an ideal holiday gift. It’s the season for layers, and an adorable scarf can dress up any outfit in seconds. Kohl’s has various scarves available for kids and adults.One purchase to consider is a Softer Than Cashmere women’s scarf. It’s available in various patterns and is on sale for $11.99 — but if you use the coupon LETSGO20, you’ll pay only $9.59. This coupon is valid in-store and online through Nov. 23.3. Kohl’s Cares® How The Grinch Stole Christmas Plush and Book Bundle: $9.00Here’s an adorable gift idea for kids. The Kohl’s Cares® How The Grinch Stole Christmas Plush and Book Bundle is available at Kohl’s for $9. It includes a soft toy plush and the holiday-favorite storybook. Finding a complete holiday gift that kids will love for under $10 in 2024 can be challenging, but this Kohl’s deal proves it’s possible.Want to maximize your savings? Use a cash back rewards card at checkout. Click here to explore our list of the top cash back credit cards with big rewards.4. Sephora Collection Exfoliating Lip Scrub: $7.00If you have someone on your list who appreciates all things beauty and makeup, this gift is sure to be a win. Kohl’s sells the Sephora Collection Exfoliating Lip Scrub for $7. Many people struggle with dry skin throughout the winter, and a good exfoliating lip scrub can help keep lips moisturized. This beauty item is available in Dragonfruit or Rose colors.5. Connect 4 Game by Hasbro: $9.99Need more options for family game nights? The Connect 4 Game by Hasbro is available at Kohl’s for $9.99. This two-player game is perfect for both kids and adults. Because it includes smaller game pieces, it’s ideal for kids ages 6 and up.Remember to swipe a rewards card at checkout to earn rewards on your next Kohl’s haul. Check out our list of the top credit cards to explore the perks and rewards they provide.6. Dash Mini Waffle Maker: $7.99Looking for an affordable gift for the breakfast and brunch lover on your list? How about an adorable mini waffle maker? The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is on sale for $9.99. But if you use the coupon LETSGO20, you’ll get an extra 20%. That means you’ll pay only $7.99. This coupon is valid in-store and online through Nov. 23.7. Penguin Random House Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography: $5.99Here’s an excellent gift for the little Swiftie in your life. You can purchase the Penguin Random House Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography for $5.99 at Kohl’s. This present makes for a fun way to learn more about Taylor Swift while encouraging reading.Pay close attention to pre-holiday dealsNow is the perfect time to shop for the holidays if you have a limited budget. Many retailers are promoting early holiday deals that can help you get what you need while keeping more money in your checking account. Take advantage of Kohl’s deals like these to maximize your savings.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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Maker. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Kohl’s is a popular retailer with fantastic deals available to shoppers in-store and online. If you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, you may want to explore Kohl’s early holiday deals. There are gift options for everyone on your list.

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.

Looking for the best gifts for under $10? You’re in the right place. Here are seven amazing Kohl’s finds that cost less than $10 each.

1. Terra by Battat Dinosaurs in a Tube: $9.99

This one is for the dino lovers on your holiday list. Kohl’s sells a Terra by Battat Dinosaurs in a Tube for $9.99. Inside are 12 different miniature dinosaur toys, for a total of 60 toys. This buy makes for a fun and educational gift and is ideal for kids ages 3 and up.

2. Women’s Softer Than Cashmere scarf: $9.59

A beautiful scarf is an ideal holiday gift. It’s the season for layers, and an adorable scarf can dress up any outfit in seconds. Kohl’s has various scarves available for kids and adults.

One purchase to consider is a Softer Than Cashmere women’s scarf. It’s available in various patterns and is on sale for $11.99 — but if you use the coupon LETSGO20, you’ll pay only $9.59. This coupon is valid in-store and online through Nov. 23.

3. Kohl’s Cares® How The Grinch Stole Christmas Plush and Book Bundle: $9.00

Here’s an adorable gift idea for kids. The Kohl’s Cares® How The Grinch Stole Christmas Plush and Book Bundle is available at Kohl’s for $9. It includes a soft toy plush and the holiday-favorite storybook. Finding a complete holiday gift that kids will love for under $10 in 2024 can be challenging, but this Kohl’s deal proves it’s possible.

Want to maximize your savings? Use a cash back rewards card at checkout. Click here to explore our list of the top cash back credit cards with big rewards.

4. Sephora Collection Exfoliating Lip Scrub: $7.00

If you have someone on your list who appreciates all things beauty and makeup, this gift is sure to be a win. Kohl’s sells the Sephora Collection Exfoliating Lip Scrub for $7. Many people struggle with dry skin throughout the winter, and a good exfoliating lip scrub can help keep lips moisturized. This beauty item is available in Dragonfruit or Rose colors.

5. Connect 4 Game by Hasbro: $9.99

Need more options for family game nights? The Connect 4 Game by Hasbro is available at Kohl’s for $9.99. This two-player game is perfect for both kids and adults. Because it includes smaller game pieces, it’s ideal for kids ages 6 and up.

Remember to swipe a rewards card at checkout to earn rewards on your next Kohl’s haul. Check out our list of the top credit cards to explore the perks and rewards they provide.

6. Dash Mini Waffle Maker: $7.99

Looking for an affordable gift for the breakfast and brunch lover on your list? How about an adorable mini waffle maker? The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is on sale for $9.99. But if you use the coupon LETSGO20, you’ll get an extra 20%. That means you’ll pay only $7.99. This coupon is valid in-store and online through Nov. 23.

7. Penguin Random House Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography: $5.99

Here’s an excellent gift for the little Swiftie in your life. You can purchase the Penguin Random House Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography for $5.99 at Kohl’s. This present makes for a fun way to learn more about Taylor Swift while encouraging reading.

Pay close attention to pre-holiday deals

Now is the perfect time to shop for the holidays if you have a limited budget. Many retailers are promoting early holiday deals that can help you get what you need while keeping more money in your checking account. Take advantage of Kohl’s deals like these to maximize your savings.

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you signed your mortgage in recent years, you may be pretty unhappy with your monthly payments. Following a period of record lows, mortgage rates began climbing in 2022 and haven’t really declined since.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. Sure, there have been some ups and downs. In fact, in September and early October, mortgage rates dipped toward the 6% mark temporarily.But as of this writing, they’re closer to the 7% mark. And that’s not exactly a great deal.What makes the situation frustrating is that the Fed has already lowered its benchmark interest rate twice this year — first in mid-September and again in early November. A lot of people were expecting mortgage rates to fall in the wake of those rate cuts, but clearly, that hasn’t happened yet.That’s why you may want to wait to refinance your mortgage until 2025, even if you’re not having the easiest time keeping up with your monthly housing payments today. Sitting tight for a few more months could lead to a much better deal.Waiting to refinance could pay offPerhaps you’re able to lock in a lower interest rate on a mortgage today than what you’re currently paying. But if you hold off a bit longer, you may find that you can get a much more competitive rate on a refinance.The Fed is expected to continue cutting interest rates to reverse the numerous hikes it made in response to soaring inflation. So if you sit back and wait for those additional rate cuts to happen, you may benefit financially.Now, you might be thinking, “But clearly, mortgage rates haven’t reacted to the Fed’s actions yet. What if they end up stuck where they are?”That’s a valid concern. But it’s also unlikely.In time, mortgage rates should catch up to the Fed’s rate cuts to some degree. This doesn’t mean we’re going to see the average rate on a 30-year loan go from almost 7% to 5% over the next three months. But during the first half of 2025, we may see mortgage rates fall to under 6%. If you can hold off on applying to refinance a bit longer, you may come out a winner.Set yourself up for success nowSince mortgage rates might reach a more favorable level in 2025, it’s a good idea to wait to refinance. But there are also steps you can take to set yourself up for a competitive rate once the time is right to apply.First, boost your credit score. You can do so by paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and reviewing your credit report for errors.Next, try shedding non-credit-card debt. If you have a personal loan you’ve been paying off over time, see if it’s possible to accelerate some payments and get rid of it. The less debt you have relative to your income, the more it helps you refinance at a great rate.Finally, start shopping around for a lender to do your refinance even if you’re not quite ready to apply. If you can narrow down your choices, you’ll be in a great position to pounce once rates finally take a fall. Click here for a list of the best mortgage refinance lenders to get started.Refinancing your mortgage could make your monthly payments cheaper, so it’s easy to see why you’d want to put a new home loan in place as soon as possible. But waiting a few more months could mean locking in a lower interest rate — and enjoying more financial relief.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you signed your mortgage in recent years, you may be pretty unhappy with your monthly payments. Following a period of record lows, mortgage rates began climbing in 2022 and haven’t really declined since.

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.

Sure, there have been some ups and downs. In fact, in September and early October, mortgage rates dipped toward the 6% mark temporarily.

But as of this writing, they’re closer to the 7% mark. And that’s not exactly a great deal.

What makes the situation frustrating is that the Fed has already lowered its benchmark interest rate twice this year — first in mid-September and again in early November. A lot of people were expecting mortgage rates to fall in the wake of those rate cuts, but clearly, that hasn’t happened yet.

That’s why you may want to wait to refinance your mortgage until 2025, even if you’re not having the easiest time keeping up with your monthly housing payments today. Sitting tight for a few more months could lead to a much better deal.

Waiting to refinance could pay off

Perhaps you’re able to lock in a lower interest rate on a mortgage today than what you’re currently paying. But if you hold off a bit longer, you may find that you can get a much more competitive rate on a refinance.

The Fed is expected to continue cutting interest rates to reverse the numerous hikes it made in response to soaring inflation. So if you sit back and wait for those additional rate cuts to happen, you may benefit financially.

Now, you might be thinking, “But clearly, mortgage rates haven’t reacted to the Fed’s actions yet. What if they end up stuck where they are?”

That’s a valid concern. But it’s also unlikely.

In time, mortgage rates should catch up to the Fed’s rate cuts to some degree. This doesn’t mean we’re going to see the average rate on a 30-year loan go from almost 7% to 5% over the next three months. But during the first half of 2025, we may see mortgage rates fall to under 6%. If you can hold off on applying to refinance a bit longer, you may come out a winner.

Set yourself up for success now

Since mortgage rates might reach a more favorable level in 2025, it’s a good idea to wait to refinance. But there are also steps you can take to set yourself up for a competitive rate once the time is right to apply.

First, boost your credit score. You can do so by paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and reviewing your credit report for errors.

Next, try shedding non-credit-card debt. If you have a personal loan you’ve been paying off over time, see if it’s possible to accelerate some payments and get rid of it. The less debt you have relative to your income, the more it helps you refinance at a great rate.

Finally, start shopping around for a lender to do your refinance even if you’re not quite ready to apply. If you can narrow down your choices, you’ll be in a great position to pounce once rates finally take a fall. Click here for a list of the best mortgage refinance lenders to get started.

Refinancing your mortgage could make your monthly payments cheaper, so it’s easy to see why you’d want to put a new home loan in place as soon as possible. But waiting a few more months could mean locking in a lower interest rate — and enjoying more financial relief.

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
Believe it or not, you can shop great deals before Black Friday. If you’re still checking off items on your holiday list and want to stretch your dollars further, Costco can help. The retailer has early holiday deals that you can shop right now.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!The warehouse club brand also has exclusive online-only deals that members can shop only on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a few online deals you can shop only at Costco.com on Nov. 28, 2024.1. Save $50: Ravena Floor Mirror for $199.99Have you been wanting a beautiful floor-length mirror for your home? This Thanksgiving Day Costco deal can help you save more money on this purchase. The Ravena 30-inch by 65-inch Floor Mirror will be available for an additional $50 off on Nov. 28, 2024. Costco members can buy this well-rated mirror for only $199.99 instead of $249.99.2. Save $200: ASUS Vivobook S 15 Flip 16-inch Touchscreen Laptop for $699.99You don’t have to spend a fortune on a new laptop. Costco has great deals on well-rated tech must-haves. On Thanksgiving Day only, the retailer will sell the ASUS Vivobook S 15 Flip 16-inch Touchscreen Laptop for $699.99. That’s an extra $200 off Costco’s already low price.This touchscreen laptop features a 1 TB SSD and the Windows 11 operating system. This deal can only be shopped at Costco.com on Nov. 28, 2024. Limit two per member.Want to maximize your savings? Use a reward credit card to pay for your next Costco haul. Click here to explore our list of the top credit cards for Costco shoppers.3. Save $5: Five-pack of $15 Subway gift cards for $54.99Costco also has select gift cards on sale this Thanksgiving Day — they make the perfect stocking stuffer. You can score a five-pack of $15 Subway gift cards for $54.99 instead of $59.99. With this deal, you’ll get $75 to spend at Subway, so that’s a total of savings of $20.01.4. Save $180: Barcalounger Presley Leather Power Rocker Recliner with Power Headrest for $499.99This deal will help you upgrade your living room without depleting all the funds in your checking account. On Thanksgiving Day, members can buy the Barcalounger Presley Leather Power Rocker Recliner with Power Headrest at a $180 discount at Costco.com. This recliner usually costs $679.99, but will only cost $499.99 on Nov. 28, 2024. This is a fantastic offer.5. Save $5: Four-pack of $25 Papa John’s gift cards for $74.99Here’s another gift card deal that Costco members can shop on Thanksgiving Day. A four-pack of $25 Papa John’s gift cards will be sold for $5 off. You’ll pay $74.99 instead of $79.99. Thanks to this limited-time offer, you’ll walk away with $100 to spend on pizza and save $25.01.Pay attention to limited-time holiday dealsYou can maximize your Costco membership by shopping deals like these. But plan accordingly, as these deals can only be purchased at Costco.com on Thanksgiving Day.This is a good reminder to pay close attention to limited-time sales. Now that we’re in the last weeks of 2024, many retailers are running limited-time deals that can help you save money on holiday gifts and essentials for your home.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”:”

Believe it or not, you can shop great deals before Black Friday. If you’re still checking off items on your holiday list and want to stretch your dollars further, Costco can help. The retailer has early holiday deals that you can shop right now.

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!

The warehouse club brand also has exclusive online-only deals that members can shop only on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a few online deals you can shop only at Costco.com on Nov. 28, 2024.

1. Save $50: Ravena Floor Mirror for $199.99

Have you been wanting a beautiful floor-length mirror for your home? This Thanksgiving Day Costco deal can help you save more money on this purchase. The Ravena 30-inch by 65-inch Floor Mirror will be available for an additional $50 off on Nov. 28, 2024. Costco members can buy this well-rated mirror for only $199.99 instead of $249.99.

2. Save $200: ASUS Vivobook S 15 Flip 16-inch Touchscreen Laptop for $699.99

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a new laptop. Costco has great deals on well-rated tech must-haves. On Thanksgiving Day only, the retailer will sell the ASUS Vivobook S 15 Flip 16-inch Touchscreen Laptop for $699.99. That’s an extra $200 off Costco’s already low price.

This touchscreen laptop features a 1 TB SSD and the Windows 11 operating system. This deal can only be shopped at Costco.com on Nov. 28, 2024. Limit two per member.

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

3. Save $5: Five-pack of $15 Subway gift cards for $54.99

Costco also has select gift cards on sale this Thanksgiving Day — they make the perfect stocking stuffer. You can score a five-pack of $15 Subway gift cards for $54.99 instead of $59.99. With this deal, you’ll get $75 to spend at Subway, so that’s a total of savings of $20.01.

4. Save $180: Barcalounger Presley Leather Power Rocker Recliner with Power Headrest for $499.99

This deal will help you upgrade your living room without depleting all the funds in your checking account. On Thanksgiving Day, members can buy the Barcalounger Presley Leather Power Rocker Recliner with Power Headrest at a $180 discount at Costco.com. This recliner usually costs $679.99, but will only cost $499.99 on Nov. 28, 2024. This is a fantastic offer.

5. Save $5: Four-pack of $25 Papa John’s gift cards for $74.99

Here’s another gift card deal that Costco members can shop on Thanksgiving Day. A four-pack of $25 Papa John’s gift cards will be sold for $5 off. You’ll pay $74.99 instead of $79.99. Thanks to this limited-time offer, you’ll walk away with $100 to spend on pizza and save $25.01.

Pay attention to limited-time holiday deals

You can maximize your Costco membership by shopping deals like these. But plan accordingly, as these deals can only be purchased at Costco.com on Thanksgiving Day.

This is a good reminder to pay close attention to limited-time sales. Now that we’re in the last weeks of 2024, many retailers are running limited-time deals that can help you save money on holiday gifts and essentials for your home.

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
Black Friday is only a couple of weeks away. And you may be gearing up to dip into your savings to capitalize on the gazillions of deals that are apt to hit the shelves that day.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 average shopper spends an estimated $480 on Black Friday, according to Capital One. But here are three reasons you may want to skip out on Black Friday this year — and shop before or after the big event instead.1. The so-called deals are often special-run products of inferior qualityIsn’t it amazing how retailers are able to offer so much money off of things like laptops and TVs when Black Friday rolls around? Well, there’s a reason for that. Often (though not always), the electronics you see advertised at those ultra-low Black Friday prices aren’t the exact same models you see on the shelves year-round.It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to create Black-Friday-specific versions of products at a lower price point. But these products may consist of inferior parts that result in a shorter lifespan. So it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting.A good way to find out if you’re looking at an inferior product is to jot down the serial number and then see if you find that same serial number available at other stores. If so, then you may be looking at an actual good deal.But if you can’t find the model you’re eyeing elsewhere, then perhaps you’ve found yourself a Black-Friday-only version of whatever it is you’re buying. At that point, you’ll need to ask yourself whether it pays to scoop it up at a lower price and take a chance on quality, or buy the original version.2. If you miss out on the doorbusters, you might not get a good deal at allSome of the Black Friday doorbusters you see advertised may be so appealing that it’s worth getting up at the crack of dawn to snag them. The problem, though, is that some retailers stock a very limited quantity of doorbusters and run out quickly.Put another way, if you’re that person who gets to the store at 6:00 a.m. to be the first in line, you may find that there are already 10 people ahead of you. And if the store only has 10 of the specific item you want, you may be out of luck. In that case, why torture yourself and lose sleep?3. You’re wired to assume you’re getting a good deal, but you may not beSince Black Friday is synonymous with bargains, you may be quick to assume the prices you see that day are all excellent. In reality, aside from select products, the prices you’re offered may be just OK.Remember, retailers can slap the word “sale” on a product without you being any the wiser. And while this is an issue year-round, consumers tend to have Black Friday tunnel vision because of all the hype. So if you shop on Black Friday, you may end up getting stuck paying more than what you’d spend another time.It pays to do your shopping soonerIf you’re sitting tight on the holiday shopping front in the hopes of snagging some awesome deals on Black Friday, here’s a tip. Stop waiting, and start looking at retailers’ prices now.A lot of stores are already offering discounts on inventory. And you may find that you’re able to get a better price now than what becomes available once Black Friday rolls around.Similarly, you may find that you can snag better deals toward the end of December, once retailers are ready to move unsold holiday inventory off of their shelves. If you’re planning to shop on Black Friday for yourself, as opposed to buying gifts, then holding off until the end of the year could be a better bet.And remember, even if you end up paying a tiny bit more for a given product outside of Black Friday, you might benefit from a less stressful shopping experience. So there’s value in that, too.And if you use the right credit card, the rewards you get on your purchases could make up for paying a few dollars more here and there. Click here for a list of the best cash back credit cards. And then remind yourself that if the idea of hitting the stores on Black Friday sounds absolutely horrible, it’s not the end of the world to shop before or after the big event.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Black Friday is only a couple of weeks away. And you may be gearing up to dip into your savings to capitalize on the gazillions of deals that are apt to hit the shelves that day.

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 average shopper spends an estimated $480 on Black Friday, according to Capital One. But here are three reasons you may want to skip out on Black Friday this year — and shop before or after the big event instead.

1. The so-called deals are often special-run products of inferior quality

Isn’t it amazing how retailers are able to offer so much money off of things like laptops and TVs when Black Friday rolls around? Well, there’s a reason for that. Often (though not always), the electronics you see advertised at those ultra-low Black Friday prices aren’t the exact same models you see on the shelves year-round.

It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to create Black-Friday-specific versions of products at a lower price point. But these products may consist of inferior parts that result in a shorter lifespan. So it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting.

A good way to find out if you’re looking at an inferior product is to jot down the serial number and then see if you find that same serial number available at other stores. If so, then you may be looking at an actual good deal.

But if you can’t find the model you’re eyeing elsewhere, then perhaps you’ve found yourself a Black-Friday-only version of whatever it is you’re buying. At that point, you’ll need to ask yourself whether it pays to scoop it up at a lower price and take a chance on quality, or buy the original version.

2. If you miss out on the doorbusters, you might not get a good deal at all

Some of the Black Friday doorbusters you see advertised may be so appealing that it’s worth getting up at the crack of dawn to snag them. The problem, though, is that some retailers stock a very limited quantity of doorbusters and run out quickly.

Put another way, if you’re that person who gets to the store at 6:00 a.m. to be the first in line, you may find that there are already 10 people ahead of you. And if the store only has 10 of the specific item you want, you may be out of luck. In that case, why torture yourself and lose sleep?

3. You’re wired to assume you’re getting a good deal, but you may not be

Since Black Friday is synonymous with bargains, you may be quick to assume the prices you see that day are all excellent. In reality, aside from select products, the prices you’re offered may be just OK.

Remember, retailers can slap the word “sale” on a product without you being any the wiser. And while this is an issue year-round, consumers tend to have Black Friday tunnel vision because of all the hype. So if you shop on Black Friday, you may end up getting stuck paying more than what you’d spend another time.

It pays to do your shopping sooner

If you’re sitting tight on the holiday shopping front in the hopes of snagging some awesome deals on Black Friday, here’s a tip. Stop waiting, and start looking at retailers’ prices now.

A lot of stores are already offering discounts on inventory. And you may find that you’re able to get a better price now than what becomes available once Black Friday rolls around.

Similarly, you may find that you can snag better deals toward the end of December, once retailers are ready to move unsold holiday inventory off of their shelves. If you’re planning to shop on Black Friday for yourself, as opposed to buying gifts, then holding off until the end of the year could be a better bet.

And remember, even if you end up paying a tiny bit more for a given product outside of Black Friday, you might benefit from a less stressful shopping experience. So there’s value in that, too.

And if you use the right credit card, the rewards you get on your purchases could make up for paying a few dollars more here and there. Click here for a list of the best cash back credit cards. And then remind yourself that if the idea of hitting the stores on Black Friday sounds absolutely horrible, it’s not the end of the world to shop before or after the big event.

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

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

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

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

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
It’s a good idea to review your financial accounts every so often and make sure they’re still working for you — and this includes credit cards. Sometimes, a card issuer will make you do this by getting in touch if you haven’t used its card in a while. I recently got a notice in the mail from one of the issuers I have a card with, threatening me with cancellation of the card if I don’t use it in 30 days.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 want to keep this card, so I used it to buy myself a new set of coffee table coasters on Etsy, then immediately paid off the charge to keep the account active. Admittedly, I hadn’t used the card in quite some time. So why keep it? Here’s why.Top-rated credit cards are easy and rewarding to use. Click here for our curated list of the best credit cards.1. A long credit historyThe credit card I’m trying to keep is the oldest of all of my current cards. I opened it way back in fall 2011, giving it 13 years of history on my credit report. I’ve never made a late payment on this card, and as such, it’s been contributing to my excellent credit score.Hanging onto an old credit card that you don’t use much is often a slam dunk for your credit score. It increases the average age of your credit history, which accounts for 15% of your FICO® Score — the longer you’ve been using credit, the more evidence you can show a lender that you’re a responsible borrower who makes on-time payments.So as long as that old credit card isn’t doing harm to your finances (by tempting you to overspend or by charging you an annual fee), consider hanging onto it. Me keeping this card is doing my finances no harm whatsoever.2. A decent credit limitWhen I was first approved for this old credit card, I didn’t have a very high credit limit — I don’t remember the specifics, but it was perhaps $1,000. But over the years, the issuer has raised my credit limit multiple times, and now I’m rocking a credit limit of $8,700 — not bad.Having additional credit at my disposal also improves my credit score. It lowers my credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit I’m using relative to how much I have access to. Keeping this number low is one of the keys to good credit. Ideally, you should be using less than 30% of your available credit at any given time, and this factor accounts for 30% of your FICO® Score (easy to remember, right?).I don’t carry a balance on any credit cards these days, but since card issuers report balances at different times during the month, my credit reports always say I have a balance across several cards. Having $8,700 in credit that I don’t use serves to lower my credit utilization ratio, even if I have charges on other cards at the time their balances are reported.3. I may need it in the futureFinally, I’ve decided to hang onto this card because it could come in handy in the future. That $8,700 limit is fairly substantial, and if I needed to, say, finance a home repair, I could lean on this card. One of its features is that the issuer regularly offers lower APR promotional periods — one of its current offers is a 3.99% APR on new purchases, for example.That could save me a lot of money on a big bill — 3.99% is a lower interest rate than I’d be likely to get on a personal loan, and it’s much lower than most credit cards’ regular APRs. In case you’re wondering, the average credit card interest rate across all accounts was 21.76% as of August 2024. A rate under 4% to finance a big purchase is nothing to sneeze at.Need to finance a big purchase? Click here for our picks for the best 0% intro APR credit cards.I have no way of knowing what financial needs might come up for me in the future. And having a solid credit score will always benefit my bottom line, so I’m keeping this card. If you have an old card gathering dust, you might want to hang onto it, 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 positions in and recommends Etsy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

It’s a good idea to review your financial accounts every so often and make sure they’re still working for you — and this includes credit cards. Sometimes, a card issuer will make you do this by getting in touch if you haven’t used its card in a while. I recently got a notice in the mail from one of the issuers I have a card with, threatening me with cancellation of the card if I don’t use it in 30 days.

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 want to keep this card, so I used it to buy myself a new set of coffee table coasters on Etsy, then immediately paid off the charge to keep the account active. Admittedly, I hadn’t used the card in quite some time. So why keep it? Here’s why.

Top-rated credit cards are easy and rewarding to use. Click here for our curated list of the best credit cards.

1. A long credit history

The credit card I’m trying to keep is the oldest of all of my current cards. I opened it way back in fall 2011, giving it 13 years of history on my credit report. I’ve never made a late payment on this card, and as such, it’s been contributing to my excellent credit score.

Hanging onto an old credit card that you don’t use much is often a slam dunk for your credit score. It increases the average age of your credit history, which accounts for 15% of your FICO® Score — the longer you’ve been using credit, the more evidence you can show a lender that you’re a responsible borrower who makes on-time payments.

So as long as that old credit card isn’t doing harm to your finances (by tempting you to overspend or by charging you an annual fee), consider hanging onto it. Me keeping this card is doing my finances no harm whatsoever.

2. A decent credit limit

When I was first approved for this old credit card, I didn’t have a very high credit limit — I don’t remember the specifics, but it was perhaps $1,000. But over the years, the issuer has raised my credit limit multiple times, and now I’m rocking a credit limit of $8,700 — not bad.

Having additional credit at my disposal also improves my credit score. It lowers my credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit I’m using relative to how much I have access to. Keeping this number low is one of the keys to good credit. Ideally, you should be using less than 30% of your available credit at any given time, and this factor accounts for 30% of your FICO® Score (easy to remember, right?).

I don’t carry a balance on any credit cards these days, but since card issuers report balances at different times during the month, my credit reports always say I have a balance across several cards. Having $8,700 in credit that I don’t use serves to lower my credit utilization ratio, even if I have charges on other cards at the time their balances are reported.

3. I may need it in the future

Finally, I’ve decided to hang onto this card because it could come in handy in the future. That $8,700 limit is fairly substantial, and if I needed to, say, finance a home repair, I could lean on this card. One of its features is that the issuer regularly offers lower APR promotional periods — one of its current offers is a 3.99% APR on new purchases, for example.

That could save me a lot of money on a big bill — 3.99% is a lower interest rate than I’d be likely to get on a personal loan, and it’s much lower than most credit cards’ regular APRs. In case you’re wondering, the average credit card interest rate across all accounts was 21.76% as of August 2024. A rate under 4% to finance a big purchase is nothing to sneeze at.

Need to finance a big purchase? Click here for our picks for the best 0% intro APR credit cards.

I have no way of knowing what financial needs might come up for me in the future. And having a solid credit score will always benefit my bottom line, so I’m keeping this card. If you have an old card gathering dust, you might want to hang onto it, 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 positions in and recommends Etsy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The holiday season is almost upon us, and many American households are getting ready to splash out on festive decorations, gifts, and more. That makes it the perfect time to renew your Costco membership so you don’t miss out on its massive lineup of bargains.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!Not only that, but now might be a good time to upgrade to an Executive membership. Getting 2% back on your holiday shopping is not to be sniffed at. Similarly, if you’re in the market for a new rewards card, do it before you ramp up your spending. Click here to learn more about which credit cards offer great rewards on your Costco purchases.Work out how much you spend at CostcoMore and more companies are asking us to sign up for lengthy subscriptions and memberships, which can take a real bite out of anyone’s budget. Take a beat before you renew any annual subscription to work out if you’re still getting value for money.In terms of Costco, the retail giant recently increased its membership fees. A regular Gold Star membership will now set you back $65 per year (about $5.40 a month), while an Executive membership costs double that at $130 per year.Think about how often you visit the store, what services you use, and how much you save each month. Try to be realistic. It’s one thing to know that, for example, you can lower your costs for prescription drugs by getting them at Costco. But it only saves you money if you use the service.We’ve found that the top strategy for saving money at Costco is more about how you pay than what you buy. Every dollar will work harder if you combine Costco’s great value with a no-annual-fee credit card and a strong rewards program.Consider an Executive membershipCostco’s Executive membership comes with quite a few perks, including 2% cash back on the majority of your spending, including Costco Travel. You’ll also get better deals on other Costco services, including auto services. If you have Costco auto insurance, you’ll get roadside assistance at no extra cost.If your Costco shopping comes to more than $3,250 per year, that cash back alone will cover the extra $65 Executive membership fee. If you spend $6,500 per year, the entire membership fee will pay for itself. In case you’re wondering, several top cash back apps work with Costco, so you can get even more back from your spending.It’s easy to renew your Costco membershipIt is super easy to renew your membership. If you’re in a Costco store, stop by the membership desk or do it at the checkout. You can also renew online at Costco.com or call customer service.Costco does offer an auto-renew feature, which makes the process even easier. But personally, it gives me peace of mind to know I’m in control — even if it means a bit of hassle when the renewal date comes around.If you decide not to renew, you’ll still be able to shop at the retail giant. You might go with a friend or use Costco gift cards. You can also shop online, but you’ll need to pay an extra 5% to do so without a membership.Costco’s best holiday dealsIf your Costco membership is up for renewal, it’s worth getting it sorted before the end-of-year rush. If you’re wondering about Costco’s holiday bargains, look no further than the current holiday sale. From now until Dec. 2, Costco is offering extra discounts on everything from chocolates to jewelry and electronics.Its gift cards can also be excellent money savers as you may get 10%, 20%, or more off the face value. For example, if you have younger relatives who are Roblox fanatics, you can get a $50 gift card for $44.99. You can also get deals on gift cards from Uber, top restaurants, and even airlines.Renewing your Costco membership opens the door for continued great value on all your shopping. Not only that, but you can also get great prices on travel, insurance, auto deals, and more. Costco’s not just for Thanksgiving and Christmas — it gives members value all year round.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.Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

The holiday season is almost upon us, and many American households are getting ready to splash out on festive decorations, gifts, and more. That makes it the perfect time to renew your Costco membership so you don’t miss out on its massive lineup of bargains.

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!

Not only that, but now might be a good time to upgrade to an Executive membership. Getting 2% back on your holiday shopping is not to be sniffed at. Similarly, if you’re in the market for a new rewards card, do it before you ramp up your spending. Click here to learn more about which credit cards offer great rewards on your Costco purchases.

Work out how much you spend at Costco

More and more companies are asking us to sign up for lengthy subscriptions and memberships, which can take a real bite out of anyone’s budget. Take a beat before you renew any annual subscription to work out if you’re still getting value for money.

In terms of Costco, the retail giant recently increased its membership fees. A regular Gold Star membership will now set you back $65 per year (about $5.40 a month), while an Executive membership costs double that at $130 per year.

Think about how often you visit the store, what services you use, and how much you save each month. Try to be realistic. It’s one thing to know that, for example, you can lower your costs for prescription drugs by getting them at Costco. But it only saves you money if you use the service.

We’ve found that the top strategy for saving money at Costco is more about how you pay than what you buy. Every dollar will work harder if you combine Costco’s great value with a no-annual-fee credit card and a strong rewards program.

Consider an Executive membership

Costco’s Executive membership comes with quite a few perks, including 2% cash back on the majority of your spending, including Costco Travel. You’ll also get better deals on other Costco services, including auto services. If you have Costco auto insurance, you’ll get roadside assistance at no extra cost.

If your Costco shopping comes to more than $3,250 per year, that cash back alone will cover the extra $65 Executive membership fee. If you spend $6,500 per year, the entire membership fee will pay for itself. In case you’re wondering, several top cash back apps work with Costco, so you can get even more back from your spending.

It’s easy to renew your Costco membership

It is super easy to renew your membership. If you’re in a Costco store, stop by the membership desk or do it at the checkout. You can also renew online at Costco.com or call customer service.

Costco does offer an auto-renew feature, which makes the process even easier. But personally, it gives me peace of mind to know I’m in control — even if it means a bit of hassle when the renewal date comes around.

If you decide not to renew, you’ll still be able to shop at the retail giant. You might go with a friend or use Costco gift cards. You can also shop online, but you’ll need to pay an extra 5% to do so without a membership.

Costco’s best holiday deals

If your Costco membership is up for renewal, it’s worth getting it sorted before the end-of-year rush. If you’re wondering about Costco’s holiday bargains, look no further than the current holiday sale. From now until Dec. 2, Costco is offering extra discounts on everything from chocolates to jewelry and electronics.

Its gift cards can also be excellent money savers as you may get 10%, 20%, or more off the face value. For example, if you have younger relatives who are Roblox fanatics, you can get a $50 gift card for $44.99. You can also get deals on gift cards from Uber, top restaurants, and even airlines.

Renewing your Costco membership opens the door for continued great value on all your shopping. Not only that, but you can also get great prices on travel, insurance, auto deals, and more. Costco’s not just for Thanksgiving and Christmas — it gives members value all year round.

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.Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More