Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
These days, feeding my family is expensive — some months, my grocery bills come close to surpassing my mortgage payments. That’s why I’m grateful for my Costco membership.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!While my Costco membership certainly isn’t free (I pay $130 a year for an Executive membership), the savings I enjoy during the year more than make up for it. But there’s a problem I tend to run into when shopping at Costco — being tempted to buy things I don’t need.I know I’m not alone here. Costco’s massive inventory opens the door to temptation for a lot of people. And because Costco is constantly introducing new products, it can be hard to say no when you see one you’re inspired to own.To make sure I’m sticking to a budget, I’ve come up with some tricks to avoid impulse purchases at Costco. Here are a few tactics that work for me — and they may work well for you, too.1. Stick to a list and avoid aisles you don’t need to visitMaking a shopping list before I head to Costco helps me avoid forgetting the items I need. It also helps me avoid buying things I don’t need.One of my Costco shopping rules is that once I have my list, I’m not allowed to go down any aisle that doesn’t contain an item on it. The way I see it, if I don’t enter those extra aisles, I won’t be tempted by their contents. In some cases, I may not even know what I’m missing out on.2. Pass up the free samplesOne big perk of a Costco membership is getting to sample different foods at the store. But if you want to steer clear of impulse purchases, say no to those samples.If you’re shopping while hungry and eat a bite that’s tasty, it may trick your brain into thinking you need to bring home a large quantity of whatever it is. In reality, perhaps you’re just in need of a meal.If you find that sampling food typically leads to extra purchases, just say no. It’ll also get you in and out of Costco faster.3. Steer clear of the front of the storeThe front of the store is where Costco tends to feature a mishmash of sale items. You might find everything from marked-down sunscreen to seasonal chocolates to throw blankets greeting you when you first walk in.It’s impossible to stay away from the front of the store completely — you need to pass it to get inside. But what you can do is divert your eyes and tell yourself you’re not allowed to stop and look. This rule has saved me from many impulse purchases.And if you are tempted to buy something you see on sale at the front of the store, don’t add it to your shopping cart right away. Instead, finish the rest of your shopping and go back for it if you still want the item in question 30 minutes later. Chances are, in that stretch of time, you’ll realize it’s not worth buying — or that there’s no more room in your cart for it, anyway.4. Only shop with cashSwiping the right credit card at Costco could help you enjoy even more savings during your shopping. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.But shopping with a credit card could also open the door to impulse buys. If you can’t seem to break that habit, start limiting yourself to paying with cash instead.Of course, shopping with cash is tricky. You’ll need to look at recent receipts to calculate the cost of your purchases, and you risk ending up short on cash if the price of some of your items is higher than expected.For this reason, I only recommend shopping with cash as a last resort. But if all else fails, it could be the move that prevents you from overspending.It’s not easy to say no to extra purchases at Costco. But following these tips could lead to lower spending on your part. And that could improve your financial situation in a very big way.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”:”

These days, feeding my family is expensive — some months, my grocery bills come close to surpassing my mortgage payments. That’s why I’m grateful for my Costco membership.

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

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

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

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

While my Costco membership certainly isn’t free (I pay $130 a year for an Executive membership), the savings I enjoy during the year more than make up for it. But there’s a problem I tend to run into when shopping at Costco — being tempted to buy things I don’t need.

I know I’m not alone here. Costco’s massive inventory opens the door to temptation for a lot of people. And because Costco is constantly introducing new products, it can be hard to say no when you see one you’re inspired to own.

To make sure I’m sticking to a budget, I’ve come up with some tricks to avoid impulse purchases at Costco. Here are a few tactics that work for me — and they may work well for you, too.

1. Stick to a list and avoid aisles you don’t need to visit

Making a shopping list before I head to Costco helps me avoid forgetting the items I need. It also helps me avoid buying things I don’t need.

One of my Costco shopping rules is that once I have my list, I’m not allowed to go down any aisle that doesn’t contain an item on it. The way I see it, if I don’t enter those extra aisles, I won’t be tempted by their contents. In some cases, I may not even know what I’m missing out on.

2. Pass up the free samples

One big perk of a Costco membership is getting to sample different foods at the store. But if you want to steer clear of impulse purchases, say no to those samples.

If you’re shopping while hungry and eat a bite that’s tasty, it may trick your brain into thinking you need to bring home a large quantity of whatever it is. In reality, perhaps you’re just in need of a meal.

If you find that sampling food typically leads to extra purchases, just say no. It’ll also get you in and out of Costco faster.

3. Steer clear of the front of the store

The front of the store is where Costco tends to feature a mishmash of sale items. You might find everything from marked-down sunscreen to seasonal chocolates to throw blankets greeting you when you first walk in.

It’s impossible to stay away from the front of the store completely — you need to pass it to get inside. But what you can do is divert your eyes and tell yourself you’re not allowed to stop and look. This rule has saved me from many impulse purchases.

And if you are tempted to buy something you see on sale at the front of the store, don’t add it to your shopping cart right away. Instead, finish the rest of your shopping and go back for it if you still want the item in question 30 minutes later. Chances are, in that stretch of time, you’ll realize it’s not worth buying — or that there’s no more room in your cart for it, anyway.

4. Only shop with cash

Swiping the right credit card at Costco could help you enjoy even more savings during your shopping. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.

But shopping with a credit card could also open the door to impulse buys. If you can’t seem to break that habit, start limiting yourself to paying with cash instead.

Of course, shopping with cash is tricky. You’ll need to look at recent receipts to calculate the cost of your purchases, and you risk ending up short on cash if the price of some of your items is higher than expected.

For this reason, I only recommend shopping with cash as a last resort. But if all else fails, it could be the move that prevents you from overspending.

It’s not easy to say no to extra purchases at Costco. But following these tips could lead to lower spending on your part. And that could improve your financial situation in a very big way.

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

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Sharing a meal while out at a restaurant with friends and family can be fun. But it can quickly become an expensive affair. If you have a limited budget for dining expenses, you may be looking for ways to make dining out more affordable. One way to save on this cost is by purchasing discounted gift cards for the restaurants and cafes you enjoy.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!Those with a Costco membership card in their wallet can buy cheap dining gift cards. Ready to make your restaurant spending funds go further in the upcoming year? By purchasing these gift cards from Costco, you can save more than $100 in 2025 while dining out with your favorite people.1. Four $25 TGI Fridays gift cards for $79.99Save: $20.01TGI Fridays is a popular restaurant chain with locations nationwide. If you have a crew with varied tastes, this could be a good restaurant option for your rotation. The menu is vast, and there’s something for everyone. Costco sells a pack of four $25 TGI Fridays gift cards for $79.99. You can save $20.01 with this dining deal from Costco.2. Two $50 Famous Dave’s gift cards for $79.99Save: $20.01Calling all barbeque lovers — want to save $20? You can buy a pack of two $50 Famous Dave’s gift cards for $79.99 at Costco. This eatery’s menu features burgers, sandwiches, platters, salads, and more. With this deal, you can get more out of your dining budget and maximize the value of your Costco membership. You’ve got to try the cornbread muffins.3. Four $25 IHOP gift cards for $79.99Save: $20.01Maybe you’re more of a breakfast person. After all, it’s the most important meal of the day. Costco can help you stretch your dollars further on a future breakfast outing. The retailer sells a four-pack of $25 IHOP gift cards for $79.99.You’ll get $100 to spend on pancakes, french toast, omelets, and other delicious breakfast items. When dining in during select hours on weekdays, you can order off the IHOP House Faves menu for as little as $6 per entree.Did you know you can also boost your Costco savings by using a credit card that earns rewards? Click here for a list of the top credit cards for Costco shoppers.4. Two $50 California Pizza Kitchen gift cards for $79.99Save: $20.01You don’t want to ignore this discount gift card offer if you have a California Pizza Kitchen in your community. You can pick up a two-pack of $50 California Pizza Kitchen gift cards for $79.99 at Costco.And guess what? The eatery serves more than pizza. You’ll also find pasta, salads, and soups on the menu. This gift card deal will leave you with an extra $20 in your checking account.5. Two $50 Romano’s Macaroni Grill gift cards for $74.99Save: $25.01This is an online-only deal that members can purchase at Costco.com. The restaurant chain has Italian-inspired dishes on its menu. Some dishes include lasagna bolognese, mushroom ravioli, chicken parmesan, and chicken marsala.As a Costco member, you can score a two-pack of $50 Romano’s Macaroni Grill gift cards for $74.99. You’ll save $25.01.Take every opportunity to saveIn total, these gift cards offer savings of $105.05. This is an excellent reminder to always look for deals that help you get more from your money. Every dollar you save adds up. Thanks to discounted gift cards, next year’s restaurant visits could be much cheaper.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”:”

Sharing a meal while out at a restaurant with friends and family can be fun. But it can quickly become an expensive affair. If you have a limited budget for dining expenses, you may be looking for ways to make dining out more affordable. One way to save on this cost is by purchasing discounted gift cards for the restaurants and cafes you enjoy.

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

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

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

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

Those with a Costco membership card in their wallet can buy cheap dining gift cards. Ready to make your restaurant spending funds go further in the upcoming year? By purchasing these gift cards from Costco, you can save more than $100 in 2025 while dining out with your favorite people.

1. Four $25 TGI Fridays gift cards for $79.99

Save: $20.01

TGI Fridays is a popular restaurant chain with locations nationwide. If you have a crew with varied tastes, this could be a good restaurant option for your rotation. The menu is vast, and there’s something for everyone. Costco sells a pack of four $25 TGI Fridays gift cards for $79.99. You can save $20.01 with this dining deal from Costco.

2. Two $50 Famous Dave’s gift cards for $79.99

Save: $20.01

Calling all barbeque lovers — want to save $20? You can buy a pack of two $50 Famous Dave’s gift cards for $79.99 at Costco. This eatery’s menu features burgers, sandwiches, platters, salads, and more. With this deal, you can get more out of your dining budget and maximize the value of your Costco membership. You’ve got to try the cornbread muffins.

3. Four $25 IHOP gift cards for $79.99

Save: $20.01

Maybe you’re more of a breakfast person. After all, it’s the most important meal of the day. Costco can help you stretch your dollars further on a future breakfast outing. The retailer sells a four-pack of $25 IHOP gift cards for $79.99.

You’ll get $100 to spend on pancakes, french toast, omelets, and other delicious breakfast items. When dining in during select hours on weekdays, you can order off the IHOP House Faves menu for as little as $6 per entree.

Did you know you can also boost your Costco savings by using a credit card that earns rewards? Click here for a list of the top credit cards for Costco shoppers.

4. Two $50 California Pizza Kitchen gift cards for $79.99

Save: $20.01

You don’t want to ignore this discount gift card offer if you have a California Pizza Kitchen in your community. You can pick up a two-pack of $50 California Pizza Kitchen gift cards for $79.99 at Costco.

And guess what? The eatery serves more than pizza. You’ll also find pasta, salads, and soups on the menu. This gift card deal will leave you with an extra $20 in your checking account.

5. Two $50 Romano’s Macaroni Grill gift cards for $74.99

Save: $25.01

This is an online-only deal that members can purchase at Costco.com. The restaurant chain has Italian-inspired dishes on its menu. Some dishes include lasagna bolognese, mushroom ravioli, chicken parmesan, and chicken marsala.

As a Costco member, you can score a two-pack of $50 Romano’s Macaroni Grill gift cards for $74.99. You’ll save $25.01.

Take every opportunity to save

In total, these gift cards offer savings of $105.05. This is an excellent reminder to always look for deals that help you get more from your money. Every dollar you save adds up. Thanks to discounted gift cards, next year’s restaurant visits could be much cheaper.

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
In the coming months, the Federal Reserve will likely continue on its path of interest rate cuts. That’s good news, because it could set the stage for cheaper borrowing.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. But to save money on any type of loan or financing option, you need to have good credit. And if you’re eager to boost your credit score before the end of the year, you’ll want to take these key steps.Step 1: Find out your current scoreYou’d be surprised by how many Americans don’t know their credit score. Last year, badcredit.org found that almost one-third of U.S. consumers had no idea what their credit score looked like.Finding out your credit score will give you a sense of how much work it needs. If you log into your bank or credit card account, you may find that number easily available to you.Step 2: Review your current bills and make sure you can pay themYour payment history carries more weight than any other factor when calculating your credit score. It’s important to make sure you’re not in over your head for managing your bills and debts, since failing to pay on time could be harmful to your credit score.Take a look at your current expenses and set up a budget so you’re confident you’re able to manage it all. And if not, try shedding expenses or working a side hustle to make sure you have access to the money you need.Step 3: Reduce your credit card balancesYour credit utilization is another major factor that goes into calculating your credit score. It measures how much of your available revolving credit you’re using at once.Reducing your current credit card balances is a good way to raise your credit score fairly quickly — provided you have the money to do so. But if you’re willing to work a second job (which may be fairly easy to find during the holiday season), then you might manage to make a serious dent in your credit card debt.Another option to consider? See if you can qualify for a balance transfer. This allows you to move your various credit card balances onto a single card, and ideally, one with a 0% introductory interest rate. Click here for a list of the best balance transfer credit cards.Step 4: Read through your credit report and correct errorsYou may not enjoy reading your credit report the same way you enjoy reading novels or magazines. But it’s important to review that information and make sure it’s correct. A mistake on your credit report could be damaging to your credit score, so correcting false information that works against you is crucial.The good news is that you won’t pay a dime to access your credit report. You’re entitled to a free copy every week from each of the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. But make sure to check each bureau’s report at least once, since it’s not a given they’ll contain the same information.A boosted credit score could make your next loan less expensive and easier to qualify for. So it pays to take these steps to set yourself up for success in the new year — especially since borrowing rates are expected to come down.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

In the coming months, the Federal Reserve will likely continue on its path of interest rate cuts. That’s good news, because it could set the stage for cheaper borrowing.

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

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

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

But to save money on any type of loan or financing option, you need to have good credit. And if you’re eager to boost your credit score before the end of the year, you’ll want to take these key steps.

Step 1: Find out your current score

You’d be surprised by how many Americans don’t know their credit score. Last year, badcredit.org found that almost one-third of U.S. consumers had no idea what their credit score looked like.

Finding out your credit score will give you a sense of how much work it needs. If you log into your bank or credit card account, you may find that number easily available to you.

Step 2: Review your current bills and make sure you can pay them

Your payment history carries more weight than any other factor when calculating your credit score. It’s important to make sure you’re not in over your head for managing your bills and debts, since failing to pay on time could be harmful to your credit score.

Take a look at your current expenses and set up a budget so you’re confident you’re able to manage it all. And if not, try shedding expenses or working a side hustle to make sure you have access to the money you need.

Step 3: Reduce your credit card balances

Your credit utilization is another major factor that goes into calculating your credit score. It measures how much of your available revolving credit you’re using at once.

Reducing your current credit card balances is a good way to raise your credit score fairly quickly — provided you have the money to do so. But if you’re willing to work a second job (which may be fairly easy to find during the holiday season), then you might manage to make a serious dent in your credit card debt.

Another option to consider? See if you can qualify for a balance transfer. This allows you to move your various credit card balances onto a single card, and ideally, one with a 0% introductory interest rate. Click here for a list of the best balance transfer credit cards.

Step 4: Read through your credit report and correct errors

You may not enjoy reading your credit report the same way you enjoy reading novels or magazines. But it’s important to review that information and make sure it’s correct. A mistake on your credit report could be damaging to your credit score, so correcting false information that works against you is crucial.

The good news is that you won’t pay a dime to access your credit report. You’re entitled to a free copy every week from each of the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. But make sure to check each bureau’s report at least once, since it’s not a given they’ll contain the same information.

A boosted credit score could make your next loan less expensive and easier to qualify for. So it pays to take these steps to set yourself up for success in the new year — especially since borrowing rates are expected to come down.

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
I’ve been gobbling Costco rotisserie chicken since I was 10 years old and young enough to demand bananas from Mom. Even so, I’ve gone for prolonged periods sans Costco. It’s an on-and-off affair, one I’m forced to admit is contingent upon convenience and refrigerator size.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!Even if you’re a Costco fan like I am, there are good reasons to cancel your membership. Three of the best reasons to cancel your Costco membership next year include kids moving out, issues with membership sharing, and cheaper alternatives for single shoppers.1. Kids moved outOne of my favorite Reddit posts is by someone complaining about Costco only selling bananas in bulk. A half-dozen parents hopped on and declared that without on-demand bananas, their toddlers would riot. Kids eat the same foods in big quantities, and Costco delivers.Kids moving out of your house is a good reason to reconsider your Costco habits. A membership cancellation is in the cards if you’re reduced to shopping for one average eater, or two light eaters. In fact, anything that shrinks your household size is grounds for cancellation.But if you prefer cheaper gas and shopping for non-perishables in bulk, you might want to stick with Costco. You can still save money while shopping at Costco in 2025 by maximizing your Costco rewards with one simple strategy.2. Membership sharing isn’t workingMy college roommate experience was mixed. Chores were mishandled and trust was in lower supply than Costco’s gold bars. I didn’t trust my roommate to do the dishes — why would I trust them to fairly split a Costco membership? It wasn’t worth thinking about.Membership sharing, which you can technically do with up to one household member, is more complicated than calling it 50/50. You need to follow through. You need to trust that you and your housemate are spending, splitting, and traveling fairly. It’s a whole thing.If membership sharing isn’t working for you, consider splitting with someone else or canceling. You can absolutely shop at other stores with comparable prices on many items.3. Cheaper products existA colleague of mine at Motley Fool Money investigated grocery prices at Costco vs. Aldi. She discovered that Aldi offered produce like cucumbers, strawberries, and blueberries for less per pound, sometimes more than 25% cheaper.You can often find cheaper groceries at discount chains like Aldi. One tradeoff is you get less brand reliability. Costco has Kirkland, which rarely misses, plus consistent staples from vetted suppliers. Stores like Aldi typically offer a ton of random brands you’ve never heard of.This isn’t a problem with produce and many popular products, though. I’m sure you could buy Colgate toothpaste on the dark side of the moon, and it would still taste minty fresh. If you’re uncomfortable with canceling your Costco membership, you may want to mix and match.Mix and match grocery stores with Gold StarSay you don’t want to cancel, but you suspect you’re wasting food. It happens. Executive members can downsize to a Gold Star membership any time. It cuts the membership fee from $130 to $65 per year. Half the price, without losing access to Costco’s discounts and its top-tier return policy.How much do you need to spend for an Executive membership to be worth it? To recoup the difference between the Executive and Gold Star memberships, you’d need to spend $3,250 in a single year. There are other reasons to keep your Costco card, but an Executive membership paying for itself is the number one thing.Consider downgrading to a Gold Star membership if you spend less than $3,250 annually at Costco. It’s likely to save you money. I like to supplement my Costco spending with shopping at specialty stores like Trader Joe’s, and I earn a little extra by swiping credit cards that earn me rewards at Costco.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.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Cole Tretheway has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

I’ve been gobbling Costco rotisserie chicken since I was 10 years old and young enough to demand bananas from Mom. Even so, I’ve gone for prolonged periods sans Costco. It’s an on-and-off affair, one I’m forced to admit is contingent upon convenience and refrigerator size.

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!

Even if you’re a Costco fan like I am, there are good reasons to cancel your membership. Three of the best reasons to cancel your Costco membership next year include kids moving out, issues with membership sharing, and cheaper alternatives for single shoppers.

1. Kids moved out

One of my favorite Reddit posts is by someone complaining about Costco only selling bananas in bulk. A half-dozen parents hopped on and declared that without on-demand bananas, their toddlers would riot. Kids eat the same foods in big quantities, and Costco delivers.

Kids moving out of your house is a good reason to reconsider your Costco habits. A membership cancellation is in the cards if you’re reduced to shopping for one average eater, or two light eaters. In fact, anything that shrinks your household size is grounds for cancellation.

But if you prefer cheaper gas and shopping for non-perishables in bulk, you might want to stick with Costco. You can still save money while shopping at Costco in 2025 by maximizing your Costco rewards with one simple strategy.

2. Membership sharing isn’t working

My college roommate experience was mixed. Chores were mishandled and trust was in lower supply than Costco’s gold bars. I didn’t trust my roommate to do the dishes — why would I trust them to fairly split a Costco membership? It wasn’t worth thinking about.

Membership sharing, which you can technically do with up to one household member, is more complicated than calling it 50/50. You need to follow through. You need to trust that you and your housemate are spending, splitting, and traveling fairly. It’s a whole thing.

If membership sharing isn’t working for you, consider splitting with someone else or canceling. You can absolutely shop at other stores with comparable prices on many items.

3. Cheaper products exist

A colleague of mine at Motley Fool Money investigated grocery prices at Costco vs. Aldi. She discovered that Aldi offered produce like cucumbers, strawberries, and blueberries for less per pound, sometimes more than 25% cheaper.

You can often find cheaper groceries at discount chains like Aldi. One tradeoff is you get less brand reliability. Costco has Kirkland, which rarely misses, plus consistent staples from vetted suppliers. Stores like Aldi typically offer a ton of random brands you’ve never heard of.

This isn’t a problem with produce and many popular products, though. I’m sure you could buy Colgate toothpaste on the dark side of the moon, and it would still taste minty fresh. If you’re uncomfortable with canceling your Costco membership, you may want to mix and match.

Mix and match grocery stores with Gold Star

Say you don’t want to cancel, but you suspect you’re wasting food. It happens. Executive members can downsize to a Gold Star membership any time. It cuts the membership fee from $130 to $65 per year. Half the price, without losing access to Costco’s discounts and its top-tier return policy.

How much do you need to spend for an Executive membership to be worth it? To recoup the difference between the Executive and Gold Star memberships, you’d need to spend $3,250 in a single year. There are other reasons to keep your Costco card, but an Executive membership paying for itself is the number one thing.

Consider downgrading to a Gold Star membership if you spend less than $3,250 annually at Costco. It’s likely to save you money. I like to supplement my Costco spending with shopping at specialty stores like Trader Joe’s, and I earn a little extra by swiping credit cards that earn me rewards at Costco.

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.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Cole Tretheway has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you’ve been adulting for a while, you’ve probably deposited cash in an ATM once or twice. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always possible to do so. Sometimes, a bank limits how much can be deposited. And depending on where you bank, you may not be able to make a cash deposit at all.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Here, we discuss the various outcomes you can expect when depositing cash into an ATM.Some banks say, “Nah, we’re good”For whatever reason, some ATMs don’t accept cash deposits. Don’t assume that every ATM does, even if it’s a machine in your bank’s network. Before heading to an ATM, call your bank to learn which locations accept deposits and if you’ll be charged a fee.Want to earn upward of 4% APY on your savings? Check out our favorite high-yield savings accounts.You’ll likely hit limitsYou may be surprised to learn that banks sometimes limit the amount of cash that can be deposited at one time. If the bank doesn’t limit the amount that can be deposited, it will likely limit the number of bills. For example, a bank may put a $3,000 limit on daily cash deposits or the number of bills that can be deposited.Let’s say it’s late at night, and you’ve just remembered that your property taxes are due to be withdrawn from your checking account in the next day or two. However, your bank limits the number of bills that can be deposited to 20. To cover the $2,000 property tax bill, you know you’ll have to deposit 20 $100 bills.Knowing your bank’s limits can help you plan ahead if you routinely deal in cash.Finding a bank that blows your hair back can be challenging. Click here for the best picks for online checking accounts that keep the overhead low and fees even lower.You may incur a fee — or have to wait out a processing periodAccording to Chase, you may have to find an ATM that’s part of your bank or part of its participating network of ATMs. The banks that accept cash deposits through out-of-network ATMs will likely charge you an extra fee.Whether you’re making a deposit into your bank’s ATM or have located an out-of-network ATM that will accept your deposit, it’s important to find out if there’s a processing period you’ll have to wait out until your money is available in the account. Processing periods are more likely to occur when dealing with an out-of-network ATM, but it still pays to find out ahead of time.The length of the processing period matters, especially when your bank account needs a quick infusion of funds.A quirk of online bankingThere’s a lot to love about online banks, and if you have an account with one, you’ve probably found plenty to like about it. For example, online banks — like most brick-and-mortar banks — are nearly always FDIC-insured. And many online banks offer precisely the kinds ofservices you would expect to find at your neighborhood bank.Here’s the rub: Many online banks don’t allow direct cash deposits. Instead, they partner with a particular ATM network. However, if an online bank doesn’t partner with an ATM network, you have other deposit options, including:Cashier’s check: Use the cash to purchase a cashier’s check and deposit it through mobile banking.Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT): As long as you still have an account at a traditional bank and that bank has an ATM with cash deposit abilities, you may be able to deposit cash into that account and transfer it electronically to your online bank account.Through a partner: Check with your online bank to learn if it maintains a partnership with a grocery store or brick-and-mortar retailer that allows bank customers to deposit cash into their accounts. If the answer is yes, ask about any fees you may incur for doing this.No matter how many years you’ve had an account, it’s tough to know everything there is to know about banking, particularly as financial institutions develop more convenient banking methods. Perhaps the best way to approach banking is to get to know everything you can about how your home bank operates and make the most of what it has to offer.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you’ve been adulting for a while, you’ve probably deposited cash in an ATM once or twice. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always possible to do so. Sometimes, a bank limits how much can be deposited. And depending on where you bank, you may not be able to make a cash deposit at all.

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

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

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

Here, we discuss the various outcomes you can expect when depositing cash into an ATM.

Some banks say, “Nah, we’re good”

For whatever reason, some ATMs don’t accept cash deposits. Don’t assume that every ATM does, even if it’s a machine in your bank’s network. Before heading to an ATM, call your bank to learn which locations accept deposits and if you’ll be charged a fee.

Want to earn upward of 4% APY on your savings? Check out our favorite high-yield savings accounts.

You’ll likely hit limits

You may be surprised to learn that banks sometimes limit the amount of cash that can be deposited at one time. If the bank doesn’t limit the amount that can be deposited, it will likely limit the number of bills. For example, a bank may put a $3,000 limit on daily cash deposits or the number of bills that can be deposited.

Let’s say it’s late at night, and you’ve just remembered that your property taxes are due to be withdrawn from your checking account in the next day or two. However, your bank limits the number of bills that can be deposited to 20. To cover the $2,000 property tax bill, you know you’ll have to deposit 20 $100 bills.

Knowing your bank’s limits can help you plan ahead if you routinely deal in cash.

Finding a bank that blows your hair back can be challenging. Click here for the best picks for online checking accounts that keep the overhead low and fees even lower.

You may incur a fee — or have to wait out a processing period

According to Chase, you may have to find an ATM that’s part of your bank or part of its participating network of ATMs. The banks that accept cash deposits through out-of-network ATMs will likely charge you an extra fee.

Whether you’re making a deposit into your bank’s ATM or have located an out-of-network ATM that will accept your deposit, it’s important to find out if there’s a processing period you’ll have to wait out until your money is available in the account. Processing periods are more likely to occur when dealing with an out-of-network ATM, but it still pays to find out ahead of time.

The length of the processing period matters, especially when your bank account needs a quick infusion of funds.

A quirk of online banking

There’s a lot to love about online banks, and if you have an account with one, you’ve probably found plenty to like about it. For example, online banks — like most brick-and-mortar banks — are nearly always FDIC-insured. And many online banks offer precisely the kinds of

services you would expect to find at your neighborhood bank.

Here’s the rub: Many online banks don’t allow direct cash deposits. Instead, they partner with a particular ATM network. However, if an online bank doesn’t partner with an ATM network, you have other deposit options, including:

Cashier’s check: Use the cash to purchase a cashier’s check and deposit it through mobile banking.Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT): As long as you still have an account at a traditional bank and that bank has an ATM with cash deposit abilities, you may be able to deposit cash into that account and transfer it electronically to your online bank account.Through a partner: Check with your online bank to learn if it maintains a partnership with a grocery store or brick-and-mortar retailer that allows bank customers to deposit cash into their accounts. If the answer is yes, ask about any fees you may incur for doing this.

No matter how many years you’ve had an account, it’s tough to know everything there is to know about banking, particularly as financial institutions develop more convenient banking methods. Perhaps the best way to approach banking is to get to know everything you can about how your home bank operates and make the most of what it has to offer.

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
I never thought I’d drive a minivan. But in 2014, when I found out I was having twins and already had a toddler underfoot, I realized I needed a vehicle with a third row to fit all of those car seats.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 technically had enough money to buy my minivan outright, but it would’ve depleted an uncomfortably large chunk of my savings account. So like many car buyers, I financed it with an auto loan and was fortunate to get a pretty competitive interest rate.For three years, I made payments on that auto loan every month like I was supposed to. And boy was I happy to shed it once my car was paid off.But something surprising happened to my credit score once I paid off my car. And it wasn’t surprising in a good way.When you pay off a loan and your credit score takes a hitYou’d think that paying off a large loan would cause your credit score to improve. After all, it shows you’re less tied down with debt payments and may be in a better position to borrow money.But when I paid off my car, my credit score actually dropped. And while it wasn’t a huge hit, it was noticeable enough.I did some digging to see why my credit score fell following my loan payoff, and it turns out there was a good (but annoying) reason. Your credit score consists of different elements. The bigger factors that go into it include your payment history, which speaks to how timely you are with bills; your credit utilization, which shows how much revolving credit you’re using at once; and the length of your credit history.My auto loan wasn’t a particularly lengthy one — we paid off my car in three years. But still, that may have slightly shortened the average age of my open accounts, resulting in a small hit.The factor that I think hurt me even more, though, was the impact on my credit mix. Your credit mix is also accounted for when calculating your credit score, and it refers to the types of accounts you have open.Installment loans like auto loans are often regarded as a more favorable type of debt than a credit card balance. So when I paid off my car, my only remaining installment loan was a mortgage, and the rest of my accounts were credit cards. That better explains the roughly 15-point drop in my credit score.How to protect your credit scoreLet’s be clear about one thing. You should never not pay off an installment loan on time for fear that your credit score will drop once that debt is gone. Falling delinquent on loan payments could hurt your credit score far more than paying off a loan when you’re supposed to.But there are a few ways you can keep your credit score in great shape or boost it if it needs a lift. In addition to paying all bills on time, aim to keep your credit card balances as low as possible so your utilization ratio stays to 30% or below. In other words, if your total spending limit across your credit cards is $10,000, keeping your outstanding balances to a total of $3,000 or less is essential.And if you’re juggling balances across multiple cards, it could pay to consolidate that debt with a balance transfer. Click here for a list of the best balance transfer credit cards.Also, while you should pay off an installment loan on time, you shouldn’t close old credit card accounts just because you’ve replaced those cards with newer ones. Instead, keep those old accounts open — especially if you’re not being charged an annual fee by the credit card issuer. You can keep your accounts in good standing by putting a small recurring charge on them that you pay in full every month.Finally, avoid applying for too many loans or credit cards within a short period. Each time you apply to borrow money, a hard inquiry is done on your credit report that can result in a five- to 10-point drop. A single hard inquiry won’t do much damage. But a few hard inquiries in short order could result in a more noticeable decrease in your credit score.Then again, so can paying off your car loan, apparently. But there was nothing I could’ve done back then to prevent that credit score hit, and there’s nothing I, or you, can do either in a similar situation. So if you’re about to pay off a large loan, your best bet is to focus on the other steps you can take to keep your credit score in the best possible shape.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 never thought I’d drive a minivan. But in 2014, when I found out I was having twins and already had a toddler underfoot, I realized I needed a vehicle with a third row to fit all of those car seats.

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 technically had enough money to buy my minivan outright, but it would’ve depleted an uncomfortably large chunk of my savings account. So like many car buyers, I financed it with an auto loan and was fortunate to get a pretty competitive interest rate.

For three years, I made payments on that auto loan every month like I was supposed to. And boy was I happy to shed it once my car was paid off.

But something surprising happened to my credit score once I paid off my car. And it wasn’t surprising in a good way.

When you pay off a loan and your credit score takes a hit

You’d think that paying off a large loan would cause your credit score to improve. After all, it shows you’re less tied down with debt payments and may be in a better position to borrow money.

But when I paid off my car, my credit score actually dropped. And while it wasn’t a huge hit, it was noticeable enough.

I did some digging to see why my credit score fell following my loan payoff, and it turns out there was a good (but annoying) reason. Your credit score consists of different elements. The bigger factors that go into it include your payment history, which speaks to how timely you are with bills; your credit utilization, which shows how much revolving credit you’re using at once; and the length of your credit history.

My auto loan wasn’t a particularly lengthy one — we paid off my car in three years. But still, that may have slightly shortened the average age of my open accounts, resulting in a small hit.

The factor that I think hurt me even more, though, was the impact on my credit mix. Your credit mix is also accounted for when calculating your credit score, and it refers to the types of accounts you have open.

Installment loans like auto loans are often regarded as a more favorable type of debt than a credit card balance. So when I paid off my car, my only remaining installment loan was a mortgage, and the rest of my accounts were credit cards. That better explains the roughly 15-point drop in my credit score.

How to protect your credit score

Let’s be clear about one thing. You should never not pay off an installment loan on time for fear that your credit score will drop once that debt is gone. Falling delinquent on loan payments could hurt your credit score far more than paying off a loan when you’re supposed to.

But there are a few ways you can keep your credit score in great shape or boost it if it needs a lift. In addition to paying all bills on time, aim to keep your credit card balances as low as possible so your utilization ratio stays to 30% or below. In other words, if your total spending limit across your credit cards is $10,000, keeping your outstanding balances to a total of $3,000 or less is essential.

And if you’re juggling balances across multiple cards, it could pay to consolidate that debt with a balance transfer. Click here for a list of the best balance transfer credit cards.

Also, while you should pay off an installment loan on time, you shouldn’t close old credit card accounts just because you’ve replaced those cards with newer ones. Instead, keep those old accounts open — especially if you’re not being charged an annual fee by the credit card issuer. You can keep your accounts in good standing by putting a small recurring charge on them that you pay in full every month.

Finally, avoid applying for too many loans or credit cards within a short period. Each time you apply to borrow money, a hard inquiry is done on your credit report that can result in a five- to 10-point drop. A single hard inquiry won’t do much damage. But a few hard inquiries in short order could result in a more noticeable decrease in your credit score.

Then again, so can paying off your car loan, apparently. But there was nothing I could’ve done back then to prevent that credit score hit, and there’s nothing I, or you, can do either in a similar situation. So if you’re about to pay off a large loan, your best bet is to focus on the other steps you can take to keep your credit score in the best possible shape.

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