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Money Management

Now Loneliness May Worsen Your Short-Term Memory, Too

By Money Management No Comments

 Even brief bouts of loneliness can affect cognitive performance. SynthEx / Shutterstock.com

Chronic loneliness has already been shown to have negative health effects, including an increased risk of dementia. Now, research shows that even a day of loneliness can leave a mark, too. A recent study by researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that one or two days of loneliness coincides with decreased cognitive performance. Then, as cognitive performance decreases…

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10 Kirkland Products Every Costco Member Should Try in November 2024

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Costco’s private label products, called Kirkland Signature, have made store brands cool in a way I never could have imagined when I was growing up. Costco doesn’t have a fun cartoon mascot like the popular breakfast cereals of my childhood. But Costco’s Kirkland Signature private label brand has created its own special mystique.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!Some Costco shoppers might find that they prefer Kirkland Signature to brand-name products at other stores — for everything from prepared foods to pantry staples and everyday household items.Here are a few picks for the best Kirkland Signature deals in November 2024.(All deals were available for online shopping or Costco Same-Day powered by Instacart with prices shown for my local Costco warehouse in West Des Moines, Iowa, as of Nov. 6, 2024. Prices may vary by location.)1. Kirkland Signature Breakfast Sandwich, 4.82 oz., 8-count ($18.71)Need some help getting out the door a little faster in the morning or feeding hungry kids before school? These Kirkland Signature Breakfast Sandwiches are made with Applewood smoked bacon, egg, and cheese on a spiral butter croissant. And the price per sandwich is only $2.34, so it’s a low-cost, filling meal.2. Kirkland Signature, Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon, 6 oz, 6-Count ($17.99)Want to make a healthy, high-protein dinner of salmon cakes, salmon burgers, or other salmon dishes? Try this Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon. The fish is boneless, skinless, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.Want to save even more money on your groceries and other Costco buys? Click here to learn more about the best Costco credit cards that can help you earn an extra 2% to 3% (or more) of cash back on Costco purchases — from groceries to electronics, appliances, and more.3. Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, 55 oz ($11.99)Trying fun new snacks is one of the great joys of a Costco membership. These Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets are crispy and delicious. They’re a perfect blend of smooth peanut butter inside a salted exterior. And the 55-ounce container gives you 56 servings of happy snacking.4. Kirkland Signature, Organic Diced Tomatoes, 14.5 oz, 8-Count ($7.99)Here’s a great example of a low-cost Kirkland Signature pantry staple. These Organic Diced Tomatoes will jazz up your next Taco Night and can be a great addition to chilis and soups. Get eight cans for less than $1 each.5. Kirkland Signature Chewy Protein Bar, Peanut Butter & Semisweet Chocolate Chip, 1.41 oz, 42-Count ($16.99)If you don’t have time in the morning for a breakfast sandwich or just want an easy source of protein on the go, these Kirkland Signature Chewy Protein Bars can keep you satisfied and energized. Each bar contains 10 grams of protein, and the flavor is delicious. And the price is only $0.40 per bar.6. Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat Snack Mix, 24 oz ($10.99)I only recently started buying this Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat Snack Mix, but it has quickly skyrocketed to the top of my shortlist of favorite Costco snacks. This mix is crunchy, sweet, and spicy, with a blend of barbecue, honey-glazed, and honey-roasted nut flavors. Try it!7. Kirkland Signature Wild Flower Honey, 5 lbs ($14.99)Spruce up your daily toast, English muffins, oatmeal, or tea with a healthy dollop of Kirkland Signature Wild Flower Honey. This is a big bottle with about 108 servings, so the price is about $0.14 per serving.8. Kirkland Signature Green Tea Bags, 1.5 g, 100-count ($12.99)When I lived in Japan, green tea was at the center of everyday life and every workday. This Kirkland Signature Green Tea offers 100 tea bags (about $0.13 per serving) featuring a blend of two types of Japanese green tea — sencha (loose leaf) and matcha (powdered). This tea is a delicious way to bring the authentic flavor of Japan to your daily caffeine ritual.9. Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Scented Kitchen Trash Bags, 200-count ($19.99)Tired of fumbling around with flimsy garbage bags that spill mess and spread misery all over your kitchen? These Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Scented Kitchen Trash Bags will save you plenty of frustration — and they have a pleasant scent to fight trash odors! And the price is only about $0.10 per bag.10. Kirkland Signature European Cookies With Belgian Chocolate, Assortment, 49.4 oz ($17.99)This is one of my favorite Costco products of all time, and it’s perfect for the holiday season. With this Kirkland Signature product, you get a massive tin of 156 European cookies made with Belgian chocolate, for a total of 39 servings of four cookies each.The cookies are an adventurous array of flavors, styles, textures and chocolate dippings, with names like Artisan Crisp, Noir Shell, and Caramel Delight. Stock up on these cookies ahead of the holidays, and you’ll be the life of the party at your Thanksgiving dinner or other fall gatherings.Bottom lineNovember 2024 is a great occasion to buy Costco Kirkland Signature products to upgrade your grocery routine without busting your budget. Breakfast sandwiches, protein bars, sweet and spicy snack mix, and Belgian chocolate cookies are just a few delicious ways to maximize your Costco membership.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Costco’s private label products, called Kirkland Signature, have made store brands cool in a way I never could have imagined when I was growing up. Costco doesn’t have a fun cartoon mascot like the popular breakfast cereals of my childhood. But Costco’s Kirkland Signature private label brand has created its own special mystique.

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!

Some Costco shoppers might find that they prefer Kirkland Signature to brand-name products at other stores — for everything from prepared foods to pantry staples and everyday household items.

Here are a few picks for the best Kirkland Signature deals in November 2024.

(All deals were available for online shopping or Costco Same-Day powered by Instacart with prices shown for my local Costco warehouse in West Des Moines, Iowa, as of Nov. 6, 2024. Prices may vary by location.)

1. Kirkland Signature Breakfast Sandwich, 4.82 oz., 8-count ($18.71)

Need some help getting out the door a little faster in the morning or feeding hungry kids before school? These Kirkland Signature Breakfast Sandwiches are made with Applewood smoked bacon, egg, and cheese on a spiral butter croissant. And the price per sandwich is only $2.34, so it’s a low-cost, filling meal.

2. Kirkland Signature, Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon, 6 oz, 6-Count ($17.99)

Want to make a healthy, high-protein dinner of salmon cakes, salmon burgers, or other salmon dishes? Try this Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon. The fish is boneless, skinless, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Want to save even more money on your groceries and other Costco buys? Click here to learn more about the best Costco credit cards that can help you earn an extra 2% to 3% (or more) of cash back on Costco purchases — from groceries to electronics, appliances, and more.

3. Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, 55 oz ($11.99)

Trying fun new snacks is one of the great joys of a Costco membership. These Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets are crispy and delicious. They’re a perfect blend of smooth peanut butter inside a salted exterior. And the 55-ounce container gives you 56 servings of happy snacking.

4. Kirkland Signature, Organic Diced Tomatoes, 14.5 oz, 8-Count ($7.99)

Here’s a great example of a low-cost Kirkland Signature pantry staple. These Organic Diced Tomatoes will jazz up your next Taco Night and can be a great addition to chilis and soups. Get eight cans for less than $1 each.

5. Kirkland Signature Chewy Protein Bar, Peanut Butter & Semisweet Chocolate Chip, 1.41 oz, 42-Count ($16.99)

If you don’t have time in the morning for a breakfast sandwich or just want an easy source of protein on the go, these Kirkland Signature Chewy Protein Bars can keep you satisfied and energized. Each bar contains 10 grams of protein, and the flavor is delicious. And the price is only $0.40 per bar.

6. Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat Snack Mix, 24 oz ($10.99)

I only recently started buying this Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat Snack Mix, but it has quickly skyrocketed to the top of my shortlist of favorite Costco snacks. This mix is crunchy, sweet, and spicy, with a blend of barbecue, honey-glazed, and honey-roasted nut flavors. Try it!

7. Kirkland Signature Wild Flower Honey, 5 lbs ($14.99)

Spruce up your daily toast, English muffins, oatmeal, or tea with a healthy dollop of Kirkland Signature Wild Flower Honey. This is a big bottle with about 108 servings, so the price is about $0.14 per serving.

8. Kirkland Signature Green Tea Bags, 1.5 g, 100-count ($12.99)

When I lived in Japan, green tea was at the center of everyday life and every workday. This Kirkland Signature Green Tea offers 100 tea bags (about $0.13 per serving) featuring a blend of two types of Japanese green tea — sencha (loose leaf) and matcha (powdered). This tea is a delicious way to bring the authentic flavor of Japan to your daily caffeine ritual.

9. Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Scented Kitchen Trash Bags, 200-count ($19.99)

Tired of fumbling around with flimsy garbage bags that spill mess and spread misery all over your kitchen? These Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Scented Kitchen Trash Bags will save you plenty of frustration — and they have a pleasant scent to fight trash odors! And the price is only about $0.10 per bag.

10. Kirkland Signature European Cookies With Belgian Chocolate, Assortment, 49.4 oz ($17.99)

This is one of my favorite Costco products of all time, and it’s perfect for the holiday season. With this Kirkland Signature product, you get a massive tin of 156 European cookies made with Belgian chocolate, for a total of 39 servings of four cookies each.

The cookies are an adventurous array of flavors, styles, textures and chocolate dippings, with names like Artisan Crisp, Noir Shell, and Caramel Delight. Stock up on these cookies ahead of the holidays, and you’ll be the life of the party at your Thanksgiving dinner or other fall gatherings.

Bottom line

November 2024 is a great occasion to buy Costco Kirkland Signature products to upgrade your grocery routine without busting your budget. Breakfast sandwiches, protein bars, sweet and spicy snack mix, and Belgian chocolate cookies are just a few delicious ways to maximize your Costco membership.

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

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More 

How to Financially Support Family — Without Derailing Retirement Plans

By Money Management No Comments

 How much is too much — and how can you keep it all balanced? RealPeopleStudio / Shutterstock.com

As if saving enough to pay for your own retirement isn’t worrisome enough, research from Merrill Lynch and Age Wave suggests that most people over 50 (6 out of 10, in fact) are providing financial support to family members in need — either on a one off basis or as continuing regular support. Giving money to family can be rewarding, but at what cost? Here are some interesting facts from the…

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11 Pharmacies That Still Deliver Prescriptions for Free (Including Costco)

By Money Management No Comments

 You don’t have to leave your house for your medications with these services. Cassiohabib / Shutterstock.com

No one wants to brave a trip to the pharmacy on a good day, let alone when they’re already sick. Whether you’re wanting to save on gas or trying not to leave bed while dealing with the latest bug, I have some good news. Plenty of pharmacies are willing to ship you your prescriptions for free. Be careful, as some popular pharmacies may sound free when advertising their services…

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Act Now: Get $70 Off Southwest Flights With This Costco Gift Card Offer

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
It’s no secret that travel expenses can add up fast, especially if your trip requires you to fly. But you can keep more money in your wallet by looking for ways to save money on flights. One strategy that has helped travelers save money is purchasing discounted airfare gift cards.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!You can buy cheap gift cards if you have a Costco membership — the warehouse club sells Southwest Airlines gift cards at a discount. And guess what? They’re on sale for $20 off through Nov. 18. By shopping this Costco gift card deal, you could unlock a total of $70 off Southwest flights.Score a $500 Southwest gift card for $429.99Costco sells various gift cards at affordable prices. Costco’s $500 Southwest Airlines gift card is a popular option with travelers. Usually, Costco sells this gift card for $449.99. But it’s available with a more sizable discount through Nov. 18. You’ll pay only $429.99.By taking advantage of this offer, you can walk away with an additional $70 to spend on Southwest airfare. If you still have holiday flights to book, this is the perfect deal to shop.You can redeem the gift card funds for Southwest Airlines tickets at Southwest.com, the Southwest mobile app, Southwest ticket counters, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.Each Costco member can purchase a maximum of five gift cards in one transaction. Your electronic gift card will be delivered by email. Considering the face value for this gift card is $500, this deal makes it easy for travelers to keep more money in their checking accounts.If you’re not earning rewards for your Costco hauls, you’re leaving money on the table. Click here to explore the top credit cards for Costco that offer big rewards on your spending.This is my favorite hack to score cheap Southwest flightsYou can maximize your Costco membership and get more money to spend on flights by taking advantage of this deal. But there are other ways to save money on Southwest airfare. I travel often, and my favorite way to find cheap Southwest flights is to use Google Flights.Before booking airfare, I use Google Flights to compare ticket prices for my preferred destination and dates. I can explore pricing between multiple carriers or one specific airline. I then use Google’s Date Grid and Price Graph tools to find the cheapest dates to fly.This airfare price comparison platform helps me avoid overpaying for flights. This strategy works best if you have some flexibility with your travel dates. But by taking this extra step before booking your tickets, you can stretch your Southwest Airlines gift card funds further.Save even more by earning travel rewardsDo you have other travel expenses that you need to book for an upcoming trip? Consider using a travel rewards credit card to pay for your hotel, rental car, and other travel reservations.You can earn valuable rewards when you swipe your card and redeem them for free or low-cost travel. This strategy could help you save more on a future trip, and every dollar you save is a win.Want to earn points or miles for travel? Click here to see our curated list of the top travel credit cards with valuable perks and plentiful rewards.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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Southwest Airlines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool

It’s no secret that travel expenses can add up fast, especially if your trip requires you to fly. But you can keep more money in your wallet by looking for ways to save money on flights. One strategy that has helped travelers save money is purchasing discounted airfare gift cards.

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!

You can buy cheap gift cards if you have a Costco membership — the warehouse club sells Southwest Airlines gift cards at a discount. And guess what? They’re on sale for $20 off through Nov. 18. By shopping this Costco gift card deal, you could unlock a total of $70 off Southwest flights.

Score a $500 Southwest gift card for $429.99

Costco sells various gift cards at affordable prices. Costco’s $500 Southwest Airlines gift card is a popular option with travelers. Usually, Costco sells this gift card for $449.99. But it’s available with a more sizable discount through Nov. 18. You’ll pay only $429.99.

By taking advantage of this offer, you can walk away with an additional $70 to spend on Southwest airfare. If you still have holiday flights to book, this is the perfect deal to shop.

You can redeem the gift card funds for Southwest Airlines tickets at Southwest.com, the Southwest mobile app, Southwest ticket counters, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.

Each Costco member can purchase a maximum of five gift cards in one transaction. Your electronic gift card will be delivered by email. Considering the face value for this gift card is $500, this deal makes it easy for travelers to keep more money in their checking accounts.

If you’re not earning rewards for your Costco hauls, you’re leaving money on the table. Click here to explore the top credit cards for Costco that offer big rewards on your spending.

This is my favorite hack to score cheap Southwest flights

You can maximize your Costco membership and get more money to spend on flights by taking advantage of this deal. But there are other ways to save money on Southwest airfare. I travel often, and my favorite way to find cheap Southwest flights is to use Google Flights.

Before booking airfare, I use Google Flights to compare ticket prices for my preferred destination and dates. I can explore pricing between multiple carriers or one specific airline. I then use Google’s Date Grid and Price Graph tools to find the cheapest dates to fly.

This airfare price comparison platform helps me avoid overpaying for flights. This strategy works best if you have some flexibility with your travel dates. But by taking this extra step before booking your tickets, you can stretch your Southwest Airlines gift card funds further.

Save even more by earning travel rewards

Do you have other travel expenses that you need to book for an upcoming trip? Consider using a travel rewards credit card to pay for your hotel, rental car, and other travel reservations.

You can earn valuable rewards when you swipe your card and redeem them for free or low-cost travel. This strategy could help you save more on a future trip, and every dollar you save is a win.

Want to earn points or miles for travel? Click here to see our curated list of the top travel credit cards with valuable perks and plentiful rewards.

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.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Southwest Airlines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Expect a Big Holiday-Season Traffic Surge at These American Airports

By Money Management No Comments

 This holiday season is shaping up to be one of the busiest, especially at these airports. Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com

As the holiday season approaches, millions of travelers are preparing to pack their bags and head to the skies, making this one of the busiest times of the year for air travel. Airports across the United States experience a significant surge in passenger traffic, with some hubs seeing more dramatic increases than others. Whether travelers are visiting family, heading for a vacation…

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