Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
There’s a reason Target tends to have such a large and loyal fan base. Where else can you find everything from apparel and makeup to toys and bananas all under the same roof?Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. While Target isn’t a discount retailer per se, its prices can be pretty competitive in certain categories. Shopping there might help you save money on some of the items you buy regularly.But shopping at Target also isn’t for everyone. And if these signs apply to you, it means you shouldn’t keep shopping at your local Target.1. You have less expensive options for buying groceriesSome people will tell you that shopping at Target saves them money on groceries. But before you settle for Target’s prices, check out the other options you have in your area. You may find there’s a cheaper way to put food on the table.A warehouse club membership, for example, could give you access to a host of essential grocery items at a bulk discount. If you have a Costco or Sam’s Club nearby, you may find that buying groceries there saves you money even when you account for the cost of a membership (which starts at $65 a year for Costco or $50 for Sam’s Club). Also, if you have an Aldi in your town, you may find it’s a less expensive source of groceries than Target — especially when you combine an Aldi run with a credit card that rewards you generously for supermarket purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for groceries.2. You’re not good at saying no to impulse purchasesYou know the joke about a Target run costing $100 at a minimum, no matter what you’re buying? Yeah, it’s not all that funny — not when the average American owes $6,501 on their credit cards, according to Experian.The problem with Target is that there’s so much temptation to make impulse purchases due to the store’s wide range of products. Also, many of Target’s products are overwhelmingly appealing — so much so that you may be tempted to buy them even if they aren’t particularly cheap.If you’re trying to stick to a budget or pay off credit card debt, then you may want to steer clear of Target if you know you struggle to say no to unplanned purchases. If you buy your eggs and bread at a regular supermarket, you might occasionally pick up a bag of chips or a carton of ice cream on a whim — but there’s a difference between that and leaving Target with a shopping cart full of blankets and throw pillows.3. You’re spending a lot of money on gas just to get thereThere are nearly 2,000 Target locations throughout the U.S. But that doesn’t guarantee you live close to one. If you don’t, you may be spending an excessive amount of time on the road and an excessive amount of money on gas just to shop there. That’s silly when it may be easy enough to pivot to another store or order the products you need online. Say your closest Target is 30 minutes away, but there’s a Walmart 10 minutes down the road. There’s no reason not to give Walmart a try, and you may find that its prices are more competitive than Target’s. You should also know that Target offers free shipping on hundreds of thousands of items when you spend $35 or more, use your Target Circle 360 membership, or pay with a store credit or debit card. There’s no reason to drive all the way out to Target when you can instead save yourself the money on gas.Plus, if you order your Target goods online instead of going to the store in person, you may be less likely to end up making impulse purchases.It’s easy to see why so many people absolutely adore Target. But in these situations, avoiding the store may be your best move. 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 positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Target, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

There’s a reason Target tends to have such a large and loyal fan base. Where else can you find everything from apparel and makeup to toys and bananas all under the same roof?

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

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

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

While Target isn’t a discount retailer per se, its prices can be pretty competitive in certain categories. Shopping there might help you save money on some of the items you buy regularly.

But shopping at Target also isn’t for everyone. And if these signs apply to you, it means you shouldn’t keep shopping at your local Target.

1. You have less expensive options for buying groceries

Some people will tell you that shopping at Target saves them money on groceries. But before you settle for Target’s prices, check out the other options you have in your area. You may find there’s a cheaper way to put food on the table.

A warehouse club membership, for example, could give you access to a host of essential grocery items at a bulk discount. If you have a Costco or Sam’s Club nearby, you may find that buying groceries there saves you money even when you account for the cost of a membership (which starts at $65 a year for Costco or $50 for Sam’s Club).

Also, if you have an Aldi in your town, you may find it’s a less expensive source of groceries than Target — especially when you combine an Aldi run with a credit card that rewards you generously for supermarket purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for groceries.

2. You’re not good at saying no to impulse purchases

You know the joke about a Target run costing $100 at a minimum, no matter what you’re buying? Yeah, it’s not all that funny — not when the average American owes $6,501 on their credit cards, according to Experian.

The problem with Target is that there’s so much temptation to make impulse purchases due to the store’s wide range of products. Also, many of Target’s products are overwhelmingly appealing — so much so that you may be tempted to buy them even if they aren’t particularly cheap.

If you’re trying to stick to a budget or pay off credit card debt, then you may want to steer clear of Target if you know you struggle to say no to unplanned purchases. If you buy your eggs and bread at a regular supermarket, you might occasionally pick up a bag of chips or a carton of ice cream on a whim — but there’s a difference between that and leaving Target with a shopping cart full of blankets and throw pillows.

3. You’re spending a lot of money on gas just to get there

There are nearly 2,000 Target locations throughout the U.S. But that doesn’t guarantee you live close to one. If you don’t, you may be spending an excessive amount of time on the road and an excessive amount of money on gas just to shop there. That’s silly when it may be easy enough to pivot to another store or order the products you need online.

Say your closest Target is 30 minutes away, but there’s a Walmart 10 minutes down the road. There’s no reason not to give Walmart a try, and you may find that its prices are more competitive than Target’s.

You should also know that Target offers free shipping on hundreds of thousands of items when you spend $35 or more, use your Target Circle 360 membership, or pay with a store credit or debit card. There’s no reason to drive all the way out to Target when you can instead save yourself the money on gas.

Plus, if you order your Target goods online instead of going to the store in person, you may be less likely to end up making impulse purchases.

It’s easy to see why so many people absolutely adore Target. But in these situations, avoiding the store may be your best move.

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 positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Target, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
With the holiday shopping just a few weeks from kicking off, you probably don’t want to overspend on your Thanksgiving dinner. At the same time, you may not want to miss out on traditional Thanksgiving foods or settle for smaller portions on a day that’s largely centered around eating — and family, of course.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. A lot of grocery stores discount popular Thanksgiving meal items around now, and that includes Sam’s Club. Its holiday meal deal could be just what you’re looking for if you want to host dinner without draining your bank account.What you get with Sam’s Club’s Thanksgiving meal dealSam’s Club’s Thanksgiving meal deal isn’t something you can go into the store and buy as a single item. It’s a group of common Thanksgiving dinner items you can purchase individually or not at all if you don’t want certain products. Here’s what Sam’s Club included when it calculated its 10-person meal for under $100:Member’s Mark Smoked Turkey (12 lbs.)Member’s Mark Cranberry Crunch Salad (2.5 lbs.)Member’s Mark Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (4 lbs.)Member’s Mark Sweet Potato Mash (4 lbs.)Member’s Mark Brussel Sprouts (1.4 lbs.)Member’s Mark Yeast Dinner Rolls (24 count)Member’s Mark Macaroni and Cheese (2.8 lbs.)Member’s Mark 12″ Pumpkin PieBased on the prices and weights given on Sam’s Club’s website, this dinner would come in at $92.96. That doesn’t include sales tax. But there’s a lot of wiggle room here. For example, if your family hates salads, you could take that out and you’d reduce your cost by $13.20. So there’s room to make the meal your own, especially with so many items priced by the pound.There are some holiday staples missing here, including stuffing mix and green beans. You can obviously buy these at Sam’s Club, as well. But adding them into the mix could cause you to go over the $100 target price unless you also reduce spending on some of the items above.Is it worth it?Sam’s Club is far from the only store offering special deals on Thanksgiving foods. And it may not always be your best option. Figure out what you plan to buy and compare prices at Sam’s Club and other popular grocery stores in your area to find the best deals.You could save even more by using a grocery rewards credit card. These great cards give you bonus rewards on grocery spending that you can turn into cash back on future purchases.If you’ve accumulated some cash back on rewards credit cards already in your wallet, consider redeeming them for statement credits or gift cards to Sam’s Club or other retailers. This can ease the burden on your finances as you shop for your Thanksgiving meal.Finally, don’t wait until a day or two before the holiday to start shopping. This doesn’t leave you enough time to compare prices across retailers and you run the risk that a store might be sold out of a certain item you want. Aim to have all your items purchased several days before the holiday, so you can spend the night before preparing for the big feast.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”:”

With the holiday shopping just a few weeks from kicking off, you probably don’t want to overspend on your Thanksgiving dinner. At the same time, you may not want to miss out on traditional Thanksgiving foods or settle for smaller portions on a day that’s largely centered around eating — and family, of course.

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.

A lot of grocery stores discount popular Thanksgiving meal items around now, and that includes Sam’s Club. Its holiday meal deal could be just what you’re looking for if you want to host dinner without draining your bank account.

What you get with Sam’s Club’s Thanksgiving meal deal

Sam’s Club’s Thanksgiving meal deal isn’t something you can go into the store and buy as a single item. It’s a group of common Thanksgiving dinner items you can purchase individually or not at all if you don’t want certain products. Here’s what Sam’s Club included when it calculated its 10-person meal for under $100:

Member’s Mark Smoked Turkey (12 lbs.)Member’s Mark Cranberry Crunch Salad (2.5 lbs.)Member’s Mark Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (4 lbs.)Member’s Mark Sweet Potato Mash (4 lbs.)Member’s Mark Brussel Sprouts (1.4 lbs.)Member’s Mark Yeast Dinner Rolls (24 count)Member’s Mark Macaroni and Cheese (2.8 lbs.)Member’s Mark 12″ Pumpkin Pie

Based on the prices and weights given on Sam’s Club’s website, this dinner would come in at $92.96. That doesn’t include sales tax. But there’s a lot of wiggle room here. For example, if your family hates salads, you could take that out and you’d reduce your cost by $13.20. So there’s room to make the meal your own, especially with so many items priced by the pound.

There are some holiday staples missing here, including stuffing mix and green beans. You can obviously buy these at Sam’s Club, as well. But adding them into the mix could cause you to go over the $100 target price unless you also reduce spending on some of the items above.

Is it worth it?

Sam’s Club is far from the only store offering special deals on Thanksgiving foods. And it may not always be your best option. Figure out what you plan to buy and compare prices at Sam’s Club and other popular grocery stores in your area to find the best deals.

You could save even more by using a grocery rewards credit card. These great cards give you bonus rewards on grocery spending that you can turn into cash back on future purchases.

If you’ve accumulated some cash back on rewards credit cards already in your wallet, consider redeeming them for statement credits or gift cards to Sam’s Club or other retailers. This can ease the burden on your finances as you shop for your Thanksgiving meal.

Finally, don’t wait until a day or two before the holiday to start shopping. This doesn’t leave you enough time to compare prices across retailers and you run the risk that a store might be sold out of a certain item you want. Aim to have all your items purchased several days before the holiday, so you can spend the night before preparing for the big feast.

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: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Switching from brand-name to Kirkland Signature products is probably my second-favorite way to save money at Costco. (Number one is to use my favorite Costco rewards credit card.)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!I’m hardly the only person who uses their Costco membership to keep the family stocked up on Kirkland products. The Costco house brand has a very devoted — and very large — fan base, with the revenue numbers to prove it. The eye-popping profitability of the Kirkland brand is just one of the surprising facts I uncovered in my search. Let’s dive in.1. Kirkland Signature brings in $56 billion a yearThat’s right, friends, that’s billion, with a “B.” The Kirkland Signature line brought in $56 billion in sales last year, which amounts to about 23% of Costco’s overall sales.While that number is small compared to Costco as a whole, it’s big compared to — well, most other companies. In fact, if Kirkland Signature were a standalone company, it would rank 75th in the Fortune 500, coming in above Nationwide, Intel, and TJX. (Costco overall is currently number 11.)2. The best-selling Kirkland item is toilet paperBath tissue sales account for a whopping $1.4 billion of that $56 billion in Kirkland Signature products. Yes, according to Fortune, Costco sells more than $1 billion worth of toilet paper every year.At around $21.85 a package, this means Costco sold roughly 64.1 million packages, or one package to every two members. (For the curious, that amounts to roughly 3,275 square miles of toilet paper, or enough to cover the entire state of Delaware 1.3 times.)Pro tip: You can upgrade to a Costco Executive membership to get at least some of that money back via an annual 2% reward. You can also use our credit card rewards strategy to earn even more cash back on your Costco purchases.3. There are around 550 different Kirkland itemsAlthough it can seem like Costco has a Kirkland Signature version of pretty much everything, the product line is actually fairly small compared to the warehouse giant’s overall inventory. Fortune also says there are around 550 different Kirkland Signature items. Costco is said to carry around 3,800 different products overall, so the Kirkland line makes up just 15% of the product SKUs sold at Costco.4. Costco deliberately keeps the Kirkland line smallHaving a limited lineup of goods isn’t an accident — it’s entirely by design. Costco’s bigwigs have said repeatedly over the years that the company wants to focus on the quality of its Kirkland line, rather than the quantity of products.Costco’s Chief Operating Officer for Merchandising, Claudine Adamo, put it bluntly in a Fortune interview, saying, “We’re not looking to win a trophy for the highest amount of Kirkland Signature SKUs.” Adamo continued, “You build loyalty with that brand.”5. New Kirkland products require the CEO’s sign-offTo help ensure the Kirkland Signature brand stays true to that high-quality directive, every product has to have the go-ahead at the highest level. According to Adamo, that means approval from the CEO: “We don’t just put our name on products that someone else makes. Any new item goes all the way to the CEO’s office for sign-off.”You can’t win them all (we’re looking at you, Kirkland Light Beer). But ensuring the Kirkland brand keeps quality at the forefront is a big reason why Costco fans are so devoted to the Kirkland line — and to Costco itself. (Well, that and the $5 rotisserie chicken.)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.Brittney Myers 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”:”

Switching from brand-name to Kirkland Signature products is probably my second-favorite way to save money at Costco. (Number one is to use my favorite Costco rewards credit card.)

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!

I’m hardly the only person who uses their Costco membership to keep the family stocked up on Kirkland products. The Costco house brand has a very devoted — and very large — fan base, with the revenue numbers to prove it.

The eye-popping profitability of the Kirkland brand is just one of the surprising facts I uncovered in my search. Let’s dive in.

1. Kirkland Signature brings in $56 billion a year

That’s right, friends, that’s billion, with a “B.” The Kirkland Signature line brought in $56 billion in sales last year, which amounts to about 23% of Costco’s overall sales.

While that number is small compared to Costco as a whole, it’s big compared to — well, most other companies. In fact, if Kirkland Signature were a standalone company, it would rank 75th in the Fortune 500, coming in above Nationwide, Intel, and TJX. (Costco overall is currently number 11.)

2. The best-selling Kirkland item is toilet paper

Bath tissue sales account for a whopping $1.4 billion of that $56 billion in Kirkland Signature products. Yes, according to Fortune, Costco sells more than $1 billion worth of toilet paper every year.

At around $21.85 a package, this means Costco sold roughly 64.1 million packages, or one package to every two members. (For the curious, that amounts to roughly 3,275 square miles of toilet paper, or enough to cover the entire state of Delaware 1.3 times.)

Pro tip: You can upgrade to a Costco Executive membership to get at least some of that money back via an annual 2% reward. You can also use our credit card rewards strategy to earn even more cash back on your Costco purchases.

3. There are around 550 different Kirkland items

Although it can seem like Costco has a Kirkland Signature version of pretty much everything, the product line is actually fairly small compared to the warehouse giant’s overall inventory.

Fortune also says there are around 550 different Kirkland Signature items. Costco is said to carry around 3,800 different products overall, so the Kirkland line makes up just 15% of the product SKUs sold at Costco.

4. Costco deliberately keeps the Kirkland line small

Having a limited lineup of goods isn’t an accident — it’s entirely by design. Costco’s bigwigs have said repeatedly over the years that the company wants to focus on the quality of its Kirkland line, rather than the quantity of products.

Costco’s Chief Operating Officer for Merchandising, Claudine Adamo, put it bluntly in a Fortune interview, saying, “We’re not looking to win a trophy for the highest amount of Kirkland Signature SKUs.” Adamo continued, “You build loyalty with that brand.”

5. New Kirkland products require the CEO’s sign-off

To help ensure the Kirkland Signature brand stays true to that high-quality directive, every product has to have the go-ahead at the highest level.

According to Adamo, that means approval from the CEO: “We don’t just put our name on products that someone else makes. Any new item goes all the way to the CEO’s office for sign-off.”

You can’t win them all (we’re looking at you, Kirkland Light Beer). But ensuring the Kirkland brand keeps quality at the forefront is a big reason why Costco fans are so devoted to the Kirkland line — and to Costco itself. (Well, that and the $5 rotisserie chicken.)

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.Brittney Myers 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: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Car insurance premiums are up more than 16% from last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That can be really tough on your finances, especially for those with poor driving records and those who live in states with above-average premiums. And yet, going without insurance isn’t usually an option.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. Nearly all states require drivers to carry at least some auto insurance to drive legally. So if you hope to get behind the wheel, you’ll have to try some of these 10 money-saving tips instead.1. Shop aroundEvery car insurance company evaluates risk differently. That’s why it’s important to get quotes from three to five companies to see which offers you the best deal. Most companies enable you to get quotes online in just a few minutes. You can also save them if you want to return to them later.If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our list of the best car insurance companies. Choose a few that stand out, then give their online quote tools a try.2. Maintain a good driving recordFew things affect your car insurance premium as much as your driving record. A good record without tickets or accidents lowers your premium because it suggests you’re a responsible driver who’s less likely to file a claim.If you already have some negative marks on your record, make safe driving a priority going forward. As your tickets or accidents fade further into the past, they’ll have a smaller effect on your premiums. After three to five years, they won’t affect your record at all.3. Buy a less expensive carThis might be too much hassle if you’re happy with your existing vehicle. But if you’re already in the market for a new car, take some time to understand how the make and model you choose will affect insurance premiums.Compare quotes from a handful of insurance companies for a few car models you’re considering. If one model is significantly cheaper, this could be the deciding factor in your purchase.4. Bundle your policiesBundling home insurance or renters insurance with your car insurance policy can result in substantial discounts. Plus, you get the convenience of managing your policies in one place.Most companies allow this, but it’s important to evaluate each type of insurance separately. Some companies have great auto insurance ratings but poor home insurance ratings, or vice versa.If you’re not sure which home insurance companies are worth your time, give our list of the best homeowners insurance companies a closer look.5. Take a defensive driving courseMany insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have taken state-approved defensive driving courses within the last few years. These courses may be done in person or possibly online, depending on state rules. They generally don’t take longer than a weekend, and most have a small registration fee.If your insurance provider offers one of these discounts, figure out which programs are eligible. Then, after completing an approved course, notify your insurer immediately so it can apply the discount.6. Consider telematicsAn increasing number of insurers offer telematics programs. These are programs you opt into that monitor your driving through a mobile app or a small device placed in your vehicle. There’s usually an upfront discount associated with doing this, plus you’ll have the opportunity to earn additional savings with good driving.Of course, not everyone is comfortable having their driving monitored in this way. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the potential discount is worth it.7. Pay your premium semi-annually when possibleMany insurers offer discounts to drivers who pay their premiums every six months as opposed to monthly. This might be difficult for those without a lot of cash to spare, but if you can swing it, it could be worth it.Don’t worry about losing some of the money you’ve already paid if you later decide to switch insurers. The company will refund you any unused portion of your premium.8. Raise your deductibleHigher deductibles reduce car insurance premiums, sometimes significantly. The Insurance Information Institute found that raising the deductible to $1,000 could save drivers 40% or more with some insurers.The downside to this is you must pay higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. It’s best to save for this in an emergency fund so you’re prepared.9. Consider skipping collision and comprehensive coverage on older vehiclesCollision and comprehensive coverage pay to repair your vehicle following a single-car or at-fault accident. But they can raise your insurance premium significantly. When the car is older, it’s often cheaper to skip this coverage altogether and just replace the vehicle if it’s damaged or totaled in a crash.Keep in mind that if you have a lease or loan on the car, your lender will require that you maintain these protections. It’s the lender’s way of ensuring it gets its money back, even if the car is totaled.These tips may not all apply to you, but give at least a few of them a try, and keep them in mind for the future, as well. Remember to shop around for new car insurance every year or two to ensure you’re getting the best deal.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”:”

Car insurance premiums are up more than 16% from last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That can be really tough on your finances, especially for those with poor driving records and those who live in states with above-average premiums. And yet, going without insurance isn’t usually an option.

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.

Nearly all states require drivers to carry at least some auto insurance to drive legally. So if you hope to get behind the wheel, you’ll have to try some of these 10 money-saving tips instead.

1. Shop around

Every car insurance company evaluates risk differently. That’s why it’s important to get quotes from three to five companies to see which offers you the best deal. Most companies enable you to get quotes online in just a few minutes. You can also save them if you want to return to them later.

If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our list of the best car insurance companies. Choose a few that stand out, then give their online quote tools a try.

2. Maintain a good driving record

Few things affect your car insurance premium as much as your driving record. A good record without tickets or accidents lowers your premium because it suggests you’re a responsible driver who’s less likely to file a claim.

If you already have some negative marks on your record, make safe driving a priority going forward. As your tickets or accidents fade further into the past, they’ll have a smaller effect on your premiums. After three to five years, they won’t affect your record at all.

3. Buy a less expensive car

This might be too much hassle if you’re happy with your existing vehicle. But if you’re already in the market for a new car, take some time to understand how the make and model you choose will affect insurance premiums.

Compare quotes from a handful of insurance companies for a few car models you’re considering. If one model is significantly cheaper, this could be the deciding factor in your purchase.

4. Bundle your policies

Bundling home insurance or renters insurance with your car insurance policy can result in substantial discounts. Plus, you get the convenience of managing your policies in one place.

Most companies allow this, but it’s important to evaluate each type of insurance separately. Some companies have great auto insurance ratings but poor home insurance ratings, or vice versa.

If you’re not sure which home insurance companies are worth your time, give our list of the best homeowners insurance companies a closer look.

5. Take a defensive driving course

Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have taken state-approved defensive driving courses within the last few years. These courses may be done in person or possibly online, depending on state rules. They generally don’t take longer than a weekend, and most have a small registration fee.

If your insurance provider offers one of these discounts, figure out which programs are eligible. Then, after completing an approved course, notify your insurer immediately so it can apply the discount.

6. Consider telematics

An increasing number of insurers offer telematics programs. These are programs you opt into that monitor your driving through a mobile app or a small device placed in your vehicle. There’s usually an upfront discount associated with doing this, plus you’ll have the opportunity to earn additional savings with good driving.

Of course, not everyone is comfortable having their driving monitored in this way. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the potential discount is worth it.

7. Pay your premium semi-annually when possible

Many insurers offer discounts to drivers who pay their premiums every six months as opposed to monthly. This might be difficult for those without a lot of cash to spare, but if you can swing it, it could be worth it.

Don’t worry about losing some of the money you’ve already paid if you later decide to switch insurers. The company will refund you any unused portion of your premium.

8. Raise your deductible

Higher deductibles reduce car insurance premiums, sometimes significantly. The Insurance Information Institute found that raising the deductible to $1,000 could save drivers 40% or more with some insurers.

The downside to this is you must pay higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. It’s best to save for this in an emergency fund so you’re prepared.

9. Consider skipping collision and comprehensive coverage on older vehicles

Collision and comprehensive coverage pay to repair your vehicle following a single-car or at-fault accident. But they can raise your insurance premium significantly. When the car is older, it’s often cheaper to skip this coverage altogether and just replace the vehicle if it’s damaged or totaled in a crash.

Keep in mind that if you have a lease or loan on the car, your lender will require that you maintain these protections. It’s the lender’s way of ensuring it gets its money back, even if the car is totaled.

These tips may not all apply to you, but give at least a few of them a try, and keep them in mind for the future, as well. Remember to shop around for new car insurance every year or two to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

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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.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
I’ve been a Costco member for about 18 years now. And while I didn’t always shop at the store every week, these days, that’s the frequency at which I need to go to Costco to replenish our supply of groceries, cleaning products, paper towels, and more.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!Because I spend so much time at Costco, I tend to observe my fair share of shoppers. And I’ve noticed that my fellow Costco fans tend to make these mistakes you should try to avoid.1. Loading up on products at the front of the storeWhen you walk into Costco, you’re instantly bombarded by a selection of discounted goods that can run the gamut from sunscreen to throw blankets to cat food. It’s easy to get tempted by those sale items. And having a nice, empty shopping cart makes it easy to throw those items in on a whim.But loading up on products at the front of the store could be a bad thing if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Don’t start pulling items off the shelves at the front of the store like I commonly see people do. Instead, do your walkthrough first and tackle your shopping list. Then, if you’re still tempted by those front-of-store items, go back and get them. But chances are, by the time your shopping cart is full and you’ve made your rounds through the aisles, you’ll be too tired to head back to the front of the store, and you’ll realize you probably shouldn’t be spending the extra money. And that could spell the difference between your Costco run leading to added credit card debt or not.2. Hitting the food court on the way outAt my local Costco, the food court is located right behind the checkout lanes. And my understanding is that this setup is common at other store locations, too. For this reason, I can see why people might think it makes sense to visit the food court after completing their purchases. But I think it’s a much better idea to hit the food court before you do your shopping.If you roam the aisles of Costco on an empty stomach, you may be more likely to make impulse food buys. The result? Extra spending. If you fill up at the food court and then do your shopping, hunger won’t cloud your decisions.Also, many people buy perishables at Costco. And it boggles my mind to see people with milk and cheese in their carts just sitting around the food court enjoying their hot dog combos while their dairy products sit out unrefrigerated.When you buy perishables in bulk, you run the risk of having them spoil. You don’t want to pile onto that by leaving them in your cart for an extra 20 minutes while you’re chowing down on Costco food court fare.3. Bringing their kids and making it a family outingI completely understand that not everyone has access to child care. If you’re a single parent, or if your spouse works on the weekends, then you may have no choice but to bring your kids along when you shop at Costco.But I can’t tell you how often I see couples carting their young children around the store. And I can’t help but wonder why they do that to themselves. My kids are a bit older, so taking them along to do my grocery shopping isn’t a problem (not that they’re super eager to come). But when they were younger, it was a nightmare, because they basically wanted to buy every other thing on the supermarket shelves. When you’re shopping at a regular supermarket with your kids in tow and you give in and buy them some of the snacks they start begging for, you’re buying a $3 bag of chips here or a $4 box of cookies there. When your kids beg for snacks at Costco, you’re buying a mega-sized version of whatever it is. And chances are, you’re spending $8 or $12 instead of just $3 or $4. So instead of saving money at Costco, you could end up seriously busting your budget. For this reason, if you have the option to go to Costco without your kids, you should take it. It’s easy to see why so many Costco shoppers fall victim to the mistakes above. But now that they’re on your radar, you can take steps to avoid them. Also, aim to avoid one final mistake people make at Costco all the time — using the wrong credit card for their purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco so you can maximize your rewards and make the most out of each shopping trip.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”:”

I’ve been a Costco member for about 18 years now. And while I didn’t always shop at the store every week, these days, that’s the frequency at which I need to go to Costco to replenish our supply of groceries, cleaning products, paper towels, and more.

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!

Because I spend so much time at Costco, I tend to observe my fair share of shoppers. And I’ve noticed that my fellow Costco fans tend to make these mistakes you should try to avoid.

1. Loading up on products at the front of the store

When you walk into Costco, you’re instantly bombarded by a selection of discounted goods that can run the gamut from sunscreen to throw blankets to cat food.

It’s easy to get tempted by those sale items. And having a nice, empty shopping cart makes it easy to throw those items in on a whim.

But loading up on products at the front of the store could be a bad thing if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Don’t start pulling items off the shelves at the front of the store like I commonly see people do. Instead, do your walkthrough first and tackle your shopping list. Then, if you’re still tempted by those front-of-store items, go back and get them.

But chances are, by the time your shopping cart is full and you’ve made your rounds through the aisles, you’ll be too tired to head back to the front of the store, and you’ll realize you probably shouldn’t be spending the extra money. And that could spell the difference between your Costco run leading to added credit card debt or not.

2. Hitting the food court on the way out

At my local Costco, the food court is located right behind the checkout lanes. And my understanding is that this setup is common at other store locations, too.

For this reason, I can see why people might think it makes sense to visit the food court after completing their purchases. But I think it’s a much better idea to hit the food court before you do your shopping.

If you roam the aisles of Costco on an empty stomach, you may be more likely to make impulse food buys. The result? Extra spending. If you fill up at the food court and then do your shopping, hunger won’t cloud your decisions.

Also, many people buy perishables at Costco. And it boggles my mind to see people with milk and cheese in their carts just sitting around the food court enjoying their hot dog combos while their dairy products sit out unrefrigerated.

When you buy perishables in bulk, you run the risk of having them spoil. You don’t want to pile onto that by leaving them in your cart for an extra 20 minutes while you’re chowing down on Costco food court fare.

3. Bringing their kids and making it a family outing

I completely understand that not everyone has access to child care. If you’re a single parent, or if your spouse works on the weekends, then you may have no choice but to bring your kids along when you shop at Costco.

But I can’t tell you how often I see couples carting their young children around the store. And I can’t help but wonder why they do that to themselves.

My kids are a bit older, so taking them along to do my grocery shopping isn’t a problem (not that they’re super eager to come). But when they were younger, it was a nightmare, because they basically wanted to buy every other thing on the supermarket shelves.

When you’re shopping at a regular supermarket with your kids in tow and you give in and buy them some of the snacks they start begging for, you’re buying a $3 bag of chips here or a $4 box of cookies there. When your kids beg for snacks at Costco, you’re buying a mega-sized version of whatever it is. And chances are, you’re spending $8 or $12 instead of just $3 or $4. So instead of saving money at Costco, you could end up seriously busting your budget.

For this reason, if you have the option to go to Costco without your kids, you should take it.

It’s easy to see why so many Costco shoppers fall victim to the mistakes above. But now that they’re on your radar, you can take steps to avoid them. Also, aim to avoid one final mistake people make at Costco all the time — using the wrong credit card for their purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco so you can maximize your rewards and make the most out of each shopping trip.

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