Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Although CD rates are still pretty strong, they’re likely to drop soon enough. In the coming months, the Federal Reserve is expected to make additional interest rate cuts. And there may come a point in 2025 when a CD no longer makes sense. Since rates are still pretty solid this November, it could be a good time to open a CD and take advantage.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 you also need to think carefully before opening a CD. And if you’re serious about putting money into a CD this month, you’ll want to avoid these big traps. 1. Not spending enough time rate shoppingWhile the days of 5% CDs may be behind us at this point, rates are still pretty competitive this November. But that doesn’t mean you should open a CD with the first bank whose rates look good to you. You may find that a bank you’ve never heard of has a better CD rate to offer, so it pays to dig around online and see what you come up with. Just make sure to choose a bank that’s FDIC-insured, so your money is protected. You can start by checking out this list of the best CD rates we’ve compiled.2. Putting all of your money into a single CDThrowing a pile of money into a single CD might seem like a smart move. That way, you only have to keep one maturity date in mind, and you only have to shop for a single CD rate. But setting up a CD ladder could be a much better bet.With a CD ladder, you split your deposit into several CDs with varying maturity dates. The benefit of doing this is getting access to your money at different intervals. That could, in turn, help you avoid an early withdrawal penalty.Let’s say you want to put $10,000 into a CD. You might choose a 12-month term thinking you’re good to part with that money for a full year, only to run into an unplanned expense that forces you into an early withdrawal after eight months. In that situation, you’re generally looking at a penalty, the amount of which will depend on your bank. But you might lose out on three months of interest, which is a pretty serious hit. So instead of putting $10,000 into one CD, you may instead want to put $2,500 into four CDs — a 3-month CD, 6-month CD, 9-month CD, and 12-month CD. This way, a portion of your money becomes available every three months. 3. Forgetting how much more money an investment portfolio might give youYou might earn more money in a CD today than in a savings account. But if the money you’re thinking about putting into a CD is for a far-off goal, like college for your kids or your own retirement, then you may want to consider investing your money instead.Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500 has rewarded long-term investors with an average annual 10% return. If you put $10,000 into a stock portfolio that pays you 10% a year over the next 30 years, you could grow that sum into almost $175,000.Even if CDs somehow pay 4% a year over the next 30 years, which is very unlikely, you’re looking at about $32,400. That’s a far cry from $175,000. So while a CD is a good place to put money for a near-term goal, if you don’t expect to use your money for many years, open a brokerage account and invest it instead.You may be in good company if you decide you want to open a CD this November. Many people will no doubt want to capitalize on today’s rates before they start to fall. But make sure to avoid these mistakes so you don’t end up kicking yourself after the fact. 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”:”

Although CD rates are still pretty strong, they’re likely to drop soon enough. In the coming months, the Federal Reserve is expected to make additional interest rate cuts. And there may come a point in 2025 when a CD no longer makes sense. Since rates are still pretty solid this November, it could be a good time to open a CD and take advantage.

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 you also need to think carefully before opening a CD. And if you’re serious about putting money into a CD this month, you’ll want to avoid these big traps.

1. Not spending enough time rate shopping

While the days of 5% CDs may be behind us at this point, rates are still pretty competitive this November. But that doesn’t mean you should open a CD with the first bank whose rates look good to you.

You may find that a bank you’ve never heard of has a better CD rate to offer, so it pays to dig around online and see what you come up with. Just make sure to choose a bank that’s FDIC-insured, so your money is protected. You can start by checking out this list of the best CD rates we’ve compiled.

2. Putting all of your money into a single CD

Throwing a pile of money into a single CD might seem like a smart move. That way, you only have to keep one maturity date in mind, and you only have to shop for a single CD rate. But setting up a CD ladder could be a much better bet.

With a CD ladder, you split your deposit into several CDs with varying maturity dates. The benefit of doing this is getting access to your money at different intervals. That could, in turn, help you avoid an early withdrawal penalty.

Let’s say you want to put $10,000 into a CD. You might choose a 12-month term thinking you’re good to part with that money for a full year, only to run into an unplanned expense that forces you into an early withdrawal after eight months.

In that situation, you’re generally looking at a penalty, the amount of which will depend on your bank. But you might lose out on three months of interest, which is a pretty serious hit.

So instead of putting $10,000 into one CD, you may instead want to put $2,500 into four CDs — a 3-month CD, 6-month CD, 9-month CD, and 12-month CD. This way, a portion of your money becomes available every three months.

3. Forgetting how much more money an investment portfolio might give you

You might earn more money in a CD today than in a savings account. But if the money you’re thinking about putting into a CD is for a far-off goal, like college for your kids or your own retirement, then you may want to consider investing your money instead.

Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500 has rewarded long-term investors with an average annual 10% return. If you put $10,000 into a stock portfolio that pays you 10% a year over the next 30 years, you could grow that sum into almost $175,000.

Even if CDs somehow pay 4% a year over the next 30 years, which is very unlikely, you’re looking at about $32,400. That’s a far cry from $175,000. So while a CD is a good place to put money for a near-term goal, if you don’t expect to use your money for many years, open a brokerage account and invest it instead.

You may be in good company if you decide you want to open a CD this November. Many people will no doubt want to capitalize on today’s rates before they start to fall. But make sure to avoid these mistakes so you don’t end up kicking yourself after the fact.

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.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Costco currently has more than 800 warehouse clubs worldwide, but it’s continuing to expand its footprint in hopes of bringing its member-exclusive deals to more shoppers. Many people join Costco to trim their spending when buying everyday essentials.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!If you don’t have a club near your home, you may welcome one in your community someday — and it could be sooner than you think. Costco will open new clubs in four U.S. cities by the end of 2024. Keep reading to find out if your city is getting a Costco. Costco is coming to these cities before 2025 Costco hopes to introduce more shoppers to its warehouse club experience. According to the retailer’s website, new clubs will open in four U.S. cities this winter. The following locations will welcome Costco before January 2025: Bend, OregonNapa, CaliforniaMadison, Alabama Pleasanton, California The retailer hasn’t announced opening dates or club hours for these locations. But if you’re interested in shopping at any of these new clubs, you can contact Costco to learn more. Shoppers in these cities may want to consider investing in a yearly membership to take advantage of Costco’s great deals. Don’t live in the above cities? Costco continues to open new clubs around the U.S. You can review upcoming club openings at Costco.com to stay informed. How much does a Costco membership cost? A Costco membership is an investment. To shop with the retailer, you must pay an annual fee. A standard Gold Star membership costs $65, and an Executive membership costs $130. The most significant difference is that Executive members can earn 2% rewards on eligible Costco purchases. Shoppers can earn up to $1,250 in rewards each year. If you want to get rewarded when you shop, you may want to become an Executive member. Otherwise, a standard Gold Star membership may work well for your needs. You can still shop great deals in-club and online. But anyone can earn rewards when they shop at Costco, regardless of their membership. It’s easy to earn rewards with the right credit card. Click here to review our list of top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco and start making your membership pay for itself.For those unsure whether a Costco membership will be worthwhile, the retailer has a policy that may give you more confidence in joining. Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee on memberships. If shopping at Costco isn’t working for you, you can cancel your membership and get a refund. Maximize your savings at Costco Shopping deals at Costco could help you keep more money in your checking account. But there are other ways to save money when shopping at Costco. Consider maximizing your Costco membership to save more by earning cash back rewards at checkout. Remember — every dollar you save or earn is a win for your wallet. 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.Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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”:”

Costco currently has more than 800 warehouse clubs worldwide, but it’s continuing to expand its footprint in hopes of bringing its member-exclusive deals to more shoppers. Many people join Costco to trim their spending when buying everyday essentials.

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!

If you don’t have a club near your home, you may welcome one in your community someday — and it could be sooner than you think. Costco will open new clubs in four U.S. cities by the end of 2024. Keep reading to find out if your city is getting a Costco.

Costco is coming to these cities before 2025

Costco hopes to introduce more shoppers to its warehouse club experience. According to the retailer’s website, new clubs will open in four U.S. cities this winter.

The following locations will welcome Costco before January 2025:

Bend, OregonNapa, CaliforniaMadison, Alabama Pleasanton, California

The retailer hasn’t announced opening dates or club hours for these locations. But if you’re interested in shopping at any of these new clubs, you can contact Costco to learn more.

Shoppers in these cities may want to consider investing in a yearly membership to take advantage of Costco’s great deals. Don’t live in the above cities? Costco continues to open new clubs around the U.S. You can review upcoming club openings at Costco.com to stay informed.

How much does a Costco membership cost?

A Costco membership is an investment. To shop with the retailer, you must pay an annual fee. A standard Gold Star membership costs $65, and an Executive membership costs $130.

The most significant difference is that Executive members can earn 2% rewards on eligible Costco purchases. Shoppers can earn up to $1,250 in rewards each year.

If you want to get rewarded when you shop, you may want to become an Executive member. Otherwise, a standard Gold Star membership may work well for your needs. You can still shop great deals in-club and online.

But anyone can earn rewards when they shop at Costco, regardless of their membership. It’s easy to earn rewards with the right credit card. Click here to review our list of top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco and start making your membership pay for itself.

For those unsure whether a Costco membership will be worthwhile, the retailer has a policy that may give you more confidence in joining. Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee on memberships. If shopping at Costco isn’t working for you, you can cancel your membership and get a refund.

Maximize your savings at Costco

Shopping deals at Costco could help you keep more money in your checking account. But there are other ways to save money when shopping at Costco. Consider maximizing your Costco membership to save more by earning cash back rewards at checkout.

Remember — every dollar you save or earn is a win for your wallet.

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.Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Joining Costco has a lot of benefits. Not only do you get access to great prices on groceries and household products, but you can also take advantage of other perks like affordable travel packages, home improvement services, 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!You have two options if you’re joining Costco. You can buy a Gold Star membership for $65 a year, or you can upgrade to an Executive membership for $130. In exchange for paying double, an Executive membership gives you 2% cash back on your Costco purchases (excluding gas and gift cards, along with a few other Costco buys). And if you shop at Costco enough, you might easily earn enough cash back to recoup the extra $65 an Executive membership costs.But while the idea of earning 2% cash back at Costco might sound tempting, that doesn’t mean an Executive membership is right for you. You should stick to a basic Gold Star membership if these circumstances apply.1. You don’t live anywhere close to your nearest Costco storeIf you don’t live near a Costco store, there’s the option to order products online and have them shipped to your door. But if you do that, you won’t get the maximum value out of your membership.Costco’s online prices are higher than its in-store prices because they account for the cost of shipping and handling. But if your goal in joining Costco is to save money, then you’re generally better off doing your shopping in a store. If living far away from your nearest Costco will make it difficult to visit, then you may want to stick with a Gold Star membership instead of an Executive membership upgrade. You may not spend enough to benefit financially from the higher-cost membership if you only make it to Costco a few times a year. 2. You don’t do a lot of cookingCostco sells more than just budget-friendly groceries. But let’s be real. How much money will you really spend on items like household cleaners and toilet paper? If you don’t cook often and won’t be buying much food from Costco, then you may want to stick with a basic membership. It takes $3,250 of annual Costco spending to make back the $65 upgrade fee for the Executive membership. But if you’ll hardly be buying groceries, your chances of meeting that threshold are somewhat low. 3. You’re on a tight budget and need to limit your spendingThere’s a pitfall that Executive members at Costco tend to fall victim to. Since that membership gives you 2% back, you may feel like you have more of a license to spend money on extras or impulse buys, since a portion of your purchases comes back to you. If you need to stick to a budget, a basic membership may be better. Not only does it cost less, but you may be less likely to fall into the line of thinking that your purchases aren’t as expensive because you’re getting a percentage back.You don’t need an Executive membership to earn cash back on Costco purchasesIt’s easy to see why you’d like the idea of earning cash back on the items you buy at Costco. But you should know that you can earn cash back with a Gold Star membership by using the right credit card when you check out. You may, for example, find a credit card that gives you 2% back at Costco so you don’t have to pay $65 extra to join. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.Costco’s Executive membership is pretty popular. In fact, as of July, a little more than half of all Costco members paid for the Executive tier. But that doesn’t mean an Executive membership is worth it for you, so you may want to stick with a basic membership if you can relate to any of the circumstances above.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”:”

Joining Costco has a lot of benefits. Not only do you get access to great prices on groceries and household products, but you can also take advantage of other perks like affordable travel packages, home improvement services, 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!

You have two options if you’re joining Costco. You can buy a Gold Star membership for $65 a year, or you can upgrade to an Executive membership for $130.

In exchange for paying double, an Executive membership gives you 2% cash back on your Costco purchases (excluding gas and gift cards, along with a few other Costco buys). And if you shop at Costco enough, you might easily earn enough cash back to recoup the extra $65 an Executive membership costs.

But while the idea of earning 2% cash back at Costco might sound tempting, that doesn’t mean an Executive membership is right for you. You should stick to a basic Gold Star membership if these circumstances apply.

1. You don’t live anywhere close to your nearest Costco store

If you don’t live near a Costco store, there’s the option to order products online and have them shipped to your door. But if you do that, you won’t get the maximum value out of your membership.

Costco’s online prices are higher than its in-store prices because they account for the cost of shipping and handling. But if your goal in joining Costco is to save money, then you’re generally better off doing your shopping in a store.

If living far away from your nearest Costco will make it difficult to visit, then you may want to stick with a Gold Star membership instead of an Executive membership upgrade. You may not spend enough to benefit financially from the higher-cost membership if you only make it to Costco a few times a year.

2. You don’t do a lot of cooking

Costco sells more than just budget-friendly groceries. But let’s be real. How much money will you really spend on items like household cleaners and toilet paper?

If you don’t cook often and won’t be buying much food from Costco, then you may want to stick with a basic membership. It takes $3,250 of annual Costco spending to make back the $65 upgrade fee for the Executive membership. But if you’ll hardly be buying groceries, your chances of meeting that threshold are somewhat low.

3. You’re on a tight budget and need to limit your spending

There’s a pitfall that Executive members at Costco tend to fall victim to. Since that membership gives you 2% back, you may feel like you have more of a license to spend money on extras or impulse buys, since a portion of your purchases comes back to you.

If you need to stick to a budget, a basic membership may be better. Not only does it cost less, but you may be less likely to fall into the line of thinking that your purchases aren’t as expensive because you’re getting a percentage back.

You don’t need an Executive membership to earn cash back on Costco purchases

It’s easy to see why you’d like the idea of earning cash back on the items you buy at Costco. But you should know that you can earn cash back with a Gold Star membership by using the right credit card when you check out.

You may, for example, find a credit card that gives you 2% back at Costco so you don’t have to pay $65 extra to join. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.

Costco’s Executive membership is pretty popular. In fact, as of July, a little more than half of all Costco members paid for the Executive tier. But that doesn’t mean an Executive membership is worth it for you, so you may want to stick with a basic membership if you can relate to any of the circumstances above.

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
Shopping at Costco could save you a lot of money on groceries and other items you use at home regularly. But it’s important to choose the right membership so you get the maximum amount of value.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!A basic membership at Costco costs $65 a year. An Executive membership at Costco costs $130 a year. So you may be inclined to stick with a basic membership and call it a day.But the Executive membership at Costco also gives you 2% cash back on your purchases. And if you spend enough money at Costco, you may earn enough cash back so your membership is effectively free.Run the numbers on your Costco shoppingYou might assume there’s no way you’ll spend enough money at Costco during the year for your Executive membership to end up being free. But when we break things down on a monthly basis, it’s more doable than you’d think.It takes $6,500 a year in Costco spending to earn $130 at a rate of 2% back. That’s about $542 per month.If you only shop at Costco once a month, you may not spend over $500 on each trip. But if you’re someone who goes to Costco every week and buys most of your family’s groceries and household supplies there, then it’s conceivable you’ll spend about $135 per week. That puts you at about $542 if we assume four weeks per month.Also, there may be some months when you end up buying one-off items at Costco. If you replace your vacuum cleaner one month, that could mean spending an extra $200 or $300. If you buy some apparel for your kids during the winter, that might add an extra $150 to that month’s haul.So all told, if you’re a regular Costco shopper, spending $6,500 a year may be easier than expected. And that effectively gives you an Executive membership without having to spend a dime, since you’ll get your $130 refunded to you in the form of your annual reward.An even better way to maximize your Executive membershipIf you shop at Costco fairly often, the Executive membership might be a no-brainer. But you should know that you aren’t limited to the 2% back it gives you.If you pair your Executive membership with the right credit card, you can double up on cash back and save a bundle during the year. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.Finally, even if you don’t spend enough at Costco to make back your entire Executive membership fee, the upgraded membership might still make more sense than a basic one.Say you go to Costco once a month and spend $300 per visit, or $3,600 per year. At a rate of 2% back, you’re earning $72.When you subtract the $65 it costs to upgrade to an Executive membership, you’re still ahead by $7. So even if you can’t earn $130 back on that membership, it might still pay off.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”:”

Shopping at Costco could save you a lot of money on groceries and other items you use at home regularly. But it’s important to choose the right membership so you get the maximum amount of value.

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!

A basic membership at Costco costs $65 a year. An Executive membership at Costco costs $130 a year. So you may be inclined to stick with a basic membership and call it a day.

But the Executive membership at Costco also gives you 2% cash back on your purchases. And if you spend enough money at Costco, you may earn enough cash back so your membership is effectively free.

Run the numbers on your Costco shopping

You might assume there’s no way you’ll spend enough money at Costco during the year for your Executive membership to end up being free. But when we break things down on a monthly basis, it’s more doable than you’d think.

It takes $6,500 a year in Costco spending to earn $130 at a rate of 2% back. That’s about $542 per month.

If you only shop at Costco once a month, you may not spend over $500 on each trip. But if you’re someone who goes to Costco every week and buys most of your family’s groceries and household supplies there, then it’s conceivable you’ll spend about $135 per week. That puts you at about $542 if we assume four weeks per month.

Also, there may be some months when you end up buying one-off items at Costco. If you replace your vacuum cleaner one month, that could mean spending an extra $200 or $300. If you buy some apparel for your kids during the winter, that might add an extra $150 to that month’s haul.

So all told, if you’re a regular Costco shopper, spending $6,500 a year may be easier than expected. And that effectively gives you an Executive membership without having to spend a dime, since you’ll get your $130 refunded to you in the form of your annual reward.

An even better way to maximize your Executive membership

If you shop at Costco fairly often, the Executive membership might be a no-brainer. But you should know that you aren’t limited to the 2% back it gives you.

If you pair your Executive membership with the right credit card, you can double up on cash back and save a bundle during the year. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

Finally, even if you don’t spend enough at Costco to make back your entire Executive membership fee, the upgraded membership might still make more sense than a basic one.

Say you go to Costco once a month and spend $300 per visit, or $3,600 per year. At a rate of 2% back, you’re earning $72.

When you subtract the $65 it costs to upgrade to an Executive membership, you’re still ahead by $7. So even if you can’t earn $130 back on that membership, it might still pay off.

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.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Whether you want to earn extra money so you’ll have more to spend or you’re trying to pay down debt, a side hustle could be a great thing for your finances. Self Financial reports that 45% of working Americans have a side hustle, and roughly 19% of side-hustlers earn more than $1,000 a month.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 if you’re not careful, your side hustle could end up becoming something that hurts you rather than helps you. Here are a few ways it could backfire — and what to do about them.1. It could interfere with and compromise your main jobIt’s not easy to take on a side gig when you’re working a full-time job. But if you allow your side hustle to impact your performance at your main job, you could put yourself at risk of losing it.How might that play out? Say you’re exhausted because you’re up late every night working your side gig. Falling asleep during morning meetings or making careless errors on weekly reports could hurt your career and put you at risk of getting demoted or dismissed.Instead of letting that happen, make sure you’re working a reasonable number of hours. And if you see your performance at your main job start to falter due to a lack of sleep or due to being distracted, cut back.One thing that might help is to find a side gig where you can set your own hours. If you’re working an evening shift at a local restaurant that has you there until midnight, there may not be much wiggle room.But if you work for a service like DoorDash where you deliver restaurant orders to other people, you can set your own hours. And on those nights when you’re exhausted, you can generally opt out of working without negative consequences (other than not making the extra money, of course).2. It could cost you so much that you’re barely making anythingSome side hustles require you to spend money to make money. But if the cost of your supplies is high relative to what you can charge for the items you’re selling, your side gig may not be worth it.Say you decide to make and sell custom cakes. If your ingredients cost you $25 per cake and you’re only able to charge $40 for the finished product, that may not be worth it if it takes you three hours to make and decorate each item and then another 30 minutes to drop it off. In that case, you’re earning a little over $4 an hour, which may not be worth your time. And if you’re only able to make two cakes per week at a profit of $15 per item, that’s just $30 a week you’re pocketing, minus what you need to set aside for taxes.One thing you may want to do is set an income goal first and then find a side gig that’s conducive to meeting it. So if you decide you want to earn $100 per week but you know that selling custom cakes won’t get you there, keep doing those cakes as a hobby — but find a different gig that helps you meet your financial goals.3. It could wreck your healthWorking a side hustle could impact you physically and mentally. It’s not easy to work constantly, and the nonstop nature of your schedule could take a toll on your mental health. And if your side gig causes you to constantly lose sleep, that’s not a good thing for your body, either.Instead of pushing yourself to work every waking hour, stick to a reasonable schedule. But also, set up a budget using one of our favorite budgeting apps and see how much extra income you actually need from your side hustle to pay your bills and meet your goals.It may be that you’re currently side hustling for 15 hours a week because you’re earning $30 an hour and you think you need an extra $450 per month to pay off your credit cards and cover your remaining bills. But if you crunch the numbers, you may find that an extra $300 a month gets the job done, in which case you can work five hours less.There’s nothing wrong with trying out a side hustle and seeing how much extra money you can earn. But make sure to avoid these pitfalls so your side hustle doesn’t end up becoming a bad thing instead of a good one.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”:”

Whether you want to earn extra money so you’ll have more to spend or you’re trying to pay down debt, a side hustle could be a great thing for your finances. Self Financial reports that 45% of working Americans have a side hustle, and roughly 19% of side-hustlers earn more than $1,000 a month.

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 if you’re not careful, your side hustle could end up becoming something that hurts you rather than helps you. Here are a few ways it could backfire — and what to do about them.

1. It could interfere with and compromise your main job

It’s not easy to take on a side gig when you’re working a full-time job. But if you allow your side hustle to impact your performance at your main job, you could put yourself at risk of losing it.

How might that play out? Say you’re exhausted because you’re up late every night working your side gig. Falling asleep during morning meetings or making careless errors on weekly reports could hurt your career and put you at risk of getting demoted or dismissed.

Instead of letting that happen, make sure you’re working a reasonable number of hours. And if you see your performance at your main job start to falter due to a lack of sleep or due to being distracted, cut back.

One thing that might help is to find a side gig where you can set your own hours. If you’re working an evening shift at a local restaurant that has you there until midnight, there may not be much wiggle room.

But if you work for a service like DoorDash where you deliver restaurant orders to other people, you can set your own hours. And on those nights when you’re exhausted, you can generally opt out of working without negative consequences (other than not making the extra money, of course).

2. It could cost you so much that you’re barely making anything

Some side hustles require you to spend money to make money. But if the cost of your supplies is high relative to what you can charge for the items you’re selling, your side gig may not be worth it.

Say you decide to make and sell custom cakes. If your ingredients cost you $25 per cake and you’re only able to charge $40 for the finished product, that may not be worth it if it takes you three hours to make and decorate each item and then another 30 minutes to drop it off. In that case, you’re earning a little over $4 an hour, which may not be worth your time. And if you’re only able to make two cakes per week at a profit of $15 per item, that’s just $30 a week you’re pocketing, minus what you need to set aside for taxes.

One thing you may want to do is set an income goal first and then find a side gig that’s conducive to meeting it. So if you decide you want to earn $100 per week but you know that selling custom cakes won’t get you there, keep doing those cakes as a hobby — but find a different gig that helps you meet your financial goals.

3. It could wreck your health

Working a side hustle could impact you physically and mentally. It’s not easy to work constantly, and the nonstop nature of your schedule could take a toll on your mental health. And if your side gig causes you to constantly lose sleep, that’s not a good thing for your body, either.

Instead of pushing yourself to work every waking hour, stick to a reasonable schedule. But also, set up a budget using one of our favorite budgeting apps and see how much extra income you actually need from your side hustle to pay your bills and meet your goals.

It may be that you’re currently side hustling for 15 hours a week because you’re earning $30 an hour and you think you need an extra $450 per month to pay off your credit cards and cover your remaining bills. But if you crunch the numbers, you may find that an extra $300 a month gets the job done, in which case you can work five hours less.

There’s nothing wrong with trying out a side hustle and seeing how much extra money you can earn. But make sure to avoid these pitfalls so your side hustle doesn’t end up becoming a bad thing instead of a good one.

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: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
Your checking account is a convenient place to keep your money. You can make unlimited withdrawals from your checking account and access your money from an ATM. Chances are good this account is where you deposit your paychecks, so the money can be used as needed. 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. Having a big checking account balance may seem like a good thing, but in reality, having too much in there could come at a big cost. Here are three key signs you have too much money in your checking account. 1. You have more than a few months of living expenses in your checking accountIf you have more than enough money to cover the bills for around two or three months, this is a pretty good sign you have too much money in your checking account. Checking accounts should be used to store money you use regularly. Since money is most likely being deposited into it on a regular schedule, you don’t need to keep a huge balance. And you usually shouldn’t because checking accounts rarely, if ever, pay interest — even with an account that provides a small return, it’s usually well below what you could earn elsewhere.Keeping tens of thousands of dollars just sitting in your checking account for no reason comes at an opportunity cost since that money isn’t working for you. If you earn no interest at all or if the yields you’re getting are below the rate of inflation, you’re losing purchasing power. 2. You have your emergency fund in your checking accountIf you’re keeping your emergency fund in your checking account, it’s a clear red flag that you have money in this account that doesn’t belong there.Your emergency fund should be used only for true emergencies. It shouldn’t be mixed in with money you’re spending on other things, like everyday expenses. It’s too hard to keep track of what money is for emergencies if it’s mixed with other funds. It’s also more likely you’ll end up just spending the cash since it’s too accessible. If you have your emergency savings in your checking account, move it today. Check out our picks for the best high-yield savings accounts, many of which offer yields well above the national average.3. You have money in checking you’re planning to use for other goalsFinally, if you have money in checking you’re planning to use for other long- or short-term goals, such as saving for a house or a vehicle, or even for retirement, then you need to move it. You should have this money in dedicated accounts to keep track of your progress toward goals and to stop you from spending it.Depending on your timeline, you could put the money into one of the best CDs, which would look up your funds for a period and help you earn a guaranteed return. You could also use a savings account if you need the funds accessible, or a brokerage account to invest in equities and potentially earn much higher returns.If you spot any of these signs that you have too much money in your checking account, fix it today. It’s easy to do, and you can get your finances in better shape by making sure all your hard-earned money is in the best place to work for you. 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”:”

Your checking account is a convenient place to keep your money. You can make unlimited withdrawals from your checking account and access your money from an ATM. Chances are good this account is where you deposit your paychecks, so the money can be used as needed.

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.

Having a big checking account balance may seem like a good thing, but in reality, having too much in there could come at a big cost. Here are three key signs you have too much money in your checking account.

1. You have more than a few months of living expenses in your checking account

If you have more than enough money to cover the bills for around two or three months, this is a pretty good sign you have too much money in your checking account.

Checking accounts should be used to store money you use regularly. Since money is most likely being deposited into it on a regular schedule, you don’t need to keep a huge balance. And you usually shouldn’t because checking accounts rarely, if ever, pay interest — even with an account that provides a small return, it’s usually well below what you could earn elsewhere.

Keeping tens of thousands of dollars just sitting in your checking account for no reason comes at an opportunity cost since that money isn’t working for you. If you earn no interest at all or if the yields you’re getting are below the rate of inflation, you’re losing purchasing power.

2. You have your emergency fund in your checking account

If you’re keeping your emergency fund in your checking account, it’s a clear red flag that you have money in this account that doesn’t belong there.

Your emergency fund should be used only for true emergencies. It shouldn’t be mixed in with money you’re spending on other things, like everyday expenses. It’s too hard to keep track of what money is for emergencies if it’s mixed with other funds. It’s also more likely you’ll end up just spending the cash since it’s too accessible.

If you have your emergency savings in your checking account, move it today. Check out our picks for the best high-yield savings accounts, many of which offer yields well above the national average.

3. You have money in checking you’re planning to use for other goals

Finally, if you have money in checking you’re planning to use for other long- or short-term goals, such as saving for a house or a vehicle, or even for retirement, then you need to move it. You should have this money in dedicated accounts to keep track of your progress toward goals and to stop you from spending it.

Depending on your timeline, you could put the money into one of the best CDs, which would look up your funds for a period and help you earn a guaranteed return. You could also use a savings account if you need the funds accessible, or a brokerage account to invest in equities and potentially earn much higher returns.

If you spot any of these signs that you have too much money in your checking account, fix it today. It’s easy to do, and you can get your finances in better shape by making sure all your hard-earned money is in the best place to work for you.

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