Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
There’s a reason so many loyal Costco customers renew their memberships year after year. Where else can you buy a whole rotisserie chicken for under $5, or fill up your car with the cheapest gas in town?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!But while a Costco membership has the potential to offer plenty of value, that doesn’t mean you should keep paying for it. And if you cancel yours now and get refunded the $65 a basic Gold Star membership costs per year or the $130 an Executive membership costs, that’s extra money you can use for holiday purchases. Here are a few signs that it may be best to cut ties with Costco before the end of the year.1. You overspend every time you go to CostcoFollowing a budget is tough to do in its own right. But stores like Costco can make it even harder. It’s one thing to be tempted by a few extra grocery items at your local supermarket. It’s another thing to hit up Costco for milk and eggs only to come out with $100 worth of apparel and household items that caught your eye. If you overspend pretty much every time you go to Costco, you may want to break that cycle ahead of the holiday season. In the coming weeks, you might spend a lot of extra money on gifts, decorations, and travel. So it’s a bad time to be constantly tempting yourself. 2. You keep throwing away a large portion of your bulk food purchasesBuying groceries in bulk at Costco could help you save more money, especially if you’re using one of the best credit cards for Costco. But that assumes you’re actually eating that food instead of throwing it away.If you keep having to toss out expired or spoiled food from Costco, perhaps buying in bulk isn’t right for your family. Maybe you have picky eaters who change their minds frequently. Or maybe you have an erratic schedule that makes it harder to plan and cook meals. But either way, there may be no reason to keep paying for Costco if bulk purchases aren’t a good fit for your family. Instead, stick to a regular supermarket and use the right credit cards to save big on your purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for groceries.3. You’ve moved, and getting to Costco is no longer convenientMaybe you used to spend 10 minutes max getting to your nearest Costco store. But if you’ve since moved, and your nearest Costco is now 30 minutes away, getting there might be a huge hassle.It makes sense to drive a little bit out of your way to enjoy the savings Costco has to offer. But driving for a total of an hour (or more) to get to Costco is less reasonable. In that case, you may want to see if there’s another warehouse club store, like Sam’s Club, in closer proximity.4. You hate going thereSome people love the experience of shopping at Costco, while others utterly dread it. And it’s easy to see why. Costco stores tend to be crowded, especially on weekends. And Costco’s sheer size and selection of inventory can be overwhelming. If you’ve reached the point where you’ll do just about anything to avoid going to Costco, then it’s a sign you should stop paying for a membership. Sometimes, it’s worth spending extra money to preserve your mental health. So if you don’t mind shopping at your local supermarket but you absolutely loathe those Costco visits, it may be worth paying a few dollars more each week to load up your pantry and fridge. Just because millions of people continue to pay for Costco memberships doesn’t mean you have to. And if these signs apply to you, there’s no reason to continue going there. Instead, cancel in the coming weeks so you can pocket your refund before 2024 comes to an end.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”:”

There’s a reason so many loyal Costco customers renew their memberships year after year. Where else can you buy a whole rotisserie chicken for under $5, or fill up your car with the cheapest gas in town?

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!

But while a Costco membership has the potential to offer plenty of value, that doesn’t mean you should keep paying for it. And if you cancel yours now and get refunded the $65 a basic Gold Star membership costs per year or the $130 an Executive membership costs, that’s extra money you can use for holiday purchases. Here are a few signs that it may be best to cut ties with Costco before the end of the year.

1. You overspend every time you go to Costco

Following a budget is tough to do in its own right. But stores like Costco can make it even harder.

It’s one thing to be tempted by a few extra grocery items at your local supermarket. It’s another thing to hit up Costco for milk and eggs only to come out with $100 worth of apparel and household items that caught your eye.

If you overspend pretty much every time you go to Costco, you may want to break that cycle ahead of the holiday season. In the coming weeks, you might spend a lot of extra money on gifts, decorations, and travel. So it’s a bad time to be constantly tempting yourself.

2. You keep throwing away a large portion of your bulk food purchases

Buying groceries in bulk at Costco could help you save more money, especially if you’re using one of the best credit cards for Costco. But that assumes you’re actually eating that food instead of throwing it away.

If you keep having to toss out expired or spoiled food from Costco, perhaps buying in bulk isn’t right for your family. Maybe you have picky eaters who change their minds frequently. Or maybe you have an erratic schedule that makes it harder to plan and cook meals.

But either way, there may be no reason to keep paying for Costco if bulk purchases aren’t a good fit for your family. Instead, stick to a regular supermarket and use the right credit cards to save big on your purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for groceries.

3. You’ve moved, and getting to Costco is no longer convenient

Maybe you used to spend 10 minutes max getting to your nearest Costco store. But if you’ve since moved, and your nearest Costco is now 30 minutes away, getting there might be a huge hassle.

It makes sense to drive a little bit out of your way to enjoy the savings Costco has to offer. But driving for a total of an hour (or more) to get to Costco is less reasonable. In that case, you may want to see if there’s another warehouse club store, like Sam’s Club, in closer proximity.

4. You hate going there

Some people love the experience of shopping at Costco, while others utterly dread it. And it’s easy to see why.

Costco stores tend to be crowded, especially on weekends. And Costco’s sheer size and selection of inventory can be overwhelming.

If you’ve reached the point where you’ll do just about anything to avoid going to Costco, then it’s a sign you should stop paying for a membership. Sometimes, it’s worth spending extra money to preserve your mental health. So if you don’t mind shopping at your local supermarket but you absolutely loathe those Costco visits, it may be worth paying a few dollars more each week to load up your pantry and fridge.

Just because millions of people continue to pay for Costco memberships doesn’t mean you have to. And if these signs apply to you, there’s no reason to continue going there. Instead, cancel in the coming weeks so you can pocket your refund before 2024 comes to an end.

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
Worrying about the ups and downs of your investments is like worrying about summer turning to fall. Changes to the market are like changes to the seasons — they’re both natural.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. If you’re a worrier like I am, I’m sorry. But I also want to share with you these four reasons you may want to move on to worrying about something else.1. Bull and bear markets are two sides of the same coinWhen stock prices increase by 20% or more, it’s a bull market. When stock prices fall by 20% or more over a sustained period, it’s considered a bear market. While investors tend to prefer bull markets, one market phase is not ultimately better than the other. We need them both if we want to shore up our finances.Imagine what would happen if stock prices never fell, if they continued to climb year after year. At what point would stocks become so expensive that only the very (very) rich could afford to invest in the market? It’s when stock prices tank that regular investors can afford to scoop up bargains.Plus, it doesn’t take a historian to note what happens following a bear market. According to The Hartford Fund, about 42% of the S&P 500 Index’s strongest days in the last 20 years occurred during a bear market. Because the market experiences a natural ebb and flow, we know that bear markets turn into bull markets, and any stocks we purchase at a deep discount during the bear phase become far more valuable.On average, stocks lose 35% of their value during a bear market. However, those same stocks gain 111% on average during a bull market.Was it fun? Nope. Was it really good for our portfolios? You betcha.One way to protect yourself from losses is to create a diversified portfolio, with stocks, bonds, and cash. Click here for our picks for the best stock brokers — opening an account with one will make it easier to diversify when balance is needed.2. Bear markets tend to be brief(ish)The first time I realized I wasn’t losing my ever-loving mind during a bear market, I also realized why. I knew that the average length of a bear market is 289 days, or about 9.6 months. On the other hand, the average length of a bull market is 965 days, or 2.6 years.Once I accepted that bear markets are a natural part of the economic cycle, I also decided that I could wait them out. Why worry when, time and time again, the bear market that followed more than made up for bull market losses?3. If it bleeds, it leadsWhen I was a young reporter, I remember hearing the phrase, “If it bleeds, it leads.” Bad news sells, whether it’s a newspaper, magazine, blog, or ridiculous social media post. To capture our attention, there are those who try to scare us half to death every time stocks dip.Think of how often we’ve been told that a recession or even a depression is nigh over the past five years. It’s big news — even when it’s not true.Usually, the group shouting loudest hopes to gain something by working people into a frenzy. It may be to sell more copies of their publication, earn money from advertisers, convince us that they’re the only politician who can get us “out of this mess,” or talk us into buying a book, gold, or some other product they’ll earn a commission on.When you learn to block out the noise and focus on what we know to be true (markets go up and come down), you have far less reason to worry about your retirement fund.Need a retirement account? Check out the best IRA brokers and enjoy a tax break on your retirement contributions.4. We focus on the scary stuff firstI understand that humans have always had to look out for the things that can harm us, like lions, poisonous snakes, and Attila the Hun. Still, it makes no sense to consider a dip in the market as dangerous, even when our portfolios take a short-term hit.Let’s say you begin investing at age 25 and stop at 75. According to The Hartford Fund, you can expect to live through 14 bear markets (give or take) during that time. Over 94 years of market history, stocks have been on the rise 78% of the time.Will there be years when stock market news is all doom and gloom? Absolutely — it’s always been so. Will there be times when we’re tempted to worry about retirement? Given how inundated we are with negative news, it would be weird if a worried thought never crossed our minds.When that happens, I challenge you to do one simple thing: Be grateful that markets rise and fall. Otherwise, our portfolios would have less opportunity to grow.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.Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Worrying about the ups and downs of your investments is like worrying about summer turning to fall. Changes to the market are like changes to the seasons — they’re both natural.

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.

If you’re a worrier like I am, I’m sorry. But I also want to share with you these four reasons you may want to move on to worrying about something else.

1. Bull and bear markets are two sides of the same coin

When stock prices increase by 20% or more, it’s a bull market. When stock prices fall by 20% or more over a sustained period, it’s considered a bear market. While investors tend to prefer bull markets, one market phase is not ultimately better than the other. We need them both if we want to shore up our finances.

Imagine what would happen if stock prices never fell, if they continued to climb year after year. At what point would stocks become so expensive that only the very (very) rich could afford to invest in the market? It’s when stock prices tank that regular investors can afford to scoop up bargains.

Plus, it doesn’t take a historian to note what happens following a bear market. According to The Hartford Fund, about 42% of the S&P 500 Index’s strongest days in the last 20 years occurred during a bear market. Because the market experiences a natural ebb and flow, we know that bear markets turn into bull markets, and any stocks we purchase at a deep discount during the bear phase become far more valuable.

On average, stocks lose 35% of their value during a bear market. However, those same stocks gain 111% on average during a bull market.

Was it fun? Nope. Was it really good for our portfolios? You betcha.

One way to protect yourself from losses is to create a diversified portfolio, with stocks, bonds, and cash. Click here for our picks for the best stock brokers — opening an account with one will make it easier to diversify when balance is needed.

2. Bear markets tend to be brief(ish)

The first time I realized I wasn’t losing my ever-loving mind during a bear market, I also realized why. I knew that the average length of a bear market is 289 days, or about 9.6 months. On the other hand, the average length of a bull market is 965 days, or 2.6 years.

Once I accepted that bear markets are a natural part of the economic cycle, I also decided that I could wait them out. Why worry when, time and time again, the bear market that followed more than made up for bull market losses?

3. If it bleeds, it leads

When I was a young reporter, I remember hearing the phrase, “If it bleeds, it leads.” Bad news sells, whether it’s a newspaper, magazine, blog, or ridiculous social media post. To capture our attention, there are those who try to scare us half to death every time stocks dip.

Think of how often we’ve been told that a recession or even a depression is nigh over the past five years. It’s big news — even when it’s not true.

Usually, the group shouting loudest hopes to gain something by working people into a frenzy. It may be to sell more copies of their publication, earn money from advertisers, convince us that they’re the only politician who can get us “out of this mess,” or talk us into buying a book, gold, or some other product they’ll earn a commission on.

When you learn to block out the noise and focus on what we know to be true (markets go up and come down), you have far less reason to worry about your retirement fund.

Need a retirement account? Check out the best IRA brokers and enjoy a tax break on your retirement contributions.

4. We focus on the scary stuff first

I understand that humans have always had to look out for the things that can harm us, like lions, poisonous snakes, and Attila the Hun. Still, it makes no sense to consider a dip in the market as dangerous, even when our portfolios take a short-term hit.

Let’s say you begin investing at age 25 and stop at 75. According to The Hartford Fund, you can expect to live through 14 bear markets (give or take) during that time. Over 94 years of market history, stocks have been on the rise 78% of the time.

Will there be years when stock market news is all doom and gloom? Absolutely — it’s always been so. Will there be times when we’re tempted to worry about retirement? Given how inundated we are with negative news, it would be weird if a worried thought never crossed our minds.

When that happens, I challenge you to do one simple thing: Be grateful that markets rise and fall. Otherwise, our portfolios would have less opportunity to grow.

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.Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
I know a few retirees who’ve upgraded their cars recently, replacing older models that no longer suit their needs with something that better matches their new stage of life.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. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to car shopping in retirement, but shoppers likely have a few overlapping needs. To help narrow down the list, I factored in a few things that most retirees are likely looking for, including:Top Safety Picks according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)Vehicles that are easy to get in and out of based on Consumer Reports’ dataCheaper than the average new car price of about $47,500Here are five vehicles that meet the criteria that could be great for retirees.1. Subaru AscentStarting price: $34,395Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+There’s a lot to love about Subaru’s Ascent, starting with its ample space for you and up to seven other passengers. This midsize SUV will cart you and the golf clubs, grandkids, or luggage without missing a step.The Ascent’s safety equipment includes driver assist technology and an available distraction mitigation system to help keep you focused on the road ahead while enjoying the SUV’s turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. Standard all-wheel drive ensures you’ll never be caught off guard, no matter the weather.Pro tip: The type of car you own can impact your insurance premiums. Click here to find the best car insurance companies for your specific needs.2. Honda CR-VStarting price: $30,100Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety PickHonda’s CR-V is often near the top of the list for best-selling SUVs, thanks to its abundance of features, safety ratings, and overall value. The latest iteration of the CR-V boasts a standard collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist for optimum peace of mind.The standard 190 horsepower 1.5-liter engine gets an impressive combined (highway and city) 30 MPG, or you can opt for the hybrid version, which boosts your MPGs up to 40. Even with the base LX trim, you’ll get Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and you can upgrade to an AWD version if you need the extra traction for winter weather driving.3. Toyota SiennaStarting price: $39,185Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety PickYes, I’m sneaking a minivan into this mix. My grandparents used to own a minivan to cart themselves and their small dog up and down the East Coast each year, and the extra space made it perfect for a dog bed and extra snacks.Consumer Reports notes that the Sienna is “a snap to gracefully get into or out” of, so there’s no worrying about stepping in and out after long car rides. You’ll get an estimated 36 MPG on the highway, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and safety features like lane departure warning and assist and pedestrian detection.4. Hyundai Santa FeStarting price: $34,200Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety PickRedesigned for the 2024 model year, the Santa Fe sports a boxy design that looks modern without being too futuristic. The base SE trim packs a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with a modest estimated combined 24 MPG. Upgrade to the hybrid engine, and you’ll get an estimated 36 MPG.If you’re constantly headed out of town with friends and family or just want the occasional space for seven, you’ll love the Santa Fe’s standard third row of seats. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display is standard, as are blind spot monitoring, collision avoidance assist, and lane keep assist safety features.Related: Some safety features can help lower your car insurance premiums. Click here to see how to find the cheapest car insurance.5. Toyota CrownStarting price: $41,400Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety PickWith a ground clearance of 5.8 inches, the Toyota Crown sedan sits slightly higher than most of its peers. Sure, there’s another Toyota on this list, but the Crown deserves a spot because there aren’t many sedans that fit the criteria of being easy to get in and out of and are a top safety pick.If you want to go green without making the jump to an EV, the Crown is your car. All of the sedan’s engine options are hybrids, with the base model getting an estimated 42 MPG on the highway. Traction won’t be a problem either, considering that all Crown trims come with AWD. You’ll also get a suite of safety features, including pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring in the base XLE trim.Whether you’re upgrading or downsizing your vehicle for your retirement years, the vehicles listed above are great options. Just be sure to take a few for a spin before deciding. Thirty seconds behind the wheel of a car can be far better than 30 hours of research when finding the right fit.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.Chris Neiger has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

I know a few retirees who’ve upgraded their cars recently, replacing older models that no longer suit their needs with something that better matches their new stage of life.

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.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to car shopping in retirement, but shoppers likely have a few overlapping needs. To help narrow down the list, I factored in a few things that most retirees are likely looking for, including:

Top Safety Picks according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)Vehicles that are easy to get in and out of based on Consumer Reports’ dataCheaper than the average new car price of about $47,500

Here are five vehicles that meet the criteria that could be great for retirees.

1. Subaru Ascent

Starting price: $34,395Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+

There’s a lot to love about Subaru’s Ascent, starting with its ample space for you and up to seven other passengers. This midsize SUV will cart you and the golf clubs, grandkids, or luggage without missing a step.

The Ascent’s safety equipment includes driver assist technology and an available distraction mitigation system to help keep you focused on the road ahead while enjoying the SUV’s turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. Standard all-wheel drive ensures you’ll never be caught off guard, no matter the weather.

Pro tip: The type of car you own can impact your insurance premiums. Click here to find the best car insurance companies for your specific needs.

2. Honda CR-V

Starting price: $30,100Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety Pick

Honda’s CR-V is often near the top of the list for best-selling SUVs, thanks to its abundance of features, safety ratings, and overall value. The latest iteration of the CR-V boasts a standard collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist for optimum peace of mind.

The standard 190 horsepower 1.5-liter engine gets an impressive combined (highway and city) 30 MPG, or you can opt for the hybrid version, which boosts your MPGs up to 40. Even with the base LX trim, you’ll get Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and you can upgrade to an AWD version if you need the extra traction for winter weather driving.

3. Toyota Sienna

Starting price: $39,185Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety Pick

Yes, I’m sneaking a minivan into this mix. My grandparents used to own a minivan to cart themselves and their small dog up and down the East Coast each year, and the extra space made it perfect for a dog bed and extra snacks.

Consumer Reports notes that the Sienna is “a snap to gracefully get into or out” of, so there’s no worrying about stepping in and out after long car rides. You’ll get an estimated 36 MPG on the highway, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and safety features like lane departure warning and assist and pedestrian detection.

4. Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting price: $34,200Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety Pick

Redesigned for the 2024 model year, the Santa Fe sports a boxy design that looks modern without being too futuristic. The base SE trim packs a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with a modest estimated combined 24 MPG. Upgrade to the hybrid engine, and you’ll get an estimated 36 MPG.

If you’re constantly headed out of town with friends and family or just want the occasional space for seven, you’ll love the Santa Fe’s standard third row of seats. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display is standard, as are blind spot monitoring, collision avoidance assist, and lane keep assist safety features.

Related: Some safety features can help lower your car insurance premiums. Click here to see how to find the cheapest car insurance.

5. Toyota Crown

Starting price: $41,400Easy entry/exit: YesSafety: IIHS Top Safety Pick

With a ground clearance of 5.8 inches, the Toyota Crown sedan sits slightly higher than most of its peers. Sure, there’s another Toyota on this list, but the Crown deserves a spot because there aren’t many sedans that fit the criteria of being easy to get in and out of and are a top safety pick.

If you want to go green without making the jump to an EV, the Crown is your car. All of the sedan’s engine options are hybrids, with the base model getting an estimated 42 MPG on the highway. Traction won’t be a problem either, considering that all Crown trims come with AWD. You’ll also get a suite of safety features, including pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring in the base XLE trim.

Whether you’re upgrading or downsizing your vehicle for your retirement years, the vehicles listed above are great options. Just be sure to take a few for a spin before deciding. Thirty seconds behind the wheel of a car can be far better than 30 hours of research when finding the right fit.

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.Chris Neiger has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More