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Money Management

What I Learned From 20 Years as a Costco Member

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
I was recently shocked to discover that I’ve been a Costco member for 20 years! Ever since 2004, Costco has been a massive part of my life — not just as a place to shop, but as a state of mind.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!That’s right: Costco has changed the way I think about shopping, upgrading my home, and elevating my everyday experiences. Yes, Costco offers great prices. But if you go deeper into the full Costco membership experience, it means so much more than that.Here are a few of my biggest lessons from the last 20 years — and how they can help you maximize the rewards of your Costco membership.1. Costco can help you solve problems — big and smallCostco isn’t just a place to shop, it’s my “solutions store.” Costco is there whenever I suddenly realize that I need some random thing for the house, like floor cleaning products or a cordless drill, or when I’m suddenly all out of granola bars, or when I’m dealing with some other short-term crisis with my wardrobe, pantry, home, or car.In the past 20 years, Costco has helped me solve shopping problems of all kinds, everything from “My kid needs a junior-size tennis racket” to “Uh oh, I need new winter socks” to “Oh no, my car needs new tires.” Costco is the everything store!2. Costco credit cards help you save even moreI used to pay for Costco purchases with my debit card. That’s because Costco (at the time) only accepted credit card payments from its exclusive cobranded credit card from American Express, and I was not a cardholder.But in 2016, Costco ended its exclusive Amex partnership and started a new partnership with Visa, allowing warehouse purchases to be made with Visa credit cards. This is more flexible, because you’re not limited to Costco cobranded credit cards.And some of the best Costco credit cards can help you earn big rewards — like an extra 2% to 3% (or more) of cash back on your Costco purchases.Want to get even more savings from your Costco membership, in ways that weren’t possible when I started 20 years ago? Click here to learn more and see our curated list of credit cards that deliver extra value at Costco.3. Costco offers new food experiencesEvery Costco food sample day is like an indoor food festival. It’s fun to try all the different foods and flavors that you might not otherwise have thought to purchase. If you’re open-minded about food, Costco can be a great place to do your meal planning.And even though the Costco food package sizes are huge, if you plan ahead and do some meal prep, Costco can give you easy-to-fix home-cooked meals for $5 (or less) per person. Here’s an example of a $5 Costco meal based on recent pricing from Costco Same-Day online grocery shopping (prices may vary by location):Food ItemPriceServings (Approx.)Price Per ServingKirkland Signature Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta$21.7912$1.82Creamy Italian Salad kit$9.359$1.04Kirkland Signature Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake$21.0512$1.75Data source: Author’s calculations; serving sizes may vary If you buy all the menu items shown in the table above, you’ll get a filling three-course meal for $4.61 per person.4. Use Costco for home contractor projectsIf you need to renovate your bathroom or install a new garage door, it can be hard to know where to start with finding reputable contractors. I didn’t know about this special Costco offering until I’d already been a Costco member for over a decade, but: Costco offers Home & Installation services.Here’s how it works: Costco connects you with vetted, reliable contractors in your local area for home services like window coverings, kitchen cabinets, garage doors, bath remodels, solar panels, flooring, and more. And you can get a Costco Shop Card as a built-in discount.5. Costco is there at every stage of lifeNeed to furnish your first grown-up apartment after moving to a new city to start your career? Costco is there. Need diapers for your new baby? Costco’s got it. Need home health equipment for an aging loved one? Costco has it.Need eye exams, annual vaccines, prescription drugs, or hearing aids? Costco! Need a casket to be buried in? Costco’s got you covered from cradle to grave.6. There’s always more to explore with CostcoThere are still a lot of Costco services that I haven’t tried yet, like:Costco Travel: A friend used Costco Travel to book a family vacation to London, and they loved it.Costco Auto: Next time I’m in the market for a car, I’m going to consider using the Costco Auto Program for a no-haggle sales process and special Costco member pricing at participating dealerships.Costco Next: This is a unique online shopping portal that gives you special deals on premium products from Costco partner brands — everything from kitchen faucets to bicycles to skin care.Bottom lineCostco is a foundational part of my life as a shopper and homeowner. It’s helped me and my family live a richer, more convenient life for 20 years. Costco keeps prices low, but it also delivers priceless peace of mind — helping you navigate the complexities of consumer culture with ease.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.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

I was recently shocked to discover that I’ve been a Costco member for 20 years! Ever since 2004, Costco has been a massive part of my life — not just as a place to shop, but as a state of mind.

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!

That’s right: Costco has changed the way I think about shopping, upgrading my home, and elevating my everyday experiences. Yes, Costco offers great prices. But if you go deeper into the full Costco membership experience, it means so much more than that.

Here are a few of my biggest lessons from the last 20 years — and how they can help you maximize the rewards of your Costco membership.

1. Costco can help you solve problems — big and small

Costco isn’t just a place to shop, it’s my “solutions store.” Costco is there whenever I suddenly realize that I need some random thing for the house, like floor cleaning products or a cordless drill, or when I’m suddenly all out of granola bars, or when I’m dealing with some other short-term crisis with my wardrobe, pantry, home, or car.

In the past 20 years, Costco has helped me solve shopping problems of all kinds, everything from “My kid needs a junior-size tennis racket” to “Uh oh, I need new winter socks” to “Oh no, my car needs new tires.” Costco is the everything store!

2. Costco credit cards help you save even more

I used to pay for Costco purchases with my debit card. That’s because Costco (at the time) only accepted credit card payments from its exclusive cobranded credit card from American Express, and I was not a cardholder.

But in 2016, Costco ended its exclusive Amex partnership and started a new partnership with Visa, allowing warehouse purchases to be made with Visa credit cards. This is more flexible, because you’re not limited to Costco cobranded credit cards.

And some of the best Costco credit cards can help you earn big rewards — like an extra 2% to 3% (or more) of cash back on your Costco purchases.

Want to get even more savings from your Costco membership, in ways that weren’t possible when I started 20 years ago? Click here to learn more and see our curated list of credit cards that deliver extra value at Costco.

3. Costco offers new food experiences

Every Costco food sample day is like an indoor food festival. It’s fun to try all the different foods and flavors that you might not otherwise have thought to purchase. If you’re open-minded about food, Costco can be a great place to do your meal planning.

And even though the Costco food package sizes are huge, if you plan ahead and do some meal prep, Costco can give you easy-to-fix home-cooked meals for $5 (or less) per person. Here’s an example of a $5 Costco meal based on recent pricing from Costco Same-Day online grocery shopping (prices may vary by location):

Food ItemPriceServings (Approx.)Price Per ServingKirkland Signature Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta$21.7912$1.82Creamy Italian Salad kit$9.359$1.04Kirkland Signature Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake$21.0512$1.75
Data source: Author’s calculations; serving sizes may vary

If you buy all the menu items shown in the table above, you’ll get a filling three-course meal for $4.61 per person.

4. Use Costco for home contractor projects

If you need to renovate your bathroom or install a new garage door, it can be hard to know where to start with finding reputable contractors. I didn’t know about this special Costco offering until I’d already been a Costco member for over a decade, but: Costco offers Home & Installation services.

Here’s how it works: Costco connects you with vetted, reliable contractors in your local area for home services like window coverings, kitchen cabinets, garage doors, bath remodels, solar panels, flooring, and more. And you can get a Costco Shop Card as a built-in discount.

5. Costco is there at every stage of life

Need to furnish your first grown-up apartment after moving to a new city to start your career? Costco is there. Need diapers for your new baby? Costco’s got it. Need home health equipment for an aging loved one? Costco has it.

Need eye exams, annual vaccines, prescription drugs, or hearing aids? Costco! Need a casket to be buried in? Costco’s got you covered from cradle to grave.

6. There’s always more to explore with Costco

There are still a lot of Costco services that I haven’t tried yet, like:

Costco Travel: A friend used Costco Travel to book a family vacation to London, and they loved it.Costco Auto: Next time I’m in the market for a car, I’m going to consider using the Costco Auto Program for a no-haggle sales process and special Costco member pricing at participating dealerships.Costco Next: This is a unique online shopping portal that gives you special deals on premium products from Costco partner brands — everything from kitchen faucets to bicycles to skin care.

Bottom line

Costco is a foundational part of my life as a shopper and homeowner. It’s helped me and my family live a richer, more convenient life for 20 years. Costco keeps prices low, but it also delivers priceless peace of mind — helping you navigate the complexities of consumer culture with ease.

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.American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Forget About Adding to Your Savings Account. Here’s What You Should Be Doing Instead

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Having money in a savings account may feel like a smart financial choice. And to some extent, it is. You want to have your emergency fund in a savings account. If you’re going to need money for a big purchase soon, then that belongs in savings, too.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. Putting money in a high-yield savings account in these situations keeps it accessible. You can use it when you need it without penalties while also maximizing your potential returns — especially if you shop around to find the best savings account that pays a high rate of interest with no fees.However, outside of your emergency fund and your savings for short-term purchases, you should forget about putting any additional money into savings. Here’s why.You can more than double your return by investing instead of putting money into savingsIf you have money you aren’t going to need for a couple of years, there’s a far better option than sticking it in a savings account, where you’re likely to earn in the 4.00% range or less. That better option is a brokerage account.Many brokerage accounts can be opened with no minimum balance. Once you open one, you can get your money into the stock market. You don’t need any real investing knowledge to do this, either.You can just buy an S&P 500 index fund, which tracks the performance of around 500 large U.S. companies. An S&P fund provides instant diversification, comes with low fees, and has consistently produced a 10% average annual return over the last 50 years.You don’t want to put your emergency fund or short-term savings into an S&P 500 fund because you need a long time horizon to minimize risk. If you need to take your money out for an unexpected expense at a time when the market is performing poorly, you might have to cash out your investments at a loss.A longer investing timeline gives you more time to ride out any short-term dips. If you have a couple of years until you need that cash, opting to earn around double — or more — than what a savings account offers is an easy call.If you have money you won’t need too soon and you don’t already have a brokerage account, consider opening an account with Robinhood. You’ll enjoy easy trading right from your phone with no fees. Click to learn more and get your account open so you can start making your money work for you.CDs can provide a better return, and your rate is locked inSo, the market is a good option if you have an investing timeline of a few years or longer, but what about money you’re going to need in six months or a year, or even two or three years?That money often doesn’t belong in savings either. Instead, a top-rated certificate of deposit (CD) is likely the better place for it. CDs historically offer higher rates than savings accounts do, and your rate is locked in for the duration of the term so you don’t need to worry about it going down — unlike with a variable-rate savings account.You do have to lock your money up in a CD until it matures to avoid early withdrawal penalties. But if you know you won’t need that cash for a few months or a few years, that’s not really a problem.So, there’s really no reason to add extra money to a savings account once you have your emergency fund and short-term savings needs met. Instead, put it into a CD or a brokerage account where it can work harder 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.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool

Having money in a savings account may feel like a smart financial choice. And to some extent, it is. You want to have your emergency fund in a savings account. If you’re going to need money for a big purchase soon, then that belongs in savings, too.

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.

Putting money in a high-yield savings account in these situations keeps it accessible. You can use it when you need it without penalties while also maximizing your potential returns — especially if you shop around to find the best savings account that pays a high rate of interest with no fees.

However, outside of your emergency fund and your savings for short-term purchases, you should forget about putting any additional money into savings. Here’s why.

You can more than double your return by investing instead of putting money into savings

If you have money you aren’t going to need for a couple of years, there’s a far better option than sticking it in a savings account, where you’re likely to earn in the 4.00% range or less. That better option is a brokerage account.

Many brokerage accounts can be opened with no minimum balance. Once you open one, you can get your money into the stock market. You don’t need any real investing knowledge to do this, either.

You can just buy an S&P 500 index fund, which tracks the performance of around 500 large U.S. companies. An S&P fund provides instant diversification, comes with low fees, and has consistently produced a 10% average annual return over the last 50 years.

You don’t want to put your emergency fund or short-term savings into an S&P 500 fund because you need a long time horizon to minimize risk. If you need to take your money out for an unexpected expense at a time when the market is performing poorly, you might have to cash out your investments at a loss.

A longer investing timeline gives you more time to ride out any short-term dips. If you have a couple of years until you need that cash, opting to earn around double — or more — than what a savings account offers is an easy call.

If you have money you won’t need too soon and you don’t already have a brokerage account, consider opening an account with Robinhood. You’ll enjoy easy trading right from your phone with no fees. Click to learn more and get your account open so you can start making your money work for you.

CDs can provide a better return, and your rate is locked in

So, the market is a good option if you have an investing timeline of a few years or longer, but what about money you’re going to need in six months or a year, or even two or three years?

That money often doesn’t belong in savings either. Instead, a top-rated certificate of deposit (CD) is likely the better place for it. CDs historically offer higher rates than savings accounts do, and your rate is locked in for the duration of the term so you don’t need to worry about it going down — unlike with a variable-rate savings account.

You do have to lock your money up in a CD until it matures to avoid early withdrawal penalties. But if you know you won’t need that cash for a few months or a few years, that’s not really a problem.

So, there’s really no reason to add extra money to a savings account once you have your emergency fund and short-term savings needs met. Instead, put it into a CD or a brokerage account where it can work harder 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.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

3 Reasons to Do Your Holiday Shopping Before Black Friday

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
There’s a reason a lot of people wait until Black Friday to start shopping for the holidays. Not only is Black Friday known for its doorbuster deals, but you may need a few extra weeks to save money for the gifts you’re looking to buy.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 it’s pretty common to hold off on holiday shopping until Black Friday, that decision could backfire on you. Here’s why it pays to get started with your holiday shopping now instead of waiting.1. You might find better deals earlier in NovemberBlack Friday is known for its awesome prices. But these days, retailers tend to run holiday deals — some of which they’ll label “early Black Friday deals” — for the majority of November.Take Costco, for example. It already has a host of holiday season markdowns available on its website and in its warehouse club stores.Need a new credit card to maximize your Costco buys? Click here for our favorite Costco credit cards.Similarly, Target already has a bunch of Black Friday markdowns available. And if you go to your favorite store or check out its website, you might already see a host of discounted items there, too.There’s no sense in waiting until Black Friday if the items you want are already marked down substantially. And remember, you’re not guaranteed to get the best price on Black Friday anyway. So if the price of an item works for you now, go for it.Also, make sure to use a credit card that gives you great rewards so you can get a little something out of your holiday shopping this month. Click here for a list of the best cash back credit cards.2. If you wait, your most important purchases might sell outThere may be certain must-buy items on your holiday list, like the toys your kids want the most or the gadget your spouse has been talking about for weeks on end. If you wait until Black Friday to do your holiday shopping, you run the risk of those items selling out.Now, the most-wanted items on your shopping list may not be on sale yet. If so, you’ll need to ask yourself whether you can afford them without a discount — and whether you’re willing to run the risk of them selling out before the holidays to save 10% or 15% on their cost.3. If your purchases are more expensive than expected, you have time to pivotIt’s a good idea to set up a budget for the holidays so you don’t close out the season with a pile of credit card debt. But setting that budget can be tricky since retail prices can fluctuate.That’s another reason to do your shopping before Black Friday. If you start tackling your list in the coming days and realize that the items you want are more expensive than expected, you have time to manage that situation.That could mean picking up a side hustle to cover those higher costs or choosing replacement items that fit better into your budget. If you wait until Black Friday, you might feel more pressure to just grab those pricier items while you can and then deal with the aftermath.It’s not so unusual to start shopping for the holidays on Black Friday. And you may not be ready to think about buying gifts just yet. But another benefit of doing your shopping early is taking one potentially stressful and time-consuming task off your plate sooner. It may be worth getting started ahead of Black Friday for that reason alone.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 and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

There’s a reason a lot of people wait until Black Friday to start shopping for the holidays. Not only is Black Friday known for its doorbuster deals, but you may need a few extra weeks to save money for the gifts you’re looking to buy.

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 it’s pretty common to hold off on holiday shopping until Black Friday, that decision could backfire on you. Here’s why it pays to get started with your holiday shopping now instead of waiting.

1. You might find better deals earlier in November

Black Friday is known for its awesome prices. But these days, retailers tend to run holiday deals — some of which they’ll label “early Black Friday deals” — for the majority of November.

Take Costco, for example. It already has a host of holiday season markdowns available on its website and in its warehouse club stores.

Need a new credit card to maximize your Costco buys? Click here for our favorite Costco credit cards.

Similarly, Target already has a bunch of Black Friday markdowns available. And if you go to your favorite store or check out its website, you might already see a host of discounted items there, too.

There’s no sense in waiting until Black Friday if the items you want are already marked down substantially. And remember, you’re not guaranteed to get the best price on Black Friday anyway. So if the price of an item works for you now, go for it.

Also, make sure to use a credit card that gives you great rewards so you can get a little something out of your holiday shopping this month. Click here for a list of the best cash back credit cards.

2. If you wait, your most important purchases might sell out

There may be certain must-buy items on your holiday list, like the toys your kids want the most or the gadget your spouse has been talking about for weeks on end. If you wait until Black Friday to do your holiday shopping, you run the risk of those items selling out.

Now, the most-wanted items on your shopping list may not be on sale yet. If so, you’ll need to ask yourself whether you can afford them without a discount — and whether you’re willing to run the risk of them selling out before the holidays to save 10% or 15% on their cost.

3. If your purchases are more expensive than expected, you have time to pivot

It’s a good idea to set up a budget for the holidays so you don’t close out the season with a pile of credit card debt. But setting that budget can be tricky since retail prices can fluctuate.

That’s another reason to do your shopping before Black Friday. If you start tackling your list in the coming days and realize that the items you want are more expensive than expected, you have time to manage that situation.

That could mean picking up a side hustle to cover those higher costs or choosing replacement items that fit better into your budget. If you wait until Black Friday, you might feel more pressure to just grab those pricier items while you can and then deal with the aftermath.

It’s not so unusual to start shopping for the holidays on Black Friday. And you may not be ready to think about buying gifts just yet. But another benefit of doing your shopping early is taking one potentially stressful and time-consuming task off your plate sooner. It may be worth getting started ahead of Black Friday for that reason alone.

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 and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Want a Cleaner Home? These 4 Costco Finds Can Make It a Snap

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
I know I might seem as if I’m cool here on the internet, but my secret shame is that I really enjoy cleaning my house. There’s something about scrubbing kitchen counters and vacuuming the rugs that gives me a sense of pride. And now that I have a mortgage to pay off, I feel even more hard-pressed to dig in and do a good job.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!Luckily, I also recently joined Costco, and saving money on cleaning tools and supplies is a great way to maximize my Costco membership. Here are four excellent Costco finds that’ll make house cleaning easier — and perhaps even more fun.1. Narwhal FREO X Ultra Robot Vacuum and MopI can’t imagine spending this kind of money on something to clean my home…well, maybe if I won the lottery. But if you want the creme de la creme of cleaning tools, consider the Narwhal FREO X Ultra Robot and Mop. This little guy can vacuum and mop your floors (what a timesaver!) and it comes with a pack of accessories, including extra filters and brushes.The Costco price is $1,099.99 (and only Costco members can score this deal). The Amazon price is $1,399.99, but there’s also the option to use a $300 coupon, matching Costco’s price. But you won’t get the sweet accessory bundle if you order it from Amazon.Want to earn 1.5%, 2%, or more back on this fancy floor cleaner (and all your other Costco buys)? Click here to check out our favorite credit cards for Costco shopping.2. iRobot Roomba j6 Robot VacuumOne of these days, I swear I’m going to replace my inexpensive (and not-terribly-effective-on-rugs) Eufy robot vacuum with a Roomba. And when I do, I may just buy it from Costco.Costco is selling the iRobot Roomba j6, complete with AutoEmpty Dock, for $499.99. That’s a member-only item, too. Non-Costco members can pick up the same Roomba from Amazon for $524.01.No, that’s not a big price difference, but Costco guarantees customer satisfaction with its noted return policy, so that’s another reason to buy an item like this from Costco.3. Dawn Platinum Advanced Power Dish SoapTurning from fancy and expensive home-cleaning gadgets, let’s look at a few recurring buys you can save money on if you get them from Costco. Dawn dish soap is so powerful, it’s used to clean ducks that’ve been coated in oil thanks to human carelessness. With an endorsement like that, I highly recommend using it on your dishes.You can buy a big 90-ounce jug of Dawn Platinum Advanced Power liquid dish soap for $14.49 from Costco.com. That’s a cost of just $0.16 per ounce. Compare that to Amazon’s offering of three 24-ounce bottles, which will run you $0.28 per ounce. In fairness, you’ll also get two sponges with this pack, but do you want to pay this much more for the soap?4. Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech Trash BagsWe all need trash bags, and the kind that flexes with your garbage can save you a big mess (ever had a trash bag rip open on you, spilling garbage all over your kitchen floor?).Costco is lauded for its Kirkland Signature house brand (and has high standards for the products under its label). You can score a box of 90 33-gallon trash bags for $23.99, or a cost of $0.27 per bag. Buy Glad ForceFlex bags (which operate the same way) from Amazon, and it’ll cost you $0.36 per bag.You can buy everything from tires to vacations at Costco — so why not give it a closer look for your household cleaning tools and supplies, too?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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

I know I might seem as if I’m cool here on the internet, but my secret shame is that I really enjoy cleaning my house. There’s something about scrubbing kitchen counters and vacuuming the rugs that gives me a sense of pride. And now that I have a mortgage to pay off, I feel even more hard-pressed to dig in and do a good job.

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!

Luckily, I also recently joined Costco, and saving money on cleaning tools and supplies is a great way to maximize my Costco membership. Here are four excellent Costco finds that’ll make house cleaning easier — and perhaps even more fun.

1. Narwhal FREO X Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop

I can’t imagine spending this kind of money on something to clean my home…well, maybe if I won the lottery. But if you want the creme de la creme of cleaning tools, consider the Narwhal FREO X Ultra Robot and Mop. This little guy can vacuum and mop your floors (what a timesaver!) and it comes with a pack of accessories, including extra filters and brushes.

The Costco price is $1,099.99 (and only Costco members can score this deal). The Amazon price is $1,399.99, but there’s also the option to use a $300 coupon, matching Costco’s price. But you won’t get the sweet accessory bundle if you order it from Amazon.

Want to earn 1.5%, 2%, or more back on this fancy floor cleaner (and all your other Costco buys)? Click here to check out our favorite credit cards for Costco shopping.

2. iRobot Roomba j6 Robot Vacuum

One of these days, I swear I’m going to replace my inexpensive (and not-terribly-effective-on-rugs) Eufy robot vacuum with a Roomba. And when I do, I may just buy it from Costco.

Costco is selling the iRobot Roomba j6, complete with AutoEmpty Dock, for $499.99. That’s a member-only item, too. Non-Costco members can pick up the same Roomba from Amazon for $524.01.

No, that’s not a big price difference, but Costco guarantees customer satisfaction with its noted return policy, so that’s another reason to buy an item like this from Costco.

3. Dawn Platinum Advanced Power Dish Soap

Turning from fancy and expensive home-cleaning gadgets, let’s look at a few recurring buys you can save money on if you get them from Costco. Dawn dish soap is so powerful, it’s used to clean ducks that’ve been coated in oil thanks to human carelessness. With an endorsement like that, I highly recommend using it on your dishes.

You can buy a big 90-ounce jug of Dawn Platinum Advanced Power liquid dish soap for $14.49 from Costco.com. That’s a cost of just $0.16 per ounce. Compare that to Amazon’s offering of three 24-ounce bottles, which will run you $0.28 per ounce. In fairness, you’ll also get two sponges with this pack, but do you want to pay this much more for the soap?

4. Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech Trash Bags

We all need trash bags, and the kind that flexes with your garbage can save you a big mess (ever had a trash bag rip open on you, spilling garbage all over your kitchen floor?).

Costco is lauded for its Kirkland Signature house brand (and has high standards for the products under its label). You can score a box of 90 33-gallon trash bags for $23.99, or a cost of $0.27 per bag. Buy Glad ForceFlex bags (which operate the same way) from Amazon, and it’ll cost you $0.36 per bag.

You can buy everything from tires to vacations at Costco — so why not give it a closer look for your household cleaning tools and supplies, too?

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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

The 3 Kirkland Items I’ll Never Buy Again

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Shopping at Costco is a great way to save money on groceries and the things you use around the house regularly, like toilet paper and tissues. You can enjoy even more savings when you choose Costco’s signature Kirkland brand.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. Buying the Kirkland version could save you 20% or more compared to the cost of the name-brand counterpart you’re more familiar with. Plus, the Kirkland line is known to be high in quality, so you’re usually not giving anything up in exchange for that savings. I recommend pairing a haul of Kirkland products with the right credit card for added cash back. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.Now, I’ve been shopping at Costco for 18 years and have been buying Kirkland products for nearly that long, so I can tell you firsthand that it’s worth giving them a try. But I can also admit that not every Kirkland purchase has worked out so well for me. Here are three Kirkland items I don’t see myself buying again anytime soon.1. Kirkland Signature Paper TowelsI’m not ashamed to say that at this stage of life, I’m picky about my paper towels. Seeing as how I commonly go through multiple rolls a week, I need to prioritize absorbency over price. That’s why I typically buy Bounty paper towels, even if Kirkland paper towels are cheaper.The Kirkland paper towels, simply put, don’t get the job done in my book. And it’s not worth aggravating myself given the frequency at which I have to clean up spills at home.2. Kirkland Signature Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse CakeIf you’ve ever set eyes on this bakery item, you might agree that it’s visually stunning. But taste-wise, I find this cake to be way too sweet. And even my kids agree, which tells you something. That said, Costco sells a round chocolate cake in its bakery that’s great for birthdays and is less sweet than the Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake. If you can only handle so much chocolate, I’d suggest giving that one a try instead. 3. Kirkland Rotisserie ChickenIt’s hard to beat Kirkland’s $4.99 price point for rotisserie chicken. And in the past, I’ve brought it home to serve to my husband and son (they’re the only ones in my household who eat chicken to begin with). But since they’re not fans, I’m not going to subject them to chicken that doesn’t taste good to save a few dollars. And if you’re wondering what the issue is, my son claims the Kirkland chicken tastes and smells weird. He’s a fairly non-picky eater, unlike my other kids, so I’m inclined to take his word for it. My husband, too, says something is “off” about the Costco chicken, though like my son, he has a hard time describing the problem beyond that.An exception to the ruleI want to be clear that I’ve probably tried hundreds of Kirkland products during my Costco shopping, and very few fall into the “I won’t buy this again” category. In other words, these three products are the exception, not the rule. And you should know that if you bring home a Kirkland product you don’t end up happy with, you’re not stuck. Costco stands behind all of its products, Kirkland or otherwise. If you buy something that doesn’t meet your expectations, you can generally return it for a full refund. And that includes food you’ve already dug into.Let’s say you try a slice of the Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake and realize there’s no way you’ll finish the rest because it’s way too sweet. In that case, you can bring the cake back to Costco and get a refund for it. That won’t work, though, if you decide you don’t like the cake once you’ve consumed 80% of it. But generally, if you bring at least 50% of a food item back, you can get your money back.Of course, over time, Costco might change its Tuxedo cake recipe or method of preparing its chicken. It might also change its paper towels. So you don’t need to write off these Kirkland items forever. But for now, I intend to steer clear.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 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”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Shopping at Costco is a great way to save money on groceries and the things you use around the house regularly, like toilet paper and tissues. You can enjoy even more savings when you choose Costco’s signature Kirkland brand.

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.

Buying the Kirkland version could save you 20% or more compared to the cost of the name-brand counterpart you’re more familiar with. Plus, the Kirkland line is known to be high in quality, so you’re usually not giving anything up in exchange for that savings.

I recommend pairing a haul of Kirkland products with the right credit card for added cash back. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.

Now, I’ve been shopping at Costco for 18 years and have been buying Kirkland products for nearly that long, so I can tell you firsthand that it’s worth giving them a try. But I can also admit that not every Kirkland purchase has worked out so well for me. Here are three Kirkland items I don’t see myself buying again anytime soon.

1. Kirkland Signature Paper Towels

I’m not ashamed to say that at this stage of life, I’m picky about my paper towels. Seeing as how I commonly go through multiple rolls a week, I need to prioritize absorbency over price. That’s why I typically buy Bounty paper towels, even if Kirkland paper towels are cheaper.

The Kirkland paper towels, simply put, don’t get the job done in my book. And it’s not worth aggravating myself given the frequency at which I have to clean up spills at home.

2. Kirkland Signature Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake

If you’ve ever set eyes on this bakery item, you might agree that it’s visually stunning. But taste-wise, I find this cake to be way too sweet. And even my kids agree, which tells you something.

That said, Costco sells a round chocolate cake in its bakery that’s great for birthdays and is less sweet than the Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake. If you can only handle so much chocolate, I’d suggest giving that one a try instead.

3. Kirkland Rotisserie Chicken

It’s hard to beat Kirkland’s $4.99 price point for rotisserie chicken. And in the past, I’ve brought it home to serve to my husband and son (they’re the only ones in my household who eat chicken to begin with). But since they’re not fans, I’m not going to subject them to chicken that doesn’t taste good to save a few dollars.

And if you’re wondering what the issue is, my son claims the Kirkland chicken tastes and smells weird. He’s a fairly non-picky eater, unlike my other kids, so I’m inclined to take his word for it. My husband, too, says something is “off” about the Costco chicken, though like my son, he has a hard time describing the problem beyond that.

An exception to the rule

I want to be clear that I’ve probably tried hundreds of Kirkland products during my Costco shopping, and very few fall into the “I won’t buy this again” category. In other words, these three products are the exception, not the rule. And you should know that if you bring home a Kirkland product you don’t end up happy with, you’re not stuck.

Costco stands behind all of its products, Kirkland or otherwise. If you buy something that doesn’t meet your expectations, you can generally return it for a full refund. And that includes food you’ve already dug into.

Let’s say you try a slice of the Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake and realize there’s no way you’ll finish the rest because it’s way too sweet. In that case, you can bring the cake back to Costco and get a refund for it.

That won’t work, though, if you decide you don’t like the cake once you’ve consumed 80% of it. But generally, if you bring at least 50% of a food item back, you can get your money back.

Of course, over time, Costco might change its Tuxedo cake recipe or method of preparing its chicken. It might also change its paper towels. So you don’t need to write off these Kirkland items forever. But for now, I intend to steer clear.

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 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 

4 Signs You Should Skip CDs Despite the 4% Rates

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are simply not the best choice for many people’s savings. There are a few good things about CDs, like fixed interest and FDIC insurance. But CDs have a few big downsides, too — the biggest being early withdrawal penalties.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 have to take cash out of the CD early, you’ll owe penalties that can gobble up most (or all) of the interest you were hoping to earn. Because CDs are so inflexible, even with 4.00% APY or higher, they’re not the right fit for many people’s financial goals.Here are a few signs that you should skip CDs — even if the APYs are higher than they are for savings accounts.1. You don’t have a solid emergency fundCDs are not a good place to hold any cash that you might need tomorrow, so don’t use a CD for your emergency savings. If you don’t already have a few months’ worth of income in an emergency fund — and many Americans do not — you should not open a CD.If you’re still building up your emergency fund, or even if you have plenty of extra non-emergency cash but just don’t want to commit to a CD term, open a high-yield savings account instead. Check out our list of the best savings accounts that offer high APYs.High-yield savings accounts give you an easy way to grow your cash reserves faster, and let you control when and how to use your money — without penalties.2. You’re saving for a short-term goalAnother big problem with CDs is that they’re not the best way to grow your money if you’re saving for a specific short-term financial goal. How soon do you need the money that you’re putting into a CD? Ask yourself whether you’re saving for:A vacation in six monthsA wedding in one yearA new car in two yearsA down payment on a house in three yearsOpening a CD isn’t always the best way to save for a short-term goal because your plans might change. Unless you know exactly when you’ll need your funds, you may want to avoid CDs; they’re too inflexible for the reality of many people’s financial lives.What if you find your dream house sooner than expected but you can’t get cash out of your 3-year CD without paying early withdrawal penalties? What if your car breaks down and you need to replace it now, not in two years?For many short-term financial goals, you’re better off keeping your cash in a high-yield savings account (or money market account). Even if your savings account earns a slightly lower APY than you’d get from a CD, the flexibility and peace of mind is worth it.3. You’re saving for a long-term goalCDs aren’t the best place to keep money that you might need now or even soon. So what about long-term money that you need later?Here’s another problem with CDs: If you can afford to lock up your money in a long-term CD (like for three years or five years), you might want to just invest that money in a brokerage account instead.If your investment timeline is longer than three years, and if you’re willing to accept some investment risk, a relatively low-yielding CD is not the best place to keep your money. You could potentially earn higher returns by investing that cash in a diversified portfolio of stock and bond ETFs, money market funds, and other investments.4. You don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to spareUltimately, the best reason to open a CD is when you have lots of cash and you don’t need it to save for retirement or to invest for long-term goals. For example, CDs could be right for retirees who have a large amount of cash because they need to earn safe, steady fixed income.But the typical American only has about $8,000 of cash in the bank — including savings accounts and checking accounts. Let’s say your savings account pays 1% lower APY than a CD — that means every $1,000 of savings earns $10 less per year. Is it worth locking up your precious cash in a CD just to get an extra $10? For most people, the answer is no.Bottom lineDon’t worry about earning the highest possible yield if it means running the risk of early withdrawal penalties. Instead, keep your cash in a high-yield savings account, keep control of your money, and keep building up your savings.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”:”

Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are simply not the best choice for many people’s savings. There are a few good things about CDs, like fixed interest and FDIC insurance. But CDs have a few big downsides, too — the biggest being early withdrawal penalties.

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 have to take cash out of the CD early, you’ll owe penalties that can gobble up most (or all) of the interest you were hoping to earn. Because CDs are so inflexible, even with 4.00% APY or higher, they’re not the right fit for many people’s financial goals.

Here are a few signs that you should skip CDs — even if the APYs are higher than they are for savings accounts.

1. You don’t have a solid emergency fund

CDs are not a good place to hold any cash that you might need tomorrow, so don’t use a CD for your emergency savings. If you don’t already have a few months’ worth of income in an emergency fund — and many Americans do not — you should not open a CD.

If you’re still building up your emergency fund, or even if you have plenty of extra non-emergency cash but just don’t want to commit to a CD term, open a high-yield savings account instead. Check out our list of the best savings accounts that offer high APYs.

High-yield savings accounts give you an easy way to grow your cash reserves faster, and let you control when and how to use your money — without penalties.

2. You’re saving for a short-term goal

Another big problem with CDs is that they’re not the best way to grow your money if you’re saving for a specific short-term financial goal. How soon do you need the money that you’re putting into a CD? Ask yourself whether you’re saving for:

A vacation in six monthsA wedding in one yearA new car in two yearsA down payment on a house in three years

Opening a CD isn’t always the best way to save for a short-term goal because your plans might change. Unless you know exactly when you’ll need your funds, you may want to avoid CDs; they’re too inflexible for the reality of many people’s financial lives.

What if you find your dream house sooner than expected but you can’t get cash out of your 3-year CD without paying early withdrawal penalties? What if your car breaks down and you need to replace it now, not in two years?

For many short-term financial goals, you’re better off keeping your cash in a high-yield savings account (or money market account). Even if your savings account earns a slightly lower APY than you’d get from a CD, the flexibility and peace of mind is worth it.

3. You’re saving for a long-term goal

CDs aren’t the best place to keep money that you might need now or even soon. So what about long-term money that you need later?

Here’s another problem with CDs: If you can afford to lock up your money in a long-term CD (like for three years or five years), you might want to just invest that money in a brokerage account instead.

If your investment timeline is longer than three years, and if you’re willing to accept some investment risk, a relatively low-yielding CD is not the best place to keep your money. You could potentially earn higher returns by investing that cash in a diversified portfolio of stock and bond ETFs, money market funds, and other investments.

4. You don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to spare

Ultimately, the best reason to open a CD is when you have lots of cash and you don’t need it to save for retirement or to invest for long-term goals. For example, CDs could be right for retirees who have a large amount of cash because they need to earn safe, steady fixed income.

But the typical American only has about $8,000 of cash in the bank — including savings accounts and checking accounts. Let’s say your savings account pays 1% lower APY than a CD — that means every $1,000 of savings earns $10 less per year. Is it worth locking up your precious cash in a CD just to get an extra $10? For most people, the answer is no.

Bottom line

Don’t worry about earning the highest possible yield if it means running the risk of early withdrawal penalties. Instead, keep your cash in a high-yield savings account, keep control of your money, and keep building up your savings.

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