Money Management

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
There are undoubtedly some things Costco could do better. For one thing, the online shopping experience isn’t the best. I’d also really like to use something other than a Visa credit card, even if there are some great rewards cards to use at Costco.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 there’s one place that Costco objectively excels: returns. Costco has a fantastic return policy that lets you return almost anything at almost any time.So, what items are members buying that require that excellent return policy? According to the tea from Costco employees online, there are some products that are almost daily visitors to the return desk. Here are some of the worst offenders.1. Keurig coffee machinesEvery single time I’ve seen threads about Costco returns (or Sam’s Club, for that matter), there are always mentions of the Keurig coffee machines. Apparently, they break more or less constantly. One poster went so far as to say Keurig coffee machines are daily returns at Costco.While I’m sure there are plenty of newer machines being returned, I’ve also seen a lot of stories of Keurig machines being returned two, three, or even 10 years after being purchased. (FWIW, my household has had two that worked for years with no issue.)FYI: Some of us may balk at returning a used product, particularly if we’ve already had it for a year or more. But don’t feel bad taking something back that dies well before its time! That’s what the return policy is for, and it’s part of why we pay those pricey fees for Costco memberships in the first place.2. Dyson vacuumsSpeaking of daily returns, the same comment on Keurig coffee makers coming in daily also mentioned Dyson vacuums — as did several other commenters, and not just employees. Nearly every comment about Dyson vacuums I see in these social media threads are about how often they break down.Given that these vacuums start at $349.99 — and these are Costco prices! — the number of people having to return them should be a big red flag.3. ClothingIf you’ve ever tried to buy clothing at Costco, you’ll probably have noticed something quite peculiar: Costco has no fitting rooms. So, if you want to try on those sexy Kirkland trousers that are the envy of every dad bod at the block party, you’re going to have to buy them first.As you might suspect, the lack of fitting rooms means that Costco employees see a lot of clothing returns. Generally, this seems to be more about sizes than clothing quality, thankfully.Pro tip: Rocking the Kirkland pants can be a solid way to save money, but it’s even better when you earn rewards while you’re at it. Check out this strategy for maximizing Costco rewards with one of our favorite credit cards.4. Windshield wiper bladesAnother very commonly mentioned item for frequent returns was windshield wiper blades. And this one isn’t about a poor fit — there were a lot of complaints about low quality.Bad windshield wiper blades aren’t just an annoyance — they can be downright dangerous. Poorly functioning wiper blades can limit visibility during poor weather and potentially cause car accidents.(That said, some amount of this could be user error; one commenter said the package they had suggested running the wiper blades on a dry window after install and before use.)5. Fresh produceThis one probably comes as zero surprise to anyone who has ever purchased fruits and vegetables from Costco. For one thing, buying produce in bulk is only a good idea if you eat produce in bulk. Otherwise it goes bad long before you get to it.But even if you go through produce like a pizza shop salad bar, chances are good that produce still won’t last. There just seems to be something about Costco produce that makes it go bad faster. (Personally, I think it’s an issue with the produce already being old by the time it gets to the warehouse, which is one of the many reasons it’s far better to buy locally grown produce when you can.)Return exceptionsOne of the reasons that the items on this list can be returned so frequently is that they all fall within the 100% satisfaction guarantee. Not everything you buy from Costco can be returned indefinitely, however. Here are some of the main exceptions — some of these items can be returned within 90 days, and some can’t be returned at all:Major electronicsAppliancesJewelryTiresAlcoholTobaccoEvent ticketsGold bullionSpecial ordersCostco Shop CardsYou can read up on Costco’s return policy online or in the mobile app. You can also chat with the customer service folks at the Members/returns desk if you have any doubts.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Maker, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

There are undoubtedly some things Costco could do better. For one thing, the online shopping experience isn’t the best. I’d also really like to use something other than a Visa credit card, even if there are some great rewards cards to use at Costco.

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 there’s one place that Costco objectively excels: returns. Costco has a fantastic return policy that lets you return almost anything at almost any time.

So, what items are members buying that require that excellent return policy? According to the tea from Costco employees online, there are some products that are almost daily visitors to the return desk. Here are some of the worst offenders.

1. Keurig coffee machines

Every single time I’ve seen threads about Costco returns (or Sam’s Club, for that matter), there are always mentions of the Keurig coffee machines. Apparently, they break more or less constantly. One poster went so far as to say Keurig coffee machines are daily returns at Costco.

While I’m sure there are plenty of newer machines being returned, I’ve also seen a lot of stories of Keurig machines being returned two, three, or even 10 years after being purchased. (FWIW, my household has had two that worked for years with no issue.)

FYI: Some of us may balk at returning a used product, particularly if we’ve already had it for a year or more. But don’t feel bad taking something back that dies well before its time! That’s what the return policy is for, and it’s part of why we pay those pricey fees for Costco memberships in the first place.

2. Dyson vacuums

Speaking of daily returns, the same comment on Keurig coffee makers coming in daily also mentioned Dyson vacuums — as did several other commenters, and not just employees. Nearly every comment about Dyson vacuums I see in these social media threads are about how often they break down.

Given that these vacuums start at $349.99 — and these are Costco prices! — the number of people having to return them should be a big red flag.

3. Clothing

If you’ve ever tried to buy clothing at Costco, you’ll probably have noticed something quite peculiar: Costco has no fitting rooms. So, if you want to try on those sexy Kirkland trousers that are the envy of every dad bod at the block party, you’re going to have to buy them first.

As you might suspect, the lack of fitting rooms means that Costco employees see a lot of clothing returns. Generally, this seems to be more about sizes than clothing quality, thankfully.

Pro tip: Rocking the Kirkland pants can be a solid way to save money, but it’s even better when you earn rewards while you’re at it. Check out this strategy for maximizing Costco rewards with one of our favorite credit cards.

4. Windshield wiper blades

Another very commonly mentioned item for frequent returns was windshield wiper blades. And this one isn’t about a poor fit — there were a lot of complaints about low quality.

Bad windshield wiper blades aren’t just an annoyance — they can be downright dangerous. Poorly functioning wiper blades can limit visibility during poor weather and potentially cause car accidents.

(That said, some amount of this could be user error; one commenter said the package they had suggested running the wiper blades on a dry window after install and before use.)

5. Fresh produce

This one probably comes as zero surprise to anyone who has ever purchased fruits and vegetables from Costco. For one thing, buying produce in bulk is only a good idea if you eat produce in bulk. Otherwise it goes bad long before you get to it.

But even if you go through produce like a pizza shop salad bar, chances are good that produce still won’t last. There just seems to be something about Costco produce that makes it go bad faster. (Personally, I think it’s an issue with the produce already being old by the time it gets to the warehouse, which is one of the many reasons it’s far better to buy locally grown produce when you can.)

Return exceptions

One of the reasons that the items on this list can be returned so frequently is that they all fall within the 100% satisfaction guarantee. Not everything you buy from Costco can be returned indefinitely, however. Here are some of the main exceptions — some of these items can be returned within 90 days, and some can’t be returned at all:

Major electronicsAppliancesJewelryTiresAlcoholTobaccoEvent ticketsGold bullionSpecial ordersCostco Shop Cards

You can read up on Costco’s return policy online or in the mobile app. You can also chat with the customer service folks at the Members/returns desk if you have any doubts.

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

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

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

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

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Maker, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Believe it or not, having a good time with your family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re feeling financial stress, you may seek ways to save money on family entertainment. 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!Here’s an easy way: You can purchase discounted gift cards for popular retailers at Costco. By taking advantage of these deals, you can maximize your Costco membership.Using these gift cards to pay for a family adventure is an excellent way to create lasting memories without overspending. Ready to add more family fun to your calendar? Here are a few gift card deals from Costco that can help you save. 1. Two $50 Dave & Buster’s gift cards for $79.99 (Save: $20) Dave & Buster’s offers games and entertainment that kids and adults will love. You can order food and drinks, play arcade games, and have fun as a whole family. Costco sells two $50 Dave & Buster’s gift cards for $79.99. Thanks to this deal, you’ll get $100 of value at a $20 discount. These gift cards can be redeemed at U.S. Dave & Buster’s locations, and are valid for food, drinks, gameplay, and merchandise. Costco members are limited to purchasing five gift cards per membership. Consider buying this deal if you want to make family game night cheaper. 2. $50 Cinemark Theatres gift card for $39.99 (Save: $10) Another fun way to spend time with your family is going to the movies. And guess what? Seeing the latest family flick doesn’t have to leave you broke. Costco members can buy a $50 Cinemark Theatres gift card for $39.99. Talk about an easy way to save $10. This gift card is redeemable at Cinemark locations nationwide and the funds can be used to pay for movie tickets, food, drinks, or merchandise. There is a limit of 10 gift card purchases per Costco member. To further stretch the value of this gift card, consider planning your movie outing around a matinee showing. Most movie theaters charge less for matinee tickets.Want to save even more on your next Costco haul? The right credit card can help. Click here to explore our curated list of the top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco.3. Four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $74.99 (Save $25) Who says you must go out to have fun with your favorite people? Why not enjoy a pizza night at home with your family? You can stream movies in your pajamas! But don’t forget to place an order for delivery pizza. Costco can help you get a good deal on your next pizza night. You can buy a set of four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $74.99. That’s $100 worth of pizza at a $25 discount. You can redeem your gift cards for anything on the menu. These gift cards never expire and are valid at U.S. Domino’s locations. There is a limit of five purchases per member. Want to earn cash back rewards when buying gift cards from Costco? Pay for your purchase with a cash back card. Check out our list of the top cash back credit cards to see how easy it is to pay yourself back with cash rewards. 4. Two $50 Topgolf gift cards for $79.99 (Save $20) Here’s another gift card deal to help your family keep more money in the bank. You can purchase two $50 Topgolf gift cards from Costco for $79.99. You’ll get $100 to spend on gameplay, food, drinks, merchandise, and lessons at Topgolf locations in the U.S. Families who enjoy competitive fun can easily save $20 with this deal. Shoppers are limited to five gift cards per membership. Take advantage of this offer if you’re looking to plan an interactive evening out with your family. Costco can make family fun affordable You can unlock savings on everyday essentials like groceries and household goods by investing in a Costco membership. But that’s not all. Your membership can also provide savings that allow you to spend more quality time with your family. These gift cards show how you can keep more money in your pocket by shopping Costco deals. 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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Believe it or not, having a good time with your family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re feeling financial stress, you may seek ways to save money on family entertainment.

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!

Here’s an easy way: You can purchase discounted gift cards for popular retailers at Costco. By taking advantage of these deals, you can maximize your Costco membership.

Using these gift cards to pay for a family adventure is an excellent way to create lasting memories without overspending. Ready to add more family fun to your calendar? Here are a few gift card deals from Costco that can help you save.

1. Two $50 Dave & Buster’s gift cards for $79.99 (Save: $20)

Dave & Buster’s offers games and entertainment that kids and adults will love. You can order food and drinks, play arcade games, and have fun as a whole family. Costco sells two $50 Dave & Buster’s gift cards for $79.99. Thanks to this deal, you’ll get $100 of value at a $20 discount.

These gift cards can be redeemed at U.S. Dave & Buster’s locations, and are valid for food, drinks, gameplay, and merchandise. Costco members are limited to purchasing five gift cards per membership. Consider buying this deal if you want to make family game night cheaper.

2. $50 Cinemark Theatres gift card for $39.99 (Save: $10)

Another fun way to spend time with your family is going to the movies. And guess what? Seeing the latest family flick doesn’t have to leave you broke. Costco members can buy a $50 Cinemark Theatres gift card for $39.99. Talk about an easy way to save $10.

This gift card is redeemable at Cinemark locations nationwide and the funds can be used to pay for movie tickets, food, drinks, or merchandise. There is a limit of 10 gift card purchases per Costco member. To further stretch the value of this gift card, consider planning your movie outing around a matinee showing. Most movie theaters charge less for matinee tickets.

Want to save even more on your next Costco haul? The right credit card can help. Click here to explore our curated list of the top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco.

3. Four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $74.99 (Save $25)

Who says you must go out to have fun with your favorite people? Why not enjoy a pizza night at home with your family? You can stream movies in your pajamas!

But don’t forget to place an order for delivery pizza. Costco can help you get a good deal on your next pizza night. You can buy a set of four $25 Domino’s gift cards for $74.99. That’s $100 worth of pizza at a $25 discount.

You can redeem your gift cards for anything on the menu. These gift cards never expire and are valid at U.S. Domino’s locations. There is a limit of five purchases per member.

Want to earn cash back rewards when buying gift cards from Costco? Pay for your purchase with a cash back card. Check out our list of the top cash back credit cards to see how easy it is to pay yourself back with cash rewards.

4. Two $50 Topgolf gift cards for $79.99 (Save $20)

Here’s another gift card deal to help your family keep more money in the bank. You can purchase two $50 Topgolf gift cards from Costco for $79.99. You’ll get $100 to spend on gameplay, food, drinks, merchandise, and lessons at Topgolf locations in the U.S.

Families who enjoy competitive fun can easily save $20 with this deal. Shoppers are limited to five gift cards per membership. Take advantage of this offer if you’re looking to plan an interactive evening out with your family.

Costco can make family fun affordable

You can unlock savings on everyday essentials like groceries and household goods by investing in a Costco membership. But that’s not all. Your membership can also provide savings that allow you to spend more quality time with your family. These gift cards show how you can keep more money in your pocket by shopping Costco deals.

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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
November is the perfect month to finalize your holiday shopping. Checking every item off your list before the last few busy weeks of the year can help you reduce stress. Many popular retailers, including Kohl’s, have fantastic deals that can be a win for your wallet.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. Ready to tackle your holiday shopping? Here are a few of the best deals you can shop at Kohl’s this month.1. NuWave Brio 8-quart Digital Air Fryer: $88.47An air fryer is an excellent gift for the extra-busy person on your shopping list. This kitchen essential can help them get dinner on the table faster. This November, the NuWave Brio 8-quart Digital Air Fryer is on clearance at Kohl’s for $110.59.But you can get it for even less with a coupon. Use the coupon code BIGDEAL at checkout to pay only $88.47. The air fryer’s one-touch buttons make cooking or reheating meat, vegetables, potatoes, frozen foods, and more a breeze. This deal proves you can get a great gift without depleting the funds in your checking account.2. Women’s Jammies For Your Families Jingle Bell Rock Mrs. Claus Pajama Top & Fleece Pajama Bottoms Set: $25.59If your family likes to spend Christmas day lounging around in matching Christmas jammies, this deal is for you. Kohl’s sells matching holiday pajamas for the whole family. Kids, women’s, and men’s pajama sets are currently on sale.But here’s one deal worth mentioning: Most women’s Jammies for Families sets are on sale for $25.59 with the coupon BIGDEAL. That’s a great price to pay for a festive pajama set.Want to maximize your savings? Use a rewards credit card to pay for your Kohl’s haul. Click here to review our list of the top cash back credit cards that offer big rewards.3. Woof Pet Advent Calendar: $15.99Don’t forget about your furry friend! An advent calendar is a great option for those who want to treat their dog to something special this holiday season. You can make your dog’s day again and again leading up to Christmas. This November, Kohl’s has the Woof Pet Advent Calendar on sale for $15.99 instead of $19.99. It comes with 12 toys for your favorite pal.4. Men’s Champion Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Jacket: $102If it’s long past time to replace your family’s well-loved winter jackets, Kohl’s has many great options. The retailer has winter coats for the entire family for up to 40% off this month. One deal you may want to shop is the Men’s Champion Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Jacket. It’s available in various colors and sizes for $102 instead of $170. While you’re at it, check to see what other winter coats are on sale for the rest of your family.Tips for shopping at Kohl’sWant to save even more? Remember to utilize promo codes and coupons when shopping at Kohl’s. The retailer routinely provides discount codes that can be used in-store and online. While these codes may not apply to every item in your cart, many products qualify.You can verify current promo codes on the retailer’s website and mobile app. You can also use coupon apps to find Kohl’s coupons faster. Every dollar you save makes a difference.You should also consider using a rewards credit card to pay for your purchases. You can reward yourself by earning points, miles, or cash back when you go shopping. Check out our list of the best credit cards to explore top picks that offer excellent benefits and rewards.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”:”

November is the perfect month to finalize your holiday shopping. Checking every item off your list before the last few busy weeks of the year can help you reduce stress. Many popular retailers, including Kohl’s, have fantastic deals that can be a win for your wallet.

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.

Ready to tackle your holiday shopping? Here are a few of the best deals you can shop at Kohl’s this month.

1. NuWave Brio 8-quart Digital Air Fryer: $88.47

An air fryer is an excellent gift for the extra-busy person on your shopping list. This kitchen essential can help them get dinner on the table faster. This November, the NuWave Brio 8-quart Digital Air Fryer is on clearance at Kohl’s for $110.59.

But you can get it for even less with a coupon. Use the coupon code BIGDEAL at checkout to pay only $88.47. The air fryer’s one-touch buttons make cooking or reheating meat, vegetables, potatoes, frozen foods, and more a breeze. This deal proves you can get a great gift without depleting the funds in your checking account.

2. Women’s Jammies For Your Families Jingle Bell Rock Mrs. Claus Pajama Top & Fleece Pajama Bottoms Set: $25.59

If your family likes to spend Christmas day lounging around in matching Christmas jammies, this deal is for you. Kohl’s sells matching holiday pajamas for the whole family. Kids, women’s, and men’s pajama sets are currently on sale.

But here’s one deal worth mentioning: Most women’s Jammies for Families sets are on sale for $25.59 with the coupon BIGDEAL. That’s a great price to pay for a festive pajama set.

Want to maximize your savings? Use a rewards credit card to pay for your Kohl’s haul. Click here to review our list of the top cash back credit cards that offer big rewards.

3. Woof Pet Advent Calendar: $15.99

Don’t forget about your furry friend! An advent calendar is a great option for those who want to treat their dog to something special this holiday season. You can make your dog’s day again and again leading up to Christmas. This November, Kohl’s has the Woof Pet Advent Calendar on sale for $15.99 instead of $19.99. It comes with 12 toys for your favorite pal.

4. Men’s Champion Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Jacket: $102

If it’s long past time to replace your family’s well-loved winter jackets, Kohl’s has many great options. The retailer has winter coats for the entire family for up to 40% off this month. One deal you may want to shop is the Men’s Champion Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Jacket. It’s available in various colors and sizes for $102 instead of $170. While you’re at it, check to see what other winter coats are on sale for the rest of your family.

Tips for shopping at Kohl’s

Want to save even more? Remember to utilize promo codes and coupons when shopping at Kohl’s. The retailer routinely provides discount codes that can be used in-store and online. While these codes may not apply to every item in your cart, many products qualify.

You can verify current promo codes on the retailer’s website and mobile app. You can also use coupon apps to find Kohl’s coupons faster. Every dollar you save makes a difference.

You should also consider using a rewards credit card to pay for your purchases. You can reward yourself by earning points, miles, or cash back when you go shopping. Check out our list of the best credit cards to explore top picks that offer excellent benefits and rewards.

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
As of 2022, only 63% of Americans had enough savings to cover an unplanned $400 expense, per the Federal Reserve. Ideally, you’re not only part of that 63%, but in a position where you have a much larger bank account balance than $400. And if so, you need to find the right home for your money.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. You may be torn between a savings account and a CD. And you should know that there are pros and cons to each. Let’s dive in so you can make an informed decision.Savings accounts: The pros and consThe nice thing about a savings account is that you get plenty of flexibility with your money. Need to take out $500 on a whim to cover a home repair? Your bank won’t penalize you for that. Plus, even though interest rates are starting to fall in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s benchmark rate cuts, savings accounts are still paying nicely. If you shop around for a great rate, you may be pleasantly surprised at how much interest your savings can earn you. Click here for a list of the best savings accounts today.On the flipside, you’ll typically earn a higher interest rate on a CD than a savings account. Also, with a CD, your interest rate is guaranteed for a specified period. That’s important, given that interest rates are likely to keep falling as the Fed continues to cut its benchmark rate.In fact, let’s say you’re looking at earning 4% in a savings account today vs. 4.5% in a 12-month CD. Not only is that 4.5% interest rate higher to begin with, but it’s yours to enjoy for a full year. Your savings account’s rate might drop to 3.8% in November, 3.5% in December, and so forth. We just don’t know. CDs: The pros and consAlthough it’s gotten harder to find 5% CDs these days, many CDs are paying close to that. Click here for a list of the best CD rates available today.If you put $5,000 into a 12-month CD paying 4.5%, you’re guaranteed to earn $225 if you leave it alone. And it doesn’t matter what the Fed does over the next year — your CD’s interest rate is safe.Meanwhile, if you put $5,000 into a savings account paying 4%, you’re only earning $200 in interest throughout the year — and that’s if your interest rate stays the same. That’s unlikely to happen, though, since the Fed is expected to keep moving forward with rate cuts. The difference in interest between what a CD pays you and what a savings account pays you in the next year could be pretty substantial.However, you should know that most CDs penalize you for removing your money early. If you end up needing the cash, you risk a penalty that your bank can set at its discretion. If that penalty is three months of interest, an early withdrawal will cost you $56.25 in this example. That’s money you wouldn’t be looking at losing if you were to keep your cash in a savings account instead.What’s the right choice for you?Clearly, there are benefits and drawbacks to both savings accounts and CDs. If you’re not sure which one to choose right now, ask yourself:What’s this money for? If it’s for emergency expenses, a savings account is generally a better bet. Do I have any large expenses coming up? If you know your aging car will likely need a repair in the next year, or if your friends have been talking about a big trip, then you may want to keep your money in a savings account so you can access it without a penalty. Am I trying to meet a specific goal? If you keep your money in a savings account, you may be tempted to pull it out on a whim because there’s no penalty. A CD might help you reach your goal by not only paying you more interest, but motivating you to keep your money where it is to avoid an early withdrawal penalty.All told, either a savings account or a CD could be a good place to put your money right now. And remember, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. You could opt to keep enough money in a savings account so you’re covered for emergencies, but put some cash into a CD for a higher return. Play around with different options to see if you can get the best of both worlds.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”:”

As of 2022, only 63% of Americans had enough savings to cover an unplanned $400 expense, per the Federal Reserve. Ideally, you’re not only part of that 63%, but in a position where you have a much larger bank account balance than $400. And if so, you need to find the right home for your money.

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.

You may be torn between a savings account and a CD. And you should know that there are pros and cons to each. Let’s dive in so you can make an informed decision.

Savings accounts: The pros and cons

The nice thing about a savings account is that you get plenty of flexibility with your money. Need to take out $500 on a whim to cover a home repair? Your bank won’t penalize you for that.

Plus, even though interest rates are starting to fall in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s benchmark rate cuts, savings accounts are still paying nicely. If you shop around for a great rate, you may be pleasantly surprised at how much interest your savings can earn you. Click here for a list of the best savings accounts today.

On the flipside, you’ll typically earn a higher interest rate on a CD than a savings account. Also, with a CD, your interest rate is guaranteed for a specified period. That’s important, given that interest rates are likely to keep falling as the Fed continues to cut its benchmark rate.

In fact, let’s say you’re looking at earning 4% in a savings account today vs. 4.5% in a 12-month CD. Not only is that 4.5% interest rate higher to begin with, but it’s yours to enjoy for a full year. Your savings account’s rate might drop to 3.8% in November, 3.5% in December, and so forth. We just don’t know.

CDs: The pros and cons

Although it’s gotten harder to find 5% CDs these days, many CDs are paying close to that. Click here for a list of the best CD rates available today.

If you put $5,000 into a 12-month CD paying 4.5%, you’re guaranteed to earn $225 if you leave it alone. And it doesn’t matter what the Fed does over the next year — your CD’s interest rate is safe.

Meanwhile, if you put $5,000 into a savings account paying 4%, you’re only earning $200 in interest throughout the year — and that’s if your interest rate stays the same. That’s unlikely to happen, though, since the Fed is expected to keep moving forward with rate cuts. The difference in interest between what a CD pays you and what a savings account pays you in the next year could be pretty substantial.

However, you should know that most CDs penalize you for removing your money early. If you end up needing the cash, you risk a penalty that your bank can set at its discretion. If that penalty is three months of interest, an early withdrawal will cost you $56.25 in this example. That’s money you wouldn’t be looking at losing if you were to keep your cash in a savings account instead.

What’s the right choice for you?

Clearly, there are benefits and drawbacks to both savings accounts and CDs. If you’re not sure which one to choose right now, ask yourself:

What’s this money for? If it’s for emergency expenses, a savings account is generally a better bet. Do I have any large expenses coming up? If you know your aging car will likely need a repair in the next year, or if your friends have been talking about a big trip, then you may want to keep your money in a savings account so you can access it without a penalty. Am I trying to meet a specific goal? If you keep your money in a savings account, you may be tempted to pull it out on a whim because there’s no penalty. A CD might help you reach your goal by not only paying you more interest, but motivating you to keep your money where it is to avoid an early withdrawal penalty.

All told, either a savings account or a CD could be a good place to put your money right now. And remember, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. You could opt to keep enough money in a savings account so you’re covered for emergencies, but put some cash into a CD for a higher return. Play around with different options to see if you can get the best of both worlds.

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

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

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

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

“}]] Read More 

[[{“value”:”Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash
There’s no dream as universal as winning it big in the lottery — the appeal of free money is a draw like a moth to a porch light on a summer night. But your odds of winning the lottery are astronomically small. Maybe we need to set our sights a bit lower and aim for some free money you can actually get started earning today, with what you already have, and with no element of chance involved whatsoever.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 looking for better ways to make passive income, I hope you’ll consider my favorites: certificates of deposit (CDs), index funds, and Treasury bonds. All of these investments are safe, they’re reliable, and most importantly, they don’t require that you do much at all, so they’re perfectly passive income streams for people who just want to make money without a lot of effort.Certificates of depositCertificates of deposit are a great way to earn money with your money while doing literally nothing. All you have to do is decide how much time you have, and choose a CD that matches your needs. They usually don’t have fees, and you can buy them through almost any bank, making them easy and accessible savings vehicles.There is one thing to be cautious about with CDs, though. If you withdraw your money early, you may face stiff penalties, depending on the length of the CD and how early your withdrawal is. For some longer CDs, an early withdrawal can mean months or even a year of forfeited interest, so be sure to read the fine print.We’re really into CDs here, so much so that we keep a curated list of some of the best CDs we’ve found. You can take a look at our top choices by clicking here.Index fundsThinking about investing, but not sure where to begin? I’ll tell you exactly where to start — index funds. Index funds are baskets of stocks designed to follow specific indexes, like the S&P 500, Dow Jones, or even NASDAQ, the stock exchange most favored by young tech startups.You buy these funds just like buying stocks, using a brokerage account and by choosing the ticker of the index you prefer. For example, if you want a solid S&P 500 index fund, you might choose Vanguard’s S&P 500 ETF that goes by VOO on the New York Stock Exchange. Over the last five years, it’s grown almost 93%.Another great choice is Invesco’s QQQ Trust, QQQ on the NASDAQ. This is an index fund that follows the NASDAQ-100 Index. It’s grown 155% over the last five years, though it is likely to be a bit more volatile than VOO simply because the NASDAQ has more tech startups which can be subject to more price swings and volatility.If you don’t already have a brokerage that you like, why not take a look at this list of our favorite brokerage accounts? Most of the brokerages listed have no fees and allow you to buy fractional shares, so you can simply invest a set number of dollars.Treasury bondsTreasury bills, notes, and bonds are great investments for someone looking to stash their money in an interest-bearing vehicle for a little or a long time. All three of these vehicles are essentially the same, the only difference being the length of time for which you lock in and the interest rate you earn.When you buy a Treasury security, you’re making a loan to the U.S. government, so you can feel pretty secure in your investment. After all, if the U.S. government fails, you’ve got way bigger problems than whether or not your T-bills are going to pay their interest out on time.Treasury bills range in length from four months to a year; Treasury notes from two to 10 years; and Treasury bonds from 20 to 30 years. The rates for these investments are set at auction, and have a fixed interest rate. Right now, for example, 10-year Treasury notes are paying 3.875% and 30-year Treasury bonds are paying 4.250%.The other things you need to know about Treasuries are that they sell at less than face value and mature to their full price (for example, a $100 Treasury note might be sold to you for $95), and that you can resell your bills, notes, or bonds on the secondary market. It’s often better to just hold your investment until maturity, but sometimes you can come out ahead if your older bills, notes, or bonds are paying more than the current rates for new investments of the same type.Make your money make moneyIf you want to build passive income that lets you go about your day, CDs, index funds, and Treasury bonds are great solutions that require you do very little for the money you earn.They might not reward you with a lottery-winning-sized jackpot, but any money you can earn passively is good money.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.Kristi Waterworth 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”:”

There’s no dream as universal as winning it big in the lottery — the appeal of free money is a draw like a moth to a porch light on a summer night. But your odds of winning the lottery are astronomically small. Maybe we need to set our sights a bit lower and aim for some free money you can actually get started earning today, with what you already have, and with no element of chance involved whatsoever.

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 looking for better ways to make passive income, I hope you’ll consider my favorites: certificates of deposit (CDs), index funds, and Treasury bonds. All of these investments are safe, they’re reliable, and most importantly, they don’t require that you do much at all, so they’re perfectly passive income streams for people who just want to make money without a lot of effort.

Certificates of deposit

Certificates of deposit are a great way to earn money with your money while doing literally nothing. All you have to do is decide how much time you have, and choose a CD that matches your needs. They usually don’t have fees, and you can buy them through almost any bank, making them easy and accessible savings vehicles.

There is one thing to be cautious about with CDs, though. If you withdraw your money early, you may face stiff penalties, depending on the length of the CD and how early your withdrawal is. For some longer CDs, an early withdrawal can mean months or even a year of forfeited interest, so be sure to read the fine print.

We’re really into CDs here, so much so that we keep a curated list of some of the best CDs we’ve found. You can take a look at our top choices by clicking here.

Index funds

Thinking about investing, but not sure where to begin? I’ll tell you exactly where to start — index funds. Index funds are baskets of stocks designed to follow specific indexes, like the S&P 500, Dow Jones, or even NASDAQ, the stock exchange most favored by young tech startups.

You buy these funds just like buying stocks, using a brokerage account and by choosing the ticker of the index you prefer. For example, if you want a solid S&P 500 index fund, you might choose Vanguard’s S&P 500 ETF that goes by VOO on the New York Stock Exchange. Over the last five years, it’s grown almost 93%.

Another great choice is Invesco’s QQQ Trust, QQQ on the NASDAQ. This is an index fund that follows the NASDAQ-100 Index. It’s grown 155% over the last five years, though it is likely to be a bit more volatile than VOO simply because the NASDAQ has more tech startups which can be subject to more price swings and volatility.

If you don’t already have a brokerage that you like, why not take a look at this list of our favorite brokerage accounts? Most of the brokerages listed have no fees and allow you to buy fractional shares, so you can simply invest a set number of dollars.

Treasury bonds

Treasury bills, notes, and bonds are great investments for someone looking to stash their money in an interest-bearing vehicle for a little or a long time. All three of these vehicles are essentially the same, the only difference being the length of time for which you lock in and the interest rate you earn.

When you buy a Treasury security, you’re making a loan to the U.S. government, so you can feel pretty secure in your investment. After all, if the U.S. government fails, you’ve got way bigger problems than whether or not your T-bills are going to pay their interest out on time.

Treasury bills range in length from four months to a year; Treasury notes from two to 10 years; and Treasury bonds from 20 to 30 years. The rates for these investments are set at auction, and have a fixed interest rate. Right now, for example, 10-year Treasury notes are paying 3.875% and 30-year Treasury bonds are paying 4.250%.

The other things you need to know about Treasuries are that they sell at less than face value and mature to their full price (for example, a $100 Treasury note might be sold to you for $95), and that you can resell your bills, notes, or bonds on the secondary market. It’s often better to just hold your investment until maturity, but sometimes you can come out ahead if your older bills, notes, or bonds are paying more than the current rates for new investments of the same type.

Make your money make money

If you want to build passive income that lets you go about your day, CDs, index funds, and Treasury bonds are great solutions that require you do very little for the money you earn.

They might not reward you with a lottery-winning-sized jackpot, but any money you can earn passively is good money.

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.Kristi Waterworth 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