Money Management

Holiday deals have hit Costco early this year. Read on to see what bargains you can find already. [[{“value”:”

Retailers used to roll out their holiday deals on Black Friday and then continue offering discounts through Christmas. But nowadays, the big deals tend to come earlier. And at Costco, they’re already here. Check out this list of items you can save big on, starting right now.

1. $300 off of the HP Envy 15.6″ 1080p 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop

If you’re in the market for a new laptop, you may want to visit Costco in the coming week. It has a number of laptops available at a discount, including this HP model that it normally sells for $1,199.99. With a $300 discount, you’re looking at $899.99 in store or online.

That said, check prices at other retailers before buying this item from Costco in case you can find it for less. The starting price on HP’s site is $999.99, which is a bit lower than Costco’s original price. And other retailers may end up lowering their prices to beat Costco’s. For a big purchase like a laptop, it’s worth shopping around.

However, you should know that when you buy electronics at Costco, you get the benefit of a free second-year warranty. You also get free tech support, which could come in handy if you hit a snag setting your new laptop up. Plus, electronics at Costco come with a 90-day return policy.

As an Executive member at Costco, you also get to earn 2% cash back on big purchases like this. So if you see a comparable price elsewhere, keep that 2% back in mind. And you may be able to score even more cash back if you use the right credit card, so click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

2. $30 off of JBL Live 675NC Wireless On-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones make a great gift for anyone who works in a busy office or has a naturally loud household. And right now, you can snag this set at Costco for just $69.99, which is $30 off the usual price in both warehouse club stores and online. These headphones offer up to 65 hours of battery life and come with a pouch for storage.

3. $3.80 off of Sanders Sea Salt Caramels

If you’ve ever tried Sanders Sea Salt Caramels, you’re aware of how indulgent and delicious they are. These caramels make great holiday gifts, and they’re also a great addition to your holiday dessert table.

Right now, Costco is offering $3.80 off each jar of these incredible treats at your local warehouse club store. And the final price will vary based on your local store.

However, Costco also has a two-pack of these caramels available online for $8 off the usual price, bringing the cost down to $28.99, or about $14.50 per jar. Chances are, though, you’ll end up paying less per jar in person, so it pays to see if your local store has these in stock.

4. $30 off of the Nutribullet Ultra Deluxe Single-serve Blender

Whether you’re on a health kick or have long been a fan of whipping up your own smoothies, this single-serve blender could be a great addition to your kitchen. It could also be a fantastic holiday gift for someone with limited storage space, due to its sleek design. Right now, you can snag $30 off of the usual price, which brings your total cost to $89.99 both online and in stores.

5. $70 off of the Acer Nitro 34″ Class UWQHD Curved Gaming Monitor

If you have a devoted gamer in your life, or you’re a gaming fan yourself, now’s a good time to upgrade to a new monitor. This Acer model features an incredible display and crisp colors that can make your game come alive.

The usual online price is $299.99, but with the current $70 off promotion, the cost drops to $229.99. And you might find an even lower price at your local warehouse club store.

These are only some of the holiday deals Costco is offering already. It pays to look online or visit your local warehouse club store to see what other items you can save money on right now.

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent 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 

Unsure whether a Costco or Sam’s Club membership is best for you? Make sure you understand how each retailer differs. Here’s what you need to know. [[{“value”:”

Costco and Sam’s Club are two popular warehouse club retailers. Many shoppers join warehouse clubs to shop members-only deals to keep more money in their checking accounts.

Have you been considering joining Costco or Sam’s Club? Before paying a yearly membership fee, understanding the differences between each retailer is a smart idea. This way, you can choose the membership that is suitable for you. Let’s dive into a few major differences.

1. Membership fees

One of the most noticeable differences between Costco and Sam’s Club is the membership price. Sam’s Club members pay $50 to $110 per year.

A Club membership costs $50, and a Plus membership is $110. With a Plus membership, you can earn 2% back in rewards on eligible in-club purchases, for a total of up to $500 in rewards annually.

Costco members pay $65 to $130 annually. The standard Gold Star membership costs $65 per year. Meanwhile, an Executive membership costs $130. The top advantage to becoming an Executive member is you can earn 2% in rewards on eligible Costco purchases, for a total of up to $1,250 in earnings annually.

Consider your budget before paying a yearly membership fee. If you’re looking for the cheapest membership, Sam’s Club is the winner. But if the price isn’t a huge factor for you, it’s worthwhile to review the membership perks and inventory that each retailer offers to find the best fit.

2. Accepted payment methods

Another difference between both retailers is the payment methods they accept. You can use cash, debit cards, and credit cards at both retailers.

However, at Costco, you can only use Visa credit cards. You can also use cash, Costco Shop Cards and checks to pay for your Costco hauls. By using one of the top credit cards for Costco, you can earn valuable rewards.

You can pay with a bigger variety of credit cards at Sam’s Club. You can use American Express, Discover, Visa, and MasterCard cards in-club and online. You can also use cash, Sam’s Cash, prepaid cards, and paper checks to pay for your goods.

Regardless of your preferred retailer, we recommend using a rewards credit card to pay for your haul so you earn rewards when you shop. Want to earn cash back at Costco or Sam’s Club? Click here to review our list of the top cash back cards with big rewards.

3. Checkout options

Costco and Sam’s Club have regular checkout lanes, but Sam’s Club is more tech-friendly. All Sam’s Club members have the option to electronically check out using the retailer’s Scan & Go service. Shoppers can scan their items through the Sam’s Club mobile app, check out virtually, and pay for their purchases before they leave the club.

This service can reduce the time spent waiting in a crowded and busy store. Plus, members who use Scan & Go can access exclusive discounts on select purchases. Scan & Go discounts are marked on signs throughout the club.

Unfortunately, this kind of service isn’t available at Costco. You must wait in the regular checkout line to pay for your purchases. If a tech-focused self-service checkout process like this isn’t of interest to you, Costco may be a good membership option for your family.

Don’t ignore this easy way to maximize your savings

You can maximize your savings by earning rewards when shopping at your favorite retailers, like Sam’s Club and Costco. Want to save even more money? Check out our list of the best rewards credit cards to find out how to save more.

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

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

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

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

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services and recommends the following options: long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Getting your car repaired can be expensive. Here’s how you could pay off an auto repair bill over time with a 0% APR credit card. [[{“value”:”

Unexpected car troubles are always stressful. It’s harder to get around while your car’s in the shop, and you may be looking at a costly repair bill.

American households spent an average of $975 on vehicle maintenance and repairs in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And that’s just the average. Some repairs cost $5,000 to $10,000.

That’s a lot to pay at once, but when you need your car, you don’t have much of a choice. If you’re struggling to come up with money for auto repairs, a 0% APR card could be the solution.

How a 0% APR card could help with an auto repair bill

Credit cards generally have high interest rates, so they’re not great for paying off purchases over time. The exception is 0% APR credit cards.

These have a 0% APR for an introductory period, which could be 12 months or longer, depending on the card. During that time, you still need to make minimum payments, but you aren’t charged any interest on your purchases.

Let’s say your car needs its transmission replaced, and it will cost $5,000. You don’t have that much money in your savings, but you could afford to pay $350 per month.

So, you open a credit card with a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months. You could then charge the entire repair bill to your new card and pay $350 per month toward the balance. With the 15-month introductory period, you’ll have enough time to pay off the entire repair without any interest charges.

When you need to pay off auto repairs or other large expenses over time, a 0% APR card is one of the best ways to save on interest. If you’re looking for one, check out our list of the best 0% APR credit cards, with introductory periods lasting as long as 21 months!

What to do before you apply for a 0% APR card

Ensure the repair shop accepts credit cards. Many do, but some only accept debit cards and cash. If you can’t pay by credit card, you could either:

Take your car to another mechanic that will accept a 0% APR card.Find another way to pay for the repair, such as a personal loan.

You should also check your credit score. If you already have any other credit cards, you may be able to see your credit score in your online account. There are also free credit score tools online, such as Experian CreditWorks Basic.

For the most part, the best credit cards like these are aimed at consumers with good credit — a credit score of 670 or higher. That includes the best 0% APR cards. If your credit score is lower than 670, you could still qualify for a 0% APR card, but it may not have as long of an introductory period. Instead of a 0% APR for 15 to 21 months, you might only be able to get a card with an introductory period of six to nine months.

How to make the most of a 0% intro APR

Do your best to pay off your 0% APR card before the introductory period ends. Once it ends, the interest rate will go up quite a bit. You’ll then be charged interest on your remaining balance and any balances you carry going forward. On the other hand, if you get your card paid off during the intro period, you’ll avoid interest charges entirely.

A 0% APR card is an excellent opportunity to borrow money for auto repairs interest-free. But if you only make minimum payments, you probably won’t pay off the balance in time. Figure out how much you need to pay per month, so you get your card balance down to $0 while it has a 0% intro APR.

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent 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 

It’s possible to save lots of money with cash back cards. Here’s how to take your cash rewards to the next level with a few hacks to earn even more. [[{“value”:”

When it comes to cash back cards, people usually fall into one of two groups. Some are happy keeping it simple and earning a little money back on their expenses. Others want to take it to the max and earn as much cash back as possible.

If you’re in the latter group, there are lots of cash back hacks you can use to earn more. You may already be familiar with some of them, including opening more cards to earn sign-up bonuses and getting cards with bonus categories to fit your spending habits.

Here are the methods many people don’t know about.

1. Get around bonus caps by opening two of the same card

Cash back cards with bonus categories often limit how much bonus cash you can earn. For example, a card may earn 5% back in your top spending category, but only on up to $500 per month. Any additional spending earns the standard 1% rate.

But many credit card companies let you open more than one of the same card. I’ve gotten two of the same credit card before. I’ve also heard of people who have taken it even further, opening three or more of the same credit card to get around bonus limits.

Are you currently looking for cash back cards with big bonus opportunities? Click here to see our curated list of the best cash back cards, with cards that earn as much as 6% back.

2. Open cash back cards with rotating bonus categories

Many cash back cards have fixed bonus categories. But there are also a few with rotating bonus categories that change every quarter. Your card might earn bonus cash at Amazon and Target in the fourth quarter of the year, gyms and grocery stores in the first quarter of next year, and so on.

I personally wouldn’t recommend using one of these as your only cash back card. However, this type of card can be a good addition to your wallet. These cards typically earn 5% in their rotating bonus categories, on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending.

Since they earn such a high rate, they can boost your cash back earnings quite a bit. And if the bonus cap is too low, you can always open multiple cards with this benefit.

3. Send referral offers to friends and family

Credit card companies are always looking for new customers. And if you send them one, you could get a finder’s fee out of it.

Check if your card issuer has a referral program. How this normally works is you share a referral link with your friends and family. If someone applies for the card through your link and gets approved, your card issuer will reward you with bonus cash back. For example, one of my cards has a $50 referral bonus for each person who gets the card through my referral link.

Make sure the card you’re recommending is a good fit for your referral. It’s not just about earning cash back — it’s about helping someone you know find the best credit card.

4. Use your card issuer’s online shopping portal

Several credit card companies have their own online shopping portals. You can access these through your online account. If you go to an online store through your card issuer’s shopping portal, you could earn bonus cash back on any purchases you make.

Let’s say you’re going to buy some workout gear from Lululemon. Your card would normally earn 1% back there. But you check your card issuer’s online shopping portal first, and you see it’s offering 3% back on Lululemon. Just by going to the Lululemon site through your card issuer’s portal, you earn three-times as much cash back.

5. Stack your rewards with cash back apps

Credit cards aren’t the only way to earn cash back. There are also cash back apps that allow you to earn cash back with their partner merchants.

Here’s the best part: You can combine these with cash back cards to earn even more. You use the cash back app to find offers, and then you pay for the purchase with your cash back card. Instead of earning 2% from a cash back app or 2% from a cash back card, you could earn it with both of them for a total of 4% back. Click here to see our list of the top cash back apps and start earning more today.

Cash back is one of the most valuable credit card perks. If you use those strategies to maximize your cash back, you could save $500 to $1,000 or more every year.

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent 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. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Before you roll over your old 401(k), make sure to compare fees, investments, and tools. Here are a few other things to consider before moving your funds. [[{“value”:”

Whether you’ve switched jobs or just want more control over your investments, most of us have faced rolling over an old 401(k). Before you make the move, there are several things you should know. First, you have options: roll over into an IRA, roll over into a new 401(k), or cash it out.

(Cashing out is generally not a great idea as you’ll pay taxes and penalties — and decimate your retirement savings!)

But there are a few other factors to consider. I just took the plunge myself and rolled an old 401(k) into my IRA, and it made me realize there are quite a few pitfalls to avoid in the process. Before you move your money, here are a few factors to think about.

Pay attention to the fees

Those small fees for administration, investment, consulting, and other expenses can add up faster than you might expect. Compare fees between the two accounts to ensure that rolling your investments over won’t end up costing you more.

In general, 401(k) fees tend to range between 0.20% and 5% while IRA fees tend to be lower. ($0 in many cases!) But even a slight percentage difference can have a significant impact on your long-term savings.

Let’s look at the difference fees can make for a 25-year-old with an average annual contribution of $20,000 and a 7% annual rate of return. By the time they are 65, here’s what their account balance would look like with fees of 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00%:

Just a half-percent difference in fees can cost you $554,828 over the course of your retirement savings.

Looking for a low-fee IRA to roll over your old 401(k)? Click here for our list of the best IRA brokers.

Avoid a taxable event

One of the biggest concerns I had when rolling over my 401(k) was whether it would create a taxable event. A taxable event is any financial transaction, like selling an asset or withdrawing funds, that triggers a tax liability, meaning you’ll have to pay taxes on growth.

The good news is that as long as you roll an old 401(k) directly into an IRA or new 401(k), you won’t create a tax liability. Just make sure to do a direct rollover where the funds are transferred directly from one account to the other.

If the check is made out to you, and then you deposit it into your 401(k) or IRA, it could trigger a mandatory hold for taxes. A direct rollover (where one retirement account provider directly sends the funds to the other retirement account provider) avoids this hassle.

What tools and resources are available?

Another important consideration is the tools and resources your current employer (or IRA) offers compared to your old plan. Tools like retirement calculators, market research, and educational content can help you make smarter decisions about your retirement. If those are important to you, make sure the plan you’re rolling over offers the same or more robust tools.

Consider your investment options

Pay attention to the types of stocks and investment options each plan offers. Some 401(k) plans have limited options, while others might give you access to a broader variety. And, if your new 401(k) doesn’t offer the investments you want, rolling over to an IRA can give you more freedom. IRAs typically offer a broader range of investment choices, including access to individual stocks, high-interest CDs, bonds, and ETFs.

Time your rollover right

If you’ve just started a new job, it might make sense to wait until you’re settled before rolling over your 401(k). If you’re waiting for an employer match or bonus to hit, it’s better to wait until those funds are dispersed before rolling the account over.

Avoid rolling over your funds when the market is particularly volatile. If the market makes a large rebound while your funds are in transit, you could miss out on potential gains. On the other hand, rolling over when the market is down might be a good move, as you’ll be able to buy more shares for less.

By paying attention to fees, avoiding taxable events, and considering your investment options, you can ensure that your retirement funds continue to grow. Take the time to compare your choices and plan your rollover carefully — your retirement savings will thank you for it.

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent 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 

Do you want to improve your health and lose weight? It may be cheaper than you think to buy health and fitness products. Find out what deals to shop at Costco. [[{“value”:”

Many people have fitness and health goals. Whether you want to get into better shape, be more active, or lose weight, having the right products can improve your results as you tackle your goals.

It can be expensive to purchase health and fitness essentials, but a warehouse club membership can help you save money. Let’s discuss a few Costco products that can help you lose weight and improve your health. As a note, the prices listed are online prices. You may get an even better deal by shopping in-club. It’s also smart to consult with a doctor before beginning your health journey.

1. Nutrisystem $100 electronic gift card: $79.99

The proper diet can make all the difference in helping you achieve your fitness goals. If you struggle finding time to prepare healthy meals, consider trying a weight-loss-focused meal delivery service. One option is Nutrisystem.

Costco sells a $100 electronic Nutrisystem gift card for $79.99. With this Costco deal, you can save $20 when shopping for healthy, prepared meals and snacks that help you stay on track with your goals.

2. Total Gym XTREME Home Gym: $399.99

Are you looking for affordable exercise equipment? The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot of money. One Costco deal to explore is the Total Gym XTREME Home Gym for $399.99.

This all-in-one fitness machine allows you to tackle stretching, cardio, and strength training exercises. This equipment can make it easier to exercise regularly. The price is right and shipping and handling are included. As a note, this is an online-only Costco deal.

Want to save more? The right credit card can put cash back in your pocket, making your Costco haul more affordable. Click here for a list of the top credit cards for Costco purchases.

3. Total Gym Incline Rower CE: $799.99

Here’s another fitness equipment deal to consider. Costco sells the Total Gym Incline Rower CE. This rowing machine allows you to combine your cardio and strength training routines for a full-body workout. It folds up for easy storage and is only $799.99.

4. Kirkland Signature Supreme Whole Almonds: $11.99

When you snack on foods high in sugar and salt, it can be more difficult to lose weight. But if you instead snack on nutrient-dense foods made with healthier ingredients, you can fuel your body and stay fuller for longer.

Nuts are a great option. Almonds, for example, are packed with protein and fiber. A three-pound package of Kirkland Signature Supreme Whole Almonds at Costco costs $11.99. It’s the perfect healthy snack that won’t leave you feeling hungry or broke.

Ready to check out? Remember to use a cash back credit card to earn cash back rewards. Explore our list of top cash back credit cards with big rewards.

5. Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars: $23.99

If you work out regularly, it’s wise to make an effort to consume enough protein. This is especially important for those who are trying to build muscle while losing weight.

One item you can pick up at your local club is Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars. A pack of 20 bars costs $23.99. Each bar has 21 grams of protein, so this snack can help you reach your protein goals on your workout days.

Your wellness journey doesn’t have to be expensive

As you work on your health and fitness goals, don’t get discouraged by high price tags. Often, healthy essentials cost more than other everyday goods. But you can buy what you need to reach your goals while honoring your budget. Shopping at Costco can make your wellness journey more affordable.

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.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent 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