Money Management

Costco’s wide selection of Kirkland Signature products includes a lot of great deals and quality products. Here are some to try this month. [[{“value”:”

Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand has hundreds of products, so it’s probably a big ask to try them all. But it’s worth trying what makes sense, since relying on Kirkland Signature is a big part of how members save money at Costco.

This time of year brings seasonal changes to the weather as well as arguably the second-most popular holiday of the year.

With all this in mind, consider these Kirkland Signature picks on your Costco trips this month.

1. Kirkland Signature merino wool blend socks

Glory to my autumn-loving fellows, for it is our time. The leaves are a-fallin’, folks, so it’s time to break out the warm socks and fuzzy blankets.

My favorite material for socks is merino wool, which is not only great for temperature regulating and moisture wicking, but is thought to be antimicrobial, helping to keep odors down.

Unfortunately, merino makes for some expensive socks, so three cheers for Costco and its Kirkland Signature merino wool-blended socks. The thinner women’s socks have a higher merino count, but they cost more per sock, while the men’s socks have more nylon, but extra cushion and they cost less per pair.

2. Kirkland Signature Double-sided Gift Wrap

While I haven’t used it myself, a lot of folks on social media are huge fans of this gift wrap, and it’s just hitting shelves again for the season. You get two rolls of sturdy paper (your choice of foil in silver/gold or craft with green/red designs) with different patterns on each side.

The rolls each hold 270 square feet of wrapping paper, so you get 540 square feet of wrapping paper in total. That’s enough to wrap roughly 206 shirt gift boxes, 32 average doors, or 1 large SUV.

FYI: If you haven’t begun already, October is still a good time to start putting money aside for your holiday shopping. You can open a new high-yield savings account and earn more than 4% APY to help that money grow in time to pay for presents.

3. Kirkland Signature Organic Modena Balsamic Vinegar

Autumn’s harvest includes apples, pears, squash, and brussels sprouts — all foods that pair marvelously with a good balsamic. (Roasted brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze changed my entire view of the vegetable!)

Kirkland’s organic balsamic vinegar is well-rated for its quality, and it comes in large enough bottles you don’t have to feel guilty reducing it into a delicious glaze. You pay a bit more for that quality compared to non-organic grocery store generics, but it’s still cheaper than buying organic at the grocery store:

I’m happy to pay extra for better quality balsamic, because I can definitely taste the difference. We all have our preferences, though, so if it’s not worth the extra cost here, do what works for your own budget.

4. Kirkland Signature Funhouse Treats/All Chocolate

Do not be the person rushing to Walmart day-of and demanding that employees magically find you enough Halloween candy to satiate the little munchkins about to descend upon you. It’s not their fault you didn’t buy your 10 pounds of sugar-encrusted sugar while you were at Costco.

Kirkland Signature has two very solid assortments, one with all chocolates and one with various candies, all popular brands (think M&Ms, Snickers, Twizzlers, Sour Patch Kids, etc.), and in large enough bags to keep the citizens from rioting.

I couldn’t find a piece count listed anywhere, but going off the weight of the bags — 5.6 pounds for the chocolate and 5.75 pounds for the candies — I’d give it an estimate of around 325 pieces per bag (based on similar-weight assortments from other brands).

5. Kirkland Signature Liquid Laundry Detergent

While I probably do a little extra laundry in October when the sweaters come out of storage, this pick is more about sales than seasons.

Specifically, through Oct. 10, 2024, you can get $3.60 off both versions of the Kirkland liquid laundry soap. After the deal, that makes this soap $15.73 a bottle at my local store, which comes out to about $0.08 per fluid ounce.

If I bought Tide from the same Costco, I’d be paying $0.16 per fluid ounce, which is twice as much as the sale price for Kirkland. (That said, Kirkland Signature liquid laundry soap is a good deal without the sale, too; the regular cost is only $0.10 per fluid ounce.)

Don’t forget to check out the seasonal treats

One fun thing about Costco is there are an array of different foods, both sweets and savories, that come out for only a short time each year. While they’re not all going to be winners for everyone, they’re very often worth checking out.

No matter what time of year you head in, make sure to take along your best Costco rewards card. Even if you don’t end up liking the new Kirkland products you try, at least you’ll have earned rewards on them!

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

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Yes, credit card rewards can be enticing, but using them wisely is key. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and maximize your benefits. [[{“value”:”

Credit card rewards can be a fantastic way to get cash back, travel miles, or other fun perks. But here’s the thing: While these rewards may seem like “free money,” there are good and bad ways to use them.

Here are some of the wrong ways to use credit card rewards, and what to do instead.

Using credit card rewards to justify overspending

One of the most common mistakes people make with credit card rewards is overspending in the name of racking up points or cash back. Did you know that last year, the average credit card debt was $6,360?

If you’re spending more than you can afford just to get points, especially if you don’t pay off your balance in full each month, the interest you accrue could easily outpace any rewards benefits. In this scenario, your goal of earning rewards actually becomes counterproductive, as you would end up paying more in interest and fees than you would gain in rewards.

Pro tip: Only charge what you can pay off each month so you avoid carrying a balance and losing your whatever perceived rewards benefit you’re “gaining.” If you need a break from high interest, explore our favorite 0% APR credit cards to get an introductory 0% APR for 15 months, or even longer.

Redeeming rewards too soon

Credit card rewards are fun, no doubt about that, and many people therefore use their rewards soon after they become available (even if better rewards are available later). The problem is that early redemption can lead to suboptimal benefits. For example, using points for gift cards would likely offer a lesser return than waiting, earning more points, and then redeeming them for travel.

Pro tip: Always check the value of your points or miles before redeeming them. Opt for redemptions that maximize value, such as travel or cash back.

Ignoring rewards expiration dates

Yes, some rewards expire. If you’re not keeping track of when your points or miles need to be used, you could lose them. This is especially important with certain airline or hotel rewards programs, which often have expiration dates.

Pro tip: Make sure to double check the terms of your rewards programs and even set calendar reminders so your rewards remain viable and don’t expire before you can use them.

Letting rewards dictate where and how you shop

Finally, another mistake happens when people let their rewards program influence how or where they shop. For example, it’s not unheard of for some people to shop at specific stores or buy certain items they may not really need to earn more points with a particular card. This can lead to unnecessary purchases that would not align with your otherwise smart spending habits.

Pro tip: Stick to your regular spending practices, and don’t let rewards programs tempt you into making purchases you would not otherwise make.

The bottom line is that while credit card rewards programs are usually pretty great, keep your eye on the ball, namely, see these rewards for what they are — an adjunct to your credit card purchases, not the main attraction.

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.

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Costco’s Executive membership offers plenty of value. But read on to see what happens when you decide it’s not right for you. [[{“value”:”

Costco is unlike other stores in that it costs money upfront to be able to shop there. But there’s a reason millions of people are willing to spend money on Costco access. What you lose by paying a membership fee, you gain in all the money you’ll save during the year.

You have two choices when joining Costco. You can spend $65 per year on a Gold Star membership, or you can upgrade to an Executive membership for $130 per year.

With the Executive membership, you get 2% cash back on your eligible Costco purchases. And if you like the sound of that, you can check out this list of credit cards offering great rewards at Costco, too.

But what if you sign up for the Executive membership, only to not earn enough cash back to recoup the $65 upgrade cost? You should know that you can downgrade your Costco membership at any time, so you’re not stuck with the more expensive membership. But there’s more to the story than that.

You might earn more cash back than expected

If you spend enough at Costco, you might easily recoup the $65 it costs to upgrade to an Executive membership.

Here’s the math: If you spend $3,250 at Costco in a year, at a rate of 2% back on your purchases, you get $65 back in your pocket. The moment you spend more than $3,250, you’re ahead financially with the Executive membership despite the higher cost.

For example, if you spend $3,500 at Costco during the year, the Executive membership will pay you $70. Once you subtract the $65 upgrade cost, you’re still ahead by $5. And while it’s not a life-changing amount, it’s still money. (Plus, at Costco, it’s enough to bring home a rotisserie chicken.)

Now, you might think that $3,250 is a lot of money to spend at Costco in a year. But if you shop there twice a month and spend $150 per visit, that’s $3,600 a year.

Or, let’s say you do one Costco stock-up per month and spend $250 each time. That’s $3,000 a year. But from there, all it might take is a one-time purchase at Costco to get you beyond the $3,250 mark. If you buy a $600 laptop at Costco, or a $300 vacuum, you’ve made back more than your Executive membership upgrade cost.

Why Costco’s Executive membership is a no-risk proposition

Costco’s Executive membership makes financial sense for a lot of people. But what if you upgrade to the Executive membership and don’t spend $3,250 in a year? In that case, there’s good news — you won’t be out any money.

When you realize your Executive membership isn’t working out and you ask Costco to go back to a Gold Star membership, a customer service representative can see how much cash back you racked up on that membership. And if it’s not at least $65, they’ll refund you the difference and only charge you $65 for a basic membership from then on.

So let’s say you get an Executive membership and, after a year, only spend $3,000 at Costco. That gives you $60 back. If you downgrade your membership, Costco will refund you the $5 you didn’t make back on your upgrade fee.

This means you’re taking no risk by upgrading your Costco membership. The worst-case scenario is that you’ve laid out a little extra money upfront. But you’re guaranteed to get your $65 upgrade cost back either way. If you’re not sure you’ll spend enough to make the Executive membership worthwhile, you might as well just give it a try.

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.

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Flying business class can be way more comfortable than economy — but also way more expensive. Read on to see when an upgrade makes sense. [[{“value”:”

If the cost of business class was somewhat comparable to flying economy, a lot of us would upgrade frequently. But that’s not the case.

A business-class ticket could, in some cases, cost thousands more than an economy fare. So if you’re someone who doesn’t want to whittle your savings account down to $0, it’s important to choose your business-class upgrades strategically.

Here are a couple of times when it pays to spring for business class — and when you should skip it.

Take the business-class upgrade

Here are two times when it makes sense to consider business class.

1. When being jet lagged could be a real issue

The last thing you want is for a trip you’ve saved for to get ruined by a persistent bout of jet lag. It’s a big myth that you can sleep off jet lag in a day and recover fully. Depending on your body, you may be sluggish for the better part of a week, which could seriously affect your travel plans.

If you’re traveling across time zones and are worried about jet lag, then it pays to upgrade to business class. This may be the case if you’re taking a West Coast red-eye flight to the East Coast, or if you’ve traveling from the U.S. to Europe and need some shut-eye during your time in the air.

2. When it’s a special occasion

Seeing your sister for your twice-a-year get-together is something to look forward to. But it’s not necessarily a special-enough occasion to warrant a business class upgrade.

However, if you’re taking a trip to Vegas for your 40th birthday or you’re embarking on your honeymoon, you don’t want the experience spoiled by cramped economy seats. It pays to upgrade to business class when it’s a truly special occasion, and one you want to kick off on the right note.

Skip the upgrade

Here are two times when you’re better off in economy.

1. When there’s food and drink already included

One big benefit of flying business class is getting free food and drink — and high-quality meals at that. But if you’re taking a flight where everyone is entitled to a free meal and beverage service, then you’re not getting quite the same value out of a business-class ticket.

It’s common to get a meal on international flights, for example, regardless of the fare you book. And some airlines might also include a complimentary beverage of your choice — even alcohol. So you may want to save your business-class upgrade when it’s the only way to score free meals and drinks, such as a longer domestic flight.

2. When you have to pay the entire cost out of pocket

Many people use credit card rewards or air miles to upgrade to business class. This can make the cost far more manageable, since often, you only need to pay taxes and fees. But if you don’t have points or miles to cash in, then you may want to stick with economy so you don’t blow the bulk of your vacation budget on the flight alone.

That said, using the right credit card could make it easier to score free upgrades. Click here for a list of travel reward credit cards that could be your ticket to future business-class trips.

It’s natural to prefer business class to economy, especially for a longer journey. But remember, the more you spend on a business-class ticket, the less money you have left over for other expenses, whether it’s everyday bills or other aspects of a trip you’re taking (like a nicer hotel room). You’ll need to think about whether business class is really worth it before forking over the money or cashing in the credit card points or miles you have available.

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.

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