Money Management

Members can free or low-cost flu shots at Costco pharmacies. Read on to learn if it’s right for you. [[{“value”:”

When you think “Costco,” you probably imagine aisle upon aisle of bulk discount groceries and supplies, and maybe the smell of the in-store food court. So the idea of maximizing your Costco membership by getting your annual flu shot is probably far from your mind. (And, given the sheer size of these warehouses, you may not have even noticed if your local Costco has a pharmacy.)

But with flu season on the horizon, and healthcare costs perpetually high, you should note that the retailer does offer flu shots via its pharmacies. Here’s what else you need to know to decide if Costco flu shots are right for you and your family.

Costco pharmacies offer flu shots

For most people, getting an annual flu shot is a great way to keep yourself healthy — though there are certain groups, such as pregnant individuals and those with certain chronic conditions, that have to avoid certain types of the shot, while others should skip it entirely (though that’s rare).

But if you’re eligible for the flu shot, you should know that Costco pharmacies have provided over 1 million vaccines to Costco members, including three different seasonal flu shot options. Plus, Costco pharmacies accept all major forms of insurance.

So your insurance status, as well as the specific formulation of your flu shot, will dictate how much you pay for a flu shot there. Those with insurance may just pay their copay — though it’s likely to be free, as most insurers cover the entire cost for flu shots.

Otherwise, here’s a breakdown of the costs without insurance:

You should be aware, however, that there may be state-based programs that can provide some vaccinations at little or no cost, though the types of shots offered may vary from year to year. Still, it’s best to look into those options before putting the cost of a vaccine on your favorite Costco credit card.

You should also keep in mind that these prices apply to those with a Costco Member Prescription Discount card. So you’d have to show your Costco membership card when checking out to access those prices.

And there’s another important caveat to note here: The flu shots Costco offers are specifically meant for those ages 3 and up, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that most people 6 months of age or older should get the annual flu shot. Those with kids under 3 will have to look elsewhere for their flu shot.

How to get a flu shot at Costco

Costco does accept walk-ins, but if you schedule an appointment, you may be able to save time. If you’re already shopping in the store and you have the Costco app, you can simply search for “pharmacy” and book your appointment while you find everything on your shopping list.

After that, you’ll have to sign an Immunization Consent Form (completing this ahead of time can mean a faster appointment). And if you have insurance, you’ll have to bring your insurance card to get the shot covered. Then you’ll need to make sure one of your arms is accessible for the shot, so wearing a short-sleeved shirt is a good idea.

Other vaccines offered at Costco pharmacies

There are many vaccinations and booster shots beyond flu shots that you get via a Costco pharmacy, including:

COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax)RSVHepatitis A and BHPVMeningitisShinglesTdap

Again, Costco members without insurance can be eligible for lower-cost vaccinations. But given that the Gold Star membership (the lowest tier offered) costs $65 a year, you’ll have to do the math to see if your shopping habits and vaccination needs warrant that cost.

Costco’s offerings go well beyond groceries and home supplies. If you’ve never looked into the perks offered by a Costco membership, now is the time. Especially if you’re looking to stay healthy this flu season.

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.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Even if you’re not a football fan, there’s a lot to be said for enjoying game day with friends and family. See how Sam’s Club makes that easier. [[{“value”:”

I don’t know about you, but fall is my favorite time of year. There are few things better than hot chocolate mornings, warm sweaters, and that eternal hope that “this year is the year” for our favorite football team.

Sam’s Club has you covered this football season. If you have your eye on your budget, you’ll appreciate the fact that none of these items should break the bank.

1. Lifetime 6-Foot Fold-In-Half Table

Sam’s Club price: $60

Amazon price: $74

Customer rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Available in white and black

Whether you’re tailgating outside the stadium or in your backyard, you can likely find ways to use a lightweight, foldable (and highly portable) 6-foot table. Thanks to a secure lock, you don’t have to worry about the table flying open during transport. And at 25.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry.

Don’t be afraid to fill the table with your favorite game-day foods. This baby can hold up to 300 pounds.

If you’re looking to score a sign-up bonus and cash back rewards on everything you buy, click here to learn about the best rewards cards we recommend.

2. Igloo 60-Quart Sunset Roller Cooler

Sam’s Club price: $50

eBay price: $98

Customer rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Available in gray and white

Did you know a 60-quart cooler provides enough space to hold 94 12-oz. cans of your favorite beverages? That’s enough for a fairly large party. Or you can fill half this Igloo cooler with drinks and the other half with snacks and make everyone happy.

The Igloo Roller Cooler is the first of its kind and is on its way to becoming an essential for football fans everywhere. Convenient flip-up handles on each side make it easy to lift the cooler in and out of the car and carry it. And get this: Four cup holders are built into the molded lid, and there’s even a media slot to hold your phones or tablets.

Of course, it’s not just for football games. You can take it camping, fishing, or to the park with the kids for an afternoon. If there’s one thing we know about Igloo coolers, it’s that they seem to last forever.

3. Lifetime Lightweight Cornhole Set

Sam’s Club price: $140

eBay price: $221

Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Whether you want to pass time before the big game starts or to keep the kids busy once the sugar rush has kicked in, a rousing game of cornhole is an excellent way to do it. The Lifetime Cornhole set comes with eight regulation-size 6-inch beanbags and target holds. It also features easy-to-use retractable legs that bring the playing surface to regulation height (just in case you plan on going pro).

You can fold the set in half and take it wherever the action is.

4. Formaggio Cheese Artisan Meat and Mozzarella Variety Wraps

Sam’s Club price: $0.64/ounce

Walmart price: $0.94/ounce

Customer rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Entertaining can be expensive and doesn’t always fit into the household budget. However, even if you’re actively paying down debt, Sam’s Club makes it possible to serve a selection of award-winning fresh mozzarella with Italian meats for only $0.64 per ounce.

Three types of meat — pepperoni, prosciutto, and soppressata (dry salami) — give your guests several delicious options. If you want to jazz it up, arrange the wraps on a charcuterie board and add veggies, creamy dip, crackers, nuts, and fruit.

5. Member’s Mark Sherpa Lined Jacket — men’s and women’s styles available

Sam’s Club price: $18

Big 5 Sporting Goods price: $25

Customer rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Women’s jackets are available in pink, cinnamon, and black

Men’s jackets are available in gray, brown, oatmeal, black, blue, and green

What could be more comfortable as temperatures drop this fall than wrapping up in a new Sherpa-lined jacket? These hip-length jackets feature an adjustable drawcord at the neck and kangaroo pockets. More importantly, the thick lining ensures that heat is trapped close to your body, keeping you toasty warm as you barbecue, visit with friends, or play a game of pickup football. You’ll find sizes from XS to XXL in women’s and XS to 3XL in men’s jackets.

Let’s be honest — even if you don’t particularly enjoy football, football season can be a lot of fun. It’s a great time to get outside, spend time with people you care about, and enjoy the season’s changing colors. And if you decide to use a football game as an excuse to do just that? We fully respect that decision!

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until nearly 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. Dana George has positions in Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Want to spend money on luxury items without going broke? A Costco membership can help. Find out what worthwhile luxury items are available at Costco. [[{“value”:”

Many people join warehouse clubs like Costco to access members-only deals. If you like to spend money on quality products but are working hard to reach your financial goals, you may want to consider becoming a Costco member, as an annual membership could help you keep more money in your checking account.

Do you value luxury finds? I have some good news. Costco sells high-end items at affordable prices. Here are some well-rated luxuries you can purchase at Costco this fall.

1. DECORTE Liposome Advanced Repair Serum

If you value quality skincare products, don’t ignore the best skincare aisle at Costco. The retailer sells various luxury brands for a reasonable price. One luxury beauty find you can purchase from Costco is the DECORTE Liposome Advanced Repair Serum.

This serum can help keep your skin hydrated, and the ingredients are lightweight and vegan. A 2.5-fluid-ounce container from Costco costs $99.99. Meanwhile, the retail price for this skincare product is $140.

2. Green Malachite Bead 14kt Yellow Gold Bracelet

Costco is an excellent place to buy jewelry. The retailer sells many gorgeous pieces that make the ideal accessory for any outfit. The best part is that you can find quality jewelry items for under $500 — so you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars.

One luxury find you can score at your local club is a Green Malachite Bead 14kt Yellow Gold Bracelet. You’ll pay $259.99 for this beautiful bracelet. Whether you want to treat yourself or someone you love to a new piece of jewelry, Costco has what you need to impress.

3. Embraceable Cotton Silk Luxury Towel Set

As we approach winter, you may want to consider upgrading your bath towels. Investing in more luxurious bath essentials can allow you to take your morning or evening self-care routine to the next level. You can buy Embraceable Cotton Silk Luxury Towel Sets from Costco.

This bath item is available only on Costco.com. But you can purchase a set of two bath towels for $44.99 and a set of two hand towels and two washcloths for $24.99. Each set is available in various colors. Shoppers rave about how these towels are plush, soft, and generously sized.

4. Comvita Certified UMF 20+ Raw Manuka Honey

For those who enjoy high-quality honey, Costco sells a two-pack of 8.8-ounce Comvita Certified UMF 20+ Raw Manuka Honey. This luxury item from New Zealand costs $149.99. Comvita sells a single 8.8-ounce container for $129.99, so this is a great find to pick up at your local club.

Many people like to consume Manuka honey straight out of the container. Another option is to scoop some into your tea or oatmeal. As the cooler weather sets in, this honey can help you upgrade your daily routine as you enjoy the cozy fall vibes.

Maximize your savings by earning credit card rewards

Saving money by purchasing luxury items at Costco is a smart choice. But that isn’t the only shopping strategy that can save you money.

Whether you shop by cruising the aisles of your local club or at Costco.com, consider which payment method will provide the most reward opportunities. Our No. 1 strategy for saving money at Costco is to use a credit card that earns rewards.

Many shoppers use cash back credit cards at checkout. Earning cash back when you shop can feel like you’re getting an even bigger discount on your bill. Want to maximize your savings by earning rewards? Review our list of the best credit cards for 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!

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 

Costco offers high quality flu vaccines, along with other boosters, for members. Should you get your flu vaccine there? Read on to learn more. [[{“value”:”

Now that it’s officially fall, it’s time for a few annual traditions, like Thanksgiving, the pumpkin spice latte, and, of course, flu shots. If you’re a Costco member, you have one more option for your flu and COVID-19 vaccine this year: Costco. The pharmacy offers a wide range of vaccines all year round, as well as discounts for members who need to pay cash.

But should you get your flu vaccine at Costco? I don’t see why not!

What vaccines does Costco offer?

This time of year you have a lot of options for vaccinations, ranging from clinics at work to community clinics and, of course, other commercial pharmacies. But the nice thing about getting your flu vaccine at Costco is that you can also get other vaccines there, saving you both time and money.

Costco offers a pretty wide range of vaccines and really decent cash prices if your insurance isn’t prepared to cover a particular vaccination you need, or you don’t have adequate insurance coverage to begin with. Costco discloses prices on its website, so you can budget for them ahead of time. You will need a Costco Member Prescription Discount card to get the best value.

Here’s a list of some of the most common vaccines people are looking for right now, and Costco’s price per dose:

Seasonal flu: The standard three-strain flu shot is available for $19.99 and the shot formulated for seniors and those with compromised immune systems is $59.99.COVID-19: Costco offers all three COVID boosters. So, whether you’re team Pfizer, Moderna, or Novovax, you’re covered for $139.99.Pneumonia: Are you looking for Vaxneuvance, Pneumovax23, or Prevnar 20 to help prevent pneumonia this winter? Costco offers Vaxneuvance for $225.79, Pneumovax23 for $118.99, and Prevnar20 for $258.99.Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping cough (Tdap): One shot, three preventatives, for just $53.49.RSV: RSV is yet another respiratory illness that’s no fun at all. Costco will protect you with Abrysvo or Arexvy vaccines for $319.99.Shingles: Adults over 50 years of age or those with compromised immune systems are at risk for shingles if they’ve had chicken pox in their lives. You can protect yourself for $202.99.HPV: You can get the Gardasil 9 vaccine at Costco for just $269.99, if you’re eligible.

What you need to get your vaccines at Costco

Costco makes it super easy to get your vaccines at its pharmacy during flu season, or any time of the year. Simply download the Costco mobile app and search for the pharmacy. There, you’ll find the immunization consent form that you’ll need to bring with you, as well as an online scheduler so you can book your appointment right away.

Your local Costco may allow walk-in appointments if the pharmacy isn’t busy, but you shouldn’t count on that. Costco is a hopping place, and betting against it being busy is never a good idea. You’ll also need your insurance card, if you have one, a form of payment, and identification. Remember, Costco can’t bill your insurance without your insurance information, so it’s really important to bring that.

Lastly, bring a book or at least a fully charged smartphone, because you’ll be asked to wait after your vaccinations to ensure that you don’t have any serious allergic reactions. It’s important to wait during the whole window so you have help available in case something were to go wrong.

Why choose Costco for your vaccines?

With COVID-19 and flu in the air, vaccines are more important than ever, and it’s lovely that Costco has so many on offer. While you’re at the store picking up your groceries or shopping for a new ladder, you can pop into the pharmacy and get the coverage you need for the whole winter season and beyond.

If you have insurance, your shots are likely to be free, and Costco will file all the necessary paperwork for you, making it easy, too. With over 1 million vaccines already given to Costco members, your local Costco pharmacy combines experience with convenience, every single day of the week.

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.Kristi Waterworth 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 

Online banks can offer protections equal to traditional banks — but this isn’t true for all of them. Learn how to ensure your online bank is safe. [[{“value”:”

When data breaches are so common that they barely register in the news cycle, it makes sense to be skeptical about institutions like online banks. After all, a compromised savings or checking account can be the difference between a comfortable life and bankruptcy.

Whether you’re a diehard brick-and-mortar bank user, or you’ve been using online banks for years, it’s good to ask these kinds of questions. And when it comes to online banking, the answer isn’t always so simple.

There are a couple of factors that contribute to the relative safety of online banks. Here’s what you need to know.

Online banks can provide FDIC-insured accounts

Like traditional banks, many online bank accounts are FDIC insured. This provides up to $250,000 of insurance per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per account ownership category, which would apply if the bank were to fail. Accounts covered here include:

Checking accountsSavings accountsMoney market accountsCertificates of deposit

The accounts we recommend at The Ascent are all FDIC insured. This coverage also gives you access to supervision from federal and state regulators that protects you from certain bank practices, like overdraft fees.

However, while common, FDIC insurance isn’t necessarily a given. To make sure that an online bank is FDIC insured, you can use the FDIC’s BankFind tool, or give them a call at 877-275-3342.

Online banks offer the same digital security as traditional banks

Traditional banks and online banks both offer the option to access your bank account virtually. And they both offer the same digital security measures to protect your accounts. This can include multi-factor authentication to sign into accounts, data encryption, and fraud protection measures, such as monitoring accounts to look for suspicious transactions.

Regardless of whether you stick with traditional banks or use online banks instead, your banking details are always going to be sensitive data. So it’s vital that you protect that data against fraud. Here are a few ways that you can improve your online banking security practices:

Use a unique, strong password (password generators can be helpful here).Never share your banking details with anyone.Install anti-spyware software on your computer.Avoid clicking links in emails, even if it looks like it’s coming from your bank.Sign out of your account when you’re ready to stop viewing your banking details.

In a similar vein, you may also want to consider freezing your credit, especially if your data is involved in a data breach. This would prevent criminals from opening new lines of credit in your name. You can do this by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and Transunion — or visiting their websites.

As with any online activity, digital banking comes with risks. But if you’re diligent about protecting your data, and take time to research banks before entrusting them with your money, you’ll set yourself up for success.

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