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Money Management

Why Starting a Business Is More Affordable Than Most People Think

By Money Management No Comments

Want to start a business? Don’t have any money? Learn how many business ideas can be launched from your couch, with a laptop and low-cost tools. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Unless you’re starting a restaurant or some kind of brick-and-mortar entity with big overhead fixed costs, you don’t need much money to start a business. Get a website. Coin a business name. Go forth and find customers.

You can build the business as you go — just go find your market, find the money, find the demand, see what people need, and go solve their problems. Here are a few reasons why starting a business with no money can be more possible than you might expect.

1. Start a business by working from home

Many businesses can be started by working from home, like legendary tech companies that started in someone’s garage. Unless you’re trying to start a business that requires floorspace and a real-life storefront from Day One, many businesses can be started from a spare room in your house, or from a laptop on your couch.

The only exception to this is if you need to follow licensing or permitting requirements for your business. Some locations might not allow you to run a commercial food business or other regulated business out of your home. Don’t run afoul of any regulations (or break the rules of the lease on your apartment). But for many would-be entrepreneurs, using your home as company headquarters can be the best way to start a business without a lot of start-up capital.

2. Use a shared workspace to start a business

When you start a business, one of the best ways to do small business marketing for your company at a low-cost is to network with other business owners. Go find the local community of entrepreneurs where you live. Many cities have startup incubators, small business development centers, co-working spaces, or other shared spaces where people like you are trying to build businesses.

There might be a membership fee for joining a shared workspace or some amount that you have to pay each month for rent. But using shared workspaces for your business can often be cheaper than paying rent for commercial real estate all on your own. And you might meet some inspiring new peers and colleagues — you can help each other learn, grow, and succeed.

3. Start a business with website builders

Unless you want to run your company entirely via social media channels, pretty much every small business needs a website. Your small business website is a must-have home base to connect with customers, sell your products, and be found online.

Fortunately, you don’t need much money to launch a small business website. The best website builders can give you professional-looking website designs for just a few dollars per month.

4. Use low-cost business marketing software

Even if your small business is just getting started, or you don’t have much money in the bank, you can make your business look bigger and well-established with small business marketing tools. There is a wide range of effective, low-cost, professional-grade marketing software available to help small business owners automate their marketing, find new customers, and close more sales.

5. Form an LLC or other business entity for (nearly) free

You might not want to commit to taking this step right away, but if you’re serious about making money with your small business idea — especially if your business might go from a side hustle to a full-time income — you should form an LLC (limited liability company) or other corporate entity.

Forming a legal entity for your business (like an LLC) is essential if you want to make your business more legitimate in the eyes of the law and the banking system. Forming an LLC can help you get a business bank account, and potentially save yourself money on taxes. If you use an LLC or other business entity for your small business, this can also help separate your personal finances from your company finances — and might help protect you from some worst-case scenarios (like a lawsuit).

The exact cost of forming an LLC varies by state. Check with your state’s Secretary of State office, or other state-level regulator that manages business formations. But many states charge less than $100 for forming an LLC or other small business entity.

Bottom line

Starting a business doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. The most important thing you need is a good idea for how to deliver an in-demand product, or how to deliver a lucrative service that solves problems.

You can often start by working from home with a low-cost website and easy-to-use marketing tools. Don’t let a lack of start-up capital hold you back — find your target market of customers who are willing to pay for what you offer.

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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.Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Should You Open a New Bank Account Just for the Bonus?

By Money Management No Comments

Free cash for opening a new bank account can sweeten the deal. But see why you should consider more than just that bonus. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

While welcome bonuses on credit cards are more common (and discussed more often), you can sometimes also get a chunk of money when you open a new bank account. Let’s say you can get $300 to open a new checking account. You should jump on that opportunity just for the sake of it, right? Well, no. And here’s why.

A new bank account should be a longer-term commitment

Opening a new bank account can come with a certain amount of hassle, and it takes time to get your financial house in order with a new bank. For example, if you have bills debited out of your checking account, you’ll need to switch them when you open a new one. That means making sure your utilities, credit cards, and subscriptions (as well as any other recurring payments) are all changed over. Forget one of them, and you could find yourself missing payments and owing late fees.

You’ll also have to get used to using a new bank’s website and mobile app to manage your finances. You probably don’t want to go through this whole process all that often.

And if you’re frequently opening and closing bank accounts, it could result in trouble for you down the road. Many people don’t realize that their banking activities go on a report with ChexSystems — which is sort of like a credit bureau, but for bank accounts. If you have a history of overdrafting your account, for example, your ChexSystems report will reflect that.

Similarly, if you’re “churning” bank accounts (opening new ones, getting the bonus, then closing the account), that behavior will show up there, too. And a bad ChexSystems report can make it more difficult for you to open accounts in the future. According to ChexSystems, it keeps a record of closed bank accounts for five years — so that’s a solid chunk of time you could be negatively impacted by that information.

Earning bank bonuses requires some work

It isn’t always easy to qualify for bank bonuses — many require you to jump through multiple hoops. You often have to set up direct deposits and arrange to have a certain amount of money hit the new account within a certain period of time. You might also have to complete a set number of qualifying transactions within that time, such as making debit card purchases from a checking account.

You might also need to maintain a minimum balance to earn the reward. If it’s a checking account, that might mean losing out on interest income elsewhere (such as in a high-yield savings account). If we’re talking about a balance of several thousand dollars, that’s not an insignificant amount.

Bear in mind that you’ll have to pay income taxes on any bonus cash you get. Plus, if the new account has maintenance fees, that’ll eat into your bonus, too. Whenever you open a new account (whether it has a bonus or not), be sure to read all the fine print. Even accounts that have monthly fees often offer ways to get the fee waived, such as by receiving direct deposits or maintaining a certain balance.

New account bonuses can certainly be a sweet deal, and if you’re seeking a new banking relationship anyway, it’s worth exploring your options to make some cash on the deal. A great place to start looking is our list of the best bank account bonuses available right now. But I don’t think it’s worth opening a new account just for the bonus. Focus on finding the right account to meet your long-term needs instead.

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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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5 Low-Cost, High-Profit Business Ideas You Can Start Right Now

By Money Management No Comments

Discover profitable and affordable business ideas that you can start with minimal investment. Find out how to realize substantial returns. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Starting a business can seem like an overwhelming and costly endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of creativity and minimal investment, you can launch a small business venture that brings in significant profits. Here are five low-cost, high-profit business ideas you can start today.

1. Online tutoring

With the rise of remote learning, online tutoring has become an incredibly lucrative business opportunity. If you have expertise in a particular subject, whether it’s math, science, or a foreign language, you can start tutoring students from the comfort of your home.

Costs and profits

Start-up costs: Less than $500. This includes a reliable internet connection, a computer, and advertising costs. You could even put some of these start-up costs on a business credit card and earn points.Potential earnings: Tutors can charge anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour. Assuming you tutor 10 hours a week at $50 per hour, that’s $2,000 a month.

Steps to start

Choose your subject area and target audience.Set up a professional website or profile on tutoring platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com.Market your services through social media and local community boards.

2. Dropshipping business

Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding any inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, the order is sent to a third-party supplier who ships the product directly to the customer. This small business model is perfect for those who want to start an e-commerce store without the hassle of managing inventory.

Costs and profits

Start-up costs: $200 to $500 for setting up a website and marketing.Potential earnings: Depending on your niche, you can make a 15% to 20% profit margin. If your store makes $5,000 in monthly sales, you could net $750 to $1,000 in profit in your business bank account.

Steps to start

Choose a niche with high demand and low competition.Find reliable suppliers through platforms like AliExpress or Oberlo.Set up your e-commerce store on Shopify or WooCommerce.Market your store through social media ads and SEO.

3. Freelance writing

If you have a knack for words, freelance writing can be a highly profitable business with minimal startup costs. Businesses and websites constantly need content, and many are willing to pay good money for quality writing.

Costs and profits

Start-up costs: Less than $100. You’ll need a computer and internet access, along with a basic website or portfolio.Potential earnings: Freelance writers can earn anywhere from $0.10 to $1 per word. Writing 20,000 words a month at $0.25 per word is $5,000 a month.

Steps to start

Create a portfolio showcasing your writing skills.Join freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr.Network with potential clients through LinkedIn and social media.

4. Pet sitting and dog walking

Pet owners always need reliable care for their furry friends, making pet sitting and dog walking a great low-cost business. This is particularly profitable in urban areas, where pet owners often have busy schedules.

Costs and profits

Start-up costs: Less than $100 for basic marketing materials and insurance.Potential earnings: Dog walkers typically charge $15 to $40 per walk, while pet sitting can earn you $45 to $75 per visit. With 10 clients and a walk once a day during weekdays, you can easily make $750 to $2,000 a week.

Steps to start

Get certified in pet first aid and insurance for your services.Advertise your services through flyers, social media, and platforms like Rover or Wag.Build a strong reputation through excellent service and client referrals.

5. Virtual assistant

As businesses and entrepreneurs seek to streamline their operations, the demand for virtual assistants (VAs) has surged. VAs handle tasks ranging from scheduling and email management to social media posting and customer service, all from a remote location.

Costs and profits

Start-up costs: $100 to $300 for a professional website and marketing.Potential earnings: Virtual assistants can charge between $15 to $50 per hour. With just 20 hours of work per week at $30 per hour, you can earn $2,400 a month.

Steps to start

Identify your skills and the services you can offer.Create a professional website or profile on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.Reach out to potential clients through networking, social media, and job boards.

Starting a low-cost, high-profit business doesn’t require a massive investment or a complex business plan. With determination and a bit of creativity, you can turn any of these ideas into a profitable venture. Whether you choose to tutor students, run an e-commerce store, write for clients, care for pets, or become a virtual assistant, the key is to start today and build from there.

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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 Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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The Number of 401(k) Millionaires Just Hit an All-Time High. Here’s How to Join Them

By Money Management No Comments

Want to be a millionaire? See what it takes for Fidelity 401(k) millionaires to rack up $1 million of retirement savings. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Fidelity recently announced that the number of Fidelity “401(k) millionaires” (customers with $1 million or more in their 401(k) accounts) just reached an all-time high. As of Q1 2024, 485,000 Fidelity customer 401(k) accounts have $1 million or more.

Even if your current retirement savings fall well short of $1 million, we all can get inspired by the example of Fidelity 401(k) millionaires. Let’s look at the data and learn from Fidelity customers how to save $1 million for retirement.

1. Use your workplace retirement plan (if you have one)

Not every employer offers a workplace retirement plan, like a 401(k) or other tax-advantaged group retirement savings program. Some people have to save for retirement on their own, with an individual retirement account (IRA) or taxable brokerage account.

But having a 401(k) or other workplace plan seems to deliver extra advantages when saving for retirement. The Fidelity survey found that the median 401(k) account balance was $28,900 compared to $15,000 for the median IRA. Since the typical Fidelity customer has almost twice as much money saved in a 401(k) vs. an IRA, this could be a sign that saving for retirement with a 401(k) is easier. Many people contribute to their 401(k)s automatically with every paycheck, without having to think about it or make account transfers.

But even if you’re a passionate 401(k) saver, you don’t have to choose between a 401(k) and an IRA. If you have enough extra cash flow to save in both accounts, especially if you qualify for tax advantages with an IRA, you should try to use a 401(k) and an IRA.

2. Get your employer 401(k) match (if offered)

Another advantage of using a 401(k) to save for retirement is that many employers offer a 401(k) match. For example, your company might match 50% of the first 5% of your salary that you contribute to your 401(k) — this is a good way for companies to encourage people to save for retirement while providing a valuable employee benefit.

Fidelity’s data showed that as of Q1 2024, the combined 401(k) contribution from employees and employers that offer a 401(k) match was an average of 14.2%. This is a healthy percentage of salary to save for retirement, and it’s a good sign that more Fidelity customers (and their employers) are saving aggressively for the future.

If you don’t get your employer 401(k) match, you leave money on the table. Even if money is tight and you can’t invest as much as you’d like, at least try to adjust your paycheck so you contribute enough to your 401(k) to get every dollar of your employer match.

3. Start saving for retirement at a young age

It takes time to become a millionaire. Fidelity 401(k) millionaires are not fresh out of school and just entering the workforce; they are established in their careers and have been participating in their workplace retirement plans for an average of 26 years. If you want to get $1 million of retirement savings, starting from zero, you’d have to save about $1,043 per month for 26 years (assuming 8% average annual returns on your investments).

Few people can afford to sock away over $1,000 per month for retirement. But if you’re young, you don’t need to save that much. People in their 20s and 30s don’t have “only” 26 years to save for retirement; they have a much longer time horizon.

If you’re 25 years old in 2024, you have 42 years until Social Security retirement age. Having that much time for your savings to grow with the power of compound interest means you’d only need to save about $274 per month to get $1 million of retirement savings by age 67 (assuming 8% average annual returns).

4. Try to save 15% (or more) of your income for retirement

A much-quoted rule of thumb in retirement planning is that you should try to save 10% of your salary for retirement, but 15% is even better. Fidelity 401(k) millionaires have an average contribution rate of 17%. To match that rate, if your income is $100,000, you should save $17,000 annually for retirement.

Bottom line

Even though it’s good news that the number of Fidelity 401(k) millionaires has grown, the typical American’s 401(k) might still be underfunded, with a $28,900 median balance for Fidelity 401(k) accounts. Take advantage of your employer 401(k) match, and use a traditional IRA or Roth IRA to save extra money with tax benefits if you qualify.

And whether or not you have a 401(k) at work, consider opening a taxable brokerage account to save and invest additional cash for the future. By investing just a few hundred dollars per month and leaving that money alone to grow for many years, becoming a 401(k) millionaire is more possible than you might expect.

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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 recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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These 5 Business Types Have the Highest Odds of Success in 2024

By Money Management No Comments

Small businesses account for 99.9% of U.S. firms. There may be no guarantees, but here are five with a better-than-average chance of success. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Starting a business is a huge undertaking. Anyone who goes into business would like assurances that theirs will be a huge success. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees, no matter what type of business a person starts.

Still, some businesses will always be in demand and have higher odds of success than others, especially for entrepreneurs who do their homework before opening their doors to customers.

1. Technology businesses

Why they’re likely to succeed: Despite recent layoffs, the tech sector will continue to grow. Rapid advancements fuel the need for professionals who can do everything — from teaching others how to make the most of their technology to teaching professionals how to make repairs.

Business ideas

Artificial intelligence (AI) expert: If you have a deep knowledge of AI and have always wanted to develop AI-driven products or services, now may be your time as more businesses open their wallets to invest in AI.Software as a Service (SaaS) professional: The introduction of AI has not cooled the need for those who can provide software solutions for businesses and individuals.Technology consultant: A consulting business would allow you to charge companies for your tech expertise. The good news is that technology is not going anywhere, and once you get it established, your business is likely to be around for decades.Cybersecurity expert: Now that nearly all businesses count on technology to keep their businesses up and running, there’s a greater need for experts who can help protect digital assets and corporate privacy.

2. Janitorial services

Why they’re likely to succeed: For hundreds of years, there’s been a demand for people who can efficiently clean a building or residence. The cleaning equipment may be different, but a top-notch cleaning company can easily fill their business bank account with cash.

Business ideas

Home cleaning expert: Given the number of people who don’t have time to clean their homes, a dependable home cleaning expert could scale their small business rather quickly. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much capital to start a home cleaning service.Business cleaning professional: Offices will always need to be cleaned, and businesses will always be on the lookout for cleaning professionals they can trust to get the job done. While start-up costs may be a bit higher for those who choose to clean businesses, it’s still inexpensive compared to other types of businesses.

3. Renewable energy experts

Why they’re likely to succeed: The Earth is heating up, and everything, from weather patterns to air turbulence, has been impacted. In response to the warming planet, the global focus has shifted to creating renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints.

Business ideas

Environmental consultant: An environmental consultant provides businesses with a step-by-step plan to reduce their operations’ environmental impact. If your background is in environmental science, you may have the expertise needed to help guide businesses as they do their part to fight global warming and waste.Solar and wind energy sales: Any business that helps provide clean energy alternatives has a good chance of success, especially after it has earned a reputation for providing energy alternatives that fit a customer’s needs and budget.

4. Pet care services

Why they’re likely to succeed: Americans are expected to spend a staggering $147 billion on their pets this year. In short, many Americans consider their pets a beloved part of the family. If you’re wild about pets and ultra-organized, pet care is an industry that is not going anywhere.

Business ideas

Pet walker: Pet walkers allow pet owners to work without worrying about whether the dogs are getting the exercise they need. On average, pet walkers earn $20 for a 30-minute walk, and it’s an entirely scalable business. That may mean walking several dogs at one time or continually taking on new clients.Pet groomer: While everyone wants their pets to look their best, not everyone has the talent to groom them. That’s where a good pet groomer is worth their weight in gold. Building a long list of faithful clients is possible, whether you’re an experienced groomer or plan to be trained.Pet trainers: If you always have well-behaved animals at home and you know how to make your training techniques work for others, your expertise is a skill plenty of frustrated pet owners would be happy to pay for.

5. Online businesses

Why they’re likely to succeed: The shift toward online shopping and learning means you have a larger pool of potential customers than ever.

Business ideas

E-commerce business owner: E-commerce business owners operate entirely online. You’re responsible for everything, from purchasing inventory to marketing and shipping.Dropship business owner: When you dropship, you advertise products owned by other companies. You set a high enough price to make a profit, make the sale, and collect the money. You then pay the dropshipping company the asking price for the product and give it the customer’s mailing address. If you want happy customers, though, you’ll need to dedicate yourself to only working with drop shippers who guarantee fast shipping.Online tutoring: Whether your special skill is speaking Norwegian or advanced mathematics, there are people willing to pay you to tutor them or their children. Like the Zoom video meetings conducted during the pandemic, your classroom is totally online.

Often, a business’s success comes down to customer demand and satisfaction. To fill customer demand, research the business you’re considering to ensure customers need your goods or services. If you want a business to thrive, focus on making your customers so happy with your service that they’ll recommend you to others.

Finally, the magic ingredient that helps any business succeed is passion. If you’re passionate about what you do, it’s sure to show.

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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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7 Amazing Costco Buys for Under $10

By Money Management No Comments

Want to save money on surprising items at Costco? Check out this list of Costco buys for under $10. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

My family has a joke about Costco, that “everything at Costco is a great deal, but everything costs at least $25.” I love my Costco treasure hunts, and I love getting a great deal on bulk items ranging from paper towels to trail mix to yogurt — but it seems like every time I go to Costco and only buy nine items, I still end up spending $200.

Is it really possible to get great deals at Costco for under $10 each? Good news: Costco has some surprisingly good deals on low-dollar items — and not just from Costco’s Kirkland brand. We found these amazing Costco buys for under $10.

(All deals were available for online shopping with prices shown for my local Costco warehouse in West Des Moines, Iowa, as of June 23, 2024. Prices may vary by location.)

1. Michelin Guardian+ Beam Wiper Blades ($7.99)

Do your wiper blades need replacing? If you’re tired of squinting to see through a smeared windshield on a rainy day, it could be time to upgrade your wipers with Michelin Guardian+ Beam Wiper Blades from Costco.

This special price ($7.99) includes $3 manufacturer’s savings valid through July 7, 2024, while supplies last. Wiper blades are available in a range of sizes from 14 inches to 28 inches, but you must purchase a minimum quantity of two (2) wiper blades per order. Limit of four orders per Costco member.

2. Skechers Ladies’ Anklet Sock, 8-pair ($8.99)

Want new socks? You can get eight whole pairs of Skechers ladies’ anklet socks for just $8.99 at Costco — that’s about $1.12 per pair, or just $0.56 per sock! These Skechers socks are available only in black, as the multi-colored package option is no longer “in sock” (er, in stock). The sizing is intended to fit ladies’ shoes size 6-9.5, and the price includes manufacturer’s savings of $2 (valid through July 1, 2024).

3. Q-Tips Cotton Swabs 3-pack, total 1,750-count ($9.49)

Is there ever a bad time to stock up on Q-Tips? Costco offers a shockingly low price on three boxes with a total of 1,750 Q-Tips: just $9.49 (or about $3.16 per package, or about $0.0054 per Q-Tip). This price includes $2 manufacturer’s savings available through July 21, 2024. While supplies last, limit two purchases per Costco member.

4. Loacker Classic Crispy Wafers, Hazelnut, 12-count ($9.49)

Want to enjoy a sweet treat at a low price? Try these Loacker Classic Crispy Wafers, with a new recipe delivering 10% more hazelnuts in the hazelnut cream. These wafers have no artificial flavors or preservatives, and are Halal and Kosher. Get 12 packages of hazelnut goodness (1.59 ounces each) for just $9.49.

5. Kusamba by QUR Bath and Body Care, 5-piece Collection ($9.97)

Freshen up your bathing routine with this 5-piece set from Kusamba by QUR Bath. This collection includes Seafoam Jasmine Body Wash (11.6 fluid ounces) and Body Oil (6 fluid ounces) made with hand-harvested seawater, nourishing butters, and essential oils. You also get two aromatic shower steamers and a sisal bath glove.

6. S&W Organic Black Beans: 8-count, 15-oz. cans ($9.99)

Load up on cheap protein with this great deal on organic black beans. You get eight cans of beans (15-ounce cans) for just $9.99 — that’s about $1.25 per can. Black beans are a versatile ingredient that can help you make a wide range of dishes, from chili to tacos, from three-bean salads to black bean burgers.

7. GUM Summit Toothbrush 10-pack ($9.99)

Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three or four months. So this 10-pack of toothbrushes can get you through more than two years of the fresh-bristles lifestyle. These GUM Summit toothbrushes have a soft ultra-tapered bristle design that the company claims can remove five times the plaque compared to flat bristles. Add in an ergonomic comfort grip handle and these toothbrushes sound like an even better deal: just $0.99 per toothbrush. This $9.99 price includes $3 manufacturer’s savings, valid through June 30, 2024.

Bottom line

Don’t assume Costco is only good for massive once-a-month grocery trips or occasional big-ticket items. It really is possible to find great deals at Costco for under $10. Whether you want organic black beans, big discounts on Q-Tips, or 10 toothbrushes for about a dollar each, Costco can deliver what you need — at prices that won’t drain your bank account.

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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.

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