Money Management

Are your Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts linked to earn bonus rewards? Here’s how you can earn a heightened 2X miles on Starbucks purchases. [[{“value”:”

In October 2022, Delta and Starbucks announced a partnership. The two brands teamed up to offer Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards members additional opportunities to earn rewards. After linking both rewards program accounts, members could earn bonus Delta SkyMiles when making Starbucks purchases. However, due to a recent program update, the way you earn miles is changing. Find out what you need to know before you make your next Starbies run.

You’ll earn miles when you reload a Starbucks gift card

Previously, those who linked their Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts could earn bonus rewards in the following ways:

Earn one mile per $1 on Starbucks purchasesEarn 2X stars on purchases made at participating Starbucks stores on travel days when flying on a Delta or Delta-operated flight

Travelers will continue to earn 2X stars when making Starbucks purchases on days when they’re flying on a Delta or Delta-operated flight. But Delta SkyMiles are now earned differently.

Instead of earning one mile per $1 spent at Starbucks, members will only earn bonus miles when reloading Starbucks gift cards in their Starbucks Rewards account. Reloads of at least $25 or more earn miles — but members who make larger reloads can earn more. You can earn up to 2 miles with a reload of $100. The Starbucks mobile app makes it easy to buy and reload gift cards.

Here’s an overview of how you’ll earn miles under the new program rules.

Here’s why this could be a good thing

Your initial reaction may be that this is all bad news — but it’s not. Sure, you won’t earn bonus miles automatically when you order a coffee like you previously did. Instead, you’ll need to reload at least $25 to earn miles.

This change encourages you to reload Starbucks gift cards. And that is a win for your star rewards balance, too. Why? Starbucks Rewards members who pay for purchases with Starbucks gift cards earn more stars than those who use other payment methods.

Earn one star per $1 when you pay with cash, mobile wallets, debit cards, or credit cardsEarn two stars per $1 when you pay with a physical or digital Starbucks gift card

When you use Starbucks gift cards as your payment method, you’ll earn more stars to get closer to your redemption goals. If you’ve been using a different payment method, this program change might not be so bad because it’ll encourage you to maximize your earnings.

Reload with a credit card to boost your rewards

I have more good news: You can reload your Starbucks gift cards using a credit card. But only charge what you can afford. For example, if you’re considering reloading your Starbucks Rewards account with $100 to earn 200 bonus miles, only do this if you can afford to pay this debt off entirely as soon as your credit card statement arrives.

However, paying with a rewards credit card is an excellent way to boost your rewards. Consider using a cash back credit card to earn cash on your Starbies runs. Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to learn more about the features of each card on our list.

If you’re a Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards program member, remember this news the next time you open the Starbucks app. Don’t miss out on the chance to earn bonus rewards.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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CDs aren’t created equal. Find out which type of CD is paying high rates, but could result in lost interest. [[{“value”:”

If you have cash in savings that isn’t reserved for emergencies or short-term goals, then that money could find a cozy home in one of today’s top-paying certificates of deposit (CDs). CD rates are rarely as high as they are today, with the best 12-month CDs paying out above 5.00% APY. These rates are projected to drop lower in the near future, making now a good time to lock in before it’s too late.

That said, not every type of CD will benefit you in a high rate environment. While traditional CDs will lock in your interest rate until the end of your term, callable CDs could leave you earning far less than you were expecting. If you’ve never heard of callable CDs before, here’s why you should watch out for them.

Callable CDs offer generous rates, but they don’t offer any long-term guarantees

At first glance, callable CDs seem to work just like traditional CDs. They offer a fixed interest rate, come in various terms, protect your money with FDIC or NCUA insurance, and have early withdrawal penalties. Interest in callable CDs is usually compounded and may be credited to your account monthly or quarterly.

What makes callable CDs different, however, is their call option. This gives the issuing bank or credit union the right to call or redeem the CD before its maturity. If your CD is called, your initial deposit and interest will be returned to you or repackaged into another CD with a lower interest rate. If this happens, you would stand to gain less interest than if the same CD had reached its maturity.

For example, let’s say you find a 1-year callable CD with a 5.25% APY. When you read the fine print, you find out the bank will have a call option with a call date that’s six months from the day the CD is issued. You get the CD, and, six months later, CD rates on 1-year terms have dropped significantly to a median of 4.00%. As expected, your bank calls your CD and reissues it with a 3.80% APY.

Notice the callable CD from above has a “call date.” Banks typically can’t just call a CD whenever they want. Often, they give you a protection period, during which they won’t redeem your CD, along with a call date on which they can. The longer a callable CD’s term, the more call dates it might have. The protection period gives you some time to earn at a guaranteed interest rate, but the call dates could change that in a heartbeat.

Many traditional CDs have better rates right now

In truth, the purpose of callable CDs is to prevent banks from paying high interest after ongoing rates have declined. For this reason, they might offer slightly higher rates on callable CDs. This might entice you to get one, but, again, the rate isn’t guaranteed for the duration of your term. In fact, since interest rates are expected to decline soon, today’s newly issued callable CDs will likely be called. Getting a callable CD today, then, could mean leaving interest on the table later.

This argument for callable CDs (that they have higher rates) has been severely weakened by the plethora of great CD rates on the market. These days, it’s not uncommon to find 12-month CDs paying at or above 5.00% APY. Since even the best callable CDs are still on par with their traditional CD counterparts, it doesn’t make much sense to get one, especially if CD rates decline in the near term.

A better strategy would be to build a CD ladder. With a CD ladder, you divide your money among several CDs with staggered terms. For example, you could deposit $1,000 equally in a 6-month, 1-year, 18-month, 2-year, and 3-year CD. This helps you gain access to your money at regular intervals, while also taking advantage of APYs on longer-term CDs.

All in all, if you’re considering getting a callable CD, be sure you understand the details. Read the fine print and make a note of its call dates and protection periods. Compare its rate to traditional CDs, as the difference in interest may not be significant enough to take on the risk of your CD being called.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

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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It’s not easy to find money for a retirement account. Read on for tips on how to boost your savings rate. [[{“value”:”

If you’re having a hard time funding your 401(k) plan this year, I honestly wouldn’t blame you. How are you supposed to find the money when you’re probably spending extra on everything from rent to grocery costs to utilities?

And okay, maybe you are spending a bit of your paycheck on fun things each month. That’s understandable. It’s hard to psych yourself up to save and invest for retirement when it means having to skip out on fun outings with friends or deny yourself a much-needed vacation.

But the reality is that if you don’t put any money into your retirement savings, you might set yourself up to struggle later in life. The average retired worker on Social Security today only gets $1,915 per month, or about $23,000 a year. That’s hardly a formula for a comfortable retirement. So if you’ve been having a hard time finding cash for your 401(k) this year, here are some steps to take ASAP.

1. Aim to snag your full employer match

The downside of funding an IRA is that all of the money has to come from you. But with a 401(k), you may be eligible for an employer match. This means that if you contribute a certain amount from your earnings, your employer will put in an equal amount, thereby helping your savings grow.

So if you’ve struggled to fund your 401(k) so far this year, your first step is to find out what your employer match amounts to, and then figure out how you’ll manage to sneak that much money into your retirement plan. Employers often match contributions as a percentage of salary. So if you earn $50,000 a year and are eligible for a 3% match, your employer will match up to $1,500 in contributions you make yourself.

2. Do a spending assessment

Denying yourself every fun thing under the sun so you can fund a retirement account is no way to live. But if you take a close look at your spending, you may find that there are one or two expenses you’re able to scale back on so you can free up some more cash for your 401(k).

In the next week or so, take a look at recent bank statements and credit card bills, and see where your money is being spent. You may find that there’s an expense in there you can shed. Maybe it’s a streaming service you don’t watch often. Or maybe it’s a meal delivery kit you can replace with store-bought groceries.

There may also be some expenses you can reduce without cutting completely. If you normally do a weekly Saturday night dinner at a restaurant with your group of friends, consider skipping it one week out of the month, and earmark the $50 you’d normally spend for your 401(k) instead.

3. Join the gig economy for more money

If you need most of your paycheck for essential bills and can’t see yourself freeing up much money by reducing your spending, then it’s a good idea to start exploring the gig economy. Yes, you’ll be giving up downtime — which may be harder than giving up expenses to some degree.

But remember, that 401(k) has to get funded at least a little. So something has to give.

Also remember, though, that your side hustle doesn’t have to be painful. If you love puppies, sign up to pet sit or walk dogs. If you’re great at photography, see if you can advertise your services and do photo shoots for special events. You may even find that you don’t mind shuttling people around town in your car for a few hours a week for a ride-hailing service if it puts extra cash in your pocket.

You can’t neglect your retirement savings completely. If you do, you might end up unhappy and scrambling to cover your expenses later in life. But these moves could make it much easier to fund your 401(k) — and get yourself one step closer to a comfortable retirement by the end of 2024.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

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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Discover unbeatable Costco deals this week. Shop now for summer essentials and save big. [[{“value”:”

Ah, Costco — the one-stop shop where you can find everything from bulk pantry staples to the latest in electronics and outdoor furniture. It’s a treasure trove for shoppers looking for great deals on quality products that don’t hurt your personal finances. Each visit to Costco is like a treasure hunt, with surprises waiting in every aisle and potential savings around every corner. Whether you’re restocking your kitchen, upgrading your tech, or even giving your backyard a makeover, Costco’s vast selection almost guarantees you’ll leave with something unexpected and exciting.

This week is no exception, as we’ve scoured the aisles and dug deep into Costco’s latest offerings to bring you some of the most spectacular deals and unique items. From cutting-edge technology to luxurious outdoor furniture sets and even gourmet food items, there are plenty of reasons to make a Costco run this week. Let’s dive into the best Costco finds for this week, each one a testament to why this warehouse is a favorite among savvy shoppers.

1. ASUS Vivobook 17X 17.3″ Laptop – AMD Ryzen 7 7730U – 1080p – Windows 11

If you’re planning to work remotely or embark on a summer vacation, the ASUS Vivobook 17X is a must-have at just $599.99 after a $300 discount. With its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and vivid 1080p display, this laptop is ideal for both productivity and entertainment. The large 17.3-inch screen is perfect for multitasking or enjoying movies and games. This deal is especially appealing for those seeking a reliable yet affordable laptop to stay connected and entertained throughout the summer.

2. Sirio Niko 9-piece Fire Outdoor Seating Set

Imagine spending the summer evenings outdoors in style and comfort. The Sirio Niko 9-piece Fire Outdoor Seating Set, now priced at $4,599.99 (with a $900 discount), invites you to do just that. This set includes various seating options and a fire table, all crafted from durable, all-weather resin wicker with Sunbrella® fabric cushions. It’s an investment that not only transforms your outdoor space but also stands up to the summer elements. This deal is perfect for those looking to enhance their outdoor living area for the warm nights ahead.

3. Pure Earth Organic 300 Thread Count 6-piece Sheet Set

Upgrade your bedding with the Pure Earth Organic 300 Thread Count 6-piece Sheet Set, now only $44.99, reduced from $59.99. These organic sheets are soft and breathable, ensuring cool, comfortable nights — a must-have for the hotter days to come. This set is an excellent choice for those wanting to combine comfort with sustainability this summer.

4. D’Artagnan Extreme American Wagyu Burger Lovers Bundle

For food enthusiasts, the D’Artagnan Extreme American Wagyu Burger Lovers Bundle, now priced at $127.99 from $159.99, promises to elevate your summer barbecues. This bundle includes American Wagyu burgers, brioche buns, applewood smoked bacon, and black truffle butter. It’s the ultimate gourmet experience for any grill master looking to impress at summer gatherings.

5. MRCOOL E Star DIY 4th Gen 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System

Stay cool this summer with the MRCOOL E Star DIY 4th Gen 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump, now $300 off. This system offers efficient cooling and heating with up to 20.5 SEER efficiency and corrosion-resistant technology, perfect for coastal areas. Its variable-speed technology maintains an ideal temperature and cuts down on energy costs, making it a smart buy for the summer.

Costco’s current deals provide great savings and a timely opportunity to prepare for the summer. Whether upgrading your home technology, revamping your outdoor living space, enhancing your sleep comfort, indulging in high-quality eats, or improving your home’s climate control, Costco has something that will enrich your summer experience. Don’t miss out — these deals are designed to help you make the most of the upcoming sunny days.

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

If you’re shopping with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are rated the best cards of 2024 by our experts because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and outstanding cash rewards. Plus, you’ll save on credit card interest because all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period.

Click here to read our expert recommendations for free!

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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