Money Management

Many shoppers are joining Costco to save money on everyday essentials. Want to get the most out of your Costco membership? Don’t miss these benefits. [[{“value”:”

Warehouse clubs like Costco have gotten more popular in recent years. More shoppers are seeking ways to save money when buying groceries, household essentials, and other goods. With a Costco membership card in your wallet, you can get a better deal when you shop. But you may be missing out on some features of your membership — like these.

1. Free extended warranty perks on select Costco buys

When you buy select items from Costco, you can benefit from extended warranty coverage. Costco extends the manufacturer’s warranty for up to two years from the date of warehouse purchase or date of delivery if purchased online for the following items:

TelevisionsProjectorsComputers (excludes touchscreen tablets) Select major appliances

Select appliances include refrigerators larger than 10 cubic feet, freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-counter microwaves, dishwashers, water heaters, washers, and dryers.

Review the manufacturer’s warranty for these items for detailed coverage terms. This coverage is available to Costco customers in the United States. Costco can choose whether to repair, replace, or refund up to the purchase price.

If you don’t have a credit card with extended warranty perks, this benefit could prove valuable if you need repairs or a replacement and the manufacturer’s warranty has already expired.

2. Free tech support for select electronics

In addition to having low prices for popular electronic items, Costco takes it a step further. The warehouse club brand includes free tech support for members in the United States who buy eligible electronics. This service is made available through Costco Concierge Services.

Eligible electronics that include this service are computers, laptops, cameras, and televisions.

You can verify whether a product includes this service by reviewing the product details on the Costco website. This is a valuable membership perk that costs you nothing extra. If you need assistance, contact Costco’s technical support and warranty line by calling 1-866-861-0450.

3. Add an additional driver for free when renting a car through Costco Travel

When you book an eligible car rental through Costco Travel, you can add one additional driver to your reservation for no extra charge. This applies to bookings for Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise car rentals in the United States. This membership benefit could save you money when traveling and help you stretch your vacation budget.

The primary driver must be a Costco member and present their membership card at the rental counter. Additional drivers don’t need to be Costco members, but must provide a valid driver’s license. Additional fees apply to drivers under 25.

4. Get a deal on sports events and concert tickets

Many members use Costco Travel to get discounts on hotels, rental cars, and cruises. But did you know that you can use your Costco membership benefits to save money on concert tickets, sporting events, and other entertainment? For example, the warehouse club currently has Major League Baseball ticket packages. Are the savings worth it?

I found a New York Mets ticket package for $99.99, which included two field-level tickets and a $30 food and beverage credit. When I looked up standard ticket prices for an upcoming weekend game, I discovered that two tickets would cost over $350. That didn’t include food and beverage credits, so the Costco ticket deal is a steal for baseball fans.

Get the most from your Costco membership

Yes, Costco has great deals on the essentials you need. But that’s not all. The retailer also offers extra membership benefits that can save you even more money and make your life easier. Consider joining if you want to keep more money in your checking account. For tips on how to get the most out of your membership, check out our ultimate Costco guide.

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.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Paying fees or earning low rates on your savings could be costing you hundreds of dollars. Find out how a new bank account could save you money. [[{“value”:”

If you’ve been putting off switching bank accounts because it feels like too much hassle, you’re not alone. Sure, accounts that pay high interest rates and charge low fees are attractive. But it isn’t always enough to justify the effort of switching your automatic payments and reconfiguring your direct deposits.

But what if I told you that some banks are paying hundreds of dollars in welcome bonuses? Or that you could supercharge your savings with APYs of 5%? Switching accounts can save you money and make life easier in the long run. Take these steps to do it the smart way.

1. Think about what perks you’d like in your new account

If you haven’t shopped around for a new account recently, you may be surprised at some of the features on offer. For example, some banks offer early direct deposit so you can access your paycheck a couple of days ahead of payday. Some checking accounts will also pay rewards on your spending or interest on your balance.

READ MORE: Best Checking Accounts

Here are some useful checking account perks to look for:

Rewards on spendingInterest on your balanceATM fee reimbursementFee-free international transactionsHighly rated mobile appEarly direct deposits

In terms of savings, the APYs on some top savings accounts are as high as 5% right now. That’s significantly higher than the national average of 0.46%, per the FDIC. A high APY is important, but it’s also worth watching out for fees, minimum deposit requirements, and other inconveniences, such as restrictions on how many withdrawals you can make.

2. Look for a sign-up bonus

Some banks are offering sweet welcome bonuses right now. To qualify, you’ll usually have to set up direct deposits of a certain amount of money within a set time frame. You may have to leave it there for a certain amount of time, too. Check the fine print so you can be sure you’ll get the extra cash.

Head to our best bank bonuses and promotions page for a selection of all the offers available right now. Chase’s $300 bonus for new customers who deposit at least $500 in the first 90 days is particularly attractive. While welcome bonuses should not be the only factor you consider when looking for a new bank account, they are a nice extra.

3. Check for banking fees

Banking fees can come in various forms. You might find monthly account fees, out-of-network ATM fees, overdraft fees, and even fees to close your account. The good news is that many of these fees are avoidable.

Monthly account fees can range from around $5 to $15, meaning you could save $60 to $180 a year with a no-fee account. Some accounts will waive the monthly fee if you maintain a certain minimum balance. Check the terms and conditions and make sure you’ll have enough funds available to avoid that extra cost.

If you’ve been hit with overdraft fees before, try to find an account with a grace period if your balance goes below zero. It’s also worth opting into overdraft protection and seeing if your bank will alert you when your balance is low.

4. Make sure there are local in-network ATMs

There’s no point in earning a welcome bonus and slashing your banking costs if you have to spend $2 to $5 every time you use an ATM. There are a few ways to cut ATM costs, starting with using in-network ATMs where possible.

Some banks have their own ATM networks, while others partner with an affiliate network such as Allpoint or MoneyPass. Check to see whether your bank has a big network of ATMs and, importantly, whether there are machines in convenient locations for you.

It’s also worth considering banks that will reimburse a certain amount of out-of-network ATM fees. This can be a significant money saver, particularly if you travel often.

Key takeaway

If you have savings that aren’t earning much interest or you’re regularly paying banking fees, you could save hundreds of dollars with a different account. That’s before you factor in any welcome bonus or other perks that make it easier to manage your money.

Moreover, it’s easier than ever to set up new automatic payments and reconfigure your direct deposits via online banking. This removes a big obstacle that holds many of us back from switching to a new account.

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!

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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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Taxes are a significant part of gas prices. Read on to find out which states charge the lowest amount. [[{“value”:”

I’m a few weeks away from a multi-state, 700-mile trek for a family vacation, and I’ve got my eye on gas prices as I prepare. I’ll soon be driving through two states with some of the highest gas taxes (I’m looking at you, New Jersey and Pennsylvania), but plenty of states have relatively low taxes.

Gas prices fluctuate based on many factors, including demand and distribution, but one thing that all states have in common is that they charge gas taxes. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that charge the least.

Ten states with the lowest gas taxes

Each state sets its own tax rates, and the amount they charge can change from year to year. Here are the 10 states that charge drivers the lowest gas tax, and how much they charge per gallon of unleaded gas:

Alaska: $0.09Hawaii: $0.16New Mexico: $0.17Arizona: $0.18Mississippi: $0.18New York: $0.18Oklahoma: $0.19Louisiana: $0.20Texas: $0.20Colorado: $0.22

While exceptions exist, many states with low gas taxes also have lower gas prices. For example, six of the top 10 states with the lowest gas prices also have the lowest taxes, including Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The exception to this is Hawaii, which has the second-lowest state gas tax in the country but the second-highest overall price of $4.80 per gallon. Driving around paradise is expensive, thanks to the high cost of transporting gas to the Hawaiian islands.

Taxes aren’t the main driver of gas prices

Right now, the cheapest gas price for regular unleaded is in Mississippi, with an average price of $3.07 per gallon. Meanwhile, the highest average price is in California at $5.28.

Politicians often take the heat for rising gas prices, but many contributing factors make up the price you pay at the pump. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the main drivers of gas prices are:

The cost of crude oil: 57.1% of gas priceOil refining costs and profit: 17.7% of gas priceFederal and state taxes: 12.8% of gas priceDistribution and marketing costs: 12.4% of gas price

All of these factors have one thing in common: They’re completely out of your control. And while gas taxes and high gas prices can be bad for your budget, there’s one part of your monthly car expenses that you can influence.

One car expense you can control

Rising gas prices aren’t the only car expense drivers should be paying attention to right now. Car insurance costs rose 20% in 2023. The good news is that you can likely lower your insurance costs by taking the time to shop around with different companies.

I recently got an online comparison quote for car auto insurance, which was $32 cheaper per month than what I’m paying now. A recent study by the insurance app Jerry noted that when drivers shop for cheaper car insurance, 60% of them find it.

Once I return from my vacation, I’ll follow up on my insurance quote to see if I can get the same coverage for a lower price. I can’t control the price of gas or how much tax I’m paying every time I fill up, but lowering my monthly insurance bill will likely have a bigger effect on my budget than the price of gas over the long term.

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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 Costco’s wedding essentials. Save big on flowers, alcohol, cake, and more. Here’s how to plan your dream wedding affordably. [[{“value”:”

When it comes to wedding planning, the path to “I do” doesn’t need to be paved with extravagant expenses. The average American wedding costs $29,000.

Enter Costco: the unexpected hero for budget-savvy couples who want to tie the knot and keep their personal finances in check. With its treasure trove of bulk goodies and surprising finds, Costco is your one-stop shop to make your big day memorable and affordable.

Here are four wedding essentials that prove why a Costco membership might just be the most romantic investment you can make.

1. Alcohol

It’s no secret that a good celebration often includes a toast or two. Over 90% of couples opt to serve alcohol at their weddings. Wondering about the cost? On average, couples across the U.S. spend just under $2,800 on wedding booze. However, savvy shoppers have found a way to significantly cut down on this expense by heading to Costco.

One bride reported spending only $1,100 on a complete selection of liquor, beer, wine, and champagne — all purchased in bulk from Costco. This approach not only saves money but also ensures there’s plenty to go around for that celebratory cheer.

2. Flowers

Did you know that the average cost of wedding flowers in 2023 hit a blooming $2,800? Well, if you’re looking to lavish your big day with beautiful blooms without wilting your budget, Costco should be on your radar.

For just $529.99, Costco offers a 20-piece wedding collection that covers everything from your bridal bouquet to centerpieces and even the toss-away bouquet. Imagine walking down the aisle holding a lush bridal bouquet with 20 roses, hydrangeas, and carnations, all meticulously arranged with sprigs of hypericum and eucalyptus. Your bridesmaids would compliment you with their own charming bouquets, and the reception tables can be adorned with stunning centerpieces. Plus, there are corsages, boutonnieres, and even a bag of rose petals to complete the romantic setting.

All this floral splendor comes in one convenient package, making it easier to coordinate and surprisingly affordable. It’s a practical, elegant solution that keeps your wedding blooming joyfully without stretching your finances.

3. Stationery

When it comes to wedding stationery, Costco members hit the jackpot with exclusive perks. If you’re using Shutterfly for your invites, menus, or programs, Costco automatically applies a hefty 51% discount on all orders, plus it offers free shipping for orders over $49. This makes crafting your perfect wedding invitations and day-of materials cost effective and convenient, adding a personalized touch to your special day without the premium price.

4. Cake

Let’s talk about the centerpiece of many wedding receptions: the cake. With the average wedding cake cost hovering around $540, finding a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality can be a challenge. Enter Costco’s Cake Bake Shop 2 Tier Special Occasion Cake, which serves 16-22 people and is priced at a sweet $299.99. This offers a delectable, elegantly designed option that can cater to smaller, intimate gatherings or serve as a perfect complement to a larger dessert spread.

As you can see, Costco isn’t just for stocking up on bulk paper towels and snack packs. For couples heading down the aisle, it can be a goldmine for managing wedding expenses without compromising on quality or style. From the bubbly in your glasses to the blossoms in your bouquets and from your heartfelt invitations to the stunning cake at your reception, Costco offers a way to bring your dream wedding to life — affordably.

With these offerings, it’s clear that a Costco membership can be as essential to your wedding planning as the perfect partner to say “I do” with. So before you say yes to more expensive options, take a stroll through Costco’s aisles; it could be the smartest pre-marital choice you make!

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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