Money Management

Buying gas at Costco comes with perks you may not have considered. Learn more here. [[{“value”:”

Signing up for a Costco membership comes with many perks. One of them is the ability to buy fuel at Costco gas stations.

Costco gas offers a lot of advantages over other gas stations, including those run by Sam’s Club. In fact, here are three of the biggest benefits of buying gas at Costco that you should know about.

1. Costco gas is offered at a great price

The single biggest benefit of buying gas at Costco is that you can get your fuel at a much cheaper price than you would be able to if you shopped elsewhere.

Although the exact amount of savings you’ll get varies based on your location and the specific club you’re shopping at, you’ll typically save around $0.20 per gallon at Costco according to most online reports.

Most cars hold between 10.5 and 18.5 gallons of gas. If your car is somewhere in the middle of this range and you fill up a 14-gallon tank, you’d save about $2.80 every single time you gas up over the course of the year. That can add up to a hefty sum — close to $150 if you gas up every week. That’s a lot of extra money in your bank account.

2. Costco gas is higher quality than many competitors

So, gas at Costco is cheaper, but is it decent fuel? Absolutely.

In fact, the quality of Costco’s gas is another big reason why you should fuel up at the warehouse club. Kirkland Signature Gasoline is TOP TIER™ certified, which means it meets stringent performance standards.

Using TOP TIER™ gas can reduce valve damage, sticking valves, and fouled plugs. It can help you maintain a clean engine, and it can help in preserving your vehicle’s fuel economy. It’s even better for the environment.

Sam’s Club, unfortunately, is not TOP TIER™ and the gas at many other stations you’ll visit also doesn’t have this classification. While gas certified to meet the TOP TIER™ performance standards usually costs more, that’s not the case at Costco. And car experts have reported it’s worth the extra money to buy this certified gas. So getting it at a price that’s actually discounted is a real steal.

3. Buying gas at Costco can make shopping at the warehouse club more convenient

Finally, the last big benefit of buying gas at Costco is that it’s convenient to do so.

Costco gas stations are located by Costco stores, and Costco has taken pains to make it more easily accessible by setting up the stations so the traffic flow is one way, making it faster and easier to get in and out.

You can pop into the gas station, then run into the club to pick up a hot dog and soda combo for lunch or to grab some bulk household items that you’d been running out of.

Since you’ll probably visit the warehouse club more often if you’re buying gas there than you would otherwise, this makes it easier for you to take advantage of the savings that Costco provides on other products. You’ll get more value from your membership and perhaps slash your grocery bill, since you’ll be buying more items at the discounted prices on offer.

For each of these three reasons, Costco members should try to fill up their tanks at Costco as often as they can. It doesn’t pay to go miles out of your way to do so — but if you can plan strategically to get gas there when you happen to be in the area, doing so is undoubtedly a smart move for your budget.

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

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It’s a good time to be adding money to your savings. Read on for tips to find the cash. [[{“value”:”

According to New York Life data, in 2023, U.S. adults aimed to save $7,435.57 on average, but actually saved $6,138.06. That’s not too shabby given the way inflation continued to hammer Americans last year.

But those who did manage to put money into their savings accounts did a great thing for their finances. In 2023, banks started raising their interest rates following the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes. So those who added to their cash reserves set themselves up to earn more.

Meanwhile, the strong savings account and CD rates that were available to Americans last year are still largely in effect this year. So it’s a really good time to be boosting your savings. If you haven’t managed to save any money so far this year, here are a few key steps to take.

1. Plan to bank windfalls

Maybe your birthday is coming up this month, and your parents and grandparents typically send you a check in lieu of a physical gift. Or maybe you expect your tax refund to arrive any minute. Putting extra cash in the bank is a great way to capitalize on today’s competitive rates, so resist the urge to spend the money that may be coming your way.

And if you’re really struggling to part with so-called bonus money that’s headed your way, compromise. If you get a $200 check from your parents, spend half but save half. If you’re getting a $1,500 tax refund, use $200 to treat yourself to something nice but bank the rest.

2. Reevaluate your spending

Cutting all fun or non-essential expenses from your budget probably isn’t doable. And frankly, that’s not a great way to live.

You may not need to order a takeout meal every three days. But if you work long hours and being able to pick up dinner on the way home from the office is a source of comfort and time savings for you, then that may not be an expense you should rush to give up.

However, chances are, there are at least one or two spending categories you can make adjustments to. Maybe instead of doing Friday night happy hour at a local restaurant where you typically spend $40 on drinks and appetizers, you and your friends take turns hosting happy hour at home where you’re spending $40 every four weeks, not each week. Or maybe you cancel a streaming service you’re watching less and less of, because your job has you working longer hours.

Denying yourself a comfortable lifestyle isn’t a great approach to boosting savings. But cutting back in a way that doesn’t really negatively impact your life is a smart thing to do.

3. Get a sustainable side hustle

Even if your main job is pretty intense, you may find that you’re able to carve out some time for a second gig. The earnings you bring home from that side hustle could then be your ticket to boosting your savings.

But to be clear, for this strategy to work, your side hustle has to be sustainable — meaning, it has to work for your schedule and lifestyle. So if you have the sort of job where you never know if you’re going to get called into a last-minute 6 p.m. meeting or be assigned a last-minute report that has you working late, then you shouldn’t accept a side job where you have to commit to preset hours at a specific location in the evening.

However, in that case, a side gig you do on your own time could be a reasonable path to pursue. For example, with apps like DoorDash, you can sign up to make deliveries at times that fit into your schedule. And if there’s a week when you can’t work at all, so be it.

Because of where interest rates are at right now, it’s a good time to be adding to your savings. If you haven’t managed to do that thus far in 2024, don’t stress or panic. Not only do you still have more than half of the year ahead of you to meet your savings goals, but a few small changes to your spending and schedule could end up leaving you with a lot more money in the bank come December.

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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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Sometimes, you can make up the cost of a Costco membership by purchasing the same item repeatedly. Read on to learn more. [[{“value”:”

As a loyal Costco member, I typically end up doing a Costco run once a week. I also rely on Costco for a wide variety of items, from groceries to gifts to apparel.

Because of this, it’s pretty tricky for me to try to calculate the total amount of savings I’m reaping at Costco in a given year versus shopping elsewhere. To do that, I’d need to compare the cost of each weekly Costco haul of mine to the cost of prices at local supermarkets and big-box stores. And frankly, that’s an exercise my brain might struggle to handle.

But I can tell you that I saved about $144 last year by shopping at Costco for one specific item. And while it’s not my favorite item at the store, it’s one that’s come in handy on several occasions.

When you’re able to buy pizza for a crowd on the cheap

When you have young kids, you often find yourself picking up a pizza on the fly. I’ll be the first to admit that Costco’s pizza isn’t my favorite. Some pizza purists might even hesitate to call Costco’s offering “pizza.”

But even though there’s plenty of good pizza to be had in my New Jersey town, the one benefit of ordering pizza at Costco is that it’s worlds cheaper. A massive Costco pie costs $9.95, whereas most pizzerias in my area charge about $18 for a large pie without toppings that’s smaller than Costco’s version. (No, pizza wasn’t always that expensive, but inflation has managed to turn a once-cheap meal into anything but.)

Meanwhile, by my estimates, my family ordered 18 pizza pies from Costco’s food courts in 2023. A few of those orders were for four or five pies at a time when we were hosting parties and feeding a crowd. But if that estimate of 18 pies is correct, and I was able to save $8 per pie, it means I saved $144 on pizza alone in 2023 by purchasing them at Costco.

When a single item pays for your membership

Since I shop at Costco often, it makes sense for me to have an Executive membership, the cost of which is $120 per year. That membership gives me 2% cash back on my Costco purchases. A basic membership at Costco, by contrast, costs $60.

Based on my savings on pizza alone, I was able to cover the cost of the more expensive Costco membership. But the reality is that there are numerous other items I bought at Costco last year that probably, on an individual basis, made up for my membership fee, too.

If you’re on the fence about keeping your Costco membership, you may want to see if there’s a certain item you tend to buy a lot of at Costco, and then compare the in-store price there to what you’d pay outside of Costco. Maybe that item is paper towels. If you’re saving $6 a month on a multi-pack but are paying $60 a year for a basic Costco membership, you’re coming out ahead financially to the tune of $12, because you’re paying $60 to save $72.

Remember, too, that sometimes, making a single larger purchase at Costco, like a laptop or piece of furniture, could be enough to justify the cost of your membership. So if you’re thinking of canceling, consider the big-ticket items on your list and see if Costco’s deals are substantial enough to make your membership worth keeping.

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

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Costco has some great bargains this month. Read on for big savings. [[{“value”:”

If you’re a Costco member, you’re no doubt aware that the warehouse club giant offers competitive prices on a host of products year-round. But each month, Costco releases a number of limited-time deals that could result in major savings. And this month is no exception. Here are some of the best offers you’ll find at Costco this May.

1. $100 off of a two-pack of SunVilla Commercial Sling Wave Chaise Lounges

If you can’t wait for the start of summer, then you’re in good company. And if you’re thinking of upgrading some of your outdoor furniture for added comfort, then it’s a good time to invest in a pair of lounge chairs from Costco.

Right now, you can buy two SunVilla lounge chairs for $100 off of the usual price. These chairs can be adjusted to multiple positions so you can read, sip a cold drink, or take a nap with ease. They’re also made of quick-drying material and have hidden wheels for easy maneuvering.

2. $200 off of a Sealy Posturepedic 12″ Hybrid Mattress — king size

Upgrading from a smaller mattress to a king could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. It could result in better sleep and, just as importantly, more marital harmony if you’re tired of fighting your spouse for space within the confines of a queen-sized bed.

Right now, Costco is offering $200 off of a Sealy Posturepedic king-size mattress. As a trusted name in the world of mattresses, when you buy a Sealy product, you can feel confident you’re getting a quality item. Throw in Costco’s policy of standing behind its purchases, and you’re more likely than not to come away with a mattress that not only meets, but exceeds, your expectations.

3. $700 off of the Yardline Montague 12′ x 8′ Wood Storage Shed

If you’re tired of having tools and gardening equipment taking up real estate in your garage, then it may be time to invest in an outdoor shed. That way, you can free up space for an actual vehicle and still store your tools where they’re out of sight.

Right now, Costco is offering a $700 discount on the Yardline Montague 12′ x 8′ Wood Storage Shed. It features four transom windows, an extra-wide door opening, solid wood framing, and extended roof overhangs to keep moisture away from its foundation. It also comes with a 15-year limited warranty.

Of course, the one drawback with this shed is that it’s a do-it-yourself assembly operation. You’ll also need to consult your local municipal office to see if a building permit is required for a shed like this before you shell out the money.

4. $4 off Dixie Ultra 10-1/16″ Paper Plates, 186-count

Barbecue season is right around the corner. And when you’re hosting and feeding a crowd, it’s not always feasible to serve everyone’s meal on a washable plate. So while paper may not be the most eco-friendly, if you’re going to load up on paper plates, you might as well do so while they’re on sale for $4 off a pack of 186.

These Dixie plates are high in quality and can hold a lot of food before caving in. They’re also cut-resistant and microwaveable. And depending on where you live, they may even be recyclable.

5. $4.50 off of Sun Bum Original SPF 50, 5 oz, 2-pack

With spring in full bloom and summertime being right around the corner, you really can’t have too much sunscreen. And if your kids will be home from school all summer long, it’s important to keep them safe if they’ll be spending lots of time outdoors.

Costco is offering $4.50 off of a two-pack of Sun Bum sunscreen in SPF 50. It’s water-resistant and loaded with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that’s been said to help prevent premature skin aging. If you have a flexible spending account, you should know that this and other sunscreens count as an eligible expense.

These five items are only some of the great deals Costco has going on right now. It pays to visit your local warehouse club store or browse through Costco.com to see what’s on sale. Although Costco’s prices are usually quite competitive in general, you might as well save extra by jumping on limited-time deals while you can.

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

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There’s a new way to get Costco products delivered to your door. Read on to learn more. [[{“value”:”

Many people love the experience of shopping at Costco in person. When you visit your local Costco, you get to enjoy free samples. Or, you can grab an ultra-cheap food court lunch while loading up on groceries.

But sometimes, getting over to Costco doesn’t work out. Maybe you’re busy with job-related deadlines and can’t make a trip. Maybe you’re feeling under the weather. Or maybe your car’s in the shop and you don’t want to deal with having to hitch a ride. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could just deliver your Costco order to your door?

Well, here’s some good news. Uber Eats is expanding its delivery service to Costco, which means you can enjoy the savings the warehouse club giant is known for without having to leave the house.

A new option for Costco delivery

You don’t necessarily have to visit Costco in person to get your hands on the products it sells. Costco has long offered the option to have perishable items delivered to your home as part of its same-day service powered by Instacart.

Similarly, Costco.com offers two-day delivery on a wide range of products, from pantry staples to cleaning supplies. And orders you don’t need in a hurry from the website can be shipped to your door using standard delivery, often arriving within 10 days.

But now, you can place a same-day order for the Costco goods you desire through Uber Eats. And the best part? You technically don’t even need a Costco membership to order through Uber Eats.

That said, if you are a Costco member and enter your membership ID number along with your order, you may be eligible for an additional discount. It’s similar to ordering from Costco.com, where you can place an order for shipping without a membership number, but you’ll get hit with a non-member surcharge.

How to order from Costco through Uber Eats

Uber Eats delivery may not be available from every Costco location. You’ll need to enter your delivery address to see if there’s a Costco warehouse in your area on Uber Eats that offers this service.

One important thing to know is that the prices you see for Costco goods on Uber Eats are likely to differ from the prices you see in the store. This isn’t a new practice by any means.

When you order same-day grocery delivery from Costco through Instacart, you pay more per item than you would in the store. And Uber Eats works the same way. So you’ll need to weigh the convenience of not having to do your own shopping against the higher cost.

If you’re on a tight budget and need to conserve funds, then it could make more sense to do your own Costco shopping if you can get to the store. Otherwise, you may want to see how much time ordering through Uber Eats saves you.

As an added bonus, the new program lets you schedule your delivery for a time that’s convenient for you. So if you want to place an order now and get your Costco haul later in the day, that may be an option if the time slot is open.

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.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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