Money Management

Shopping at Costco could help you keep more money in your bank account. But not every deal is worth it. Find out which Costo deals aren’t worth the cost. [[{“value”:”

Many people join warehouse clubs like Costco to save money on groceries, clothes, toiletries, and other purchases like electronics and furniture. But not every item sold at Costco is worth it. Some deals are worth the cost, but others could be a waste of money.

Luckily, the retailer has a generous return policy, so if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, you can return it and get your money back. Here are a few Costco items that aren’t worth the cost.

1. Fresh produce

For some, produce may be a preferred essential to get at Costco. But, the warehouse club typically sells produce in large quantities. Unless you have a household full of people constantly eating fresh fruit and vegetables, you may find your produce spoils before you finish it.

You might be better off saving this purchase for other retailers if you don’t live with many people or only eat smaller amounts of fresh produce. If you’re looking for affordable fruits and vegetables, Aldi is an excellent place to shop. Don’t forget to check the weekly sales flyer before you shop.

2. Kirkland toilet paper

According to prices listed on Costco’s website, you can get 30 rolls of 2-ply Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue for less than $24. The price might be attractive, but some Costco shoppers have a problem with the retailer’s private-label Kirkland toilet paper quality.

Some members used to like it but are suspicious that the retailer switched to a lower-quality alternative recently. If you’re picky about toilet paper, you may want to skip this Costco find. Luckily, you can find other brands at your local club.

3. Batteries

Another item that seems to be priced well at Costco is batteries. You can score a 48-pack of Kirkland Signature Alkaline AA Batteries for $15.99. Having extra batteries on hand is a good way to be prepared. And with a pack that large, you’ll be set for a while.

But some members have shared that, even though they thought they had gotten a good deal when buying batteries at their local club, the price isn’t worth it. Why? They don’t go through the entire pack of batteries before they go bad and start leaking.

4. Over-the-counter medicine

Another item that you may be tempted to buy at Costco is over-the-counter medication. You can find various medications at an affordable price. But keep in mind that you may not finish the entire package of medication before it expires, which could negatively impact your checking account balance.

You can get a 1,000 200 mg Kirkland Signature Ibuprofen for $13.99, but will you go through 1,000 pills within a year or so? Probably not. Unless it’s a medication you use regularly, such as allergy medications, if you have bad allergies, you may want to buy it elsewhere in smaller quantities so you don’t waste your money.

Consider your usage habits before spending money

When deciding whether a deal you find at Costco is worthwhile, consider your personal needs and usage habits. Some items may be priced well, but if you won’t use what you buy before it expires or spoils, you could end up throwing away money that could be spent elsewhere.

For some bulk buys, it may be best to shop at a different retailer and purchase what you need in smaller quantities. You can shop generic brands at low-cost retailers like Target and Aldi. If you’re looking to improve your budgeting skills so you can save more money when shopping, check out our list of the best budgeting apps.

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.

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

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If your utility bills are a bit higher than you expected, it’s time to make a change. Check out these DIY moves that can shrink your bills right away. [[{“value”:”

Although the weather is pretty reasonable right now in most parts of the country, summer is just around the corner, which can spell hot weather and big utility bills. Fortunately, there are lots of very simple home projects you can do on your own that will start saving you money right away.

The goal is simple: saving energy and water without having to do anything too complicated.

Here are some great projects for new homeowners, or for people who just want to try their hand at a little DIY, that can help you lower your bills and give you more wiggle room in your budget.

1. Seal up your home

It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but when the winter comes and you’re freezing from the drafts coming from the windows and from under the door, the value of a well-sealed home will become very apparent. In the warmer months, it’s not so obvious, but it’s just as important to have a well-sealed home to keep cooler air inside.

This is a simple project that only requires a few supplies:

Enough caulk to go around the windows, doors, and trim inside and outside of your homeA knife to remove the old caulkA caulk gunNew door sweeps to replace any damaged onesNew door seals where needed

The cost of sweeps and door seals will depend on your door configurations and sizes. Sweeps tend to run $10 to $15, and $16 to $42 for door seals.

Caulking around the outside of a home is a lot more universal, requiring the same tools and materials for most homes. Expect to spend up to $0.20 per linear foot of caulk, plus a weekend’s worth of time. It’s not a task you need to repeat yearly, but watch for cracking or shrinkage that indicates it’s time to do it again.

2. Install heat-control window film

If you’ve already seen heat-control window film at your nearest home improvement center, you may have wondered if it really works. Although it seems like a weird little add-on that won’t make enough difference to be worth the effort, I can tell you personally that it makes a massive difference.

The General Services Administration did a study on the heat-control film (also known as low-e film) installed in some buildings it was trying to save money on across seven climate zones, and found that the HVAC savings averaged about 29% over prior years after installation.

Lucky for you, you can pick up a roll big enough for three windows for about $50 at a big-box home improvement store. You’ll also need an installation kit, which is a one-time purchase for about $20.

3. Put up an awning

Awnings were incredibly popular before air conditioning was common, and for a good reason — they really keep the heat out on those blistering summer days. Sadly, they fell out of fashion for a long time, and are only now starting to see a renaissance. Fortunately, there are tons of designs and materials to choose between, from simple fabric awnings to motorized and aluminum numbers, so there’s an awning for every budget.

You can expect to spend about $200 on a simple retractable fabric awning that’s 98 inches long and 60 inches wide (remember, these hang at an angle, so it won’t stick out a full 60 inches).

4. Install ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are the Swiss Army knives of the home comfort appliance world. Depending on which way the fan rotates, it can help move warm air from against the ceiling down to the people below, or help people feel cooler through evaporation. They also help circulate air when used consistently and in every room, so you don’t have as many hot or cool spots.

Due to this behavior, ceiling fans also make it possible for you to raise your thermostat up to four degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, saving money and energy. Ceiling fans cost pennies to run, but can save up to 12% on cooling costs on average. You can pick up a 52-inch model with a light kit starting at about $60, and install it yourself in a couple of hours.

Simple projects can save you a bundle

When you bought your home, your mortgage lender made sure that you could afford the payment, but it didn’t say anything about the cost of heating or cooling your house. High utility bills in older homes can become a huge problem for homeowners, but there are plenty of simple ways to make your home really affordable to live in. Down the line, you can consider taking out a second mortgage or a HELOC against your equity to do even bigger projects with even bigger impact, like upgrading your HVAC system altogether.

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Is the gas savings from a hybrid car worth the extra upfront cost to buy one? Read on to find out. [[{“value”:”

If you’re in the market for a new car, there are many factors to consider. You need a car that fits your family, drives comfortably, and won’t cost you a fortune in auto insurance. And you also probably want a car that works for your budget. This holds true whether you’ll be paying for a car outright or financing one.

These days, a lot of people are gravitating toward EVs for the benefit of not having to pay for gas. But if you’re not ready to take that leap, you may be more inclined to go with a hybrid car.

A hybrid car will generally cost about 20% more than a gas-engined counterpart, says Edmunds. But when you factor in potential savings on gas purchases, you may find that the higher outlay makes financial sense.

How much gas savings will a hybrid car give you?

The amount your hybrid will save you on gas will hinge on different factors. These include:

Whether you mostly do highway driving or city drivingHow fast you driveWhether you maintain your car or not

Keep in mind, too, that within the category of hybrids, some cars are just plain more fuel-efficient than others. So the exact model you buy will play a role, too.

Meanwhile, last year, Consumer Reports did an analysis that compared MSRPs for hybrid vehicles and their non-hybrid counterparts. And it found that for many popular vehicles, the gas savings from a hybrid could make up for the higher upfront cost of buying one in four to five years, assuming fuel costs of $3 per gallon.

Now when we talk about hybrid cars, we’d be remiss not to mention the Toyota Prius. The 2023 Prius is said to get 57 miles per gallon and result in $5,000 in fuel savings over five years compared to the average new vehicle. But remember, the amount of driving you do will ultimately determine your savings.

Let’s say you drive 12,000 miles a year and buy a hybrid that gets 50 miles to the gallon, as opposed to a non-hybrid that only gets 25. Assuming gas is $3 per gallon your first year, you’ll enjoy $720 in gas savings during that 12-month period. But these numbers will of course look different if you only drive 5,000 miles a year, or if you drive closer to 20,000 miles a year. So ultimately, if you want to know how much gas savings you can get with a hybrid, you’ll need to run a calculation based on your habits and situation.

There’s the convenience factor, too

In time, the higher sum you might pay for a hybrid car is money you can recoup in the form of gas savings. But remember, there’s also the convenience factor to think about. If you’re a busy person, not having to constantly make time to fill up your car could result in a less stressful schedule.

All told, buying a hybrid car could end up being a good choice for you. But remember that not all hybrids are created equal. Spend some time researching your options if you’re eager to buy a car that will give you superior gas mileage.

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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.
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Looking to trade in your vehicle? Read on for ways to eke out a better offer. [[{“value”:”

There may come a point when you decide that it’s time to get a new car, whether because you need a larger vehicle or simply want an upgrade. It’s still a seller’s market for used cars, according to Kelley Blue Book, so you may be in a good position to get a better price on your trade-in.

Of course, the more money you get from your trade-in, the more affordable your next car is apt to be. And if you can pocket some extra cash, it could make it easier to afford expenses like auto insurance for your next car. So with that in mind, here are some tips to get the best offer you can.

1. Take care of minor problems

If your car has minor issues, you may be inclined to ignore them when trading in your car. After all, why sink money into repairs when you’re not even sure what price you’ll end up getting for your car?

But dealerships have a way of blowing tiny repairs out of proportion. And you don’t want that to be used as an excuse to give you a lowball offer. So instead, shop around with different mechanics, compare quotes, and try to get your car fixed in the most affordable manner possible.

2. Make sure your car looks clean

A clean car gives off a much better impression than a dirty one. You don’t necessarily need to raid your savings account to the tune of thousands of dollars for a detailing job that buffs out every single ding. But you should give your car a thorough cleaning, either in your own driveway or via a car wash service before trading it in.

3. Do your research

You wouldn’t sell a collectible you inherited from a family member without doing some digging to see what it’s worth, right? Well, similarly, it’s important to research what your used car is worth before trading it in. Sites like Kelley Blue Book allow you to put in data that includes your car’s age, condition, and mileage to get a sense of what trade-in value you should be able to get for it.

4. Do a trade-in when you’re not under pressure

Trading in your car in a stress-free manner could make it easier for you to negotiate. So don’t wait until the last minute to go this route if you know you need a different vehicle than the one you currently have.

If you’re expecting an addition to your family in three weeks, for example, and you need to swap your two-row vehicle for a minivan with three rows to accommodate another car seat, you’re basically under the gun and don’t have as much negotiating power. But if you try to trade in your vehicle at a time when you could technically keep driving it for months, you may have more leeway to talk a dealership into giving you a better price.

The more money you’re able to get for your trade-in, the better. Use these tips to walk away with the best price — and the feeling of victory that comes with knowing you got a good offer for your old car.

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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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Even economy flights to Japan can cost thousands. Here are ways to fly in luxury for less than the cost of an economy ticket. [[{“value”:”

With the right combination of travel rewards credit cards, you can get almost anywhere for practically free. For example, if you earn points in one of the four major credit card programs, you can use those points to book free flights through their travel portals:

American Express Membership RewardsCapital One Venture RewardsChase Ultimate RewardsCiti ThankYou Rewards

You can also transfer those points to a variety of airline partner programs, turning them into frequent flyer miles. Miles awards tend to have at least a few fees, but they’re often quite minimal.

If you want to transfer your points and/or use airline miles directly, here are some of the best options I could find.

American Airlines

I found the most award availability — and the most affordable awards — through American Airlines (AA). If you’re leaving from the West Coast, you can fly via Japan Airways or on an AA plane for just 60,500 AAdvantage miles and $5.60 in fees.

From the East Coast, the cheapest award I could find was 84,500 miles plus $11.20. This is actually really great for lie-flat business class from JFK to LAX and then business class to Japan from there.

Earning American Airlines miles

The downside to AA awards is that the miles can be harder to earn than other programs, since AA isn’t a transfer partner of the big four programs.

As such, the easiest ways to earn AA miles is through the AA cobranded credit cards. You earn AA miles directly with spend (and welcome bonuses), plus your purchases count toward AA elite status.

Technically, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to AA (and other airlines), but this is a wretched idea in most cases. Transfers are at a 3:1 rate, meaning you only get 1 mile for every 3 Bonvoy points you transfer. This represents a big devaluation and will rarely be worthwhile.

Alaska Airlines

Another surprisingly affordable place to find award space to Japan is Alaska Airlines. While availability wasn’t great, it was there, and I found a few trips from the West Coast to Tokyo for just 75,000 Alaska Airlines miles plus $19 in fees via Japan Airways.

Earning Alaska Airlines miles

Again, earning Alaska miles isn’t easy because the airline isn’t a transfer partner for the big four travel rewards programs. However, you can get cobranded Alaska Airlines credit cards through Bank of America that earn Alaska MileagePlan miles. (You can also do the Marriott transfer described above, but again, generally a terrible idea.)

United Airlines

Another place you can find moderately well-priced award tickets is through United’s website. I found a few awards from LAX to Tokyo for 110,000 United MileagePlus miles and $12.90 in fees on Asiana Airlines aircraft.

Folks trying to leave from the East Coast will have to fork over way more points. The best I could find from JFK ran 200,000 miles plus $5.60 in fees.

Earning United Airlines miles

What works in United’s favor here is that the miles are easier to get than some of these other options due to its partnership with Chase. You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United at a 1:1 rate. (I’ve seen some 100,000 welcome bonuses on Chase credit cards before!) Plus, there are also several United cobranded cards to earn miles directly.

ANA Mileage Club

ANA is one of Japan’s home airlines, so it’s worth a mention. ANA publishes an award chart that suggests one-way business class award fares start at 105,000 miles (it used to be 85,000 but was recently updated).

As far as actually finding those awards goes, however — well, it didn’t go. ANA is notorious for having sparse award space, and I was stymied on every route and date I tried. No matter what combos I tried, everything got hit with the dreaded “Waitlist.” (Worse yet, it claims seats are available on one page, then hits you with the Waitlist the next!)

ANA via Virgin Atlantic

I’ve seen a lot of folks online say you can book ANA flights using Virgin Atlantic miles. Since ANA flights have gotten more expensive, this could potentially be a good way to use fewer miles. However, you can’t book these flights online. You’d have to call to make it happen.

Availability changes constantly

Availability can change from day to day or even from hour to hour. So if you don’t find an award that suits your needs, consider watching and waiting for a bit. Either check the airline’s app regularly, or sign up for one of the many services that will alert you automatically (these typically have a 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.Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Bank of America is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Brittney Myers has positions in American Express. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool recommends Alaska Air Group and Marriott International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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CDs are known for their high interest rates, but that’s not all they have to offer. Discover a few more valuable perks of putting your money in a CD. [[{“value”:”

If you’ve been thinking about getting a certificate of deposit (CD), the big draw is probably the rates that banks and credit unions are offering right now. The best CD rates are currently above 5%. At that kind of APY, $10,000 in a CD would earn over $500 per year in interest.

Getting a large return on your money is a great benefit, but it’s not the only benefit. Here are a few more perks that could make CDs worth your while.

1. The penalty is good motivation not to touch your savings

When you have money in a savings account, you can withdraw it at any time. That’s convenient, but it can also make it more tempting to use your savings.

Let’s say you have money you’re planning to use for a down payment on a home. If that’s not going to happen for another few years, but you want to go on a vacation this summer, you might think about turning part of that home fund into a travel fund.

With a CD, you need to keep your money deposited for the full term. If you take it out early, most CDs charge an early withdrawal penalty. The penalty is usually several months of interest.

Although some people consider this a drawback of CDs, it can also be an advantage. If you’ve had trouble with keeping your savings off-limits, putting it in a CD could help with that. You’ll have financial motivation to avoid dipping into your savings.

2. You can lock in a high rate for the long haul

High APYs aren’t the biggest benefit of getting a CD. Because interest rates have gone up over the last two years, you can get high rates on many banking products right now. For example, some high-yield savings accounts are also earning over 5%.

But CDs allow you to lock in a high rate for the entire term. If you open a 3-year CD with a 4.75% APY, your deposit will earn that APY for all three years. This provides protection in the event of interest rates dropping over that time period.

Interest rates are expected to start declining later this year. It isn’t guaranteed, but if it does happen, it means savings accounts and CDs will be paying less. If you’ve already opened a CD, you won’t need to worry about this.

3. CD interest could provide steady income

Some CDs let you withdraw the interest you earn during the term. You still can’t touch the principal — the money you deposited — without an early withdrawal penalty. But you can get fixed income from the interest, if you want and if your CD allows this. Check with the bank before you open a CD to see if it’s an option.

Another option to get steady income with CDs is setting up a CD ladder. A CD ladder is when you split up your savings into a series of CDs that mature at different times. For example, if you have $10,000 to deposit, and you want access to some of that money every six months, you could put:

$2,500 in a 6-month CD$2,500 in a 1-year CD$2,500 in an 18-month CD$2,500 in a 2-year CD

Don’t wait long if you’re interested in opening a CD

As I mentioned earlier, there have been predictions of interest rates dropping this year. If so, CD rates will likely go down, too. So if you want to get a CD, it’s probably in your best interest to open one soon while rates are this high.

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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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