Money Management

Are you a freelancer? See if you’re getting paid what you’re worth. A new survey from OnDeck unveils the freelance gender pay gap. [[{“value”:”

Despite decades of effort to achieve better pay equity and equal opportunity in the workplace, the gender pay gap remains a complex and ongoing challenge in the United States. This is one of the most pernicious problems in the American economy because it’s forcing half the population to be underpaid at work and under-resourced in investing for the future.

According to recent data from the Pew Research Center, American women get paid about $0.82 for every $1 that men get paid, or about 18% less. But the gender pay gap is not just an issue for big corporations. It’s rearing its head in the world of small business and self-employment, too.

A new survey from OnDeck, a small business lender, found that freelancers and independent professionals are also vulnerable to a freelance gender pay gap. OnDeck’s study shows that male freelancers charge about 26% more per hour than female freelancers do.

Let’s look at a few hard facts about the freelance gender pay gap between male and female freelancers.

Male freelancers charge 26.4% more than female freelancers

OnDeck did a survey on the Freelancer Pay Gap 2024, which included analysis of more than 9,000 freelancers on Upwork (a freelance talent platform) to compare hourly billing rates. OnDeck’s research discovered that men tend to charge significantly more than women for their professional freelance services.

According to OnDeck’s research, male freelancers charge an average of $75.44 per hour, while female freelancers charge an average of $59.70 per hour. This amounts to a difference of $15.74 per hour, or about 26.4%. That makes the freelance gender pay gap even bigger than the national average of 18%.

Freelance gender pay gaps are bigger for some professions

There’s a wide range of services in the gig economy that count as “freelance” or “consulting.” Not every freelancer is a creative professional like a writer or graphic designer; some have other business expertise or technical skills. The OnDeck survey examined the gender pay gap for a range of service categories and professions.

Here are a few professional fields that have the biggest freelance gender pay gaps, based on average billable rates per hour:

Legal: Men charge $144.78 per hour vs. $68.19 for women (112% gap)Accounting & consulting: Men charge $92.17 per hour vs. $66.62 for women (38% gap)Engineering & architecture: Men charge $67.99 per hour vs. $55.25 for women (23% gap)Data science & analytics: Men charge $90.42 per hour vs. $77.11 for women (17% gap)

There’s not always a clear cause for the freelance gender pay gap. But in general, the fact that women tend to charge lower freelance rates than men in certain technical professions like consulting, engineering, and legal work could be a sign of other systemic and cultural biases against women’s labor and talent.

Women are often most underrepresented in the same professions that have the biggest freelance pay gaps. If a career field is unwelcoming to women, women might feel less valued and less confident charging as much as men charge for their skills (or men might feel confident charging more). The same gender disparities that appear in full-time jobs could also be showing up in the freelance pay gap.

Some good news on freelance gender pay gaps

Not all categories of freelance work have a big gender pay gap. The OnDeck study also found that women charge more than men do in a few categories of freelance services:

Design & creative: Women charge an average of $62.86 per hour vs. $62.15 for menCustomer service: Women charge an average of $36.07 per hour vs. $33.90 for menAdmin support: Women charge an average of $57.95 per hour vs. $49.67 for men

This data shows some categories of freelance work that are more equitable — and where women might even have a slight advantage in pricing their services. But these categories tend to be the lowest-paid types of freelance work. This is another reason why the gender pay gap persists: It’s not always a matter of women getting paid less for the same work; it’s that the market doesn’t value the types of work that women are more likely to do.

Bottom line

The gender pay gap makes it harder for women to get ahead, no matter how clever they are at budgeting. Unfortunately, gender-based wage disparities happen not only in traditional employment but also with freelancers who can set their own hourly rates. If you’re a freelancer, you have the right to negotiate your own pay on a project-by-project basis — and you can decline to work for clients who don’t pay your desired rates.

Freelancers also need to create a spirit of pay transparency within their industries. By networking with other freelancers and doing research into what “competitive” market pay rates truly are for your professional skill set, you can get more of what you deserve as a small business owner — and get more cash in your business checking 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.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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A Sam’s Club membership could help you save money on essentials. But, for some shoppers, it’s not always worth paying for another year. Find out why. [[{“value”:”

Some shoppers join warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club to save money when stocking up on everyday essentials. But it costs money to join Sam’s Club, so it’s important to take a few moments to decide whether the benefits are worthwhile for your household before you join or renew your membership. If you don’t do this, you could waste your hard-earned money. It may be best for some shoppers to avoid spending money on a renewal. Here are some reasons why.

1. You’re paying for multiple memberships

If you’re a fan of saving money, you may pay for multiple memberships and subscriptions in addition to your Sam’s Club membership. For example, a lot of people have an Amazon Prime membership because they can get items shipped to their homes quickly and access members-only deals.

However, paying for multiple memberships can quickly deplete your checking account funds. If you feel you have too many memberships right now, you may want to reconsider being a Sam’s Club member. You may want to avoid renewing if you use other services more often.

2. You struggle with impulse buying

It can be easy to impulse buy at retailers like Sam’s Club. There’s always an exciting deal being promoted, and the company frequently introduces new products. But frequent impulse purchases can significantly impact your credit card statement balances. Consider taking a break from your membership to reel in your spending before you rack up credit card debt.

3. Your go-to products aren’t sold there

Sam’s Club sells a variety of products at its clubs. Some are brand-name items, but others are Member’s Mark, a private-label brand. You may skip your upcoming renewal if you’re brand-loyal and your usual products aren’t sold at Sam’s Club. Unless you plan to change your shopping habits and buy the products that Sam’s Club sells. Sam’s Club isn’t a good fit for some shoppers because they don’t love the products sold there — and that’s OK.

4. You only shop at Sam’s Club occasionally

Some shoppers go to Sam’s Club several times a month. Otherwise, do a bigger haul once a month. However, it may not make sense to continue being a member if you only shop at Sam’s Club occasionally, such as three to five times a year. You want to make sure you’re getting value from your membership. If you only shop there occasionally, you may be wasting money.

5. You no longer live near a club

If you’ve moved to a different home or area, consider whether the drive to your closest Sam’s Club is worthwhile. If you’re spending a lot of time in the car and are wasting gas to do your haul, you may want to pause before renewing your membership. Instead, check to see if there is a closer alternative near your home, like Costco. Joining a different warehouse club may be a better choice if there aren’t any Sam’s Club locations in your area.

Review your needs and consider your finances

Before renewing any membership, it’s wise to consider whether you’re still getting value from it. You pay a yearly fee to access Sam’s Club, so it’s best to ensure you still benefit from being a member and that shopping there doesn’t negatively impact your finances.

If you use your membership perks and can afford the yearly fee, that’s excellent news. But if your needs have changed or your wallet feels the impact every time you pay your annual membership fee, do yourself a favor and hold off on renewing. For additional tips, check out our personal finance resources.

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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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Using your Costco membership to get a deal on gift cards is smart. Don’t miss out on lesser-known gift card offers at Costco. Check out these gift card deals. [[{“value”:”

For many people, a Costco membership is an excellent investment. Shoppers can save money on groceries, clothes, household goods, and other essentials. Costco also sells gift cards at a discount.

The warehouse club sells gift cards to many popular retailers — but also sells gift cards for lesser-known companies. Buying discounted gift cards can help you keep more money in the bank. Here are a few lesser-known gift cards you can purchase at Costco now.

1. $100 Landry’s multi-brand restaurant gift card for $79.99

You’re likely aware that Costco sells restaurant gift cards. In addition to purchasing gift cards for specific restaurants, you can also buy gift cards for entire restaurant groups. This allows you to use your funds at multiple eateries in the same restaurant chain for added flexibility.

One such gift card sold at Costco is the $100 Landry’s multi-brand restaurant gift card for $79.99. You’ll receive two $50 e-gift cards and can use them at more than 400 participating restaurant locations nationwide. Rainforest Cafe, Mitchell’s Steakhouse, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Mitchell’s Fish Market are some restaurants that are part of the Landry’s brand.

2. $100 Nutrisystem e-gift card for $79.99

If you’ve been tackling health goals in 2024, you may be interested in this gift card offer. Costco sells $100 e-gift cards for Nutrisystem for $79.99. Savings of just over $20 is a win for your wallet. Nutrisystem provides weight loss plans and meals. This electronic gift card is typically emailed within three hours of purchase. However, your digital gift card can sometimes take up to 24 hours to be received.

3. Nintendo eShop $50 digital card for $44.99

If you have a gamer in your life, you may want to scoop up this Nintendo eShop gift card. Costco sells a $50 Nintendo eShop digital card for $44.99. Digital gift card funds can be used to purchase games and applications through the Nintendo eShop. Your gift card will be delivered by email, usually within an hour of purchase.

You can buy multiple gift cards, but your Nintendo eShop balance can’t exceed $250. If your account balance is already $250, you’ll need to spend some money before loading another digital gift card onto your account.

Look out for gift card promotions

It’s worth noting that Costco frequently runs gift card promotions. You can get an even better deal when buying eligible gift cards if you buy them during a sale. Keeping an eye on current promotions is worthwhile, so you can take advantage of extra savings like this.

Gift cards make great gifts, but you can also use gift cards yourself. Purchasing gift cards for your favorite retailers is a smart personal finance move. When shopping at your go-to retailers, you can use the gift cards you buy as your payment method.

Is a Costco membership worth it?

If you have a Costco nearby and want to save money, consider investing in an annual membership. A membership card can be worthwhile as long as you use the benefits. Check out our ultimate Costco guide for tips on how to get the most out of your membership perks.

Many shoppers find they can keep more money in their checking accounts by taking advantage of members-exclusive perks at Costco. But make sure you can afford the $60 to $120 yearly fee before purchasing an annual membership.

When shopping at Costco, whether in-club or online, consider using a cash back credit card to earn cash back rewards for your spending. Earning valuable credit card rewards is another wise personal finance strategy that can be a win for your wallet.

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.Natasha Gabrielle 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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Thinking of becoming a Costco member? Don’t miss this unique offer, available to eligible new members. Find out how to earn a $20 digital Costco Shop Card. [[{“value”:”

Many shoppers join Costco to save money on groceries, household essentials, and other goods. However, it costs money to become a member. You’ll pay anywhere from $60 to $120 to shop at Costco — which is an extra expense that impacts your checking account.

However, thanks to a current promotion, some people can earn a $20 Costco Shop Card after becoming a Costco member. This offer is available to students and people in certain professions. Let me explain the steps you need to take to benefit from this membership offer.

Take these two steps to earn $20 to spend at Costco

Are you considering joining Costco and want to see if you qualify to earn a $20 shopping credit? These are the steps you’ll need to take.

1. Confirm that you’re a college student or work in one of the following roles

Teacher First responder Medical professional (hospital worker, nurse, medical provider) Government employeeMilitary member

2. Visit the Costco current promotions page to verify your eligibility and join Costco

You can review the promotion details by looking at current promotions on the Join Costco section of the Costco website. I’ll outline more specifics about this unique offer below.

This membership offer could be a win for your wallet

Costco’s current membership promotion could provide some new members a $20 credit to spend on purchases at Costco or Costco.com. The following people may be eligible to receive a free Costco Shop Card after joining:

College studentsTeachers First responders Medical professionals (hospital workers, nurses, medical providers) Government employees Military members

Eligible shoppers who purchase a Costco Gold Star membership ($60), provide a valid email address, and enable auto-renewal with a Visa credit card or debit card will receive a $20 digital Costco Shop Card. To qualify for this offer, you must be a new member or have not been a member for at least 18 months.

New members who meet these conditions will receive their digital Costco Shop Card by email within two weeks of signing up.

To take advantage of this promotion, you must first verify your eligibility using ID.me or UNiDAYS, which are identity verification tools. After selecting an eligible offer on the Costco membership promotions page, you’ll be taken through the verification process.

After completing the verification process, you’ll receive a promo code to enter during membership enrollment. You can then sign up as a member and set up auto-renewal.

Is a Costco membership worth it?

For many people, a yearly Costco membership is well worth the cost. The popular warehouse club sells bulk goods and other discount buys. Taking advantage of deals here could help you keep more money in the bank.

But before joining, make sure a membership card will benefit your household. Consider your shopping habits and verify whether there’s a Costco location near your home. If you must travel far to shop, joining may not be worthwhile.

You should also consider whether you have enough storage space at home, because many items sold at Costco are bulk buys. Finally, look at Costco’s current product offerings to see if they are items you’re already buying. You can browse products on the Costco website or mobile app.

Making careful buying decisions can benefit your personal finances. Consider your financial situation and needs before spending money on a Costco membership. And if it just doesn’t work out with Costco, rest assured that the warehouse club offers a money back guarantee on its memberships.

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

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Want to fly in business class without going broke? There are affordable ways to score a business-class ticket. Here are three ways to fly in style for less. [[{“value”:”

As a frequent traveler, I appreciate any chance I can get to be more comfortable and have less stress when flying. But when flying in economy, there are minimal extra comforts, and it’s not always an enjoyable experience.

Since I’m working hard to reach my personal finance goals, I don’t typically have the budget to buy a business-class ticket at the standard price. Luckily, I’ve been able to fly in business class several times without overspending beyond my means. I’ll share a few ways I’ve flown business class without paying full price for the experience.

1. Paying for a seat upgrade

You can fly in business class even if you initially purchase an economy-class seat. Many airlines allow customers who have already purchased seats to upgrade to a higher class for a fee. You can usually find seat upgrade offers in the airline’s mobile app or by logging into your online account through the airline’s website. I’ve seen some very reasonable upgrade prices listed.

If you’re considering upgrading a ticket you’ve already purchased, check upgrade prices often before your trip. Upgrade prices can fluctuate, so the prices you see one day may change and become even more affordable later. If the price is right, I will use this strategy again.

2. Booking a flight deal

Another way I’ve flown in business class for an affordable price is by booking a flight deal. You can save money on premium class airfare by booking discounted tickets. I pay for a flight deals service and am sent deal alerts by email. This subscription is worth the cost since I travel several times a year.

Several companies offer services like this, and multiple subscription plans are available depending on your travel preferences. I pay for a higher-tier subscription, which allows me to receive alerts for economy class, first class, business class, and award flight deals.

3. Bidding on a seat upgrade

Some airlines allow fliers to bid on a chance at a seat upgrade. After you pay for your initial ticket, the airline may contact you to ask if you want to bid on an upgrade.

The airline will likely require you to meet a minimum bid amount. Otherwise, you decide how much you’d be willing to pay to upgrade your seat. Other travelers can also bid on an upgrade. If your bid is accepted, the airline will upgrade your seat, and your credit card will be charged. If not, you’ll still have the initial ticket you purchased and won’t be charged extra.

I’ve used this strategy multiple times to save money on a business-class ticket. So far, this opportunity has only presented itself when flying on an international carrier. But if you ever have the chance to submit a bid for a seat upgrade for cheap, consider doing so.

Look for ways to save on travel

Travel costs are higher than they were a few years ago. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to save money on travel expenses like flights and hotel stays. If you dream of flying in business class but are working hard to keep more money in your checking account, look for alternative ways to score a cheaper business-class ticket, like the above mentioned suggestions.

When paying for travel expenses like flights, consider using a travel rewards credit card. You can earn rewards and access valuable credit card perks that improve your travels. Check out our list of the best travel credit cards to learn more.

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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.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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