Money Management

Need a great gift for your mom? The clock is ticking down. Read on to see how Costco can come to your rescue. [[{“value”:”

Many people struggle with what to get their moms for Mother’s Day. After all, not every Mom is a fan of jewelry, and a new bracelet or set of earrings may not be in your budget.

The good news is that Costco carries a host of Mother’s Day gifts, including several items you can find online. Here are five to consider if you need something nice.

1. The Fruit Company Classic Mother’s Day 5 Box Tower

If your mom is the type who’d prefer a mix of fruit to a bundle of chocolate, then you may want to consider this fruit tower available at Costco.com. It features pears, apples, mixed nuts, and a little bit of candy in the form of red licorice. There’s also a fun flower-shaped cookie thrown in for good measure. You can scoop this bundle up for $39.99 through May 31, and that includes shipping. Its normal price is $49.99.

Now, one thing you should know about Costco is that the store’s online prices are typically higher than the prices you’ll pay in stores. However, this particular item happens to be an online-only one. So while you may find something comparable at your local warehouse, don’t expect to find the exact same item.

2. Chocolate Covered Company Mother’s Day Belgian Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 12 count

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a true indulgence. And if you think your mom will be a fan, then you may want to snag this 12-count from Costco.

Although the $54.99 price point might seem steep for a 12-count of strawberries, dipped chocolate is commonly an expensive item and that cost includes shipping. Shari’s Berries sells a similar 12-count of chocolate-covered strawberries for $46.99. And when you tack on shipping, it’s basically the same price as Costco. Only at Costco, you might get 2% cash back on your purchase if you have an Executive membership.

3. Sweetest Mom Arrangement

Maybe your mom isn’t a foodie and doesn’t particularly enjoy gifts she has to find a permanent home for. If so, flowers could be the perfect gift. Costco has several Mother’s Day arrangements, including this one for $54.99. It features roses, cremons, alstroemeria, and more, all neatly packaged in a basket.

4. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Mother’s Day Party Pack

If your mom loves chocolate, then this Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory bundle might really make her day. For just $39.99, you get an assortment that includes chocolate-covered pretzels, sea salt caramels, lemon toffee bars, and chocolate-covered cookies. If you’ll be visiting Mom, you may want to bring over a half-gallon of milk to accompany this collection of sweets.

5. A Spafinder gift card

Some people look at gift cards as taking the easy way out. But your mom might truly appreciate a day at the spa, and a generous Spafinder gift card from Costco could be a gift she’ll absolutely love. As a bonus, right now through May 12, you can score $100 worth of Spafinder gift cards for just $69.99 through Costco. That’s a pretty tough deal to beat.

Clearly, you have some options when it comes to finding a Mother’s Day gift at Costco. But don’t wait. These items need time to ship out, so the sooner you place your order, the more likely your items are to arrive in time for Sunday. And remember, you can always visit your local Costco store and see what gift baskets and arrangements it has on hand if you’d rather not take your chances with shipping.

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.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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A travel credit card can be a great tool for travelers. But make sure you choose one that meets your needs. Here’s what to look for in a travel credit card. [[{“value”:”

Since I’m a frequent traveler, I’ve used travel rewards credit cards for several years. I like that I get rewarded when I book travel arrangements and spend money on other purchases. I also enjoy using my cards’ many other benefits.

Are you considering applying for a travel credit card? It’s essential to choose one that meets your needs. Not all travel credit cards have the same features, rewards structures, or perks. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a travel credit card.

1. Fee schedules

Before applying for any credit card, you should research the fees. An annual fee can slowly eat away at your checking account balance. If the card you’re considering has one, you’ll pay the fee yearly to earn rewards and use the benefits provided.

If you’re on a tight budget, look for a credit card with no annual fee or one with a lower yearly fee. Many travel credit cards have reasonable annual fees of $100 or less.

Another pitfall to watch out for is foreign transaction fees. Some travel credit cards have no foreign transaction fees. However, if there are foreign transcription fees, you can expect to pay a fee of around 3% every time you swipe your card for international purchases. If you plan to travel abroad, this fee can add up quickly.

You should also research other fees before selecting a card to know what to expect. Luckily, you can make strategic moves to avoid some fees — like paying your entire credit card balance every month to avoid interest charges.

Here are some credit card fees to consider:

Late payment feeInterest fees based on the annual percentage rate (APR)Cash advance fee

2. How rewards are earned

Some travel credit cards offer flat-rate rewards on all purchases. Others have select bonus categories, where you’ll earn rewards at a higher rate when you swipe your card for eligible purchases. Knowing how the card earns rewards is necessary because it can help you choose a card that matches your current spending habits. This way, you’re earning rewards as you make your usual purchases.

3. How rewards can be redeemed

Once you have earned enough rewards, you’ll want to use them. Some travel credit cards have flexible redemption options, allowing cardholders to redeem their rewards for a statement credit, transfer to participating travel partners to book airfare or hotels, or book travel reservations using a travel portal. But not all credit card rewards programs are the same, so make sure you know what to expect.

4. Other credit card perks

Many rewards credit cards include added perks. Some credit cards offer valuable travel benefits like trip delay or trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, or complimentary airport lounge access. These benefits can vary from card to card.

Take some time to review the benefits provided so you can decide if you’ll get good value out of the card you’re considering. Knowing this information is especially important if you’re paying a pricey annual fee to use the card, because you don’t want to waste money on unused perks.

Choose a credit card that works for your needs

Not every card will be the right match for you, but there are many top-rated travel credit cards to consider. As you explore card options, consider your travel preferences, spending habits, and credit card rewards goals so you choose a credit card that fits your goals and lifestyle well. Check out our best travel credit cards list to learn more about their features and benefits.

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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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Need a last-minute Mother’s Day gift? Amazon’s got you covered. Read on for some options that won’t break the bank. [[{“value”:”

Every year, I tell myself that I simply will not wait until the last minute to find my mom a gift for Mother’s Day. And every year, I inevitably find myself desperately searching Amazon several days before the big event in an attempt to find something good because I’ve procrastinated yet again.

In my defense, my mother is a pretty tough person to shop for. But I’ve managed to find a few Amazon buys that I think might work well. And if you’re desperate for a last-minute Mother’s Day gift yourself, you may want to check out these finds — especially since they all have the potential to be pretty easy on your budget.

1. Nuts Gift Basket

If my mom was into chocolate, I’d head over to my local Costco store, grab some yummy finds, stick everything in a basket, and call it a day. But my mother is much more of a salty snack kind of person, which is why I think she might really love this gift basket of nuts. It features glazed pecans, roasted cashews, salted almonds, and more. And right now, it’s on sale on Amazon for 39% off, bringing the price down to $19.25.

2. Whale Flotilla Extra Large Fleece Throw Blanket

Because throw blankets tend to be a pretty popular gift, some people have more of them than they know what to do with. But one nice thing about throw blankets is that you can mix and match them based on the season. I’m thinking of getting my mom this 50 x 70-inch throw blanket in a fun spring color like purple. Or, I might do emerald green since it matches her living room furniture.

At a price point of just $8.99, it’s certainly a nice add-on to another gift at the very least. And if money is tight, well, you’ve got yourself a great buy for under $10.

3. HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa

My mom is not the sort of person who’s going to carve out the time to spend the day at a spa. So I’m thinking I might bring the spa to her with this HoMedics foot bath for just $29.99. It features toe-touch controls and a removable pumice stone for the ultimate foot pampering experience. If you have a mom who’s constantly on the go, this might be her ticket to a relaxing evening at home.

4. I Love You Grandma Photo Frame with Stand

If there’s one thing my mom might possibly love more than being a mother, it’s being a grandmother. So each year, I try to come up with a gift from me and a separate gift from my kids.

Because my kids like to chip in with money from their own savings accounts, I always make a point to try to find something relatively low-cost. And this photo frame fits the bill with its $11.24 price point. I like its simplicity, and that it comes with a stand so there’s the option to perch it on a shelf or mount it on the wall. Of course, to complete this gift, you’ll need to come up with a great photo — but hopefully, you’ve got a nice selection to choose from on your phone.

5. SIEPASA Windproof Travel Compact Umbrella

An umbrella might seem like kind of a lame Mother’s Day gift at first. But umbrellas are the sort of thing people have a tendency to lose. And let’s face it — even the pricier ones tend to have a limited useful life. So if you’re able to buy one or two for your mom, she might really appreciate it.

Plus, you can find these low-cost umbrellas on Amazon in a variety of fun colors. The price will vary based on the option you choose, but they go as low as $9.99.

If you’re down to the wire for finding a Mother’s Day gift, fear not — I’m right there with you. Thankfully, you can turn to Amazon for a host of options. And if you’re truly at a loss, consider giving the gift of an Amazon Prime membership if you can swing the $139 price tag. That way, your mom can have an easier time doing her own last-minute shopping all year long.

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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Short-term rental properties can be an excellent investment. Read on for important insurance concepts you can’t afford not to know. [[{“value”:”

More than 5 million hosts list properties on Airbnb, and there’s a good reason why. In 2023 alone, Airbnb generated more than $73 billion in booking value for the accommodations listed on its platform.

Short-term rental properties can be a great way to invest in real estate and potentially have a vacation home for you and your family at the same time. But it’s important to know that your standard homeowners insurance is likely not sufficient all by itself. As an owner of an Airbnb rental myself, here are three important things you need to know about insuring a short-term rental property.

Make sure your insurance company knows about it

I don’t mean to be repetitive, but this headline is worth emphasizing. Make sure that if you are using a property as a short-term rental, your homeowners insurance company knows about it. If it doesn’t, you could be opening yourself up to a world of liability that you don’t want.

One consideration is that standard homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover damage during periods where your home is unoccupied. The main reason why it’s usually more expensive to insure a vacation rental than a primary residence is that it sits vacant more often, and therefore there is a higher probability that you’ll end up filing a claim (for example, a small house fire can more easily become a big fire if nobody is in the house).

Second home insurance policies are available, and these generally provide the same coverage as standard homeowners insurance. If you rent out your property (via Airbnb or otherwise), you might need a specific endorsement covering short-term rentals.

Airbnb offers some coverage

Airbnb offers its AirCover insurance to protect hosts from damage. As of the latest information, AirCover provides up to $1 million in liability coverage and $3 million in damage protection. AirCover also offers professional deep cleaning reimbursement, and you can submit claims for reimbursement in many cases if a guest steals something from your home.

A couple of caveats. First, this coverage applies only if you list on Airbnb. If you also plan to list your rental on other platforms, be sure to check what sort of coverage (if any) applies. Some rivals offer significantly lower coverage and exclude issues like pet damage. Second, AirCover is a good insurance program for hosts, but it might not cover everything. It’s important to compare what AirCover will protect you from with a homeowners policy plus a short-term rental endorsement.

Protection beyond your homeowners policy is smart

The standard homeowners insurance advice you’ll hear from financial professionals is “don’t skimp on coverage.” But I’d go a step beyond that and suggest an umbrella policy if you’re an Airbnb owner, just to make sure you’re protected if something truly unfortunate happens.

One thing I do, and that could be a smart idea for anyone who owns rental properties or has a lot of assets to protect, is to get an umbrella policy. In short, umbrella insurance provides protection when the limits of your homeowners, auto insurance, and other insurance policies aren’t enough to cover a loss.

For example, let’s say that you own a vacation rental and your liability limit is $500,000. Something happens while the property is rented and three people are significantly injured and are suing you for $1 million. Umbrella insurance would protect you in a situation like this.

Umbrella policies are usually relatively inexpensive, because they only pay out after your other insurance is exhausted. Policies are typically issued in multiples of $1 million (I have a $2 million umbrella policy, for context). And it could provide you with the peace of mind that you’re covered if the worst happens.

Make sure you are protected

The bottom line is that the standard homeowners policy is by no means sufficient if you own a vacation rental. At the very least, you’ll need a short-term rental endorsement that will likely make your homeowners insurance more expensive due to the risks of vacancy, and it could be a smart idea to add an umbrella policy as well.

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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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If you don’t manage your working time well when you start a business, you may overwork yourself. Here are some tips that may help. [[{“value”:”

Owning your own business can benefit your life. You can pursue your passions, have more control over your schedule, and make your dreams of being a business owner a reality. However, transitioning from employee to small business owner can be an adjustment. One issue that many new small business owners struggle with is maintaining a work-life balance. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering starting a business.

Don’t overwork yourself

There’s a lot to do when you’re a brand-new business owner. It can be easy to overextend yourself because opening and managing a new business is hard work. But it’s essential to remember that you can’t do it alone, and it will take time to get settled into a routine.

It’s wise to make an effort to have a good work-life balance. If you struggle to do this, you may experience burnout. When you’re overworked, it can be challenging to make business decisions, and you may make expensive mistakes. It’s in your best interest to establish a work-life balance early on in your journey.

Here are some tips that can help you better balance your professional responsibilities and personal responsibilities so you can be a happier and healthier small business owner.

1. Establish set working hours (and honor them)

When you’re a busy small business owner, you may feel tempted to work well beyond operating hours. But if you work long hours, you may not have time left to handle responsibilities outside of running your business. It’s best to establish set working hours to hold yourself accountable. Setting a specific work schedule can allow you to develop healthy working habits to avoid overworking. But make sure you stick to the schedule you set for yourself.

2. Hire help

There may come a time when you need to hire employees. There is only so much time in each day, and you can only do so much yourself. If you’re struggling to maintain a work-life balance, you may want to consider hiring an employee to help with some tasks.

Doing this can free up more time to focus on your personal needs. Of course, you’ll want to ensure you can afford to hire someone, so it’s essential to review your business finances first. If your small business checking account balance is low, you may need to wait to hire staff.

Even if you can’t afford to hire employees, you can free up more time by simplifying everyday business tasks. For example, you can use accounting software to manage bookkeeping tasks like invoicing and business expense tracking. Time savings can improve your work-life balance.

3. Schedule breaks

Some business owners get so involved in their day-to-day business affairs that they forget to take breaks. You may make excuses for not taking a personal day off or scheduling a vacation. Do yourself a favor and schedule breaks. You’ll be thankful you planned in advance and have something already on the calendar. Taking time off to rest is necessary for your mind and body.

4. Make time for sleep, movement, and personal interests

In addition to freeing up your schedule for family and friends, remember to prioritize yourself. Taking good care of yourself can be beneficial for your business. Getting enough sleep, exercising, and spending some free time on your personal interests can be helpful. You’ll feel happier, healthier, and refreshed, so your time spent working is more effective.

Good time management skills are a must

Starting a new business can be fun and exciting. But you should manage your time well so you don’t overwork yourself. Developing good time management skills can help you get more done and maintain a good separation between your business and personal life. Review our small business resources for additional tips to help you in your entrepreneurial journey.

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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