Money Management

You don’t need to be a large family to save at Costco. Learn how Costco can help a single person save. [[{“value”:”

You might assume a Costco membership would benefit only those with big grocery bills, like large families or organizations. After all, it might be hard to justify buying a 25-pound bag of rice or 44 bags of popcorn if you’re only buying for yourself. But while Costco does help families save when they buy their essentials in bulk, it isn’t always true that its best savings opportunities are designed for families exclusively. In fact, depending on your grocery budget, single people could easily find as many opportunities to save as a large family.

While it’s not for everyone, here are five ways a Costco membership can help a single person save.

1. Virtual therapy

Virtual therapy puts the shrink’s couch in your own living space and costs significantly less than visiting a therapist in person. But it’s not always cheap, especially since many popular virtual therapist platforms require you to pay monthly subscriptions. For example, Better Help, one of the cheapest options, has subscription plans that cost $65 to $100 per week.

If you’re looking for cheap one-off virtual therapy appointments, Costco could help you out. Through its partnership with Sesame, Costco members can book virtual therapy sessions for $79 a piece. The partnership also yields other affordable services, like $29 virtual primary care visits, a $179 weight loss program, and $72 standard lab panel and consultations. All are great options if you don’t have health insurance, or are paying more for the same services elsewhere.

2. Save on paper products

You might not eat enough pancakes to justify buying an economy-sized bag of pancake mix (but I don’t know, maybe?). But one area where all people can save is paper products, like toilet paper and paper towels. Costco sells paper products in such hefty bulk and at such a low per-unit price, it could fill your closet with a year-long supply of toilet paper for cheap, like it was the pandemic all over again.

But since toilet paper is pretty much always in demand, take a second to compare prices with Costco’s competitors, in case you can save more elsewhere. For example, Kirkland Signature 2-ply toilet paper (380 sheets per roll) costs $23.49 online for 30 rolls. Meanwhile, Walmart’s Great Value toilet paper also comes with 380 sheets per roll and costs $15.84 for 24 rolls. Better yet, its Scott toilet paper comes with 1,000 sheets per roll and costs $29.87 for 36 rolls. In this instance, Costco doesn’t have the best price — but this might be different for different products.

3. Buy Costco tires

Costco’s Tire Center is often one of the cheapest places for Costco members to buy new tires. For one, installation is free. This can cost about $80 at other tire shops, including Sam’s Club. Secondly, Costco frequently runs promotions on tires that can make the retail price even cheaper. In fact, it’s not rare to find promotions on certain tire brands that shave $100 off a set of four. That’s enough to pay for a Costco membership — and leave some cash in your checking account for a few $1.50 hot dogs.

4. Shop for your pets

You might be single, but no one said you’re living alone. If you have animals to feed, Costco’s bulk pet food and flea and tick treatments come at a low price, especially in comparison to pet stores, like Petsmart and Petco. It may not have the same variety of pet supplies as other stores, but for basic food, cat litter, and some toys, it can help you cut your pet care budget.

5. Save money on groceries

It’s not always true that Costco’s bulk-item groceries benefit only families. In fact, as long as you have the storage space — or a chest freezer — buying items in bulk can still save you money over the long term.

It depends, of course, on what you buy regularly and whether Costco sells that item. For example, let’s say you workout regularly and consume a hefty amount of protein bars and shakes. Costco sells these items, and sometimes at lower prices than what you’d find online. For example, it sells an 18-count box of think! protein bars for $24.49 online ($1.36 per bar). The cheapest alternative I can find is a 30-count box on Amazon for $51.24 ($1.71 per bar). In this case, you’re saving more than $0.35 per bar, which adds up to $10.50 per month, if you eat one a day. If you saved $10.50 for six months, guess what — you just paid for your Costco membership in protein bars. Talk about bulking up, right? (rimshot)

Even if you’re not sure buying in bulk could help you save, it doesn’t hurt to try out a Costco membership for a year. That’s because Costco will reimburse your membership dues if you decide it’s not for you. Give it a shot and see if Costco is selling something that could make paying $60 for an annual membership worth it for you.

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

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Not everyone has a Costco in their neighborhood — or even in their city. Keep reading to learn why a membership could still make sense. [[{“value”:”

I’m thinking of taking the plunge on a Costco membership later this year. I’ll have more storage space after I buy a house. Plus, so many of my colleagues here at The Ascent are Costco superfans, and I’m curious to see how much I can save on household staples and more by shopping at Costco.

Unfortunately, I don’t live particularly near a Costco warehouse location — the closest one is about an hour away by highway. This means I won’t be able to visit every week, and based on my busy schedule and general dislike of large crowds, I’d probably be looking to visit perhaps once every other month.

Thankfully, the nearest Costco is in a city with restaurants and other stores I like visiting, so I can combine a Costco run with some of these activities and feel better about making the drive. Just the same, though, I decided it was a good idea to evaluate my options for Costco shopping that don’t involve the savings on bulk perishable groceries that some of my colleagues with kids and nearby warehouse locations enjoy. Specifically, is it worth spending $60 (or $120, for an Executive membership that entitles me to 2% cash back on Costco purchases) for an annual membership? Here’s what I found out.

Costco.com shopping

Even if you can’t get to Costco weekly for groceries (or even monthly to stock up on nonperishables), you can still shop on Costco.com. (And unlike Costco warehouses, you can use a Visa or Mastercard to shop online — in store, as far as credit cards are concerned, you’re limited to Visa cards only.) It’s important to note that you will pay a higher price for purchases to order online, though. This is due to additional charges for shipping and handling.

Plus, the nice thing about online shopping is that it’s easy to compare prices and make sure you are getting as good of a deal as is being advertised. Just be sure you’re comparing prices on like products — sometimes retailers sell a special model of a given item, and you won’t be able to find it elsewhere.

Savings on one-time big-ticket purchases

You’ll certainly have access to big-ticket items, like furniture, computers, and jewelry, on Costco.com, but you can also find these purchases in store. The math here on whether Costco is worth it is pretty straightforward — can you save at least $60 on a given item by buying it at Costco? If so, you’ll have paid for your membership. And if you have room in your budget for the upfront cost of an Executive membership, you’ll need to save at least $120 on the purchase in question — this might be more likely if you’re buying something pricey, like a new sofa.

Prices on nonperishable items

Personally, I don’t necessarily intend to buy big-ticket items at Costco — my interest lies in obtaining cheaper and larger packages of nonperishable staples and household goods. (My running joke is that I intend to construct a fort out of Kirkland Signature toilet paper in my basement after I move into my new home.) If I can make even just one Costco trip every other month, and save at least $10 each trip, I’ll have paid for a $60 membership (saving $20 on each trip would equal the cost of an Executive membership).

Looking at toilet paper specifically, I investigated costs for the store brand TP I usually buy at my local grocery store, compared to costs at Costco. I generally buy TP in a six-pack, because I currently have limited storage space in my apartment. This frequently goes on sale for $7.59 per six-pack, and there are 322.66 square feet per pack, for a price of $0.024/square foot. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue is priced at $23.49 on Costco.com, and comes with 1,425 square feet per package, for a price of $0.016 each.

Even on sale, my grocery store’s TP price for what I currently buy is 50% more than what I’d spend at Costco. (And since Costco.com prices are slightly higher than in-store prices, my savings are likely to be even greater.)

Ultimately, it’s a risk-free proposition

Even if your nearest Costco is too far away to make it possible to drive to every week (or even every month), you still stand to save money by joining. The key is focusing on Costco’s online deals, lower prices for bigger-ticket buys (be sure to comparison shop!), and bulk nonperishables. And hey, if you find yourself not using your Costco membership as much as you thought you would, Costco’s stellar return policy even applies to memberships. Costco will cheerfully refund your membership cost if you’re not satisfied.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

If you’re shopping with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are rated the best cards of 2024 by our experts because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and outstanding cash rewards. Plus, you’ll save on credit card interest because all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period.

Click here to read our expert recommendations for free!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Business class tickets are significantly more expensive, even with points. Here’s why you’ll want to upgrade anyway. [[{“value”:”

I’ve been on a few international business-class flights over the years, and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that I’m hooked. So long as it’s within my power, I’ll happily splurge on business class forevermore.

Settle down, folks, I don’t fork over $5,000 a flight — I use travel rewards credit cards. I’m not rich. Of course, even in points, business-class flights are much more expensive than main cabin seats on the same plane; sometimes going for two , three , or five times more money.

If you’ve never had the thrill of flying international business class, you may not get why we’re willing to throw so many points at what is, arguably, a small portion of our vacations. Well, here are just five of the reasons I’ll never go back.

1. You never have to worry about bag space

The only thing I hate more than checking a bag? Having to check a bag because there is no overhead space left on the oversold flight.

When you fly business class, you never have to worry about bag space. The business-class cabin has tons of dedicated overhead space. You also get priority boarding.

For the folks who don’t mind — or even prefer — checking a bag or two, business has you covered here, too. Most international business-class tickets come with two free checked bags. Oh, and when you hit the carousel to pick them up? Business-class bags typically come out first.

2. The food is miles above typical travel fare

The dining experience in business class is to the main cabin experience as a sit-down restaurant meal is to a fast-food meal. Both can be pleasant, both will fill you up, but one is definitely a more elevated experience.

Business-class menus usually boast of the famous chef who created a bespoke culinary journey. The food arrives on real plates, with actual cutlery. You even get adorable salt and pepper shakers.

Still hungry? Business-class passengers usually have constant access to a variety of drinks, snacks, and small plates between meals.

3. Even taller folks can stretch out and lie back

Have you ever wondered how all those international business folks fly back and forth from meeting to meeting without falling asleep in the middle of trade negotiations? They sleep in beds in business class.

No, seriously. The seats typically lie flat into beds, complete with sheets and pillows. They give you slippers and an eye mask, sometimes pajamas, and you lay back and get your zzz’s.

This is arguably where the biggest value comes from for business class. Instead of spending your first day groggy — or, worse, sleeping through it — you can hit the ground running and start your vacation right away.

4. Dedicated crew members means prompt service

The best cabin crew in the world can’t make magic happen, and things are never going to be quick when half a dozen people are trying to help several hundred passengers. Up in the business-class cabin, however, that ratio is much, much better.

My last business-class flight, there were about 20 seats — and two dedicated flight attendants. That meant service was incredibly quick, and you never had to look far to find help with setting up your bed or getting a refill. (I always try to be patient when I’m traveling, but it’s really nice when it’s not required.)

5. Many little touches add up to an elevated experience

At the risk of sounding a little woo-woo, I have to say that my last reason here is kind of just the “feel” of flying business class. It feels like an elevated, more luxurious experience. Even when I’m flying on an older plane, or the cabin is a little busier, or the food isn’t quite as good as the last flight — it all still feels nicer.

I think this comes down to the little, sometimes overlooked perks. Having a priority check-in lane. Airport lounge access while you wait. The little amenity kit when you board. The calm and quiet of a cabin that isn’t packed cheek by jowl.

And, yes, all of the other things on the list, too. Really, just start to finish, business class blows main cabin travel out of the proverbial water, and I don’t think I could do long-haul travel without it. Good thing it’s so easy to use my credit cards to travel for free!

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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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The moves you make in your 30s could impact your finances long-term. Read on to learn more. [[{“value”:”

Your 30s have the potential to be a rewarding period of life, but also one that’s financially stressful. On the plus side, you may be more established in your career, which could lead to higher pay and more wiggle room in your budget for expenses like nice vacations. On the other hand, you may be grappling with sky-high child care costs.

You should know, either way, that the financial decisions you make in your 30s could impact your retirement in a big way. And these mistakes could cause your 60-something self to end up sorely disappointed.

1. Buying a house you can’t really afford

In a housing market where home prices are elevated and mortgage rates are high, finding an affordable place to buy isn’t easy. But if you take on too much house, you risk falling behind on your remaining bills. And you might also end up in a situation where you’re spending so much to own your home that there’s no money left over for your retirement savings.

As a general rule, your housing costs, including your monthly mortgage payments, insurance, and property taxes, should not exceed 30% of your take-home pay. If you stick to that limit, you might manage to cover your homeownership costs with minimal stress and still have money left over for other expenses and goals. But if you stretch your budget and end up spending 45% of your monthly income on a home, you could end up with costly debt and a retirement savings shortfall.

2. Raiding your IRA to buy a home

Individual retirement accounts typically impose a 10% early withdrawal penalty for removing funds before turning 59 1/2. However, there’s an exception for first-time home buyers. You can remove up to $10,000 penalty-free for home-buying purposes if it’s your first go-round.

You might think that tapping your IRA for a down payment is a smart move. But it could leave you short on savings later in life.

Let’s say your IRA typically generates a yearly 10% return, which is in line with the stock market’s average return over the past 50 years. A $10,000 withdrawal at age 35 to buy a home could cost you almost $175,000 by age 65 when you account for lost gains. That’s a lot of money to be missing in your IRA by the time you reach retirement age.

3. Investing too conservatively

You may be inclined to play it safe in your IRA during your 30s to avoid large losses in that account. But your 30s are a good time to take on this kind of risk, since you have many years to ride out stock market volatility and come out ahead financially.

The 10% return the stock market has averaged over the past 50 years accounts for periods of growth and periods of decline. If you play it too safe in your IRA, you might end up with a nest egg that falls short of your needs.

Let’s say you go all-in on stocks and generate a 10% yearly return in your IRA, all the while contributing $300 a month from ages 30 through 65. At that contribution rate and return, you’ll have about $975,000 to retire on.

However, if you invest conservatively and only score a 6% return during that window, you’ll only end up with about $401,000. That’s a nice amount of money, but it’s not $975,000.

You don’t want your future self to end up shaking their head at 30-something you. So do your best to avoid these mistakes during your 30s. Steering clear of them could really impact your future in a positive way.

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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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