I’m Not Counting on Social Security COLAs to Carry Me Through Retirement. Here’s What I’m Doing to Combat Inflation Instead.
It’s official: Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 has been announced. Come January, current beneficiaries will be receiving 2.5% more than they’re getting now, mirroring 2024’s overall inflation rate. Somehow it doesn’t seem like enough, however. Although it’s a purely mathematical matter, most people — and retirees in particular — seem to be struggling […]
The 5 Best Costco Gifts for Under $100
Image source: Getty Images The winter holidays are upon us yet again — have you finished your shopping yet? If not, no sweat. Costco has you covered with plenty of thoughtful gift ideas for less than $100. Here are five that caught my eye. 1. Bose SoundLink Flex SE Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker One of […]
5 Reasons You Can Be Denied a Mortgage — Even if Your Credit Score Is Excellent
Image source: Getty Images You might think that a higher credit score can improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage, and of getting a lower interest rate. And you’d be right. However, a strong credit score is only one of many factors lenders consider when deciding if you’ll get approved or not. In […]
3 Reasons Not to Buy Glasses at Costco
Image source: Getty Images One of the surprising perks of a Costco membership is that you can use Costco for many of your everyday healthcare needs, like prescription drugs and vaccinations from the Costco Pharmacy, and annual eye checkups from Costco Optical. But is Costco really the best place to buy glasses? As a longtime […]
The Low-Effort Way I Saved Over $400 Shopping Online in 2024
Image source: Getty Images I’m a fan of shopping online. There’s nothing better than being able to shop for what I need without leaving the house, so I place frequent online orders. In addition to saving money by shopping online deals, coupon codes help me score additional discounts at checkout. I’ve saved over $400 this […]
This Underrated Hack Could Save You More Than $20,000 in Mortgage Interest
Image source: Getty Images If you’ve taken out a mortgage in the last few years, you probably got hammered with high interest rates. They’re beginning to come down, and many people are eyeing 2025 as a good time to refinance a mortgage and snag a lower rate. But that’s not the only way you can […]
The 5 Best Costco Gifts for Under $50
Image source: Upsplash/ The Motley Fool Are you making your list and checking it twice? Holiday shopping season is upon us, and luckily, Costco’s here to help. Buying gifts from the warehouse giant is a great way to maximize your Costco membership. Here are five great gifts for less than $50. 1. OXO SoftWorks POP […]
3 Warren Buffett Quotes to Help You Build a Millionaire Retirement
Warren Buffett is one of the most admired people in the investing world, and for good reason. He has been at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) for close to 60 years, and in that period, has increased the stock’s value at an average annual growth rate of 19.8% — versus 10.2% […]
Slash Your Credit Card Interest to Zero With These 6 Strategies
Image source: Getty Images If you’re paying interest on credit cards, please try to stop doing that. Credit card debt is the worst kind of debt. The APRs are higher than almost any other type of loan. And unlike so-called “good debt” like a mortgage or an auto loan that helps you afford a roof […]
This Is the Average Social Security Benefit at Age 72
Retirement income looks different for everyone, but one thing that’s common for tens of millions of Americans is Social Security. The role Social Security retirement benefits play in someone’s retirement finances will vary, but many people will tell you just how valuable Social Security is to their livelihood. That’s why it’s valuable to have a […]
