Why a Costco Membership Might Be the Best Purchase You Make This Holiday Season
Image source: Getty Images The holiday shopping season is slowly ramping up with less than three weeks until its official start on Black Friday. While the food and gifts are fun, paying for them can be really difficult on your savings account. Where and how you shop can help you keep your costs down, and […]
3 Things You Must Do if You Plan to Refinance Your Mortgage Before the End of 2024
Image source: Getty Images If you signed your mortgage last year when rates were even higher than they are today, then you may be struggling to keep up with your monthly payments. And if so, you may be eager to refinance your mortgage. Plus, there’s a good chance mortgage rates will fall before the end […]
What Is a Social Security COLA and How Can It Affect Your Retirement Plan in 2025?
It seems like not too long ago, you could walk into a grocery store with $100 and almost fill up a cart. Nowadays, if you walk into a grocery store with $100, you might be able to fill up a basket. For the most part, prices have consistently risen over time, and it’s not limited […]
3 of the Best Products to Buy at Costco
Image source: Getty Images Many shoppers invest in a Costco membership to save money when buying everyday essentials. Are you looking to maximize your Costco membership? Knowing the best items to purchase in-club and online can help you get more from your investment. The retail giant has a vast selection of products, but some items […]
Think an Extended Warranty Will Save You Money? Think Again
Image source: Getty Images If you’re making a big purchase, like a laptop or couch, or even a small one (seriously, Amazon sells extended warranty coverage for $20 charging cords now), you might be asked if you want to pay extra for an extended warranty on the item. Do you? Probably not — and here’s […]
4 Things All Retirees Need to Know About Social Security COLAs
On the off chance you’re receiving Social Security retirement benefits but haven’t yet heard, beginning in January your monthly payments are going to be a little bit bigger. Last month, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (or COLA) for 2025’s payouts. That’s not bad. It’s not as big as 2024’s 3.2% improvement, […]
3 Good Reasons to Buy Holiday Gift Baskets at Costco
Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool Well, we’ve gotten through Spooky Season, so that means there’s only one season left — but it’s a biggie. The Holiday Season, so named for the absolute cacophony of holidays that are crammed together between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, is a busy time. It may be the most wonderful […]
3 Things You Should Never Charge on Your Credit Card
Image source: Getty Images I put nearly every purchase I make on a credit card, and there are good reasons for that. I love the flexibility and convenience that the best credit cards give me, along with the purchase and fraud protections they offer. And I’m always hoping to improve my credit score by continuing […]
This Is the Average 401(k) Balance for Retirees Age 65 and Older
If retirement is on the horizon, there are a few key items you’ll want to tackle first. One of the biggest? Making sure you’ve saved enough to live comfortably — or at least have a plan in place so you can sleep soundly at night. A quick way to get the ball rolling is to […]
Medicare Part B Costs Are Rising in 2025 and Going to Deal Retirees a Double Whammy
One of the biggest misconceptions about Medicare is that the cost of enrollment is free for older Americans. It’s true that Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care, generally doesn’t come with a premium (though there are other out-of-pocket costs enrollees face, like deductibles and coinsurance). But Part B, which covers outpatient care, charges enrollees […]
