5 things you should always buy at Costco — and 5 things to avoid |
Many Costco shoppers find the $60 annual fee a fair price to pay for the ability to snack on cheap hot dogs and free samples while shopping an airplane hangar's worth of low-priced, bulk-sized items. But not all of the store's offerings are great buys. Here are five of the best deals for members — and five items to avoid — according to Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews. Remember: What makes something a deal doesn't come down to price alone. You undoubtedly save by buying in bulk, but good luck using a gallon tub of turmeric or a 20-pound sack of potatoes before they go bad. Best buys: 1. Gasoline 2. Nuts 3. Maple syrup 4. Eggs 5. Pizza You can skip: 1. Spices 2. Fresh produce 3. Apparel 4. Books 5. Dairy products |
Money Tip of the Week: 2 tips to pay off credit card debt Americans hold a record amount of credit card debt – nearly $988 billion, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. That shakes out to an average balance of $5,733 per consumer, according to a recent report from TransUnion. Those balances are costlier to hold than ever. The average interest rate on credit card debt hovers above 20%. Getting out of the red by decreasing your spending and putting any excess savings toward paying your cards down is easier said than done. Luckily, there are a couple of strategies credit experts recommend that can make the process easier. 1. Get a 0% balance transfer credit card. Signing up for one of these cards allows you to move your high-interest-rate debt over to a new account with a 0% APR introductory period that can last up to 21 months. This will allow you to chip away at your debt without incurring interest charges every month. 2. Consolidate your credit card debt. If you have balances on different cards, consider applying for a personal loan large enough to cover your total debt. If you're approved, you can pay off all your credit cards right away and then repay the loan at a more favorable rate.
The average rate on personal loans is currently about 11%, per Bankrate. That's no picnic, but it beats the rate charged by most credit cards. |
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Next Gen Investing: What the SEC crypto crackdown means for investors |
Last week, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued crypto exchange Coinbase, alleging, among other charges, that the firm operated its trading platform as an unregistered national securities exchange and broker. The move came just a day after the SEC sued Binance, claiming that the world's largest crypto exchange worked to "secretly allow high-value U.S. customers" to continue trading on its unregulated international exchange. Leaders at both Coinbase and Binance have denied wrongdoing and even expressed optimism that lawsuits could bring clarity to murky U.S. crypto regulations. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will play out, but experts warn they could represent a big blow to crypto exchanges and the Americans who use them. Some 20% of Americans say they've invested in, traded or used cryptocurrency, according to a recent NBC News poll. In the face of stricter regulations, some firms may scale back the services they offer to U.S. customers, says Omid Malekan, an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. "That's bad for U.S. investors," he says. "It means they'll have less options and are probably going to have to pay higher fees." |
Worth the Money: Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant — $110 |
When I brought my new puppy home this past fall, I stocked my apartment with all of the essentials — dog toys, food and gates to keep her out of trouble. But what I didn't realize at the time was that my everyday needs would also change as a new dog mom.
One thing I found myself in desperate need of was a handy pair of sweatpants that I could throw on for a quick trip outside. I tried multiple budget options before deciding to invest in the Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant ($110, spanx.com). From the day they arrived, they became my go-to.
Not only are they extremely comfortable and petite-friendly, the material is also dressier than your typical sweats, meaning I look more put-together when in reality, I'm rushing to get out the door. I know I'll have these in my wardrobe for years — and I'm tempted to purchase them in every color! —Rebecca Shinners, Senior Social Editor |
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