You found your dream home, the seller accepted your offer, and you're eager to close on the sale. But as you finalize the paperwork, make sure you don't overlook a policy that could prove invaluable down the road: owner’s title insurance. Without it, you could lose your home and the money you've put into it if someone else one day lays an ownership claim to the title — your legal right to own the property.

Many home buyers assume that the title insurance their mortgage lender requires them to pay for at closing protects their interests. However, that policy applies only to the lender's investment. It does nothing to shield your finances if a title dispute arises.

Although purchasing an owner's title insurance policy is optional for home buyers, doing so is worthwhile because it can safeguard your investment, including any financial losses or legal fees, says Sarah Frano, vice president of corporate underwriting with First American Title. "I would not buy a property without title insurance," she says. "I’ve seen the variety of things that can pop up after closing — sometimes years or decades after someone purchases their home."

How it works.

Lenders order a title search once a home is under contract to ensure there are no outstanding ownership claims so that title can pass from one owner to the next. But title examiners don't catch everything, said Karina Borgia-Lacroix, owner of American Real Title in Ft. Myers, Fla.

If they miss an undisclosed heir with a valid claim to the home, for example, that heir could take you to court to challenge ownership. Or if there's a lien on the property for, say, work that a contractor completed but went unpaid by the previous owner, then the home could be forced into a foreclosure if the contractor files a lawsuit. If you don’t have an owner's policy when these types of problems arise, you’ll either have to pay the outstanding liens or defend yourself against title claims in court.

Other scenarios that can result in a dispute, says Frano, include forgery and fraud (such as fake signatures, impersonation or fraudulent sellers); recording errors in county records; misspelled names on recorded documents; and unknown easements that limit how property can be used.

How much does owner's title insurance cost?

While you can purchase owner's title insurance at any time, it’s best to do it during the closing process so you can protect yourself against title claims during the entirety of your ownership.

Plus, purchasing it after closing can be more complex and expensive. If you inherit a property, review the existing title policy to see whether the insurance covers you as an heir, says Frano. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to buy a new policy.

Title insurance premiums are regulated by each state. Expect to pay roughly 0.5% to 1% of the home’s purchase price for an owner's policy. You'll pay much less for the lender's policy, which is based on the loan amount and typically adds just a few hundred dollars to your closing costs.

Buyers usually cover the cost of the lender's title policy. With the owner's policy, whether the buyer or seller pays — or the cost is split down the middle — depends on local customs and laws, Frano says.

Title agents often provide discounts when you combine the purchase of an owner's and a lender's policy, says Borgia-Lacroix. You can shop around among title insurance companies to compare costs and coverage levels.

Buying a home involves more than saving for a down payment. A financial professional can help you build a plan for closing costs, ongoing homeownership expenses and protecting your investment over the long term.

Use the Bankrate tool below to connect with a financial professional and get started today:

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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I like long-term CDs. They earn a guaranteed rate of return, the APY won't change, and they can help you meet long-term savings goals. In a world full of questionable financial options, they're among the most dependable things you can get.

Yet, timing when to open one is imperative. Locking in a rate now, with the current 3.50% inflation rate as a permanent ceiling, will likely prove short-lived, which means inflation might erode some of your future purchasing power. With the ongoing war in Iran raising gas prices again, expect inflation to follow suit.

On top of this, the Federal Reserve is currently holding steady. However, if the bond market tightening doesn't bring down inflation through higher borrowing costs, they may be forced to hike rates — meaning today's locked-in rates could quickly look like a missed opportunity. With that in mind, here is the short-term strategy I'm currently using, as someone who checks and analyzes savings rates for a living, to stay flexible as the market settles.

Short-term CDs provide the dependability and flexibility you want now

I recommend a short-term CD in the interim. With one, you'll have all the benefits you come to love about CDs, with quick access to your cash.

They work best if you have an emergency fund already established and don't need to touch your money during the term. If you have to break it open for any reason, you'll lose some of your earnings to early termination fees. Thankfully, with terms that accommodate all savings goals, you can find the best fit for your goals and cash flow.

Use this Bankrate tool to shop for and compare the best CD rates quickly:

Having quick access to your cash is important because if inflation continues to creep back up, you might want to revisit where you invest your cash when the CD matures. And if the Federal Reserve decides to hike rates later this year, it places you in an excellent position to capitalize on higher returns.

Does waiting really make that big of an impact?

Timing matters when choosing the right savings account. And knowing when to lock in a long-term CD can be the difference between earning hundreds to thousands of dollars more.

To demonstrate, say you locked in a $50,000 five-year CD at 4.00%. You'll earn $10,832.65. However, if you wait a few months and the Fed hikes rates, you could have access to higher returns. A five-year CD at 4.25% APY will earn you $11,567.33, a difference of almost $735, just for waiting a few months.

That's pretty significant, and it's one of the reasons why I would wait on a longer-term CD. On the other side of the coin, you might be thinking, well, would waiting hurt me? After all, what happens if CD rates drop in the interim?

Rest assured, I don't see that happening any time soon. I review CD rates biweekly and have found that some banks have raised CD rates. Here are some of the ones I found recently that rose:

And with inflation so high, cutting the federal funds rate would not be a sound strategy to curb rising costs. While waiting carries the risk of returns remaining flat, the potential upside of a higher rate makes this strategy a smart move in this environment.

Ultimately, short-term CDs are the better play right now. They provide a safe place to park your cash while the economic landscape settles, without locking you into a long-term commitment. By prioritizing terms that keep your money accessible, you're not just earning a competitive term — you're maintaining the flexibility to pivot as soon as better opportunities arise.

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As affordability issues continue to plague the housing market, many homeowners are choosing to make changes to their home rather than their address to get the living space they need.

According to a recent survey from Citizens Financial Group, nearly half of homeowners now say that renovating their house is the most realistic financial option for their family — compared with just 13% who plan to buy a new home — and seven in 10 expect to complete a remodeling project in the next two years.

"They can’t find another place to go," says Linda Kody, a broker with Kody & Company in North Andover, Mass. "They love their neighborhood, and they want a home exactly the way that they want it."

The boom in renovations makes sense given the current state of the housing market. Home prices have jumped 54% since 2020, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

Meanwhile, with mortgage interest rates hovering between 6% and 6.5% lately, many homeowners are reluctant to give up the 3% to 4% loans they scored before rates began climbing a few years ago. The resulting lack of inventory — there are 17% fewer homes for sale now than before the pandemic — also means there are fewer options available for those who want to move.

If you're among the many homeowners contemplating a remodeling project in the next year or two, these strategies can help you decide which projects to tackle and how to keep costs manageable.

Choose renovations strategically.

Start by thinking about your immediate maintenance needs and the functionality required for your lifestyle. If you're planning to stay in the house through retirement, for instance, consider adding design elements, such as a walk-in shower or zero-step entryway, that will make living there easier as you get older.

"The risk of having to move later can be significantly reduced if you prepare your home in advance," says Louis Tenenbaum, president and CEO of HomeRenewed Ventures, a Washington, D.C., firm that offers consulting services for homeowners to age in place.

Tenenbaum recommends completing as many necessary projects as possible simultaneously, because trying to remodel in stages as health and mobility challenges arise ends up being more expensive and stressful. Basic upgrades and repairs, such as replacing old wiring or fixing a leaky roof, also help your home retain its value and reduce maintenance costs in the future.

After that, look at high-use areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. If resale value is important to you, focus on projects that will allow you to recoup a big chunk of your costs.

Recently, that included exterior upgrades (such as replacing garage doors or upgrading siding), minor kitchen remodels and installing a backup power generator, according to Zonda, a home-building data and marketing company.

Keep spending in check.

For larger projects, Alan Archuleta, CEO and president of Archuleta Builders in Morristown, N.J., recommends starting with an architect or design firm with experience in your municipality. Rates for this type of work vary depending on scope, but the average is about $6,600, according to HomeAdvisor.

"The architects and towns dictate what you can and can't do to a home, from a zoning standpoint or an actual structural standpoint," Archuleta explains.

Get quotes from at least three contractors, and ask for itemized bids that spell out costs. Then, add an extra 20% to your budget to allow for surprise expenses, such as water damage or structural repairs, especially in older homes. "Remodeling often prompts code upgrades that would not otherwise be required," says Mari Adam, a certified financial planner in Boca Raton, Fla.

You can lower costs further by opting for midrange fixtures and materials, which balance quality and costs. If you can be flexible with your project’s timing, you may also find better contractor availability and pricing.

"The smartest approach right now is to renovate with intention, rather than rushing into a project," says Elizabeth Gomez, owner of Bridge City Contracting in Portland, Ore.

If you're planning a major renovation, comparing today's refinance rates could help you determine whether tapping your home's equity makes sense for your budget.

Use the Bankrate tool below to compare some of today's top refinance offers:

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Retirement is supposed to be carefree and financially predictable, but that doesn't mean you're exempt from recurring bills. That's particularly true if you own a home. Everything from maintenance to insurance comes at a cost. How you pay those bills — all at once or over time — can have a big impact on your savings and cash flow.

The secret to saving money is timing. Some annual expenses offer discounts if you lock them in early, while others are best kept flexible so you can shop around or keep your money earning interest.

To help you figure it out, here are four everyday bills you should wait to pay to save some serious cash.

4 bills retirees should not prepay

1. Heating oil

For retirees who value predictability, locking in heating oil rates ahead of winter provides peace of mind amid volatile energy markets, but they typically pay extra for that relief.

A fixed-rate plan locks in your price for the entire season, protecting you from cold-weather price spikes. But you won't benefit if market prices drop. A capped-price plan sets a ceiling and lets you pay lower rates if prices fall, but dealers usually charge an upfront protection fee for that option.

The cheapest option, according to nonprofit consumer energy groups and state agencies, is a floating-rate plan. With that, you pay the current market rate and that's it. Over multiple years, those savings can add up.

2. Electricity

Just like heating oil, you can lock in your electricity rate for the year, but doing so can cost you if electricity rates decline.

Plus, you have to be careful of the fine print when signing up for a fixed-rate electricity contract. Some may have early termination fees, monthly recurring charges, and promotional rates that spike once the initial period expires.

3. Auto and homeowners insurance

Who doesn't love the convenience of auto-renewal for auto and homeowners insurance? It's one less thing to worry about, and doesn't loyalty always pay? It turns out it's better to shop around each year to ensure you're getting the best rates.

How much can you actually save? According to a LendingTree survey, drivers reported saving at least $100 per year simply by switching auto insurance providers.

Use the Bankrate tool below to connect with auto insurance providers and compare quotes:

4. Home warranty contracts

Home warranty contracts are supposed to protect you from expensive repairs. For a fixed annual fee, you won't have to worry if the furnace dies, a pipe bursts or the AC is on the fritz. Often, you get high service call fees, strict restrictions on what is covered and exclusions hidden deep in the fine print.

Instead of locking up money in a warranty contract that will require you to pay out of pocket anyway, put it in a high-yield savings account where your cash earns interest until it's needed for a repair.

Keep control of your retirement

Cash is king; it couldn't be truer in retirement, which is why patience pays off when it comes to some everyday expenses.

By shopping around annually and keeping your cash accessible in high-yield savings, you'll ensure your money stays liquid and under your control.

Use the Bankrate tool below to search for today's top high-yield savings account offers:

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You've only been shopping for an hour, but as you walk up to your car in the parking lot, you're shocked to find damage to its bumper and scrapes along one side.

Someone has clearly hit your car in the parking lot, and then they drove away without leaving any contact information.

What should you do? And what insurance coverage applies if your parked car is damaged in a hit-and-run? Taking the right steps can improve your chances of finding the driver and help you navigate the insurance claims process.

What to do immediately after discovering the damage

It's important to carefully document the damage at the scene, so don't move your car. Photograph the damage and the surrounding area in the parking lot. Look for any debris or paint transfer that might help identify the vehicle that hit your car.

Check for witnesses who may have seen what happened. Many businesses have surveillance cameras in parking lots, so check with nearby businesses to see if they have cameras that might have caught the incident.

Contact the police and file an accident report to document what happened. Many insurance companies require a copy of the police report before they'll process your claim. Ask the responding officer for their name and badge number, and find out how you can obtain a copy of the report.

Should you file an insurance claim?

If you're able to identify the driver who hit your car, their liability insurance is generally responsible for paying for your vehicle's repairs. But if you can't identify the driver, the situation becomes more complicated.

Many insurers treat this type of incident as a hit-and-run. Depending on your policy, your own insurance may help cover the repair costs.

Before filing a claim, compare the estimated repair costs with your deductible. It's also worth considering that filing a claim could lead to higher insurance premiums, depending on your insurer, state and claims history.

In some cases, paying for the repairs out of pocket may make more financial sense. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and the repairs are estimated at $1,100, filing a claim would save you only $100 before factoring in the potential impact on your premiums.

On the other hand, if your deductible is $1,000 and the damage is estimated to cost $3,000 to repair, filing a claim could substantially reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

What insurance covers a parked car hit-and-run?

Only certain types of auto insurance can help cover damage if your parked car is hit in a hit-and-run.

Collision coverage typically pays to repair your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who caused it. If you can't identify the driver who hit your parked car, you may be able to file a claim under your collision coverage, though you'll likely have to pay your deductible.

Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) is optional coverage in some states. Depending on where you live and the terms of your policy, it may help pay for repairs if the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene. However, not every state or insurer covers hit-and-run accidents under UMPD, so it's important to review your policy.

Liability insurance generally won't cover damage to your own vehicle. Instead, it's designed to pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others if you're at fault in an accident.

If you're concerned about the financial impact of a parking lot hit-and-run, review your policy to see whether you have collision coverage or other protections that would help pay for repairs. It's a good idea to shop around for insurance and make sure you've got the right coverage at the right price.

Use the Bankrate tool below to gather quotes and compare coverage:

Will filing a claim raise your insurance premiums?

In some cases, filing a claim after a hit-and-run parking lot accident may raise your insurance premiums. The decision depends on your insurer, state and claims history. Some insurance companies will increase your insurance premiums any time you file a claim, even if you weren't at fault.

Rate increases may be more significant if you've filed a certain number of claims within a particular period, and you might feel the effect of those rate increases for years.

Since policies vary between different insurance companies, it's a good idea to ask your insurer about their policy before you proceed with a claim.

Can security cameras help identify the driver?

Identifying the driver may help you avoid filing a claim against your own insurance coverage, saving you money on repair costs and potential insurance premium hikes. Security cameras may help you identify the driver after a car accident, so check with the store you were in to see if they have surveillance footage.

If you plan to collect security camera footage, it’s important to act quickly. Home security systems often delete footage within seven to 30 days, while commercial systems tend to maintain footage for 30 to 90 days.

Be proactive and ask for footage promptly to avoid any chance of it being deleted.

What if someone left a note?

If the driver leaves a note, it may include their contact and insurance information. You can contact their insurance company to verify the policy and begin the claims process.

You can also notify your own insurance company and provide the other driver's information. Your insurer can work directly with the at-fault driver's insurance company to seek payment for your vehicle's repairs.

How to reduce the chances of future parking lot damage

How and where you park may reduce the chance of your vehicle being damaged in a parking lot. Make sure your vehicle is always fully within the painted lines and try to avoid parking in the high-traffic areas that are closest to the store.

If you have a vehicle with large side mirrors, fold the mirrors in when you park to help prevent collisions. You can reduce the chance of someone hitting your vehicle by parking next to a curb or cart return so there's only room for one vehicle to park directly next to you. When parking at night, choose a well-lit area of the parking lot to ensure your vehicle is easily visible.

You may also want to invest in a dash cam with a parking mode for your vehicle. These cameras automatically start recording if they detect motion or impact to your vehicle, hopefully capturing footage of the other vehicle that damages your car.

No one expects to return to a damaged car, but knowing what to do can make the situation easier to navigate. Reviewing your auto insurance coverage, parking strategically and understanding the claims process can help you protect both your finances and your vehicle.

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For older adults who need supervised care throughout the day, an adult day center can offer some much-needed support. These nonresidential facilities provide services such as medical assistance, social interaction and organized activities for participants, who typically have some physical or cognitive impairment. And their adult child, spouse or other caregiver can use the time to work or take a break from their caregiving responsibilities.

Generally, there are three types of adult day centers. Social day centers primarily offer opportunities for attendees to interact with one another and participate in group activities. A medical day center also provides health-focused services, such as physical or occupational therapy. Specialized centers include services such as memory care or therapeutic exercises for those with certain health conditions, such as dementia or Parkinson's disease.

To find local day centers, Tia Sauceda, executive director of the National Adult Day Services Association, suggests using NADSA's tool or this AARP-sponsored directory (click on "Community Services"). Or ask your loved one's doctor for recommendations. Once you've narrowed down a list of centers to consider, contact your state's department of aging to verify that they are licensed, and visit them in person, says William Zagorski, president of American Senior Care Centers, in Nashville. Day centers typically require a doctor's letter detailing the attendee's health condition.

Financial assistance and tax breaks

According to a 2025 study from CareScout, a site families can use to search for care providers, adult day centers charge a median daily rate of $95. Some centers have additional fees for certain services, such as a certified nursing assistant providing showers, says Sauceda.

While original Medicare generally doesn't pay for care at an adult day center, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) private insurance plans cover the expense. Medicaid, the government-provided health insurance for low-income Americans, may also cover day center care.

A specialized Medicare/Medicaid program that provides coverage for adult day center services is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). It aims to help older adults who need a nursing home level of care to continue living in their homes and is offered in 33 states (see the list here) and Washington, D.C.

A couple of other possible avenues for financial assistance: If your loved one has a long-term-care insurance policy, see whether care from an adult day center is included. Military veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Medical Benefits Package who need clinical care are eligible for coverage at an adult day center.

Don't overlook tax breaks you may qualify for as a caregiver. If your loved one is unable to care for himself or herself and lives with you at least six months of the year, and you pay for them to attend a day center while you work or seek employment, you may be able to claim the child and dependent care tax credit.

If your employer offers a dependent care flexible savings account, through which you can set aside pretax dollars to pay for a dependent's care while you work, you may use those funds for day center care. (Note that you can't use the same expenses your FSA reimburses to claim the child and dependent care tax credit.)

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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As someone who reviews savings accounts and inflation for a living, it's become easier to see where things are heading. Understanding how these trends move can be the difference between keeping your money in the right account and missing opportunities to maximize growth.

Case in point, inflation remains stubbornly high, and ongoing tensions in the Middle East could keep pressure on energy prices. David Payne of the Kiplinger Letter projects inflation will be around 4.0% to end the year. If higher inflation persists, it could eventually force the Federal Reserve to hike rates. For now, though, the Fed left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%, signaling that policymakers are still waiting for clearer evidence that inflation is moving back toward its 2% target. For savers, the Fed's decision means today's high-yield savings accounts and CDs remain attractive options, though the next move will depend on how inflation evolves.

Navigating these shifts is the difference between letting your money stagnate and putting it to work. If you have $10k sitting on the sidelines, here are the smartest places to park it — and the traps you need to avoid.

The smartest places to park your cash in the interim

First, if you're building an emergency fund or have short-term savings goals that require liquidity, a high-yield savings account will be the best option. And when you're looking for one, I recommend finding an account earning at least 4.00% APY, since that's likely where inflation will remain for the foreseeable future.

Based on my research, this savings account is a home run option:

Meanwhile, if you have an emergency fund and don't require any liquidity, I would recommend a short-term CD. Look for options between three and six months, since if a rate hike happens, it will likely be in the fall or winter.

If it does, it puts you in prime position to capitalize on even higher rates when your CD matures. Use this Bankrate tool to compare and find the best solution for your money:

Another positive about this approach is that if the Fed doesn't hike rates and inflation remains high, you have flexibility to decide where to hedge your cash in the near future.

Whether that's renewing your existing CD or putting money in the market, you won't have to worry about your future purchasing power eroding due to inflation.

These are the savings accounts I would cautiously consider

Long-term CDs are cozy solutions. After all, once you open one, you're guaranteed to earn that APY no matter what happens. If you're approaching retirement and are concerned about market volatility, it can be a smart approach.

Here are some of the top options I found to help you:

One thing to remember is that the longer your money sits in a CD, the more susceptible it could be to losing future purchasing power if inflation continues to rise. So these options work best for savers with an emergency fund, short-term savings and retirement goals all either fully funded or on course to be.

Avoid this savings trap

The only savings accounts I don't recommend using right now are those at brick-and-mortar banks, where your APYs will be much lower than the current inflation rate of 3.50%. This means every dollar you have in one of these accounts loses purchasing power every month you keep it there.

That said, some local banks do offer higher returns on money market accounts or CDs if you deposit enough money into them, usually between $10,000 and $25,000. So, if you're in a position where you don't feel comfortable moving away from your local bank, ask about any savings incentives they have that can help you.

Ultimately, managing your cash effectively requires a strategic approach. Take a moment to audit your current accounts against the 3.50% inflation rate.

By prioritizing high-yield options that keep your money working for you, you can strike a balance between liquidity for immediate needs and growth to hit your long-term targets. You'll also protect your purchasing power and make the most of your $10k savings.

The right savings strategy is a strong starting point, but a financial professional can help you build on that foundation with a personalized plan for your long-term goals.

Use the tool below to connect with a financial advisor and get started today:

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Google has updated its cloud storage policy for Android device backups. For existing users, the change will take effect 45 days after they receive Google's notification email. Android device backups will count toward the 15 GB of free storage included with every Google Account. The company is also rolling out more detailed backup controls for devices running Android 9 and newer.

For many users, the impact may be small because photos, videos and other media files already count toward the same 15 GB storage limit. However, adding device backups could push some accounts closer to — or over — that cap.

If your account exceeds the free storage limit, your Android device will stop automatically updating its backups until you free up space or upgrade your storage. Checking how much storage you currently use can help you avoid interruptions once the policy takes effect.

Who will notice the biggest impact?

Users who are already close to Google's 15 GB free storage limit are likely to notice the biggest impact. If their account exceeds the storage limit, automatic backups will be paused.

People with years of Gmail, Google Photos and Drive files might also exceed the Google Storage cap when their device backup data counts toward the limit.

People who use multiple Android devices, such as a phone and tablet, may also see their storage fill more quickly. Every device under the same account syncs to the same storage space, so adding in backup data for multiple devices might push the account past the storage limit.

How to check your available Google storage

Google has started emailing Android users with details about the policy change, including how much Google storage they've already used and an estimate of how much space their device backup may require. You can also check your storage usage at any time.

To see how much storage you have available, sign in to your Google One account. Your dashboard shows how much of your 15 GB of free storage you've used and breaks down what's consuming that space.

Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos all count toward your storage limit. Reviewing the breakdown can help you identify opportunities to free up space before the new backup policy takes effect.

What happens if you run out of storage?

If the new backup policy pushes your account over the storage limit, some Google services may stop working until you free up space or upgrade your storage plan.

Your Android device's automatic backups may be paused, Gmail may stop receiving new emails, Google Drive uploads could fail and Google Photos may stop syncing new photos and videos.

Five ways to avoid paying for more storage

While you can pay to increase your Google storage, there are workarounds that can help keep your storage functioning without you having to pay:

• Delete unnecessary files from Google Drive: Large Google Drive files can quickly eat into your storage capacity. Go through your Google Drive account and delete any unnecessary files. Deleted files are stored in your Trash folder for 30 days, so be sure to go to the Trash folder and permanently delete the files to free up the storage.
• Remove large email attachments: Large Gmail attachments can take up extra storage. The Google One Storage Manager allows you to identify and delete the largest email attachments.
• Clean up Google Photos: Go through your Google Photos and delete any photos you no longer need. The deleted images will sit in your Trash folder, so be sure to delete them from the Trash folder to free up storage.
• Review what your phone backs up: Use the Google One app or your Android phone's backup settings to review what's backed up. If certain apps take up a lot of storage, you can toggle those apps off so they aren't backed up.
• Delete old device backups you no longer need: You can use the Google One app to delete old device backups that you no longer need to free up more space.

When paying for Google One makes sense

While there are several ways to free up storage and avoid paying for additional space, upgrading to a Google One plan may be worthwhile in some situations.

Google One offers four paid storage tiers ranging from 100 GB to 2 TB. Plans cost $1.99 to $9.99 per month, and you can save about 16% by paying annually instead of monthly.

A paid plan may make sense for households with multiple Android devices sharing the same Google Account or for people who rely heavily on Google Photos and regularly store large files in Google Drive.

It can also be worthwhile if you'd rather not constantly manage your files to stay under the free 15 GB storage limit. Some Google One plans include additional perks, such as access to the Gemini app and Google Flow AI, making an upgrade worthwhile for users who want those premium features.

Preparing for the Google Storage changes

Google has started emailing Android users about the upcoming storage policy change. Once you receive the email, you'll have 45 days before the new policy takes effect for your account, giving you time to review your storage usage, free up space if needed and prepare your device.

Taking the time to review your storage usage now can help ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted use of your device once the storage policy change takes effect.

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The original Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement paved a path to early retirement through aggressive saving and extreme frugality. Today, many people view FIRE as a way to gain financial independence and flexibility, rather than retiring as early as possible.

Many early FIRE advocates aimed to save 50% to 75% of their income, working toward a goal of accumulating about 25 times their annual expenses before retiring.

But in today's world of high housing prices, inflation and healthcare costs, the FIRE movement might feel impossible. While some individuals may have found financial independence through the FIRE movement, there's a shift in the movement and in how people approach financial independence.

Why the FIRE movement is changing

The FIRE movement was popularized in the 1990s, but today's economy is vastly different, and the conversation has shifted from early retirement to financial flexibility.

Take the housing market, for example. According to the National Association of REALTORS, the median existing-home sales price was $114,600 in 1995. By 2023, the median price had climbed to $389,800. Simply buying a home now requires more of your paycheck, making it much harder to save 75% of your income under a traditional FIRE strategy.

Inflation has created additional financial strain, and tariffs and geopolitical tensions have contributed to higher costs for some goods. Healthcare costs have also skyrocketed. According to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, which uses Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data, in 1990, annual per-person health spending averaged $2,835 in 1990, or $5,864 when adjusted for inflation. By 2024, per-person annual spending averaged $15,474.

In short, Americans have less left in their paychecks after paying for essentials like housing, food and healthcare. In many cases, consumers are increasingly prioritizing financial stability rather than planning for an early retirement.

Coast FIRE vs. traditional FIRE

Several variations of the FIRE movement exist. The traditional FIRE strategy focuses on building a large portfolio that can fully fund your retirement early, requiring you to save aggressively and potentially change your lifestyle to reflect your early retirement goals.

The Coast FIRE strategy takes a more moderate approach to save enough money early, so your investment portfolio can compound and support your retirement. Once you've amassed enough savings, you might continue to work to cover your living expenses, but early retirement isn't usually the goal. Since you won't be withdrawing from your investment portfolio early, the Coast FIRE strategy may be a more conservative option because it doesn't rely on withdrawing from investments decades before traditional retirement.

If you choose to pursue the Barista FIRE strategy, you'll work to build your savings and ultimately quit your traditional job. From there, you'll combine part-time work with your savings. Many people pursuing Barista FIRE choose to reduce their expenses so part-time income is enough to cover their living costs. Given the availability of freelance and gig work, this strategy may be a solid option for some, but you'll need to consider the limitations and expenses of securing health insurance without full-time employment.

How much money do you need to make work optional?

The amount of money that you'll need to make work optional will depend on everything from your lifestyle to your location and age.

Many individuals use the rule of 25 to determine how much they’ll need in investments to be able to retire. A commonly cited guideline suggests accumulating investments equal to about 25 times your annual expenses. The guideline is based on the widely known 4% rule, which suggests a retiree may be able to withdraw about 4% of a diversified portfolio annually, though there's no guarantee it will work in every market or retirement scenario.

Following the rule of 25, if you make $100,000 a year, you would need approximately $2,500,000 in investments to make working optional. In that situation, the guideline would suggest an initial annual withdrawal of about $100,000.

Emergency savings and retirement assets play a role, too. It's advisable to have at least three to six months of your living expenses in emergency savings. Your retirement assets may play a role, too. In addition to building up 401(k)s and Roth IRAs, consider how other assets, like Health Savings Accounts and rental properties, might support you financially once you no longer work.

Identifying the right balance of assets and the ideal amount of money you need to retire can be tricky, so consider consulting with a financial advisor.

Use the Bankrate tool below to connect with a financial professional who can help you tailor a strategy to reach your retirement goals:

Why many people keep working after reaching financial independence

Becoming financially independent and having the option to retire may sound appealing, but many financially independent individuals choose to continue working.

That's because some individuals enjoy their careers and find their work fulfilling. Some want the social engagement that comes with a career, while others may prefer having the additional income that they're able to generate.

Even if you choose to continue working, having the option to retire on your own terms can be a reassuring milestone.

Is financial independence realistic for average earners?

While reaching financial independence may take longer for average earners, many people can make meaningful progress through consistent saving, investing and keeping expenses under control.

To achieve financial independence, you may need to start early on in your career, and you'll need to be willing to live modestly. Focus on making consistent contributions to your retirement accounts and accumulating emergency savings in a high-yield savings account where your money can earn maximum interest.

Taking steps to increase your income will also help. Look for promotions and overtime opportunities, and consider taking on a side hustle where you can put your skills to work to earn extra money.

Perhaps most importantly, make a budget and stick to it. Your budget may help you identify ways you can cut spending and save money. By consistently living below your means, you can put your money to work for you and lay the pathway toward financial independence.

Financial independence can mean more than retirement

Becoming financially independent doesn't necessarily mean you'll retire early. Instead, it gives you the freedom to decide if, when and how you want to work. Rather than focusing on reaching a specific retirement age, financial independence offers greater flexibility, security and peace of mind — benefits that can be just as motivating as the prospect of early retirement.

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Jean Chatzky is the CEO of HerMoney.com and host of the podcast HerMoney With Jean Chatzky. Here, she speaks with Kiplinger about her new book, The Forever Paycheck, and what retirees struggle with in the transition to spending.

Kiplinger: You've referred to your new book, The Forever Paycheck, as the most important work you've done in your 40-year career. Why is this book such a passion project for you?

Chatzky: The book is about how to spend down your savings once you retire — or decumulate, as experts call it — and it is not something you can afford to get wrong. If you overdo withdrawals, you'll run short of resources late in life. If you underdo them, you're essentially underliving — not getting the most out of this phase of your life that you saved so long for. I think that's incredibly sad. For me, this issue feels both urgent and important.

Why do many re­tirees struggle with the transition from saving to spending?

It's emotionally really hard, because spending from savings feels like a loss. When you put so much time into accumulating something, it feels precious. You want to hold on tight.

Tactically, we've also had a lot of help accumulating, with automatic enrollment and escalation in retirement-savings plans and target-date funds. It has become super easy to do the right thing without doing anything. Those automatic hacks don't exist yet for managing withdrawals from savings.

You think the solution lies in creating what you call a forever paycheck. How can this help retirees?

A forever paycheck is a stream of income that will last for the rest of your life, and that enables you to live comfortably without the fear you'll run out of money. The income stream ideally should be enough to cover your needs and some of your wants — the ones you really don't want to give an inch on.

It is not a solution for all of your money. Everybody still needs to have some money invested in the market to grow. But researchers have found that having a regular income stream enables you to feel much more comfortable about spending.

How do you fund a forever paycheck?

If you can afford to, waiting as long as possible to claim Social Security so you maximize benefits is typically the right move for most people. That's the base of almost everyone's forever paycheck, plus any pensions you may get.

Then look at your expenses, those necessities and wants, to figure out how much money you'll need on an ongoing basis. Deduct the income you'll get from Social Security and pensions, and what is left is your gap. You can fill that gap with guaranteed income from annuities or withdrawals from your investments.

Personally, I'm going the guaranteed route. About a third of my retirement income will come from Social Security, another third from the rest of my forever paycheck, and a third from money invested in the market for growth.

How can retirees prevent an unpredictable event such as inflation or a big drop in stock prices from derailing their plans?

The whole point of building a forever paycheck is so these events will not derail you. If you've got a paycheck that covers your needs and key wants, and the market takes a tumble, you don't have to sell. You can give the market time to come back. And maximizing Social Security is your best friend when it comes to fighting inflation because it has a cost-of-living increase that's recalculated each year.

What else do retirees get wrong when it comes to spending?

Besides underspending and not living as well as they could be because of fear, many retirees think that spending across retirement will be consistent. It's not. People spend more in the early years, when they take their bucket-list trips and do home-improvement projects. Once we get into our mid-seventies, things slow down, and we don't spend as much. That fact should give people license to spend a bit more early on.

We should also think about ways to pass money along, whether it's to children or charities, while we're living. If I die in my nineties, my kids will be in their sixties. I really hope they don't need my money by then.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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If you're aiming to retire at the standard retirement age of 65, your 50s can feel like crunch time. Whether you're falling behind or you're pretty sure you're on track, this is the decade to nail down exactly how much you need to save for the retirement lifestyle you want and exactly what it's going to take over these next 10 to 15 years to get there.

At the same time, you might be part of the sandwich generation – those who have been stretched thin by the need to take care of both their aging parents and their older children, all while still trying to keep up with their own financial goals.

Suddenly, you hit 50 and realize the runway to retirement has gotten a lot shorter and you're not sure if you're anywhere close to where you should be at this point. If that sounds familiar, this checklist should help you get back on track.

4 financial priorities for your 50s

In your 50s, you have one major financial goal: get your retirement fully funded. With a few exceptions, anything else will take a back seat for this next decade. The question is less about what your financial priorities should be and more about building a personalized plan to get you where you want to be.

1. Come up with a realistic retirement number

When you first started putting away money in your 401k or other retirement accounts, you might have had a vague sense of how much money you needed to save up for your golden years. Now that those years are moving closer, it's time to revisit your goal and, if it's not already, make it more concrete.

You'll find some rules of thumb around what percentage of your current salary you should plan to spend each year in retirement — like 70% or 80% of your pre-retirement income — in order to maintain your current lifestyle. And you might have an idea of your expected lifespan based on how long your parents or grandparents lived.

But in reality, the amount you should plan to have for retirement depends on so many different factors. Do you want to maintain your current lifestyle or do you want to do more, like travel or rent out your home and retire in an RV for a few years?

This answer can change how much you need to save. Do you have a lot put away already or have you only just started to really save seriously for retirement? This answer can change how much you can realistically save (or what age you can realistically retire). Do you want to hang up your boots right at 65 or do you plan to retire sooner (or later) than that?

The best way to find the magic number that fits your retirement goals and your current financial situation is to meet with a financial planner. More than any online calculator or broad rules of thumb, a professional financial planner can talk through your finances with you and help you create a personalized plan to get you from wherever you are today to where you want to be when you retire.

Use the Bankrate tool below to connect with a financial professional who can tailor a plan to help you reach your financial goals:

2. Start learning about social security, Medicare and other retirement benefits now

How much can you expect social security to contribute to your retirement income? How much will that number change depending on what age you begin claiming it? If you plan to, say, start a business or take a part time job to keep busy and pad your budget, how will working affect your benefits?

Navigating the paperwork and logistics of social security, Medicare or a pension (if you have one) can be complicated and you don't want to wait until you actually need that income to figure it all out. If you haven't spent much time learning about how it all works yet, here are a few resources to get you started:

• How to estimate your Social Security benefits
• How to maximize your Social Security benefits
• A guide to Medicare basics
• What is Medigap insurance and who needs it?
• How does your retirement strategy change if you will have a pension?
• What happens to your benefits and taxes if you work past retirement age?

These are all great things to discuss with a financial planner as well. But if you're not ready to work with one just yet, take advantage of all the online resources you can right now to familiarize yourself with how it all works.

3. Aim to be debt-free by retirement

If you're still wrestling with debt, the idea of putting anything extra toward retirement might seem impossible. In that situation, think of your debt payments as part of your retirement plan. If you tally up everything you're spending now on your mortgage and other debts, that's the amount you can subtract from your retirement budget – or redirect toward pursuing the hobbies and bucket list adventures you're planning to do in retirement – once you've paid it all off.

Instead of feeling like those debt payments are holding you back, know that paying that debt down is just as important for your post-retirement future as contributing to your 401k is.

4. Prioritize your health now

A healthy retirement is just as important as a fully-funded one. Not only does physical health allow you to do more in retirement, it can also be a financial boost by lowering your future medical costs.

Work with your doctor to come up with a comprehensive and personalized diet and exercise plan so you can establish the right healthy habits now to slow the progression of conditions you might already have and prevent ones you don't.

The changes you make now can have a big impact, even if you weren't keeping up with regular exercise or a healthy diet before.

What to do if you're behind on retirement savings

By 55, the typical American has just $185,000 in retirement accounts, according to the Federal Reserve. That's just over two years worth of the median income of $82,150 at that age. In other words, it's not enough to retire on. If you're in a similar situation and feel like you might never be able to retire, here are a few strategies that can help you catch up.

Max out every retirement account you can

Once you hit 50, the IRS allows you to contribute even more than the standard maximum contributions to your retirement funds. By age 60, you'll enjoy super catch-up contributions to help you reach your goals even faster. All of these give you more wiggle room to catch up on your retirement savings if your fund isn't where you want it to be right now.

Before contributing more beyond the tax-advantaged limits on your 401k and IRA, however, make sure you also contribute to your health savings account (HSA) if you have one. HSA contributions are tax-free when you contribute to the account and tax-free when you withdraw later — provided you use them for medical expenses.

By treating your HSA like an extra retirement account, you can build up a sort of separate healthcare fund so you're not tapping your main retirement savings to pay for the medical expenses that inevitably come up as you age.

Be realistic about how much financial support you can provide others

As the sandwich generation, you love your kids and your parents. If you can afford to help out financially without sacrificing your retirement, that's great. But right now, your top priority needs to be a fully funded retirement, so you may need to set some boundaries.

You can still provide support to your loved ones in other ways. For example, instead of handing your kids cash, consider letting them move back home so they can focus on saving up for their own goals without worrying about rent.

If your parents are struggling to make ends meet, you can help them navigate the paperwork and logistics of setting up the long-term care they need through Medicare or other resources rather than writing the checks yourself.

If you have debt, work on lowering your interest rates

Juggling debt and catch-up retirement savings at the same time can be exhausting and make you feel you're not really making a lot of progress on either goal. To break through that plateau feeling, one of the most accessible tricks that many people overlook is lowering your interest rates.

Every percentage you can shave off that interest rate means more of each monthly payment is paying down the actual principal instead of being eaten up by interest.

Here are a few ways to lower your interest rates:

• Ask for lower rates. Yes, you can simply call up your credit card or loan provider and ask for a lower interest rate. Your chances of a yes are better if you have a good track record of on-time payments. But it doesn't hurt to ask regardless of your payment history.
• Use 0% intro offers on credit cards. 0% introductory rates on new cards or balance transfer offers on your existing cards can be a useful way to build momentum on debt repayment. The key is limiting the amount to what you can pay off before the introductory rate expires — and making sure you don't build up new debt now that the old debt is gone.
• Tap home equity to consolidate higher interest debt. By your 50s, you may have built up a healthy amount of home equity. Often, home equity loans can come with much better interest rates than you'll find elsewhere. So, whether you're battling credit card debt or a high interest auto loan, tapping some of that equity to consolidate that into a lower interest loan can help you pay down debt faster and pay less in interest overall.

These aren't one-off tricks, either. You can repeat these strategies regularly as you chip away at your debt. When your 20% credit card debt is gone, for example, your 10% personal loan becomes the "high interest debt" that you can consolidate into either a better rate loan or a 0% introductory offer credit card.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare today's top home equity offers:

Consider taking a side job

If you don't think you'll get anywhere close to your retirement goal with the amount you're currently able to contribute, it might be worth taking on a flexible second job for the next few years to help you catch up. You can dump those entire paychecks into retirement savings or debt to build some strong momentum toward your financial goals.

This isn't an option for everyone. But if you're able to take on the added stress of a side job for a few years in your 50s, it might be the ticket that unlocks the retirement you've been dreaming about 10 to 15 years from now.

Create retirement back up plans

Depending on where your retirement savings are at right now, it can help to come up with a few different scenarios for what your retirement might look like. For example, maybe you don't have the savings to fully retire at 65, but you have enough to cut back to part time work at that age for a few years to finish funding your retirement.

Maybe you're only slightly behind and can pull it off if you just push your retirement age up to 67 instead of 65 — or maybe you can retire at 65, but only if you downsize your home and throw that extra equity into retirement.

There are a lot of different ways to retire, and no one size fits all. Even if your alternatives don't sound quite as ideal as the retirement you envisioned, having those back-up plans can help you breathe easier. You'll know that no matter what, you've got a plan in place.

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If you have a travel-focused credit card that offers points on your spending, you can usually redeem them for flights and hotel rooms by visiting the issuer’s booking platform or getting statement credits for travel purchases.

And some cards offer another way to use your points: Transferring them to airline and hotel loyalty programs. The key is knowing conversion ratios, as this can help you maximize the value of the points you're transferring to a participating partner.

Here's a look at the credit card companies that offer points transfer, some of the participating partners they work with and how you can maximize your points value for elevated travel.

Transferring points: What are my options?

American Express allows customers who collect Membership Rewards points with its cards to convert them to 20 loyalty programs, including Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.

Those who use the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards can transfer their Ultimate Rewards points to 14 partners, such as Southwest Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy.

Eligible Citi cardholders can transfer their ThankYou points to about 20 programs, including American Airlines AAdvantage and Choice Privileges.

Capital One’s credit card miles are transferable to more than 15 partners; among them are JetBlue TrueBlue and Wyndham Rewards.

How to maximize your transfer value

Especially for premium airline tickets or luxury hotel stays, you may get the best value out of your rewards by making a transfer and redeeming the miles or points through the airline or hotel loyalty program.

But as you compare the options, factor in the transfer conversion rate. Some transfers take place at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 credit card points translate to 1,000 points with the loyalty program. In other cases, the ratio may differ. A transfer of 1,000 credit card points may result in 800 airline miles with some programs, for instance.

"Keep in mind that these transfers are irreversible," says Nick Ewen, editor-in-chief at travel website The Points Guy. He advises using transferred points as soon as possible. If you delay, you may miss out on any award bookings you were planning to make. And over time, loyalty programs may devalue their points or miles.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Chances are, you've been with the same bank for years. After all, it's easier to stick with the checking account you have now than to switch to a new one. But every once in a while, it's worth looking at what else is out there.

Even if you're mostly satisfied with your current bank, you may find that a different one better fits your needs, whether with lower fees, higher interest rates, superior in-person services, or more-attractive premium account packages that layer on the perks as your wealth grows. Or you may choose to stick with your current institution for everyday banking and open a savings account or certificate of deposit at an online bank or credit union, taking advantage of high yields on your extra cash.

You'll find plenty of great options to consider here. With the help of LendingTree, which collects deposit-account information, we've analyzed interest rates, fees, balance requirements and other features of accounts at national banks, credit unions, online banks and regional banks, and we've named winners in each of those categories. We've also highlighted two institutions that may be strong choices for customers in each of four profiles: Retirees, high-net-worth clients, travelers and families with kids.

These institutions offer specialized accounts for young people as they learn the ropes of spending and saving, as well as tools for parents to help manage and monitor the accounts.

Interest rates change frequently, so before you commit to any of these accounts, check the current yield. Yields and other terms listed here are as of early July.

Bank of America

Where it is: About 3,600 branches in 38 states and Washington, D.C. (Rates and terms are for customers in Charlotte, N.C.)

For families who want to take their kids to a local branch to learn about banking, Bank of America is a good bet, with locations in most states. And it offers a couple of its Advantage accounts with families in mind; both have no monthly maintenance fee for those younger than 25 and charge no overdraft fees.

The parent-owned SafeBalance for Family Banking checking account, designed for elementary and middle-school children, lets your kids use a debit card, but you can monitor their spending, get alerts when they make purchases, and lock and unlock the debit card. Children 6 and older can log in to their account online to view balances and monitor transactions, but they can't deposit or transfer money.

Teens and young adults can use the SafeBalance Banking checking account, which parents co-own. Starting at age 16, a teen can become the sole owner of the account. Account holders can make deposits and transfer money online, and those 13 and older can send and receive money with Zelle.

For account owners younger than 25, Advantage Savings charges no monthly fee. It yields 0.04%.

Capital One

Where it is: About 250 branches in a handful of eastern and southern states and Washington, D.C.

Children 8 and older can jointly own Capital One's online MONEY Teen Checking account with their parents. The account has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum deposit requirement, and it offers a yield of 0.1%.

Kids get a debit card, which parents can lock or unlock, and you can monitor their transactions with your own account login. You can make transfers into the MONEY account from your own checking account, regardless of whether your account is with Capital One or another institution.

Capital One also offers the no-fee, no-minimum Kids Savings Account, with a 2.5% yield. You can open multiple accounts for various savings goals.

Planning for retirement while raising a family isn't easy. A financial advisor can help you balance today's expenses with tomorrow's goals.

Use the Bankrate tool below to connect with a financial professional and get started:

Methodology

With data from LendingTree, which collects deposit-account information, as well as from financial institutions and other sources, we evaluated national banks, credit unions, online banks (including online accounts from brokerage firms) and regional banks. We reviewed checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit.

We looked at features including interest rates; minimum deposit and balance requirements; monthly maintenance fees and the ease of waiving those fees; ATM benefits, such as waived or reimbursed fees for out-of-network withdrawals; free or discounted benefits, such as personal checks, cashier's checks, paper statements and overdraft-protection transfers; overdraft fees; and online and mobile banking features, such as the availability of peer-to-peer payment services. Yields and other data listed in the article are as of early July.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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For years, people have been encouraged to build digital libraries of movies, TV shows, music and books. Buying a movie online seems just as permanent as buying a DVD, until it suddenly isn't.

A recent licensing dispute involving Sony has reignited the debate over digital ownership after hundreds of purchased movies disappeared from customers' libraries. While streaming and digital downloads remain incredibly convenient, many customers are realizing that clicking "Buy" often doesn't provide the same ownership rights as purchasing a physical copy.

That realization is helping fuel an unexpected comeback for DVDs, Blu-rays and other physical media. As subscription costs rise and digital content becomes less predictable, owning a tangible copy is beginning to look like a smart financial decision rather than a nostalgic one.

The Sony situation is a reminder that digital ownership has limits

Sony recently removed access to roughly 500 movies from users' digital libraries after a licensing agreement ended. Many affected customers had purchased the movies years earlier believing they would have permanent access. Instead, those titles simply disappeared from their collections.

While the situation frustrated customers, it also highlighted something that many people don't realize when they purchase digital content: in many cases, you're buying a license to access a movie and not ownership of the movie itself.

When you purchase a DVD or Blu-ray, you own that physical copy and can watch it whenever you like. With digital purchases, access depends on licensing agreements between retailers, studios and distributors. If those agreements change, your access can change too.

That's not unique to Sony. Other digital storefronts have also removed purchased content over the years when licensing deals expired or services shut down, reminding consumers that digital ownership often comes with important limitations.

Why your digital purchases can disappear

Most digital purchases work differently than traditional ownership. Instead of buying the content outright, you're typically purchasing the right to access it through a specific platform under certain conditions.

Several situations can cause that access to disappear:

Licensing agreements expire

Movie studios frequently renegotiate distribution rights. If a retailer loses the rights to host certain content, customers may also lose access depending on the licensing terms.

Platforms can shut down

Digital storefronts don't last forever. If a service closes or eliminates support for purchased content, subscribers may have limited options for recovering their libraries.

Rights change hands

Studios regularly merge, sell content libraries or shift distribution strategies. Those business decisions can affect where and whether certain titles remain available.

Account problems happen

Forgotten passwords, hacked accounts or violations of platform policies can temporarily or permanently affect access to purchased digital libraries.

While many companies work to preserve customer purchases whenever possible, the reality is that digital libraries depend on businesses continuing to operate and maintain the necessary licensing agreements.

Why physical media is making a comeback

DVDs and Blu-rays once seemed destined for extinction. But today, they're quietly returning to store shelves, and into collectors' homes.

Even younger movie fans who grew up with streaming are discovering the appeal of owning physical media. Some are browsing thrift stores, used bookstores and secondhand retailers looking for inexpensive DVD collections.

Several factors are driving renewed interest.

Subscription fatigue

Many households now pay for multiple streaming services every month. Instead of subscribing to five or six platforms indefinitely, some people are choosing to purchase the movies they know they'll watch repeatedly.

Movies disappear from streaming

Streaming catalogs constantly rotate. A favorite movie available today may disappear next month when licensing agreements change, forcing viewers to rent it elsewhere, or wait for it to return.

Better picture and sound quality

For home theater enthusiasts, 4K Blu-ray discs often deliver higher video bitrates and lossless audio that exceed what many streaming services can provide.

If you've invested in a large television or surround sound system, physical media can still offer the best viewing experience.

Collectability

Special edition releases, director's cuts, collectible steelbook editions and bonus features continue to appeal to movie fans.

Reliable offline access

Physical media works without internet outages, buffering or changing licensing agreements. Whether you're traveling, living in an area with slower internet or simply want dependable access, DVDs and Blu-rays provide peace of mind.

When buying physical media makes financial sense

Not every movie belongs on your shelf. But buying physical copies can save money in certain situations.

• Movies you watch every year: If you rewatch the same films multiple times, buying a DVD or Blu-ray once may cost less than repeatedly renting or subscribing to services that carry it.
• Children's favorites: Parents know children often watch the same movie dozens of times. Owning those titles avoids the frustration of discovering they're no longer available on your streaming service the day your child wants to watch them.
• Holiday classics: Many families revisit the same holiday movies every season. Purchasing physical copies guarantees they'll be available every December regardless of streaming rights.
• Hard-to-find films: Independent movies, older classics and niche documentaries often rotate on and off streaming services, or disappear entirely. Collectors who value these titles may prefer owning them outright.
• Box sets and special editions: Complete television series, anniversary collections and bonus-feature editions often provide extras unavailable through streaming platforms.

When streaming is still the better value

Physical media isn't replacing streaming for everyone. Streaming continues to make financial sense in many situations.

Casual viewing

If you only plan to watch a movie once, streaming or renting is usually much cheaper than purchasing a physical copy.

Discovering new content

Streaming services offer thousands of movies and shows for a single monthly subscription, making them ideal for viewers who enjoy exploring new releases.

Convenience

There's no need to store discs or switch media between movies. Streaming also makes it easy to watch across multiple devices while traveling.

Lower upfront costs

Building a large DVD or Blu-ray collection requires an initial investment.

For many households, paying one monthly subscription remains the more affordable option, especially if they watch a wide variety of content.

Don’t count physical media out entirely

Streaming isn't going anywhere, and for many households it remains the easiest and most affordable way to watch movies and television. But the recent Sony incident serves as an important reminder that digital purchases don't always provide permanent ownership.

For favorite films, family classics or movies you plan to revisit for years, buying a physical copy can offer something streaming can't guarantee: lasting access that's not dependent on licensing agreements, internet connections or the future of a digital platform.

In an era where "Buy Now" often means "License Until Further Notice," owning a DVD is starting to feel like true ownership again.

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Most people love saving money. But when the cheapest option wears out quickly, those upfront savings can disappear through repeated purchases, wasted time and constant frustration.

That’s become a recurring theme in online communities like Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife, where consumers regularly compare products that lasted decades against cheaper versions that failed after only a few months or years. Many shoppers say they eventually learned the hard way that "saving money" upfront sometimes meant spending more overall.

From office chairs that fall apart after a year to cookware that fades, luggage that breaks mid-trip and phone chargers that constantly need replacing, certain "budget" purchases can trap shoppers in an expensive cycle of replacing the same items over and over.

Avoiding these money traps doesn't mean you need to buy luxury products or overspend on every purchase. Instead, knowing when it's worth paying a little more for better quality can help you avoid constantly replacing things and save money in the long run.

Replacement cycles add up quickly

One of the biggest problems with buying the cheapest option is how quickly those purchases can turn into a cycle of replacing the same item over and over again.

At first, a $40 office chair or $25 pair of shoes might feel like a smart financial decision. But if that chair starts wobbling after a year or those shoes fall apart after a few months, you may end up spending more replacing them repeatedly than if you had purchased something sturdier from the start.

The hidden cost isn't always just the money either. It’s the wasted time researching replacements, dealing with returns, making extra shopping trips and feeling frustrated when something breaks sooner than expected.

The purchases people regret buying cheap

Certain products come up again and again when consumers talk about purchases they wish they had spent a little more on.

Office chairs and mattresses

People who work from home often say they underestimated how important a comfortable chair really is until they started spending eight or more hours sitting in it every day. Cheap office chairs tend to wear out quickly, lose cushioning and offer poor back support. One Reddit user said they finally upgraded to a better office chair after replacing multiple cheaper versions over the years.

When comparing office chairs or mattresses, consider more than the sticker price. Brands such as Herman Miller, Steelcase and HON have earned reputations for durable office chairs backed by strong warranties.

Mattresses are similar. Lower-quality materials may sag prematurely, leading to discomfort and poor sleep. One Reddit user described replacing a mattress after it developed what they called a "sinkhole" in the middle that caused ongoing back pain.

Mattress brands including Saatva, Helix and Brooklyn Bedding are often recommended for their trial periods and warranty coverage. Many shoppers also turn to Costco, whose generous return policy and Kirkland Signature mattress line make it a popular destination for value-conscious buyers.

Shoes and winter coats

Footwear is another category where shoppers often regret prioritizing price over quality. Cheap shoes may wear down quickly, lose support or crack after heavy use. Higher-quality shoes sometimes last years longer and may even be repairable.

When shopping for shoes or winter coats, it's worth paying attention to materials, construction and warranty policies instead of focusing only on price. Footwear brands such as Red Wing, Danner, Blundstone and Birkenstock are frequently recommended for their durability, and some styles can be repaired or resoled to extend their lifespan.

For everyday athletic shoes, brands like Brooks and HOKA are often praised for comfort and support, though replacement is typically recommended after several hundred miles of wear.

Winter coats can also vary dramatically in quality. Better materials, insulation and stitching often make a noticeable difference, especially in colder climates where coats get daily use for months at a time.

For winter coats, shoppers often point to brands such as Columbia, L.L.Bean, Eddie Bauer and Patagonia for dependable construction and customer service. Patagonia offers repair services through its Worn Wear program, while L.L.Bean and Eddie Bauer have long been recognized for standing behind their products.

Retailers like REI are also popular because of their knowledgeable staff and customer-friendly return policy for members.

Luggage

Luggage might not seem worth splurging on until you're standing in an airport with a broken wheel or jammed zipper. Frequent travelers on Reddit often mention eventually upgrading to sturdier luggage after dealing with repeated travel headaches from cheaper sets that didn't hold up well.

Experienced travelers often recommend luggage brands such as Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, Samsonite and Away for their durability and customer support. Briggs & Riley is especially well known for its lifetime repair guarantee, while Travelpro has long been a favorite among airline crews.

Cookware and appliances

Cookware is another area where cheaper products sometimes create more hassle than savings. Thin pans can warp, nonstick coatings may peel quickly and inexpensive kitchen appliances are often difficult or impossible to repair once something goes wrong.

Several Reddit users also pointed out how frustrating it can be when appliances fail after only a few years and replacement ends up being cheaper than fixing them.

When buying cookware, look for durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron that can last for decades with proper care. Brands such as All-Clad, Lodge, Tramontina and Cuisinart are often recommended for balancing quality and value.

For small kitchen appliances, shoppers frequently praise brands like KitchenAid, Breville and Vitamix for their reliability.

Phone chargers and electronics accessories

Many people have experienced the cycle of buying cheap charging cables that fray, stop working or charge inconsistently after a few months. While replacing a charger may not seem like a huge expense, constantly rebuying low-quality electronics accessories can quietly add up over time.

Instead of buying the cheapest charging cable available, consider using accessories from your phone's manufacturer, such as Apple, Samsung or Google, or trusted brands like Anker and Belkin. These companies have built reputations for durable cables, dependable charging and products that meet safety standards, helping reduce the need for frequent replacements.

Why these purchases often fail

Not every inexpensive product is poorly made, but certain items are more likely to wear out quickly when manufacturers cut corners to keep prices low. Products that get heavy daily use, like shoes, office chairs, cookware and appliances, usually need stronger materials and better construction to truly hold up over time.

Here are some of the biggest reasons cheaper products often fail sooner than expected:

• Lower-quality materials: Thin fabrics, weak plastics and low-grade foam tend to break down faster with regular use, especially when exposed to heat, moisture or heavy wear.
• Weak stitching or construction: Poor assembly can lead to issues like broken seams, loose handles, wobbling furniture or parts falling apart much sooner than they should.
• Poor repairability: Some cheaper products are designed to be replaced rather than repaired, making even small fixes difficult or impossible.
• Lack of replacement parts: When replacement batteries, filters, wheels or other parts aren't available, consumers are often forced to buy an entirely new product instead of fixing the old one.
• Short warranties: Limited warranty coverage can sometimes signal that manufacturers don't expect the product to last very long under normal use.
• Planned obsolescence: Some products are intentionally designed with shorter lifespans so consumers will eventually need to replace them and buy again.
• Heavy daily wear and tear: Items used constantly, like mattresses, shoes and vacuums, naturally experience more stress, so lower-quality versions may wear out much faster.

When spending more actually saves money

This is where the idea of "cost per use" becomes helpful. Instead of focusing only on the sticker price, some shoppers calculate how much value they'll get from an item over time.

For example, a $200 pair of boots worn regularly for 10 years may ultimately cost less per wear than replacing a $50 pair every winter. That doesn't mean you always need the most expensive version. But it can make sense to pay a little more for products that are:

• Used daily
• Difficult to replace
• Important for comfort or safety
• Repairable
• Backed by longer warranties

Shoppers in online discussions often say they now pay closer attention to things like warranty coverage as well as material quality and whether replacement parts are available before making bigger purchases.

How to know when quality matters most

One helpful way to decide where it's worth spending a little more is to consider how often you use something and how much it affects your daily comfort, convenience, or safety.

A common rule of thumb is to prioritize quality for things that separate you from the ground, including:

• Shoes
• Mattresses
• Tires
• Office chairs

These purchases directly impact your body and overall comfort. Cheap shoes can lead to foot pain, poor mattresses can affect sleep quality and low-quality office chairs may contribute to back or neck strain over time.

It can also make sense to spend more on items you use almost every day. For example, if you cook frequently, investing in durable cookware or reliable kitchen appliances may save you from replacing warped pans or broken gadgets every few years.

Another factor to consider is repairability. Products with replaceable parts, longer warranties or repair options may last significantly longer than items designed to be disposable. Before buying, it can help to check whether replacement parts are available and read reviews that discuss the item's long-term durability rather than just first impressions.

At the same time, not every purchase needs to be built to last forever. Trend-based items, seasonal décor or products you rarely use may not require premium materials or top-tier pricing.

You don't always need the premium version

While some products are worth upgrading, there's also a point where spending more stops providing meaningful value.

For many purchases, the best option is often somewhere in the middle: not the cheapest version, but not the luxury version either.

Take kitchen appliances, for example. A basic coffee maker that costs too little may break after a year, but a high-end model with dozens of specialty features may not make sense for someone who simply wants a reliable cup of coffee each morning. In many cases, a well-reviewed mid-range product offers the best balance between durability, functionality and price.

The same idea applies to clothing, electronics and household items. Paying more for solid materials, good reviews and dependable performance can be worthwhile, but chasing every premium upgrade or luxury feature can quickly lead to overspending.

You can save money by focusing on value instead of branding alone. Reading reviews carefully, comparing warranty coverage and choosing products based on actual needs can help you avoid both cheaply made products and unnecessary splurges.

Trying to save money is important, especially as everyday costs continue to rise. But some purchases end up costing more in the long run when they need to be constantly replaced. Being intentional about which purchases deserve a little extra investment can help you save money over time, avoid constant replacements and get more value out of the things you use every day.

Every smart purchase is part of a bigger financial plan. Use the Bankrate tool below to connect with a financial advisor to build a strategy that helps you make the most of your money:

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If you're like me, drinking coffee is one of the few relaxing parts of your day. Yet, do you ever think about the value you receive from your daily cups?

The thing is, coffee is a crop, but some companies don't treat it as such. Instead, they roast beans in large batches and ship them to grocery stores where they sit on shelves and lose peak freshness and taste.

With supply chain disruptions, geopolitical conflicts and climate change increasing coffee costs, you're paying a premium for logistics disguised as quality. Real freshness comes from transparent roasters that can show the methods behind their techniques. Here's what to look for to avoid the quiet cons in every coffee aisle.

A hidden factor that unlocks a coffee's true value

"The roast date is the true indicator," Kate Harner, a marketing and communications coordinator at Fresh Roasted Coffee Inc, a family-owned coffee roaster, tells Kiplinger. Yet, finding many coffee companies' roasting dates can be like finding a needle in the world's largest haystack.

"Many companies don't disclose the roasting date because then they would need to provide verifiable data," Harner says. And this is crucial too, given that coffee's peak freshness is within the first month after roasting.

That's why I won't buy coffee without a roasting date. I've also discovered that coffee brands that talk a big game usually don't deliver on freshness, taste or value.

Buying better coffee doesn't mean you'll spend less per bag. The key is to focus on the coffee's usability. If you open a bag from the grocery store and it only lasts a week or shorter, you're paying a premium for a product that doesn't last as long as it's intended, forcing you to spend more.

Here's a breakdown of coffee costs per type and the value each delivers:

What to look for from your favorite coffee brands

Since you're not likely to find the information you want on your favorite coffee company's bag, you'll need to do a little detective work. Harner recommends looking for specific, verifiable signals revealing true freshness, rather than relying on "best by" dates.

When evaluating a brand, look for these indicators:

• A roast date: Unlike a "best by" date, which often obscures the coffee's true age, a printed roast date confirms when the coffee was actually prepared.
• Companies that roast to order: Look for brands that roast to order or in small batches, rather than large-batch roasters, where coffee sits on the shelf and loses flavor and freshness.
• Nitrogen flushing: Roasters focused on quality flush bags with nitrogen during packaging to remove any oxygen. This preserves the coffee's flavor until you're ready to brew it.

Beyond the packaging, Harner says, "Go to the company's site, research their roasting process, and find any sourcing or roasting certifications. Then, you can determine if the price truly matches the quality."

Choose substance over hype

Be skeptical of any coffee company promoting buzzwords like "clean", "mold-free," or "artisanal." These are not verifiable descriptions; instead, they serve as marketing gimmicks to justify higher prices.

True transparency resides in hard evidence. As you research a company, look for verifiable certifications, such as the USDA Organic seal or GMO-free labels. This transparency can reward you with better-tasting coffee and your wallet with better value with every cup.

Ultimately, the best coffee isn't the most expensive; it's the freshest. By ignoring the buzzwords and seeking out roasters that offer roasting dates, you ensure that every dollar you spend on coffee results in a cup worth drinking.

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Summer has a way of making spending feel effortless. A weekend getaway turns into an extra hotel night. Family outings become a regular occurrence. The kids are home from school, grocery bills creep higher, and those "limited-time" summer sales make it easy to justify purchases you hadn't planned on.

Then August arrives, and reality sets in. You open your banking app to find a credit card balance that's higher than expected, your emergency fund isn't what it used to be and your next paycheck already has a job before it even hits your account.

If that sounds familiar, you may be dealing with what's often called a financial hangover. It’s the lingering effects of spending more than you intended during a season that's naturally packed with extra expenses.

The good news is that a financial hangover doesn't have to become a long-term financial setback. By making a few strategic adjustments now, you can recover before fall routines settle in and the holiday shopping season puts even more pressure on your budget.

Signs you have a summer financial hangover

Not every financial hangover looks the same. Sometimes it's obvious, like carrying more credit card debt than usual. Other times, it's the stress of feeling like you're constantly playing catch-up.

Here are a few signs your summer spending may have gotten ahead of you:

Your credit card balance is higher than normal

If you relied on credit cards for vacation expenses, restaurant meals or impulse purchases during summer sales, your balance may be noticeably higher than it was a few months ago.

That's not necessarily a problem if you can pay it off quickly. But if the balance is large enough that you'll be carrying it for several months, interest charges can make those summer memories much more expensive.

Your emergency fund took a hit

Many families dip into emergency savings for travel, home repairs or unexpected summer expenses with every intention of replacing the money later. If your savings account is lower than you're comfortable with, it's worth making rebuilding it a priority before the next unexpected expense comes along.

You're relying on your next paycheck to catch up

When every paycheck is already spoken for before payday arrives, it's often a sign that recent spending has outpaced your current income.

If you're using each paycheck to cover purchases from previous weeks instead of current expenses, that's a signal it's time to reset your budget.

You feel anxious checking your bank account

Financial stress isn't always about the numbers. If you've started avoiding your banking app, delaying bill payments or feeling anxious every time you check your balance, your finances may need attention.

Ignoring the problem rarely makes it better. Taking inventory, even if the numbers aren't what you hoped, is the first step toward getting back in control.

Figure out where the money actually went

Before cutting expenses, understand exactly what happened.

Go through your bank and credit card statements from the past two or three months and group your spending into broad categories such as:

• Vacations and travel
• Dining out
• Entertainment
• Kids' activities
• Shopping
• Home improvement
• Everyday household expenses

You may discover that no single purchase caused the problem. Instead, dozens of smaller expenses like ice cream stops, concert tickets, extra gas, beach gear and restaurant meals, added up over time.

This exercise also helps you distinguish between one-time seasonal spending and habits that may continue into fall if left unchecked.

Don't try to fix it overnight

After seeing higher balances or lower savings, it's tempting to make drastic moves to erase the damage as quickly as possible.

In many cases, that's exactly what you shouldn't do.

Avoid cashing out retirement accounts or borrowing from long-term investments just to eliminate short-term debt. The taxes, penalties and lost investment growth can cost far more than carrying a manageable balance for a few extra months.

Also, don't assume a balance transfer is automatically the right solution. Promotional offers can be helpful if they significantly reduce interest costs and you have a realistic plan to pay off the balance before the introductory period expires. But balance transfers often come with fees, and moving debt without changing spending habits simply delays the problem.

Instead, build a repayment timeline you can realistically stick with. Even paying an extra $100 to $300 per month toward credit card balances can make meaningful progress without putting the rest of your finances at risk.

Cut back temporarily, not forever

One reason many budgets fail is because they rely on permanent deprivation. A better approach is recognizing that many of summer's biggest expenses naturally disappear as routines return.

Rather than eliminating everything you enjoy, temporarily reduce spending in areas that tend to slow down anyway, including:

• Dining out
• Entertainment
• Online shopping
• Weekend road trips and day trips

As school resumes, sports schedules return and vacations come to an end, you may find these expenses decline without requiring dramatic lifestyle changes.

Treat this as a seasonal reset rather than a permanent restriction. Redirect the money you would have spent on summer extras toward paying down debt or rebuilding savings for the next few months.

Rebuild your emergency fund before the holidays

If your emergency fund took a hit this summer, don't wait until January to replenish it. The months before the holiday season offer an ideal opportunity to rebuild your cash reserves before year-end expenses arrive.

Set a realistic savings target based on your current budget. Even automatic transfers of $25 to $100 per week can gradually restore your emergency fund without feeling overwhelming.

Having cash available before the holidays also makes it less likely you'll rely on credit cards for unexpected expenses later in the year. A high-yield savings account can be a smart place to rebuild your emergency fund, helping your cash earn more while staying within easy reach.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare today's top savings account offers:

Put your fall budget on autopilot

As routines settle down, now is the perfect time to update your budget based on what summer actually costs and not what you hoped it would cost.

Consider making a few simple adjustments:

• Restart automatic transfers to savings if you paused them.
• Review recurring subscriptions and cancel services you're no longer using.
• Increase budget categories that consistently ran over during summer while trimming categories you rarely used.
• Begin setting aside money now for holiday shopping, travel and year-end expenses.

Planning ahead can help prevent another cycle of overspending just a few months from now.

A summer financial hangover can feel discouraging, but it doesn't mean you've failed financially. Summer often brings higher spending on travel, family activities and seasonal fun, and many households end the season with a budget that needs a tune-up.

The important part isn't trying to erase every extra dollar overnight. It's recognizing where your money went, making thoughtful adjustments and using the return of fall routines as an opportunity to reset.

By paying down debt, rebuilding your emergency savings and planning ahead for the holidays now, you can finish the year on much stronger financial footing.

Turn today's financial decisions into tomorrow's retirement plan.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who can help you build a personalized roadmap toward your financial goals:

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About 42 years ago, my grandfather, his cousins and their parents organized the first of what would become a biannual family reunion with more than 100 relatives in attendance.

In those decades, our family has grown so large, it's becoming unwieldy and a little detached.

The generation that started the tradition were fairly tight-knit, and many made an effort to see each other outside of reunion years. But for the younger generations to come after, we only see most of our distant cousins at the biannual reunion.

The biggest challenge with planning a family reunion is less about the logistics — any standard guide to event planning will cover you there. The biggest challenge is getting people to keep attending year after year.

This year, we used the reunion as an opportunity to reflect on how future generations (mine included) can keep the tradition going. I wanted to share what we talked about with others who might be struggling to get a tradition such as this started in the first place for their own family.

1. Reconnect with the relatives you want to invite outside of the reunion

The "founders" of our family reunion started it to reconnect family members who had grown up together and seen each other at regular family gatherings since the 1940s. As they grew older, they moved to different states, and those family gatherings grew less frequent. The first family reunion in 1984 was a replacement for those gatherings among a group of people who were already relatively close.

Today, my generation doesn't have that same history. We grew up all over the country, and many of us only ever see each other at our biannual reunion. If we were starting a reunion from scratch, I might not have the contact information for half of them, let alone a close enough relationship to invite them to a reunion.

If your family is far flung as is ours has become, start by just reaching out to relatives and finding a way to reconnect with some of them outside a big reunion. This might not be practical to do via in-person gatherings. But if you haven't seen some of these folks for a while, find a way to connect the family in a low-stakes, low-effort way — a Facebook group, a family group chat, a family website.

You just want a way to get everyone on each other's radar so that when you do meet in person for a reunion, it's not a gathering of strangers. It's easier to want to go to a reunion when you feel as if you know the people who will be there.

2. Start small

In the 80s, our family reunion was fairly small (for an Irish Catholic family). It was essentially the siblings who'd grown up together gathering in their hometown with their kids and spouses in tow. It grew to the size it has because the tradition of having a reunion was already in place when the children of those siblings grew up and had kids and spouses of their own.

You can start small, with relatives who know each other well enough that a reunion is an easy yes. Then, either try to expand your invite list each year or give that core family time to grow on its own.

A smaller reunion to start will also be easier logistically. If you're not a professional event planner, it's nice to start with a more manageable head count.

3. Establish a family reunion planning committee

No single person should shoulder all the responsibilities of event planning. Logistics are far more manageable if you've got a team.

In our family, the planning is done by a committee who meet (via video chats) in the months leading to the reunion to figure out the details. The people on that committee change depending on who's hosting. But it's never up to one person to organize accommodations, venues and catering for our 100-plus head count reunion.

Don't try to do it on your own. When you reach out to reconnect with family members, try to find at least one or two others who are excited enough about the idea to plan it with you.

4. Talk about your budget and finances early

A family reunion doesn't have to be expensive, but it's unlikely to be completely free of costs. You might need to rent a venue. You'll definitely need to provide food, either via catering or by buying enough to cook for a large group. Just as you shouldn't shoulder all the responsibilities of planning, you shouldn't shoulder all the costs, either.

Our family handles the financial side a couple of different ways. The main one: After securing the accommodations, pricing out the catering and figuring out the other costs for the event, the planning committee comes up with a cost per person. When invites go out, so does a request for that cost per person. We also have a few generous elders who donate more than their share of the costs.

Lastly, our family runs a silent auction at each reunion to raise extra funds for the next reunion. It features family heirlooms, local specialties brought in from the various states our family members now live, handcrafted items and other things that give people something fun to take home. The auction doesn't raise enough on its own to cover the full cost of the reunion, but it's a fun way to pad the budget.

All that money raised through the auction, the donations, and the funds gathered from each family member that RSVPs goes into its own account (currently managed by one of my great-uncles).

When you're just starting, you might have to be one of the "generous elders" donating more than your share of the costs. But don't be afraid to ask for contributions as our family does. Just make sure to fit the event to your budget rather than the other way around.

You can pad your budget a little more by making that dedicated reunion account a high-yield savings account.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare top savings account offers quickly:

5. Keep the itinerary simple

The most important part of a family reunion is family. You don't need an elaborate schedule of activities. You just need space and time to gather. Over the decades, our family has honed a kind of template for what each reunion will look like:

• Friday: Everyone arrives at the destination in their own time. There's an informal gathering (usually in the hotel's hospitality room) with a spread of food and drinks that people can get as they come in. We also wear name tags to avoid those awkward "I should know your name, but I don't" moments.
• Saturday: We take a big family photo, wearing our family shirts. This is the only thing for which we have to be punctual. Then, we have a picnic with some games. Later in the evening, we have dinner and a talent show (our family likes to sing). There are start times listed for these activities, but showing up late isn't a big deal.
• Sunday: The only planned activity for this day is brunch. Some relatives leave early, some stay a little longer to do their own thing.

Having a base template for what each reunion will look like can make the planning more straightforward year after year. You don't have to re-invent the wheel each time.

Above all, keep it simple. Getting dozens of people to show up at the same time in the same place isn't easy. Keep your agenda loose, and minimize the number of activities that demand strict punctuality.

6. Make it a multigenerational collaboration

One of the biggest takeaways to come out of our discussion at this year's family reunion: It's time for younger generations to step up when it comes to planning. For decades, the children of the first generation have been doing a lot of the work, but they are now in their 80s.

While my mother and her generation have gotten more involved in the last 20 years or so, we realized that there needs to be a more intentional transfer of responsibilities from one generation to the next.

If you want to build a tradition strong enough to outlast you, invite younger generations to participate in the planning and decision-making around what your family reunion looks like.

In our case, this means making sure that the reunion planning committee includes representatives from different generations — my grandparent's generation which possess the knowledge and experience of planning these gatherings for the last few decades, my parent's generation which has gotten more involved, and my own generation which has been attending these events all our lives and are now old enough to start learning the ropes.

The goal is that by maintaining this multigenerational mix, even when my generation becomes the oldest at the reunion, the transition of planning duties from one generation to the next will be a lot smoother.

Just go for it

If you've been thinking about starting a reunion for your family, I hope you take this as your sign to take the leap, because instilling this tradition in your family is worth it. I have been attending these reunions since I was a baby, and I hope to see them keep going even into my 90s.

One weekend isn't enough time to reconnect with every member of my family as deeply as I might like. But there's something special about taking this time every other year to gather, check in with each other and sing "Oh, Danny Boy" for the umpteenth time.

Keeping a family reunion going takes teamwork. Take our quick quiz to discover the role you could play in building a family tradition that lasts for generations.

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Recent changes in the housing market bring good news for home buyers. According to Realtor.com’s June 2026 housing trends report, asking prices are easing and buyers have more leverage than they've had in recent years.

The national median listing price was $430,000 in June, down 2.5% year-over-year. It marks the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year asking price decline.

Falling asking prices may be a sign that sellers are becoming more flexible. Rather than holding out for pandemic-era prices, they're adjusting to current market conditions, giving buyers more opportunities to negotiate and some welcome relief on price.

1. More sellers are cutting prices

An increase in price cuts is an encouraging sign for buyers. In June, about 18.8% of active listings had a price reduction, suggesting that more homes are sitting on the market longer and sellers may be becoming more willing to negotiate.

Buyers can use that information to their advantage. A home's price history, the number of days it has been on the market and any previous price reductions can all help you gauge how much negotiating power you have.

If a property has been listed for several weeks or has already seen multiple price cuts, you may have room to negotiate a lower purchase price or ask the seller to cover closing costs, pay for repairs or offer other concessions.

2. Buyers have more homes to choose from

According to the report, active home listings increased 1.9% year over year and 4.1% from May. More homes on the market give buyers more options and reduce the pressure to make rushed decisions or waive important protections, such as a home inspection.

Increased inventory can also reduce competition, making bidding wars less common and giving buyers more room to negotiate. Even so, inventory remains below pre-pandemic levels nationally, and conditions vary widely by region.

In the South and West, active listings now slightly exceed pre-pandemic levels, giving buyers considerably more choice. In contrast, the Northeast continues to face a significant housing shortage, with active listings still 47.3% below pre-pandemic levels, the largest inventory gap in the country.

3. Homes are no longer taking longer to sell

For the past 26 months, homes took longer to sell than they had a year earlier, but that trend leveled off in June. The median home spent 53 days on the market, unchanged from the same month last year. While homes aren't lingering longer than they were a year ago, time on the market remains an important indicator for buyers.

A home's listing history can provide valuable clues about a seller's motivation. Properties that have been on the market for 60 days or longer may be overpriced or attracting less buyer interest, making sellers more open to negotiating. Even homes that have been listed for 30 days without an offer may present opportunities to ask for a lower purchase price, seller-paid closing costs or other concessions.

Rather than focusing only on the asking price, look at how long the home has been listed, whether the price has been reduced and how similar homes in the area have sold. Together, these factors can help you decide how aggressive to be with your offer.

4. The summer slowdown could work in your favor

Buyers shopping this summer may have another advantage: the seasonal slowdown. Housing activity often cools in July as vacations, family schedules and the back-to-school season pull attention away from home shopping. June's increase in price reductions and slower pace of new listings suggests that seasonal shift may already be underway.

A slower market can give buyers more breathing room to compare homes, negotiate with sellers and avoid the intense competition that's common during the spring buying season.

If listings continue to linger on the market and price reductions become more common, buyers may find even more opportunities to negotiate on price, closing costs or other seller concessions.

5. Your local market matters most

While buyers have more room to negotiate in many parts of the country, market conditions still vary widely by region. Since the national price peak in June 2022, asking prices have fallen 7.3% in the West and 3.5% in the South.

In contrast, asking prices have continued to rise, increasing 10% in the Midwest and 12.6% in the Northeast.

That's why national housing headlines only tell part of the story. Before making an offer, research what's happening in your local market. Review recent comparable sales, track how long homes are staying on the market and pay attention to price reductions in the neighborhoods you're considering.

A local real estate agent can also help you understand current market conditions and advise how aggressively to negotiate.

How to use your leverage when making an offer

Knowing you have more negotiating power is only half the equation. Using that leverage strategically can help you secure a better deal without stretching your budget. Before making an offer, keep these tips in mind:

• Research comparable sales. Look at recent sales in the neighborhood, how long the home has been on the market and whether the seller has already reduced the asking price. These details can help you determine how competitive your offer needs to be.
• Lean on your real estate agent. A local agent can provide insights into market conditions, recent comparable sales and the seller's negotiating position to help you decide on a fair offer.
• Negotiate more than the price. Depending on the market, you may be able to ask the seller to cover closing costs, make repairs before closing or provide credits after the home inspection.
• Don't rush to waive contingencies. Unless you're competing in an exceptionally hot market, think carefully before giving up protections such as a home inspection just to strengthen your offer.
• Keep affordability first. More negotiating power doesn't automatically make a home affordable. Before shopping, determine how much home you can comfortably afford based on your income, expenses and long-term financial goals. If a home still stretches your budget after negotiations, it's better to walk away than overextend yourself financially.

Your mortgage interest rate plays a major role in your monthly payment.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare today's top mortgage offers:

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Planning a family reunion takes more than booking a venue and sending invitations. Every successful reunion needs organizers, memory keepers and people who bring everyone together. It's those different strengths that turn a single gathering into a tradition families look forward to for generations.

Take this quick quiz, inspired by our story about a family that's kept its reunion going for more than 40 years, to discover the role you could play in planning your own family's next reunion.

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Luxury cars, designer handbags and sprawling homes often dominate conversations about wealth. But many people with strong finances don't fit that stereotype at all.

Instead, they're quietly building wealth behind the scenes by making intentional spending decisions, investing consistently and resisting the pressure to keep up with everyone else. This approach is commonly known as stealth wealth, and it's becoming increasingly popular among younger professionals and families who value financial independence over outward displays of success.

Rather than spending to look wealthy, stealth wealth focuses on becoming wealthy. If any of these habits sound familiar, you might already be practicing stealth wealth without realizing it.

What is stealth wealth?

Stealth wealth is the practice of building and maintaining wealth without advertising it through expensive possessions or lavish spending. The term has been around for decades, but it's gained renewed attention as more people pursue financial independence, embrace minimalism and question the pressure to constantly upgrade their lifestyles.

Part of the appeal comes from today's economic reality. Higher housing costs, inflation and economic uncertainty have prompted many households to prioritize long-term financial security over appearances. At the same time, social media has made it easier than ever to compare lifestyles, making the decision to quietly build wealth feel almost countercultural.

The common thread is simple: Your financial success doesn't have to be visible to everyone else. Here are seven common signs that you might be practicing stealth wealth without realizing it.

1. You keep your lifestyle in check when your income grows

One of the biggest obstacles to building wealth is lifestyle inflation.

It's tempting to celebrate every raise or bonus with a nicer apartment, luxury vehicle or more expensive vacations. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying your success, automatically increasing your spending every time your income rises can leave you feeling like you're earning more without getting ahead.

People who practice stealth wealth often do the opposite. They continue living comfortably on their existing budget while directing much of the additional income toward retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, debt repayment or savings goals.

Even saving or investing half of every raise can dramatically increase your long-term wealth while allowing your lifestyle to improve gradually over time.

Use the tool below to connect with a financial adviser who can help you build a plan based on your financial goals:

2. You drive your car long after it's paid off

For many households, a vehicle is one of the largest monthly expenses after housing. Instead of replacing a perfectly reliable car every few years, stealth wealth practitioners often keep driving it long after the loan is paid off. They continue setting aside what would have been their monthly payment or redirect those funds toward investing.

Keeping a dependable car for several extra years can save thousands in monthly payments, depreciation, higher car insurance premiums and registration costs. Recognizing that extending the life of a paid-off car often creates far more financial flexibility than upgrading simply because you can.

3. You prioritize retirement over status symbols

Stealth wealth is often invisible because much of the money goes somewhere people can't see.

Instead of spending thousands on luxury purchases, these individuals consistently contribute to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA. They might also increase contributions each year or invest additional money in taxable brokerage accounts.

The tradeoff can feel boring in the short term. Friends might notice someone else's new luxury SUV, but they won't notice an extra $10,000 invested for retirement. Over decades, however, consistent investing and compound growth typically have a much greater impact on long-term financial security than expensive purchases that quickly lose value.

4. You buy for value, not to impress

Practicing stealth wealth often means focusing on value over status as opposed to always buying the cheapest option. That could mean purchasing high-quality shoes that last for years, durable kitchen appliances with excellent warranties or classic clothing that won't go out of style next season.

Many financially successful people are willing to spend more when quality genuinely saves money over time, but they aren't interested in paying extra simply because a product carries a luxury logo.

This mindset encourages thoughtful rather than emotional purchases and reduces the cycle of constantly replacing lower-quality items.

5. You avoid financing discretionary purchases

Credit can be a useful financial tool, but stealth wealth practitioners are often cautious about financing wants instead of needs. Rather than putting vacations, furniture, electronics or luxury goods on long-term payment plans, they might delay the purchase until they can comfortably pay for it in cash.

Waiting has two benefits. First, it eliminates interest costs that make discretionary purchases more expensive. Second, it creates time to determine whether the purchase is something you truly value or simply wanted in the moment.

Delaying gratification isn't always exciting, but it often leaves more money available for investing and other long-term goals. While you're saving for a major purchase, keeping that money in a high-yield savings account can help your balance grow while you wait.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare today's top savings account offers:

6. You don't feel the need to broadcast your spending

Social media has made it easy to showcase expensive vacations, new homes and luxury purchases. But it has also fueled comparison and the pressure to keep up.

People practicing stealth wealth often take a different approach. They don't feel compelled to post every purchase or use spending as proof of success.

That's not because they're trying to hide their finances. Rather, they understand that financial confidence comes from meeting personal goals, not from collecting likes or impressing strangers online. Ironically, many genuinely wealthy individuals live far more modestly than people assume because they aren't interested in turning their finances into public content.

7. Your net worth is growing faster than your spending

Perhaps the clearest sign you're practicing stealth wealth is that your assets are growing faster than your lifestyle. Each year, your retirement accounts, investments, home equity or savings balances increase while your spending remains relatively stable. Instead of measuring success by what you own, you measure progress by your financial foundation.

This implies that building wealth takes priority over constantly upgrading your lifestyle. Over time, this gap between growing assets and controlled spending can create greater financial independence and more choices about how you live and work.

The goal isn't to look poor — it's to build wealth

Stealth wealth is all about making intentional financial decisions that reflect your priorities instead of other people's expectations.

You can still enjoy vacations, buy things you love and celebrate milestones. The difference is that your spending aligns with your long-term goals rather than social pressure.

In a culture that often encourages people to spend first and save later, quietly building wealth might not attract much attention. But over time, it can provide something far more valuable than appearances: financial freedom, flexibility and peace of mind.

What kind of stealth wealth builder are you? Take the quiz to find out.

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The processing fee that almost doubles your concert ticket or the subscription you have to jump through endless hoops to cancel — these aren't accidents. They're tactics designed to drain your wallet.

Thankfully, the tide is finally turning. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently announced a proposed major crackdown on these practices. New rules would require companies to provide up-front pricing and a "one-click" cancellation rule. And New York isn't the only place putting in restrictions.

Here is what you should know about these protections — and how to spot the traps still eating away at your budget.

What are subscription traps?

Signing up for services, from streaming to gym memberships, is super easy. However, when it comes to cancelling those services, you might have to jump through multiple hoops.

Some websites or apps redirect you to multiple pages with confusing language as part of their deliberate retention strategy, or they won't supply a link on their website, instead asking you to call their customer service number, where automated messages and customer service reps trained to help you avoid canceling services await.

This is why I recommend trying out streaming and shopping subscriptions during their free trials. Use a one-time virtual card (some credit card companies offer this feature, including Capital One and Citi). That way, if you have trouble cancelling the service when it's time to pay, you won't have to jump through all the hoops.

The price you didn't agree to: Junk fees

Another policy New York will implement is to eliminate junk and hidden fees. Junk fees are hidden extra charges tacked onto purchases.

Every year, Americans pay billions of dollars in these fees. You'll often find them imposed by ticket brokers, hotels and subscription-based services.

For example, a concert ticket might be listed at $250, but you pay around $400 due to "processing" and other fees. New York aims to combat this by forcing companies to disclose the total costs up front. While that won't eliminate the fees themselves, it alerts you to your total costs upfront, so there are no surprises.

The good news is that New York isn't the only area fighting back against these tactics.

The regulatory wave: Are other places following?

Yes, more than 30 states either have or are in the process of passing legislation to protect customers from hidden fees.

Here are several examples of what states are doing:

• California: Banned junk fees by requiring businesses to display all prices up front.
• Florida: Passed a transparency law forcing restaurants to disclose all fees (including mandatory gratuity) up front.
• Illinois: Starting on January 1, 2027, the state will ban hidden resort fees by hotels, unlisted tips imposed by restaurants and hidden processing fees for sports or concert tickets.
• Colorado: Requires fee transparency from businesses, such as landlords disclosing all mandatory monthly fees, restaurants including mandatory gratuity, and travel providers including resort fees up front.

Beyond the statewide bans, other cities are taking action, too. Seattle is exploring legislation to ban junk fees.

Their measure specifically targets fees in rental agreements, capping how much landlords charge for pet damage and banning charges for tenants who pay rent by check, use mail service or have in-unit appliances.

There are also ways to protect yourself from incurring these hidden costs.

Here's how to protect your cash from hidden charges

To ensure you aren't paying more than you should:

• Always use a credit card: It makes disputing hidden fees much easier.
• Challenge hidden fees: If a company charges a fee they didn't disclose upfront, contact them directly to dispute it.
• Know your local laws: Review your state's or city's laws to see which consumer protections you have, such as price transparency for services.
• Report deceptive practices: If you encounter a company that won't budge on hidden fees, consider filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
• Track your subscriptions: Use a budgeting app such as Quicken Simplifi or Tiller to review all your recurring subscriptions.
• Review your credit regularly: Services such as myFico or LifeLock by Norton alert you to credit changes and can help detect fraud early.

Ultimately, keeping yourself protected from these tactics is an ongoing thing. But doing so is well worth the work, as it can save you more of your hard-earned money.

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If you're a frequent flyer, you likely have a preferred airline — and a credit card to match. These cards offer significant value, from free checked bags and intro bonuses to points that add up to free flights.

To identify the best airline credit card reward program, we asked you to rank them in an online survey for the 2026 Kiplinger's Readers' Choice awards conducted over the winter. Over 4,000 readers participated in the survey, ranking airline credit card reward programs on three factors: Customer service, most recommended and overall satisfaction.

For the third consecutive year, Southwest Airlines won the best overall award for airline credit card programs. Here are three reasons our readers recommend them, along with some recent changes Southwest made that impact your travel.

1. Tailored rewards: A Southwest card for every traveler

You can get three different Southwest credit cards. The Rapid Rewards Plus card gives you 3,000 points on your cardmember anniversary. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card has a 6,000-point anniversary bonus, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card offers a 7,500-point anniversary bonus.

On top of that, each card offers cash-back incentives (in the form of points) for purchases made with Southwest. The Priority card earns you the most, with four points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases.

It is also the quickest way to obtain A-List status. A-List status is Southwest's tier-based loyalty program that offers perks such as priority boarding, a dedicated check-in line and bonus points on flights.

To earn A-List status, fly 20 one-way routes or earn 35,000 qualifying points in a year. Cardholders earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent.

2. The fastest route for free travel for two

The Companion Pass is among the most valuable travel benefits, as it allows you to bring a companion on your flights for free, excluding taxes and fees. Each Southwest card offers you a 10,000-point bonus every year.

One reader said, "By timing the bonus offer correctly, you can get a companion pass for almost two years - well worth the effort to concentrate spending on this card!"

This bonus is a major reason why readers cite these cards as the fastest route to free travel for two. By maximizing your Southwest purchases and using these annual boosts, you'll reach the 135,000 points needed for the pass. You can also qualify with 100 one-way flights in one calendar year.

3. Responsive service and tech that makes travel easy

One reader summed up their experience perfectly: "I have called customer service many times, and they are VERY helpful." This also correlates with a recent J.D Power airline satisfaction survey that ranked Southwest highest in customer satisfaction in the economy/basic economy section for the fifth consecutive year.

Along with customer service, having an easy-to-use app is integral if you encounter delays or cancellations. I've flown a few times with Southwest this year, and even with delays, I find changing my flights through the app a quick way to get travel back on schedule without standing in a theme park-sized line to speak with customer service.

Keep in mind too that Southwest made some pretty significant policy changes. Now, you have assigned seating like any other airline. Also gone are free checked bags. Southwest charges $35 for your first checked bag and $45 for your second. However, if you have a Southwest credit card, your first checked bag remains free.

While our readers ranked Southwest the highest airline, other airlines also made our rankings:

• Alaska Airlines
• Delta Air Line credit cards
• JetBlue credit cards

Overall, Kiplinger readers favor Southwest for its responsive customer service, diverse card offerings and bonuses that make it easier to obtain a Companion Pass. While some of the recent changes (doing away with free luggage and assigned seating) might perturb some passengers, if you have a Southwest card, your first bag will still fly for free, making the card's perks even more valuable.

Want to see how our readers ranked your favorite airline? Visit our Kiplinger Readers' Choice best airline credit card rewards programs to see our full ranking and what our readers liked about each one.

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If you're looking for a more affordable cell phone plan, Ultra Mobile's back-to-school promotion could help you save.

Ultra Mobile is a prepaid wireless provider owned by T-Mobile, the same company that owns Mint Mobile. It offers lower-cost plans with features including unlimited nationwide talk and global text, mobile hotspot access and Wi-Fi calling.

There are no annual contracts, and Ultra Mobile runs on T-Mobile's nationwide network. That combination of flexibility, coverage and lower prices could make it worth considering for anyone looking to cut their monthly cell phone costs.

What's included in the back-to-school promotion?

For a limited time, Ultra Mobile is discounting select six- and 12-month prepaid plans. Customers can save 15% on eligible six-month plans or 30% on eligible 12-month plans. The offer applies to the 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, 24GB, Unlimited and Unlimited+ plans.

For example, the 4GB 12-month plan normally costs the equivalent of $13 per month. With the 30% discount, the effective monthly cost drops to about $9.10, or $109.20 for the full year before taxes and fees.

Keep in mind that you must pay for the entire plan upfront to get the promotional price. For the discounted 4GB annual plan, a $15.90 recovery fee and $2.24 in taxes and surcharges bring the total upfront cost to around $127.34.

Who should consider switching?

Ultra Mobile may be an ideal solution for seniors or light data users who need a phone without the extra cost or features that come with contract cell phone plans. These prepaid wireless plans may be suitable for kids heading to school or for someone looking for an affordable second phone line.

Since the plans are competitively priced, they could be an appealing option to anyone who has a contract plan and who is trying to save on their phone bill. Ultra Mobile requires no credit check, so customers with poor credit scores who aren’t able to get approved for a traditional mobile plan might consider this carrier.

What are the trade-offs?

Ultra Mobile’s plans may help customers save money, but there are some trade-offs that come with the lower price point.

• Prepaid plans: Most contract mobile plans are postpaid, meaning that you pay you phone bill at the end of each month. Ultra Mobile’s plans are prepaid, and you pay for multiple months upfront. To get some of the lowest pricing, you might have to pay for 12 months upfront, so you’ll need to be able to cover that initial cost.
• Data caps: Some of Ultra Mobile’s most affordable plans only include limited data; once the data is used, your phone will slow down to 2G speeds until your next billing cycle. Anyone who uses significant amounts of data may want to consider one of the unlimited data plans, which start at $23.80 per month.
• Customer support: Ultra Mobile offers an online chat feature, or you can call the Customer Care team from 6:00 am through 6:00 pm PST, seven days a week. Some in-store support is available, but you’ll need to use the store locator to see if a store is available near you.
• Deprioritization: During periods of network congestion, T-Mobile may deprioritize Ultra Mobile customers' data. This means T-Mobile customers may receive faster data speeds, while Ultra Mobile customers could experience slower speeds.

How Ultra compares with other budget carriers

Ultra Mobile is one of several budget mobile carriers. Here’s how the different options stack up.

Ultra Mobile's current promotion makes its already low prices even more affordable, but the carrier will not be the right fit for everyone. Before switching, consider how much data you use, whether perks such as streaming discounts or unlimited high-speed data matter to you and whether you are comfortable with limited in-person customer support.

Ultra Mobile could be a solid choice for light data users or parents looking for an affordable phone plan for a child heading back to school. If the plans fit your needs, the back-to-school promotion offers an opportunity to lock in a lower price and save on wireless service.

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Many families view the SUV as a status symbol of success parked in the driveway. But that badge of success might be among the most expensive financial decisions you make this decade.

Buying a vehicle is one of your largest household expenses, yet too many drivers prioritize aesthetics above economics. While price and passenger capacity matter, a surprising trend has emerged at dealerships: Shoppers are ignoring affordable minivans in favor of pricier SUVs.

This represents the "SUV tax," the total cost of ownership of choosing a lifestyle badge such as an SUV over a more affordable vehicle. I'll break down the opportunity cost between the two vehicles, explain how every extra dollar spent on a car isn't working for your future and show how the "mom car" of the 90s might be your smartest financial move.

Why are people choosing SUVs more?

Growing up, we had a minivan, the "mom car" of the 90s. It wasn't pretty to look at, but it was practical, provided ample room for growing families and was a staple of family road trips. Going from a cramped sedan to a roomy minivan not only made 12-hour car trips more fun, but it made them more bearable for all involved.

Then, things changed in the 2000s. Those four-wheeled tugboats were replaced by vehicles of similar size delivering more visually appealing designs and higher profiles. If minivans were viewed as "you're settling," then SUVs were more of a "you made it" statement.

This sentiment is still reflected today. In a survey conducted by Bumper, respondents were asked what their perfect vehicle would be, and 63% pictured an SUV. A sedan came in second at 19%, while a minivan trailed the pack at 13%.

Yet, this is where things become interesting: In that same study, the top three things car buyers look for in a vehicle are passenger seating capacity, fuel economy and price. This means buyers are looking at practical features that can save them money now and down the road, something minivans do much better than SUVs.

Comparing opportunity cost between minivans and SUVs

Minivans are often more affordable and offer more space for passengers and cargo than SUVs, per Kelley Blue Book. Considering that price and passenger capacity are two of the most important factors car buyers prioritize, it shows that minivans can be smarter buys.

Let's break down the costs. The gap between what you would pay for a minivan and an SUV isn't substantial for base-level models. To demonstrate, the 2026 Toyota Sienna is $40,820, while the 2026 Honda Pilot is $42,395. SUVs come with more trim options, which can widen the financial gap.

Here's a breakdown of how SUVs and minivans compare on metrics car buyers care about:

*Averages calculated from the top 5 models in each segment. Sources: KBB, Edmunds, TrueCar, CarFax, Autoblog and MoparInsiders, with the table provided by Bumper.

On top of this, minivans aren't as expensive to insure. Why? Because they have a lower center of gravity, reducing their rollover risk. They also lack some of the expensive off-road features some SUVs offer, and their lower overall price can keep insurance costs reasonably affordable.

Another thing to consider in ownership costs is repair bills. This again is another edge to minivans. Minivans are often cheaper to fix because many are built on passenger car platforms. With more parts available, it's cheaper to make fixes.

Alternatively, many SUVs feature complex drivetrain and suspension systems. This can result in higher repair bills and more frequent maintenance.

These differences in maintenance and insurance costs might seem minor on a month-to-month basis. Yet, they collectively form the basis of a gradual, much larger financial shift. By capturing these savings, you move from simply managing costs to building wealth.

A small change yields big results

The "SUV" tax isn't just the sticker price you pay at the dealership; it's the opportunity cost. To illustrate, if you save $5,000 by choosing a minivan and invest that difference in an S&P 500 index fund with an average 7% annual return, you would have almost $10,000 in additional retirement savings after 10 years.

Over time, this can be one small decision that has a much greater impact on achieving your savings and retirement goals more quickly. It might not be as pretty as a sportier SUV, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing your future self will thank you for that purchase.

Before you choose either option, make sure to shop for car insurance to see how much your new ride will cost you. Use this Bankrate tool for a faster rate comparison:

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If you still pay bills by mail, send birthday cards or holiday greetings, or regularly mail important documents, you can expect to pay a little more at the post office soon.

Beginning July 12, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is raising the price of a Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents, a 4-cent increase. The price hike is part of a broader mailing services adjustment that also affects postcards and international mail.

While four cents may not seem like much, the savings can add up if you buy stamps now in larger quantities. And because Forever stamps never expire, many people who know they'll use them eventually choose to stock up before a price increase takes effect.

Forever stamp prices increase July 12

Starting July 12, here's what some of the most common USPS mailing services will cost:

The Forever stamp increase represents about a 5.1% increase per stamp. Overall, USPS says mailing service prices are increasing by approximately 4.8%.

Stamp prices have climbed steadily over the past several years. A Forever stamp cost 58 cents in 2021, but the price has since risen to 78 cents. Beginning July 12, it will increase again to 82 cents.

How do Forever stamps work?

One of the biggest advantages of Forever stamps is right in the name since they're good forever.

A Forever stamp purchased today for 78 cents can still be used to mail a standard 1-ounce First-Class letter after the price rises to 82 cents. You won't need to add extra postage or exchange older stamps.

Forever stamps also:

• Never expire.
• Remain valid regardless of future price increases.
• Can be purchased years in advance and used whenever you need them.

That's why many households keep a small supply on hand. If you only send a handful of letters each year, there's no downside to buying them before a price increase if you know you'll eventually use them.

How much can you save by buying stamps now?

The savings depend entirely on how many stamps you purchase before July 12.

For someone who only mails a few birthday cards or holiday cards each year, the savings are relatively small. Buying one book of 20 stamps before the increase saves less than a dollar.

But if you're a frequent mailer, buying stamps before the price increase is an easy win. Small businesses that mail invoices, nonprofits sending fundraising letters or newsletters, and families preparing hundreds of wedding invitations can lock in the current price simply by purchasing stamps now.

Who should stock up on Forever stamps?

Not everyone needs to rush to the post office before July 12, but buying stamps ahead of a price increase can make sense if you know you'll use them over the next few months or years. Since Forever stamps never expire and always cover the current price of a standard 1-ounce First-Class letter, there's little downside to purchasing them in advance.

Buying ahead makes the most sense if you:

• Regularly mail bills or personal correspondence. While many payments have gone digital, plenty of people still prefer mailing checks, greeting cards, thank-you notes and important documents. If you use a few books of stamps each year, buying before the increase lets you lock in today's lower price.
• Own a small business. Businesses that send invoices, customer statements, contracts or marketing mailers often go through stamps quickly. Even a few dollars in savings can add up over the course of a year, especially if you're already buying stamps in bulk.
• Are planning a wedding or major event. Wedding invitations, RSVP cards, save-the-dates and thank-you notes can easily require 100 or more stamps. Purchasing postage before the increase is one small way to keep event costs under control.
• Send holiday cards or seasonal mailings. If you mail dozens of holiday cards every year, it makes sense to buy this year's and even next year's stamps before prices go up.
• Care for an older family member. Many older Americans still rely on traditional mail for paying bills, corresponding with family or sending donations. Picking up a few extra books of Forever stamps now can help them avoid paying higher prices later.

If you rarely send physical mail, buying several hundred stamps probably isn't necessary. The savings are relatively modest, and tying up cash in years' worth of postage may not make sense.

Is it worth buying Forever stamps before July 12?

For most households, there's no need to panic-buy stamps.

However, if you know you'll use them eventually, purchasing a few books before July 12 is an easy way to lock in today's lower rate. Since Forever stamps don't expire, there's virtually no risk of them becoming unusable later.

The biggest winners are people who already buy stamps in bulk. A business or organization that goes through hundreds of stamps each year can save enough to make stocking up worthwhile, while occasional mailers may only save a dollar or two.

Either way, buying before the increase means paying 78 cents instead of 82 cents for every Forever stamp you'll use in the future. It’s a small but guaranteed savings that's hard to find these days.

If you’re looking for more ways to stretch your budget, manage cash flow or plan for bigger financial goals, a financial advisor can help you think through the next steps.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who can help you build a plan to reach your financial goals:

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Warehouse clubs have long been known for helping shoppers stretch their grocery budgets, but store brands have become even more important as food prices have increased. While many shoppers join Sam's Club for bulk pricing on national brands, plenty of members say it's the Member's Mark private label that keeps them renewing year after year.

Sam's Club has also updated its Member's Mark food and beverage line, removing more than 40 artificial ingredients as part of its Made Without Commitment ™ initiative. Now, it has an even larger selection of everyday grocery and household items that deliver solid quality while helping shoppers keep costs down.

Whether you're a longtime member or thinking about taking advantage of Sam's Club's discounted membership offers, these are the Member's Mark products shoppers consistently recommend stocking up on.

Pantry staples worth buying in bulk

Some products are easy to buy once and forget. These pantry staples are frequently mentioned by shoppers because they offer dependable quality, versatile uses and excellent value.

Italian basil pesto: Member's Mark Italian Basil Pesto has developed something of a cult following. It's made with basil, Parmesan and Romano cheeses, olive oil and pine nuts, making it taste surprisingly close to homemade.

Since it comes in a larger container than grocery store versions, many shoppers freeze portions in ice cube trays for easy weeknight meals.

Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is one of those products where quality matters, but premium bottles can easily cost $20 to $30 elsewhere. Member's Mark's extra virgin olive oil consistently offers solid quality at a warehouse price, making it an easy pantry staple to buy in bulk if your household cooks frequently.

Honey almond granola: This granola works just as well for breakfast as it does sprinkled over yogurt or eaten as a snack. Because it comes in a large resealable bag, it's often a better value than buying smaller packages at traditional grocery stores.

Butter: Butter prices remain higher than they were a few years ago, making warehouse club pricing especially attractive. Many Sam's Club members buy several packages at once since butter freezes well for months without sacrificing quality.

Grocery favorites shoppers buy on repeat

Certain refrigerated and fresh foods have become signature Member's Mark purchases because they offer restaurant-quality flavor at family-friendly prices.

Five cheese tortellini: Families appreciate this refrigerated pasta because dinner can be ready in under 15 minutes. Pair it with pesto, marinara or Alfredo sauce for a quick meal that costs significantly less than takeout.

Beef franks: Member's Mark Beef Franks frequently receive positive reviews for their flavor and texture. Whether you're grilling during the summer or stocking the freezer for quick dinners, they're one of the brand's better-reviewed meat products.

Rotisserie chicken: While technically not a Member's Mark packaged product, Sam's Club's rotisserie chicken remains one of the warehouse's biggest values. Many shoppers buy one weekly to use for multiple meals including sandwiches, soups, tacos and salads.

Chicken wings: For families who regularly cook at home, Member's Mark chicken wings provide an affordable way to feed a crowd. They're especially popular during football season and summer cookouts.

Frozen foods that make weeknight dinners easier

Freezers are where warehouse clubs often shine, and Sam's Club is no exception.

Chicken breast bites: These fully cooked chicken bites have become one of the brand's breakout favorites. They're easy to heat in an air fryer or oven and work well in wraps, salads, grain bowls or as a protein-packed snack.

Four pepper chicken burgers: These frozen chicken burgers offer a flavorful alternative to traditional beef patties. Shoppers often mention that they cook quickly and make an easy weeknight dinner.

Organic frozen mango: Frozen fruit can be expensive at grocery stores, but warehouse-sized bags provide excellent value. Member's Mark organic frozen mango is popular for smoothies, yogurt bowls and desserts.

Frozen shrimp: Whether you're making pasta, stir-fry or tacos, frozen shrimp is one of those items many Sam's Club members keep stocked year-round because of the combination of quality and value.

Member's Mark pizza: Warehouse club pizzas continue to improve, and several Member's Mark frozen varieties receive positive reviews for their generous toppings and convenience when dinner plans change unexpectedly.

Household essentials that save money year-round

Many shoppers say these are the products that justify maintaining a Sam's Club membership because they're items households purchase repeatedly anyway.

Paper towels: Paper towels consistently rank among Sam's Club's best values. Member's Mark paper towels are durable, absorbent and often cost noticeably less per sheet than premium national brands.

Trash bags: Few people enjoy paying full price for trash bags. Member's Mark trash bags have built a loyal following because they're thick, durable and sold in quantities that can last many households for months.

Toilet paper: Toilet paper remains one of the most common warehouse club purchases. Buying larger packs reduces both the cost per roll and the number of shopping trips throughout the year.

Laundry detergent: Member's Mark laundry detergent is another household staple that earns repeat purchases thanks to competitive pricing and reliable cleaning performance.

Batteries: If your household regularly uses AA or AAA batteries for toys, remotes or electronics, warehouse pricing can lead to meaningful savings over time.

Baby wipes: Even households without babies often keep baby wipes on hand for cleaning sticky hands, wiping down surfaces or traveling. Their versatility makes them one of Sam's Club's most frequently recommended household buys.

Paper plates: Families who entertain regularly or simply want easier cleanup appreciate buying paper plates in bulk before holidays, birthdays and backyard barbecues.

Health and wellness products worth considering

Sam's Club also receives strong reviews for many everyday health products that shoppers purchase repeatedly.

Protein shakes: Member's Mark protein shakes are frequently compared with more expensive national brands while costing less per bottle when purchased by the case.

Vitamins: Basic vitamins and supplements can be significantly cheaper at warehouse clubs, especially for households purchasing larger quantities throughout the year.

Ibuprofen: Over-the-counter medications often represent one of the easiest places to save money through warehouse shopping. A large bottle can last months while costing less per dose than drugstore options.

Protein snacks: Protein bars, snack packs and other grab-and-go options have become increasingly popular as shoppers look for convenient ways to add more protein to their diets without paying convenience-store prices.

Bakery treats shoppers can't resist

The bakery remains one of Sam's Club's biggest draws, especially when hosting gatherings or feeding larger families.

Muffins: Member's Mark muffins are oversized, moist and available in rotating flavors. They're popular for breakfasts, office meetings and freezing for later.

Cookies: Bakery cookies consistently receive high marks for tasting fresh and homemade without the bakery price tag.

Cupcakes: Whether it's a birthday party or weekend celebration, Member's Mark cupcakes are known for generous frosting and bakery-quality presentation.

Donuts: Fresh bakery donuts remain another favorite for weekend breakfasts and family gatherings.

New Member's Mark products worth trying

Sam's Club continues expanding its private-label offerings with seasonal and specialty products that have generated buzz among shoppers.

Some newer Member's Mark products worth watching include:

• Mango Shrimp Ceviche
• Almond Flour Crackers
• Salmon Pineapple Roll
• Blooming Flower Cupcakes

These limited-time and new offerings let shoppers try restaurant-inspired foods at warehouse prices, and successful items may become permanent menu additions or return as seasonal favorites.

One of the biggest reasons shoppers continue renewing their Sam's Club memberships is likely due to their confidence in the Member's Mark brand itself. From pantry staples and frozen foods to paper towels and protein shakes, many of these products have earned loyal followings because they consistently deliver strong quality at a competitive price.

If you're trying Sam's Club for the first time, consider starting with household essentials and pantry basics you'll use regularly. Buying products your family already consumes often delivers the biggest savings.

Related Content:

• How to Save $50 on a Sam’s Club Membership
• Costco vs Sam's Club: Which Warehouse Club Is Better for Your Wallet?
• 5 Hidden Sam's Club Perks That Can Save You Time and Money

Your 30s are a great time to take stock of where you are now and what you want your future to look like. You've still got decades to go before retirement, but you're also likely in the early stages of things such as saving up for a house and building up a college fund for your kids.

That means you've got time on your side when it comes to achieving your financial goals, but you might also be feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of goals you're juggling right now.

If you have no clue where to start or you just want to check whether you're prioritizing the right things and setting realistic targets for yourself, here are a few benchmarks to use as a reference – along with some tips for catching up if you feel like you've fallen behind.

The basic financial goals to work on your 30s

Your financial goals will depend heavily on your personal needs and wants. With that said, here are some foundational goals that can help you work toward financial security. By the time you reach your 40th birthday, you will ideally have:

1. An emergency fund totaling at least three months of income

If you have no emergency fund now, a good milestone to aim for first is $1,000. Then aim for one month of income. Finally, aim for three months.

2. $40,000 saved for a down payment on a house

The median age of a first-time homebuyer hit 40 last year, according to the National Association of Realtors. If you're still renting in your 30s, you're not as far behind as you might feel when comparing yourself to previous generations.

Instead of stressing about not owning a home yet, aim to have a good down payment saved up by the time you hit 40.

This dollar amount is based on having about 10% to put down on a home selling for today's median price of $403,200. Realistically, a 20% payment would be better, as would a little padding on top of that to account for inflation and the unexpected repair bills that inevitably come up in the first year or two of homeownership.

But if you're starting from zero, that 10% down payment is a good beginning goal. You can re-evaluate this goal as you get closer to the day you'll start house hunting.

3. Zero consumer debt

Aiming to be debt-free by 40 is a great goal, especially if you're also hoping to buy your first home by then. The less debt you're carrying when you start the house hunt, the better your debt-to-income ratio will be.

This will, in turn, set you up for an easier mortgage approval process. If you have credit card debt, that's your top priority. After that, any other loans you have, including student loans and car loans, should be prioritized by interest rate.

4. $260,000 in retirement savings

A popular general rule is that you should have three times your annual income in retirement savings by the time you're 40. According to the Federal Reserve, Americans ages 35 to 44 earn a median income of $86,470. A healthy retirement fund for someone earning that much at age 40 would be just under $260,000.

5. $4,500 per year per child in a college fund

For example, if you have one child who is 5 years old, you'd want at least $22,500 in a college fund. This number assumes you're hoping to cover around half of the total cost of college. Currently, the average estimated cost is from $30,000 to $51,000 per year, according to The College Board (PDF).

By the time your child reaches college age, it will likely be higher. But if you use today's numbers to set your target and put those savings in a 529 plan where it can grow, the interest earned will help offset the rise in tuition rates.

Most Americans in their 30s are falling behind on these financial goals

If reading through those financial targets left you feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Based on broader economic data, most Americans in their 30s are unlikely to be on track with every goal, and many aren't in a position to catch up on all of them by the time they hit 40.

According to data from the Federal Reserve, someone in their late 30s typically has:

• $45,000 in retirement savings
• $7,500 in transaction accounts (which includes checking and savings accounts).
• $10,000 in certificates of deposit accounts, a popular choice for long-term savings goals such as saving for a down payment.
• $43,900 in consumer debt, including $2,900 in credit card balances, $25,000 in student loans and $16,000 left to pay on a car loan.

If this financial snapshot looks similar to your own and you're 35 now, you have about five years to wipe out as much consumer debt as possible, quadruple your retirement fund, add another $30,000 to your down payment savings and another $15,000 to your emergency fund. That's not to mention keeping up with that college fund if you have kids.

That's a tall order, especially if you're earning the median income of $86,470 mentioned above and have normal living expenses to think about, too.

In that scenario, you must prioritize some goals above others.

For example, if you're struggling to decide between putting a little extra toward your kid's college fund or your own retirement, the answer is almost always retirement. If push comes to shove, student loans aren't ideal, but they do exist, so you have a Plan B there.

But running out of money in retirement is harder to work around and could end up putting financial pressure on your child anyway if they must support you in your retirement.

If you're behind on your down payment savings, on the other hand, hitting that number might be more time-sensitive than catching up on retirement. Once you buy a home, the money you're budgeting for rent could instead go toward paying off a mortgage. That would allow you to redirect the money you were originally saving up for a down payment toward retirement.

Hitting your down payment goal sooner would potentially give you more time and more room in your budget to catch up on your retirement savings a few years from now.

How to achieve your financial goals (even if you're behind)

Instead of pressuring yourself to catch up on every financial goal at once before you hit 40, you should instead prioritize catching up on one or two of the more urgent goals (such as paying off debt or building an emergency fund).

Then, if there's any room left in your budget, aim to make modest progress toward the rest of those goals so that you're a little less behind on them by the time you're 40. Here are a few tips to make that happen:

Personalize these financial targets to your own life first

The numbers above are general guidelines. The first step toward getting on track is figuring out the numbers you, personally, should be targeting. Then, assess where you are now. Maybe you're behind on retirement, but you've been good about avoiding debt. Maybe you've racked up debt, but you also got an early start on retirement savings, so you're doing fine there.

Revisit and rebalance your budget at least once a year

By your 30s, you might already be "adulting" well enough to stick to a budget. If not, now is a good time to establish one. There are a lot of great budgeting apps out there that can help you with that.

For those who already have one, this is your reminder to not treat it as a "set it and forget it" tool. At least once every year, do the following to prevent your expenses from creeping upward:

• Call your service providers to ask for lower bills. I tried this personally and got great results from it. It only takes a couple of hours, and you could save hundreds.
• Shop and switch your car insurance whenever you find a better rate. Do the same for home insurance if you have it. Shopping regularly can save you hundreds on insurance without having to change your coverage. But you should also do an annual insurance review to make sure you're not paying for more coverage than you need.
• Re-evaluate any nonessential monthly expenses. "Streamflation" is real. Even if you don't want to give up your favorite subscriptions, sometimes threatening to cancel is enough to get a steep discount offer. Aside from streaming, look for other ways to reduce nonessentials. If going out for a fancy coffee is one of your favorite treats, for example, you might cut back from every day to once a week.

If you have debt, work on lowering your interest rates

When paying off debt, the payments you're making each month are only half of the picture. The other half is tamping down those interest rates every chance you get.

Here are a few ways to do that:

• Call and ask for lower rates. The worst thing that can happen is you get told "no." The best thing that can happen is you shave a percentage point or two off your interest rate, potentially saving hundreds or more in interest.
• Use 0% intro offers on credit cards strategically to pay down high interest debt faster. The key to making this strategy work is making sure you can pay off the balance before the introductory period ends and being disciplined enough to not build up new debt after this old debt is gone.
• Consolidate high interest debt into low interest debt. If you've got multiple credit cards carrying balances at interest rates of 20% or more, taking out a personal loan with an interest rate closer to 10% could save you money on interest and help you pay off debt faster.

Make every account you own work for you

No matter what your income is now, ensuring that you're earning as much interest as possible on every dollar in both your savings and checking accounts can help you reach your goals faster.

Just as you should be re-shopping your insurance every year, it's a good idea to check the annual percentage yield (APY) on your bank accounts at least once a year and switch if you find better rates elsewhere. Use our savings tool below, powered by Bankrate, to see how your current savings account compares with the best offers available today:

Resist lifestyle creep

As you work toward growing your earning potential, it's easy to fall victim to lifestyle creep. It can happen in subtle ways, such as collecting tons of subscriptions or little splurges here and there because "it's only $5." But it can also happen in more obvious ways, like immediately upgrading your car even though your current car is fine.

One way to manage this is to create a realistic budgeting rule for yourself now. Anytime you get a raise or a better-paying job, you might decide that 70% of that additional income is going toward your goals and the other 30% can go toward enjoying the fruits of your labor.

You don't need to do a 70/30 split, but whatever you do settle on, be sure to automate those revised financial goals as soon as your first new paycheck hits your account.

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Retirement often comes with a long list of financial decisions. You'll need to determine how to generate income from savings, evaluate healthcare coverage and decide how you'll spend your newfound free time.

One question many new retirees overlook is technology. If you're preparing to leave the workforce, your technology needs might change significantly. Your employer might have provided a laptop, smartphone, software subscriptions or even internet reimbursement. Once you retire, those tools become your responsibility.

Fortunately, most retirees don't need the latest gadgets or the most expensive devices. The right setup depends on how you plan to spend your time, whether that's managing finances, traveling, video chatting with family, streaming entertainment or running a small side business. Here are three retirement technology setups to consider based on your needs and budget.

Budget setup: Simple and affordable

This setup works well for retirees who primarily use technology for email, online banking, video calls, light web browsing and streaming entertainment.

Chromebook

A Chromebook is often one of the most affordable computer options available. Since most tasks happen through a web browser, Chromebooks tend to be easy to use, require minimal maintenance and offer strong security features.

For retirees who don't need specialized software, a Chromebook can handle most everyday tasks without the higher cost of a traditional laptop.

Look for a Chromebook with at least 8GB of memory, 128GB of storage and a Full HD or better display. That combination is more than enough for email, streaming and everyday web browsing, while helping the laptop stay responsive for years.

For example, this Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook meets those recommendations and is currently on sale at Best Buy for $399.99 (regularly $499.99).

24-inch monitor

A 24-inch Full HD (1080p) monitor provides more screen space for reading emails, reviewing financial statements and participating in video calls. Look for a model with an IPS display, anti-glare screen and eye-care features to help reduce eye strain during longer computing sessions. This Acer 23.8-inch Full HD IPS monitor offers those features at an affordable price and is well suited for everyday tasks.

Basic android smartphone

Many retirees don't need a premium smartphone that costs more than $1,000. A basic Android phone can handle calls, texts, photos, navigation, video chats and mobile banking while keeping costs low.

A good budget Android phone typically costs $200 to $400 and offers 5G connectivity, at least 128GB of storage and all-day battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G offers those features at a budget-friendly price while delivering many of the capabilities found on more expensive phones.

Low-cost mobile plan

Many mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), including Mint Mobile, Total Wireless and Visible, offer service on the same major networks used by larger carriers but at a lower monthly cost.

Retirees who spend much of their time at home connected to Wi-Fi might find that a lower-cost plan meets their needs perfectly.

Estimated upfront cost: $500 to $1,000

Comfort setup: The sweet spot for most retirees

Many retirees fall into this category. They want reliable devices that perform well without paying for premium features they'll rarely use. Here are some items you may want to consider.

Midrange Windows laptop

A quality Windows laptop offers flexibility for everything from managing investments and taxes to online shopping and streaming.

Look for a model with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of memory and a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD). That combination provides enough performance and storage for managing finances, organizing photos, planning travel and handling everyday tasks. Popular options include the Lenovo IdeaPad, HP Pavilion and Dell Inspiron.

27-inch monitor

A larger monitor can make multitasking easier, especially when reviewing spreadsheets, managing retirement accounts or planning travel. Look for a 27-inch monitor with QHD (1440p) resolution for sharper text and more screen space.

Many retirees find that upgrading from a smaller screen is one of the most noticeable improvements to their daily technology experience.

iPhone or Samsung Galaxy smartphone

If you use your phone frequently for photos, travel apps, banking and family communication, a midtier iPhone or Samsung Galaxy smartphone offers a good balance of performance, camera quality and long-term software support. For example, the iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy A57 5G provide many flagship features at a lower price.

Retirees might also appreciate features such as emergency assistance, health tracking and location sharing with family members.

Unlimited mobile plan

An unlimited plan might make sense if you frequently travel, stream content away from home or use your phone as a backup internet connection. Carriers often bundle their best trade-in offers and free or discounted smartphones with unlimited plans, helping offset the cost of upgrading.

Estimated upfront cost: $1,500 to $2,500

Power user setup: For active retirees

Retirement doesn't always mean slowing down. Many retirees launch consulting businesses, manage rental properties, trade investments, create content, volunteer extensively or spend months traveling each year.

If technology plays a major role in your daily life, investing in more capable equipment (such as some of these premium tech options) might be worthwhile.

MacBook Air or premium Windows laptop

A higher-end laptop offers faster performance, better displays and a longer useful life. For retirees who spend several hours each day on a computer, the productivity benefits might justify the additional cost.

Look for a model with at least 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD to handle demanding tasks such as photo editing, running a business or managing large files. For example, the MacBook Air or Dell XPS provides the performance and battery life many power users appreciate.

Dual monitors

Dual monitors can be especially useful for managing investments, researching travel, running a business or working on creative projects. Having multiple screens reduces the need to constantly switch between applications and can improve efficiency.

Flagship smartphone

Premium smartphones offer better cameras, longer battery life and advanced features that frequent travelers and heavy users often appreciate.

For example, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra provide top-tier cameras, powerful processors and premium displays that can easily handle photography, navigation, mobile productivity and entertainment. For retirees who rely heavily on their phones, these upgrades can provide real value.

Premium broadband internet

Reliable internet becomes increasingly important when video calling family, streaming entertainment, working remotely or using telehealth services.

For households with multiple connected devices, look for an internet plan with download speeds of at least 300 Mbps, or 500 Mbps to 1 gig if you frequently work from home, upload large files or stream on several devices at once. A faster internet connection can make these activities more seamless and reduce frustration.

Estimated upfront cost: $3,000 to $5,000+

Technology retirees might no longer need

Retirement can be a good time to simplify your technology and reduce recurring expenses. Before buying new devices, review the services you're already paying for to see what you still need.

Consider canceling or downgrading:

• Software subscriptions previously provided by your employer
• Cloud storage plans you rarely use
• Business-focused applications
• Multiple streaming services
• Extra phone lines
• Internet plans with more speed than you need

Reducing unnecessary subscriptions can free room in your budget for technology you'll use every day.

The best retirement technology setup isn't necessarily the most expensive one. For many retirees, a reliable laptop, a larger monitor, a smartphone and dependable internet service are enough to stay connected, manage finances and enjoy retirement.

As you prepare to leave the workforce, think about how you'll use technology in your daily life. Building a setup around your habits rather than the latest gadgets can help you stay productive, connected and entertained without overspending.

Plan your next chapter with confidence. Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who can help you build a strategy and work toward your long-term goals:

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When you live in an older home, it's very much like stepping into a time capsule. Our home was built in 1984, and it hadn't been updated much since then when we bought it. From carpet under the oven to a washer/dryer combo in the guest bathroom, it was a wild adjustment.

Your first impulse is to modernize. This usually refers to cosmetic upgrades such as new flooring, cabinetry and a fresh coat of paint. Oh, and removing the washer/dryer combo from the bath.

While this will give your home a much-needed facelift, there are smarter upgrades that can save you money on energy bills and significantly improve your home's safety. Here are some changes we made in our home, and a few products I recommend to help you with them.

Let's start with one of your home's most vulnerable spots: Its entry point.

The critical role of exterior doors in home security

When it comes to making an older home safer, the exterior door is your first and most important line of defense. Over time, hollow wood doors can develop rot or structural weakness, making them vulnerable. Upgrading to reinforced options, such as steel doors, improves your safety by providing a strong barrier that deters potential intruders.

Not only will this offer protection, but it also gives you peace of mind — and an immediate boost to your home's curb appeal. In fact, this is one of the few home improvement projects where you'll earn a 100% return on investment, per Realtor.com.

To determine your door size, you'll want to measure the height, width and thickness of the door, not the frame. For width, take measurements at the top, middle and bottom to account for warping. Once you have these measurements, here's a smart option to consider:

Upgrade your access: Why every older home needs a smart lock

I highly recommend a smart lock. They eliminate the need for physical keys, offer remote monitoring and alerts and many have tamper alarms.

A smart lock operates with a keypad, reading your fingerprints or an input code to lock or unlock the door. Best of all, they have free phone apps, so you can lock and unlock your door (or check if it's locked) whether you're in your driveway or hundreds of miles away.

I also recommend them because you can assign temporary codes. This is perfect for babysitters or pet sitters, house guests, cleaners or anyone else who has regular access to your home. Follow these steps to protect your home from keyless break-ins.

When looking for a smart lock, get one with a battery backup; if there's a power outage, you'll still be able to access your lock. Here's one I like because it automatically locks your door after 180 seconds, includes a battery backup with six months of battery life and is voice-assistant compatible:

Once you have another layer of security outside your home, it's important to check for any hidden dangers inside.

This device detects hidden dangers in your walls

Older homes don't always have updated wiring, and new technology plugged into older circuits could max out your circuit panel. In turn, the breaker will trip, causing power outages and overheated wiring.

Ensuring your electrical system is running well protects your home from potential house fires. This is where the Ting sensor comes in. It's a smart plug you install into a wall plug in your home.

From there, you download the free Ting app. The smart plug monitors for any signs of trouble, such as faulty wiring, malfunctioning devices and more. It can also detect equipment and electrical issues on your utility's end.

Along with monitoring your electricity, here are some other devices you should consider to keep your home safe.

The sensors every older home needs

The first thing I installed when we bought our home was CO (carbon monoxide) monitors. Older homes often rely on aging, battery-only smoke detectors. And because they're out of sight, sometimes it's easy to forget to conduct tests or replace them. As a general rule, most units last 10 years.

Upgrading to smart detectors is one of the smartest ways to secure your home. Unlike traditional units that emit a beep, smart CO detectors send notifications to your phone through the manufacturer's free app. This gives you critical extra time to act and can alert you to dangers even if you're not home.

I also recommend a water sensor, which plugs into the wall and can detect leaks and moisture, sending you real-time alerts. This is pivotal if you live in a home with older piping or an aging water heater, as it gives you time to shut off the main water valve before more damage occurs.

Now it's time to tackle your home's energy usage.

Automate your energy savings

Electricity prices continue to climb. This, coupled with increased demand during the summer months, will result in higher energy bills. The main culprit behind your energy bills is your air conditioner.

One way to reduce stress on your AC is with a smart thermostat. which allows you to program temperatures whether you're on your couch or hundreds of miles away. By setting the thermostat 8 to 10 degrees warmer when you're away during the day or on vacation, you can save up to 10% on your energy bills.

This smart thermostat is Energy Star certified, saving you up to 26% on your heating and cooling costs annually:

Ultimately, making your home more contemporary doesn't mean you have to tear down walls and rebuild. By focusing on these smart upgrades, you're securing access points, monitoring your home's electricity and optimizing its energy usage. In turn, you can transform your time capsule into a safer, more efficient home that's working smarter, not harder.

Related content

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Mortgage rates have settled into a holding pattern, giving homebuyers a clearer picture of borrowing costs even if financing remains expensive. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.49% for the week ending June 25, according to Freddie Mac, and has hovered around the mid-6% range for the past six weeks. While that's lower than the 6.77% average a year ago, it hasn't been enough to reignite home sales.

At the same time, housing inventory is improving in many markets, sellers are becoming more willing to negotiate, and the national median listing price has declined year over year while inventory has climbed to a two-year high, according to Realtor.com. Yet, despite more choices and relatively steady mortgage rates, many buyers remain on the sidelines.

That's because today's affordability challenge extends well beyond the interest rate. Homeowners insurance, property taxes, utilities, HOA fees and maintenance costs have all climbed sharply in recent years, making the true cost of homeownership much higher than the monthly mortgage payment alone.

Mortgage rates are only part of the affordability equation

For the past several years, mortgage interest rates have dominated conversations about housing affordability — and for good reason.

Even a one-percentage-point change in mortgage rates can significantly affect a monthly payment. But many prospective buyers are discovering that lower rates don't automatically make homeownership affordable.

While rates have eased somewhat, home prices remain elevated in many markets, and other ownership costs continue to climb. Mortgage interest rates may influence whether someone can qualify for a loan, but taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance costs determine whether they can comfortably afford the home after closing.

The monthly mortgage payment is only one line item in a much larger budget.

Home insurance costs are rising across the country

One of the fastest-growing housing expenses is homeowner's insurance.

Insurance premiums have increased in many states in the past few years due to higher rebuilding costs, more frequent severe weather events and increased claims activity. Some insurers have reduced coverage in high-risk regions altogether, limiting competition and pushing premiums higher.

States prone to hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and flooding have experienced some of the steepest premium increases, but rising insurance costs are no longer confined to high-risk regions. According to LendingTree, homeowners insurance rates nationwide climbed nearly 47% from 2020 to 2025, adding hundreds of dollars or more to many homeowners' annual housing costs.

A property that seems affordable based on the mortgage payment alone might carry insurance costs hundreds of dollars higher per month than expected. Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, insurance premiums can continue rising year after year.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare some of today's top home insurance offers and save:

Property taxes, HOA fees and utilities add up

Property taxes are another major expense many buyers underestimate. Tax bills vary widely by state, county and municipality, so two similarly priced homes can come with dramatically different annual property taxes. In many areas, rising home values can also trigger higher assessments over time, increasing tax bills even if your mortgage payment stays the same.

Homeowner association (HOA) fees can further increase monthly housing costs. Many condominiums, townhomes and planned communities charge monthly dues that range from $200 to $300 for single-family homes, according to RubyHome, though fees can be significantly higher in some communities.

HOA fees have become a growing consideration for buyers, as 67% of newly completed homes in 2024 were part of an HOA. Some associations also levy special assessments to pay for major repairs or capital improvements.

Utility costs are another expense that can strain a household budget. As electricity, water and natural gas prices continue to rise in many parts of the country, monthly utility bills can add up quickly. When combined with property taxes, insurance and HOA fees, these ongoing expenses can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year to the true cost of homeownership.

The real cost of owning a home

Many buyers focus on the principal and interest payment when estimating affordability.

But a more realistic housing budget includes:

• Principal and interest
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA fees
• Utilities
• Maintenance and repairs
• Landscaping and lawn care
• Emergency home expenses

Consider a $400,000 home purchased with a 10% down payment and a 6.5% mortgage rate. While the monthly principal and interest payment would be about $2,275 (based on a $360,000 loan), that's only one part of the cost of homeownership.

Once you factor in property taxes, homeowner's insurance, utilities and ongoing maintenance, the true monthly cost can be more than $3,300.

Estimates are for illustrative purposes only and will vary by location.

For many first-time buyers, these ongoing expenses come as a surprise. Financial experts generally recommend setting aside 1% to 2% of a home's value each year for maintenance and repairs.

On a $400,000 home, that's about $4,000 to $8,000 annually, or roughly $333 to $667 per month.

Why many buyers are still priced out

Mortgage rates are only one reason housing affordability remains strained. Home prices are still significantly higher than they were before the pandemic, even as appreciation has slowed in some markets. According to Zillow, U.S. home values have increased 45.3% since February 2020, meaning roughly 11 years of typical home-price growth occurred in just five years.

Meanwhile, wage growth has struggled to keep pace with the combined increases in housing costs.

Many buyers who can technically qualify for a mortgage are finding it difficult to comfortably absorb higher insurance premiums, taxes and maintenance costs alongside everyday expenses like groceries, healthcare and transportation.

That's one reason inventory is growing in many areas while sales remain relatively slow. Buyers might have more options to choose from, but affordability remains a challenge.

How buyers can lower their housing costs

While buyers can't control mortgage interest rates or home prices, they can take steps to reduce the overall cost of homeownership and avoid unpleasant surprises after closing.

Shop for homeowners insurance before making an offer: Insurance costs can vary significantly between carriers and neighborhoods. Comparing quotes early can help buyers identify potential affordability issues before they commit to a property.

Compare property taxes between communities: Two similarly priced homes might come with very different tax bills. Looking beyond the purchase price and comparing local tax rates can reveal long-term savings.

Factor HOA fees into affordability calculations: A lower-priced home with high HOA fees might end up costing more than a slightly more expensive home without them.

Consider smaller homes or different neighborhoods: A lower-price home with high HOA fees might ultimately cost more each month than a slightly more expensive home without them. Be sure to include association fees when evaluating affordability.

Consider smaller homes or different neighborhoods: Expanding your search radius, choosing a smaller home or exploring nearby communities can reduce both upfront costs and ongoing expenses such as taxes, insurance and maintenance.

Build maintenance into the budget: Homeownership comes with ongoing repair and replacement costs. Whether it's a new water heater, HVAC repair, roof replacement or plumbing issue, unexpected expenses are inevitable. Setting aside money in a dedicated home maintenance fund can help you cover these costs without relying on credit cards or dipping into your emergency savings.

Affordability doesn't end at closing

It's easy to focus on mortgage rates when you're thinking about buying a home, but they're only one piece of the affordability puzzle. Homeowners insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance costs and HOA fees can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the true monthly cost of ownership.

The good news is that buyers have more options today than they did a year or two ago. Inventory is improving in many markets, and sellers are becoming more willing to negotiate. But before making an offer, it's important to look beyond the mortgage payment and evaluate all the costs that come with owning a home.

Understanding the full picture can help you choose a home that not only fits your budget today, but remains affordable for years to come.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare some of today's top mortgage offers:

Related Content:

• 5 Things You Can Negotiate When Buying a Home
• When Renting Is Smarter Than Buying
• I Made Some Mistakes Buying My First Home. Here's How I'm Making Sure It Doesn't Happen Again

You've done everything right, and you're still losing ground. That's the sentiment many feel, as rising inflation takes bigger bites out of paychecks when you pump gas, pay your electric bill or go to the grocery store.

It used to be that you could turn to a high-yield savings account to outpace it. Yet, with inflation at 4.20% and not likely to cool soon, most savings accounts don't earn returns keeping pace with inflation.

"It’s not just about earning interest," says Eric Bernstein, president of LendFriend Mortgage. "When your savings are sitting idle, you’re missing out on the compounding power that could strengthen your homebuying profile. For those targeting a purchase, inflation isn't just an annoyance — it's a direct reduction in your future purchasing power."

Stop letting the status quo erode your wealth. Here are three strategic pivots to shield your cash from inflation and crush your debt for good.

1. Stop chasing yields

For a long time, savings accounts offered exceptional rates of return that outpaced inflation. In the interim, those days are likely over. The ongoing war with Iran will keep fuel prices high, and even if there is a permanent resolution soon, energy prices might not stabilize fully into 2027.

The problem is that you need a high-yield savings account as part of your financial plan. Instead of shopping around for rates every few months, I'm recommending a savings account I've found that consistently offers good returns and has no monthly fees.

Once you reach your emergency fund and short-term savings goal, you want to shift your focus away from saving.

2. The debt-first pivot

Debt robs you of future wealth, especially if you're carrying high-interest debt. Credit cards and HELOCs also feature variable rates that can compound faster than any return you would earn on a savings account.

Therefore, when you view these debts as an emergency, you restore your purchasing power and improve your monthly cash flow.

Here's a debt repayment checklist to help you devise a plan that works:

• Make a list of all your outstanding debts, including balances owed, interest rates, etc.
• Use a budgeting app or a personal banker to see if you can free up cash in your budget or curtail spending
• Use the debt avalanche method (focusing on the debt with the highest interest rate) first, or do the debt snowball, in which you tackle your lowest balance to build momentum
• Set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss one
• Allocate any surplus cash from bonuses, commissions or tax refunds to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first
• Review goals at least quarterly to ensure you remain on track to pay off debt

Along with debt repayment, now is a vital time to re-evaluate how you approach buying everyday items.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional that can help you build a plan to reach your financial goals:

3. Spend with intention

Debt repayment takes center stage, but you must also plug any spending holes you have in your budget. To demonstrate, inflation won't show up as a line item in your budget, but rising per-unit prices create stealthy paycheck erosion.

I'm going to show you a few ways to rein in spending.

Everything in life seems to revolve around subscriptions, so this is a good place to start. Look for apps or memberships you haven't used much in the past few months and pause them. If you can go a few months without them, then you won't need them back.

If you want to save on streaming moving forward, do this:

• Use your credit card and cellphone plan perks to lower total streaming costs
• Buy annual plans around Black Friday, in which deals are usually the best
• Use shopping subscriptions such as Walmart+, which offers a free membership to Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essentials plans, you can switch options every 90 days

The next area is mastering the art of grocery shopping. Instead of impulse buying, plan meals. Shop ethnic markets for produce, as they tend to be cheaper and offer better quality than most grocery stores, in my experience.

Use warehouse clubs for pantry bulk supplies, where per-unit prices are often lower than at your regular markets.

Another tip seems simple, yet it's effective. Kiplinger personal finance writer Rachael Green reached out to her service providers to ask if they could lower her bills. She saved more than $700 annually, so it definitely pays to reach out.

Lastly, if you find something you want to buy that isn't essential, implement the 24-hour rule. I do this often and find that after sleeping on it, I don't really need the item. This can help you rein in impulse spending, giving you more money to devote to debt repayment.

Ultimately, inflation can erode some of your purchasing power, but you can control its impact. The key is to move away from an all-savings strategy and implement other solutions impacting your finances.

Attacking high-interest debt with urgency and treating every dollar you earn with intention helps you not only save money but also buy back your financial freedom. These small shifts can help you weather the storm of higher prices so you can reclaim the ground inflation tried to steal.

Related content

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• Inflation Is at 4.2%: These Savings Accounts Are Outpacing It

It can feel like there's always a sale happening. Right now, shoppers are being bombarded with promotions from Amazon Prime Day, Walmart Deals and other summer sales events, all promising big discounts and limited-time offers. But just because something is on sale doesn't mean it's the best time to buy.

Many of the biggest savings happen when retailers are clearing out seasonal inventory, making room for new models or trying to boost sales during slower shopping periods. That's why timing can matter just as much as the item you're purchasing.

Buying a refrigerator during a major holiday sale, waiting until the end of summer for patio furniture or shopping back-to-school promotions for electronics can often lead to bigger discounts than shopping during a headline-grabbing sales event.

Instead of focusing on a single shopping holiday, it helps to look at the retail calendar as a whole. Certain products tend to go on sale at the same times every year, making it easier to plan larger purchases and avoid paying full price. Here's a month-by-month guide to some of the best times to buy household goods, electronics, seasonal items and more throughout 2026.

January

Best buys: TVs, fitness equipment, gym memberships, bedding, towels, linens, holiday décor and winter clearance items

January is one of the strongest months for bargain hunters. Retailers heavily discount TVs ahead of the Super Bowl as shoppers upgrade their home entertainment setups. You’ll often find markdowns on large-screen TVs, soundbars and streaming devices throughout the month.

Fitness equipment and gym memberships also go on sale as companies capitalize on New Year’s resolutions. Expect deals on treadmills, weights, exercise bikes and fitness subscriptions.

January is also prime time for clearance shopping. Holiday décor, wrapping paper and winter seasonal items are deeply discounted after Christmas. Many department stores also hold traditional "white sales," which focus on bedding, towels and linens.

February

Best buys: Mattresses, furniture, appliances, winter apparel and winter sports gear

February is one of the best months to find deals on big-ticket household purchases, thanks to Presidents' Day sales. Mattress retailers often compete aggressively during the holiday weekend, offering deep discounts, free delivery and bundle deals that can rival some of the best promotions of the year.

Furniture stores also begin clearing older inventory to make room for new spring collections. If you're shopping for a sofa, dining table, bedroom set or other large furniture purchase, February can be a good time to buy before new styles arrive and prices reset.

You'll also find growing clearance sales on winter clothing, boots and cold-weather gear as retailers shift their focus to spring merchandise. Ski, snowboard and other winter sports equipment might also be marked down as the season winds down.

March

Best buys: Vacuums, carpet cleaners, storage and organization products, tax software and lawn and garden supplies

March is a strong month for home organization and cleaning deals as retailers lean into spring-cleaning season. Shoppers can often find discounts on vacuums, carpet cleaners, storage bins, shelving units and other products designed to help tackle household projects after winter.

Tax software providers also frequently offer promotions as the filing deadline approaches, particularly on basic and DIY filing packages. If you haven't filed yet, March can be a good time to compare pricing and take advantage of limited-time discounts.

You'll also begin to see early-season deals on lawn and garden supplies before demand peaks later in the spring. Purchasing outdoor tools, hoses, planters and gardening essentials early might help you avoid higher prices later in the season.

April

Best buys: Airfare, hotel stays, smartphones, tech devices, luggage, outdoor gear and camping equipment

April can be a surprisingly good month for travel deals. As part of the spring shoulder season — the period between winter travel and peak summer vacation demand — travelers might find lower airfare and hotel rates, especially if their plans are flexible.

It's also a good time to shop for slightly older smartphones and tech devices. Retailers sometimes offer discounts on existing models ahead of anticipated summer and fall product launches, creating opportunities to save without sacrificing many features.

Outdoor gear, luggage and camping equipment can also be attractively priced before summer demand ramps up. Buying early could help you avoid the higher prices that often arrive closer to peak travel and camping season.

May

Best buys: Appliances, patio furniture, grills and mattresses

May is one of the best shopping months of the year thanks to Memorial Day sales. Large appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers, often see significant discounts as retailers make room for newer inventory arriving later in the year.

Patio furniture and grills are also heavily promoted ahead of the summer entertaining season. While the deepest clearance prices typically arrive at the end of summer, May sales can still offer strong value while providing a broader selection of styles and models.

Mattresses remain another major Memorial Day sale category, giving shoppers a second opportunity to find deals after Presidents Day promotions.

June

Best buys: Tools, grills, lawn equipment, home improvement products, cookware, small kitchen appliances and fine jewelry

June offers a mix of seasonal promotions and holiday sales that can create savings opportunities across several categories. Father's Day sales often drive discounts on power tools, lawn equipment, grills and garage organization products, making it a good time for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts to shop.

The month is also closely tied to wedding season, prompting retailers to offer deals on cookware, small kitchen appliances and fine jewelry as they target gift buyers and newlyweds. If you're furnishing a kitchen or replacing household essentials, June sales can provide opportunities to save.

In recent years, June has also become a major month for online shopping events. Retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy frequently launch summer sales and competing deal events ahead of peak back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

While timing varies from year to year, shoppers might find discounts on electronics, smart-home devices, laptops, TVs and everyday household items throughout the month.

July

Best buys: Electronics, laptops, tablets, TVs, smart-home devices, furniture, mattresses and summer apparel

July has become one of the biggest shopping months of the year thanks to major midsummer sales events. Retailers compete aggressively for shoppers' attention, creating opportunities to save on electronics, tech products and smart-home devices. Laptops, tablets, headphones, TVs and other popular gadgets are frequently among the most heavily discounted categories.

Fourth of July sales can also bring strong deals on furniture and mattresses as retailers use the holiday weekend to attract shoppers making larger household purchases.

By mid- to late July, many stores begin marking down summer clothing, footwear and seasonal apparel to make room for incoming fall inventory. Shoppers who don't need the latest styles can often find some of the season's best clothing discounts during this transition period.

July sales happening now:

Home Goods and Decor

• Crate & Barrel

• Macy's

Furniture

• Ashley Furniture

• Gardner White Furniture

Grills and Outdoor Living

• Home Depot

• Sam's Club

• Target

August

Best buys: Laptops, tablets, office furniture, dorm essentials, desks, office chairs, organizational products, summer apparel and jewelry

August is one of the best months to shop for back-to-school deals. Retailers frequently discount laptops, tablets, printers and other technology products while offering bundles that include accessories, software or student-focused incentives.

The back-to-school shopping season also creates savings opportunities on office furniture, including desks, office chairs and organizational products. Even shoppers who aren't students can often benefit from these promotions when setting up a home office or workspace.

Meanwhile, summer clothing and seasonal apparel typically move deeper into clearance as retailers prepare for fall merchandise. Some jewelry categories, including engagement rings, could also see softer pricing before demand begins to increase ahead of the holiday shopping season.

September

Best buys: Vehicles, grills, patio furniture, gardening tools and appliances

September can be an excellent time to shop for a vehicle. As dealerships begin making room for next year's inventory, outgoing model-year vehicles might be discounted to encourage sales. End-of-quarter sales goals can also create opportunities for buyers to negotiate more aggressively on price, financing or trade-in offers.

It's also one of the best months to find clearance deals on outdoor living products. Grills, patio furniture, gardening tools and other seasonal items are often heavily marked down as retailers shift their focus to fall and holiday merchandise.

Appliances could also see promotional pricing during September as manufacturers and retailers prepare for new model introductions and year-end sales events.

October

Best buys: Lawn equipment, camping gear, outdoor recreation products and post-Halloween clearance

October is a transitional shopping month that can offer overlooked bargains for shoppers planning ahead. As colder weather approaches in many parts of the country, retailers often begin clearing out lawn equipment, camping gear and outdoor recreation products to make room for winter inventory.

Some retailers also start rolling out early holiday promotions on electronics, home goods and seasonal gifts ahead of the major shopping events that arrive in November. While the biggest deals could still be weeks away, October can provide opportunities to buy before inventory becomes limited.

One of the best savings opportunities comes immediately after Halloween. Costumes, decorations, party supplies and seasonal candy are often marked down significantly as retailers clear remaining inventory. Shopping post-Halloween sales can be a smart way to stock up on costumes for future school spirit weeks, themed work events and next year's celebrations at a fraction of the original price.

November

Best buys: TVs, laptops, gaming systems, smart-home devices, small appliances, streaming services and holiday gifts

November remains the heavyweight champion of shopping deals. Black Friday and Cyber Monday continue to deliver some of the year's best discounts on TVs, laptops, gaming systems, smart-home technology and small appliances. Retailers often compete aggressively in these high-profile categories to attract shoppers and drive traffic.

Holiday gifts, kitchen gadgets, coffee makers, air fryers and other popular household products also see widespread promotions throughout the month. Many retailers extend sales well beyond Thanksgiving weekend, giving shoppers more opportunities to compare prices and avoid the rush.

November is also one of the best times of the year to save on streaming services. Providers frequently offer limited-time promotions on both new and returning subscriptions, making it a good month to lock in discounted rates on entertainment services for the year.

Despite the abundance of deals, not every sale represents a true bargain. Comparing prices ahead of time, using price-tracking tools and sticking to a shopping list can help shoppers avoid impulse purchases during the year's biggest sales events.

December

Best buys: Vehicles, holiday décor, toys, winter apparel, storage containers and travel bookings

December can offer surprisingly strong savings opportunities, especially for car buyers. As dealerships work to hit month-end, quarter-end and annual sales goals, shoppers may find some of the year's best opportunities to negotiate pricing on new vehicles.

After Christmas, retailers begin clearing out holiday inventory, leading to steep markdowns on decorations, wrapping supplies, toys, gift sets and seasonal merchandise. Winter apparel might also see discounts as stores look ahead to spring inventory.

Post-holiday clearance sales can be an especially good time to buy storage totes, ornament organizers and other storage solutions. Purchasing these items after Christmas can help you protect holiday decorations and family keepsakes while paying a fraction of peak-season prices.

December can also be a smart time to start planning next year's travel. Booking flights, accommodations and other travel arrangements early, particularly for popular summer vacation periods, might help travelers secure lower prices before demand increases in the months ahead.

The best strategy isn't always buying immediately

Retailers often rely on urgency and impulse buying to drive sales, but many products follow predictable discount cycles throughout the year.

Waiting a few weeks — or even a few months — for the right sales window can significantly reduce the cost of major purchases without sacrificing quality. Whether you're shopping for a new TV, appliance, mattress or vehicle, buying at the right time can lead to savings.

If you're looking to stretch your budget in 2026, timing your purchases strategically may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to save money.

Related Content:

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Tipping has always been part of everyday life, whether you're dining out, getting a haircut or ordering food delivery. But in recent years, you may have noticed that tip prompts seem to be appearing in more places than ever before.

At the same time, inflation has pushed up the cost of restaurant meals, personal services and other everyday expenses. That means even when you're leaving the same percentage tip you always have, the dollar amount is often higher simply because the bill is higher.

The result is that many people are taking a closer look at their tipping habits and wondering what's expected, what's optional and how to be generous without stretching their budget too thin. Some services still have well-established tipping norms, while in other situations, gratuities are entirely up to the customer. Understanding the difference can help you make confident decisions the next time you're faced with a payment screen asking for an extra 20% or more.

Here's a practical guide to who to tip, how much to tip and when it's perfectly reasonable to skip the extra charge.

The services where tipping is still expected

Today, customers are being asked to tip almost everywhere. Digital payment screens now appear at coffee shops, bakeries, food trucks, self-checkout counters and even some retail stores.

Shoppers and media outlets began using the term "tipflation" to describe the combination of rising prices, higher suggested gratuities and tip requests appearing in more everyday transactions. Meanwhile, workers in many service industries continue to rely on tips as a significant part of their income.

While tipping norms continue to evolve, there are several situations where gratuities remain an established part of compensation.

Places where tipping is optional

Not every tip prompt requires a tip. Many people encounter gratuity requests in situations where tipping was uncommon just a few years ago, including:

• Coffee shops
• Frozen yogurt shops
• Retail checkout counters
• Self-service kiosks
• Grab-and-go food counters
• Convenience stores

In these situations, tipping is usually optional rather than something customers are expected to do. That doesn't mean you should never tip.

If a barista remembers your order, prepares a complicated custom drink or provides exceptional service, leaving a dollar or two can be a thoughtful gesture. Likewise, if a worker goes above and beyond to help you, a small gratuity may be appropriate.

However, customers shouldn't feel obligated to leave 20% simply because a payment screen suggests it. If there is little or no personalized service involved, selecting "No Tip" or entering a smaller custom amount is perfectly reasonable.

Should you tip on the pre-tax amount or total bill?

Traditional etiquette suggests calculating tips based on the pre-tax subtotal rather than the final amount after sales tax. While many people tip on the total bill because it's easier, tipping on the subtotal avoids paying a gratuity on taxes as well.

In the example below, tipping 20% on the pre-tax bill results in a $16 tip, while tipping 20% on the total bill results in a $17.60 tip.

Restaurant bill:

• Food and drinks: $80
• Sales tax: $8
• Total bill: $88

The difference isn't enormous on one meal, but it can add up over time.

Either method is acceptable, but tipping on the pre-tax subtotal aligns with traditional etiquette guidelines.

How inflation changes the math

One reason tipping feels more expensive today is that menu prices and service costs have increased significantly. Consider a restaurant meal that cost $50 in 2020. A 20% tip would have been $10.

Now imagine that same meal costs $70 in 2026 due to higher food, labor and operating costs. A 20% tip jumps to $14. The tipping percentage hasn't changed, but you're spending 40% more because the underlying bill is higher.

That's one reason many diners feel stretched. They're paying more for the meal itself and more for the gratuity attached to it.

Inflation and higher suggested tip percentages have combined to create what many describe as tipping fatigue. At the same time, workers are also facing higher living costs, creating tension on both sides of the transaction.

What to do when the payment screen starts at 25%

Many modern payment systems now display suggested tip options of 20%, 25% or even 30%. Seeing those numbers can make consumers feel pressured to spend more than they planned.

The good news is that you almost always have another option.

Most digital payment systems include a "Custom Tip" button that allows you to enter your own amount. If your personal standard is 15% or 18%, you can simply select a custom gratuity instead of choosing the suggested options.

A quick way to estimate a tip:

• 10% = move the decimal one place left
• 20% = double the 10% amount
• 15% = calculate 10% and add half of that amount

For example:

• $50 bill
• 10% = $5
• 20% = $10
• 15% = $7.50

Experts generally agree that customers shouldn't feel guilty for choosing a reasonable gratuity that fits their budget and aligns with the level of service received.

Create your own tipping rules

One of the easiest ways to reduce tipping stress is to establish personal guidelines before you're standing at the register.

You might decide:

• Always tip 20% at sit-down restaurants.
• Tip food delivery drivers at least $5 or 15%.
• Leave $1 at coffee shops for custom orders.
• Skip tips at self-service kiosks.
• Tip more during bad weather or when service exceeds expectations.

You can also create a monthly "tipping budget" just as you would for dining out or entertainment expenses.

Having a plan helps remove the guilt and uncertainty that many feel when confronted with endless tipping prompts. Instead of reacting to pressure on a screen, you're simply following rules that fit your finances and values.

Tipping doesn't have to be stressful

Tipping culture continues to evolve, but customers don't have to feel obligated to tip everywhere they're asked.

A practical approach is to prioritize workers who traditionally rely on gratuities, understand where tipping is optional and set personal guidelines that fit your budget. With inflation continuing to strain household finances, consistency matters more than giving in to every suggested tip screen. In these cases, it's perfectly reasonable to decide your tip amount based on your budget and the experience you had.

Need help building a financial plan? Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who will help you reach your financial goals.

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Amazon Prime Day is here. This is a four-day sales event running from Tuesday, June 23, through Friday, June 26.

While many of these sales don't have deep discounts, I use them as a chance to score discounts on items that improve my home's functionality and safety. On this end, Prime Day doesn't disappoint.

But first, make sure you have an Amazon Prime membership to shop the event. If you don't have one and you're new to Prime, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial. Now, here are a few items that can give you peace of mind, improve your home's functionality and potentially save you money.

This deal protects your biggest asset

I bought an older home a few years ago, and one of my main concerns was its electrical. Then, I found out about the Ting sensor. It's a smart home sensor you plug into a wall that detects electrical irregularities that could result in a house fire.

Once you install the plug, you download the free Ting app on your phone to monitor it. You'll receive real-time alerts when it detects issues. Some issues it detects include micro-arcing, caused by faulty wiring, malfunctioning devices or loose connections.

Now, I have peace of mind knowing that if any hazards arise, I can fix them before a fire occurs. During Prime Day, you'll save $20 on a Ting sensor.

This deal adds another layer of protection to your home

Smart locks are among the smartest home security upgrades you'll make. They're easy to install. And I like them for the convenience and security they offer.

These devices typically feature a keypad for PIN codes or biometric sensors, allowing you to secure your home without fumbling for physical keys. You can install them on any entry point, such as your front door, and even assign temporary codes for guests or service providers.

Worried you didn't lock your front door when you left home? Access the app and lock it remotely, instead of driving back home. You should also look for ones, like the one I recommend here, that offer weatherproofing and battery backup, so you still have access during a power outage.

And during Prime Day, you can save up to $65 on this option:

Lower your home's energy costs with this deal

Electric bills continue to surge. With the summer months driving up demand, the average household will spend 10.5% more, per the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

The main culprit behind your energy costs? Your air conditioner. This is where a smart thermostat helps you control costs. If you plan to be away from home for days or weeks at a time, you can set your thermostat at a higher temperature. This reduces the demand placed on your AC unit and the energy it uses.

Over time, setting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees warmer when you're away from home lowers your energy costs by around 10%. This could equate to hundreds of dollars per year. On top of that, you can save $50 on a new unit during Prime Day.

Ultimately, while Prime Day isn't overflowing with deep discounts, it doesn't mean you can't find good deals. Being strategic when shopping can help you find deals that add value to your home, both now and into the future. These three deals represent ways you can improve your home's functionality, ensure it remains safe and save money on energy costs.

Related content

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When people talk about closing costs and other expenses to prepare for when you buy a new home, they often forget to mention furniture, gadgets and new decor. And after 15 years of living in apartments, when I moved into a house, there was a lot to purchase.

Suddenly, I had a separate dining room. And a living room that can fit an L-shaped couch. And a kitchen with enough storage space to finally fit my KitchenAid stand mixer. A backyard where we could grill! A basement where we could work out! Wonders never ceased, but those wonders have a price attached.

My husband and I have been slowly filling up the space, and I try to take advantage of sales seasons so we can save at least a little on all the purchases. Now is a great time to do that as Amazon Prime Day kicks off this week, setting off sales at other retailers, and as we approach annual Fourth of July season sales. We're starting our first full summer in the house, and here's what I'm looking out for. If I already made (or am specifically planning to make) a purchase, I'll let you know what I went with.

Items for hosting

One of the best parts of having a house is getting to host your friends and family, but it helps to have some key supplies. Here's what I'm looking at.

Drink pitchers

My ideal symbol of hosting is a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade at the ready when someone comes over, so I need pitchers. I looked for a glass pitcher over plastic so I can potentially run it through the dishwasher, but mostly so I don't have to think about microplastics.

Amazon option: This 1-gallon square pitcher has a strainer option on its lid, which is useful if you're making something like sangria or lemon-infused water. The list price is $41.23, and it's currently listed for $32.99.

Alternative option: This 64-ounce glass pitcher from Walmart is smaller than the Amazon option but has a more appealing design. It's typically $13.99 but currently lists for $12.59.

What I ended up getting: The lidded options are definitely functional, but I liked the aesthetic of this 80-ounce glass pitcher from Crate & Barrel for $14.95. If you've just moved, Crate & Barrel has a "new mover" promotion for a discount.

Drink dispensers

Along with multifunctional pitchers I can use for bringing water to the dining room table, I wanted a glass drink dispenser I could use for making batch cocktails.

Amazon option: This highly rated dispenser comes with a blackboard sign so you can write what the drink is along with the dispenser. It comes in 1-gallon, 1.5-gallon, and 2-gallon sizes, and it also has the option of getting two dispensers that sit side-by-side on a stand. There is a Prime Day Deal on it, and the 1-gallon set of two with a stand is $32.75 (list $38.99).

Alternative option: Target has a lot of handy home goods, including this stylish 1.8-gallon dispenser with a wooden stand. It's $34.99.

What I ended up getting: We're back at Crate & Barrel with a splurge: This 1.5-gallon dispenser with a marble stand is on sale as part of the company's 4th of July Warehouse Sale. Originally $154.90, it's 10% off.

Cornhole set

If you're having friends and family over, it's nice to have a noncommittal activity available to them, like cornhole. I thought this would be a simple purchase, but there are many different cornhole set options available, from regulation-sized to strictly portable. Let's get into it.

Amazon option: Amazon Basics has a portable set available made out of plywood. It has 4.5 stars from 2,500 reviews and is priced at $73.49.

Alternative options: You can get a Rec League regulation-sized set from Dick's Sporting Goods. It's usually $169.99 but is on major sale for $99.98.

REI sells a backpack cornhole game if you want one to be able to bring somewhere easily, for $39.95.

What I ended up getting: Believe it or not, this was a Costco purchase. Costco has a basic GoSports all-weather set with a simple but classic design. It's $159.99. If you're not already a member, you can get $40 back on a Costco membership.

Backyard fun

I'm excited to have a backyard to relax in. Here's what will make it more fun.

Grill

It's not a backyard summer without a grill. Grills come in all shapes, sizes and price points, so this is where it would help to do some research and pick out what you want, then see if it goes on sale.

Amazon option: Amazon has many Traeger grills, including this portable electric wood pellet grill and smoker. There is a Prime Day Deal on this for $422.61 (list price $499.99).

Alternative option: Lowes has some short-term sales on grills now, including this black pellet grill from PitBoss that has smart compatibility. Normally $749, it's $649 until June 24.

What I ended up getting: Following a friend's lead, we want to get a Weber grill — and you can get those at Costco, with delivery available. This gas grill, for example, is currently $110 off through June 28, coming in at $889.99. There's also a promotion going on through July 25 to save money if you buy multiple Costco Direct items on the same order. If you're not already a member, you can get $40 back on a Costco membership.

Patio umbrella

I was lucky to get a set of patio furniture from my parents that they didn't use anymore, but it's missing an umbrella. Here are some new options.

Amazon option: This 9-foot table umbrella comes in a multitude of colors and has 4.4 stars from over 5,000 reviews. The list price is $58.99, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $39.99.

Alternative options: If you don't have a table to put the umbrella in, try this 15-foot umbrella with a base from Walmart. It's typically $209.99, but certain colors are on sale for $119.99.

If you're a Sam's Club member, check out their patio furniture option. This 10-foot cabana umbrella is selling for $159.97.

Inflatable pool

If you don't buy a house with a pool, you might as well get the next best thing. Inflatable pools are great to have handy if you have grandchildren or nieces and nephews who visit — or if you're an adult who wants to relax outside on a hot day without going to a public pool.

Amazon option: This actually is the option I'm purchasing, based on a recommendation from a friend: An inflatable "tanning pool" lounger made for adults with a pillow to lean back on and cup holders for your lemonade. An extra-large option is typically $45.99 but is currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $31.99.

Alternative options: If you're looking for something more for kids, Target has an inflatable pool with a play center and a mini slide. It's usually $117.99 but is on sale for $45.99 (a whopping 61% off), and it has just over four stars from 79 reviews.

If you want something to imitate a real backyard pool, Walmart has an above-ground inflatable pool. A 12-foot version is usually $169.99 and is currently on sale for $109.99.

Summer activities

An exciting part of moving to a new place is getting to explore its public spaces. My new town has a lake and parks accessible to residents, as well as lots of summer concerts and movie screenings. Here's what I'm looking at to make the most of those resources.

Picnic blanket

Whether you're heading to a park or a beach, it's helpful to have a large picnic blanket. Here are some options I found.

Amazon option: This large beach blanket is made with sand in mind, and it has 4.7 stars from over 14,600 reviews. The list price is $28.98, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $18.97.

Alternative option: Target has an extra-large picnic blanket (70 by 80 inches) that's quilted for extra comfort. It's usually $39.99 and is currently on sale for $25.59.

What I ended up getting: I envision using this mostly for relaxing at a local park, so I needed something large and water-resistant for dewy grass. This XL picnic blanket tote from Macy's seems to fit the bill, according to reviews. It's usually $80 but has a Limited-Time Special price of $48.

Beach towels

I wanted to make sure I had extra beach towels so I have something to offer visiting friends if we go to the town pool. Here's what I looked at.

Amazon option: Amazon Basics has a couple of options of 100% cotton beach towels with the classic cabana stripe design. Their list price is $23.26.

Alternative options: If you want to get a few towels to have on hand, Walmart has a 4-pack of colorful beach towels. Usually $40.99, it's on sale for $29.99.

What I ended up getting: This was another Macy's purchase for me during their most recent sale: Striped cotton towels from The Beach House. Their list price is $50 each, but they currently have a Today Only price of $16.99.

Practical items

Now, living in a house is not all fun (inflatable pool!) and games (cornhole!) all the time. There's also upkeep to take care of. Here's what I'm managing, if it helps give you ideas.

Smart thermostat

Pretty much every time there's a sale season, I check for sales on smart thermostats so I can slowly but surely change out my outdated system.

Amazon option: Amazon has its own branded smart thermostat that you can link up with your Alexa. The list price for one thermostat is $79.99, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $57.99.

Alternative option: You can also buy thermostats directly from the manufacturer. Many HVAC experts I've talked to speak highly of the Ecobee; the Premium thermostat is usually $259.99, but is currently on sale for $209.99.

What I ended up getting: Once you start with one system, you basically have to keep going with it, so I always look for sales on Google Nest thermostats. A 4th gen learning thermostat is on sale at Best Buy for $239.99 (list price $279.99).

Dryer vent cap

This is a small detail, but homeowners know the value of paying attention to small details. In this case, a proper dryer vent could mean the difference between enjoying your summer or spending your summer fending off a wasp nest in your dryer vent.

Amazon option: Amazon offers a 4-inch dryer vent cover with a magnetic door and lint trap. It's usually $12.99 but has a Prime Day Deal for $9.99.

Alternative option: If a magnetic door seems a bit too much, Walmart has this classic dryer vent cover designed for airflow. It's $10.

What I ended up getting: My dryer vent is a good target for birds because of where it is on the house, so I went for this airtight dryer cover from Home Depot. It's $19.97.

Weeding tool

As your yard soaks in the sun and warmth, so do weeds. If you, like me, are in a battle against weeds, here are some good buys.

Amazon option: When I told the editor of the Kiplinger Retirement Report that I'd started gardening, he told me I needed to get a Japanese weeding tool for the most efficiency. This weeding sickle from Suizan is on Amazon for $27.80, and I'm keeping an eye out to see if it goes on sale.

Alternative options: Target has a 40-inch weed puller tool that allows you to do more while standing. It's usually $69.99 and is on sale for $39.99.

You could also skip the individual tools and invest in a whole set. Home Depot has a 9-piece gardening tool set with a functional tote bag from Misopily. It's usually $77.62 and is on sale for $72.27.

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Americans will celebrate the 250th birthday of the country this July Fourth, but some families may also be celebrating something else: the launch of the Trump Account, a new, tax-advantaged investment vehicle for children.

Essentially a starter IRA, the account can help build long-term wealth for children, with some kids qualifying for free seed money from the federal government, employers and philanthropists.

"The main idea is to give kids a head start on retirement savings," says Judd Meinhart, director of financial planning at Modera Wealth Management in Winston-Salem, N.C. Unlike IRAs, Trump accounts, which were created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, don't require a child to have earned income.

Any child younger than 18 who is a U.S. citizen and has a Social Security number is eligible. Parents, grandparents, and other relatives and friends can collectively contribute up to $5,000 a year (the maximum will be indexed to inflation starting in 2028), and babies born between 2025 and 2028 get an additional, one-time deposit of $1,000 from the U.S. government to help kick-start the account. (You can sign up at TrumpAccounts.gov.)

Contributions, which must be invested in low-cost mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that track a U.S. stock index, grow tax-deferred and typically can't be withdrawn until the year the child turns 18. Earnings on money taken out after that point will be taxed as ordinary income, with a 10% penalty on withdrawals made before age 59½, unless they're used for qualified expenses such as education or a first-time home purchase. Intrigued?

Whether the accounts make sense for your family depends on your goal for the money and personal circumstances. Here's how experts suggest you make the call.

Open a Trump account if…

You can get free money to fund it. "If you qualify for free seed money, the decision is a no-brainer," says Marianela Collado, a certified financial planner with Tobias Financial Advisors in Plantation, Fla.

There are no income limits to get the $1,000 contribution from Uncle Sam to accounts opened for children born between 2025 and 2028, nor do you need to contribute yourself. Meanwhile, some big companies have pledged to match the federal gift or otherwise contribute to the accounts on their employees' behalf (maximum contribution: $2,500 a year per employee). Among them: Bank of America, Intel and Uber.

A few philanthropists are offering help with funding as well. For example, Michael and Susan Dell will donate $250 to each account opened for children 10 and younger who live in areas where the median household income is below $150,000 (see whether your neighborhood qualifies at ), and similar initiatives have been announced for Connecticut, Indiana and San Francisco. (Find a list of corporate and philanthropic programs here.)

Skip the Trump account if…

Your primary goal is to pay for college. Trump accounts work best as lifelong wealth-building tools, meant to compound for decades. Although you can withdraw money for higher education without penalty, you'll pay taxes on earnings, and it's not yet clear how these assets will impact financial aid.

For education funding, 529 accounts remain a better choice for most parents. Contribution limits are significantly higher and investment earnings and withdrawals are tax-free as long as they're used for qualified education expenses.

Your investment options are broader too, typically including target-date portfolios that shift to a more conservative investment mix to minimize losses as college approaches. "With a 529 account, you're not as limited," Meinhart says.

Consider a Trump account if…

You can afford to set aside money for your child's or grandchild's future after saving for retirement, college and other goals. The extra decades of compounding mean that even small contributions to Trump accounts could create significant wealth.

If you contribute just $1,000 a year from birth to age 18, on top of the $1,000 seed money from the government, for example, the balance could grow to nearly $1 million by the time the child reaches age 59½, assuming an 8% average annual return, according to Adam Bergman, founder of IRA Financial in Sioux Falls, S.D. Increase those contributions to $5,000 a year and the account could be worth more than $4.5 million.

Says Bergman, "It's an unbelievable golden ticket for the families who are able to make contributions consistently."

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Is your high-yield savings account costing you money? With inflation at 4.20%, your money is losing value unless it's in an account that earns at least a rate that keeps pace with inflation.

The bad news is that many savings accounts, including high-yield savings accounts and CDs, are currently not outpacing inflation, and since the Federal Reserve is not raising interest rates, that's not likely to change very quickly.

There is good news. First, if there's a concrete end to the war in Iran, inflation could be at its peak, per David Payne of The Kiplinger Letter, meaning that you could regain purchasing power as inflation slows. Second, it takes some digging, but there are some savings accounts that earn rates to keep you on pace or ahead of inflation.

I'll start by showing you why not shopping around for better high-yield savings account rates erodes your purchasing power, and we'll find the savings account outpacing inflation. Finally, I'll outline three steps to get you back on track towards achieving your savings goals.

The savings strategy costing you money

I understand the appeal of keeping your cash in the same place. However, most savings accounts (including high-yield) or CDs don't earn rates outpacing inflation currently. It means if you're still using these accounts, you're losing purchasing power.

This is why it's important to pivot as economic circumstances change.

How much does inflation eat into your savings? If you have a high-yield savings account with $50,000 in it earning 3.50% APY, while inflation is at 4.20%, you'd effectively lose $350 a year in purchasing power by keeping it in that account.

That's why even if your high-yield savings account was doing well before, you want to re-evaluate it to find better options.

The savings solution that keeps you on pace with inflation

I review savings accounts weekly and haven't found many that keep pace with current inflation, aside from this account from Newtek Bank:

What I like about it is that it has retained higher rates even amid Fed rate cuts and inflation. It's also easy to set up an account; you don't have monthly fees, and if inflation cools and eventually lowers, your cash will have more purchasing power.

If you're looking for any savings accounts outpacing inflation, I found one more option for you.

Are there any savings accounts outpacing inflation?

While the high-yield savings account from Newtek Bank will be the best fit for cash access, CDs also offer exceptional rates. The only caveat is that you must keep your money in one until the term expires, as CDs have early-termination fees.

With inflation at 4.20%, the only CDs currently outpacing inflation are jumbo options. The best jumbo CD rates are 4.35%, but you'll need at least $50,000 to $100,000 on deposit to open one with many banks.

The good news is that maturity windows are only a year at most, allowing you to earn thousands effortlessly, while keeping ahead of rising prices.

Use this Bankrate tool to compare options fast:

The one thing to consider is that CDs have steep early-termination fees. For jumbo CDs, this could be months of earned interest, costing you hundreds to potentially thousands of dollars. Only do this approach if you're confident you won't need the money in the interim.

Meanwhile, if you're struggling to hit your savings goals, let's outline some strategies to help you get back on course.

What to try: 3 steps to maximize your savings yield

1. Audit your current APY: If you have a high-yield savings account earning less than 4.20%, you're losing ground with rising inflation. Instead, look at Newtek Bank or a jumbo CD to increase your purchasing power.
2. Designate a purpose: By setting specific savings goals, you give your cash purpose and direction.
3. Know when to shift: Once you reach your savings goals, you'll want to devote more money to paying off high-interest debt or invest it, where you could earn returns much higher than inflation.

Ultimately, where you store your cash now matters more than ever due to rising inflation. Choosing a flexible option, such as a high-yield savings account with Newtek Bank or a jumbo CD if you don't need access to your money right away, allows your cash to retain more of its purchasing power.

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• Inflation Is at 4.2%: These Savings Accounts Are Outpacing It
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• Do You Have a CD Maturing Soon? Here's What to Do Next
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• Where to Store Your Cash in 2026

Amazon Prime Day can be a great opportunity to save on everything from electronics to household essentials, but not every deal is as good as it looks. Running June 23 through June 26, the annual shopping event features thousands of discounts from Amazon and third-party sellers.

While Amazon is known for convenience and competitive pricing, some products are actually cheaper elsewhere. Others carry risks such as counterfeits, quality concerns or significant markups from third-party vendors.

Before you click "Buy Now," here are several categories of products that deserve a closer look.

Frequently returned items

Amazon places a "frequently returned item" badge on products with higher-than-average return rates compared with similar items. While the badge doesn't necessarily mean a product is poor quality, it can be a sign that buyers were disappointed by factors such as sizing, color, performance or overall quality.

Because online shoppers can't inspect products in person before buying, expectations don't always match reality. As a result, some items are returned more often than others.

If you see an item that’s frequently returned, check the reviews to see if there’s information about the issues that buyers had with the product. It may be safest to shop for another product that isn’t returned frequently.

Trader Joe's products

Trader Joe's doesn't sell products directly on Amazon, including its popular seasonal and viral items. Products listed on Amazon are typically sold by third-party resellers, often at significantly higher prices than you'd pay in a Trader Joe's store.

There's also less transparency around how those products have been stored and handled before they reach your doorstep. As a result, you may end up paying a premium for an item that doesn't meet the freshness or quality standards you'd expect from Trader Joe's.

Costco Kirkland Signature products

Kirkland Signature is Costco's private label brand, and the products are intended for Costco members. The third-party sellers who sell these products on Amazon often charge substantial markups.

For example, a 52-ounce container Kirkland Signature H.K Anderson Valencia Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets are available on Amazon for $16.90. A 55-ounce container of the same product retails for $11.99 at Costco.

While you’ll need a Costco membership to shop at the warehouse, it might be worth the cost if you plan to regularly buy Kirkland Signature products.

Competitors' smart-home technology

Amazon sales might not be the best deals on smart-home technology. Manufacturer websites often run their own promotions, and these deals may be more competitive than Amazon’s.

For example, the Google Nest Hub Max is currently available through Google for $229. On Amazon, it retails for $93.25. Unless Amazon discounts it by nearly 50%, you’ll get a better deal buying it for full price from Google than you will buying it on sale from Amazon.

Since manufacturer prices are often lower than Amazon, be sure to comparison shop before checking out.

Impulse purchases disguised as deals

Events like Amazon Prime Day are full of deals structured to encourage you to quickly make buying decisions. Features like Lightning Deals, which are often only available for a number of hours, pressure you to check out quickly. Countdown timers and limited deals which are gone once the available number of products are sold can further pressure impulse buys.

This perceived scarcity makes buyers worry that they’ll miss out if they don’t act quickly, and it can encourage unnecessary spending. If you’re worried about missing out on what seems to be a good deal, you might not take the time to comparison shop to ensure that the deal is actually worth it.

Try to resist the urge to make purchase decisions quickly. Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel can also help you determine whether a sale is really a good deal compared to the product’s recent price.

Apple chargers and accessories from unknown sellers

Because Amazon allows third-party sellers to list products on its marketplace, it's important to pay attention to both the item you're buying and the seller you're buying it from. Counterfeit products remain a concern, particularly for accessories such as Apple chargers and cables.

Before making a purchase, verify that the seller is an authorized retailer or buy directly from the brand's official storefront when possible. Counterfeit or low-quality chargers may not perform as expected and could pose safety risks.

While products from reputable sellers may cost a little more, the added reliability and peace of mind can be well worth the extra expense.

Birkenstock footwear

Birkenstock footwear is another product category where authenticity can be a concern on Amazon. The company stopped selling directly through Amazon years ago, but some third-party sellers continue to list Birkenstock products on the marketplace.

If you're considering a purchase, take the time to verify that the seller is reputable and that the product is authentic. When buying premium footwear, a lower price isn't always a bargain if there's a risk you're not getting the genuine product.

Food sold by third-party vendors

Food can be another risky purchase when it's sold by third-party vendors on Amazon. Because you don't know how products were stored, handled and shipped, there's a greater chance of receiving items that are nearing their expiration date or have been damaged during transit.

Before buying, review the seller's ratings and recent customer feedback for complaints about freshness, packaging or product quality. A few minutes of research can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise when your order arrives.

Beauty and skincare products from unknown sellers

Beauty and skincare products are another category where shoppers need to be cautious. Counterfeit cosmetics remain an industry concern, and products sold by unauthorized sellers may not always be authentic.

In some cases, items may also be expired or improperly stored, which can affect their safety, quality and effectiveness.

To reduce your risk, purchase beauty and skincare products directly from a brand's official storefront or an authorized retailer whenever possible.

Collectibles and luxury goods

Think twice before buying collectibles and luxury goods, like designer handbags, high-end watches, and trading cards from Amazon.

These items often command premium prices, making authenticity a critical concern.

Because verifying these products can be difficult, shoppers may be better off purchasing them from authorized dealers or reputable specialty retailers that offer authentication services and product guarantees. Paying a little more for added confidence can help you avoid an expensive mistake.

How to avoid common Prime Day shopping mistakes

While some Prime Day deals are worth considering, it's still important to shop strategically. Before the sale begins, make a list of the items you actually need and set a budget to help avoid impulse purchases.

Don't assume Amazon automatically has the lowest price, either. Many retailers run competing promotions during Prime Day, so taking a few minutes to comparison shop could help you find a better deal elsewhere.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who can help you create a personalized plan for building wealth and reaching your financial goals.

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The 2026 U.S. Open is officially underway at historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, though players got a later-than-expected start after heavy fog delayed first-round tee times by about two hours Thursday morning.

The weather could remain a major storyline throughout the championship, with tournament officials monitoring the potential for storms and wind gusts of up to 40 mph. If conditions worsen, Shinnecock's fast greens, thick rough and exposed layout could make one of golf's toughest tests even more demanding.

Defending champion J. J. Spaun returns after capturing his first major title last year, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives looking to complete the career Grand Slam. Other contenders include Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele. If you're planning to tune in this weekend, here's everything you need to know about the TV schedule and streaming options.

2026 U.S. Open TV schedule

Golf fans can follow every round of the 2026 U.S. Open on NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel and Peacock, with coverage beginning each morning and continuing into the evening.

How to stream the 2026 U.S. Open without cable

If you don't have a traditional cable package, several live TV streaming services carry NBC and USA Network, while Peacock offers additional tournament coverage.

Here's how the major streaming options compare on price, channels and free trial availability.

How to watch the U.S. Open while traveling

If you'll be away from home during the tournament, you may find that some streaming services offer different content depending on your location. That can make it harder to access the channels or subscriptions you normally use.

One option for travelers is a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure connection and can let you use the internet through a server in a different location, helping protect your privacy when using public Wi-Fi and potentially allowing access to services tied to your home account.

If you're considering a VPN, be sure to review the streaming service's terms of use. Most VPN providers make setup straightforward, typically requiring you to download an app, sign in and choose a server location before connecting.

New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:

• Choose a VPN service, such as Nord VPN, and follow the setup instructions
• Select a server location that matches your home country
• Open your streaming app and log in as usual

Whether you're tuning in to watch Scheffler chase history, McIlroy pursue another major championship or see if Spaun can successfully defend his title, there will be plenty of drama at Shinnecock Hills.

With coverage spread across NBC, USA Network and Peacock, golf fans have multiple ways to follow every round of the 2026 U.S. Open.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Weeks away from the official launch of "Trump Accounts," the child savings vehicles from the 2025 tax bill, a targeted spinoff is set to roll out.

Dubbed "Fostering the Future Accounts," this new initiative is designed to help children in foster care save for future housing, educational, and career development costs as they transition to adulthood.

First lady Melania Trump and U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced in a press release that these new accounts will open on July 4, 2026.

“Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child," Mrs. Trump remarked. "By investing in our foster youth now, we help strengthen America’s workforce, communities, and economic future."

But because these accounts will be opened and managed by state infrastructure, states must opt in. Not everyone is on board. Read on for who qualifies and what's holding back the remaining 27 states.

New: Low-Tax States For Middle-Class Families Ranked by Childcare Affordability

Fostering the Future Accounts for kids

The Trump "Fostering the Future Accounts" are an offshoot of standard Trump Accounts structured to help children in foster care save for long-term financial goals, like a down payment on a home or higher education expenses.

To qualify, a child must be:

• Under age 18
• A U.S. citizen with a Social Security number

These accounts might be opened by a state, territorial, or tribal child welfare agency. They can also be opened by designated foster parents or other legal guardians in the foster care system.

Which states are participating?

Because Fostering the Future Accounts are managed at the state level, access depends on local legislative approval. So far, governors in the following 23 states have pledged to offer the program, according to White House officials:

Participating state child welfare agencies must submit IRS Form 4547 (Trump Account Election) to formally open an account for each eligible child in their custody.

Fostering the Future Accounts vs standard Trump Accounts

Although Fostering the Future accounts function the same as a standard Trump Account — investing in stock market index funds to grow tax-deferred savings — there are some nuances in how each is opened and funded.

For instance, when a parent or guardian opens a standard Trump Account, they can claim a $1,000 federal seed deposit directly into the newborn's account, provided their child is born from 2025 to 2028.

However, "a child welfare agency cannot elect to receive the $1,000 pilot program contribution to the child's [Fostering the Future] Account," as the IRS reported in a recent update. Instead, only a foster parent or other qualifying individual who anticipates caring for the child might claim this federal seed money for the child's account.

Here's a table highlighting several other key differences between the two types of accounts:

The Fostering the Future Accounts also have unique funding methods that the federal government doesn't offer for standard Trump Accounts.

For example, state officials can redirect existing state resources — such as unused Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grants — into a foster child's savings, according to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Why isn't my state on the list?

Notably, all 23 states opting into Fostering the Future Accounts are GOP-led, reflecting the partisan divide surrounding Trump Accounts, which were a key component of the 2025 Trump tax bill.

But beyond partisan lines, several other reasons exist for why states might heavily debate signing on:

• Strained budgets. State child welfare departments often depend on federal funding streams such as TANF and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) to operate. Because most states have already finalized their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, adding new, unplanned programs midcycle might be too financially constrained.
• Administrative hurdles. Fostering the Future Account documentation, including individual investment portfolios and private donations for every child, must be monitored. As such, participating state agencies are required to establish new protocols to continuously update this information, which might prove difficult given that children frequently shift between foster homes.
• Legal challenges. Legally, a state, territorial or tribal child welfare agency might open a Fostering the Future account, but the timeline of who holds account management authority can be constantly in flux. If a child is in temporary emergency care, for instance, then switches to kinship care or transitions between different county jurisdictions, it might be unclear who is legally authorized to update the account. (Note: the Treasury and ACF released joint guidance related to this issue.)

Ultimately, the Trump administration has set a target for all 50 states to sign on to Fostering the Future Accounts by December 2027.

However, some child welfare advocates worry that a prolonged state-by-state rollout will deepen economic disparities for children aging out of foster care — especially for children who move across state lines due to interstate adoptions or structural changes in their care.

Ruth Anne White, executive director of the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare, told independent news outlet, The Imprint. "But it's right there in the Child Welfare Policy Manual [released guidance] — as clear as day."

According to data from the National Council for Adoption, there are roughly 330,000 children in the U.S. foster care system. Statistics from the National Foster Youth Institute show that one in five foster youth face homelessness after aging out of the system, and only half secure gainful employment by age 24.

Supporters of the new initiative hope these accounts will disrupt those outcomes.

Yet while supporters have framed Fostering the Future Accounts as a solution to the financial hardships facing youth aging out of care, states will need to overcome complex questions surrounding budget allocations, administrative hurdles and bipartisan support.

Until then, foster parents and child welfare agencies will find that state lines dictate whether children in their care are eligible for these accounts.

Read More

• How to Claim Your Kid’s Trump Account in 3 Steps
• Adoption Tax Credit: What You Need to Know for 2026
• Child Tax Credit 2026: How Much Is It and What's Changed?

In 2024, Bob DeSmidt, 78, of Sioux City, Iowa, wanted to help his adult son buy a home in an area that was closer to his new job. DeSmidt, a retired chief financial officer for a construction company, could afford to help his son with the purchase, but the contribution he and his wife wanted to make exceeded the annual gift tax exclusion — the amount of assets that individuals can transfer to each recipient without filing a gift tax return or reducing their lifetime exemption for federal gift and estate tax.

The gift tax exclusion in 2024 was $36,000 for a married couple, or $18,000 per individual. The DeSmidts ended up giving their son more than $36,000 and filing a gift tax return with the IRS. But that doesn't mean they had to pay tax on the gift, or that their assets will be subject to federal estate tax after they die.

In fact, it's highly unlikely that will happen. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in 2025, permanently increased the federal exemption for gift and estate tax. For 2026, it's $15 million per person, or $30 million for a married couple, and the exemption is indexed annually to inflation. DeSmidt says that while he and his wife are financially comfortable, their estate's value is well below that threshold. Iowa has no estate tax, so state taxes aren't a concern.

Given such a large federal lifetime exemption, only the very wealthy — and extremely generous — gain a tax benefit by keeping their gifts within the annual exclusion. Using this strategy, they can reduce the size of their estate, limiting the amount of it that is subject to tax and preserving the full lifetime exemption amount. Any gifts that exceed the annual exclusion count against the lifetime exemption.

But even if you're not among the ultra-wealthy and want to give away more than the annual exclusion, you'll still have to file a gift tax return on Form 709 unless you meet certain exceptions, which we'll discuss below. For 2026, the gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per person, or $38,000 for married couples.

Financial planners say De-Smidt's situation isn't unusual. Many of their clients want to help their children and grandchildren while they're still alive, instead of making their heirs wait 30 or 40 years to inherit family wealth. “We don't want to see our kids struggle when we can help them,” says Rose Price, a certified financial planner in Vienna, Va. In many cases, particularly when it comes to buying a house, they'd like to give away more than the annual exclusion.

Filing the gift tax form

If you're convinced that your estate will never be worth $15 million (or $30 million if you're married), you may be tempted to skip the hassle of filing Form 709 for gifts that exceed the annual exclusion. Financial planners say that's a bad idea. There's no guarantee that lawmakers won't lower the federal estate and gift tax exemption in the future, exposing more families to estate taxes of up to 40%.

In addition, several states have much lower exemptions. Oregon, for example, has an estate tax exemption of $1 million, making planned gifting even more critical. Annual gifts within the federal exclusion are tax-free under Oregon law, and those gifts will reduce the size of your taxable estate while preserving your $1 million exemption.

Filing a gift tax return can also protect you from future audits, says Lawrence Pon, a CFP and certified public accountant in Redwood City, Calif. Once you file a gift tax return, the IRS has three years to audit it; if you don't file, there is no statute of limitations on audits, he says. In addition, if you help a family member make a down payment on a home, the lender may request a gift tax return to confirm that money was a gift instead of a loan, Pon says.

Finally, by filing gift tax returns, you can track your lifetime giving, says Easton Price, a CFP in Irvine, Calif. That's a useful estate-planning tool, particularly if you want to equalize the amount you give to children or beneficiaries, he says.

Bypassing the annual exclusion

If you'd like to avoid filing a gift tax return — or you're worried about possible future changes to the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption — there are strategies you can employ to avoid the annual exclusion:

Make educational gifts. You can contribute an unlimited amount to a child, grandchild or other beneficiary's tuition as long as the funds go directly to the educational institution.

Contribute to a 529 plan. Contributions to a 529 college-savings plan are considered gifts for federal tax purposes, which means they're subject to gift tax requirements. However, you can front-load up to five years' worth of annual contributions. For example, in 2026 you can contribute up to $95,000 to a child or grandchild's 529 plan ($190,000 if you're married and file jointly).

If you take advantage of this strategy, you can't make additional contributions for the next five years without filing a gift tax return. In the meantime, however, you're giving the money invested in the plan more time to grow and compound, while reducing the size of your estate — a smart strategy if you live in a state with an estate tax.

Offer medical assistance. Want to help a family member with catastrophic medical bills? Payments made directly to the medical provider or insurer are exempt from gift taxes.

You could even give the recipient a debit card that's designated to be used for medical expenses, says Jon Robertson, a CFP in Columbia, S.C. The expenses must qualify as deductible expenses under IRS rules, which include hospital bills, dental procedures and long-term care. As is the case with tuition payments, the money must go directly to the medical provider or insurer, not the family member.

Stagger your gifts. The gift tax exclusion restarts every year. With that in mind, you and your spouse could give an adult child $38,000 in December and the maximum for 2027 (which has not been announced) in January without triggering the requirement to file a gift tax return, says Catherine Valega, a CFP in Burlington, Mass.

Double up. Under federal rules, you can give up to the annual exclusion to as many people as you want without filing a gift tax return. So if you'd like to help an adult child make a down payment on a house, you and your spouse could give $38,000 to your child and another $38,000 to your child's spouse this year, for a total of $76,000. That may not cover the entire down payment, especially in parts of the country with a high cost of living, but it's a good start.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Your 40s aren’t just another decade — they’re a critical pivot point for your wealth. While it's tempting to keep your finances on autopilot, especially if you're crushing your goals, this is the time of your life when moving from doing things the same way to intentionally building financial security becomes paramount.

Why? Because it forces you to analyze your finances to ensure your money works as hard as you do. Whether it's budgeting for a down payment on a home, paying off high-interest debt or making sure you're on track to reach your retirement and savings goals, now is the time to flip the switch.

Here are essential money habits to master now to ensure your wealth continues to grow as your career does.

1. Create a personal finance statement

Your personal finance statement is a big-picture overview of your net worth. In it, you should include your assets, such as how much money is in your bank/retirement account(s), real estate you own, the cash value of your life insurance policies and any other assets you own.

You'll also have a section for liabilities. These include outstanding debt obligations you have, like credit cards, mortgages, taxes owed, etc. Then you add up your assets and subtract your liabilities to calculate your net worth.

But I would add another critical section: Goals.

Goals give your finances direction and a purpose. Write down three financial goals you would like to attain. Make one a short-term goal for the next year, such as building an emergency fund.

Also, set a mid-range goal you want to achieve in the next two to five years, such as buying a bigger home or paying off debt. Lastly, set a long-range goal for retirement, such as achieving Work Optional status.

This is where you build a portfolio that generates enough passive income to cover 75% to 80% of your essential living expenses, giving you the freedom to choose your work based on what you love rather than what your financial needs dictate.

If you need help in tailoring a strategy to achieve this in the next 10-15 years, or want a fresh perspective, use this Bankrate tool to find a reputable advisor:

2. Automate your retirement savings

The next step is to pay yourself first when you receive your paycheck. If your company offers a 401(k) with a company match, take advantage of this for several reasons. One, it's free money. Two, if you stay long enough to gain 100% vesting, you can take that money with you when you leave your company.

And three, you can earn tax credits for your contributions through the Saver's Credit. The Saver's Credit allows you to earn a credit of 10%, 20% or 50% of up to $2,000 of your contributions ($4,000 for joint filers), depending on your total income. Those earning less are entitled to higher tax breaks.

Meanwhile, if your company doesn't offer a 401(k) match, consider going with a broker. A broker can help you make sense of your finances, suggesting attainable goals and investment vehicles to reach them. One of our readers' perennial favorites is Fidelity, which offers low fees, responsive customer service, easy-to-use research tools and high satisfaction scores.

Along with building wealth for the future, you should also save money to cover you if an immediate need arises.

3. Save with intention

The other way to pay yourself first is to open a high-yield savings account. I recommend them because they're among the few savings accounts with returns higher than inflation. Plus, many come with no monthly fees and low or no minimum balance requirements.

It's also a smart way to build an emergency fund since cash is easily accessible. Aim to save at least six months of essential expenses, and closer to a year if you work in a specialized field or are self-employed, since it might take longer to find employment if a job loss occurs.

Automate your savings by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account on payday. I recommend keeping this savings account separate from your regular account to help prevent impulse purchases.

Use this Bankrate tool to find and compare savings options fast:

Along with building healthy savings behaviors, you'll want to help your future self by tackling debt now.

4. Leverage debt strategically and pay down bad debt

There's good debt and bad debt. An example of good debt is taking out a mortgage on a home. We did this and have already seen sizable gains in our home's value in the short time we have had it.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of examples of bad debt. Carrying balances on high-interest credit cards or having a car loan where your vehicle's value is far less than what you owe are examples.

If you're carrying bad debt, the key is paying this off as quickly as you can without sacrificing your savings and retirement goals. There are two strategies you can use here:

The Avalanche Method: This is where you tackle your debts with the highest interest first. I favor this approach because it allows you to tackle debt that's causing more budget restrictions while still making minimum payments on your other obligations.

The Debt Snowball Method: With this method, you pay off the smallest balance first while making minimum payments on other debts. The goal here is to build momentum to tackle higher balances once you pay off the first one.

Beyond choosing a repayment strategy, there are other ways to manage debt wisely and reduce borrowing costs over time:

• Paying an extra $100 in principal on your mortgage can reduce payoff time by as much as five years
• Don't buy a brand-new car unless you can afford to pay it off in four years; instead, look for certified pre-owned, where you gain many of the benefits of a new car without the higher price
• Treat extra debt payments like a fixed monthly bill to accelerate repayment.

5. The automation paradox: Why human oversight matters

Automating your finances can help you stay on track with savings, investing and debt repayment, but automation shouldn't replace regular check-ins with your money. Budgeting tools such as Monarch Money, Simplifi by Quicken and YNAB (You Need a Budget) can make it easier to track progress and monitor spending, but it's still important to review your finances regularly.

Consider scheduling a quarterly money check-in with a spouse, partner, parent or another trusted person who supports your financial goals. Use the conversation to discuss progress, celebrate wins, identify challenges and make adjustments as needed.

Ultimately, your 40s can be a defining decade for your financial future. The habits and decisions you make now may have a lasting impact on your ability to build wealth, reach retirement goals and create greater financial flexibility. By shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive one, you can put yourself in a stronger position for the years ahead.

Related content

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• The Smart Way to Retire: 13 Habits to Steal From the Wealthy
• What Dave Ramsey and Caleb Hammer Taught Me About Handling Money

Summer often brings higher discretionary spending. A weekend trip to the beach, extra outings with friends or that must-have ice cream machine can quickly eat into your budget. But summer can also be an ideal time to build savings without making major lifestyle changes.

Because the holiday season is still months away, even small weekly contributions can add up over time. Whether you're building a holiday fund, boosting your emergency savings or paying down debt, setting aside a little money each week can make a difference.

The goal of a summer savings challenge isn't to eliminate fun. It's about being intentional with a portion of your spending while still enjoying the season. Building your savings doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these five steps to make the most of the summer months and put yourself in a stronger financial position by fall.

Step 1: Choose a savings goal

Before you start saving, decide what success looks like. Giving every dollar a job can help you stay committed when summer spending temptations arise. Here are several ways you could use the money you save:

• Holiday spending fund: Use the summer to save up for your holiday spending. Knowing you have funds available can make it easier to buy holiday gifts or plan special celebrations.
• Emergency savings: Experts recommend having at least three months of living expenses in savings, though given the uncertain economy, having six months of expenses saved up may give you greater peace of mind.
• Credit card debt payoff: Consider using your summer savings to pay off some or all of your credit card debt. Once you’ve paid off that debt, you can continue to save the money that was going to your monthly credit card payments.
• Back-to-school expenses: If you have kids who will be heading to school or college in the fall, saving throughout the summer can make it easier to stock up on essential supplies.
• Travel fund: Consider adding your savings to your travel fund. You might use that money for family vacations, or save up for that once-in-a-lifetime trip that you’ve always wanted to take.

Once you've chosen a savings goal, make sure your money is working as hard as you are. Parking your funds in a high-yield savings account can help your balance grow faster.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare some of today's top savings account options.

Step 2: Pause one recurring expense

Once you've identified your savings goal, look for an easy way to free up money in your budget.

Go through your bank account or credit card statements to see where your money is going each month. Chances are you'll find at least one expense you can live without for a few months. Redirecting that money to savings can help you make steady progress toward your goal without dramatically changing your lifestyle.

You might be able to pause one of these common expenses:

• Streaming service
• Weekly takeout habit
• Convenience-store purchases
• Subscription box
• Daily coffee shop visits
• Food delivery orders
• Unused gym memberships or coaching subscriptions
• Impulse online shopping

Choose one realistic cutback that you can make temporarily while you focus on saving money.

Step 3: Redirect rewards and unexpected cash

Cutting expenses isn't the only way to save more money this summer. You can also accelerate your progress by redirecting unexpected cash and everyday perks into your savings account. Because this money isn't part of your regular budget, you may be less likely to miss it. Consider whether you'll receive any of these sources of extra cash this summer:

• Cashback rewards: It's easy to treat cash-back rewards like free spending money. If you're carrying credit card debt, consider applying those rewards directly to your balance to reduce interest charges. Otherwise, transfer the rewards to your savings account and put them toward your summer savings goal.
• Credit card statement credits: Statement credits can lower your monthly bill and free up cash in your budget. Rather than spending those savings elsewhere, transfer the equivalent amount into a high-yield savings account. If a credit creates a negative balance, your card issuer may allow you to request a refund check.
• Cell phone perks and discounts: Many wireless plans include free streaming subscriptions, discounted services or other perks. If you're no longer paying for those benefits out of pocket, move the money you would have spent into savings instead.
• Rebates and loyalty rewards: Whether it's a manufacturer rebate, store reward or loyalty-program payout, treat these bonuses as found money and deposit them directly into your savings account.
• Tax refunds or side-hustle income: Consider earmarking all or part of a tax refund, freelance income or earnings from a side gig for your savings goal. Since this money isn't part of your regular paycheck, it can be easier to save without affecting your day-to-day budget.

Direct those perks and windfalls into the account you're using for the summer savings challenge. Because the money never sits in your checking account, you'll be less tempted to spend it. Over time, those extra dollars can add up faster than you might expect, and watching your balance grow can help keep you motivated.

Step 4: Automate your savings through Labor Day

Set a savings goal and decide how much you can realistically set aside from each paycheck throughout the summer. Then, schedule automatic transfers from your checking account to the account you're using for the challenge. Setting those transfers to continue through Labor Day can help keep your savings on track.

Consider giving the account a name that reflects your goal, such as "Holiday Fund," "Emergency Fund" or "Vacation Fund." Seeing that name each time you check your balance can serve as a reminder of what you're working toward and help keep you motivated.

Automating your savings removes the need to make a decision every payday. Instead of relying on willpower, you'll build saving into your routine, making it easier to stay consistent and reach your goal.

*Based on saving consistently from mid-summer through Thanksgiving.

Step 5: Track your progress and stay motivated

Staying motivated is often easier when you can see your progress. Consider using a budgeting app such as Monarch, Quicken Simplifi or YNAB to track your savings goal throughout the summer. If you prefer a low-tech approach, create a simple chart or tracker on paper and update it each week.

If you're saving toward a shared goal, such as a vacation, holiday spending fund or emergency fund, check in regularly with your spouse or partner about your progress. Seeing your balance grow can reinforce positive habits and make it easier to stay committed to the challenge.

Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate summer fun. It's to be more intentional with your spending while consistently setting money aside for a larger financial goal. By Labor Day, those small weekly contributions could leave you with hundreds — or even thousands — of extra dollars heading into the fall.

A summer savings challenge doesn't require a complete budget overhaul. Instead, focus on consistently setting aside even a small amount of money each week. Over time, those contributions can help reduce financial stress and put you in a stronger position heading into the fall and holiday season.

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With Amazon's Prime Day event set for June 23 to 26 and retailers rolling out competing summer sales, shoppers are seeing no shortage of opportunities to save. But while many stores are relying on limited-time promotions to drive purchases, Costco is taking a different approach by quietly lowering prices on some of its Kirkland Signature products.

The warehouse club recently confirmed price reductions on several popular items across food, household goods and sporting equipment categories. Unlike temporary sale events that last just a few days, these lower prices are part of Costco's ongoing effort to deliver value to members while maintaining its reputation as one of the most affordable places to shop for everyday essentials.

Even better for shoppers, company executives say additional price reductions could be possible if costs continue to improve.

Costco is lowering prices on popular Kirkland products

During Costco's third-quarter earnings call, executives highlighted several Kirkland Signature items that recently received price cuts. Company leaders said the reductions reflect Costco's commitment to passing savings along to members whenever possible.

Kirkland Signature plays a major role in Costco's value proposition. The private-label brand spans everything from groceries and household supplies to clothing and sporting goods, often offering prices below comparable national brands.

Costco CEO Ron Vachris said the company's goal is to be "the first to lower prices and last to raise them" when market conditions allow.

These Kirkland products recently got cheaper

The following Kirkland Signature products were specifically mentioned by Costco executives as receiving price reductions.

While these reductions may not seem dramatic on their own, they can add up for members who purchase these products regularly throughout the year.

Why Costco is cutting prices now

Several factors appear to be working in Costco's favor.

Commodity costs have fluctuated in some categories compared to the peak inflation years, and supply chains have generally become more stable. Costco executives also noted that the company actively looks for opportunities to lower prices when costs allow.

The strategy isn't new. Costco has a history of lowering prices on select products when market conditions improve. In previous years, the retailer reduced prices on items including macadamia nuts, olive oil, laundry packs and bakery products.

Unlike some retailers that rely heavily on promotional sales, Costco often focuses on everyday value. That approach helps reinforce the value of a membership while encouraging customer loyalty.

How much could shoppers actually save?

A few dollars here and there may not sound significant, but frequent Costco shoppers know small savings can compound over time.

For example, a household that purchases Kirkland snack foods, household products and seasonal items throughout the year could easily make dozens of Kirkland purchases annually. Saving just $1 to $3 per item across multiple shopping trips could add up to $50 or more in annual savings.

Those savings become even more meaningful when combined with Costco's lower gas prices, bulk purchasing discounts and member-only promotions. The key is making sure bulk purchases actually fit your household's needs. A lower unit price doesn't help if products expire before they're used.

How Kirkland products compare with national brands

Kirkland Signature has evolved far beyond a generic store brand.

Many Kirkland products compete directly with well-known national brands, often at a lower price point. For example, Kirkland Signature golf balls have developed a loyal following among golfers who compare them to premium balls from brands like Titleist, particularly the Pro V1 line. While serious golfers may still prefer Titleist's top-tier performance, Kirkland golf balls often cost significantly less per dozen.

Kirkland Signature batteries compete directly with Duracell. In fact, Duracell has manufactured certain Kirkland battery products for Costco in the past, helping fuel comparisons between the two brands.

Kirkland coffee products are another example. Costco sells Kirkland Signature coffees that compete with premium offerings from Starbucks and other national coffee brands. Some Kirkland coffee varieties have even been roasted by Starbucks under a longstanding partnership.

Household staples also play a major role in Kirkland's success. Products such as paper towels, toilet paper and laundry detergent compete against brands like Bounty, Charmin and Tide, often at a lower cost per unit.

This ability to offer comparable quality at a lower price point is one reason Kirkland Signature has become one of the largest private-label brands in the world. Industry analysts estimate that Kirkland generates more than $90 billion in annual sales, making it larger than many standalone consumer brands.

For shoppers, the appeal is straightforward: finding products that perform similarly to national brands while keeping more money in their wallets.

Could more Costco price cuts be coming?

Costco hasn't announced specific future reductions, but company leadership has suggested that additional price cuts remain possible.

Executives reiterated that they actively monitor costs and look for opportunities to lower prices when market conditions permit. The company has followed a similar strategy in the past, reducing prices on select products as commodity and supply-chain costs improved.

If additional reductions occur, grocery items, household essentials and other high-volume Kirkland products could be among the most likely candidates.

Of course, pricing can vary by warehouse location, regional costs and changing market conditions.

A small win for Costco members

Costco's latest Kirkland price cuts are welcome news for shoppers looking to stretch their budgets a little further. While savings of $1 to $10 per item won't transform a household budget overnight, they reinforce the retailer's reputation for delivering value when consumers need it most.

Still, even at Costco, the smartest savings strategy is buying intentionally. Bulk purchases only save money when you'll actually use what you buy. Focusing on products your household regularly consumes remains one of the best ways to maximize the value of your Costco membership.

Related Content:

• Do You Shop at Costco or Dollar General? Here's What Your Budget May Be Telling You
• Is Costco Still Worth It After Your Kids Move Out?
• Costco vs Sam's Club: Which Warehouse Club Is Better for Your Wallet?

Some people may not agree on where to shop, but they seem to agree that value matters more than ever.

Costco and Dollar General are two stores that may seem like complete opposites, but they're both attracting shoppers who are trying to make their money go further. Dollar General recently reported stronger-than-expected sales growth as more shoppers looked for low-cost essentials and convenient locations. Meanwhile, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club continue to attract members willing to pay annual fees in exchange for lower prices on groceries, household supplies and gas.

Both retailers are helping shoppers solve the same problem: how to get the most value from every dollar they spend.

Consumers are paying closer attention to household budgets

Even after several years of rising prices, many household expenses continue to climb, stretching budgets and changing shopping habits.

Groceries, insurance, housing costs and everyday essentials continue to take a bigger bite out of many budgets. As a result, shoppers are becoming more intentional about where they spend their money.

And it's not just lower-income households looking for deals. Retailers across the board have reported that shoppers with higher incomes are also becoming more price-conscious and looking for ways to cut costs on everyday purchases.

Many of the shopping habits people developed over the past few years, like comparing prices, shopping sales and looking for value, appear to be sticking around.

The difference between saving money and managing cash flow

One reason warehouse clubs and dollar stores can both be successful at the same time is because they're helping shoppers in different ways. Saving money and managing cash flow aren't always the same thing.

Saving money is about getting the lowest cost per item. That's where Costco and Sam's Club often shine. Buying a giant pack of paper towels may cost more upfront, but each roll usually ends up costing less.

Cash flow, on the other hand, is about what you can comfortably afford right now. If you're trying to make your grocery budget last until payday, spending $6 on a smaller package may be easier than spending $25 or $30 on the bulk version, even if the bulk package is technically the better deal.

Both approaches can make sense depending on your situation.

Why warehouse clubs continue to attract shoppers

Warehouse clubs have built their entire business model around one simple idea: buy more and save more.

For families that regularly use household essentials, the savings can add up quickly. Many shoppers find that the membership fee (often ranging from $50 to $65 per year for a basic membership) pays for itself through lower prices on groceries, gas and everyday necessities.

Even if you shop at Sam’s Club once each month and pay a $50 annual membership fee, that adds up to only $4.16 per store visit to gain access to certain bulk items that offer a better deal.

Warehouse clubs tend to work especially well for:

• Larger families
• Households with pets
• People who have storage space
• Shoppers who like stocking up on essentials

Some of the most popular bulk purchases include paper products, cleaning supplies, pantry staples, pet food and personal care items.

There's also a convenience factor. Buying a month's worth of household supplies in one trip can mean fewer errands and fewer opportunities for impulse purchases throughout the month.

Why dollar stores remain popular

Dollar stores offer a different kind of value.

Instead of focusing on the lowest cost per unit, they focus on keeping the total amount spent today as low as possible. That's especially helpful for shoppers who only need a few items or are working with a tight budget.

Dollar General locations are also incredibly convenient. Many stores are located in smaller towns and neighborhoods where shoppers may not have easy access to a large grocery store or warehouse club.

Dollar stores can be useful for:

• Buying only what you need right now
• Filling gaps between grocery trips
• Managing tight budgets
• Reducing transportation costs

For some households, the ability to spend $10 today instead of $50 matters more than achieving the lowest possible unit price.

For some shoppers, buying smaller quantities can help reduce waste by limiting purchases of items that may not get used.

Which products make sense to buy in bulk?

Warehouse clubs often provide the best value on products that are used consistently and have long shelf lives.

Some of the strongest bulk-buy candidates include:

• Paper products
• Cleaning supplies
• Laundry detergent
• Pet food and litter
• Shelf-stable pantry items
• Personal care products

However, bulk buying isn't automatically a bargain. Products that may not make sense to buy in large quantities include:

• Fresh produce
• Perishable foods
• Specialty snacks
• Seasonal items
• Products you're trying for the first time

If items expire or go unused, any savings quickly disappear.

When a dollar store may actually be the better choice

Sometimes spending less today is the smartest move.

Dollar stores can make more sense for:

• Single-person households
• Renters with limited storage space
• People trying to reduce food waste
• Shoppers on a tighter cash-flow budget

It's also worth remembering that warehouse club shopping can lead to bigger spending trips overall. It's easy to walk in for paper towels and leave with a cart full of items you didn't plan to buy. Buying less can sometimes help you spend less overall.

How Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, Aldi and Dollar General compare

Every retailer has its strengths, and the "best" place to shop often depends on your budget, household size and shopping habits. Warehouse clubs can offer some of the lowest unit prices, while stores like Aldi and Dollar General may make it easier to keep spending under control on a week-to-week basis.

Walmart falls somewhere in the middle, offering convenience and competitive pricing without a membership fee requirement. Here's a look at how these popular retailers compare across a few key categories.

Value looks different for every household

There probably isn't one perfect store for every household. In fact, many of the most budget-conscious shoppers use a combination of retailers depending on what they need.

Maybe you buy paper towels, pet food and cleaning supplies at Costco. Then you stop by Dollar General during the week to grab a few items without making a big shopping trip.

That's becoming a common strategy.

The real lesson from the success of both Costco and Dollar General is that value looks different for different households. The smartest strategy may be using both approaches, depending on what you're buying and where your budget stands that week.

Related Content:

• Costco vs Sam's Club: Which Warehouse Club Is Better for Your Wallet?
• This Grocery Method Can Save You Time and Money
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its final week, with just four teams still in contention for soccer's biggest prize. The semifinals, third-place match and final will decide who lifts the World Cup trophy.

With 104 matches taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest tournament in history. English-language coverage is available on FOX, FS1 and FOX One, while Spanish-language broadcasts are available on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

Whether you're following the remaining title contenders — France, Spain, England and Argentina — or simply don't want to miss the final matches, there are several ways to watch every game live. Here's what you need to know.

Where to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

In the United States, English-language broadcasts are available on FOX, FS1 and the new FOX One streaming service.

Spanish-language coverage is available on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

The prices listed above reflect each service's standard monthly rate. Depending on when you subscribe, you might qualify for a free trial, introductory pricing or a limited-time promotion, so it's worth checking current offers before signing up.

For viewers looking to watch every World Cup match in English without paying for a full live-TV bundle, FOX One might be one of the most affordable options. The service carries matches airing on FOX and FS1 and costs $19.99 per month, making it possible to follow the entire tournament for little more than a single month's subscription.

Another low-cost option is a digital over-the-air antenna. Many marquee World Cup matches, including games airing on your local FOX station, can be watched for free after a one-time equipment purchase. However, reception varies based on factors such as your location, terrain and distance from broadcast towers, so access isn't guaranteed in every area.

You'll also need a cable, satellite or streaming subscription to watch matches that air exclusively on FS1.

How to watch the World Cup while traveling

Planning to watch the World Cup while traveling? Some platforms limit content based on your location, which could affect how you watch matches away from home.

To maintain access to eligible streaming subscriptions, some travelers use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, providing an added layer of privacy and potentially helping you access services associated with your account while traveling.

New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:

• Choose a VPN service, such as Norton VPN, and follow the setup instructions
• Select a server location that matches your home country
• Open your streaming app and log in as usual

2026 FIFA World Cup schedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its final stretch. The schedule below highlights the remaining matches as France, Spain, England and Argentina compete for soccer's biggest prize.

Team USA schedule

Team USA reached the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before its tournament ended with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16.

Below is a look at the Americans' path through the tournament.

Catch every moment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup offers more matches than ever before, but watching doesn't have to mean paying for an expensive cable package.

Whether you choose FOX One, a live TV streaming service or a combination of an antenna and streaming subscription, there are several ways to follow the tournament while keeping costs in check. Compare your options before kickoff to find the best fit for your budget and viewing habits.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Question: Some of my friends have been laid off, prompting my husband and me to take saving money more seriously. How much should we save in the off chance one or both of us lose our jobs?

Answer: Preparing for worst-case scenarios is a smart move as part of financial planning. The more you're able to save, the less you'll have to incur debt to pay for living expenses if you or your husband face a job loss or another financial hardship arises.

So, saving any money is a good start. The key is to determine how much you really need in an emergency fund. I'll show you how to determine this savings goal as well as strategies to reach it quickly.

How much do I really need in an emergency fund?

It's going to depend on several factors, such as:

• How much do you need for essential expenses?
• Do both spouses work full-time?
• Are you self-employed?
• Does one spouse make significantly more than the other?
• The job market/forecast/location of the occupation you're currently in

To begin, review the last six months of bank and credit card statements to calculate your average monthly essential expenses. Using several months of data can help smooth out seasonal spikes in spending and provide a more realistic estimate of what you'll need if your income is disrupted.

For items like streaming, dining out and entertainment, I would only factor in minimal amounts since you'll want to maximize every cent you earn to account for a job loss.

Once you've calculated your average monthly essential expenses, I generally recommend saving enough to cover at least six months of expenses. If both spouses work full-time and earn similar incomes, three months may be sufficient.

Meanwhile, if you're self-employed or in a highly specialized field, aim for nine months to a year of savings. The goal here is to create enough of a cushion where your changed circumstances don't result in you incurring debt.

With this target in mind, I'll show you some strategies that will help you get there quickly.

Conquer your savings goal quickly. Here's how

The first is where you choose to store your cash. I like online banks because they offer higher returns with minimal fees. The best high-yield savings accounts can earn you up to 4.20% APY, keeping you ahead of rising inflation while helping you reach your savings goals quicker.

I also like them because it's easy to add money, and you can keep that money separate from your checking account. This can prevent impulse purchases while also giving you easy access to keep building your savings.

Use this tool, powered by Bankrate, to find and compare options quickly:

How much can you earn with a high-yield savings account? Using one of the top savings account offers we've found, Newtek Bank, a saver who starts with $5,000 and contributes $250 each month could grow their balance to about $8,273 after one year at 4.20% APY. That's roughly $273 in interest earnings, in addition to the $8,000 deposited over the course of the year.

Now, to reach these goals quickly, you'll first want to take stock of your finances. I like budgeting apps because they let me view multiple bank accounts in one hub and identify spending patterns I can adjust. Doing this first helps you maximize savings.

Some popular options include You Need A Budget (YNAB), which focuses on assigning every dollar a job, Monarch Money, which offers customizable budgeting and net-worth tracking tools, and Quicken Simplifi, which helps users monitor spending, savings and financial goals in one place. The best app is the one you'll use consistently, so consider testing a few options to see which fits your budgeting style.

Next, set up automatic transfers. This serves several purposes: First, you'll have steady contributions going into your account, so your balance builds. This gives you momentum and can incentivize you to save more if you receive tax refunds, work bonuses, or other unexpected income. Second, it takes one less thing off your plate, and you treat the transfer as a payment in your budget.

Can I save too much?

Yes, you can save too much. While it's important to build a healthy savings safety net in case the unexpected happens, once you reach your goal, you'll want to tackle other things in your financial checklist.

If you're behind on retirement, redirect the funds normally set aside for savings into your investments. Keep in mind that, even amid market volatility, investments have historically delivered higher long-term returns than savings accounts, and the longer you stay invested, the more you can benefit from compounding.

Alternatively, if you're working toward other savings goals, such as buying a house in the next few years, use the same strategies. Open another high-yield savings account separate from your fully funded emergency account, and build your savings this way.

Ultimately, preparing for worst-case scenarios can give you peace of mind if they happen. You'll also develop sound savings habits that you can apply to other areas of your financial life. Not only can this help you reach your goals, but it also saves you money because you won't have to rely on credit cards to cover essentials until you're back on your feet.

If you'd like personalized guidance, use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who can help you achieve your goals:

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At a time when college costs are spiraling out of control for many families, city, state and federal governments are offering relief. In the latest example, New York City has a proposal that would give kindergarteners $1,000 into a college savings account, with some families qualifying for up to $3,000.

Who qualifies for the maximum benefit? Jack Lobel, press secretary of the New York City Council, told Kiplinger, "Any participant who is already eligible for Human Resources Administration (HRA) benefits receives an additional $2,000 on top of the $1,000." The HRA is NYC's social service agency serving families by providing food, housing, child support and other services.

The measure would have to be approved by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who excluded the proposal from his executive budget in May, per the New York Times, although budget negotiations are ongoing. He has expressed interest in expanding contributions into children's savings accounts.

The NYC proposal is one of the latest government initiatives designed to jumpstart college savings. These programs, which offer free funding, represent the most pertinent news for families seeking college relief. Here's a look at other government-backed funds you may qualify for.

Which states offer college aid for families?

Here's a look at states providing some incentives to help you save for college:

• California: Through the CalKIDS program, children can earn scholarships of up to $1,500 if enrolled in low-income public schools.
• Connecticut: The Baby Bond program helps parents by providing up to $3,200 for low-income families with children to attend college, buy a home or start a business.
• Pennsylvania: Thanks to the Keystone Scholars initiative, every child born in the state receives $100 into a PA 529 education savings account.

Along with these, other states offering incentives include Texas, Indiana, Maine, Nebraska, Rhode Island and Nevada. If you live in one of these states, check out their programs and what you would need to do to qualify.

Meanwhile, there's a new national program about to roll out that benefits all qualified families.

Trump Accounts are bringing the concept nationwide

As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the federal government will open tax-advantaged college savings accounts for U.S. citizens born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. These accounts feature a $1,000 contribution to help jumpstart your college savings.

From here, families can make annual contributions of up to $5,000 into U.S. equity funds — think the S&P 500. Employers can also make contributions, but they're capped at $2,500 annually.

You can open one by filling out Form 4547. Next, download the Trump Accounts app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. This allows you to monitor the account and make additional deposits. Once registered, you'll wait for an invite. These will come out in a few weeks as the Trump Accounts officially launch on July 4.

With this in mind, there are a few limitations to using these accounts. One, you won't be able to make any more contributions after your child reaches 18. Withdrawals are also not tax-free like they would be with 529 plans, and you have a narrower window of investment options. Still, even with the limitations, having $1,000 is a great start for families that need a boost with college savings.

In addition to using these programs, there are other options you can fund yourself that help you reach your savings goals, so you minimize how much debt you or your child needs to take on.

How do child savings accounts work, and what are my options?

While those are programs and proposals where the government funds savings, there are many options for savings or investment vehicles funded by yourself, designed to help parents (or grandparents) save for higher educational expenses. Some programs also allow children to use the money to open a business or to make a down payment on a home.

Plans, such as 529 and Roth IRA, also offer tax savings advantages as long as you use the earnings for college expenses. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular options:

529 plans

This is a tax-advantaged investment account, where you invest after-tax earnings in ETFs, mutual funds or age-based portfolios. The benefit of this approach is that earnings grow tax-deferred, and as long as you withdraw funds for educational expenses, you won't pay federal tax on them.

This is the best option as you receive federal tax breaks (many states offer them too), and your child can use this money for trade schools, graduate programs and some college expenses overseas. Single filers can contribute up to $19,000, while married filing jointly couples can contribute up to $38,000 annually. You can do more in either instance, but it will go against your lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion.

Read more: 529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know

Roth IRA

While this is primarily a vehicle for retirement savings, you can also use it wisely to fund your child's education. Withdraw your contributions tax-free and your earnings tax-free, provided they're used for higher education expenses. The only thing to consider is that annual contributions are capped at $7,500. Meanwhile, with 529 plans, you don't have annual limits.

Read more: Why Every Grandparent Should Consider a Custodial Roth IRA Now + Where to Save Your Kids' Cash

Coverdell Education Savings Account

These accounts work similarly to Roth IRAs in that you contribute post-tax money into self-directed investments like bonds, stocks and more. Unlike Roth IRAs, Coverdell caps maximum annual deposits at $2,000.

There are also income restrictions with these accounts. Single filers have to earn less than $95,000 to $110,000 or more, whereas if you're married filing jointly, you won't qualify if you earn between $190,000 to $220,000 or more.

There's also a new college savings program that all qualified parents should use.

Read more: Coverdell ESAs vs 529 Plans: Which Should You Choose?

What's the best way to save for my child's college education?

I recommended a blended approach. Definitely open a Trump Account if you qualify because it's a free $1,000. Even if that doesn't become your main account for saving for college, over time, that money can grow, giving your child more funds to use when the time arrives.

I also suggest a 529 plan. They're among the best savings vehicles for college due to their flexible investment choices and tax savings. To determine long-term goals and monthly savings targets, consult with your spouse, a trusted friend or a financial advisor, who can guide you on specific savings measurables. And don't forget to take advantage of any local programs, as they can make saving for college more within reach.

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The 2026 NBA Finals could come to an end this weekend, with the New York Knicks holding a commanding 3-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs and sitting one victory away from their first NBA title since 1973.

The Knicks earned that opportunity with a historic Game 4 comeback on June 10, erasing a 29-point deficit to beat the Spurs 107-106 at Madison Square Garden. OG Anunoby's tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining completed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history and gave New York a commanding lead in the series.

Every game of the NBA Finals airs exclusively on ABC. Cord-cutters have several ways to watch, with most major live TV streaming services carrying the network. Here's everything you need to know about watching the 2026 NBA Finals.

2026 NBA Finals schedule

The Knicks and Spurs will play a best-of-seven series, with the NBA championship going to the first team to win four games. While seven games are scheduled, the series could end sooner if one team reaches four victories before Game 7.

*If necessary.

Watch the NBA Finals on ABC

The simplest way to watch the NBA Finals is through your local ABC station. If you have a traditional cable, satellite or streaming TV package that includes ABC, you'll be able to watch every game live.

Many viewers can also watch ABC for free with an over-the-air antenna, depending on their location and signal strength.

Best streaming services for the NBA Finals

YouTube TV — $54.99/month

YouTube TV includes ABC, ESPN and more than 100 live channels. The service also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, making it easy to record games and watch later.

Hulu + Live TV — $89.99/month

Hulu + Live TV combines live sports coverage with access to Hulu's on-demand library, Disney+ and ESPN+ in a single subscription.

Fubo — Sports + News ($55.99/month)

Fubo carries ABC in most markets and is known for its sports-focused channel lineup. New subscribers may qualify for a free trial.

Sling TV — $45.99/month

Sling TV is one of the more flexible streaming options for NBA fans. In addition to its standard monthly subscription, viewers can choose prepaid access for one day, three days, seven days or three months. Sling Orange includes ESPN and provides access to NBA Finals coverage. ABC availability varies by market, so check Sling's channel lineup in your area before subscribing.

DirecTV — $64.99/month

DirecTV offers access to ABC and ESPN along with a broad lineup of sports, entertainment and news channels.

Can you watch the NBA Finals on the ESPN App?

Yes, you can stream games through the ESPN App with a participating TV provider or eligible streaming subscription.

The ESPN App may also offer additional viewing experiences, including alternate camera angles, enhanced statistics and companion broadcasts during the series.

How to watch the NBA Finals while traveling

If you're traveling during the NBA Finals, you may still be able to stream coverage through your existing subscriptions. However, some streaming services may limit access based on your location, meaning your usual coverage could look different while you're away from home.

In those situations, some viewers use a virtual private network (VPN) to access their streaming accounts while traveling. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, which may help you securely sign in to your streaming services while on the go.

New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:

• Choose a VPN service, such as NordVPN, and follow the setup instructions
• Select a server location that matches your home country
• Open your streaming app and log in as usual

Don't miss the NBA's biggest stage

With every game airing on ABC and multiple streaming options available, fans have more ways than ever to watch the Knicks and Spurs battle for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Whether you watch through cable, an antenna or a live TV streaming service, you'll be able to catch every moment of the 2026 NBA Finals.

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