It is no secret that money expert Clark Howard loves all things Costco. It is easy to see why, with staples like their Tire Center and Optical Department, as well as a constant array of new inventory. 

As a superfan of Costco myself, I love walking through the store and discovering fresh, new products. Sometimes, these products are from top-name brands. Sometimes, they are from small, local companies. Regardless, it is all part of the fun.

New Products at Costco This Month

Each month, I will take a look at the newest Costco products. While the majority will be under $100, I will let you know if I find a particularly good deal. 

Remember: Costco products are not guaranteed to be there from month to month, so if you discover a new product that you can’t live without, snag it.

With the holidays up ahead, I am showcasing new items that are great for checking off the boxes on your to-do and gift lists.

Bella 12”x22” XL Griddle with Warming Tray

Why I chose this:

The robust cooking surface, paired with the warming tray that juts out from the center, really caught my eye as I was perusing new items. It features a ceramic nonstick coating, a dishwasher-safe warming tray, and the best part? It is made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, and Cadmium, making the nonstick surface a safer choice.

Costco is selling this in-club for $39.99 and $49.99 online. There is also a $2.99 shipping charge for this item when purchased online.

Cuisinart Power Blend Immersion Blender

Why I chose this:

This blender is perfect in both price and size for someone entering the immersion blender market or to give as a gift. It comes with a 3-cup prep-and-go container with a lid, a full-size whisk, and a 4-cup processor that can slice, shred, chop, and mix, all while being BPA-free.

The price is $39.99 in-club and $49.99 online. (There was a promo recently at Costco making these $29.99, but that has expired.) Amazon sells a similar one for $62.57, so even without the promo, this is a good deal.

NFL Chrome Hover Helmet

Why I chose this:

This would make an excellent gift for any football fan or for yourself. And perfect timing with the holiday season upon us. Costco sells this LED-lit helmet that hovers and rotates. There are a variety of teams to choose from, but many are currently out of stock. I reached out to Costco and was told that they will have more teams available soon. They have my beloved Buffalo Bills in stock, so I have added them to my wish list.

This is an online-only item and sells for $69.99. The price does include shipping.

Lite-Brite XL Touch & Mini Touch Combo Pack

Why I chose this:

Remember Lite-Brite? Well, it is still around, and this would be a great potential holiday gift for the young and the young at heart. You get two Lite-Brites, one is an XL and one is a mini, perfect for travel. This is recommended for ages 6+ and includes batteries!

This is an in-club only item at this time and costs $43.99.

Canvas Tote Gift Basket 106.36 OZ. (6.64 LBS)

Why I chose this:

This gift basket is sure to be a hit with the recipient as it contains a wide variety of goodies. Ranging from hummus to different types of olives and from sparkling cider to a jar of preserves. A nice sampling of everything in a reusable basket.

This is an in-club only item and costs $53.89.

Sharpie S-Gel Retractable Gel Pen, Medium Point 0.7 mm, 16-pack

Why I chose this:

When I was a kid, I always found a Sharpie in my Christmas stocking. It was the little things that made me happy and still do! Well, fast forward all these years, and we keep that tradition alive in my family. These Sharpie pens have a medium-point tip and a rubber grip, and this set contains blue and black ink pens. Oh, the best part, no bleeding and no smearing!

You receive 16 pens for $16.99, which comes to $1.06 per pen when purchased online. The in-club price is slightly lower at $14.99, which makes them $0.94 per pen.

Goodles Variety Pack 8/6 OZ (3 LBS)

Why I chose this:

I couldn’t figure out why people were clamoring around this one item. I talked to a lady who was loading several packs into her cart, and she gave me the rundown. Goodles are rich in nutrients and contain a high amount of protein in each serving. There are eight boxes of macaroni and cheese in each pack, with four boxes of “Cheddy Mac” and four of “Shella Good”.

Costco sells these in-club only for $15.99. At nearly $2 per box, this is a good deal. Amazon sells them for $3 per box, and Target sells them for $3.29 per box! Be sure to check this out. It will go fast!

FIGO Marinara Pasta Chips 10.58 OZ. (0.66 LB)

Why I chose this:

I cannot take all the credit for this one. I saw in a Costco chat room that people were flipping for these pasta chips, so I made a point to take a look on my recent visit. The pallet was already half empty and the associate said they just came in a week ago. I grabbed a bag to try, and they are a hit. They genuinely taste like marinara sauce on a piece of penne pasta, but crunchy like a chip! And not a single one was broken. Needless to say, I have a few people who want me to grab them a bag on my next visit… assuming they still have them. 

Costco sells this bag for $7.39 as an in-club-only item, and based on actually trying them, they absolutely live up to the hype.

FIFA World Cup 12 Day Advent Calendar

Why I chose this:

The FIFA World Cup is coming to the USA in 2026, and more specifically, Atlanta! Costco is selling this awesome Advent calendar to help count down. Each countdown day includes a collectible stainless steel pin.

This is an online-only item, and shipping is included! The cost is $36.99.

Snowman Family with LED Lights Set of 3

Why I chose this:

Have you met the snowmen? The snowmen family that is. Costco is selling this whimsical 3-pack of snowmen. There are a total of 435 lights that twinkle and catch your eye. These can be used both indoors and outdoors.

As of now, this is an in-club only item for $129.99.

Final Thoughts

This is just the tip of the iceberg for December. As of December 2, 2025, there are 295 new items at Costco this month.

Be sure to check back every month as we update this list. Can’t wait until next month? You can find even more great Costco deals at Clark Deals right now.

Not a Costco member? Check out these things that will pay for your Costco membership!

The post 10 Best New Products at Costco in December appeared first on Clark Howard.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a new fee-based option for travelers who fail to present an acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints.

Beginning February 1, 2026, any passenger who does not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, U.S. passport, or other acceptable ID will be referred to a new identity verification process called TSA Confirm.ID — and it comes with a $45 price tag.

The Costly Last Resort: TSA Confirm.ID

If you want to fly domestically and do not have an acceptable ID, you will be directed to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process to establish your identity.

• Cost: $45 per person.
• Duration: This fee grants you access to the verification system for a 10-day travel period.
• Downside: TSA explicitly warns that travelers using the Confirm.ID process should expect delays at the airport.

The new fee is a direct consequence of the full enforcement of the REAL ID Act, which has been in effect since May 7, 2025.

The REAL ID Act requires travelers to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (marked by a star on the card) or another federally approved form of identification to board commercial flights. If your current state-issued driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will not be permitted through security unless you use an alternative, such as a U.S. Passport or now, the $45 TSA Confirm.ID option.

What Is an Acceptable ID?

The easiest and cheapest ways to fly are by presenting one of the following:

• REAL ID-compliant State Driver’s License/ID
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card
• DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Military ID

You can find the full list of acceptable IDs on the official TSA website.

Final Thoughts

This new $45 charge is completely avoidable. You should not have to pay extra money just to get through airport security.

Here are your two best options to avoid this new fee and potential delays:

Get Your REAL ID Now

If you haven’t done so, schedule an appointment with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Bring all the required documentation to complete the process.

Use a Passport

If you have a valid U.S. Passport, you are already covered. Keep it ready for domestic travel. For frequent travelers, a U.S. Passport Card or Global Entry Card is also highly recommended, as they fit easily in your wallet and are REAL ID compliant.

The post New TSA $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID appeared first on Clark Howard.

Switching cell phone service providers is an easy way to save money on your monthly bills. With an unlocked phone, you can switch service providers as frequently as you’d like. Plus, you’ll nearly always be eligible for new customer deals when you switch.

In this article, I’ll share the best cell phone plan deals available in December 2025. Some deals are exclusively available to new customers, while others include new cell phone plans and features available to everyone.

The Best Cell Phone Plan Deals This Month

This month, we’ve found 14 cell phone service providers offering limited-time discounts, new customer offers and/or new plan perks. Below, you’ll see a quick list of each deal available in December:

• Boost Mobile:
  • Get an unlimited plan for $10/month for the first three months (new customers only)
  • Our Boost Mobile Review
• Consumer Cellular:
  • Two unlimited lines for $60; save an additional $5/month with AARP (senior citizens only)
  • Our Consumer Cellular Review
• Cricket Wireless:
  • New plans include more mobile hotspot data, cloud storage, and Mexico/Canada connectivity for lower prices
  • Our Cricket Wireless Review
• Google Fi Wireless
  • Save 50% on eligible unlimited plans for the first 12 months when you bring your own phone (new customers only)
  • Our Google Fi Wireless Review
• Mint Mobile:
  • Get any unlimited plan for $15/month for the first three months, six months or year of service (new customers only)
  • Save 30% on select annual plans with promo code YEAROFMINT (new customers only)
  • Save up to $20/month with any three-month plan when you switch to Mint Mobile (new customers only)
  • Get a year of unlimited service for $15/month when you purchase an eligible phone (new customers only)
  • Our Mint Mobile Review
• RedPocket Mobile:
  • 50% off your first three months of service or 25% off annual plans (new customers only)
  • Our RedPocket Mobile Review
• Simple Mobile:
  • New plans include more high-speed data, unlimited global texting and more
  • Our Simple Mobile Review
• Tello Mobile:
  • Unlimited plan now includes more high-speed data for the same price (50GB; up from 35GB)
  • Our Tello Mobile Review
• Total Wireless:
  • Save 50% on a single-line monthly unlimited plan when you bring your own phone (new customers only)
  • Our Total Wireless Review
• Tracfone:
  • New Tracfone Freedom plan includes unlimited data for $50/month
  • 10% Military Discount is available on monthly plans
  • Our Tracfone Review
• Twigby:
  • Save $5-$10/month for the first three months (new customers only)
  • Our Twigby Review
• Ultra Mobile:
  • New plans include more high-speed data, mobile hotspot data and international benefits
  • Save 50% on eligible annual plans; get a 4GB plan for $6.50/month or unlimited starting at $17/month (new customers only)
  • Save 25% on eligible six-month plans; get a 4GB plan for $11.17/month or unlimited starting at $29.17/month (new customers only)
  • Our Ultra Mobile Review
• US Mobile:
  • Get the annual Unlimited Premium plan for $13.92/month with code BF67 (new customers only)
  • Our US Mobile Review
• Visible:
  • Get the annual Visible+ Pro plan for 50% off ($18.75/month) with promo code BLACKFRIDAY50 (new customers only)
  • Save $6-$12/month on unlimited plans for 26 months with promo code SWITCH26 (new customers only)
  • Get a $5/month discount on Visible+ or Visible+ Pro when you create or join a Visible Inner Circle
  • Buy a refurbished phone from Back Market and save up to $12/month for the first 36 months (new customers only)
  • Our Visible Review

For more information on each deal, check out our detailed list of the best cell phone plan deals available now.

Final Thoughts

If you’re switching to take advantage of a limited-time deal, be sure to cancel your service before the plan renews or be prepared to pay normal prices once the deal expires. You can check out our full list of tips on how to switch cell phone carriers here.

You can also use our free Phone Plan Finder to quickly compare the most affordable plans that will meet your needs.

Did we miss a plan on our list, or did you find a better deal? Let us know in our Clark.com Community!

The post The Best Cell Phone Plan Deals in December appeared first on Clark Howard.

Are you in the market for a new credit card? If so, you’re probably looking for a card that gives you some immediate returns on your spending via a lucrative welcome bonus offer.

In this article, I will walk you through some of our favorite bonus offers for December 2025, along with our top credit card recommendations.

Best Credit Card Bonus Offers for December 2025

American Express Platinum Card® card_name Bonus Offer: As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Bonus Offer Disclaimer: You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Annual Fee: $895 (See Rates & Fees) Why We Like This Bonus Offer: If you qualify for the highest offer, you could earn $1,750 worth of travel booked through the Amex Travel portal. You may be able to find even better value through points transfer partners.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card card_name Bonus Offer: 75,000 Miles Bonus Offer Disclaimer: once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening Annual Fee: $95 Why We Like This Bonus Offer: The bonus offers a total value of $750 in rewards if redeemed on travel. That’s a great offer from a $95 annual fee card.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card card_name Bonus Offer: Earn $300 in welcome bonuses Bonus Offer Disclaimer: with a limited-time $100 Capital One Travel credit, plus earn $200 cash bonus with $500 spend within 3 months from account opening Annual Fee: $0 Why We Like This Bonus Offer: Earning up to $300 on a bonus from a no-annual-fee card is great, plus you can likely find a long-term home in your wallet for this one on dining and groceries.

You can read our full analysis of welcome bonus offers here.

Our Top Credit Card Recommendations

If you are in the market for a rewards credit card, you likely are looking to optimize either cash back rewards or travel rewards.

Here are the cards we recommend most often for each scenario:

If you want cash back on your everyday purchases:

We suggest one of these two no-annual-fee credit cards that offer unlimited 2% cash back with no hurdles to redeem your rewards.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Learn More → Annual Fee: $0.00 Rewards Program Details: Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track or quarterly activations. Bonus Offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® Learn More → Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Program Details: 2% Cash Back on Every Purchase: Your cash back is unlimited and gets credited to your statement every month, automatically.

NOTE: If you already have a 2% cash back on everything card, use our cash back credit card tool to get even more cash back.

If you travel and want to maximize your travel rewards:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card card_name Annual Fee: $395 Rewards Program Details: 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Bonus Offer: 100,000 Miles Bonus Offer Disclaimer: when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening Top Card Perks: $300 Annual Travel Credit: Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options 10,000 Miles Anniversary Bonus: Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit: Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Capital One Lounges: Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass lounges, after enrollment

Looking for more options? We have a full list of the best rewards credit cards and best travel credit cards.

Do you have a card recommendation? We’d love to hear which cards are making you the happiest in the Clark.com community.

To see the rates and fees for the American Express cards featured, please visit the following links: American Express Platinum Card®: See Rates and Fees.

Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website.

All information about Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has been collected independently by Clark Howard, Inc.

Clark.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from some card issuers, and may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened.

The post Best Credit Card Bonuses and Recommendations in December appeared first on Clark Howard.

US Mobile is celebrating Black Friday this year with “The 67 Deal.” Beginning on Black Friday at 11 a.m., new customers joining US Mobile can get the annual Unlimited Premium plan for $167 ($13.92/month) for the first year. 

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about US Mobile’s latest deal. I’ll include what you’ll get for the price and how US Mobile’s Black Friday deal compares to new-customer offers from affordable providers. 

Save $223 on US Mobile’s Annual Unlimited Premium Plan

US Mobile (Team Clark’s Review) is offering a major discount on its top-tier annual unlimited plan for Black Friday: $223 off! That brings the plan price to $167 for 12 months of service ($13.92/month). 

This deal will be available to new customers switching to US Mobile beginning on Black Friday after 11 a.m. Eastern. 

When you join US Mobile, choose the annual Unlimited Premium plan on the Light Speed network. You’ll also need to port your current phone number. Then, use the promo code BF67 to get this deal.

Here’s what you’ll get with US Mobile’s Unlimited Premium plan on the Light Speed network:

• Unlimited nationwide talk and text
• Unlimited high-speed 5G data
• 50GB of mobile hotspot data
• Up to 20GB of international roaming
• 200 minutes & 250 texts in 180+ countries
• Free network transfers

To learn more about US Mobile’s latest deal, visit the company’s website. 

US Mobile: An Affordable Cell Phone Service Provider on Any Network

If you aren’t familiar with US Mobile, it’s an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that partners with all three major networks to provide service to its customers. You can learn more about US Mobile’s different networks here.

US Mobile offers one of the cheapest overall phone plans at $96/year ($8/month) for unlimited talk, text and 2GB of high-speed data. Annual plans begin at $17.50/month ($210 upfront) when you prepay for a year of service. However, with the latest Black Friday offer, you can buy an annual Unlimited Premium plan for $13.92/month. This is a great deal for truly unlimited high-speed data compared to other unlimited plans.

To see how US Mobile’s Black Friday deal compares, I looked at current discounts on unlimited annual plans from some of our other favorite affordable providers:

• Mint Mobile (Team Clark’s Review): The annual unlimited plan costs $360 at regular rates. Mint Mobile’s current new customer offer ($15/month for any unlimited plan) brings the price to $180 for an annual plan. It includes unlimited high-speed data on T-Mobile’s network (speeds may slow after 35GB/month due to network congestion), as well as 10GB of mobile hotspot data. 
• Ultra Mobile (Team Clark’s Review): Annual unlimited plans begin at $408 at regular rates. Ultra Mobile’s current Black Friday deal (50% off annual plans) brings the price to $204 ($17/month) for the first year. The Ultra Unlimited plan includes all the same features as Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan, as well as a few additional international perks.
• Visible (Team Clark’s Review): Visible+ Pro costs $450 annually at regular rates. Visible’s current Black Friday deal (50% off with promo code BLACKFRIDAY50) brings the price to $225/year ($18.75/month). The plan includes unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, unlimited mobile hotspot (15Mbps) and two Global Pass days per month.

As you can see, you’ll get excellent value with US Mobile’s annual Unlimited Premium plan. This is especially true if you take advantage of the current Black Friday discount for new customers.

If you’re thinking about switching to US Mobile, bring your own unlocked phone to save the most money. You can also check your coverage on all three networks to see which one will provide the best service. However, the current Black Friday discount is only available on the Light Speed network.

To learn more before deciding to make the switch, be sure to read our full US Mobile review. 

For more options, check out all of our top picks for the best cell phone plans and deals available now. If you do decide to switch to a new cell phone service provider, check out this guide that Team Clark put together. It will take you step by step through the process of changing carriers.

Are you thinking about switching to US Mobile? Let us know in our Clark.com Community!

The post US Mobile Deal: Annual Unlimited Premium Under $14/Month appeared first on Clark Howard.

You’ve probably heard someone brag about their incredible investment returns. Maybe it was a coworker who doubled their money in crypto, or a relative who swears by their rental properties, or that guy at the barbecue who has a “can’t miss” opportunity he wants to tell you about.

Here’s what they’re not telling you: Every penny of extra return they’re chasing comes with extra risk attached. There’s no way around it.

The Starting Line: The Safest Money in America

Let’s start with the absolute safest place to put your money in the United States: government bonds and FDIC-insured bank accounts.

When you buy a US Treasury bond, you’re lending money to the federal government. The only way you don’t get paid back is if the United States government defaults on its debt. That’s never happened in over 200 years, and if it does, we’ll all have much bigger problems than our investment returns.

Right now, you can get around 4-5% on short-term Treasury bills, and similar rates on FDIC-insured high-yield savings accounts and CDs. That’s your baseline. That’s what safe money earns.

Everything else we’re going to talk about offers higher potential returns. And every single one comes with more risk than government bonds and FDIC-insured accounts.

Corporate Bonds: You’re Betting on a Company, Not a Country

Corporate bonds work like government bonds, except you’re lending to a company instead of the government. Companies can go bankrupt. Governments that print their own currency can’t.

High-quality corporate bonds from companies like Apple or Microsoft might pay you 1-2 percentage points more than Treasury bonds. That extra return compensates you for the small but real chance that the company could fail.

Bonds from shakier companies (called “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) might pay you 5-8 percentage points more than Treasuries. That’s not generosity. That’s the market pricing in a meaningful risk that the company won’t be able to repay you.

The risk: You could lose some or all of your money if the company goes bankrupt. Bondholders get paid before stockholders in bankruptcy, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get all your money back.

Stock Market Index Funds: Betting on the Whole Economy

Broad-market index funds, such as those that track the S&P 500, have returned about 10% annually over the long run. That’s roughly double what safe government bonds typically return.

Why the premium? Because even with diversification across hundreds of companies, you’re still taking on real risks:

• Stock prices swing based on economic conditions, corporate earnings, and investor sentiment.
• There’s no guaranteed return. You might make 30% one year and lose 20% the next.
• You could buy at the wrong time and wait years, even a decade or more, to break even.

Look at 2022: the S&P 500 dropped 18%. If you needed that money for a house down payment or your kid’s tuition, too bad. It was gone. (It came back in 2023, but you had to wait and stomach the loss.)

Or consider someone who invested at the peak in 2000. They had to wait until 2013 to get back to even. That’s 13 years of going nowhere. If you bought in 2007, you didn’t break even until 2013 either. Six years of waiting.

The risk: You’re exposed to overall market crashes and economic downturns. But unlike individual stocks, you won’t lose everything because one company fails. Your main risk is timing and patience. Over the long term, the market has always gone up and to the right. But “long term” might mean you need to wait out a lost decade.

Individual Company Stocks: Bigger Swings, Bigger Risks

Individual stocks can deliver returns that blow away index funds. Nvidia, for example, has absolutely crushed the S&P 500’s returns over the past few years. If you bought it at the right time, you might have multiplied your money several times over.

But here’s what you’re taking on:

• Company-specific risk: Bad management, product failures, competition, accounting scandals, or industry disruption can tank a stock regardless of what the overall market does.
• Concentration risk: Your returns depend on the success of a single company rather than hundreds.
• Total loss potential: Companies can go bankrupt. Enron, Lehman Brothers, and thousands of other stocks have gone to zero.

Remember that for every Nvidia, there are stocks that disappoint or fail. General Electric was once the most valuable company in the world. Sears was Amazon before Amazon existed. BlackBerry dominated smartphones until it didn’t.

The risk: You could lose everything if the company fails. Even if it doesn’t fail, you could badly underperform the market if you pick the wrong one. Yes, you might pick the next Nvidia. But you might also pick the next Bed Bath & Beyond.

REITs: Real Estate Without the Tenants

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) let you invest in real estate without buying property directly. You buy shares that trade on the stock market, and the REIT owns and manages the actual buildings.

REITs have historically returned 9-11% annually, similar to stocks. They pay dividends from rental income, but their value also goes up and down, just like stocks.

The risk: REITs are just as volatile as stocks, sometimes more so. When interest rates rise, REITs often take a hit because property values drop and borrowing costs rise. In 2022, the REIT index fell by about 25%. You also have concentration risk since you’re betting heavily on one sector of the economy. And despite owning “real estate,” you can’t live in a REIT or fix a leaky roof to protect your investment.

Real Estate: It’s Not as Safe as People Think

Real estate investing is popular because it feels tangible. You can see it, touch it, and drive by it. That doesn’t make it low-risk.

If you’re buying a rental property, you’re taking on:

• Vacancies where you have no income but still have expenses.
• Repairs that can cost thousands with no warning.
• Problem tenants who might not pay or might damage your property.
• Local market risk (the neighborhood could decline).
• Concentration risk (your wealth is tied up in one or two properties).
• Liquidity risk (you can’t instantly sell a house if you need money).

Real estate investors target returns in the 8-12% range annually when you factor in rental income and appreciation. That’s higher than bonds because the risks are greater.

Read more: Ways to invest in real estate

Small Business and Angel Investing: High Risk, High Reward (Maybe)

Investing in a friend’s startup or becoming an angel investor in early-stage companies can sound exciting. The pitch is tempting: get in on the ground floor of the next big thing.

The reality is sobering. Most small businesses fail within the first few years. Even among venture-backed startups with professional investors involved, the majority either fail or return less money than you put in.

The risk: You could easily lose 100% of your investment. Your money is locked up for years with no way to get it back early. You have no control over how the business is run. There’s no public market price, so you don’t even know what your investment is worth most of the time. Success stories make headlines, but failures stay quiet. For every friend who invested early in a winning company, there are dozens who invested in companies that went nowhere.

Peer-to-Peer Lending: You’re the Bank Now

Peer-to-peer lending platforms let you lend money directly to individuals who need personal loans. You might see promised returns of 5-7% or even higher.

Sounds great, right? You’re cutting out the bank and collecting the interest yourself. But there’s a reason banks charge the rates they do and have entire departments dedicated to underwriting loans.

The risk: Individual borrowers default at much higher rates than government or large corporations do. When someone doesn’t pay back their loan, you lose that money. You also can’t easily sell these loans if you need your money back. The platforms themselves could also fail, and some have.

Gold: You’re Betting It’ll Be Worth More to Someone Else

Gold doesn’t pay dividends. It doesn’t generate earnings. It just sits there, shiny and inert. Its value is based entirely on what someone else will pay you for it later.

Over the very long run, gold has roughly kept pace with inflation. Sometimes it soars (like in 2020-2021 and 2025). Sometimes it goes nowhere for decades (like from 1980 to 2000).

The risk: Gold can be extremely volatile, and there’s no underlying earnings or cash flow to provide a floor on its value. You’re speculating on supply, demand, fear, and sentiment.

Cryptocurrency: Maximum Volatility

Crypto offers the potential for massive returns. It also offers the potential for massive losses, and unlike stocks, there are no underlying business earnings to fall back on.

Bitcoin has had years when it rose by 100%+ and years when it dropped by 70%+. Smaller cryptocurrencies are even more volatile, and many have gone to zero.

The risk: Extreme price swings, no intrinsic value, regulatory uncertainty, exchange failures, lost passwords, scams, and the real possibility that the crypto you buy could become worthless.

If someone made 500% in crypto, they took on an enormous risk to get there. For every person who got rich, others lost their shirts.

Private Investments and the “Guaranteed Return” Scam

Now we get to the dangerous stuff.

Someone approaches you with an investment opportunity. Maybe it’s a private company, a real estate syndication, or a friend’s business venture. They’re promising returns of 15%, 20%, or 30%.

Here’s the truth: If an investment could safely deliver those returns, wealthy institutions would have already bought up every penny of it. The fact that they’re coming to you should be a red flag.

These “opportunities” come with massive risks:

• No liquidity (your money is locked up, sometimes for years)
• No transparency (you can’t easily check the value)
• No regulation (fewer protections if something goes wrong)
• Fraud risk (Ponzi schemes often promise guaranteed high returns)
• Total loss risk (many private ventures fail completely)

And about those “guaranteed” returns your neighbor mentioned? Guaranteed by whom? If the investment goes bad, will they write you a check from their personal account? Of course not. There’s no guarantee.

The Uncomfortable Truth

Here’s what you need to accept: There is no secret investment that delivers high returns without high risk. If someone tells you differently, they’re either lying to you or lying to themselves.

The market is pretty efficient. Millions of investors, from individuals to massive institutions, compete for returns. When an investment offers a higher return, it’s because the market has collectively decided it’s riskier.

You want safe, guaranteed returns? You’re getting 4-5% from government bonds and FDIC-insured accounts.

You want 10-12% returns? You’re going to need to accept the volatility and risk of stocks or real estate.

You want 15-20% returns? You’re moving into speculative territory with small business investments, junk bonds, or volatile assets.

What This Means for Your Money

This doesn’t mean you should only invest in the safest options. For most people, taking on some risk through a diversified stock portfolio makes sense, especially if you won’t need the money for many years.

But it does mean you need to be honest about what you’re signing up for. If you invest in stocks, you need to be prepared for years when your account drops 20% or more. If you invest in rental property, you need to be ready for major repairs and tenant problems. If you dabble in crypto, you need to be okay with the possibility that your investment could go to zero.

And when someone pitches you on an investment promising outsized returns with minimal risk? You should run in the other direction. They’re either clueless about how investing works or they’re running a scam.

The only free lunch in investing is diversification. Everything else is a tradeoff between risk and return. The sooner you accept that, the better your financial decisions will be.

The post Want Higher Investment Returns? There’s Only One Way appeared first on Clark Howard.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make as an investor has nothing to do with picking individual stocks or timing the market. It’s about deciding how much of your portfolio to allocate to bonds versus stocks.

This single decision will likely determine most of your investment returns over time. Get it right, and you’ll sleep well at night while still building wealth. Get it wrong, and you might panic-sell at the worst possible moment or miss out on decades of growth.

The problem? There’s no shortage of advice on this topic, and much of it contradicts itself. Some experts say you need 40% in bonds. Others say you need none at all. Warren Buffett famously recommends just 10% in cash for his wife’s inheritance.

Meanwhile, some retirees swear by keeping three years of expenses in cash.

So which approach is right for you? Let’s break down the most popular bond allocation strategies and help you find the one that fits your situation.

Why Bonds Matter in the First Place

Before diving into the rules, it helps to understand what bonds actually do in your portfolio.

Stocks offer higher long-term returns but come with significant volatility. In a bad year, your stock portfolio might drop 30% or more. In a terrible year like 2008, it could fall closer to 50%.

Bonds generally provide lower returns but with much less volatility. When stocks crash, bonds often hold steady or even rise in value. This smooths out your overall portfolio performance and gives you something stable to draw from during market downturns.

The trade-off is simple: more bonds mean lower volatility but lower expected returns. Fewer bonds means higher expected returns but a bumpier ride.

The Classic 60/40 Portfolio

The 60/40 portfolio is the granddaddy of asset allocation strategies. It calls for 60% stocks and 40% bonds, and it’s been the default recommendation from financial advisors for decades.

The appeal of 60/40 is its balance. Historically, this mix has delivered roughly 70-80% of stock market returns with significantly less volatility. During the 2008 financial crisis, a 60/40 portfolio lost about 20% while an all-stock portfolio dropped nearly 40%.

However, the 60/40 portfolio has faced criticism in recent years. When interest rates were near zero, bonds offered minimal returns while still dragging down overall portfolio performance. And in 2022, both stocks and bonds fell significantly at the same time, an event that rarely occurs historically.

Who it might work for: The 60/40 portfolio remains a reasonable choice for investors who want a simple, set-it-and-forget-it approach with moderate risk. It’s particularly popular among those within 10 years of retirement who want to start dialing back volatility without getting too conservative.

The Age in Bonds Rule (And Why It Changed)

One of the oldest rules of thumb in investing says you should hold bonds equal to your age. If you’re 30, you’d hold 30% bonds. At 60, you’d hold 60% bonds.

The logic is intuitive: as you get older, you have less time to recover from market crashes, so you should gradually shift toward safer investments.

The problem? This rule was created when people retired at 65 and life expectancy was much shorter. Someone retiring today might live another 30 years or more. Holding 65% in bonds at retirement could mean your portfolio doesn’t keep pace with inflation over such a long time horizon.

That’s why many financial experts now recommend a modified version: your age minus 10 or even your age minus 20 in bonds. Under the “age minus 20” version, a 60-year-old would hold just 40% in bonds rather than 60%.

Who it might work for: The modified age-in-bonds rule appeals to investors who want a systematic approach that automatically becomes more conservative over time. It’s simple to implement and removes the guesswork from asset allocation decisions. The “age minus 20” version works well for those comfortable with more volatility who want to maximize growth potential.

The 50/15 Rule

Money expert Clark Howard’s 50/15 rule cuts through the complexity with a simple question: Do you expect to be alive in 15 years?

If the answer is yes, you should have at least 50% of your portfolio in stocks. That means no more than 50% in bonds, regardless of your age.

The logic is straightforward. Stocks have historically outperformed bonds over every 15-year period in modern market history. If you have at least 15 years ahead of you, you have enough time to ride out market downturns and benefit from the higher long-term returns that stocks provide. Going too heavy on bonds when you still have decades of life ahead means sacrificing growth you’ll likely need to outpace inflation.

This rule is particularly useful for retirees who might otherwise follow traditional age-based guidelines into overly conservative territory. A healthy 70-year-old with a 20-year life expectancy doesn’t need 70% in bonds. That level of conservatism could actually hurt them by failing to keep pace with rising costs over a long retirement.

Who it might work for: The 50/15 rule works well for anyone who wants a simple gut-check on their allocation. It’s especially valuable for retirees who worry they might be too conservative, given outdated rules that assumed shorter lifespans.

The Buffett Approach: 90/10 With Zero Bonds

Warren Buffett has given specific instructions for how his wife’s inheritance should be invested: 90% in a low-cost S&P 500 index fund and 10% in short-term government bonds or cash.

Notice what’s missing? Traditional bonds. Buffett’s recommendation essentially replaces bonds entirely with cash or cash equivalents.

His reasoning is straightforward. Over long periods, stocks dramatically outperform bonds. The 10% in cash isn’t there to generate returns. It’s there to provide liquidity and peace of mind so you never have to sell stocks during a downturn.

This approach requires an iron stomach. During a 40% market crash, a 90/10 portfolio would drop about 36%. You’d need the discipline not to panic and sell. But if you can stay the course, a higher stock allocation should deliver significantly better returns over the long term.

Who it might work for: The 90/10 approach suits investors with a long time horizon, stable income, high risk tolerance, and the emotional discipline to ignore market volatility. It’s not for everyone, but for those who can handle it, the math tends to work in their favor.

The Three Years in Cash Approach

Some retirees take an entirely different strategy: Keep three years of living expenses in cash or cash equivalents, then invest the rest entirely in stocks.

The psychology behind this is powerful. If you have three years of expenses sitting in a savings account or money market fund, you know you can weather any market crash without touching your investments. The stock market has never taken more than about three years to recover from its worst crashes, so in theory, you’d never be forced to sell low.

This approach can actually be more aggressive than it sounds. If your portfolio is large relative to your expenses, the “rest in stocks” portion might be 80%, 90%, or even more of your total assets.

Who it might work for: The three-years-in-cash strategy appeals to retirees who want maximum growth potential but need the psychological security of knowing their near-term expenses are covered regardless of what the market does. It requires disciplined annual rebalancing to maintain the three-year cash cushion.

How To Choose Your Bond Allocation

With all these options, how do you pick the right one? Consider these factors:

Your time horizon matters most. If you won’t touch this money for 20+ years, you can afford to take more risk with a lower bond allocation. If you need the money within five years, you should lean heavily toward bonds and cash regardless of what any rule says.

Your risk tolerance is personal. Some people can watch their portfolio drop 40% and shrug it off. Others lose sleep over a 10% decline. Be honest with yourself about which camp you fall into. The best allocation is one you’ll actually stick with during a crisis.

Your other income sources provide context. If you have a pension, Social Security, or rental income that covers your basic expenses, you can afford to be more aggressive with your investment portfolio. If your portfolio is your only source of retirement income, more stability makes sense.

Your overall financial picture matters. A large emergency fund, low debt, and stable employment all give you more flexibility to take investment risk. Financial stress in other areas might warrant a more conservative allocation.

A Practical Framework for Deciding

If you’re still unsure, here’s a simple framework:

For investors more than 15 years from retirement with stable income and high risk tolerance, consider allocations between 10-20% bonds (closer to the Buffett approach).

For investors 5-15 years from retirement with moderate risk tolerance, consider allocations between 20-40% bonds (modified age rule or working toward the 50/15 guideline).

For investors within 5 years of retirement or already retired, consider allocations between 30-50% bonds (keeping Clark’s 50/15 rule in mind if you expect to live another 15+ years), or the three-years-in-cash approach if you prefer that framework.

For investors who want simplicity above all else, the 60/40 portfolio remains a time-tested option that requires minimal thought or adjustment.

The Most Important Thing

Whatever allocation you choose, the most important thing is that you actually stick with it. The perfect allocation on paper means nothing if you panic and sell everything during the next bear market.

Pick an approach you understand, that lets you sleep at night, and that you can commit to for the long haul. Then automate your contributions, rebalance once a year, and spend your mental energy on things other than checking your portfolio.

Your future self will thank you.

The post How To Choose the Right Bond Allocation for Your Portfolio appeared first on Clark Howard.

Yet another smaller cruise line just filed for bankruptcy. And I said “another” because there’s been a plague of this lately. We’re seeing it with smaller cruise lines sailing out of U.S. ports, those that sail overseas, tour operators, and even riverboat cruises.

While we’re talking about companies going out of business, a number of small airlines around the world have gone bust, and frankly, there are several in the United States that are not in great financial shape. So I want to talk about a critical way to protect your money and make sure you don’t get left holding the bag if a travel company goes under.

The Red Flag: Luring You To Pay by Check or Cash

There is something they’re asking you to do that I absolutely do not want you to do.

I don’t want you being lured in by a tour operator or a cruise line saying, “Hey, you pay us by check and we’re going to give you a 5% discount, or a 7% discount, or a 3% discount,” or whatever the discount is. When the discount is significantly higher than their credit card processing costs — which for a travel supplier doing big-ticket items is usually about 1.5% — that’s a giant red flag.

If they’re suddenly offering you a 5% or 7% discount for giving them your checking account number and letting them debit the money that way (ACH), here’s what’s really going on: They may be on “credit watch” from the credit card operators.

When a customer pays in, there’s a big “hold back.” The operator on credit watch doesn’t have access to most of the money you just paid them; they only get a small portion right away.

In order to keep the ship going or the tours touring, they try to get people booking future dates to pay by checking account. They get all of that money right away.

The Distinction That Really Matters

If that airline, cruise line, tour operator, or even a vacation rental company goes bust or flies the coop, and you paid by check or direct debit, your money is gone. There is absolutely no way for you to reclaim that money. No way to do it.

There are only two possible ways you can recapture that money:

Pay by Credit Card

While not completely ironclad and foolproof, paying by credit card is often the way you get your money restored to you.

The credit card industry has a big financial incentive to give you that money back. That way, you have an extra incentive going forward to pay for travel by credit card and they keep collecting all those merchant fees. It works for both of you.

Buy True Trip Insurance That Covers Supplier Default

If you buy a policy directly from the travel supplier, it is usually not real insurance — it’s their “protection plan.” And let me tell you, you are not protected from anything if they go bust.

With real third-party trip insurance, some policies do cover the supplier going bust, but others don’t.

If protecting yourself against a tour operator or cruise line default is your main goal, you must make sure the policy covers it before you give up your period of review.

Because trip insurance is regulated by the states, you will have a look-see period (maybe 15 days or 30 days) where you can say, “Thanks, but no thanks, I want my money back for the policy.” Use that time to review the fine print! You want to make sure it covers protecting all the money you paid in from the supplier going bust.

Final Thoughts

Just be aware and be wary when somebody is dangling a little discount in front of you for paying cash. They are not being your friend in the travel business, at least not where your wallet is concerned.

The post Warning: The Travel Discount That Is NOT Worth The Risk appeared first on Clark Howard.

Owning a second home feels instantly appealing: a personal retreat, a gathering spot for family, maybe even a way to build wealth. But while the dream is easy to picture, the reality can be more complicated and expensive than it looks.

Before you start browsing listings, it’s worth thinking carefully about what questions you need to answer first.

1. How Often Will You Actually Use It?

Be realistic. Work schedules, kids’ activities, and travel costs all compete for your time. List every season, school break, and holiday for the next year. How many times could you truly visit?

• Rule of thumb: If you won’t use it at least 6 to 8 weeks a year, compare the cost to simply renting.
• Travel friction: The farther it is, the less you’ll go. A four-hour drive feels fine now but quickly becomes a barrier.
• Seasonality test: Visit during the off-season to see how the area feels when it’s quiet or cold.

Then there’s vacation guilt. Once you buy, every other trip feels “wrong” because you’re paying for a place you’re not using. If you love variety and trying new places, owning a fixed getaway might make you feel tied down instead of free.

2. Can You Handle the Full Financial Picture?

A second home comes with more than just another mortgage payment. Create a full annual budget:

• Fixed costs: Mortgage, property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, utilities, trash, internet, and pest control.
• Hidden costs: Maintenance reserve (1–2% of property value per year), furniture and setup, travel to the home, and property management fees.

Example: A $500,000 vacation home with 20% down and a 7% mortgage could cost about $47,000 per year, before you even travel there.

If your numbers only work with optimistic rental income, you’re not buying a getaway. You’re running a hospitality business.

Before you close:

• Vacation-home loans require higher credit and down payments than primary mortgages.
• Test your payment if rates rise 1–2 percentage points.
• Keep 6–12 months of carrying costs in cash, separate from your regular emergency fund.
• Verify insurance early. In some regions, insurers are limiting new policies or leaving entirely. If you can’t get affordable coverage, the entire purchase may not make sense.

3. Do Local Rules Fit Your Plans?

Every community has its own restrictions: short-term rental limits or bans, permit requirements, lodging taxes, and HOA rules about guests, noise, or parking. What’s allowed today can change. Build flexibility into your plan.

4. Are You Ready to Run a Rental Business?

If you’re counting on rent, treat it like a business, because it is one.

• Occupancy: Plan for 40–50% actual use, not 100%.
• Management: Full-service property managers often take 20–30% of rent.
• Costs: Cleaning, supplies, turnover, taxes, and repairs eat into profits.

Even a “low-maintenance” property needs eyes on it. Identify local repair people and cleaners before you buy. Budget for someone to check after storms or in the off-season. If you manage rentals yourself, factor in your time. Every guest message, repair call, and review takes hours.

5. Do You Understand the Tax Rules?

The IRS limits deductions based on how much you rent versus how much you use it personally. Many localities require registration and monthly filings. And if you own property out of state, you may owe taxes in multiple states. Always confirm with a qualified tax professional before counting on deductions.

6. What Else Could This Money Do?

Before locking in a large down payment, consider alternatives such as paying off your primary mortgage faster, maxing out retirement accounts, investing in a diversified portfolio, or building a larger emergency fund. Ask yourself: Would renting different places for a few years bring the same joy for less cost and more flexibility?

7. Is Everyone in the Family on Board?

A second home only works if it fits everyone’s priorities, not just today’s, but tomorrow’s too.

The cabin that feels magical when your kids are ten might feel empty when they’re sixteen, spending weekends with friends or working part-time. If you’re thinking long term, ask yourself how this home will fit your family five, ten, or twenty years from now.

Talk openly: Who will actually use the home? Who’s responsible for cleaning, maintenance, and costs? If this is meant to be a “legacy home,” who inherits both the memories and the expenses?

8. What’s Your Exit Plan?

Vacation markets can cool quickly. Know how long you’d need to hold the home to feel comfortable selling, and be prepared to carry it for a year or more if the market slows or your life changes.

A 5-Minute Self-Test

Can you answer “yes” to all five questions below? If so, a second home might be right for you. If not, slow down.

• Will I use this home for at least 6–8 weeks each year for the next five years?
• Can I afford it without rental income?
• Do I have 6–12 months of cash to cover costs?
• Is insurance available and affordable?
• Do I have a clear exit plan if my circumstances change?

Final Thoughts

Money expert Clark Howard says a second home can bring joy, but only if it’s a decision made with clear eyes, not wishful thinking. If your finances are in great shape and you’ll genuinely use and love the place, it can be a rewarding choice. But if you’re chasing a dream that mostly lives in your imagination, consider renting the experience instead.

The post So You Think You Want a Second Home? appeared first on Clark Howard.

For a limited time, new Google Fi Wireless customers can save 50% on an unlimited plan for the first 12 months. That brings the monthly price to as low as $17.50 for one line! 

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about Google Fi Wireless’ latest deal, including who’s eligible, what you’ll get for the price and how the plans compare to other affordable providers.

Save Up to $25/Month on Google Fi Wireless’ Unlimited Plans

Google Fi Wireless (Team Clark’s Review) is currently offering a 50% discount on its Unlimited Essentials or Unlimited Standard plan. The deal is available to new customers who switch before December 5. Additionally, you’ll need to bring your own phone to be eligible. 

Here’s what you’ll get with each eligible plan: 

Unlimited Essentials

• Unlimited talk, text and data (30GB high-speed)
• Full connectivity for select smartwatches

Unlimited Standard

• Unlimited talk, text and data (50GB high-speed)
• Full connectivity for select smartwatches
• 25GB of high-speed hotspot tethering
• Data, calls and texts within Canada and Mexico
• Free calls to Canada and Mexico from the US

At regular rates, Unlimited Essentials costs $35/month for a single line, with multiline discounts bringing the price to as low as $23/month per line for 4+ lines. Alternatively, Unlimited Standard costs $50/month for one line at regular rates, with multiline discounts, bringing the price to as low as $25/month per line for 4+ lines. 

Google Fi Wireless’ current promotion applies to both single-line and multiline accounts. If you join with multiple lines, each person will need to bring their own phone and choose an eligible plan to receive the discount. 

In the table below, you can see the monthly discounted prices per line for Unlimited Essentials and Unlimited Standard.

Once you activate your service, you’ll automatically receive the discount for the first 12 months. After 12 months, plan rates will return to normal. 

To learn more before you decide to make the switch, be sure to read our full Google Fi Wireless review. For more information on the latest deal, visit the company’s website here. 

Google Fi Wireless: An Affordable T-Mobile MVNO

If you aren’t familiar with Google Fi Wireless, it’s a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that utilizes T-Mobile’s service towers. At Clark.com, we recognize Google Fi Wireless as the best overall international phone plan. 

Compared to T-Mobile’s postpaid cell phone plans, Google Fi Wireless offers excellent prices. For a single line, T-Mobile’s postpaid unlimited plans begin at $50 with autopay (plus taxes & fees). While you’ll get 20GB of additional premium data with T-Mobile’s Essentials Saver (compared to Google Fi Wireless’ Unlimited Essentials), there are no additional perks.

The same T-Mobile plan is available for four lines for $100/month. At regular rates, Google Fi Wireless’ Unlimited Essentials is $10 cheaper for four lines. However, with the current promotion, you can get four lines on Unlimited Standard for $50/month for the first 12 months. It includes the same amount of high-speed data as T-Mobile’s Essentials, plus smartwatch connectivity, data in Mexico/Canada, and 25GB of mobile hotspot. 

Compared to other prepaid cell phone service providers on T-Mobile’s network, Google Fi Wireless still offers competitive prices. While single lines with unlimited data can find better deals with other service providers at regular rates, the current 50% discount makes Google Fi Wireless much more competitive. To compare, here are a few of our other favorite unlimited plans that utilize the same service towers: 

• Mint Mobile (Team Clark’s Review): For a limited time, new customers can get an unlimited plan for $15/month when prepaying for three months, six months or a year. The same plan is available annually for $30/month at regular rates. It includes unlimited data (speeds may slow with network congestion after 35GB) as well as 10GB of mobile hotspot. 
• US Mobile (Team Clark’s Review): On the Light Speed network, monthly unlimited plans begin at $25 for 70GB of high-speed data and 10GB of mobile hotspot data. Annually, the same plan is available for $270 ($22.50/month) at regular rates.
• Tello Mobile (Team Clark’s Review): For $25/month, customers can get an unlimited data plan that includes 50GB of high-speed data and 10GB of hotspot data. However, after 50GB of data usage, speeds will be throttled (significantly reduced) until the next billing cycle.

Be sure to check out our full Google Fi Wireless review before you purchase a plan. If you do decide to switch to Google Fi Wireless, check out our step-by-step guide to changing cell phone service providers first.

For more options, check out all of our top picks for the best cell phone plans available now. Additionally, you can use our new Cell Phone Plan Finder to quickly compare plans that will meet your needs.

Are you thinking about switching to Google Fi Wireless? Let us know in our Clark.com Community!

The post Google Fi Wireless Deal: 50% off Unlimited for 12 Months appeared first on Clark Howard.