Tamila McDonald

How To Retire Well in New Hampshire

January 6, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Choosing a retirement destination is one of the most exciting moments in a person’s life. However, it can also be a challenging endeavor, particularly if you are open to heading to multiple destinations. The location you choose will have a big impact on your golden years, impacting how far your savings goes, your quality of life, and more. Luckily, it is possible to estimate what your experience will be like, as well as what it takes to retire in a particular state comfortably. If you’re wondering how you can retire well in New Hampshire, here’s what you need to know.

Cost of Living

When you are trying to figure out if a state is a good option for your retirement, examining the state’s cost of living scores – both overall and category scores – is a smart move. Cost of living metrics allow you to ascertain a state’s affordability at a glance, something that could be incredibly important if you’re post-retirement budget may be tight.

The cost of living scoring model is incredibly simple to understand. The national average is always 100. Scores above 100 mean that the state is more expensive than average. When a score sits under 100, it is a potential indication of greater affordability.

New Hampshire’s overall cost of living score is 108.2. Additionally, the majority of the Granite State’s cost of living category scores sit above 100, as well.

Groceries come in at 100.4, putting them just above average when it comes to cost. Utilities sit at 114.0, while healthcare comes in with a 115.0.

For transportation, New Hampshire is below average. That score is just 98.2, so those expenses are slightly lower than the national average.

When it comes to housing, the Granite State scores at 110.3. Partially, this is a reflection of the cost of buying a home. The average home value in New Hampshire is $321,496. That’s $85,145 higher than the national average, which is $263,351.

However, the state’s property taxes also play a role in the high housing score. We’ll take a closer look at that in the next section.

Tax Considerations

Before you decide that New Hampshire is the best option for you, it’s wise to look at the tax situation. Money that you have to spend on taxes can potentially dig into your retirement savings, at times significantly. That’s why you need to understand what a state requires when it comes to taxation, ensuring you are fully prepared to handle that expense.

Many people label New Hampshire a tax-free state. However, that isn’t entirely accurate.

New Hampshire doesn’t tax earned income. For example, W-2 wages from a job are not subject to a state-level tax. The state also doesn’t tax Social Security, pensions, or retirement account withdrawals.

However, some other types of income are taxable. Both interest and dividend income are subject to a 5 percent tax. But that tax only kicks in if your dividend or interest earnings exceed $2,400 annually for an individual or $4,800 a year for joint filers.

Now, New Hampshire doesn’t have a general sales tax, either. It’s one of just five states that doesn’t tax most purchases, making it fairly unique in that regard.

One of the biggest benefits of living in a state without a sales tax is lower shopping costs. However, it also means that you can easily track your spending at the store, as the price you see on the shelf or price tag is precisely what you pay.

When it comes to property taxes, that’s where New Hampshire generates a lot of its money. In fact, the rate is among the highest in the nation, as the effective tax rate averages at 2.2 percent. That means, for a home valued at $200,000, the house would come with $4,400 a year in property taxes.

It is important to note that there is an Elderly Exemption that could potentially reduce your property tax burden. Retirees who are at least 65 years old, have lived in New Hampshire for three years, have income levels at or below $36,800 for singles or $50,000 for married couples, and meet certain other conditions may qualify for exemption amounts that dramatically reduce property taxes.

Retirement Apps You Can Use in Hampshire

Use these platforms to prepare for retirement.

App	Fees and Minimum	Best for:
Betterment	0.25% per year no account minimum	Saving for retirement
Ellevest	$1-$9 per month no account minimum	Retirement especially for women
Personal Capital	Free	Planning retirement

Part-Time Job Opportunities

Retirement doesn’t necessarily mean completely walking away from the workforce. Many seniors prefer to have a part-time job. At times, this is simply because they want to stay busy and have a chance to interact with people. In others, it could be the enjoyment of using their professional skills and not wanting to give that up. However, for many, the need is purely financial, giving them a chance to make their retirement savings last longer.

If you’re hoping to find a part-time job in New Hampshire, you’re likely in luck. Historically, the state has relatively low unemployment. However, there were some serious hiccups during COVID-19.

Pre-pandemic, the Granite State had an unemployment rate of just 2.4 percent (March 2020). That number was notably below the national average at that time, which came in at 4.4 percent.

When COVID-19 struck, unemployment numbers skyrocketed in many states. New Hampshire was hit particularly hard, peaking at 17.1 percent in April 2020. During that month, the national average was 14.7 percent, giving you a solid idea of how rough the start pandemic was in the Granite State.

However, New Hampshire bounced back. By November 2020, the unemployment rate was down to 3.8 percent. That’s a full 2.9 percentage points lower than the national average for that month, which was sitting at 6.7 percent.

While COVID-19 remains a factor today, New Hampshire managed to recover fairly well. As a result, many retirees can likely secure part-time job opportunities. However, it’s still best to be cautious until the pandemic fully resolves, so you may want to ensure you have enough savings to carry you for a while if the need arises.

Best Cities for Retirees in New Hampshire

Deciding where to retire involves more than simply choosing a state; you also need to pick a city. The city you head toward does impact the quality of your retirement. Not only do some areas cost more or less than others, but they also have different amenities, vibes, and more. That’s why it’s so crucial to take the city into account before you select your retirement destination.

If you believe that New Hampshire is your perfect retirement state but aren’t sure which cities can best meet your needs, you may want to start by exploring Exeter. It offers a better cost of living than some other towns and is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Manchester. Plus, it has some historic charm while also offering up a ton of amenities.

Portsmouth is another Granite State city that should be on your shortlist. It’s nestled near the Maine border and rests along the Piscataqua River. The town has a classic New England feel but offers up all of the modern amenities you need to live a healthy, comfortable life.

If you want quick access to an airport, Londonderry is a great option. It’s the home of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, making it great for retirees who plan on traveling. Plus, there are apple orchards dotting the landscape nearby, but also plenty of amenities.

Retirees may also enjoy Concord, the state’s capital. It’s home to a lot of historic buildings, giving it a unique charm. In fact, the New Hampshire State House here is the oldest state house in the nation, giving the city an intriguing claim to fame. There are also plenty of recreational opportunities in the area, as well as all of your critical amenities.

How Much Money You Need to Retire Well in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does have a higher-than-average cost of living, and that impacts how much retirement income you’ll need access to if you want to retire comfortably there. However, the Granite State isn’t necessarily out of reach for many retirees.

Generally speaking, if you have access to $68,461 a year in retirement income, that should leave you in good shape. Handling all of your financial needs shouldn’t be too challenging, and you’ll likely be able to afford some wants, also. All in all, that amount may make it possible to retire well in New Hampshire, so consider that a good target to aim for when planning for your golden years.

Same Money Before Retirement

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Do you have any other tips that might help someone retire well in New Hampshire? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Federal Holiday Schedule 2021

January 5, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Each year, the United States federal government formally recognizes ten holidays. When those holidays come around, most federal offices close, and federal employees typically get the day off. Often, other kinds of business and organizations also shut down on federal holidays. By understanding which days are federal holidays, you can anticipate potential days off from work, business closures, and more. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the 2021 federal holiday schedule.

Federal Holiday Schedule 2021

The United States has ten official federal holidays. On those days, government entities – including the United States Post Office – typically close for the day. The only exceptions are usually agencies and employees responsible for safety and security, as their presence is required – at least to a degree – all year-round.

It is important to note that there are a couple of unique events that push some additional holidays into the 2021 calendar. This includes Inauguration Day, which only happens every four years and only applies to federal employees in the “inauguration area,” as well as the New Year’s Day 2022 holiday being observed on December 31, 2021.

Here is a list of the federal holidays for 2021:

New Year’s Day – Friday, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 18
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) – Monday, February 15
Memorial Day – Monday, May 31
Independence Day (Observed) – Monday, July 5
Labor Day – Monday, September 6
Columbus Day – Monday, October 11
Veterans Day – Thursday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 25
Christmas Day (Observed) – Friday, December 24
New Year’s Day (Observed) – Friday, December 31

Three holidays are being observed on days other than the one that is the actual holiday. The reason is, whenever a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the day it’s observed is moved to either the Friday before or the Monday after. This ensures that federal employees get a day off from work.

USPS Schedule Will Slightly Differ

Additionally, the USPS schedule will slightly differ from the one above. While most federal offices operate Monday through Friday. The post office is also open on Saturdays. As a result, if a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, USPS observes it on the actual day. To ensure they aren’t closed an extra day, USPS operates on the Friday instead.

For USPS, they will be open on Friday, December 24, but closed on December 25. For the New Year’s Day 2022 holiday, USPS will close on Saturday, December 31, but will be open on Friday, December 31.

What Closes on Federal Holidays?

The federal government isn’t necessarily the only thing that closes on federal holidays. Here is a list of businesses, agencies, and organizations that are often closed on most (if not all) federal holidays:

Mail and Package Delivery Services
K-12 Schools
Day Cares
Trade Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Banks and Credit Unions
Stock and Bond Markets
Medical and Dental Offices
Professional Services Offices (Lawyers, Accountants, etc.)

Here is a list of entities that may close on at least a couple of federal holidays:

Retailers
Pharmacies and Drug Stores
Grocery Stores
Restaurants

Be sure to check if these stores have holidays by signing up.

Platform:	Fees and Minimum:	Deals Best for:
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Walmart	Free sign-up	Houseware, etc
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Amazon	Free sign-up	Different options to choose from

Non-Federal Holiday Schedule

Many people celebrate holidays that aren’t part of the federal holiday calendar. While business closures may not come with these events. They can occur on occasion. For example, Costco and Target close on Easter Sunday, even though it isn’t a federal holiday.

Here is a look at some of the most widely celebrated non-federal holidays and when they happen in 2021:

Valentine’s Day – Sunday, February 14
Patrick’s Day – Wednesday, March 17
Good Friday – Friday, April 2
Easter – Sunday, April 4
Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 9
Father’s Day – Sunday, June 20
Halloween – Sunday, October 31

While none of the holidays above are technically federal holidays, that doesn’t mean federal employees won’t incidentally have the day off. Most offices don’t open on Sundays, regardless of whether it’s a holiday. As a result, federal workers can usually celebrate Sunday holidays with loved ones, even if they aren’t part of the federal holiday calendar.

Do you follow the federal holiday schedule? Are there any 2021 federal holidays that you’re really looking forward to celebrating above the others? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Retire Well in Nebraska

January 1, 2021 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Trying to determine where you should head for your golden years can be tricky. The state you choose has a significant impact on your life, particularly when it comes to how long your savings will last you. That’s why it is crucial to select the right destination. While Nebraska might not be on everyone’s radar, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep it on the table. The Cornhusker State has a ton to offer, especially when it comes to overall affordability. If you are wondering what it would take to retire well in Nebraska, here’s everything you need to know.

Cost of Living

One of the first steps you should take when trying to decide where to retire is to examine the state’s cost of living. Cost of living scores give you ideas about a region’s affordability, allowing you to estimate how far your savings may go.

With cost of living scores, the national average is always (and will likely forever be) set at 100. When any state receives a score above 100, it showcases that living in that area costs more than the national average. When a state receives a score that falls below under 100, it’s an indication that state is cheaper than average.

Nebraska is one of the more affordable states in the country. Its overall cost of living score comes in at 92.6, showcasing that it usually costs less to live in the Cornhusker State than most of the rest of the nation.

The state of Nebraska also doesn’t have a single cost of living category score above 100. For groceries, utilities, and transportation, the scores are 97.8, 89.5, and 96.1, respectively. The healthcare score sits at 99.4, which is just slightly below the national average.

One area where Nebraska really shines is housing. The Cornhusker State’s housing score is a modest 83.7.

That score is augmented by the average home value in Nebraska, which comes in at just $189,139. That’s $74,212 below the national average, which sits at $263,351. So, if there were two carbon-copy properties, one in Nebraska and one in a state that mirrors the national average, that house wouldn’t be of lower quality in the Cornhusker State; it would simply cost less.

Tax Considerations

Before you decide that any area is a perfect place to retire, you need to look at state taxes. That amount of money you have to fork over in taxes alters how long your savings will last and how comfortably you can live.

Nebraska does have a state income tax. The Cornhusker State uses a bracketed system. It starts at 2.46 percent, and the top rate comes in at 6.84 percent. While many states offer breaks to seniors, such as by completely exempting Social Security from taxation, Nebraska doesn’t. Instead, whether you get any break is based on your income level, just as it is with your federal taxes.

The Cornhusker State also doesn’t exempt pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, or other sources of retirement income. As a result, many seniors pay more in income taxes in Nebraska than in many other states.

There is also a sales tax in Nebraska. The state rate is 5.5 percent, though cities and municipalities can levy more taxes on top of that amount. For example, Omaha’s total sales tax is 7.0 percent, while Lincoln’s is 7.25 percent.

When it comes to property taxes, low-income seniors do qualify for a bit of a break. Through the Nebraska Homestead Exemption, single retirees who earn no more than $43,200 and couples who make no more than $51,300 get some relief. Precisely how much depends on the exact income level. However, for incomes below $29,401 and $34,501, respectively, the percentage of relief is set at 100 percent.

Retirement Platforms You Can Use in Nebraska

App	Fees and Minimum	Best for:
Betterment	0.25% per year no account minimum	Saving for retirement
Ellevest	$1-$9 per month no account minimum	Retirement especially for women
Personal Capital	Free	Planning retirement

Part-Time Job Opportunities

Many soon-to-be retirees don’t plan on completely exiting the workforce. Instead, they transition to part-time jobs, giving them an extra source of income and allowing their retirement savings to last longer.

When it comes to part-time job opportunities, Nebraska usually has quite a bit to offer. Even in April 2020, during the early days of the pandemic and a quick spike in job losses, Nebraska’s unemployment rate was just 8.7 percent. That was six percentage points lower than the national average at that time, which was 14.7 percent.

The trend of staying under the national average continued as initial recovery efforts were underway. By October 2020, Nebraska has an unemployment rate of 3.0 percent, just 0.1 percentage point higher than pre-pandemic numbers. The national average wasn’t so lucky. While it declined to 6.9 percent by October 2020, that’s still 2.5 percentage points higher than the average in March 2020.

Since unemployment is low in Nebraska, part-time jobs should be reasonably available. However, the city you choose will impact availability, as well as the kind of position you want to pursue. Additionally, COVID-19 is still a concern today, and the situation remains fluid. As a result, opportunities could become less available at any moment should the pandemic lead to a sudden bad turn.

Best Cities for Retirees in Nebraska

When you want to retire well, the city you decide to call home matters. It impacts your access to critical amenities, including healthcare, entertainment options, and more. Plus, it influences how you live life on a daily basis.

If you’re looking for a bigger city feel, Lincoln might be your perfect retirement city. It’s experienced dramatic growth in recent years, so amenities are plentiful. Plus, entertainment options are expanding, and the nearby colleges keep the vibe youthful. There are also several retirement communities that are incredibly popular with active seniors, which could be a bonus for some soon-to-be retirees.

Papillion could be another great option for retirees. It’s a suburb of Omaha, so you are close to big-city amenities. However, this city has a small-town feel, making it excellent for seniors who want to slow things down and savor retirement. Along with a quaint downtown, you’ll also find golf courses, parks, and more.

La Vista is another Omaha suburb that has a ton to offer. It’s affordable, friendly, and close to big city amenities. Plus, it’s popular with families, which may make it perfect for some retirees who aren’t necessarily looking for a retirement community.

Kearney can also be an exceptional choice. It’s larger than the two Omaha suburbs above, so more amenities are available in-town. However, it’s much smaller than Lincoln, so there’s less hustle-and-bustle and more local charm.

How Much Money You Need to Retire Well in Nebraska

With Nebraska’s lower cost of living, you may not need as much in savings to retire well in the Cornhusker State. While the city you opt to move to will play a role, Nebraska is affordable overall, and that can work in your favor.

Typically, having access to around $58,826 a year in income should allow you to retire well in Nebraska. Addressing your needs shouldn’t be an issue, and you’ll be able to cover quite a few wants as well. That allows you to have a comfortable, enjoyable retirement, ensuring your golden years are some of the best times of your life.

Do you have any other tips that can help someone retire well in Nebraska? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

How to Retire Well in Minnesota

December 31, 2020 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

When people picture retirement, Minnesota might not initially come to mind. However, the North Star State does have a lot to offer. This includes everything from vibrant cities to quaint country towns. Plus, lakeside living can be very accessible here. Which could be the dream for some seniors. If you want to make sure that you could thrive in the North Star State after leaving the workforce. Here’s what you need to know to retire well in Minnesota.

Cost of Living

Before you settle on a place to retire, it’s wise to examine the state’s cost of living scores. Generally, these metrics let you know how affordable or expensive an area is in comparison to the national average, a critical insight that may make certain states more or less viable.

Comparing cost of living scores is simple. The national average is permanently set at 100. If a score is higher than that, it means the state costs more than average. Scores below 100 indicate the state is less expensive.

Overall, Minnesota’s cost of living score is 101.2, placing the state near the national average. However, the category scores bounce above and below the line, at times, substantially.

While transportation is also near the national average, coming in at 100.6, healthcare is a startling 111.6. Utilities come in just a tad below the national average, sitting at 98.7, while groceries are above with a score of 105.5.

When it comes to housing, Minnesota is actually fairly affordable. The housing score is 89.2, which is a bit below the national average.

For housing values, The North Star State is a little above average. While Minnesota comes in at $274,571, the national average is $262,604. While this may seem to contradict the housing cost of living score, it’s important to note that the category includes more than home values. For example, maintenance, repair, insurance, and similar expenses are factored into the housing score, and that can cause what looks like a discrepancy.

Tax Considerations

If you’re trying to estimate how far your retirement savings will go, you need to look at tax rates for the destinations you’re considering. How much you have to pay in taxes matters, dramatically impacting how much of your income is going toward unavoidable costs. Whether your budget is tight or ample, understanding your tax obligations is a must.

In Minnesota, you will find a state income tax. The North Star State uses an approach that’s similar to federal taxes as it features a series of brackets. Depending on your income level, your rate could vary from 5.35 to 9.85 percent.

Social Security is at least partially – if not wholly – exempt from state-level taxation in Minnesota. How much is taxed depends on your overall income level, though those in the highest income brackets may owe taxes on up to 85 percent of their Social Security income.

All other forms of retirement income are also taxed. This includes funds from 401(k) and IRA plans, which are taxed in-full.

The North Star State also has a sales tax. At the state level, the rate is 6.875 percent. However, counties and cities can add additional taxes, pushing the local rate up higher.

When it comes to property taxes, Minnesota’s rates are near the national average. But the state does offer a Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral program that may reduce the burden for many retirees. If your annual income doesn’t exceed $60,000, your property taxes will never exceed 3 percent of your household’s income, regardless of

Retirement Platforms You Can use in Minnesota

App	Fees and Minimum	Best for:
Betterment	0.25% per year no account minimum	Saving for retirement
Ellevest	$1-$9 per month no account minimum	Retirement especially for women
Personal Capital	Free	Planning retirement

Part-Time Job Opportunities

Many seniors don’t leave the workforce entirely when they retire. Instead, they pick up a part-time job, allowing them to have a small source of income to supplement their retirement savings.

In Minnesota, part-time jobs are typically available. In March 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the landscape, unemployment in The North Star State was only 2.9 percent, far below the national average of 4.4 percent. Even in May 2020, when the coronavirus devastated the area, Minnesota’s unemployment rate was only 9.9 percent, a full 3.4 percentage points than the national average at that time, which came in at 13.3 percent.

The North Star State has also been reasonably quick to recover. In October 2020, unemployment was back down to 4.6 percent. That’s far below the national average during that month, which sat at 6.9 percent.

While there is certainly some uncertainty, part-time jobs should be reasonably available in Minnesota. However, the situation could change. Additionally, smaller towns tend to have fewer options when it comes to employment, so the city you choose will play a role, too. As a result, it’s wise to keep an eye on local conditions, ensuring you can settle down in an area that will meet your work-related needs.

Best Cities for Retirees in Minnesota

When you’re deciding exactly where to retire, you need to look beyond the state. Each city will bring something different to the table, including when it comes to amenities, cost of living, and overall vibe. That’s why you need to consider your unique needs and find a city that matches, ensuring your retirement will be exactly what you pictured.

If you’re looking for a big city, Minneapolis is a strong contender. It’s fairly affordable when compared to other cities of a similar size and offers an excellent quality of life. You’ll find a thriving arts scene, numerous golf courses, and quick access to outdoor activities. Plus, healthcare services are highly accessible, which is convenient.

For retirees who prefer a small-town feel, Virginia could be a better choice. It’s brimming with amenities and offers a great cost of living, as well as beautiful outdoor areas that are begging to be explored.

Albert Lea is also a solid choice. You can experience lakeside living for less, as well as quick access to Myer Big Island State Park.

For something a bit quirky, consider Austin. It’s the home of the Spam Museum, along with other venues that give the area a unique culture. Plus, the community maintains a slightly rural, small-town vibe, making it comfortable.

How Much Money You Need to Retire Well in Minnesota

With Minnesota’s reasonable cost of living, many seniors can retire comfortably there with a moderate amount of savings available. While you might want to bypass high-cost cities if your budget is on the tighter side, you do still have plenty of exceptional options available.

Generally, if you can access $64,151 a year in retirement income, your odds of retiring well in Minnesota are fairly high. Covering your needs should be pretty simple, and you’ll be able to handle many of your wants, too. Ultimately, that can make your golden years pleasant, ensuring you can enjoy your time away from the workforce.

Do you have any tips that could help someone retire well in Minnesota? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Is Costco Closed on New Year’s Eve 2020?

December 29, 2020 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Thursday, December 31, 2020, is New Year’s Eve. While it isn’t a federal holiday, some stores do alter their operating schedule, giving their employees a chance to welcome the new year with friends or family. As a result, many shoppers wonder if their preferred store will be open, either at all or with modified holiday-type hours. If you’re thinking about heading to Costco on New Year’s Eve and are wondering if the stores will be closed, here’s what you need to know.

Is Costco Closed on New Year’s Eve?

No, Costco is not closed on New Year’s Eve. However, some stores will shut down early, allowing the employees to head home and celebrate the arrival of 2021 with their family or friends.

Whether your Costco will close early may depend on its current traditional operating schedule. Due to COVID-19, some retailers have limited their opening hours. Additionally, certain Costco warehouse stores always closed earlier than other locations in the chain. As a result, they may maintain a normal opening schedule on New Year’s Eve.

However, some stores that are often open later might shut down early. For example, if your local Costco is open until 8:30 pm, the location might close at 6:00 pm instead for New Year’s Eve.

If you plan on shopping on New Year’s Eve, you may want to check the operating schedule at your local Costco store before you make the trip. That way, you can make sure that your location is welcoming shoppers before you head out of the door. Either call your store directly or go to the Find a Warehouse page on the Costco website to look at the operating hours.

Is the Costco Gas Station Closed on New Year’s Eve?

No, the Costco gas station isn’t closed on New Year’s Eve. Employees will be available on-site during the locations operating hours, so you will be able to get assistance from a customer service rep, pay in cash, and handle other activities that require on-site personnel.

However, like the warehouse store, Costco gas stations may close early on New Year’s Eve. When an employee isn’t on-site, you can still get fuel, though only if you use the pay at the pump option, which is available 24/7.

Is the Costco Business Center Closed on New Year’s Eve?

No, the Costco Business Center is not closed on New Year’s Eve. However, like the warehouse stores and gas stations, they may close early that day. If you need to use the Costco Business Center on New Year’s Eve, check with your nearest location to confirm when it will be open.

Costco 2021 Holiday Schedule

All Costco stores use the same holiday closure schedule. It’s set by corporate every year and tends to stay the same from one year to the next.

In 2021, Costco will close on the following holidays:

New Year’s Day – Friday, January 1, 2021
Easter – Sunday, April 4, 2021
Memorial Day – Monday, May 31, 2021
Independence Day – Sunday, July 4, 2021
Labor Day – Monday, September 6, 2021
Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 25, 2021
Christmas – Saturday, December 25, 2021

Costco stores also tend to close early on two days each year: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Otherwise, barring an unexpected event that makes closing the location a necessity, Costco stores will follow their normal operating schedule, including on federal holidays not listed above.

Do you appreciate that Costco is open on New Year’s Eve? If you needed to make a last-minute purchase, is Costco where you’d head? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Is Target Closed on New Year’s Eve 2020?

December 25, 2020 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Thursday, December 31, 2020, is New Year’s Eve. While it isn’t technically a holiday, it is often a time of celebration. As a result, some stores do choose to close their doors, while many others decide to use reduced holiday hours, ensuring their employees can make it home to celebrate the arrival of the upcoming year. If you may need to do some shopping, you might be wondering, “Is Target closed on New Year’s Eve 2020?” If you’re in that boat, here’s everything you need to know.

Is Target Closed on New Year’s Eve 2020?

No, Target is not closed on New Year’s Eve. The company rarely closes its doors to customers, and New Year’s Eve isn’t one of the events where it decides not to open.

In fact, Target stores will largely be open during their traditional operating hours. The company doesn’t even close early on New Year’s Eve.

Now, it’s critical to point out that many stores are currently operating on reduced hours due to COVID-19. That means stores may be closing earlier than they have in previous years on New Year’s Eve, but it technically has nothing to do with the holiday.

Target Store Hours

Not all Target locations follow the same schedule. However, barring the few 24-hour Target locations, most open and close at similar times.

Here’s a look at an average Target schedule:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm
Sunday: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm

Now, some stores do deviate from that norm. Additionally, many have altered their usual hours due to COVID-19, causing them to open later or close earlier.

If you want to see when your preferred Target is open, it’s best to check that store specifically. You can either take a trip to the Target website, allowing you to use the handy store locator feature or call your store directly. That way, you can make sure you’ll be able to shop before you head out of the door.

Target Holiday Schedule 2021

Generally, Target stores are open, even on major holidays. However, during the course of the year, there are a few exceptions.

Here is a look at the Target holiday closures for 2021:

Easter – Sunday, April 4, 2021
Christmas – Saturday, December 25, 2021

It is important to note that Target did close on Thanksgiving in 2020, which was a break from the norm. Usually, Target stores are open on Thanksgiving, though the stores typically only offer limited hours on the holiday.

When the decision was made to close Target stores on Thanksgiving in 2020, COVID-19 was a major concern. This shift not only helped ensure the safety of Target employees, but it also gave them time to celebrate with their households. Whether Target will continue to close on Thanksgiving isn’t yet known.

Do you plan on heading to Target this New Year’s Eve? Do you appreciate that it’s open for last-minute purchases? Share your thoughts in the comments below.