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New Costco Locations for 2019 — UPDATED

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Costco has been expanding and has plans to continue doing so for the next few years. While information about new Costco locations tends to be limited, partially because of the complex agreements that have to be handled with the various cities, some details are available.

New Costco Locations in 2019

Costco does have seven more locations that are slated to open throughout the remainder of 2019, including:

  • Bradenton, Florida – August 2019
  • Sharpsburg, Georgia – August 2019
  • Loves Park, IL – August 2019
  • Minhang, China – August 2019
  • Dallas, Texas Business Center – September 2019
  • East Lyme, Connecticut – November 2019
  • Eagan, Minnesota – November 2019

These new stores join many other recent Costco openings. The following locations were originally slated to open before August 2019:

  • Coral Springs, Florida – February 2019
  • Hanam, South Korea – April 2019
  • Ipswich, Australia – May 2019
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – May 2019
  • Mooresville, North Carolina – June 2019
  • Evansville, Indiana – June 2019
  • Cloud, Minnesota – June 2019
  • Cypress, Texas – July 2019
  • Stevenage, United Kingdom – July 2019

Initially, the Dallas, Texas Business Center location was slated to open in July 2019, though the date has since been updated to September. Any of the new Costco locations that are scheduled to open this year may see their dates change, as a variety of factors can delay openings or lead to cancellations.

Possible New Costco Locations

There are a variety of other Costco potential locations in the works, though it isn’t clear whether they will come to fruition. For example, a Harrison, New Jersey Costco might open its doors during this calendar year, though that isn’t guaranteed.

Additionally, Costco has additional cities that are proposed or in the initial planning phases. These could open as late as 2022, suggesting they move forward:

  • Murietta, California
  • Napa California
  • Pleasanton, California
  • Branford, Connecticut
  • Clinton, Connecticut
  • Athens, Georgia
  • Meridian, Idaho
  • Plainfield, Illinois
  • University City, Missouri
  • Ridgeland, Mississippi
  • Cherry Hill, New Jersey
  • Patterson, New York
  • Bismarck, North Dakota
  • Cranston, Rhode Island
  • Bluffton, South Carolina
  • Dallas, Texas
  • El Paso, Texas
  • McKinney, Texas
  • Sherman, Texas

Costco Locations in 2018

Costco also planned to open around 20 stores in 2018. These locations included:

  • Lindavista, Mexico – February 2018
  • Daegu Innovation City, South Korea – March 2018
  • Bonney Lake, Washington – May 2018
  • Thorncliffe Park, Ontario, Canada – June 2018
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota – June 2018
  • Eastvale, California – June 2018
  • Ukiah, California – July 2018
  • Pleasant, South Carolina – August 2018
  • Woodstock Georgia – August 2018
  • Nisku, Alberta, Canada – August 2018
  • Villahermosa, Mexico – August 2018
  • Epping, Australia – August 2018
  • Sejong, South Korea – August 2018
  • Owings Mills, Maryland – September 2018
  • Elk Grove, California – September 2018
  • Webster, Texas – October 2018
  • Davenport, Iowa – October 2018
  • Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada – October 2018
  • Fairbanks, Alaska – November 2019

Finding Your Nearest Costco

By using the store locator feature on Costco’s website, you can find out which locations are closest to you. In total, there are 770 Costco stores throughout the world, about 235 of which are outside of the United States.

533 Costco stores are spread across 44 states as well as Puerto Rico. 100 of the locations are in Canada, 39 are in Mexico, 28 are in the United Kingdom, 26 are in Japan, 15 are in South Korea, 13 are in Taiwan, 10 are in Australia, two are in Spain, one is in France, and one is in Iceland.

In total, there are about 90.3 million Costco members worldwide, and about 205,000 people are employed by the company.

Costco Warehouse Store Operating Hours

While operating hours can vary somewhat from one Costco to the next, most follow a very similar schedule. Here is a look at the typical Costco warehouse location’s business hours:

United States

  • Monday through Friday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Canada

  • Monday through Friday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (Quebec and Ottawa: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
  • Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saint John 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm)

United Kingdom

  • Trade Members – Monday through Friday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
  • Individual Members – Monday through Friday: 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Australia

  • Monday through Friday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Costco Holiday Closures

It is important to note that Costco does close on some holidays. In the US, this includes:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Easter Sunday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Additionally, the retailer uses a reduced operating schedule on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Usually, this means that the Costco stores will close at 6:00 pm instead of the typical 8:30 pm.

Holiday schedules do vary by country, so those living outside of the United States will not necessarily see the same closure days as listed above.

 

Have you shopped at one of the new Costco locations? Are you looking forward to a new Costco that is coming to your area? Do you wish a Costco would open near your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

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How Money Issues Kill Marriage

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money issues in marriage

In 2017, based on data from the CDC, there were more than 787,000 divorces and annulments in the US during that year alone. One study that asked divorcing parents why their relationship ended saw 40 percent of the participants cite issues with how their spouse handled money as a major factor.

Money Issues in Marriage and Divorce

Disagreements about money or general economic stress can lead to increasing levels of conflict in a marriage. As a result, money issues can essentially kill the relationship. Which leads the couple to opt for a divorce. By understanding how money issues impact a marriage, you can take steps to address problems before they lead to a separation. Here’s a look at the most common financial problems people encounter in marriages and how you can handle the situations.

Issues of Expense Management

If both spouses earn an income, coming up with a reasonable way to split expenses can be challenging. At times, one spouse may feel that the arrangement isn’t fair, creating an air of resentment if they feel that they are shouldering more of the burden than is due.

For example, if a couple initially agrees to split household expenses down the middle, but one earns substantially less than the other, conflict can arise. The spouse with the lower income may believe that they are getting the worse end of the stick, as their spending power is limited by a larger degree.

In some cases, this can be mitigated by adjusting the allocations. Using a percentage-based approach may make it feel more equitable. However, this can also lead to issues if the higher earner perceives this option as a punishment for making more money.

Additionally, splitting income and expenses can make joint planning more difficult. It may be hard to determine how things should work if one spouse loses their job unexpectedly or wants to quit their position to pursue something else, whether that be a new career, more education, or starting a family.

Problems with Debt

Debt can be a contentious topic. Many adults bring financial baggage into a marriage since they likely have debts that they are bringing with them into the relationship. If one spouse has negative feelings about the other’s debt load, this can lead to conflict.

Similarly, disagreements about joint debt can harm a marriage. For example, if one spouse maxes out a credit card without the others knowledge, this can feel like a significant breach of trust. Further, if the rising debt total hinders other financial goals, resentment can build as one spouse makes it difficult for the other to feel financially secure.

Finally, large amounts of debt puts a strain on the household. This is true even in situations where both spouses believe the debt was necessary or unavoidable. Fear about a lack of financial well-being increases tension. A lack of liquidity can also harm the household’s quality of life, something that can breed frustration and lead to more stress.

Conflicting Money Management Personalities

In some cases, one spouse is a “spender” while the other is a “saver.” They have different money management personalities, impacting their priorities, and influencing their spending patterns in ways that don’t always make sense to their spouse.

Even if a couple is debt-free, conflicting viewpoints on money can cause strife. One may view the other as a cheapskate while the other sees the first as being irresponsible.

Addressing Money Issues Before Divorce

In many cases, the best way to prevent money issues from leading to a divorce is to talk about money frequently. Have in-depth discussions about debt, savings goals, spending patterns, and other aspects that may cause conflict.

By listening to each other and planning together, you can seek out a happy medium. You can align your priorities so that each spouse gets some of what they need, and everything feels fair.

Without money conversations, financial issues will quickly damage even the strongest of marriages. As a result, having a monthly or quarterly discuss is critical if you want to avoid divorce.

 

Have you had money issues in marriage before? Do you think financial problems led to your divorce? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

 

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Paying Child Support Online

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paying child support online

Being able to make payments online is incredibly convenient. You don’t have to worry about having stamps, checks, or money orders available to handle an expense. Many states allow non-custodial parents to pay child support online, ensuring your payment is on time based on the schedule you have to follow.

How to Pay Child Support Online

Paying child support online is a fairly simple process. However, the procedure can vary somewhat from state to state.

With that in mind, here is an overview what you’ll typically need to do to submit a child support payment through an online portal.

Create a Child Support Payment Account

When paying child support online, the first step is to create an online account. Begin by heading to the right website. In most cases, you’ll need to head to the state agency website that oversees child support. Depending on where you live, you might find access to the portal through the Department of Social and Health Services or the Department of Justice.

However, if you can’t find it quickly, you can do an online search for your state and “pay child support online.” Just make sure to access the government website that shows up in the results, as others might not be official portals.

Once you find the portal, you’ll typically find any rules regarding online payment eligibility. Not everyone is allowed to pay child support online. For example, if you have an income withholding order, you might not be able to submit payments online.

Additionally, if you don’t have an email address, you’ll need to create one before you can set up an account. Nearly all online payment systems consider email addresses mandatory. Luckily, it is easy to create a free one at Gmail, Outlook.com, or Yahoo Mail.

You’ll also need to provide some personal information. Usually, this includes your legal name, birth date, address, phone number, email address, and Social Security Number. Along with your information, you generally have to provide additional details about your child support arrangements. Your child support case number is the most common supplemental piece of information.

You’ll also create a user name and password for the online child support payment portal. This allows you to make additional payments without having to provide the same information again as it will all be saved to your profile.

Submitting a Child Support Payment Online

holding a credit card in front of a computer

Once your account is created, you will be able to pay child support online. Some states only allow for credit or debit card payments through the portals. Others will let you set up a direct debit or electronic check from an eligible checking or savings account.

If you are paying by debit or credit card, you’ll need to enter your card’s details. This includes the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back in nearly all cases. If you are paying by direct debit or electronic check from a bank account, you’ll need the account number and bank’s routing number.

In many cases, you can save your payment details to your profile. Then, if you complete more payments through the account, you don’t have to reenter the information.

After setting up your payment method, you can submit your payment. In some cases, you’ll see the required amount in your account. In others, you’ll need to enter the amount manually. Once you submit the payment, you should see a confirmation screen and you might receive a confirmation email as well.

How quickly your online child support payment posts to your account depends on your state. Some process same-day transactions as long as you submit it before a specific cut-off time. Others take one to three business days to post.

If you aren’t sure how long your payment takes to post, you can usually find out through the portal (such as in a FAQs section) or by calling the agency that processes the payments. By getting this piece of information, you can make sure you submit your payment on the proper day to keep you current on your child support.

Recurring Online Child Support Payments

Many states allow you to set up recurring payments to handle your child support obligation. In your account, look for an option to set up a recurring payment and follow any instructions. Usually, you’ll need to select a date for the charge to process each month. However, some states standardize the payment date, so it may be selected for you.

By setting up a recurring payment, you don’t have to worry about remembering to handle it manually. Essentially, it is a set-it-and-forget-it approach, ensuring your payment is processed automatically at the right time.

Online Payment Fees for Child Support

If you pay your child support online, the state may charge you a fee. Usually, this is labeled as a “transaction fee,” “convenience fee,” “payment fee,” or something similar.

This fee means that you have to provide more money than just the child support payment. While the amount of the fee can vary, expect to pay an additional 2 to 4 percent on top of the payment amount if you use a credit or debit card. If you opt for an electronic check or direct debit from a bank account, you might encounter a flat fee instead, such as a $5 charge for using the service.

Even with the fee, the ability to pay child support online is great for simplifying your payment requirements. You won’t have to worry about going to an office or kiosk, or getting a check or money order in the mail and hoping it arrives on time.

 

Have you ever used a portal for paying child support online? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

 

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How Will The New Budget Deal Impact Your Finances?

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new budget deal

According to a new HarrisX poll, 27 percent of Americans believe the new budget deal won’t have any direct impact on their finances, which is likely true. Here is what other Americans think about the deal and how it may impact the economy.

What Americans Think About The New Budget Deal

HarrisX surveyed 1,000 registered voters between July 27 and July 28 to get Americans’ thoughts on the latest budget deal. The poll also found that 14 percent of Americans think the deal would actually improve their finances, while 16 percent believe it will worsen their current financial situation.

Not all Americans have made up their mind regarding the latest two-year budget though. Around 42 percent reported they need more information before deciding how it will impact them. Fifty-one percent of independents who participated in the poll said they’d need more information. Some Democrats (41 percent) and Republicans (34 percent) felt the same way.

There is a small divide when it comes to political parties as well. Republicans were more likely to think that the newest budget deal would help improve their financial situation (24 percent). Only 14 percent of Democrats and 5 percent of independents reported believing that to be true.

Around 22 percent of Democrats polled said they thought the new budget deal would likely hurt their finances (compared to 12 percent of Republicans and 14 percent of independents).

About The Latest Two-Year Budget

The new budget deal is shooting to increase federal spending and borrowing limit over the next two years. According to The Hill, this includes raising military and domestic spending by more than $320 billion. President Trump signed it into law on Friday, despite resistance in the Senate. In fact, more than 20 Republican senators voted against it.

Many people opposing the deal argue it isn’t focusing on decreasing federal spending as we should be.  Even though spending is typically a good thing for the economy, the latest budget changes would add about $2 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years. The national debt has already increased by $2 trillion since Trump took office in 2017.

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to it, many of us won’t recognize any immediate (or large) impact on our finances. However, you may see increases in your taxes over time. Many people who are self-employed or those who are in a higher tax bracket may find they are paying more in than they have in past years.

But, when it boils down to it, many people won’t see a huge impact on our personal finances. The U.S. government, on the other hand, is continuing to increase the national debt. If this continues, our economy won’t be able to hang on for long.

Readers, what do you think about the new budget deal? How do you think it will impact your finances

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Looking For Higher Interest Rates-Check Out These Online Banks

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The average interest rate on a savings account is a measly 0.09 percent. If you want to see your savings grow faster, online banks can be a great choice. Since their overhead costs are lower, many of these banks can offer customers higher interest rates, including some in excess of 2 percent. If you aren’t sure where to go to get a great rate, here are a few online banks worth checking out.

Betterment

Betterment, the robo-advisor, has hopped into the world of high-yield savings accounts with its Betterment Everyday option. Along with a great rate of up to 2.69 percent APY, you won’t have to deal with any fees. Plus, there are no minimum balance requirements, ensuring even a smaller account can start earning solid interest.

UFB Direct

With a UFB High Yield Savings account, you can earn up to 2.25 percent APY. There are no minimum deposit requirements or maintenance and services fees. In order to land that rate, you do need at least $10,000 in the account. Otherwise, you won’t earn any interest.

CIT Bank

CIT Bank’s Savings Builder Account comes gives you the ability to earn up to 2.30 percent APY. If you want to earn the highest rate, you either need a balance at or above $25,000 or make a $100+ deposit each month. You get daily compound interest to up your earning potential and don’t have to deal with any maintenance fees along the way.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs

The high-yield online savings account through Marcus by Goldman Sachs gives you a chance to earn up to 2.15 percent APY. There is no minimum balance requirement for the account and no transaction or monthly maintenance fees. If you want to make a little more on your money, you can also explore their CD options.

SoFi

From a company that initially focused on student loan refinancing options, SoFi’s Money is a strong online savings account option with an up to 2.00 percent APY. This option is also fee-free and, for added convenience, you won’t have to deal with any ATM withdrawal fees either at any ATM that accepts Visa. If you get charged a fee, SoFi will reimburse you automatically.

Ally Bank

One of the most recognized names in online-only banking, Ally’s savings accounts can earn up to 2.10 percent APY. Like many of the others on this list, there are no minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees. The account also has daily compounding interest, helping your money grow even faster. Plus, Ally is known for exceptional customer support, which is great if you have any questions or want a hand opening an account.

CIBC

CIBC originated in Canada but is now available in the US. The Agility online savings account can earn up to 2.39 percent APY, making it incredibly competitive. There are also no maintenance fees, so you won’t lose any of your cash along the way. You do have to deposit at least $1,000 to get started, but that’s about the closest thing to a drawback you’ll find here.

All of the high-interest online savings account above are worth exploring if you want to earn more with your money. Consider checking out the above online banks and see which one might work for you.

 

Do you use an online bank because of the higher interest rates? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

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