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Labor Day Deals 2019

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labor day deals 2019

Labor Day is on Monday, September 2, 2019. Many retailers hold massive sales on the holiday in an attempt to attract shoppers. By looking for great Labor Day deals, you can save a bundle on all kinds of items. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting sales this Labor Day.

Amazon

There plenty of discounts available at this e-retailer for this holiday. Echo and Fire TV devices are available for below the usual price, and there is an Amazon Labor Day page that features discounts on movies, books, music, and more.

Walmart

Walmart traditionally offers some substantial savings opportunities around Labor Day. Mattresses can be found at a discount, as well as a variety of home, garden, sports, and outdoors items.

Certain summer-oriented goods also have price reductions. Summer clothing will be cheaper on and around the holiday, as well as other seasonal items.

Home Depot

Labor Day signals a big sale at Home Depot. Select appliances are up to 40 percent off, as well as some kitchen and bath items. Outdoor items, including patio furniture and grills, are available for less than usual. Plus, garden and lawn care supplies are available with deep discounts

Lowe’s

Lowe’s isn’t going to let Home Deport have all of the sales-related fun this Labor Day. The retailer also has some great deals available, including home appliance discounts up to 40 percent and up to 20 percent savings on grills. Plus, there’s a sale on select patio furniture, outdoor equipment and tools, gardening supplies, flooring, and more.

Target

At Target, you’ll find deep discounts on a variety of big-ticket items this Labor Day, including electronics and home appliances.

Overstock

This Labor Day, Overstock is offering an extra 15 to 20 percent off select items. Furniture, patio items, home décor, bedding, rugs, mattresses, jewelry, and art are just some of the categories with discounts this year.

Sam’s Club

If you want to save on big-ticket items and are a Sam’s Club member (or are open to becoming one), consider heading to Sam’s Club this Labor Day. You’ll find various discounts on mattresses, home appliances, televisions, furniture, outdoor and patio items, and more.

Best Buy

For savings on appliances and electronics, Best Buy has a Labor Day sale worth checking out. Appliance Top Deals discounts can reach up to 40 percent and, if you spend at least $399, you’ll qualify for free delivery on them too. Select back-to-school small appliances are also available for less, some with savings reaching 30 percent. Plus, there is a solid selection of other electronics with reduced prices.

Sears

At Sears, you’ll find discounts on select appliances and tools. For home appliances, you may save up to 40 percent. With tools, the discount reaches up to 50 percent, and you might score an extra 10 percent off on certain items.

Tempur-Pedic

Mattresses are typically on sale during major holidays, and Labor Day is no exception. At Tempur-Pedic, you can save up to $700 on select mattress sets.

Nectar

If you want to buy a Nectar mattress, use discount code LABOR100 to get the Labor Day discount: $100 off your mattress purchase.

Dell

At Dell, you’ll find savings on a variety of electronics. Some items include select desktops, laptops, servers, and computer accessories.

HP

HP is also serving up discounts this Labor Day. Select laptops, desktops, printers, and monitors are available for less this year.

La-Z-Boy

Labor Day furniture deals are plentiful at La-Z-Boy. You’ll find discounts on a slew of recliners, including rocking models. Plus, there are discounts on select chairs and sofas, making it possible to outfit an entire living room for less.

Macy’s

On Labor Day, select designer clothing, fragrances, furniture, baby gear, rugs, art, and more are on sale at Macy’s. Plus, if you shop online, you might qualify for free shipping too.

JCPenney

JCPenney has a wide variety of items on sale this Labor Day, though some do require a discount code. If you want to score an extra 15 or 20 percent off on mattresses and furniture, apply code 28BED at checkout.

These are just some of the amazing Labor Day deals available in 2019. As the holiday draws closer, more retailers may announce sales, so keep your eyes peeled to make the most of the Labor Day discounts.

Are you planning to take advantage of  2019 Labor Day deals ? Did you spot a sale that isn’t on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Best Offshore Bank Accounts and Why You Need One

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I confess that for a long time I never would have thought about the best offshore bank accounts. I had a mistaken image that these accounts were for super-rich people who wanted to hide their money. In fact, I figured that most of them were criminals in the vein of an American Greed episode. However, now that I’ve learned more about what offshore banking really is, I understand that anyone can benefit from using these types of bank accounts. That’s how I’ve come to wonder about which ones are the best offshore bank accounts.

What Are Offshore Bank Accounts?

As you likely know, offshore bank accounts are bank accounts that are established in a country other than the one where you reside. More specifically, it’s an account at a bank that operates under an international banking license. Many people who live in the United States do opt to open offshore banking accounts around the world.

Benefits of Offshore Banking

There are many different reasons that people choose offshore banking. Here are some of the most common benefits people seek when choosing this option:

Protect Your Money

Nomad Capitalist reports that there are 39 countries that offer safer bank accounts than the United States does. If something goes awry here politically and/or economically, your money could be at risk. Theoretically, it’s protected, of course, if it’s FDIC insured. Nevertheless, you don’t want to be caught with your pants down when it comes to large sums of money. Putting some of your money in offshore bank accounts can help protect you from problems with the government and/or the American banks that you use.

Diversify Your Accounts and Your Currency

You don’t want to put all of your money in one account. In fact, you shouldn’t even keep all of your money in one currency. By saving your funds in multiple currencies, you protect yourself against a variety of changes in the global economy. The best offshore bank accounts offer the opportunity to utilize several different currencies and to easily transfer funds from one currency to another.

Earn More Interest

The best offshore bank accounts also offer very high-interest rates on your savings. Therefore, if you want to maximize the money that you earn in interest, you should explore your offshore options. Make sure that you do your research and understand all fees as you work to make the most of your money.

More Reasons You Need an Offshore Bank Account

International Man suggests these additional benefits:

  • It gives you financial freedom compared to tethering yourself to one country’s banking system.
  • It can give you access to medical care abroad just in case you need it.
  • Generally speaking, it helps with banking as an expat/tourist.
  • Acting now can help you make the most of your money in the future.

Of course, you want to keep your regular American bank accounts. But if you have extra money besides what you need in your immediate checking and savings account, then you might want to think about looking into the best offshore bank accounts.

Where Are the Best Offshore Bank Accounts?

You can open an offshore bank account almost anywhere. However, each country has its own rules when it comes to banking. Moreover, the United States has its own banking rules that you must understand if you engage in offshore banking. Depending on your specific needs, certain countries will offer better options than others. That said, some of the best offshore bank accounts are located in:

  • Belize, which has high-interest rates and 24 percent required liquidity; note that this one is controversial because of a poor reputation and should be considered carefully, weighing all pros and cons
  • Georgia, which Nomad Capitalist says is the easiest place to bank in and has good interest rates
  • Germany, which is widely recognized as one of the safest banking systems in the world
  • Hong Kong, which Sovereign Man ranks number one
  • Singapore, which has monetary stability and top financial advisors at their banks
  • South Korea, which has good business banking options
  • Switzerland, which leads the way in financial privacy
  • UAE, which is emerging as a strong new market for offshore banking

Generally speaking, the best offshore bank accounts are located in areas that are financially stable, don’t face a lot of US pressure for compliance, and have laws that are pro-business. Note that some countries (such as Sweden and France) have very safe banks but also have some drawbacks such as very high taxes.

What Are the Best Offshore Bank Accounts?

The best offshore bank accounts are located in countries where they are required to keep a lot of cash on hand (which isn’t the case with the United States, by the way). You want to choose a bank that offers good customer service, is relatively easy to bank with as a foreigner, and has terms you like (such as a high-interest rate.)

Here are some of the best offshore bank accounts to consider in 2019.

 

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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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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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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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