How to maximize your Costco purchases (5 28 25)

Author

Anthony Hazzard
May 28, 2025

Airbnb is rolling out new options and experiences in response to shrinking travel demand. Further down this email, you can learn more about these hotel-like amenities. 

💵 Today’s Top Stories
Costco

Costco only accepts Visa credit cards for in-store purchases, so that narrows the field. Here are the four low-cost rewards credit cards we recommend you use at Costco. Read more.

#1 mistake hurting your credit score

You’re happy with your credit score. Suddenly: BAM! It drops 30 points. What gives? Here are some less-than-obvious things that can drop your score. Read more.

Disney

Disney+ has added content, strategic bundles and rules around account sharing since it debuted in 2019. Here’s how much it costs and how it compares to other streaming options. Read more.

Keep more of your money

Overly expensive investment fees can tank your retirement portfolio. But how much is too much? Clark explains the fees you should pay for every major investment type. Read more.

🏠️ Airbnb Launches New Era

As Airbnb grew into a gargantuan short-term rental company in recent years, the industry transitioned around it.

Higher-end hotels responded to greater competition by offering more amenities. And local governments, often at the behest of the community, cracked down on the proliferation of Airbnb locations in residential areas with new regulations.

Now, as travel demand wanes in the midst of tariffs and geopolitical negotiations, among other things, Airbnb is fighting back with some new ideas.

Speaking of regulation, Airbnb (finally) made it easier to understand the total price of a potential booking (including all pesky cleaning fees and other nominal charges) to comply with a Federal Trade Commission rule.

Airbnb also expanded its “Experiences” options, including a new premium tier called “Originals.” Guests can take a tour of the Notre-Dame Cathedral from one of the architects who restored it, learn how to make ramen from a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, play football and eat barbecue with three-time Super Bowl champ Patrick Mahomes and cosplay with artist Megan Thee Stallion.

It is attempting to diversify further via an AI-powered travel concierge, group chats and expanded profiles.

💸 Today’s Top Savings Rates

Check out our updated list of Clark.com-approved high-yield savings accounts with the highest rates. Here are the top five APYs on our list as of May 28, 2025.

📊 Stat of the Day

✈️ -$12.5 billion: The expected year-over-year decline in spending from travelers coming from other countries to the United States in 2025. The U.S. is the only one of 184 countries tracked in the report expected to see foreign travel decline. International travelers spend roughly eight times more than domestic travelers.

💰️ Deal Alert: Today’s Top Deals
Costco Wholesale warehouse
Amazon
🎙️ Podcast

Ready to retire? Fiduciary financial advisor Wes Moss walks you through the essential 10-point checklist you should complete before leaving the workforce. Also, Wes breaks down the often-confusing topic of spending money in retirement. How do you actually access your funds, and what's the smart way to manage different account types? Learn the strategic way to tap into your different retirement "buckets" to make your money last and minimize taxes.

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

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