Costco, the popular warehouse club, offers its members several perks that they may not be aware of. Firstly, some Costco locations allow RVs to park overnight in their lots, which can be a cost-saving option for travelers. Not all locations permit this, so it’s important to check with the specific store beforehand. Costco also offers discounted insurance rates for home, auto, renters, and specialty insurance in partnership with CONNECT. Members can enjoy additional benefits if they are Executive members, such as roadside assistance. Another lesser-known perk is the availability of discounted home and business supplies, including checks, ink stamps, and address labels. Finally, Costco’s online floral department offers affordable blooms with free delivery, saving customers from excessive delivery costs.
In other news, SNAP benefits, which provide assistance for low-income individuals and families to purchase food, are set to increase in 2024. However, the increase may not be enough to keep up with the rising costs of food. The new benefit amount for a household of four represents a monthly increase of $34. While this is in line with cost-of-living increases, it does not match the 5.7% increase in food prices. Additionally, the end of pandemic-era emergency food benefits has resulted in a significant reduction in SNAP benefits for many households. To stretch their SNAP benefits, individuals can use cash back apps, coupons, and plan their grocery shopping to take advantage of discounts and offers. They can also look for double up programs that provide incentives for purchasing produce and consider buying in bulk and batch cooking.
Income disparities in the United States contribute to a classification system that divides individuals into upper, middle, and lower classes based on their earnings. According to 2021 data, individuals in the lower class have an income at or below $28,007, while those in the lower middle class fall within the 20th to 40th percentile of household income. The classification of upper class, middle class, or lower class is determined by income levels.