Costco has around 180,000 US employees, and 90% of them work hourly. It will hike its minimum wage to $16 beginning next week…
Some 180,000 U.S.-based Costco employees will begin earning a minimum of $16 an hour starting next week, the membership warehouse retailer’s CEO announced Thursday
This blog post is for US residents only.
ssa.gov is a US government social security website. It shows how much you made in the past and shows how much social security benefit you will receive when you retire.
Depends on how long you live and how much you made in the past, you might receive well over $100k. It is very important that you have the access to your own social security data. Knowledge is power. This website provides me with a vital piece of information pertaining to my retirement.
I strongly recommend everyone to register at ssa.gov (if you haven’t). I hope this will give you a fresh outlook on your retirement and financing.
In the past, it was absolutely impossible for me to register at ssa.gov. They would ask security questions that were impossible to answer. They rejected me every time I tried to register. So, I kept copies of all their security questions along with my wrong answers so I would try different answers. I’ve been trying that for a few years with no luck. I gave up at one point.
Then, they recently updated their website with the new registration process. Finally, I could register the website rather easily. Now I have a better feel of my retirement. I can check and make sure there are no errors in my records. Also, I may know if somebody uses my social security number to get a job – or even worse (I cannot think of any specific scenarios – but I am sure there are nightmare stories).
I think I will retire at 70 years old. But if I can, I would like to retire sooner. I enjoy working in an office environment. Everything about office work is sexy and exciting. I love dressing up for work. I enjoy waking up early when I feel sleepy and miserable. I feel alive, and it’s so much fun. I just like to work fewer hours. I would like to spend more time on myself.
Cookies with low sugar, high fiber, low calories
Rip Van Wafles is coming to Costco on February 22. 2021 – to Los Angeles, Hawaii, Virginia, PA, NY, Maryland, DC, NJ, MA, CT, NH, and DE.
They are European-style cookies (stroopwafel – means “syrup waffle”). They are thin waffle cookies with caramel filling inside. It’s a tasty snack. I tasted it myself, and I liked it. It’s got super low sugar content – about 80% less than regular cookies.
They have higher fiber contents than popular granola bars. So, they are popular in the fitness community. You can check out Amazon reviews. People love them. Now you can get them cheaper at Costco.
They go well with coffee as well. If you like sweet cookies and if you watch your weight, check this out.
I received my Citi credit card reward certificate via email. I received it via email because I signed up for paperless statements. Some of you may receive the certificates in paper form via USPS mail.
They distribute Citi reward certificates after your February statements are closed. You should receive yours by March.
I also found the certificate on the Citi Credit Card mobile APP.
My reward certificate amount for this year is considerably less than usual because:
If you have issues or questions regarding Costco Citi Credit Card Reward Certificate, please visit your Citi credit card web account.
Redeeming is easy! Simply print or present this email at any U.S. Costco warehouse, including Puerto Rico, on or before December 31, 2021, to redeem your certificate for merchandise or cash. You can also present your certificate via the Citi Mobile® App.
For details about your credit card reward certificate, go to your Rewards Details page in the Citi Mobile App, Citi® Online, or call us at 1-877-419-4002 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-210-0617 for hearing and speech impaired services only).
Redemption Terms and Conditions
I am listening: Jane Morgan – Fascination (1957)
She’s still alive (96 yrs old). Got her Walk of Fame Star in 2011 (vid)
Thank you for the hot dog donation.
First, at the Costco food court, they blocked the condiments and drink area with two folding tables. Instead, a Costco employee was there to hand out the condiments. She handed me containers of catchup and mustard. I asked if there were onion and relish. She said no. Straws were not available as well. But now we have lids with narrow openings, kind of like a baby sippy cup, that we can drink soda without a straw. The new lid worked out pretty well. It’s a brilliant idea to adapt to the new Covid world.
All orders were to-go only. They took away all the tables from the food court. So, you either eat in the car or take the food home.
I’ve been craving Costco hot dogs for a long time. So, today I bought a pack of Costco Dinner Franks and the buns. Now I can enjoy Costco hotdog at home. I made two hot dogs so far. They were excellent. I think it’s a little odd that a pack of Costco Dinner Franks contains 14 wieners when most buns come in 12.
Lastly: The Costco food court now requires a membership card to make a purchase. I also noticed that my food court receipt now shows my membership number. Some warehouses have food courts located outdoor by the parking lot that non-members could purchase food without the membership. Now non-members cannot enjoy Costco food court anymore. I have mixed feelings about this. A lot of poor people used Costco food court without the membership. Yes, the food court is for the members only. But they are poor people. I know how it feels. It makes me want to cry.
#costcohotdog
Hi, I am well and doing good. I’ve been busy last 10 days. One thing after another… with some boring stuff.
My computer was dying, so I had to rebuild one fast. I’ve been building computers since the 90s. I built this computer 9 years ago. I usually run my computer 24 hours a day, and this machine didn’t let me down. It was with me every day from a government subsidized apartment to a three-bedroom house. It broke down a few times, but I found quick fixes to keep it running. You can see a wire holding a fan (picture).
Officially killing my computer was bittersweet. I cannot deny that there was a weird connection between me and my computer. As I opened the computer, I could feel the joy and happiness of the time I was building this machine. I was poor, but I was happier. Everything was more exciting and more fun 9 years ago. I had to watch every penny, but DANG, it was so much fun. Some of you guys remember how much fun I had with so little money. It was a good time.
Building a computer is a straightforward process. High school kids build computers for fun. But there is a possibility of something going wrong. I was lucky this time. My new computer was up and running in 4 hours. I like this computer. It’s very good and fast. I look forward to getting older with this computer.
I kept the case, so the computer looks the same from the outside.
Now I need to catch up on some Costco blogs. I will regroup and get back to you soon. Please take care.
4th Costco Shopping in 2021 – $210.74 today / $492.76 this year
Members-only savings saved $62.30
I went to Costco at 6:30 PM when it was dark and getting late. There was no line to get in. It was a pleasant shopping experience. I almost forgot we are in the pandemic. I had a long shopping list. I took my time and shopped for over an hour.
I always buy Doritos when I see them on sale because they are so good. But I shouldn’t eat too much of these. These bags are huge, but if I open the bag, I usually finish the entire bag in a week. It’s very addictive and tasty that I cannot stop eating. So, I promised myself that I will not buy another bag of Doritos this year. That’s it. I am done with Doritos for at least 10 months – hopefully forever.
I picked up 2 bags of frozen salmon. I always buy them when they are on sale. I saved $10.00 right there. These fishes are “guaranteed good meal”.
Wings, chips, salsa, and pizza were all for Super Bowl Sunday.
Cat litters are Valentines Day gift for my friend’s cats.
When I was picking up 2 rotisserie chickens, one lady far away yelled, “Would you like a bag?”. “Are you talking to me?” I yelled back. Then I realized that there were no plastic bags around me. “Oh, thank you, thank you. You make my day,” I said. She saw me and noticed I didn’t have bags close by. It confused me a little. Is she always that nice to people? Or did she want to get to know me more? I can never figure these things out. That’s why I live alone. Anyway, she told me to be safe, and we exchanged blessings.
After shopping, I ate a hot dog for the first time in 11 months. Thank you for the hot dog donation. Yum.
It was a pleasant shopping experience. It reminded me of the old-time when Costco shopping was extremely joyous.
3rd Costco Shopping in 2021 – $52.54 today / $282.02 this year
I ordered some Valentine’s Day flowers.
There is no effort here. I feel bad that I am sending somebody flowers in this manner. I remember Valentine’s Day 10 years ago when I was poor. I only spent $15 on Valentine’s Day. For that Valentine’s Gift, I went to three different stores. I wrote a card. It was exciting and fun. I felt happy and satisfied.
Now, I don’t put any effort. It’s Valentine’s Day, so I ordered some flowers. I took care of it with money. I don’t feel excited like I did before. There was no warm feeling.
My God, I have become that person. I need to fix this. Not just for Valentine’s Day, but I need to fix how I deal with my life altogether. I didn’t realize how much I changed until now. I shall bring back the magic that I had 10 years ago. I shall put conscious effort on bringing back the magic. My life has improved.. so life should be even more exciting.
2nd Costco Shopping in 2021 – $122.24 today / $229.48 this year
I ordered a Samsung Galaxy 8″ Tab A from Costco website.
I have a 9 year old iPad that’s becoming obsolete. I did a quick price check and Costco had the best price on an 8″ Galaxy A. After using the iPad for 9 years, I wanted a smaller tablet. I got the silver one.
Visit Costco – Samsung Galaxy Tabs
I have a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and a smartphone. Having all those, I still feel the need for a tablet. Tablet often comes in handy, for example, when I’m in the kitchen. Also, when I watch TV, I often check the web for more information. When I do, I will not stop watching TV and walk over to my computer. Instead, I would pick up a mobile device. And I refuse to look at a tiny screen like a savage. I may not really need a tablet, but
Apple products are too expensive for me. So, I promised myself that I wouldn’t buy any Apple product until my retirement is taken care of (minimum $2 Million in savings). So, I may never buy another Apple product in my life. There is nothing wrong if you buy and enjoy Apple products. We have different financial priorities – that’s all. For example, I spend more money on Italian leather than most people spend on iPhones and iPads.
My iPad looks brand new, although it’s 9 years old. I hope this cheaper tablet will last 9 years, hopefully, longer.
Costco Member-Only Savings, February 3, 2021 – February 28, 2021.
Open Costco coupon book from below gallery or view from Costco website available during the sales period (February 3, 2021 – February 28, 2021).
I plan to go to Costco next week or so. I have a decent size Costco shopping list. I also have a pack of 32 degrees shirts to return (I bought too many).
Galaxy Tab A7 will be on sale for $60.00 off. That will make these tabs the best price anywhere. They also come with 64GB memory cards – so it’s even better. I used to think Costco couldn’t compete on computer products. But I’ve been seeing some great prices lately.
