With gold prices jumping to a new all-time high Wednesday, you might be wondering how much that gold bar you bought at Costco could be worth today.

As of Wednesday morning, gold traded around $3,549 per ounce, up from about $2,500 a year ago — a roughly 42% increase.

If you bought a Costco gold bar last year, it would likely fetch much more today than you paid. Still, some of those gains will be reduced once you factor in dealer fees and taxes.

Investors tend to seek out gold during times of uncertainty. Gold often gains when interest rates fall, because lower yields make assets that don’t earn interest, like gold, more appealing, according to research by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Currently, inflation concerns and economic uncertainty are adding to the momentum, say Jon Ulin, a certified financial planner based in Boca Raton, Florida.

“With two wars ongoing, trade tensions, U.S. debt concerns and fears over [Federal Reserve] independence, gold’s traditional ‘fear hedge’ role remains strong,” Ulin says. “It’s beating bonds at providing portfolio safety.”

Here’s how much a 1-ounce Costco gold bar purchased in September 2024 could be worth today, based on its listed purchase price and the spot price at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday:

• Purchase price (September 2024): $2,679
• Spot price (Sept. 3, 2025): $3,549
• Unrealized gain: $870
• Percentage increase: 32.5%

If you’re thinking of selling your Costco gold bar for a profit, don’t expect to keep the difference between what you paid and the current spot price.

The spot price is more of a benchmark for negotiation, from which you can expect about 5% to 10% less from most dealers, says Ulin.

At brick-and-mortar bullion shops, you may get a better deal. Shops the Wall Street Journal spoke with in New York City in April typically offered 1% to 5% below the spot price. With these shops, you also get the convenience of in-person evaluations and immediate payment.

“Most buyers will likely melt the bar down for resale, so whether it’s still in its original Costco packaging with the certificate doesn’t make a huge difference,” says Ulin. “Unlike luxury watches, where the provenance and paperwork can significantly increase the value, gold bars are more about weight and purity.”

Avoid selling through eBay or Facebook Marketplace, where scams and lowball offers are common, says Ulin.

The Internal Revenue Service classifies physical gold — including Costco bars, coins and jewelry — as a collectible, says Troy Lewis, a certified public accountant and professor of accounting and tax at Brigham Young University.

If you sell within a year of buying, any profit will be taxed as ordinary income with no cap on the rate. If you hold for more than a year, the gain is treated as a long-term capital gain — but unlike stocks or real estate, which have preferential rates that max out at 20%, collectibles are taxed at ordinary income rates, capped at up to 28% depending on your income bracket.

Beyond federal taxes, sellers may also face state income taxes, which can vary widely. Unlike the federal government, most states don’t distinguish between collectibles and other capital gains — they simply tax income. Some states, like Florida or Texas, have no income tax at all, while others — such as California and New York — impose double-digit rates high enough to “curl your toes,” says Lewis.

High earners may also owe the 3.8% net investment income tax, which applies when modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly, per the IRS.

Altogether, the combined tax bite can meaningfully shrink the real return on gold. Still, Lewis says taxes shouldn’t be the sole factor in deciding whether to sell. The tax bill is unavoidable — the question is whether you’d rather lock in gains now or keep holding and see where prices go, he says.

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Most people assume their bills are non-negotiable and set in stone. But here’s the truth: Almost everything is negotiable. Companies build a cushion into their pricing because they expect some customers to ask for a better deal. Most people just never bother.

Whether it’s your internet bill, credit card APR, insurance premium, or bank fees, you’d be surprised how often a simple phone call can get your costs lowered. Even if you don’t get an immediate discount, you can often secure a better rate, an upgraded service, or hidden perks just by knowing what to say.

This was one of the key strategies that I used to help me pay off $100,000 of debt. I was able to transform my approach to my finances, which set me up to make my first million at 32.

Here’s how to do it.

The first price thrown out in a negotiation sets the tone, and if that price comes from the seller, it usually benefits them, not you. That’s why you want to take control by setting the first number. Instead of starting from their high price and trying to work it down, you start from a lower number and negotiate up. 

This is called anchoring, a strategy where the first number mentioned acts as a reference point for the entire conversation.

Example: You’re shopping for a used car, and the dealer asks for $15,000.

Without anchoring: “Hmm… $15,000 sounds like a lot. Can you do better than that?”

With anchoring: “I researched similar models with this mileage, and many of them were priced at around $12,000. So that’s closer to what I had in mind.” 

For this to work, do your research on a credible anchor price. Don’t just throw out a random number that you can’t justify with at least one data point, but ideally with as many data points as you can find.

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Framing means presenting your request in a way that emphasizes the benefit to the other person, not just to you. People are more likely to say yes when they see how it helps them. 

Example: You want a reduction in your car insurance.

Without framing: “Can you lower my insurance rate?” 

With framing: “I’ve maintained a perfect driving record for five years. As someone who’s proven to be a low-risk driver, I’d like to discuss a rate that reflects my safe driving history and helps you retain a good customer.”

See how the framed version highlights what’s in it for them? Instead of just asking for what you want, you’re showing the insurance company the value they get: a safe driver and customer retention.

The better you get at identifying what they want, the better you’ll get at getting what you want. And that part is easy, because every business pretty much wants the same things: retention (it’s cheaper than acquiring new customers), referrals, and revenue. 

Take a look at your current bills and expenses. Make a list of the companies you want to call. A negotiation hit list, if you will. 

Here are some good ones to start with:  

• Cell phone plan 
• Internet service 
• Streaming services
• Insurance (auto, home, renters)
• Credit card interest rates 
• Gym memberships 
• Medical bills 

Start with the company you feel will be easiest to call, like your smallest bill. If this is your first time negotiating, it’s way less intimidating to practice on a $60 phone bill than a $2,000 medical bill. 

Next, gather your evidence. Research competitors’ rates, check how long you’ve been a loyal customer, note any service issues, and find anything else that strengthens your case for a discount. When you get on the phone, confidence is key. 

Be polite, friendly, and relaxed. Start by complimenting their service or product, and feel free to crack jokes and make small talk with the rep. They’re human, too! If they won’t budge on price (even after deploying all your best dad jokes, and all the ninja anchoring and framing tactics you just learned), don’t give up just yet. 

Ask to speak to a supervisor or to the retention and loyalty department. These teams often have more power to offer discounts. Stay polite but persistent. If that still doesn’t work, just try again later. Different day, different rep, and that could mean a totally different outcome from one day to the next. 

Rose Han is a former Wall Street trader turned financial educator, YouTuber, and author of ”Add a Zero.” A first-generation Korean-American, she paid off $100,000 in student debt and became a self-made millionaire in seven years. Her YouTube channel has grown to one million subscribers, where she teaches a fresh, freedom-focused approach to wealth.

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This is an adapted excerpt from the book ”Add a Zero: A Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Freedom and Getting to Your First Million″ by Rose Han. Copyright © 2025 by Rose Han. Published with permission of Hay House.

Parents are constantly searching for ways to get their kids to listen. But a lot of us focus too much on trying to get them to obey in the moment, rather than building genuine long-term cooperation.

I’ve studied over 200 parent-child relationships, and I’m a mother myself. I’ve learned that kids listen best when they feel connected. A big part of that is emotional safety: knowing they are respected and have the freedom to express their feelings.

Here are six magic phrases that calm a child’s nervous system and make cooperation feel natural, which is the real secret to getting them to listen.

The moment kids feel doubted (“Did you really mean to do that?”), their defenses go up. They shift from connection into self-protection.

Belief defuses shame and creates safety. When a child feels safe, they can actually hear you.

Example:

Child: “I didn’t spill the juice on purpose!”

Parent: “I believe you. Let’s clean it up together.”

You’re addressing the behavior without getting into an argument.

The situation often turns into a standoff when there’s a parent just barking orders. But when kids help solve the problem, they’re more likely to stick to the solution.

Example:

Child refuses to clean up toys.

Parent: “I see you don’t want to clean everything now. Let’s figure this out together. What’s the first step?”

You’re still holding the boundary while preventing power struggles.

When kids are overwhelmed, they’re in survival mode and logic doesn’t land. Their nervous system is in fight-or-flight, and they need help regulating their emotions. This phrase validates their feelings and assures them they’re not alone, which helps them reset.

Example:

Preschooler has a meltdown when their tower of blocks fall. Instead of “Stop crying, you’re overreacting,” say: “You can feel this. I’m right here.”

You’re letting the wave of emotions pass until they’re ready to re-engage.

Before a child will listen to you, they need to feel heard. This simple shift of giving attention before demanding it dissolves resistance. When kids feel understood, they stop trying to push back.

Example:

Child: “I’m never playing with my brother again!”

Parent: “I’m listening. Tell me what’s going on.”

Now you’re uncovering the deeper hurt behind the anger, and that’s the part you can address to help repair both the relationship and the behavior.

Many meltdowns escalate because kids feel misunderstood or in conflict with the very person they need most. This phrase instantly shifts you from adversary to ally, lowering defenses and opening the door to problem-solving.

Example:

Child: “This homework is stupid! I’m not doing it.”

Parent: “I hear you. I’m on your side. Let’s find a way to make this easier.”

Knowing you’re there to help changes the tone entirely. They’ll be far more likely to meet you halfway.

Mistakes can trigger shame. But when kids hear this phrase, they learn that love isn’t conditional on performance or perfection.

Example:

Your child breaks a classmate’s project and calls you in tears.

Instead of lecturing, you say: “I’ve got you, no matter what. We’ll make it right together.”

That’s the difference between fear-based compliance and real accountability.  

I always tell parents that if their default is yelling or threatening, then no “magic phrase” will undo the deeper pattern. But when you regularly protect your child’s dignity, make them feel safe, and follow through on boundaries, listening becomes the natural outcome.

Reem Raouda is a leading voice in conscious parenting and the creator of FOUNDATIONS, a step-by-step guide that helps parents heal and become emotionally safe. She is widely recognized for her expertise in children’s emotional safety and for redefining what it means to raise emotionally healthy kids. Connect with her on Instagram.

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Your future success and happiness likely depends on your willingness to take calculated risks, says social scientist and Harvard University professor Arthur Brooks.

Fortunately for the naturally risk-averse, you can nurture and develop your ability to take big leaps of faith — after doing the necessary research and soul-searching — Brooks writes in his newest book, “The Happiness Files,” which published on August 12. The trick, according to Brooks, is to think like an entrepreneur and treat your life like a startup.

“If you treat your life the way a great entrepreneur treats an exciting startup enterprise, your life will be happier, more meaningful, and more successful than it otherwise would be,” writes Brooks, who teaches courses on the subject of happiness at Harvard.

Starting a new business is inherently risky, and many end up failing. But the courage and confidence you need to launch a new venture can also result in financial reward, greater control in your career and overall fulfillment if it’s successful, Brooks notes.

The same logic applies outside of entrepreneurship, he writes: People must be “willing to take and manage appropriate risks in an effort to build a life of outsized rewards.”

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Brooks recommends working to imagine all potential outcomes of your risky decision, both positive and negative. You might need to conduct some research, like when a prospective entrepreneur researches markets and consumer trends, and weigh the risk against the reward. If the possible outcomes seem worth the risk, then your thought exercise could help you ease your concerns.

“In some cases, the odds of failure are so high and the consequences so dire that the act is reckless, writes Brooks, adding: “If it sounds simultaneously possible and terrifying, you’ll know you’ve found the right thing.”

Switching jobs, or even careers, can be scary, but it could also help get you out of a rut and lead to greater success and fulfillment down the road. Taking out a mortgage to buy a home is a risk, but it can become a valuable asset as long as you budget appropriately. Committing to a romantic relationship comes with the inherent risk of potential heartbreak if things don’t work out, but doing so can also lead to a lifetime of meaningful companionship.

The biggest factor that typically prevents us from taking these types of risks is “the fear of future regret,” according to Brooks. “Humans have astonishing mental time-travel abilities,” he writes. “We are able to imagine  ourselves in a future state, feeling chagrin for a decision we’re making right now — which in turn affects that decision.”

Those fears of regret have been shown to inspire “risk avoidance” that often prevents people from taking potentially beneficial risks, research shows.

If you’re someone who struggles to psyche yourself up to take more risks, some experts recommend starting out with a few “micro-risks” per day to build your confidence. They can even be something as simple as ignoring your awkwardness to make small talk with someone you just met, workplace performance coach Henna Pryor told CNBC Make It in May 2024.

Just the act of carefully considering a risky decision before ultimately taking the jump can increase your happiness and confidence, Brooks writes: You’ll bask in the satisfaction of tackling a new challenge, whether it ultimately succeeds or not.

“If you want to raise your happiness by taking a risk, you need to do it right, and not just by acting on impulse,” writes Brooks, adding: “Making a plan allows you to savor the person you want to become — a person who does a hard thing of her own volition, precisely because it is hard.”

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There may be no more contentious argument in personal finance than rent vs. buy — and for those on one side of the fence, the case can seem very simple.

Buying home, advocates say, allows you to lock in a rate and build equity in a property that will theoretically appreciate. By comparison, forking over what could be a mortgage payment in the form of rent each month is akin to throwing money away.

It’s a line that Bernadette Joy, author of “Crush Your Money Goals,” has heard before. The self-made millionaire and financial coach gets pushback whenever she cautions against homeownership for homeownership’s sake.

“My favorite thing is to challenge people and say, ‘Show me your amortization table,’” she says. “Show me how much equity you’ve really built.”

Over the first several years of your mortgage, Joy points out, much of your payment goes toward interest rather than the principal. If you’re in a 30-year mortgage, she says, you may find yourself a half a decade in with little equity to show for it, which is why she typically recommends an alternative for clients.

“If you’re going to buy a home, buy it on a 15-year mortgage, because at least you’ll build equity much faster that way,” she says. “If you can’t afford a 15-year mortgage, you can’t really afford the home.”

If you’re currently renting and playing around with mortgage calculators, you may think you could own a home for roughly what you’re paying in rent — even if you’re factoring in some of the prominent costs of homeownership, such as property taxes and home insurance.

But homeownership comes with other hidden costs, Joy says. And going in unprepared could leave you in a precarious financial situation.

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“I have very rarely come across a coaching client that said, ‘You know what, let me actually do the proper math of what I can truly afford on a mortgage,’” she says. “And so what I’m finding with that, is that most people are buying more house than they can actually, practically afford.”

Here are a few things to consider in your calculations.

A pricier mortgage

Joy prefers a 15-year mortgage because you can build equity faster, with more flexibility. Though you’ll eventually start paying down the principal on a 30-year mortgage, it’s a long time to wait, she says.

“How likely is it that you’ll see the [30-year] mortgage through to the bitter end, without selling or refinancing (and starting the clock all over again)?” she wrote in a recent article for Bankrate.

Of course, a shorter mortgage comes at a steeper price. Buy a $435,300 home — the median price according to the National Association of Realtors — with a 20% down payment, and you’re looking at a monthly payment of about $2,500 on a 30-year mortgage, according to Bankrate’s calculator. Bump the loan down to 15 years, and your bill rises to nearly $3,400 a month.

The cost of sizing up

No matter which kind of mortgage you choose, a new home is likely going to be a step up in space over what you were renting, says Joy — and that comes with an increase in costs. For one, you’ll have more rooms to furnish. And since you own the place, you’re probably not going to want to go cheap.

“When I sit down with clients, I say, let’s look at the cost of outfitting this home the way you want it to look,” she says. “People don’t want to furnish their new home with IKEA. They’re going to West Elm.”

Expect to pay more in utilities too, she says, since you have more space to heat and cool. And if you left your city apartment for the house out in the burbs, Joy recommends factoring a longer commute into your budget as well.

Maintenance and other headaches

“You have to budget a certain amount every year for repairs, because that’s just going to be the case,” Joy says.

Homeowners pay an average of $8,808 in annual maintenance costs, according to a recent Bankrate survey. If you don’t have the cash to pay for a fallen tree or a new washing machine or one of the million other things that could come up, you may find yourself making some tough decisions.

“What I see happen to a lot of my clients is, they buy the home and things are good until something breaks,” she says. “Then they get into credit card debt, or they are having to significantly sacrifice other places in their lifestyle in order to accommodate those things.”

Overall, Joy recommends a 50-25-25 approach to budgeting, with 50% of your income going toward living expenses, 25% going toward growing your wealth and the remainder on things you enjoy.

If, after accounting for all the costs, buying a home would put your living expenses over that 50% threshold “the math isn’t mathing,” Joy says.

And even if it is within your budget, make sure that you have enough for an emergency fund, too.

“If you’ve been someone who has not been able to maintain a level of three months’ worth of expenses sitting inside a high yield savings account,” Joy says, “then you’re not ready to buy a home.”

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