Daily Skimm: Starfish are notorious suck-ups

$117 billion

About how much Americans paid in credit card interest and fees in 2020, according to the US Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Yes, it blew our minds too. 

Thinking there must be a better way? Funny you should mention it. Because Apple Card eliminates fees. And, unlike other credit cards, it estimates how much interest you’ll owe and suggests moves that can help you pay off your balance faster. Oh, and it’s designed with privacy and security in mind. All so you can keep more money for…well, you. The best part? You can apply now to see if you’re approved. And it won’t impact your credit score. Cha-ching.

Ever wonder which products are really, really worth your hard-earned dollars? Our Skimm Tested series aims to answer that question — we pick, prod, and review items across all categories so you know what to add to cart. Check out…

• Magic Spoon Cereal…High-protein, low-carb cereal (and bars) available in flavors like peanut butter, cocoa, and cinnamon roll.

• The Good Patch Wellness Patches…A variety of wearable patches for common ailments like period cramps, low energy, and hangovers.

• Branch Daily Chair…a chic ergonomic desk chair to upgrade your work-from-home situation.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Lightweight, versatile pants that’ll be your hot-weather heroes. These Athleta pants are silky smooth, light as air, and wrinkle-resistant. So there’s no need to sweat those summer commutes. Psst…this weekend, you can get 20% off your whole Athleta purchase. Time for a summer stock-up.*

2. Exactly what you need when bloat pays a visit. Or worse, *lowers voice* gas. This natural remedy is packed with powerful herbs like lemon balm. It relieves painful tummy troubles fast. But it also sells out fast. So don’t wait. PS: Skimm’rs get 15% off.*

3. Mattresses fit for a princess. Pea optional. This brand uses denser foams and sturdier springs. So you can get deeper sleep. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 25% off their mattresses (plus two free pillows) if they shop *checks watch* right now.*

4. The best Memorial Day sales to shop this weekend. Sound the alarm, it's MDW and tons of sales are live. We're eyeing Brooklinen and Girlfriend Collective. Shop 'em now before stock is gone.

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Going green...Rachel P (MD). She launched her business with the purpose of bringing sustainable products into your home. Check out the goods.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Lizzy Wong (NY), Andrew Greenberg (NY), Melissa Maisel (NY), Christina Manice (NY), Hannah Chung (GA), Elana Gorenstein (NY), Rob Greebel (NY), Jana Schottenstein (NY), Jodi Greebel (NY), Alex Willkie (NY), Mary Vercillo (NY), Steven Huskey (SC)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

It’s easy to forget amid the COVID-19 pandemic that there are other viruses too. Enter: monkeypox. This week on “Skimm This,” we talked to a senior scholar from Johns Hopkins about WTF monkeypox is, its symptoms, and whether or not you should be concerned. Check it out.

3x the sign up points?* You bet. More earnings. More quickly. Hello, more rewards. Sign up for theSkimm Loyalty Program and watch (triple) the points roll in.