💰 Happy Tax Day! While you’re crunching numbers or hitting “submit” on that e-file, keep in mind that the IRS was one of the first government agencies to jump on the tech train way back in 1955. It used an IBM 650 computer to process tax returns. 

I bet they’re still using it. It was the size of a room, had less memory than your smartwatch and made more noise than you arguing with a TurboTax automated answering service. If you’re looking for a great free accounting solution, I got your back at the end of today’s newsletter.

🤝 Share this important intel: While on the subject of money, today’s deep dive is something every American needs to know. Share it with someone you care about. Let’s get started. — Kim

Let’s get one thing straight: Crypto isn’t disappearing into the tech void. Love it, hate it or meme it into oblivion, digital currency is sticking around, and the U.S. is auditioning to become the crypto capital of the world.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the basics before you fall for a Reddit post titled “How I Made $2M Trading Crypto While Sleeping.” (Spoiler: He didn’t.)

You might be thinking about investing in crypto. But before you do, listen to me: The first three letters in crypto are cry. That’s what happens to a lot of people who dive in without knowing how it works.

So here’s your no-hype, no-jargon primer.

💡 Think of cryptocurrency like digital cash

Imagine handing your friend a $20 bill. No bank, no fees, no third-party apps. Just peer-to-peer. Crypto is digital money you can send directly to someone else, anywhere in the world, without needing a bank or payment processor.

Thousands of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have popped up, all built on the idea of giving people control of their money by cutting out the middlemen.

🔐 Wait, is this even safe?

Enter the “blockchain.” Don’t panic, this part’s actually simple.

Think of the blockchain like a public receipt book that can’t be erased or edited. Transactions are permanently recorded and verified by thousands of computers all over the world.

It’s permanent, transparent and nearly impossible to fake. It’s not unhackable (nothing is) but way more secure than your average password-protected app.

🐶 OK, but what’s the deal with memecoins?

Heard of Dogecoin? Shiba Inu? How about Pepecoin? Fartcoin? Yes, they’re all real. “Memecoins” start as jokes and stay that way, but some gain crazy traction through social media hype.

$DOGE, $SHIB, $PEPE, $FARTCOIN are worth about two Domino’s Pizzas — not the individual pies, but the business. That motley memecoin crew is worth a combined $29 billion; Domino’s Pizza is about $14 billion. 

Memecoins are like digital scratchers without the mess: sometimes a big win, but more often, you’re the punch line.

Bottom line: Don’t confuse fun with financial advice.

🧳 Where do you keep it?

Crypto lives in a digital wallet, but it’s more like a digital key chain that holds the key to your crypto. 

If you lose that key or forget the password, your money is gone. Forever. There’s no “Forgot Password” button. 

So yes, you’re the bank now. Keep your keys backed up, secure and private. Also, know the difference between hot and cold wallets and exchanges. 

📬 Introducing: my new free crypto newsletter

Here’s what you’ll get once a week:

🪙 The basics: Bitcoin, Ethereum, wallets, blockchains (all the buzzwords explained)

🧠 Crypto tips: How to keep your money and identity safe 

🔥 Hot headlines: Big news you actually care about, minus the hype

That’s it. Just one awesome newsletter, once a week. No BS. Just the facts. 

✅ Sign up for my free “Crypto Smart” newsletter here.

Let’s make sense of digital money. Together.

📦 Need more space? Nah, you just need smarter storage.

• Tackle that messy junk drawer with some clear dividers (21% off).
• These under-sink organizers (25% off) have pullout drawers for easy access.
• Hang your shoes, bags or hats on a handy over-the-door rack (8% off).
• Dragging heavy laundry? This rolling basket (10% off) glides with you.
• Keep your important things safe with a fireproof document box (18% off).

🤫 Your secret’s safe with me: Stash your valuables in plain sight with a wall safe (18% off) that looks like an outlet.

🏛️ Meta, meet another existential court case: Mark Zuckerberg put on his best courtroom tie and took the stand Monday in a trial that could break up Meta’s empire. The FTC basically wants (paywall link) Meta to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp, claiming Meta bought them just to squash the competition. If IG goes, it could gut over half of Meta’s U.S. ad revenue. The trial runs through July, but the vibes are already tense.

🚨 Bank of America lost your data … literally: Nope, it wasn’t a cyberattack. This time, savings bond documents went missing in transit, and they had everything. Names, addresses, account numbers, SSNs and more — the full “steal my identity” starter pack. No word yet on how many people are affected, but the bank says it’ll notify you. PSA: Freeze your credit.

The Pentagon cut $5.1B in contracts: Deloitte, Booz Allen, Accenture … you may be seated. The government’s slashing spending on outside consultants. Why? They finally realized those agreements are unnecessary, and the work can be done in-house. The extra cash will now be redirected to hypersonic weapons, AI and cybersecurity. So basically: fewer spreadsheets, more lasers.

Hackers can steal your home: With just a forged signature, cybercriminals can take out loans in your name, drain your equity and leave you with the mess. Click here to get a free home title history report, when you sign up using code KIM. You’ll also receive a free 14-day trial of their Million Dollar Triple Lock Protection.*

🧠 How Google keeps its AI talent: DeepMind employees are apparently locked into strict noncompete agreements that bar them from joining rivals like OpenAI for up to a year. Google might even pay you not to work. Nice, right? Until you realize AI years are like dog years. Sit out too long, and you’re obsolete.

Using Windows 11? Last week’s update added a weird empty folder called “inetpub” that popped up on the system drive. If you thought it was useless and deleted it, think again. It’s not malware. It’s just Windows being Windows. It’s tied to a security fix. To bring it back: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > check Internet Information Services > hit OK. 

🚲 The Amish are riding e-bikes: In Ohio, the second-largest settlement is using them to zip past horse-drawn buggies and make life easier. But the community’s torn (paywall link). Horsepower? Out. Wattpower? In.

Businesses are transforming at lightning speed with AI. The good news? It’s not too late to jump in and take yours to the next level. That’s where Oracle comes in.

✅ Easy AI integration – No hassle, no headaches. Nvidia GPUs ensure top performance.
✅ Cost-effective – More power, lower cost than competitors.
✅ Scalable – Grows with your business and Oracle handles the updates.

AI is the future — get ahead now!

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Press the space bar in Chrome to scroll down a web page. Hit Shift + space bar to scroll back up. No mouse needed!

Speedy studying: Ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It says that 80% of results come from just 20% of the effort. Cut the fluff by using this AI prompt, “What are the key 20% of insights on [topic] that will help me understand 80% of it?” 

🪫 Battery blues? Let’s find those power-hungry apps. On iPhone, go to Settings > Battery and scroll down to see which apps are sucking the most juice. For Android, head to Settings > Battery > Battery usage. You can tweak notifications or give them a time-out to save power.

Feeling lucky? Download the DraftKings Pick Six app today and use code KIM for new customers to play $5 and get $50 in Pick Six credits.**

Psst … keep it down: Got a late-night request for your Amazon Echo? Just say, “Alexa, turn on whisper mode.” Now whenever you whisper to Alexa, she’ll whisper right back.

💻 Dock and roll: Turn your laptop into a desktop powerhouse with a docking station. No need for a new computer or dealing with messy cables. This one ($54) has eight ports and supports two monitors. Nice!

🔎 Fitbit gone MIA? This trick helps you retrace your steps. Just open the Fitbit app (iOS, Android) on your phone. Then, tap Account and choose your tracker. You’ll see the last location where it synced.

💰 Tech Tip: Track every dollar without spending one

Speaking of taxes, want to keep an eye on every penny without paying a monthly fee? Say hello to GnuCash (Windows, Mac and Linux), the totally free, open-source money tracker that’s perfect for budgeting like a boss.

It works like a digital checkbook meets small-business ledger. Track income, expenses, budgets, bank accounts, even investments and loans. And guess what? It’s private. Your data stays on your device. Check it out here.

🧮 Just remember, if your debits and credits don’t equal, then your assets in jail.

Tomorrow: I’m sharing the shocking story of a woman who fell for a romance scam and is now facing 29 years in prison. 😳 You don’t want to miss this … plus more can’t-miss tips in America’s favorite tech newsletter. It’s smart. It’s free. It’s the one everyone’s talking about. Now, go forth and tech like a boss. — Kim

📣 Don’t keep me a secret:  with friends (or copy URL here)