It’ll only get worse

August 23, 2024

It’ll only get worse: More companies than just Uber are now on the surge-pricing bandwagon. Wendy’s announced AI-powered digital menus (then walked it back), and Kroger’s got digital price tags that can change grocery prices in real time. They say it’s to lower prices during peak hours. Start by discounting items close to expiration dates, and I might believe it.

Tags: AI (artificial intelligence), change, companies, digital, menus, prices, pricing

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Best under-sink organizers

Take a look at the cabinet under your sink in your kitchen or bathroom. Is it a mess? Mine isn’t — I bought under-sink organizers.

For your kitchen: The Realinn under-sink organizer (17% off) has two levels, and the bottom pulls out so you can get to stuff easily.
Perfect for your bathroom: This two-tier multipurpose bathroom under-sink organizer holds shampoo, soaps and more.
For your counter: Organize medicine bottles, lotions, creams or whatever else with these multipurpose organizers. They look nice and get the job done.

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Easy upgrades under $10

Shower curtain liners get nasty. Stop it with all the cleaning spray and replace yours (11% off).
Turn any pair of lace-up shoes into slip-ons with elastic laces that come in lots of colors.
Ah, organized cords and cables for only $7.
These are sweet: QR code labels (29% off) for your storage boxes. Scan to know what’s inside — Christmas decorations, winter coats, old paperwork …
Ow, my achin’ back! A hanging footrest makes sitting on a plane or at a desk all day easier on your feet, back and legs.

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Clever tech add-ons you’ll love

Here’s a short list of goodies to make your tech more usable. They’re all winners!

An essential automatic page-turner (18% off): Instead of getting out of your comfortable position to swipe to the next page on your phone or Kindle, use this remote-controlled page-turner. So smart!
A wireless charging pad (53% off!): Mophie’s 4-in-1 mat wirelessly charges four devices and includes another USB-A port for a fifth charging option. All your gear is powered up!
Ingenious phone screen magnifier: Instantly transform your phone into a 16-inch screen that’s great for watching videos, reading, playing games and more. Barry loves his!
Awesome tablet pillow: Whether you’re camped out in your favorite chair or relaxed in bed, this pillow lets you watch, play and type without fumbling. It’s good for hands-free video calls, too.
The best digital photo frame: Friends and family can send photos and videos right to it with no monthly fees. I love the nice, big screen. Makes a great gift!

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AirTag alternatives and accessories

I’m on Team Apple so I use AirTag trackers on everything — the dog, my cars, my bag, Barry’s stuff … But Apple’s GPS trackers aren’t the only game in town.

Chipolo’s ONE ($25) is like an AirTag that works with iPhone and Android. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and there’s an app that tracks the location even when it’s out of range.
Chipolo also makes a card version ($30) that you can insert in your wallet or stick on the remote.
Tile trackers work with iOS and Android, and they’re 24% off right now!
Apple AirTags are 14% off today.
Want to keep track of your pup? Pop an AirTag or another small round tracker into one of these inexpensive holders that slides onto their collar.
You can slip a round tracker into a thin, flexible wallet holder, too (20% off).
Don’t forget a holder perfect for luggage or any other fabric (click the coupon for $5 off).

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Protect your noggin

🚴🏼 Do you ride a bike or ski? I do and wanted to pass this along: Your helmet should include a Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). MIPS helmets are a bit more expensive, but in a crash, they absorb all the shock so your brain doesn’t.

Budget option for my fellow bike riders.
This one (17% off) includes front and back headlights, plus blinkers.
For kids who love to ride their bikes (25% off).
Kiddo helmet/goggle combo for the slopes.
Perfect for the entire snowboarding family.

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Get it together

I always get bit by the organization bug toward the end of summer. You, too? Let’s do this.

Clear bins for the fridge are a game-changer.
A genius holder for all your Tupperware lids.
Stop knocking over the shampoo! Nice shelves that stick better than the suction cup kind.
A water bottle rack that can hold wine, too.
Useful, stackable storage racks that can go anywhere.

You never know what you have … till you clean your house.

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🪭 Amazon fan faves under $10

Warning: You’re going to want them all.

Hand massager (20% off): Better circulation, less stiffness, and soothing for arthritis and joint pain.
Condiment containers: Never spill a drop of salad dressing again!
Cargo net for your car (47% off): Keep your trunk neat and organized.
Hat organizer (38% off): Store your ball caps vertically. Genius!
Magnetic cable managers: Silicone so you can use them again and again.

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Tech gets nasty

I don’t want to alarm you, but look down at your keyboard or take off your phone case. Oh, the filth! Let’s fix it.

You can make a cleaning solution with vinegar or alcohol, but why? I use premoistened electronic wipes — specifically, this big pack from Care Touch. They’re cheaper that way and last a long time.
For TVs and bigger monitors, these wipes from Weiman work like a charm.
This gel dust cleaner is a simple, easy way to get the junk out of your keyboard, printer, camera or anything else with small openings.
Your computer, TV and other gear have small ports that collect dust and dirt. Cotton swabs leave fuzz and lint, so try a phone-cleaning kit.
Grab a ball of Blu-Tack and press it into your earbud speakers. Pull it away, and all the junk inside comes out with it.

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Upgrade your car on the cheap

Add a headset holder for all your bags (less than $6 a pair).
A car trash can is a must (41% off), especially if you have kids or have to eat on the go.
This reusable goop is fantastic for cleaning out vents and little crevices where crud gets stuck. Under $6 right now!
This Bluetooth adapter lets you listen to tunes, take hands-free calls and charge your devices.
Wipe out stains with a cleaner that works on leather, fabric and carpet.

So sweet: A nifty shopping tool that recommends parts and accessories that will truly fit your car. They ask for your license plate number, but pick your car’s make and model instead.

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🧼 So fresh and so clean

I used to be addicted to soap, but I’m clean now.

Cleaning stainless steel is a pain, but folks rave about this streak-free formula (40% off) that smells like lavender.
Every home needs a duster. Get a nice one (9% off) you won’t have to replace in a year.
If you haven’t, try the Pink Stuff ($5.29). It works on just about anything and everything!
Bathroom feeling grungy? Brighten up the grout and caulking.
USA-made bedding clips that keep your fitted sheets from popping off. Genius!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.