YouTube car-crashing duo arrested, Amazon Sidewalk network’s security risks. Plus, Amazon’s latest feature alerts you about frequently returned items. I show you how your smartphone can be a lifesaver. Also, TikTok’s strange warning about Fruit Roll-Ups (Hint: It’s about plastic). Matt explores the weirdest and best subreddits. Allie shares some effortless ways to make money from the comfort of your couch — no hair brushing required.
Most accurate weather apps depending on where you live
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I was talking to my brother, who got 7 inches of snow in Florida the other day. Wow!
We’re on the edge of a weather forecasting revolution. Google’s AI weather forecasting system, GenCast, can predict as far out as 15 days with up to 97% accuracy. We’re entering the age where severe weather will no longer surprise anyone.
Until these new tools are completed, though, we still have to rely on imperfect data and apps that are, well, kinda right. Weather apps pull information from different data networks, and those networks vary in quality, as reported by tools like ForecastAdvisor. I’ll share the most accurate apps, depending on where you live.
A change in the weather
Search online and you’ll see Global Weather Corporation (GWC) recommended as one of the most accurate weather forecasts. It’s true, but GWC isn’t available to regular folks anymore; their services have been bundled and sold off to automotive and data companies so only they can access them. Womp, womp.
The Weather Channel
Best for: Florida, the South and the Midwest, along with snowstorm-prone states like North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Vermont.
Who’s really surprised Weather.com is still at the top of the game when it comes to accuracy? Several apps pull their info from Weather Channel data, so you’ve got some choices other than The Weather Channel app.
Weather Underground is known for its hyperlocal weather data and unique network of personal weather stations. You can also check out Storm Radar or the Google Weather app, which pulls data from The Weather Channel.
Weather in MSN
Best for: East Coast states and, for you snowbirds, Hawaii.
Microsoft? A weather guru? MSN (Start) has a proprietary weather app named the “most accurate global forecast provider.” Microsoft commissioned the study, though, so take that with a grain of salt.
Sick of QuickBooks? There’s a better way!
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Stop fighting with spreadsheets and trying to figure out what the heck you did with last year’s inventory list. I have the solution — my sponsor, NetSuite by Oracle.
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🔕 Pause doorbell cam notifications: Good for when you’re hosting. In the Ring app, press Alerts Snooze > Snooze Duration > Start Snooze. For SimpliSafe cams, press and hold a notification, and snooze options will pop up. Easy!
4 text scams sweeping the country
Scammers are flooding phones with fake alerts about tolls, accounts, and deliveries. Here’s how to spot the tricks before you get caught.
Hackers can steal your home with a forged signature! They take out loans in your name, drain your equity and leave you with the mess. Home Title Lock monitors your title 24/7 and alerts you to any tampering. Get a FREE home title history report with code KIM250.
Alexa alerts you when your Whole Foods order is ready: Just open your Alexa app > More (three lines at the bottom) > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping and toggle it on. When you get notified, just say, “Alexa, check into Whole Foods,” so they know you’re on your way.
Massive data leak impacts 1 in 3 Americans
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Data broker MC2 Data left more than 100 million records of Americans exposed online for anyone to copy, grab, forward, sell on the Dark Web — you name it. This comes only a month after the National Public Data breach of 2.9 billion records. I’m getting so tired of these data broker companies and people-search sites screwing up, and it’s you and me who have to pay for their mistakes.
🚨 Hackers can steal your home without you even knowing: With just a forged signature, cybercriminals can take out loans in your name, drain your equity and leave you with the mess. Home Title Lock monitors your title 24/7 and alerts you to any tampering because your biggest investment deserves the best protection. Click here to get a free home title history report, using code KIM250.
Ding-ding-ding! Sign up for text and email alerts from your bank. I do, and, yes, it’s a bit annoying to approve purchases I’ve made, but it’s also notified me a few times someone got their hands on my card. In your banking app, go into Settings and look for Alerts or Notifications.
🚨 Hackers can steal your home without you even knowing: With just a forged signature, cybercriminals can take out loans in your name, drain your equity, and leave you with the mess. Home Title Lock monitors your title 24/7 and alerts you to any tampering because your biggest investment deserves the best protection. Click here to get a free home title history report, using code KIM250.
✅ 50% off alert: My home security pick, SimpliSafe, is having a massive sale. I love their new Active Guard technology that alerts you before a break-in happens. You don’t need to live in fear or worry about burglars when you’re not home. Get all the gear to lock down your home for half off.
Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS): This tech detects when two aircraft are about to converge and gives pilots a warning. The alerts are limited at low altitudes, though, to prevent risky maneuvers. That’s why it couldn’t help the jetliner and military helicopter in last week’s crash in Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people (paywall link). The jet and copter were flying somewhere between 200 feet and 400 feet above surface level. So sad.
💸 Good news, shoppers: Amazon is now legally required to post recall notices and product alerts on its site. If you purchased a recalled or defective item, whether from Amazon or a third party, you’ll be notified via email, and recall details will be on your orders page or this recalls page.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Useful site: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list of recalls is worth scanning now and then. Sometimes, you can get a replacement or refund for the recalled product. If there’s a major recall, I’ll warn you here or in my Current Alerts newsletter.
39,000 more vehicles recalled: The latest round includes Volvo C40 electric crossovers, Mercedes-Benz E 350 and 450 models, Ram 1500s, and the Ford F-150 Lightning. Instead of wading through lists, download the free SaferCar app that alerts you to recalls as they happen.
Get smoke and CO alarm alerts from your smart speaker
Did you know your smart speaker can double as a safety device? Here’s how yours can alert you to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, even when you’re not home.
Stop missing important emails
Want to stop spammy email phone alerts but still get important ones? Here’s how in only 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TikTok ban, top holiday scams, tax update alert
Plus, what to do when locked out of your Facebook account, get weather alerts on your phone, Twitter’s office supply fire sale, Zoom holiday party ideas and how a new gift card scam steals your cash with barcode stickers. Also, would you get plastic surgery to look like an AI image? Surgeons say they’re getting these disturbing requests.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3 clever ways to shop and save money online
Love online shopping? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a few ways to save money, from sale alerts to coupon apps.