Amazon Archives

Think you’re paying $139 for Amazon Prime? Think again

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When’s the last time you checked how much Amazon is pulling from your bank account? If you guessed around $100 a year, you’re in for a surprise. You could be spending over $300 annually without realizing it. Let’s break it down.

🧓 Back in my day…

When Amazon Prime launched in 2005, it was a sweet deal: $79 a year for free two-day shipping. That price held until 2014, when it jumped to $99. Then $119 in 2018. By 2022? We hit $139 a year, and I’m predicting it now: Next year, it’ll go up to $159.

Oh, and that’s just the base price.

Now there’s a $9.95 delivery fee for Whole Foods orders, a $36 annual upcharge if you want Prime Video without ads, and sky-high grocery minimums for Amazon Fresh (originally $35, now $100). Want more?

Amazon Music Unlimited: $99/year
Audible: $14.95/month
Amazon Kids+: $5.99/month
Kindle Unlimited: $11.99/month
Streaming add-ons (HBO Max, Paramount+, etc.): $7.99 to $20.99/month each

That $139 membership? It’s just an appetizer.

✅ Here’s how to check what you’re paying:

Go to Your Prime Membership to see if you’re billed monthly or annually.
Then check Your Subscriptions for all those sneaky add-ons like Kindle Unlimited, Music, channel bundles and more.
From your account, click Memberships & Subscriptions or Subscribe & Save Items for a full list.

(Pro tip: The layout may shift depending on the browser, the app or which way the tech winds are blowing that day.)

🤑 Easy ways to save

Amazon Family: Share your Prime perks at no extra cost.
Pay annually: It’s $40 cheaper than month-to-month.
Gas savings: Get 10¢ off a gallon at 7,000+ stations.
Grubhub+: Unlimited $0 delivery fees for as long as you’re a Prime member.
Rx savings: Discounts on prescriptions at almost 60,000 pharmacies.
Amazon Photos + Shutterfly: Get 45% off regular-priced orders and free shipping if it’s $35+.
Prime for Young Adults: Half off & a six-month free trial.
EBT/Medicaid: Get Prime for just $6.99/month.
Prime Visa: If you shop a lot on Amazon, this card gives you cash back to help offset the cost. Bonus: Get a $50 gift card when you’re approved.

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We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Kim’s Outlet picks: All 50% off or better

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Hidden gems, big discounts, and yes, I dug through the digital outlet bins so you don’t have to. Amazon’s Outlet is packed with brand-name gadgets.

The best part? Everything here is at least 50% off. Now, if you’re not into saving money on some great stuff, scroll on down to the Web Watercooler section, so you’re up-to-date on the latest tech news and security alerts. Don’t miss the big Google one.

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We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Labor Day tech upgrades

💻 My pick: Laptop screen extender (26% off)

What a view! Your laptop just grew two extra screens. Perfect for travelers, gamers or anyone pretending to multitask during video calls. Yea, you!

🖥️ Dual monitor stand (32% off, two-pack): No more hunching. This riser lifts your screens to eye level. Your neck will thank you.

🔌 Cable management box (39% off, two-pack): Cord chaos? Not anymore. Just pop on the wood lid, and act like you’ve always been this tidy.

⌨️ Redragon wireless keyboard (26% off): Creamy keys, hot-swap switches and a control knob will make you feel like a power user.

🎒 Laptop backpack (14% off): One built-in USB port + 17 pockets + 45 color options = 4.8 stars and 8,500+ happy reviewers.

⚡ More deals, more power: The sale’s just getting started. Hit my Amazon page for the whole parade of Labor Day tech steals.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

China built a pregnancy robot

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A $14K baby-making machine? Yep, it’s real. Charles in Atlanta calls in to see if AI can help his band land more gigs. Plus: an $800K gold scam, a Bluetooth hack you need to know, and Amazon’s used car lot.

🚗 Primed to drive: Live within 75 miles of Dallas, Houston, LA or Seattle? You can now shop Hertz’s used rental cars on Amazon Autos. That means more variety instead of only Hyundais. Just pick it up at a Hertz lot within three days. They’ll soon expand to 45 cities, because let’s be real, Amazon won’t stop until you can buy everything from them.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

$27 million

That’s how much Mark Zuckerberg’s security cost in 2024. Meta’s annual “keep Zuck safe” budget is more than Apple, Amazon, Nvidia, Microsoft and Alphabet spent combined protecting their own CEOs. It’s not paranoid if everyone is actually always mad at you, right?

Got an FSA or HSA? You can use those funds on Amazon for OTC meds, Fitbits and more. Just go to Account & Lists > Account > Your Payments > Add a payment method > Add an FSA or HSA card. Enter your info, hit Add your card, and you’re set. Here are all the eligible items. So smart.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Kim’s weekend warrior toolkit

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Before you call in a handyman, hang on a sec. I know home repairs can feel like one big headache. But with the right gear, you can save yourself hundreds, maybe thousands and still keep your cool.

I did the heavy lifting and put together this great list of tools that are smart, compact, and ready to swoop in and save your weekend. Let’s nail this.

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Early Labor Day deals

🪥 My pick: Oral-B iO electric toothbrush (30% off)

Save your gums and your dentist’s judgmental sighs. Bonus: includes a free travel case.

😁 Crest Gum Detoxify Plus (24% off, three-pack): Sensitivity protection + whitening + cavity control = your mouth’s dream team.

🍋 Garbage disposal cleaner tablets (36% off): A year’s supply of citrusy, gunk-free drains? Yes, please.

🧼 Tide PODS laundry detergent (15% off): These little guys pack twice the punch as regular laundry soap.

🩷 The Pink Stuff multipurpose cleaner (46% off): TikTok’s cleaning queen. Basically, elbow grease in a bottle.

🐶 Earth Rated dog poop bags (17% off): My unsung hero for every dog walk. Extra thick, no leaks, no disasters.

🐦 Early bird gets the bargains: Click this secret link, and load up before the weekend rush. My Amazon page has more steals you’ll love.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Stop peeping Toms

📱 My pick: Privacy screen protectors

For iPhones (17% off) and Samsungs (15% off): These anti-spy shields block side glances, so only you’ll see your screen.

🫣 Webcam covers (28% off, three-pack): Ditch the Post-it note. Fits laptops, tablets and smartphones. I slap them on all my tech.

💳 RFID-blocking cards (20% off, six-pack): Think of them as invisible armor. Slip one in your wallet and stop digital pickpockets cold.

⚡ USB data blockers (20% off, four-pack): Juice jacking? Not today. Charge up anywhere while keeping hackers out.

🚨 Hidden camera detector (22% off): Scans hotel rooms, Airbnbs and sketchy bathrooms. Bonus: spots GPS trackers.

🔒 Lock it down: Head to my Amazon storefront for the privacy picks and gear I handpicked. Your future self will thank you.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Big Tech’s secret plan to bundle you

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Cut the cord? Maybe you didn’t… Amazon, Apple and YouTube sell competitors’ services under one roof. I talk to a drone operator who saved a dog from a coyote. Plus: AirPods turn into live translators, and Google drops a $2,300 folding Pixel. Don’t miss this one!

Emergencies don’t wait

⚠️ Why should you? A little prep today means less panic tomorrow.

🔋 Stay tuned: Crank this emergency radio (15% off) for weather alerts, a flashlight and even to charge your phone.
Blackout backup: When the power’s out, rechargeable light bulbs (27% off, four-pack) keep shining like normal.
🚨 Sound the alarm: These smoke alarms (13% off, five-pack) work for 10 years straight. No 2 a.m. battery chirps.
Guard your goods: From birth certificates to laptops, fire- and water-resistant bags (21% off, three-pack) protect ’em.
🔥 Smother the flames: Using this fiberglass blanket (41% off) is way easier than a fire extinguisher. No training, no mess.

⛈️ Stay ready for anything: Stock up on more smart safety picks on my Amazon page. Peace of mind is just a click away.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Shine on, scrub star

✨ Cleaning isn’t glamorous, but the right tools turn “ugh, chores” into “ahh, tidy.”

⌨️ Oddly satisfying: Press this gooey gel (42% off) into your keyboard or car vents and watch dust vanish.
🙈 Dirt can’t hide: From baseboards to ceilings, tackle every tight spot with a long-handled wall mop (5% off).
🧽 An internet fave: Scrub Daddy’s kitchen sponges (10% off, five-pack) have 4.8 stars and 81,000+ fans.
🫧 Gentle but mighty: Safe for all colors, this nontoxic spray (29% off) protects leather, faux and even vinyl.
♻️ No more messy rolls: A stackable trash bag dispenser (15% off) keeps ’em neat and ready to grab.

🛒 Your cart upgrade: If you love these picks, tap here for more essentials. Then, pop over to my Amazon storefront for more all-stars.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Genius hacks for under $25

💰 No need to spend a fortune. Just a few small upgrades with big payoffs.

💻 Work smarter, not hunched: This laptop stand (36% off) keeps you from twisting into a human pretzel.
💡 Dim the distractions: Block those pesky blinking lights with these LED blackout stickers (20% off).
💊 Dose of organization: Perfect for travel, this daily pill organizer (10% off) fits everything from meds to fish oil tablets.
🚛 Moving made easy: These reusable bags ($26, six-pack) with handles and zippers can haul up to 65 lbs.
🫧 Small bathroom? No prob. A floating shelf (33% off) adds two tiers of storage right above your toilet.

⚡ Blink and you’ll miss it: Amazon’s lightning deals are live today but gone in minutes. Snag your faves, and check out my storefront for more good stuff.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Power plays

👩‍💻 Life runs on tech. Here’s the gear that’ll keep you connected.

🤖 Upgrading your Android? Save $250 on the slim, lightning-fast Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (20% off).
⌚ Band together: These elastic nylon Apple Watch bands (15% off, three-pack) feel comfy from work to the gym.
📱 Twist of genius: Scroll hand-free or film your next viral overhead video with a gooseneck phone holder (10% off).
🔋 Fast fuel: This portable charger (10% off) can power up to four gadgets at once. Bonus: built-in wall plug.
🔊 Big sound, small box: Over 35,000 shoppers gave this waterproof Bluetooth speaker (15% off) 4.6 stars.

🎉 Labor Day came early: Why wait? Click this secret link for the first steals. Then, swing by my Amazon page to shop smarter, not harder.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Too hot to handle

👩‍🍳 Forget Gordon Ramsay. These gadgets bring the fun and the flavor.

🔥 King of the grill: Alpha Grillers’ BBQ set (34% off) has all the tools you need to rule burger night.
☕ Double the whisk: From lattes to matcha, 238,000+ folks gave this milk frother (20% off) 4.4 stars.
🥘 One-pot wonder: With 18 functions, this rice cooker (10% off) can steam, sauté, you name it.
🧂 Shake things up: These electric salt and pepper grinders (41% off) do all the twisting for you.
🍿 Pop culture: Snoopy says ditch the microwave bags for a Peanuts-themed popcorn maker ($35).

🎁 Not sure what to grab?An Amazon gift card never disappoints. Then see what else is cooking on my storefront.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Lug nutty

🚘 Save yourself stress (and a tow truck bill) with these upgrades.

🪫 Dead battery? Skip the AAA wait. This jump-starter (20% off) doubles as a power bank for your phone.
✨ See the light: Drive safely at night with a headlight restoration kit (10% off). No tools needed.
🛒 Grocery hero: Hang your bags on these headrest hooks (45% off, four-pack). 4.6 stars & 62,000+ reviews.
😎 Sunglass HQ: Magnetic suede holders (20% off, two-pack) keep your shades steady on bumpy rides.
🛻 Fold and go: This trunk organizer (24% off) is sturdy when you need it, folds flat when you don’t.

🛠️ ICYMI: I rounded up the best DIY tools that’ll make you look like a pro. Check your inbox, then cruise over to my Amazon shop for more.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Turn 10 seconds into $30K

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Those short clips for TikTok? They’re super lucrative. Plus, Auntie Anne’s takes to the skies with new drone delivery, why Amazon is now selling used cars, and how one woman got a real engagement ring from her AI boyfriend.

Happy ‘National Relaxation Day’

😌 Rest assured, it’s a real thing … and the perfect excuse to treat yourself.

🧘‍♀️ Instant zen: An essential oil diffuser (46% off) brings the spa home. Such a great gift idea!
💪 Knot today, tension: This massage gun (35% off) has 4.5 stars and 34,000+ reviews for a reason.
🧊 Chill out: Memory foam pillows (27% off, two-pack) with cooling gel mean no pillow flipping at 2 a.m.
🔥 One-wrap wonder: Hot or cold, this therapy wrap (20% off) will soothe your hurt foot, elbow or wrist.
💋 Kiss dryness goodbye: Grace & stella’s lip mask (41% off) hydrates and repairs while you sleep.

💝 Because you deserve it: Why stop here? Click through to my Amazon page for more cozy comforts and gift-worthy gems.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

💨 Kale, yeah: Amazon now delivers groceries like milk, meat and veggies the same day. Great when your stomach needs instant gratification. It’s live in 1,000 cities and will reach 2,300 by year’s end. Orders over $25 ship free for Prime members, with insulated bags keeping things fresh. Top sellers? Strawberries, limes and avocados because guac waits for no one.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.