Plus, step into an Amazon delivery mystery — a woman’s tale of dozens of packages meant for a stranger. Also, say goodbye to flat social media photos with some great hacks. A heartwarming TikTok story, HBO’s latest app and secrets to making a stellar online dating profile.
Best free home inventory apps to rule the roost in style
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of fire alarms blaring. You quickly realize your home is on fire and rush your family out of the house safely. Then you realize you never took inventory of your belongings.
Take a moment to think about all the valuable things in your home. Have you written them down so you can remember everything you own and how much it is worth? If your answer’s “No,” scroll down for ways to create a free home inventory spreadsheet.
These can save you time, money, and heartache in the event of a disaster
A home inventory spreadsheet is a detailed list of all the items you own in your home. It helps keep track of your possessions and their value, which can be necessary for insurance purposes.
It can save your hide if a fire or flood destroys your belongings. Writing this detailed list beforehand makes the insurance claim process smoother and faster.
On top of that, creating a home inventory spreadsheet can help track your spending and budgeting. It is a clever way to avoid unnecessary purchases and save money. These three budgeting apps are other helpful tools at your fingertips.
You don’t need expensive software to organize your belongings, though. You can download a free template online. Here are some top options.
Free home inventory spreadsheets
This template from Vertex42 includes everyday household items and locations you shouldn’t overlook. (For example, there’s an “Electronics” section for all your gadgets. There’s also a separate column for spots like your garage, kitchen, family room and more.)
It’s best to list each item separately with its price, serial number and model number to make it easier for insurance claims. You can download it for Excel or Google Sheets.
Small biz or side hustle tip: Manage appointments and rentals with these tips and tech tools
Running multiple small businesses can be overwhelming. You have to juggle scheduling, accounting and countless other duties. Talk about stressful.
Luckily, you can streamline your operations with a small business scheduling app like Google Calendar, Calendly or Acuity Scheduling.
Trump deepfakes, Instagram's pedo networks & iPad tipping tactics
Plus, does it pay to go electric? Get the unfiltered truth about EV mileage. I talk to advertising guru Katy Huff about newsletter ads and her company, Madrev.co. Convert your iPhone into a mini metal detector and safeguard your phone from harmful apps.
Always hitting the wrong button? Control your phone and tablet better with these cheap styluses
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We’ve all tapped our phones only to sigh with frustration when the wrong app, letter on the keyboard or setting opens up. Stylus pens aren’t just for tablets. You can use them for better precision on your smartphone, better efficiency with editing apps and more accurate typing. These are our favorites.
Ask Kim: 'Can you help me choose a new PC and printer?'
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Every week, Kim is asked tech-related questions. Which organizers are best for home offices? What apps are the safest for kids to use? What are brands worth the cost?
Kim recently received one question that stood out. Marion from Tennessee explained she helps run two small companies. They want to upgrade two desktop computers and a printer since they have been very slow. She’d like to know what fast computers and printers Kim recommends.
Can we understand bird language?
Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID app helps identify over 6,000 birds. It knows their songs, too. Chirp, chirp. Get a closer look into how to understand what birds are saying.
Catching scammers w/ Trilogy Media, store facial recognition & printer hacks
Plus, ChatGPT-4 is everywhere. I’ll explain why this isn’t good news. Watch out for Bluetooth skimmers at the self-checkout. Earwax-sucking headphones, smart water devices, and stop giving your phone’s address book to apps.
Fast-track your travels with this mobile passport app
Want to breeze through U.S. customs after traveling abroad? In this 60-second podcast, I’ll share an app that can help you get through in no time.
Fake ChatGPT apps
What happens when scam artists get ahold of ChatGPT? I have some tips on what to look out for in this 60-second podcast.
Long-lost Bible passage, 800+ free TV channels & the secret to cheap flights
Plus, popular apps have ties to Communist China. I reveal the ones you should stop using. I give my advice to a gal who needs to preserve 1000+ old photos and a guy who needs good Wi-Fi in a treehouse. Also, if your husband struggles to understand your mood swings, use emojis. Don’t miss out on how your Apple watch can predict falls and my corny jokes.
The Communist China spy apps in your phone
Want to keep your data safe from prying eyes? I have the apps to avoid in this one-minute podcast.
Identify birds with the help of AI
Want to know what birds are chirping in your garden? Bird watchers, I have some great apps for you in this 60-second podcast.
Woman finds love with chatbot husband, tech leaders call for AI pause & secrets online advertisers don't want you to know
Plus, I’ve got the inside scoop on Chinese-tied apps that should be on your security radar (move over TikTok!). And if you’re curious about the afterlife, I’ve got news for you – you can now experience a near-death encounter in VR. Plus, I’ll share some top tips for protecting your privacy by stopping those pesky devices from listening in on your every word.
Airbnb's guest chore lists, Fortnite's $245M settlement & find smartphone spies
Plus, phone, drone and a daring rescue — I talk to the man who did it all. Remember your old TV? It’s part of a class-action lawsuit and I’ll tell you how to get your slice of the action. Tesla app unlocks stranger’s car, 3 apps for a healthier you, and my answer to this question: What’s the safest way to store naked pictures of my wife?
'Scambaiting' w/ @TrilogyMedia, facial recognition hits US stores & 3 signs your printer is hacked
Plus, ChatGPT-4 will soon be everywhere, even in cars. But hold on, I’ll explain why this may not be good news just yet. Also, watch out for Bluetooth skimmers at the self-checkout to protect your financial information. And I’ve got the scoop on earwax-sucking headphones, money-saving smart water devices, and why you should stop giving your phone’s address book to apps.
3 travel journal apps for adventurers
About to hit the road on a crazy journey? Here are some great apps to help you store every memory, in 60 seconds.
Stop giving your phone's address book to apps
Is your friend’s personal info yours to share? The answer is no. In this 60-second podcast, I’ll give you the scoop.
The latest on banning TikTok
Is time almost up for the app? Here’s the full story, in 60 seconds.
Most and least popular subscription services
What apps are you willing to pay for? I’ll tell you, in 60 seconds.