Stop making these AI mistakes

If you’re not using AI in your business or professional life yet, guess what? Your competitors are and they’re getting ahead. Time to change that. 

The secret to making AI actually useful? Asking the right questions. A lazy prompt gets you a lazy answer. A smart one is where the magic happens. Here are three power-packed AI prompts to start using today.

1. For content and marketing

Struggling with blog posts, email campaigns or social media content? Try these prompts.

  • “Write a persuasive email marketing campaign promoting [product/service], focusing on [unique benefit]. Keep it under 150 words.”
  • “Give me five engaging social media post ideas for [industry] that encourage high engagement.”
  • “Write a 1,000-word blog post on [topic], using a professional and informative tone. Include subheadings and a call to action.”

📌 Pro Tip: Be specific. Need a polished LinkedIn post? Say so. Want something fun for Instagram? Ask for engaging. Posting to social? Specify if you need text, captions or video ideas.

2. For strategy and decision-making

AI can spark new ideas, spot trends and help you boost your bottom line.

  • “What are the top five trends in [industry] for [year], and how can I leverage them for my business?”
  • “Give me a step-by-step guide on how to improve customer retention for my business.”
  • “What are three innovative revenue streams I can add to my existing [business model]?”

📌 Pro Tip: Get better AI answers by giving your niche, target audience and company size. Tell AI what you’ve already tried and where you’re stuck.

3. For increasing sales

AI can help you close more deals.

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Dark Web deep dive: Hitmen, hacking and credit cards

Yesterday I told you all about the Dark Web. Missed it? Part 1 is here. As expected, so many of you asked me, “Why the heck would you even go on the Dark Web?”

No, really! The fine folks at the Daily Mail asked if I’d do a Dark Web deep dive and report back. The reason is probably the same one you had for opening this email: It’s intriguing.

I’ve been doing this long enough that I can bring you all the Dark Web craziness without putting myself at risk. I’m not recommending you go digging around. I’m sharing for the curious among us who know better. 

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Water, water everywhere

I get bored drinking water all the time. Let’s make it fun.

  • True Lemon packets are like keeping lemon wedges in your purse or desk.
  • A rainbow’s worth of silicone straws (19% off) for colorful sipping.
  • When your water comes in those big, blue 5-gallon jugs, this convenient pump (39% off) replaces the bulky dispenser.
  • DIY nugget ice gives you the Sonic experience at home. Crunch, crunch, crunch.
  • Stop buying bottled water and grab a Brita premium bottle (32% off) that filters.

✅ To-do: A fireproof, waterproof organizer is the right way to store important docs like your passport and birth certificate.

External hard drives to back up your PC or Mac

So you want a backup drive? Here are my top three picks. Order it now while you’re thinking about it. Everyone needs one of these!

1. Toshiba Canvio Basics (Affordable and simple)

Best for: Budget-friendly external storage and backups for Mac and PC

🔗 View on Amazon, $61.99

🎯 Pros: Affordable, plug and play, comes in different size options

⚠️ Cons: No encryption or password protection and not great for high-speed transfers

2. LaCie Rugged USB-C (Durable and travel-friendly storage)

Best for: Photographers, videographers and others who need rugged, shockproof storage
🔗 View on Amazon, $149.99

🎯 Pros: Shock-, dust- and water-resistant, plus USB-C compatibility

⚠️ Cons: More expensive and bulkier than basic external drives

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I spent a day on the Dark Web [Part 1]

When I say Dark Web, what comes to mind? A hacker in a hoodie? Digital drug deals and hitmen for hire? Usually what our imagination cooks up is a lot more dramatic than reality. But when it comes to the Dark Web, not so much.

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How to land the best flight deals

Spring break is around the corner, and Sundays are the best day to book trips, so let’s talk travel hacks. My dad worked for United Airlines, so I grew up on airplanes. I’ve explored 38 countries (and counting!) with plenty more on my bucket list. Let’s get you the best deals!

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So fresh and so clean

Everything you need to refresh, recharge and restore.

  • Start your day with a soap bar (20% off) packed with Vitamin C to make you glow.
  • Shoe insoles that support your achy feet with every stride.
  • What’s that smell? Eucalyptus and lemongrass shoe spray instead of stinky feet.
  • Too much lint is a fire hazard. A vent cleaner (29% off) gets all your dryer’s hard-to-reach spots.
  • A steam cleaner (10% off) cuts through dirt and grime like no other.

🛍️ It’s on sale: Browse Amazon deals and coupons. Yes, I look at this page most days. No, I wouldn’t call it a problem. Happy shopping!

They just work

Warning: You’re going to love each one.

  • Slice your kitchen clean-up time. Clip on a silicone strainer (35% off) that fits pots and pans of many sizes.
  • Give your pricey leather some love with a cleaner spray (17% off) so it won’t crack and fade
  • Bissell’s Little Green cleaner works on your car, carpets, furniture and anything else. Rare this thing is under $100!
  • Oops, forget your power brick? Plug in your USB cable directly into a power strip ($17).
  • Wake up without bags under your eyes with these overnight patches ($10).

👋 I’m never ironing again: A handheld steam iron ($119) is so much easier. Yeah, it’s a splurge but the cheapo ones don’t get the job done. Hit the coupon box for 20% off!

Treat yourself

Little upgrades to make the day-to-day better.

  • It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. This cocktail shaker ($10) has measurements on it so you don’t need to dirty another thing.
  • Some bidets blast cold water. No, thanks. Snag one ($139) that lets you adjust the temp.
  • Struggling to fasten your bracelets? Use a handy helper tool (23% off).
  • Forget your old power strip. Get one with a flat plug (10% off) that doesn’t stick out behind furniture.
  • A gel cushion ($45) goes a long way if your back hurts.

💡 Bright idea: LED lights keeping you up at night? Put some blocking stickers (20% off) on your tech so you catch those sweet z’s.

How to score deals on Facebook Marketplace

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Facebook isn’t the go-to social media for Gen Z anymore, but Marketplace is keeping them around. Here’s how to find hidden gems and the best deals.

eBay haggling 101: How to score the best deals

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Lowball offer got ignored? Don’t give up yet. The longer a seller waits, the better your chances.

Now this is crafty: JOANN, the fabric and crafting chain, is going out of business. Didn’t take long for scammers to set up fake sites with closeout prices 80% to 90% off retail. The real site (with real deals) is joann.com. Anything else is a fake.

Delete it: Go ahead and remove the chat app Telegram from kids’ phones because “more than 90%” of drug deals and illegal gun sales start there. Telegram, of course, says crime happens on every online platform. I’m all for privacy, but kids don’t need encrypted chat.

“Hey, Kim, what was the name of that …” I get so many questions about our security sponsors. You need five security products. I put together a handy resource where you can find what they do, links and deals I’ve negotiated just for you.

Happy Presidents Day

Snag these holiday deals before it’s too late.

  • Sip on a tumbler (27% off) with a flexible straw that’s dishwasher-safe. Yep, I lug a water bottle around everywhere.
  • Replace your battered old suitcase with an expandable carry-on (44% off) in a bright color so you can find it! Love the cobalt.
  • Speaking of, these luggage tags and passport holders (44% off) are dirt cheap.
  • An outdoor speaker (23% off) brings a light show wherever you take it.
  • How long has it been? Pillows don’t last forever, and these fluffy hotel pillows (25% off) have so many good ratings.
  • A mesh Wi-Fi router (27% off) is the way to go if your house has dead spots.

🍽️ Savings on the menu: Cookware not looking so hot? Treat yourself to new pots and pans (36% off) and a cast iron skillet (42% off, $20).

Presidents Day deals

It’s a holiday weekend, and that means sales, sales, sales.

  • The newest iPad is $70 off, the lowest price since Black Friday. If you want all the AI bells and whistles, wait for the next one.
  • Dive into your favorite story with a brand-new Kindle Paperwhite (16% off).
  • Wonder if I could walk and take meetings at the same time … I want a walking treadmill! This one is 30% off.
  • Streaming upgrade! The latest AI-powered Amazon Fire TV Stick is 24% off.
  • Treat yourself with an eye-massaging mask (30% off) after a long day staring at your computer screen. Click the coupon for an extra $7 off.
  • This Owlet baby monitor sock (20% off) is rarely on sale. It’s FDA-cleared to track heart rate and oxygen levels. I wish they had this when Ian was a baby!

🛒 Time for some couch shopping time: Lots more deals here for your browsing pleasure! Have fun.

OK, that’s a good deal

Time to give kitchen chaos the chop.

  • A fridge deodorizer (11% off) that lasts for 10 years? Yes, please.
  • Your sponge and dishbrush deserve better. Grab a sink caddy (20% off) that keeps them dry.
  • Is food prep eating up your free time? A vegetable chopper (22% off) is basically a sous chef.
  • A warming mat (55% off) keeps dinner toasty when your kids show up to the table fashionably late.
  • A food scale (39% off) is smart to have around if you’re trying to eat more protein or if you love to bake.

🏋️ Let’s get physical: It’s stuck in my head now, too. While you hum along, check out more good-for-you gear.

Big things in small packages

These must-haves bring peace of mind to your family’s busy life.

  • Protect little ones from sharp corners on furniture with a 12-pack of safety bumpers ($8).
  • Tame your kid’s stuffed animals. A hammock (38% off) keeps them tidy and easy to grab.
  • Ooh-la-la. a rotating jewelry box (20% off) with five drawers and 18 necklace hooks.
  • Planning a trip? Order TSA-approved travel containers (23% off) now so you’re not panic-running to Target the night before your flight.
  • Big sound, little earbuds, great price! Raycon’s earbuds (20% off) sound just like the fancy-schmancy pairs* but without the fancy-schmancy price tag!
  • This compact travel document bag (20% off) has three layers of protection against fires and floods.

👜 Gen Z wishlist: What the heck do teens want? I’ve gotcha. Check out my list of stuff they’ll love.

Don’t run out of juice

⚡ These gadgets keep you going all day.

  • Sweet, a mouse pad ($22) that doubles as a wireless phone charger. Click the coupon box!
  • Snag a docking station (22% off) to charge the family’s phones, tablets and smartwatches all in one spot.
  • Everyone needs a portable charger. I found cordless options for Lightning ($19) and USB-C ports (37% off).
  • I love this Bluetooth speaker ($15) that’s small enough to take anywhere.
  • Make your showers more relaxing with a waterproof speaker (43% off) that can come with you to the pool once it gets hot.

🥶 Feeling chilly? It’s warm in Phoenix and cold everywhere else! Grab hand warmers (32% off) that heat up in seconds if you’re over winter.

Hey, bookworm!

📖 Love reading? Want to spend less time scrolling and more time with a good book? I gotcha.

  • If your 10-year-old Kindle is finally crapping out, the new Paperwhite is 16% off. The pages turn faster and the battery lasts longer.
  • For comfier reading and working in bed, you need a nice lap pillow (5% off). It’s even got a pocket for your stuff.
  • Some people swear by these — a $20 remote you wear as a ring. It connects to your phone or Kindle so you can swipe or move to the next page without moving.
  • Bright white reading lights make my eyes hurt. This clip-on model (38% off) has natural and warm light options, too.
  • Is tiny text causing you to squint? This page magnifier ($25) has so many good reviews!

📚 Now all you need is a new book. Dive into Amazon’s bestseller list to find your next page-turner.