Bin stores let you hit the jackpot

I hit up a bin store the other day. It’s where returned and overstock items find a second chance. I spotted a sealed 2-by-2-foot mystery box for 10 bucks. Naturally, I had to buy it. What was inside? 

Four pairs of men’s black socks, a cat bell, two potato peelers, an iPhone stand and a women’s tee that said, “Cowboys in my veins. Jesus in my heart.” 

What the heck is a bin store?

These are usually small, independently owned shops packed with random Amazon, Target and Walmart returns, overstock inventory and liquidated goods. Some stuff is junk, but you can score deals.

How do you find one?

Easy! Try one of these methods:

🔎 Google it: Search for “bin stores near me,” “Amazon return stores” or “bargain bin stores.” They go by a ton of names.

📍 Facebook Marketplace: Many store owners list their hauls here. Look for listings with warehouse-style photos. Those are your jackpot.

📸 Social media sleuthing: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. are full of bin store hauls. Use these hashtags: #[YourCity]BinStore (e.g., #DallasBinStore), #[YourState]BinStore (e.g., #FloridaBinStore), #LocalBinStore and #BinStoresNearMe.

💬 Reddit recon: Type in “bin store [your state]” and see if anyone has shared a hidden gem near you.

No returns at bin stores

That’s important to know and so are these tips.

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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.

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No-brainer spring deals

🐰 Amazon’s Big Spring Sale has me hopping. Need a rec? Leave me a comment.

📈 What’s trending? Hit this link for more great deals while they last.

Early bird gets the deals

🐣 Amazon’s throwing a Big Spring Sale. Now’s your chance to grab some tech at smokin’ deals.

🛒 Don’t stop here: Amazon has more where this came from. Click here to snag whatever else you’ve been eyeing.

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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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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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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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!

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.

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.

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.