Personalize your biz emails: Instead of sending a one-size-fits-all marketing blast to your customers, try segmenting your audience to send the right message to the right person. Most email service providers let you set up multiple lists. MailChimp, Constant Contact and all the other big ones do. Smart!
Money-saving secret your cable and internet provider doesn't want you to know
When you’re driving, spotty cell coverage is a drag. Music, GPS, and calls just won’t go through. Here’s a quick guide to boosting your service no matter where the road takes you.
What about a travel pro tip if you prefer to fly to your destination? You can see which flights include the most legroom with the right tools. I tell all my tall friends about this trick. Tap or click here for the secret — it’s No. 5 on the list.
If you’re heading off for a long trip, spending time in a seasonal home, or otherwise away, here’s a smart way to save money: Pause your cable and internet. Yes, you can do this and keep many of your service’s perks.
Here’s why canceling isn’t your best option
When you’re going on an extended trip, there’s no reason to pay for internet service back home. You might think canceling and reactivating is the way to go. That’s a bad idea.
- You’ll often face a cancellation fee.
- Canceling your service is frustrating and takes time. You’ll likely be bombarded with questions about why you’re canceling and offers to keep you. And once you’re through with everything, you’ll have to take time to return equipment to your provider.
- You’ll often pay an activation fee to reactivate your previous service or sign up with a new one.
- Resuming service takes time, too. You’ll need to set up your plan, payment, and equipment.
The good news is many ISPs and cable/satellite providers allow you to pause your service, which is much more convenient. Below I gathered info on some of the biggest providers in the country. If you don’t see yours, check its website or call them.
NOTE: Before pausing any service, speak with a representative to ensure you won’t lose any special pricing or features. For example, if you’re on a price-for-life rate and pause your plan, you might lose that rate when you restart it. You don’t want to give up a great rate that you’re locked into to save a few bucks while on vacation.
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Comcast Xfinity
Xfinity’s Seasonal Convenience Plan lets you put your TV, internet, and voice services on hold while you’re away. You keep your equipment, phone number, and Comcast.net email address, which you can still access during the hold.
If you upgrade to Seasonal Internet Access, you’ll still be able to control your smart devices at home while you’re away, too. There’s no reconnection charge, and you won’t need a service call when you return.
Scammers are using free or cheap internet to lure you in - How to spot their tricks
The ongoing pandemic has made reliable internet service essential. Though some are returning to the office and children attend classes in person, we don’t know what the future will bring. Sporadic COVID outbreaks are still causing places to shut down.
From the “I’m-from-the-government-and-I’m-here-to-help” department: Effective June 1, the federal internet subsidies that gave 20 million low-income U.S. families access to speedy internet are over. Here’s a list of providers offering discounted internet prices through the end of 2024.
Reader question: ‘Are all VPNs the same? Which one should I go with?’
I recently received a great question from a reader named Jim. He wanted to know about VPNs, and I think this is something many folks may be unclear about.
“I have a question about iPhone security. Are all VPNs the same? Or is one better than the other?” He went on to say that his phone has been compromised in the past.
Free online tools that reveal if you're overpaying on hospital bills
Medical debt is squashing American families across the country. In 2017, 19% of households who received care couldn’t afford to pay for it upfront, the U.S. Census Bureau found. They were in debt for an average of $2,000.
Check before you travel: A Florida man was hit with a whopping $143,442.74 phone bill from T-Mobile for roaming costs when traveling in Switzerland. He thought he was covered. Nope. They reversed the charges. Pro tip: There’s a $50-per-month T-Mobile travel plan to prevent stuff like this. Most providers have something similar.
Internet providers will keep you connected, even if you can't pay your bill
We’re more reliant than ever on the internet to keep up with what’s going on in the world — especially in the face of a global pandemic like what we’re experiencing with the coronavirus.
There is plenty of solid information online to help track the spreading of the virus, along with what to do if you’re feeling symptoms. Tap or click here for ways to get a coronavirus assessment without leaving home.
Money-saving trick to stream everything you want without breaking the bank
Are you a cord-cutter who relies on streaming services? Perhaps you’re a cord-never (those who have never signed up for cable) who utilizes apps like Roku, Apple+ and Pluto TV for watching television, or maybe you prefer a combo of cable and streaming services.