Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department built a fake bear on a remote-controlled platform that charges at you going 35 mph. Truly the Teslabear nobody wanted. The test? See if you can whip out bear spray in time. Spoiler alert: Most people would be toast. Your best bet is to keep that spray holstered, and never in your backpack.
Insurance rates rising, here’s what you can do
My car insurance just jumped 32%. No, I didn’t get into an accident or rack up a few speeding tickets. Since 2020, car insurance rates have skyrocketed by 37%, and in 2024 alone, they climbed another 16.5%. Some states saw hikes of over 50%!
Even if your ride isn’t fresh off the lot, you’re paying the price.
🚗 New cars = $$$ repairs
Bumpers used to be, well, bumpers. Now? They’re loaded with radar sensors, cameras and computers for crash prevention and parking assist. Even a minor fender bender can cost thousands to fix. But there’s more…
💡 LED headlights are brighter: Gone are the days of swapping out a $20 bulb. A new LED headlight? $1,500 or more.
⚡ EVs cost more to repair: On average, EV repairs cost $6,618, compared to $4,437 for gas-powered cars. Why? Battery replacements, software issues and the average EV repair take 20 days. That’s 40% longer than gas cars.
🛠️ Aluminum is lighter: Manufacturers use aluminum to boost fuel efficiency and safety, but it’s harder to repair than steel and costs more.
💰 How to save on your car insurance
- Review your coverage – Do you really need full coverage on an older car? Raising your deductible can lower your monthly payment.
- Ask about discounts – Got an anti-theft system? Accident-free record? Defensive driving course? Call your agent and ask what you qualify for.
- Try usage-based insurance – If you don’t drive much, programs like Mile Auto or Nationwide SmartRide could save you 30% or more.
- Bundle up – Combining auto, home, life or even pet insurance with one provider can unlock serious discounts.
- Compare rates – Use sites like The Zebra or Insurify.
🧭 What about those trackers
“Just pop a tracker in your car, and boom, lower rates!” Sounds good, right?
Well, that device tracks your speed, braking and every trip you take. I hear you: “Kim, our phones already track us.” True, but I’m not handing over even more data for a tiny discount.
Showered with love
💐 Just two weeks till Mother’s Day! Here’s your baby shower or new baby gift cheat sheet.
- Keep little hands out of cabinets with child safety locks (8% off).
- These Tide pens (13% off) are a lifesaver for surprise spills.
- Baby burps? Grab a set of anti-colic bottles ($25) for 3- to 6-month-olds.
- Trim tiny nails safely with a baby electric nail trimmer ($35).
- Stay cool on summer walks with a handheld stroller fan (15% off).
- This bassinet (24% off) easily turns into a bedside sleeper or playpen.
💝 The mother load: I couldn’t fit in all the goodies, so head over to my Amazon page for the gifts I want for Mother’s Day. Your grandma, mom, wife or daughter will love ’em, too.
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💬 Discord is super popular with kids: If yours use it the chat app, go to User Settings > Privacy & Safety > Safe Direct Messaging > Keep Me Safe. This enables the explicit media content filter. It’s worth explaining to your kiddo why you’re turning this on.
Amazon vs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
The feds say Amazon’s liable for unsafe third-party products. Amazon’s counter? The Safety Commission itself is unconstitutional.
📵 Phones down, eyes up: That’s the YMCA’s new water safety campaign for parents this summer. Why? Drowning is the number one cause of death for kids ages 1 to 4, and it often happens within 25 yards of a distracted parent. It’s usually silent, with no splashes, and can happen in 30 seconds or less. I know there’s someone you need to share this with.
7 miles
How far a lost 2-year-old boy walked to safety. He wandered from his home in rural Arizona and spent the night alone in mountain lion territory. After 16 tense hours, a rancher spotted him safe with his dog, Buford. Turns out, the shaggy companion guided him out of the wilderness. Imagine getting out-hiked by someone who can’t say or spell “hike.” Amazing.
🏊 Pool safety tip: Drowning is the top cause of death for kids ages 1 to 4. Sadly, 88% happen with an adult nearby. That’s why the Y-M-C-A launched Phones Down, Eyes Up. Take their pledge and get a free lock screen reminder, pool safety tips and a “Water Watcher” lanyard for the grown-up keeping watch.
Affordable portables
🧳 You’ve got places to go. My picks are built to come along for the ride.
- Kick back, relax and save on a folding camping chair (14% off).
- Take a quick rinse anywhere with a portable shower (20% off).
- This handy 3-in-1 vacuum (43% off) can also dust and pump air.
- Charge up with the sunshine with a solar power bank (20% off).
- Tiny screen? Grab an extra monitor (33% off) to double your real estate.
🐶 Fur real safety: Snag a belt leash (15% off) to keep your pup strapped in while you’re on the road.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🛡️ App armor: Fake Google Play Store links are out there. One wrong tap and you’ve downloaded an app full of malware. Turning on Improve harmful app detection lets Google scan shady apps for a safety check. Open the app, tap your profile icon (top right) > Play Protect > Settings > toggle it on.
🔞 Google Messages now blurs unwanted nudes: If someone’s about to send you a spicy pic, you’ll get a heads-up and the option to view it or block the sender. Accidentally sending one? You’ll get a reminder like, “Are you sure you want to send this?” FYI, it’s on by default for kids, but you can double-check under Settings > Protection and Safety.
Weather the storm: Get alerts about severe weather and earthquakes right on your phone. On Android, go to Settings > Notifications > Wireless emergency alerts. For iPhone, open Settings > Notifications. Under “Government Alerts,” toggle on Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts.
🏡 Safe & sound: Protecting your home takes more than just locking the front door. I trust SimpliSafe, the award-winning security system that’s actually easy to set up and use. Don’t wait for a break-in to get serious about your family’s safety.
Guard what matters
🛡️ Protect your things and your peace of mind.
- A personal safety alarm (37% off) is essential.
- Put this great travel door lock (30% off) on any door.
- A fake rock (13% off) is better than the “key under the mat” trick.
- Hide your sensitive info with an identity theft roller (33% off).
- This paper shredder (23% off) runs 60 minutes straight.
👛 Safe n’ sleek: These men’s wallets (9% off) and women’s wristlets (28% off) block digital theft in style.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🚘 Safety must-do: Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall page to see any safety recalls for your vehicle. Just enter your VIN in the search field. If none show up, you’re good to go. You can also download the SaferCar app (iOS & Android) if you’d like that better.
Safety first: Look at the file extension after downloading a PDF online. You’re looking for .pdf. If the file name ends with .exe, delete it. It’s likely malware.
Watch your pulse: If you have no pulse and don’t move for 20 seconds, Google’s Pixel Watch 3 calls emergency services. The FDA just gave Google the go-ahead to roll it out. Have one? Go to Safety & emergency > Loss of Pulse Detection to turn it on.
I love it when things are functional … and mini. Mini is great, too.
- A universal charging cable, complete with USB, USB-C, micro-USB and Apple Lightning adapters.
- An emergency Advil stash (10% off).
- A $9 seatbelt slicer and safety hammer for escaping a wrecked car.
- An eyeglass repair kit under $5.
- An Apple AirTag holder (30% off). Ta-da! Your keys are now unlosable.
I order supplements online: Mix two scoops of collagen* into your coffee or smoothie. I do this every morning to keep my skin, bones and joints happy. (Psst, it’s 45% off and you’ll get free shipping with my link.)
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Pump it up down: Your iPhone’s speaker goes a lot louder than what’s good for your ears. From Settings, pick Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > Reduce Loud Audio. This one’s good to adjust for the kids, too.