shopping Archives

🎁 Gifts under $50? You betcha!

Amazon

Holiday shopping stressing you out? Skip the gift-card trap. I’ve rounded up 10 amazing gifts, all under $50, that bring joy, wow, and are easy on the wallet. Let’s jump in.

🔪 Titanium tough, easy clean

Slice your meat on one side of this cutting board (43% off) and your veggies on the other. Nonstick and dishwasher-safe, too.

Hot dishes, zero hassle.

Hosting Thanksgiving or just a lazy dinner? Roll out a portable warming mat (31% off), and voilà, toasty bites all night long.

🧘‍♀️ Calm vibes only

An essential oil diffuser (46% off) brings the spa home. Quiet, color-changing and auto-off for stress-free ambience.

Cold hands? Not today

Whether you’re outside or stuck in a chilly office, these cute avocado-shaped hand warmers (25% off) keep your digits feeling toasty.

😌 Bye, knots. Hello, bliss

This massager (36% off) works on your neck, back, feet, and it never asks for a tip. Deep kneading + heat = instant “ahhh.”

Slip into cozy mode

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We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🛣️ Your driver’s license is worth more than you think

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Your driver’s license has two jobs: ID and moneymaker. But sadly, not for you.

State DMVs across the country are quietly making millions selling your personal data. I’m talking names, addresses, license types, accident records and even court history.

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Screen dreams come true

I’ve got the gadgets that’ll make you swipe right.

🍏 Byte-size: Charging station (40% off)

One station, three devices. This wireless charger juices up your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch all at once. Easily packs flat for travel.

🤖 Galaxy, get ready: Rocking a Samsung? Dock up to five gadgets on a fast-charging station (30% off) that won’t overcharge your tech. Fits on your nightstand or desk.

More screen, more power: Triple your workspace with a laptop screen extender (24% off). Makes multitasking on the go way easier.

🔥 Lit for bingeing: Amazon’s newest Fire HD 8 tablet (45% off) is only $55 right now. Prime member? You get early access to the smarter Alexa+.

Jam sesh ready: Give this cell phone stand (33% off) to anyone who loves watching movies on their phone, even if that “someone” is you.

⚡ Current-ly the best: Tap here to see what other goodies are on sale. Go forth and finish your shopping in no time.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Five easy ways to tune up your ride

Let’s get your car road-trip ready for the holidays.

⚠️ Roadside lifesaver: Portable air pump (28% off)

Small enough to fit in your glove box. You’ll be glad to have it if that tire pressure light turns on.

No more cracked seats: A dab of leather conditioner (39% off) softens, shines and smells amazing while it works its magic.

💥 Chip happens: Fix windshield cracks before they spread with a repair kit ($10, 50% off). One drop, wait five minutes and save hundreds.

You deserve better than a plastic bag: Toss your clutter into this leakproof trash bin (41% off) before it takes over your back seat.

📦 Junk in your trunk? From tailgating to shopping bags, this collapsible organizer (15% off) keeps your cargo chaos-free.

ICYMI: Here’s how Prime members can save 25¢ per gallon on Fridays until Dec. 26.

🏁 Your personal pit crew: My Amazon gear page has 25 more handpicked tools to help your wheels stay rolling.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Medicare’s not calling: Open enrollment season almost guarantees you’re going to get more scam calls. Real Medicare won’t call unless they’ve mailed you first. If someone wants your SSN over the phone, they’re shopping for gullible folks. These scammers aren’t sloppy either, they’re international pros who can drain tens of thousands before you notice.

Facebook’s not eavesdropping, it’s data-shopping

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It doesn’t listen to your phone’s mic for info about you. In one case, Facebook got data from 48,000 companies about a single person. Wow. Plus, caller Ron from Georgia is a truck driver who wants to start a YouTube channel. I also cover Google’s plans for Chrome and how to check whether a phone was stolen.

Hide-and-seek: You’re shopping online for your kiddo or spouse, and they walk in. Quick! Hide your open browser windows. On a PC: Windows key + M. (Use Windows key + Shift + M to reopen.) On a Mac: Cmd + Option + H + M. Phew, no spoilers.

Stop saving passwords in browsers, seriously

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I got an email from a listener named Jim K., and it’s the kind of note that sticks with you.

“I checked Have I Been Pwned and found one account breached twice, another nine times, and another five times. I keep my usernames and passwords in Notes. I don’t let websites store my credit card info, but I do reuse passwords. I’m not sure I trust password managers. And I really don’t want to change every password the next time there’s a breach.”

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For whom the bell tolls unpaid

Washington, D.C., Attorney General’s Office

You’ve probably seen it: a text that says something like, “You have an overdue toll balance. Click here to avoid late fees.” It looks official, urgent and believable enough to make you think maybe it’s legit.

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A brew-tiful Monday starts here

Only steamy finds that actually earn a spot on your counter.

🫖 Electric kettle (25% off): Built-in infuser = perfectly steeped tea. Even shuts off on its own, so you don’t panic mid-Zoom call.

Silverware organizer (39% off): Tame that junk drawer. This expandable tray keeps every utensil in its own lane.

🍫 Chocolate molds (33% off, set of six): Whip up peppermint bark bites, hot cocoa bombs or DIY stocking stuffers.

Air fryer liners (23% off): The lazy cook’s secret weapon. Just toss one in for a nearly spotless basket. 4.6 stars & 28K+ reviews.

☕ Coffee machine descaler (20% off): Hard water got your brew tasting “blah”? These tabs get your cups back to café-fresh.

💕 My favorite earbuds (20% off): 32-hour battery life, fabulous sound, noise cancellation, and since every ear is different (obviously), they come with 6 different-size gel tips to fit any size.*

😋 Still stir crazy? Check out 35 more of my faves over on Amazon. Great way to kick off early gift shopping.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Online privacy isn’t a maybe, it’s a must: ExpressVPN hides your IP, encrypts your data and keeps snoops out of your business, whether you’re streaming, shopping or scrolling. Fast, secure and simple to use. Get four extra months here.

📦 Stop porch pirates before the holidays hit: Online shopping season’s here, and thieves know it. SimpliSafe keeps packages, and your home, protected with flashing lights, instant alerts and live monitoring. No contracts, no hidden fees, just peace of mind all season long.

The loyalty trap: That free coffee cost you everything

ChatGPT

Let me tell you something that’ll make you look at your “loyalty perks” apps and programs a lot differently.

You think you’re getting a deal along with points, rewards, a freebie here and there. But what you’re really signing up for is a machine that’s collecting, analyzing and monetizing you.

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Lazy shopping, smart saving

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Don’t waste time hunting for coupon codes. Let your browser (or AI) do it for you and score deals you didn’t even know existed.

Healthy hacks for under $30

A handful of smart swaps can totally lift your mood.

🔊 White noise machine (39% off): Tiny but mighty. Set the timer and drift off to nature sounds at home or while traveling.

Body measuring tape (14% off): Online shopping just got easier. This helps nail your size, so you’ll skip the returns.

🍫 Protein bars (25% off, nine count): Gluten-free with 16 grams of protein and tastes like dessert? You betcha!

Plantar fasciitis insoles (9% off): Trim to fit, pop them in and let the gel cushion your arches and heels all day.

💛 Soothing cough drops (33% off): Scratchy throat? Zinc and vitamin D give your immune system a little boost.

🛒 Want more like this? Hit this secret link to stock up on top-rated essentials.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

AI-powered side hustles

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Turn your creativity into cash with AI! Learn how to start your own AI-powered T-shirt side hustle from home, no design skills required. Then, things get serious with the rise of fileless viruses and how to protect your devices from next-gen malware that hides in plain sight. Plus, the latest buzz on Elon Musk crypto scams, falling Starlink satellites, and ChatGPT’s new shopping feature.

🐝 Sweeten online shopping: Add the Honey extension to your browser and let it hunt down coupon codes across 30,000 sites. It’ll track prices on your Droplist and ping you when there’s a discount. It even tells you when Amazon sellers are overcharging. Buzz buzz, instant savings.

🕳️ The web’s falling apart: Google just told a judge the web’s in “rapid decline.” Advertisers are bailing for streaming and shopping platforms, leaving websites high and dry. Basically, the internet’s breaking up with quirky blogs and small sites for someone hotter, richer and way more into retail. It’s kind of like watching your favorite diner get replaced by a Sweetgreen.

📺 TV shopping 101: Don’t just grab the biggest one. Get 4K, so the picture’s sharp. Confused? OLED gives you deep blacks and vibrant colors but costs more. QLED is brighter, cheaper and better in sunny rooms. Gamers: Look for a 120 Hz refresh rate or higher, so the action doesn’t stutter.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

👀 Window shopping: Amazon’s new Lens Live tool lets you point your phone at anything (shoes, furniture, a dog backpack) and buy a dupe instantly. It’s like Google Lens but with a checkout button. AI even tells you if it’s a good deal. Goodbye, self-control. Hello, impulse cart at 2 a.m.