Mobile wallet. With mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Android Pay, you can use your phone to tap and pay only at stores that accept near field communication (NFC) transactions. But Samsung Pay (available on the Galaxy S6, Note5 and later-generation Galaxy phones) has NFC capability and a separate technology that allows contactless payments at most businesses that have a magnetic-stripe card reader. Plus, earn Samsung Rewards points—redeemable for Samsung products and gift cards from major retailers, among other options—every time you make a qualifying purchase.
Power up. A portable charger can keep your devices running without a desperate search for an outlet. The RAVPower 12000mAh Power Bank ($22) holds enough juice to fully charge an iPhone 7 four times. Plus, dual inputs allow you to charge two devices at once.
Password manager. Creating (and remembering) strong passwords for all your accounts can be taxing. But password manager LastPass will do the heavy lifting for you. The free version will generate and save strong, unique passwords and store them for you securely. You only need to remember one master password. You can use the service to log in to your accounts from multiple devices. The site’s $24-a-year premium option adds a few security features and 1 gigabyte of encrypted storage, but families will do better with the $48-a-year family plan, which allows up to six people to use the service and share log-in information with one another for shared accounts, while keeping other accounts private.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Smart Watch The latest Apple Watch (Series 3, $329)—without the Dick Tracy–esque cellular capability, which has been reported to be sketchy—is an evolved version of its predecessor. It features faster processing speeds and a brighter display, and its built-in GPS and improved barometric sensor are boons for runners. Fans of Siri can interact with the digital assistant through the watch.
-
Donating Complex Assets Doesn't Have to Be ComplicatedIf you're looking to donate less-conventional assets but don't know where to start, this charity executive has answers, such as considering a donor-advised fund (DAF) for its tax benefits and ease of use.
-
Travel trends you can expect this summerThe Kiplinger Letter Domestic trips will trump foreign travel amid economic uncertainties, though some costs are down.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Needinsurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime DaySmart Buying Think twice before getting lured into buying a bunch of stuff you don't need just because it's on sale.
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the DetailsAmazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
