If you've been considering a Sam's Club membership, this may be the best deal you'll see all year.

Through July 5, new members can sign up for a standard Sam's Club membership for just $15 for the first year, a $45 discount from the regular $60 annual fee. Shoppers who want additional perks can join Sam's Plus for $50 for the first year, saving $50 off the regular price.

The promotion comes just weeks after Sam's Club raised membership prices, making the discount even more attractive for shoppers considering a warehouse club membership. Whether you're stocking up on groceries, filling up at member-priced gas stations or preparing for summer entertaining, the deal lowers the cost of trying Sam's Club while giving shoppers access to a range of member benefits.

Sam's Club membership: $15 for the first year

The standard Club membership is designed for shoppers who want access to warehouse pricing without paying for premium perks.

For $15, members receive:

• Member-only pricing throughout the warehouse
• Discounted fuel at Sam's Club gas stations
• Scan & Go checkout through the Sam's Club app
• Free curbside pickup on eligible orders
• Two membership cards per household
• Access to Instant Savings offers

If your primary goal is saving money on groceries, household essentials, seasonal items and gas, the $15 introductory offer may be all you need.

Sam's Plus membership: $50 for the first year

Frequent Sam's Club shoppers may find additional value in the Plus membership, which is currently discounted to $50 for the first year.

The Plus membership includes all Club-level benefits, plus:

• 2% Sam's Cash back on eligible purchases
• Free shipping on eligible orders over $50
• Free same-day or next-day delivery on eligible orders over $50
• Exclusive shopping hours from 8 to 9 a.m. every day
• Additional pharmacy savings
• Additional optical savings
• Tire and battery center discounts

The extra perks can help offset the higher membership cost, particularly for shoppers who regularly place online orders, use pharmacy or optical services or spend enough to earn Sam's Cash rewards.

Is the Sam's Club deal worth it?

At $15, the standard membership is one of the lowest-priced warehouse club promotions currently available and offers a low-risk way to test whether Sam's Club fits your shopping habits.

The Plus membership requires a larger upfront investment, but shoppers who frequently use delivery services, earn Sam's Cash rewards or take advantage of pharmacy and optical savings may find the upgraded membership pays for itself over the course of the year.

The limited-time promotion ends July 5 and is available only to eligible new members.

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Last month, Amazon announced anyone with a Kindle built before 2013 will no longer have access to the Kindle Store, Kindle Unlimited or the "send to Kindle" service. The news effectively meant that older Kindles would be almost useless.

If your device was among the models affected, this year's Amazon Prime Day sale is the perfect opportunity to snag the upgraded device you need at a discount.

Whether you're shopping for a brand new eReader or looking for something used but still in good condition, this week, the major online marketplace is packed with plenty of discounted tech to save you money. To help you find the right replacement for your old eReader, here's a roundup of the best Amazon Prime Day deals on Kindles this week.

Best Prime Day Kindle deals to shop now

To get the most time out of your next Kindle purchase, it helps to buy brand new. Since companies tend to stop providing support after a few years and, in Amazon's case, may even remove features, you can get the most years out of your next Kindle before support ends by getting the latest model.

If you get that latest model during the Amazon Prime Day sale, you can stretch your dollar even further by paying less than full price. With that in mind, here are the best Amazon Prime Day Kindle deals available right now:

Tips for buying a used Kindle on Amazon

If you held onto your last Kindle long enough that Amazon cut support for it, even a used Kindle that's a couple years old will feel like a major upgrade in features and functionality.

And you can often find prices even lower than the best Prime Day deals on the latest models if you browse Amazon Resale, the major retailer's used marketplace.

But there is a catch. Buying used tech means you have to be careful about the quality and condition of the device you're buying. Since Amazon's marketplace can be a little confusing to navigate, here are a few tips to get your money's worth when shopping used:

• Choose "like new" condition: Amazon rates the condition of used items on its website on a scale of "as is" to "like new." While even the worst condition products should still be functional, tech is one of those categories where you want to stick as close to new condition as possible.
• Note the return policy: While there are some things you can't return to Amazon, used products aren't on the list. Still, you will have a limited window of time during which you can get a refund. As soon as the Kindle arrives, test out all the features a few times over to make sure everything works as expected. That includes page navigation, charging speed, downloading books, browsing your library and other key features you need for a smooth reading experience. That way, if something is off, you're well within the return window to get your money back.
• Check the seller: Your best bet is to go with a Kindle that's shipped and sold by Amazon directly. But depending on the model you're looking at, the device in the best condition might be from a third-party seller. If that's the case, make sure the seller has a strong rating (with many reviews) and then double check their return policy, as it can differ from Amazon's standard return policy.

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The 2026 U.S. Open is officially underway at historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, though players got a later-than-expected start after heavy fog delayed first-round tee times by about two hours Thursday morning.

The weather could remain a major storyline throughout the championship, with tournament officials monitoring the potential for storms and wind gusts of up to 40 mph. If conditions worsen, Shinnecock's fast greens, thick rough and exposed layout could make one of golf's toughest tests even more demanding.

Defending champion J. J. Spaun returns after capturing his first major title last year, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives looking to complete the career Grand Slam. Other contenders include Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele. If you're planning to tune in this weekend, here's everything you need to know about the TV schedule and streaming options.

2026 U.S. Open TV schedule

Golf fans can follow every round of the 2026 U.S. Open on NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel and Peacock, with coverage beginning each morning and continuing into the evening.

How to stream the 2026 U.S. Open without cable

If you don't have a traditional cable package, several live TV streaming services carry NBC and USA Network, while Peacock offers additional tournament coverage.

Here's how the major streaming options compare on price, channels and free trial availability.

How to watch the U.S. Open while traveling

If you'll be away from home during the tournament, you may find that some streaming services offer different content depending on your location. That can make it harder to access the channels or subscriptions you normally use.

One option for travelers is a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure connection and can let you use the internet through a server in a different location, helping protect your privacy when using public Wi-Fi and potentially allowing access to services tied to your home account.

If you're considering a VPN, be sure to review the streaming service's terms of use. Most VPN providers make setup straightforward, typically requiring you to download an app, sign in and choose a server location before connecting.

New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:

• Choose a VPN service, such as Nord VPN, and follow the setup instructions
• Select a server location that matches your home country
• Open your streaming app and log in as usual

Whether you're tuning in to watch Scheffler chase history, McIlroy pursue another major championship or see if Spaun can successfully defend his title, there will be plenty of drama at Shinnecock Hills.

With coverage spread across NBC, USA Network and Peacock, golf fans have multiple ways to follow every round of the 2026 U.S. Open.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, with 104 matches taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico in the tournament's largest format ever.

The competition runs through July 19, with English-language coverage airing on FOX, FS1 and FOX One, while Spanish-language broadcasts are available on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

Whether you're following Team USA's path through the group stage, defending champions Argentina or tournament favorites such as Brazil and Spain, there are several ways to watch every match live. Here's what you need to know.

Where to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

In the United States, English-language broadcasts are available on FOX, FS1 and the new FOX One streaming service.

Spanish-language coverage is available on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

The prices listed above reflect each service's standard monthly rate. Depending on when you subscribe, you may qualify for a free trial, introductory pricing or a limited-time promotion, so it's worth checking current offers before signing up.

For viewers looking to watch every World Cup match in English without paying for a full live-TV bundle, FOX One may be one of the most affordable options. The service carries matches airing on FOX and FS1 and costs $19.99 per month, making it possible to follow the entire tournament for little more than a single month's subscription.

Another low-cost option is a digital over-the-air antenna. Many marquee World Cup matches, including games airing on your local FOX station, can be watched for free after a one-time equipment purchase. However, reception varies based on factors such as your location, terrain and distance from broadcast towers, so access isn't guaranteed in every area.

You'll also need a cable, satellite or streaming subscription to watch matches that air exclusively on FS1.

How to watch the World Cup while traveling

Planning to watch the World Cup while traveling? Some platforms limit content based on your location, which could affect how you watch matches away from home.

To maintain access to eligible streaming subscriptions, some travelers use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, providing an added layer of privacy and potentially helping you access services associated with your account while traveling.

New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:

• Choose a VPN service, such as Norton VPN, and follow the setup instructions
• Select a server location that matches your home country
• Open your streaming app and log in as usual

Team USA schedule

As a host nation, the United States automatically qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and opens group play against Paraguay before facing Australia and Türkiye in Group D. The top teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, where the tournament shifts to single-elimination play.

All times and channels are subject to change.

2026 FIFA World Cup schedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from through July 19 and features 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Listing every match would be overwhelming; the schedule below highlights the key dates for each stage of the tournament, from the group stage through the World Cup Final.

Catch every moment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup offers more matches than ever before, but watching doesn't have to mean paying for an expensive cable package.

Whether you choose FOX One, a live TV streaming service or a combination of an antenna and streaming subscription, there are several ways to follow the tournament while keeping costs in check. Compare your options before kickoff to find the best fit for your budget and viewing habits.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

The 2026 NBA Finals could come to an end this weekend, with the New York Knicks holding a commanding 3-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs and sitting one victory away from their first NBA title since 1973.

The Knicks earned that opportunity with a historic Game 4 comeback on June 10, erasing a 29-point deficit to beat the Spurs 107-106 at Madison Square Garden. OG Anunoby's tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining completed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history and gave New York a commanding lead in the series.

Every game of the NBA Finals airs exclusively on ABC. Cord-cutters have several ways to watch, with most major live TV streaming services carrying the network. Here's everything you need to know about watching the 2026 NBA Finals.

2026 NBA Finals schedule

The Knicks and Spurs will play a best-of-seven series, with the NBA championship going to the first team to win four games. While seven games are scheduled, the series could end sooner if one team reaches four victories before Game 7.

*If necessary.

Watch the NBA Finals on ABC

The simplest way to watch the NBA Finals is through your local ABC station. If you have a traditional cable, satellite or streaming TV package that includes ABC, you'll be able to watch every game live.

Many viewers can also watch ABC for free with an over-the-air antenna, depending on their location and signal strength.

Best streaming services for the NBA Finals

YouTube TV — $54.99/month

YouTube TV includes ABC, ESPN and more than 100 live channels. The service also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, making it easy to record games and watch later.

Hulu + Live TV — $89.99/month

Hulu + Live TV combines live sports coverage with access to Hulu's on-demand library, Disney+ and ESPN+ in a single subscription.

Fubo — Sports + News ($55.99/month)

Fubo carries ABC in most markets and is known for its sports-focused channel lineup. New subscribers may qualify for a free trial.

Sling TV — $45.99/month

Sling TV is one of the more flexible streaming options for NBA fans. In addition to its standard monthly subscription, viewers can choose prepaid access for one day, three days, seven days or three months. Sling Orange includes ESPN and provides access to NBA Finals coverage. ABC availability varies by market, so check Sling's channel lineup in your area before subscribing.

DirecTV — $64.99/month

DirecTV offers access to ABC and ESPN along with a broad lineup of sports, entertainment and news channels.

Can you watch the NBA Finals on the ESPN App?

Yes, you can stream games through the ESPN App with a participating TV provider or eligible streaming subscription.

The ESPN App may also offer additional viewing experiences, including alternate camera angles, enhanced statistics and companion broadcasts during the series.

How to watch the NBA Finals while traveling

If you're traveling during the NBA Finals, you may still be able to stream coverage through your existing subscriptions. However, some streaming services may limit access based on your location, meaning your usual coverage could look different while you're away from home.

In those situations, some viewers use a virtual private network (VPN) to access their streaming accounts while traveling. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, which may help you securely sign in to your streaming services while on the go.

New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:

• Choose a VPN service, such as NordVPN, and follow the setup instructions
• Select a server location that matches your home country
• Open your streaming app and log in as usual

Don't miss the NBA's biggest stage

With every game airing on ABC and multiple streaming options available, fans have more ways than ever to watch the Knicks and Spurs battle for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Whether you watch through cable, an antenna or a live TV streaming service, you'll be able to catch every moment of the 2026 NBA Finals.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

The PGA Championship returns May 14 through May 17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, highlighting a busy stretch of the PGA Tour schedule.

Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament after winning the 2025 PGA Championship and remains one of the sport’s dominant players. He narrowly missed adding another major earlier this season, finishing one stroke behind Rory McIlroy at the Masters.

McIlroy heads into the PGA Championship with momentum following his Masters victory, while many of golf’s top-ranked players are expected to compete in the season’s second major.

2026 PGA Championship TV schedule

Golf fans can watch the 2026 PGA Championship across ESPN, CBS and several streaming platforms throughout the four-day tournament.

Coverage begins Thursday, May 14 and continues through the final round on Sunday, May 17.

CBS coverage times

CBS Sports will air the main weekend coverage during the final two rounds:

● Saturday, May 16: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET

● Sunday, May 17: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET

ESPN will carry early coverage on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET before CBS takes over. Fans can stream the CBS broadcast live through Paramount+ with the Paramount+ Premium plan.

Where to stream the PGA Championship

If you plan to stream the tournament instead of watching on cable, several services will carry live PGA Championship coverage throughout the week, including early-round feeds and weekend broadcasts.

ESPN+

ESPN+ offers the most comprehensive coverage of the tournament, including:

• Early-round coverage on Thursday and Friday
• Featured groups
• Featured holes
• Additional live feeds throughout the tournament

Paramount+

Paramount+ will stream the live CBS weekend broadcast during the third and final rounds.

Cord-cutters can also watch through live TV streaming platforms that carry ESPN and CBS, including:

Prices listed reflect standard monthly price ranges and may not include limited-time offers or new customer promotions. Check each streaming provider for current free trials, discounts and bundle deals.

How to watch the PGA Championship while traveling

If you're traveling during the PGA Championship, you may still be able to stream coverage through your existing subscriptions. However, some streaming services may limit access based on your location, meaning your usual coverage could look different while you're away from home.

In those situations, some viewers use a virtual private network (VPN) to access their streaming accounts while traveling. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, which may help you securely sign in to your streaming services while on the go.

New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:

• Choose a VPN service, such as NordVPN, and follow the setup instructions
• Select a server location that matches your home country
• Open your streaming app and log in as usual

Don't miss the PGA Championship this weekend

Whether you're watching on ESPN, CBS, Paramount+ or streaming on the go, there are several ways to follow the 2026 PGA Championship live from Aronimink Golf Club.

With top players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy in the field, golf fans will have plenty of storylines to follow throughout the tournament weekend.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

If you're mapping out where to watch your favorite team this season, Paramount+ is offering a limited-time deal that might be worth a closer look, especially if you follow live sports.

Through March 31, new and returning subscribers can sign up for either Paramount+ plan for $2.99 a month for the first two months. The offer is available to users who have not had an active subscription for at least one month. After the promotional period, regular pricing resumes.

At first glance, this might look similar to the platform's Black Friday promotion. But when you break down the numbers, this version of the deal offers stronger short-term savings.

How much this Paramount+ deal can save you

To put the offer in perspective, here's how the promotional pricing compares with Paramount+'s standard monthly rates.

In the two-month promotional period, that adds up to $12 in savings on Essential and $22 on Premium. If you're signing up to watch a specific tournament or a stretch of games, the discount can help keep costs down.

Which plan makes sense for sports fans?

If your primary goal is watching sports, the plan you choose matters.

Paramount+ Essential

• Includes ads
• Offers on-demand content
• Limited access to Showtime content
• Does not include your local CBS live stream

Paramount+ Premium

• Ad-free viewing (except live TV)
• Full Showtime library included
• Live stream of your local CBS station
• Ability to download content

For sports viewers, the biggest difference is access to live CBS broadcasts, which are included with Premium. That matters because CBS carries several major sporting events throughout the year.

How this deal fits into the current sports season

Timing is part of what makes this promotion notable. The two-month window overlaps with a busy stretch on the sports calendar, including:

• NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness), which runs from March 17 through April 6, 2026
• MLB Opening Day on March 26, 2026
• The NBA playoff push, as the regular season wraps up in April

CBS and its partner networks typically broadcast key games during March Madness, making Paramount+ Premium a potential low-cost way to stream them if you don't have cable.

Looking ahead, Paramount+ is also positioned to support coverage tied to a broader lineup of global sports:

• Golf. The Masters Tournament (April 9 to April 12) and the Ryder Cup (September 26 to September 28)
• Soccer. Ongoing European league play (August 2025 through May) and lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11 to July 19)
• International events. The Commonwealth Games (July 23 to August 2)

While not every event will stream directly on Paramount+, the platform's connection to CBS Sports and international rights deals means it often plays a role in broader coverage.

When this deal makes the most sense

Short-term streaming deals like this tend to work best if you have a specific viewing goal in mind.

For example, you might:

• Subscribe to watch March Madness games
• Catch early MLB season matchups
• Test the platform before committing long-term

At $2.99 per month, the Premium tier costs less than a typical single month at full price, which lowers the barrier to trying it out.

However, once the promotional period ends, the service returns to its standard pricing. If you're not planning to keep it, it's worth setting a reminder before the renewal date to cancel the service.

Streaming costs continue to rise, but limited-time offers such as this can still provide value, especially when they align with major live events.

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Get ready for two weeks of fast-paced winter competition, the 2026 Winter Olympics are almost here. The Games officially begin February 6, as athletes from more than 90 countries head to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, to compete for gold across a packed schedule of Olympic winter sports.

The Opening Ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium will officially launch the 25th Winter Games, though some preliminary events — including ice hockey, curling and snowboarding — will begin beforehand.

If you’re planning to watch the action, you'll have several streaming options. We'll get into ways to watch the Winter Olympics and how to save.

Where to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in the U.S.

NBCUniversal holds the broadcasting rights for the Winter Olympics in the United States. Coverage will be split across several platforms and channels.

Traditional TV channels

NBCUniversal will broadcast events across NBC, USA Network and CNBC. These channels typically carry marquee competitions, highlights and daily coverage throughout the Games.

Streaming services

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s primary streaming hub for full Olympic coverage. Viewers will need the Premium tier, which costs about $10.99 per month. Subscribers typically get access to live event coverage, along with recap programming, including the daily “Gold Zone” highlights show.

If you're a Walmart+ member, Peacock Premium is also included with a Walmart+ membership, which costs $98 annually and offers perks such as free shipping on thousands of items and fuel discounts.

If you don’t currently subscribe to cable, several live-TV streaming services offer free trials or promotional discounts that could help reduce costs.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV subscribers will have full access to NBCUniversal’s Milan Cortina Olympic coverage across NBC, USA Network, CNBC and NBC’s digital platforms. Coverage includes live daytime finals airing on NBC, due to the time difference between Italy and the U.S.

Subscribers can also access more than 2,400 hours of authenticated streaming through NBCOlympics.com, the NBC Sports app and the NBC app. In addition, DIRECTV Sports Central will offer select full-event replays and highlights available on demand.

Sling TV

Sling TV’s Blue plan starts around $45.99 per month and includes USA Network and other sports channels. NBC availability varies by local market, so viewers should confirm access before subscribing.

While Sling generally doesn’t offer as comprehensive NBC coverage as YouTube TV, it can be one of the more affordable paid streaming options.

YouTubeTV

YouTube TV offers NBC, USA Network and CNBC in most markets, making it one of the more comprehensive streaming options for Olympic coverage.

The base plan starts around $82.99 per month and often includes promotional pricing, along with a free trial period that may extend for multiple weeks, depending on current offers.

How to stream the Winter Olympics from anywhere

If you’re traveling during the Olympics, a VPN can help you securely access the streaming services you normally use at home, subject to each platform’s terms.

Some viewers use a virtual private network (VPN), which routes internet traffic through servers in another location. This can sometimes allow those traveling to access the same streaming services they use at home. Keep in mind that streaming platforms have their own terms of service and availability can vary.

Haven't used a VPN before? It's easy to set up:

• Install a VPN service on your device.
• Select a server location matching your home country so you can access your usual streaming subscription while traveling (where terms allow).
• Log into your streaming subscription as usual.

2026 Winter Olympics schedule and key dates

There are a few key dates and new highlights for fans this year, including the return of NHL players to Olympic hockey and the introduction of a brand-new event.

NHL players are returning to Olympic men’s hockey for the first time since 2014, a move expected to boost interest in one of the Games’ most popular events. The Milan-Cortina Games will also debut ski mountaineering, often called “skimo,” which combines uphill climbing and downhill skiing in endurance-based races.

You can review the full lineup of events and competition dates in the official Winter Olympics schedule.

The 2026 Games will run from February 6 to February 22, delivering just over two weeks of competition across dozens of sports, including:

• Alpine skiing
• Figure skating
• Snowboarding
• Bobsled
• Ice hockey
• Curling
• Ski mountaineering (new for 2026)

You have multiple ways to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics

With hundreds of medal events scheduled across nearly three weeks of competition, streaming services often provide broader access than traditional TV coverage, especially for fans who want to follow multiple sports or watch events live.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are expected to deliver major storylines, returning fan-favorite competitions and new events. You don’t necessarily need an expensive cable package to watch. The best viewing option ultimately depends on which events you want to watch, how you prefer to stream and whether you’ll be tuning in from home or while traveling.

Comparing services ahead of the Games can help you catch your favorite events without paying more than necessary.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

New cell phones can be cost-prohibitive, but Verizon offers several ways to get a phone at no upfront cost. Many Verizon deals include bill incentive credits, a promotional discount that you can qualify for.

For example, if you buy a new phone through a Verizon promotion, you’ll receive a certain amount off your bill each month for the duration of the term, which can make the phone effectively free over time.

These credits are tied to keeping the line active, and there’s fine print that can significantly affect what you actually pay. We’ll walk through how these deals work and the most common ways to qualify, so you can decide whether this offer is a smart move for you.

The most common ways to qualify for a free phone

With Verizon, you can qualify for phone promotions through trade-in offers, bring-your-own-device credits, buy-one-get-one deals and similar programs. Each works a little differently and usually requires keeping an eligible plan for a set period of time.

Trade-in offers

You may be able to trade in your old phone for credit toward a new device. Verizon accepts numerous brands, including Apple, Samsung, LG and Motorola. Use Verizon’s online guide to determine if your phone is eligible and its estimated trade-in value. You can also potentially trade in a tablet or smartwatch for credit toward your new phone.

The age and condition of your phone will affect its eligibility and trade-in value, and if you’re new to Verizon, you will need to add a line to complete the trade-in process. Older phones may still qualify for a trade-in during promos, so watch out for offers that might offer you more value for your older phone.

However, it’s also worth checking what your phone could sell for on the resale market, since selling it yourself may bring in more cash than a carrier trade-in and won’t lock you into a specific plan.

Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) credits

If you choose to bring your own device to Verizon, you can get a credit on your plan that can offset the costs of a new phone over time. Verizon allows you to bring a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch, as long as the device is unlocked. You will also need to check to make sure your device is compatible with Verizon’s technology.

When you bring your own device, you can get a discounted plan, including a $10 per month account promo credit, plus a $10 per month bring-your-own-device credit.

Other major carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T also allow customers to bring unlocked devices and may offer their own incentives, so it’s worth comparing plans and coverage in your area to see which provider gives you the most value for your phone credits.

Certified pre-owned phone promotions

Verizon also sells certified pre-owned phones, which can be a lower-cost way to upgrade. These devices are inspected to confirm they’re fully functional, with checks on power, connectivity, display, ports, audio, keyboards and software.

Certified pre-owned phones come with a 90-day limited warranty and typically cost less upfront than brand-new models. You can also choose to spread the purchase price over 36 months, which can make the monthly cost easier to manage.

Buy-one-get-one offers

Verizon’s buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers can make sense for some households, but they usually come with specific requirements. In most cases, you’ll need to add a new line and enroll in certain unlimited plans to qualify. The discount is typically applied as monthly bill credits, which can make the second phone effectively free over time.

How much you actually save depends on how long both lines stay active and whether the required plans fit your needs. These deals tend to make the most sense when two people in the same household both need new devices, you expect to stay with Verizon for several years, and you would have chosen the qualifying plans even without the promotion.

The plan requirements that affect your total cost

Getting a free cell phone can sound like a great deal, but it’s important to consider the plan requirements that can affect what you’ll actually pay. Many deals require you to choose premium unlimited plans.

There are benefits to those plans, like unlimited hotspot data and unlimited international data, talk and text when you’re traveling internationally, but consider how often you’ll actually use those features to decide if the plan really makes sense for you.

Take some time to compare the plan’s cost and what you’ll actually save on the phone’s purchase price. If you’re required to keep the plan for 36 months, higher plan fees could actually exceed the phone’s value, meaning you’re not really saving any money with the deal.

What happens if you cancel or switch carriers early

“Free” can quickly become expensive if you cancel your plan or switch carriers early. If you cancel your plan, the remaining balance on your phone becomes due, and your credits immediately stop.

Think carefully about how long you plan to stay with Verizon, because switching earlier could be very expensive and leave you paying a large amount of your phone’s remaining balance.

When Verizon’s free phone deals make sense

Verizon’s free phone deals tend to make the most sense in specific situations. If you already plan to choose one of the qualifying unlimited plans, the added phone credits could reduce your overall costs. These offers are also better suited for people who expect to stay with Verizon for the full 36-month term.

A free phone promotion can also be worthwhile if you’re trading in an older device with limited resale value. In that case, the carrier credits may help you get more value from your old phone than you would by selling it on your own.

How to compare deals before you commit

Before you commit to any phone deal, it’s worth doing a little homework to make sure the offer actually makes financial sense for your situation:

• Calculate the plan cost: Calculate the total plan cost over the required period, generally 36 months. Determine just how much you’ll pay and consider whether you would have chosen a lower tier plan if it weren’t for this deal.
• Compare value: Compare your phone’s estimated trade-in value through Verizon with its private resale value. You might be able to get more for your phone by selling it on your own, and you won’t be tied to a specific phone plan.
• Review penalties: Read the fine print and review any early exit penalties that come with the deal. If the unexpected happens and you have to leave Verizon, consider how you would pay for these fees, including the remaining balance on your phone.
• Evaluate the premium plan: Verizon’s premium plans do come with extra perks, but they tend to make the most sense for people who use a lot of data or travel internationally. Consider whether you’re likely to use those features enough to justify the higher monthly cost.

Be strategic as you shop for a new phone, and remember that promotions change often. If you don’t see a deal that fits your needs right now, it may be worth waiting and comparing offers from different carriers that support your device.

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If your family’s phones are overdue for an upgrade, Verizon’s newest four-line deal delivers serious savings. You can outfit the whole household with premium smartphones at one of the lowest monthly rates available.

Verizon is running a four-line promo, offering four free flagship smartphones when you sign up for four new lines under the Unlimited Welcome plan with Auto Pay. With this deal, you choose four of the same device, whether it’s the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 or Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Saving money on some of the most popular smartphones.

It's easy to take advantage of the deal, too, since there’s no trade-in required. While other retailers sometimes require you to send older phones back to get an upgrade, that’s not an issue with these Verizon deals.

Verizon’s 4-line phone deal

When you sign up for four new lines through Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome & Auto Pay plan, you’ll pay $25 per line per month, or a total of $100 per month for all four lines, plus taxes and fees. You must sign up for auto pay and paper-free billing to get this deal.

Families of four or households with multiple lines can benefit most from this deal. Verizon’s offering multiple free premium devices at a low monthly line cost. For example, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro retails for $1,099.99, so you could get approximately $4,400 worth of phones for free through this deal.

New Verizon customers who are switching over from other carriers could save more than just the cost of the smartphones. The $25 per line cost is hard to beat, so if you’ve been paying more for multiple lines from other carriers, you could potentially cut your cell phone bill for the next three years.

Verizon’s deal is also appealing if you’re ready to upgrade an older iPhone or Android device but want to keep your old phone. And, if you don’t have a device to trade in at all, the fact that Verizon doesn’t require you to send in your old phone is another money-saving perk.

What you get — iPhone, Galaxy or Pixel on the house (sort of)

When you sign up for this deal, you can choose from these premium and popular devices:

• iPhone 17 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S25+
• Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

The four phones are free, but you’ll be paying for each line for three years.

The fine print and what to watch out for

At a glance, this appears to be one of the best Verizon deals of the year, but it’s important to read the fine print and understand the potential downsides:

• Four lines required: This deal requires you sign up for four lines, not just one or two. That’s a big commitment, so this deal is likely the best fit for families or groups.
• Auto Pay and paperless billing: To take advantage of this deal, you must sign up for Auto Pay and paperless billing.
• “Free” isn’t totally free: The phones are advertised as being free, but the plan is effectively applying bill credits to your account over time. This is common with carrier promos, but it’s still important to be aware of.
• Long-term commitment: This deal provides you with billing credits over a 36-month period. If you cancel a line early, you may forfeit those credits and be responsible for the remaining balance on your account. This is standard for these types of incentives.
• Data speed: You may experience variable data speed on the lowest-tier unlimited plan. When the network is congested, data may be deprioritized to higher-tier subscribers, so you could experience slower speeds.

Is this a better value than trading in or upgrading individually?

This Verizon deal could offer a better value for many families. Instead of paying full retail price for four phones, the deal spreads the cost across lines and credentials. That predictable monthly cost can make upgrading easier to budget for than buying new phones outright.

It's easy to take advantage of the deal. There’s no need to worry about trade-in issues, like if your phone has a poor trade-in value or is in poor condition. Since you don’t have to trade in devices, there’s no shipping hassle to deal with, and you don’t have to wait for a credit for your old device.

If you don’t need four new phones, this deal may be less compelling and may offer less value. You could end up paying for lines or phones that you don’t need, so think carefully about whether the plan makes sense for you.

Additionally, the deal requires a long-term commitment, so you should be confident that you will stay with Verizon for at least three years.

What it means for families this holiday season

Verizon’s four-line deal is well-timed for the holiday season. Families can upgrade to new phones without paying full retail price, and the offer also works for gifting, whether parents are buying devices for kids or couples are upgrading together.

The newest phones come with better cameras and faster performance, helping households keep up with today’s technology.

How to evaluate if the deal fits your household

Ask yourself these questions to determine if this Verizon deal fits your household:

• Do you have four people who need new phones (or want them)?
• Are you okay committing to four new lines for at least 36 months?
• Are you comfortable with Auto Pay?
• Are you planning to stay with Verizon long-term (to keep bill-credit benefits)?

When Verizon’s four-line deal is a good fit

This Verizon deal offers strong value, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. This deal works best for families or multi-user households that want to upgrade together. It makes getting a premium phone for each person more affordable, and the lack of a trade-in requirement removes a common barrier for many households.

As long as you carefully weigh the three-year commitment and the plan details, this Verizon deal offers real value compared to buying phones at full retail price or upgrading one device at a time. Yes, it’s a big commitment, but it could pay off if you need four new devices and four lines soon.

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As more and more shoppers turn to Walmart for both everyday essentials and their holiday shopping, you might be wondering whether you can really get gift-worthy items from the budget-friendly retailer. The answer is, you absolutely can.

The retailer has taken big steps over the last couple of years to revamp its fashion selection and bring in more premium brands in a bid to get wealthy shoppers to shop at Walmart.

If you're running out of time, Walmart is an especially great place to shop for all the little ones in your life. From the top trending toys for toddlers and kids to the most coveted brands for teens and tweens, you'll find plenty of great gift ideas for the grandkids at Walmart. If you order now, everything listed below can either be delivered or picked up at your nearest location in time for Christmas.

Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for some of the most popular Christmas gifts for kids of all ages in 2025. Between Walmart's low prices and wide selection of trending gifts, you'll easily outcompete Santa Claus himself this year.

The best Christmas gifts for toddlers at Walmart

If you're trying to keep your holiday gift budget under control this year while still making your grandkids feel as special as they are, here are some of the biggest toy trends of 2025 available at Walmart.

• For the future chef: Melissa & Doug Flip & Fry Grill Play Set with Water WOW!® Color Reveal Play Food, $33, Save 13%
• A toddler's first pet: Pets Alive Polly the Magic Bird Electronic Girls Robotic Toy, $27
• For the gearhead-to-be: Monster Jam Smash & Bash Grave Digger Remote Control Vehicle, $45, Save 29%
• Share the classics with the next generation: Dr. Seuss's Christmas 3-Book Boxed Set, $25

Walmart's most popular gifts for kids

For kids roughly 6 and up, nostalgia is big this year. From rebooted Tamagotchis and Pokémon trading cards to the Furby and Rubik's cube, the most popular toys for kids this year are a blast from the recent past.

• For the kid who's "gotta catch 'em all:" Pokemon Trading Card Game Mega Evolutions Booster Bundle, $49. Save 11%
• A Furby that DJs and teaches yoga: DJ Furby Rainbow Electronic Plush Toy, $69
• The brain teaser that never gets old: Rubik's Cube, Pulse Cube, $18
• For the future coding genius: GiiKER Super Decoder, 600-Level Code-Breaking Puzzle for 1-2 Players, $50. Save 33%
• For the budding artist: Art 101 Glow and Neon Drawing and Painting Art Set, 61 Pieces, $25. Save 11%
• For the kid who loves Nerf fun: Nerf Loadout Galactic Commander Blaster, $40 Save 20%

The best Walmart Christmas gifts for preteens

Want to maintain your title of "best grandparent ever" this year? Pick up any of these gifts for your preteen grandkids and you're sure to win the title again.

• For the trendsetter: Stanley Quencher Flowstate, 40 oz., $25. Save 44%
• The gift your gamer grandkid is dreaming about: PlayStation Portal Remote Player, $179. Save 10%
• For the kid who never has enough Labubus: Pop Mart The Monsters (Labubu) Big Into Energy Vinyl Plush Blind Box V3, $32. Save 14%
• A fun way to capture memories: Fujifilm Instax Mini SE Instant Camera with Bonus 10 Pack Mini Film, $55. Save 25%
• For the kid who's always on the move: GOTRAX G2Plus Foldable Electric Scooter, $148. Save 40%

The best Christmas gifts for teens at Walmart

Shopping for teens can be tricky. But if you stick with one of these popular gift ideas, you're sure to squeeze a smile out of even the angstiest of teens.

• For the music lover: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, $129. Save 28%
• For the cozy gamer: Better Homes & Gardens Grey Bubble Faux Fur Ultra Soft Luxury Oversize Throw Blanket, $24
• Because snail slime is self-care now (really): COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask (10 Sheets), $25
• For the fashion club captain: OPI Holiday 2025 Mini Nail Polish Set, 4-Pack, $16. Save 36%

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NordVPN’s Black Friday deal is here, and it’s one of the steepest discounts we’ve seen all season. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to lock in a reliable VPN for streaming, browsing or general online security, this price drop makes it hard to pass up.

Right now, you can save up to 77% on NordVPN depending on the plan. That’s a significant cut for a service that’s consistently ranked among the most dependable and user-friendly VPNs available.

Whether you want to protect your data while traveling, access streaming content from other countries or simply beef up your everyday privacy, this offer gives you premium-level protection for much less.

What’s a VPN?

A VPN, short for virtual private network, helps protect your identity and online activity by routing your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel. It masks your IP address, making your device appear as if it’s in another location.

This makes it harder for advertisers, hackers or even your internet provider to track you. It also opens the door to accessing region-locked content, which is why frequent travelers and streaming fans often consider a VPN essential.

VPNs can help prevent risks on public Wi-Fi, shield sensitive information during online shopping or banking and create an extra buffer between you and the many digital threats that exist today.

Save on security with NordVPN

NordVPN is up to 77% off for Black Friday and combines privacy tools, a clean interface and a strong global server network, making it a great choice whether you're at home or on the road. If you want to watch a show that’s only available in another country or maintain access to your usual library while abroad, NordVPN can help.

Beyond location control, NordVPN includes built-in security features. That includes:

• Ad and tracker blocking to cut down on intrusive ads
• Malware protection to help detect harmful downloads
• A password manager for simpler, safer logins
• A global server network for reliable connections
• Fast speeds that work well with streaming in HD or 4K

These tools run quietly in the background, offering protection without slowing you down. For many users, the combination of speed and privacy is the biggest selling point.

Whether you’re looking for safer browsing or more flexibility when watching your favorite shows, this discount delivers strong value for the price. With up to 77% off, it’s one of the strongest VPN offers we’ve seen this Black Friday weekend.

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Tired of so-called Cyber Monday deals with discounts of only 10% or 15%? So are we. That's why we've been scouring the sales at major retailers to find you the very best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that are actually a good deal.

From Amazon's best Cyber Monday deals to Target Cyber Monday deals that are worth stocking up on, there are savings to be found today if you do some digging (and comparison shopping).

While some Black Friday deals fall short, these Best Buy Cyber Monday deals are all 50% off or more. So you can get that upgraded TV you've been dreaming of or grab a few tech gifts that your friends or family will love at half the price (or less). But order quick, because many of these deals will be gone tomorrow.

Best Buy Cyber Monday TV deals

• LG - 65" Class B5 Series OLED AI 4K TV, $1,000. Save 50%
• TCL - 65" Class QM6K Series 4K TV, $500. Save 50%
• Hisense - 98" Class QD5 Series QLED 4K TV, $1,000. Save 56%
• Toshiba - 55" Class C350 Series LED 4K TV, $200. Save 50%

Best home security deals at Best Buy

• Blink - Video Doorbell, Battery-Powered, $30. Save 57%
• Lorex - 2K Wi-Fi Smart Lightbulb Camera (2-Pack), $40. Save 50%
• Blink - Outdoor 4, 5-camera system, $120. Save 60%
• SimpliSafe - 9pc Outdoor Home Security System, $225. Save 50%
• Ring - Alarm Security Kit 5-Piece, $100. Save 50%

Best Buy Cyber Monday deals on laptops and tablets

• HP - OmniBook 3 15.6" Full HD Laptop, $400. Save 50%
• Amazon - Fire HD 10 Tablet, $70. Save 50%
• Lenovo - IdeaPad 1 15.6" Full HD Laptop, $250. Save 52%
• Samsung - Galaxy Chromebook Go - 14" LED Laptop, $150. Save 54%
• Amazon - Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet, $65. Save 53%

Our Favorite Cyber Monday headphone deals at Best Buy

• Soundcore - by Anker P20i True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, $20. Save 50%
• JBL - Tune Buds 2, $50. Save 54%
• Sony - WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones, $160. Save 54%
• Sennheiser - MOMEMTUM 4 Noise-Cancelling Headphones, $180. Save 60%
• Soundcore - by Anker C40i Open-Ear Cip-On Headphones, $50. Save 58%

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Black Friday streaming deals are rolling out fast, and Hulu is once again jumping ahead of the pack.

Starting November 25, Hulu subscribers can add HBO Max with Ads for only $2.99 per month for 12 months. Considering the standard HBO Max price is $10.99 per month, this limited-time offer unlocks a full year of TV and blockbuster movies at a fraction of the usual rate.

Whether you’ve been waiting to catch originals, revisit holiday classics or binge this year’s new releases, Hulu’s HBO Max Black Friday deal makes premium streaming more affordable than ever.

Why the HBO Max add-on is a good deal

Hulu’s Black Friday promotion brings the HBO Max with Ads add-on down to $2.99 per month for 12 months, compared with the regular $10.99 monthly price for the Basic with Ads plan. The savings last a full year, and once the promotional period ends, the add-on returns to standard pricing.

The deal runs now through December 1, and once it expires, the add-on returns to standard pricing. If you’ve been thinking about trying HBO Max or expanding your current Hulu lineup, this is one of the most aggressive discounts Hulu offers all year.

Who can add HBO Max to Hulu for $2.99

The deal is open to new and existing Hulu subscribers on eligible plans who don’t currently have the HBO Max add-on. Those on ineligible legacy plans will need to switch to a qualifying plan if they want to redeem the offer.

Once added, subscribers can enjoy HBO Max’s wide catalog of acclaimed originals and premium series, including new titles like IT: Welcome to Derry, The Pitt and recent releases such as The Conjuring: Last Rites.

How to add HBO Max to your Hulu subscription

Adding HBO Max is simple. Log in to your Hulu account, go to “Account,” then choose “Manage Add-Ons.” Select HBO Max (with Ads) and confirm the update.

Hulu will handle billing for both your main subscription and the add-on, making it a seamless upgrade.

To access HBO Max titles, download the HBO Max app, choose “Sign in with a provider,” select Hulu and log in using your Hulu credentials.

You’ll be able to stream select HBO programming directly through Hulu while accessing the full HBO Max library through the app.

There’s no long-term commitment, and you can cancel at any time through your Hulu account.

What you can watch with the HBO Max add-on

HBO Max brings a substantial entertainment library to Hulu, from timeless holiday movies to genre-defining originals. The platform’s mix of series, documentaries and new titles makes it one of the most robust catalogs available.

Whether you're rewatching yearly favorites or introducing holiday classics to someone new, HBO Max offers a wide selection to kick off the season.

Christmas movies on HBO Max:

• A Christmas Story
• A Christmas Story 2
• Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Elf
• Four Christmases
• Fred Claus
• Holiday Affair
• Jack Frost
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• Scooby Doo: Haunted Holidays
• The Polar Express

What’s new on HBO Max in December

HBO Max adds new titles monthly, including documentaries, comedy specials and a sequel to a beloved cult classic.

Here are a few highlights:

December 4

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley — A documentary exploring the life, music and legacy of Jeff Buckley.

December 12

Sarah Squirm: Live + In the Flesh — A stand-up special from “Saturday Night Live” cast member Sarah Sherman.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues — A follow-up to the iconic mockumentary that reunites the original fictional heavy-metal band.

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Black Friday is already delivering some of the best streaming discounts of the year, and Hulu is stepping in early with a great deal. Instead of waiting until Thanksgiving weekend, Hulu’s holiday savings event is officially underway.

This year, Hulu is focusing heavily on premium add-ons like STARZ, delivering deep discounts that let you watch more for less. Whether you’re catching up on dramas or starting your holiday movie marathon, Hulu’s new offer means you can stack major entertainment without the premium price tag.

And if you’ve been waiting for a reason to try STARZ or jump back in for a new season of your favorite series, Hulu’s limited-time STARZ add-on Black Friday deal makes the decision pretty easy.

Why the STARZ add-on is such a strong value

Hulu is offering new and existing subscribers the chance to add STARZ for only $2.99 per month for 12 months, a drop from the regular price of $10.99 per month.

That’s one of the lowest prices you’ll see for the premium channel all year. To get the deal, you’ll first need a Hulu base plan, which starts at $11.99 per month, and then you can add STARZ at the discounted rate.

The clock is ticking, though. Hulu’s Black Friday offer is available now through December 1, and once the discount expires, STARZ returns to its standard pricing.

Who can add STARZ on Hulu for an additional $2.99 during Black Friday

The deal is open to new and existing Hulu subscribers who don’t currently have STARZ, as well as anyone who has been without a STARZ subscription for at least one month. That means a wide swath of viewers can take advantage of the promotional pricing without needing to create a brand-new account.

What you can watch with the STARZ add-on

Why consider STARZ? The add-on unlocks access to an extensive catalog of hit movies and original series. Subscribers can stream everything from action blockbusters to thrillers, all in one place.

Current standouts include titles like Ballerina, Now You See Me, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Borderlands and more, giving movie fans plenty to binge during the holiday season.

But STARZ is perhaps best known for its original programming. The network is home to major hits like Outlander, Power Book IV: Force, BMF and a growing library of exclusive series that you can’t find on any other streaming service.

Hulu lets you cancel anytime, so you’re not locked into a year-long commitment even though the discount lasts for 12 months. That makes it a low-risk way to test STARZ during the peak entertainment season, when new episodes, holiday specials and fresh movies are released.

When does the Hulu Black Friday savings end

With premium networks continuing to raise prices across the board, Black Friday has become one of the best times of the year to secure lower streaming rates. If you’ve been considering consolidating your streaming apps or trimming back on subscriptions, this offer gives you premium content at a fraction of the regular price.

Whether you’re catching up on your movie-to-watch list, starting a new original series or kicking off your annual holiday movie binge, Hulu’s Black Friday STARZ deal delivers a lot of entertainment for a very small price.

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Gold is having a moment, and so is Costco. The precious metal rallied at the beginning of the year, as the classic "safe haven" asset gained in popularity amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Despite a temporary dip, multiple analysts expect gold prices to surge to $6,000 or more per ounce by the end of this year.

With price forecasts like that, Costco's glittering 1-ounce gold bars have been selling out consistently online. Curious investors and everyday members alike are clamoring for access. Costco now offers 24-karat gold, silver and platinum options through its website (and occasionally in warehouses).

Some shoppers are picking up bullion the same way they stock up on paper towels and bottled water.

But what makes Costco’s gold bars even more intriguing isn’t just the price or the brand. It’s the potential to earn up to 4% in rewards through Costco’s membership and credit card programs.

For savvy shoppers, this bonus can help soften the blow of premiums over spot price, which is especially valuable in today’s fluctuating gold market. Here’s how Costco’s bullion program works, how to stack your rewards strategically and when it might (or might not) make sense for investors.

How Costco's bullion program works

Costco sells 1-ounce, 24-karat gold bars online and occasionally in select warehouses. Offerings often include bars from respected refiners such as PAMP Suisse and Rand Refinery, both featuring assay cards for authenticity. The bars are non-refundable and subject to purchase limits (typically two bars per membership).

Prices update in real-time based on the spot market and demand, and since gold purchases can’t be returned, this isn't a decision to take lightly.

Yet that hasn’t deterred customers: Costco CFO Richard Galanti noted that the retailer is selling “several hundred million dollars” in gold monthly, and the bars usually sell out within hours.

Costco’s current bullion offerings also include options for investing in silver and platinum coins, but gold remains the headliner.

Understanding the rewards and membership tier angle

What truly sets Costco’s bullion program apart isn’t just the access to physical gold. It’s the layered reward strategy. Here's how it works:

• Executive Membership (annual fee: $120) gives members 2% cash back annually on eligible purchases, up to $1,000.
• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers up to 2% cash back on Costco.com purchases (plus more on categories like gas and travel).

When combined, members using both the Executive Membership and Costco Anywhere Visa can earn up to 4% back on their gold purchase.

For example, a gold bar priced at $4,000 with a 4% combined reward yields $160 in cash back, lowering your effective cost to $3,840. If Costco’s gold was priced at just 2% over spot, the rewards could essentially eliminate the premium altogether.

It’s worth running your own numbers with Costco’s bullion rewards calculator to estimate how much you might earn based on your membership and payment method.

Pricing dynamics and investor benefits

Costco’s pricing tends to be fairly competitive in the physical bullion space at usually just 1% to 2% above the spot price, which is lower than many traditional dealers. However, the exact premium varies depending on market volatility, supply and brand.

For investors, the appeal is twofold. First, you gain physical ownership of bullion. You’re holding a tangible asset rather than paper or indirect exposure. Second, you benefit from Costco’s strong brand reputation, which means bar authenticity and packaging are handled by a trusted retailer, helping reduce concerns many first‑time bullion buyers face.

Third, compared to many online bullion sellers, Costco’s premium is relatively modest, which means your effective cost (especially when paired with reward incentives) may be more attractive.

Risks, downsides and what to watch

Despite the appeal, there are several risks and caveats to consider:

• Premiums fluctuate: While Costco often has lower premiums than competitors, it’s not always the cheapest option.
• Storage and security: Owning physical gold means you’ll need a safe or other secure storage. Insurance may be necessary too.
• Limited resale liquidity: Unlike gold ETFs, physical bars may be harder to sell quickly and might fetch below spot value due to dealer margins.
• Non-refundable: Once you buy a gold bar from Costco, there’s no returning it, even if the price drops tomorrow.

How to get the best deal if you go this route

If you decide to buy Costco gold, plan ahead so you capture the rewards and avoid surprises. Upgrade to an Executive Costco Membership before you buy so the 2% annual reward will apply. The upgrade timing matters because that rebate is applied to qualifying purchases made while you hold Executive status.

Pair that membership with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi for Costco.com purchases to stack card cash back on top of the 2% Executive benefit. Always run the numbers first (Costco’s bullion rewards calculator is a helpful tool) and compare the after‑rebate cost with other reputable dealers.

Inventory and pricing move fast, so monitor Costco’s bullion listings early in the morning when new inventory often appears, and be prepared to complete checkout quickly: bars frequently sell out within hours.

Remember that Costco’s gold is nonrefundable and subject to purchase limits, so confirm the SKU, refiner and assay card before you pay, and keep all documentation in case you sell later.

Also factor in storage, insurance and potential shipping costs; home safes, bank safe deposit boxes and third-party insured vaults all carry different price and accessibility tradeoffs.

When it makes sense and when it doesn’t

A Costco gold buy might make sense if:

• You’re already an Executive Member or plan to upgrade.
• You have the Costco Anywhere Visa or another cash-back credit card.
• You prefer owning physical gold and are okay with storage logistics.
• You’re holding mid-to-long term and want to reduce your cost with rewards.
• You value Costco’s brand trust and straightforward buying process.

It may not make sense if:

• You’re seeking short-term gains or plan to actively trade gold.
• You’d rather invest via ETFs or gold IRAs for better liquidity and convenience.
• You’re uncomfortable with the idea of storing physical bullion.
• You want exposure to gold without paying any premium over spot.

When a Costco gold buy makes sense

In the right context, Costco’s bullion program offers an attractive option for retail investors. The combo of physical gold, competitive pricing and up to 4% in rewards makes the purchase more financially savvy than it might initially seem.

But gold is still a commodity with market risks, and rewards don’t negate those risks. They just help lower your entry cost. Before buying gold, compare options, run the math using Costco’s rewards calculator, and ensure your gold-buying goals align with the realities of owning physical metal.

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If you’re a coffee lover, it’s likely you’ve been counting down to the return of Starbucks’ iconic Red Cup Day, the unofficial kickoff to the holiday sipping season.

The good news is that it’s coming sooner than expected this year, and there are a few new perks and surprises brewing behind the scenes.

Whether you’re loyal to the Peppermint Mocha, can’t get enough of the Caramel Brulée Latte, or simply want to snag the coveted reusable red holiday cup, this one-day event is not to be missed.

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks Red Cup Day is a fan-favorite annual event where customers receive a free, limited-edition reusable holiday cup with the purchase of a handcrafted holiday beverage. The offer is valid in stores while supplies last, and these collectible cups often go quickly.

The promotion began in 2018 and has since become a seasonal tradition, drawing long lines and early morning visits from customers eager to enjoy their favorite winter drinks with a festive twist.

While the red cups change designs each year, the goal remains the same: bring some cheer to your cup while encouraging the use of reusable drinkware.

When is Red Cup Day in 2025?

Mark your calendar: Red Cup Day 2025 falls on Thursday, November 13.

That’s one day earlier than last year’s event and a full two weeks ahead of Thanksgiving. This decision definitely positions Starbucks to get a head start on the busy holiday shopping season.

The earlier launch aligns with broader retail trends we’ve seen over the past few years, as brands compete to capture consumers’ attention (and wallets) ahead of Black Friday.

To participate, customers simply need to order a handcrafted holiday beverage, hot, iced, or blended in any size, and they’ll receive this year’s reusable red cup at no additional cost, while supplies last.

What’s on the Starbucks holiday menu?

The return of Red Cup Day also signals the full rollout of Starbucks’ holiday menu. Fan favorites are back, including:

• Peppermint Mocha
• Caramel Brulée Latte
• Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
• Iced Gingerbread Chai

The Chestnut Praline Latte and fan-favorite Eggnog Latte will return later in the season.

You’ll also find a festive lineup of seasonal bakery items, such as the Polar Bear Cake Pop, new Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread, and returning Snowman Cookie, Cranberry Bliss Bear and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish.

In addition to the returning stars, Starbucks has hinted at new twists on old favorites and potential exclusive merchandise drops tied to the red cup launch. The 2025 red cup design is said to feature a bold “modern nostalgia” theme, balancing tradition with a fresh look, but Starbucks is keeping full design details under wraps until the official release.

More than just a cup

Beyond the eye-catching holiday design, this year’s red cup rollout comes with a deeper push toward sustainability and digital convenience.

Starbucks continues its effort to reduce single-use cup waste and promote reusable drinkware. Last year, the red holiday cup qualified for the chain’s 10-cent discount and 25 bonus Stars in the Starbucks Rewards program when used on future orders. Hopefully, the same discount (or an even better one) will apply again this year.

Customers using the Starbucks app can now opt to bring in their own reusable cup and still order ahead which is a move that removes one of the biggest barriers to reuse.

Behind the scenes: Staffing and seasonal support

Red Cup Day is one of the busiest days of the year for Starbucks, and the company has taken steps to prepare accordingly.

In recent years, Starbucks has responded to employee feedback by boosting staffing levels, improving training programs and investing in wage increases and scheduling flexibility for baristas.

Ahead of the holiday season, the company shared that it is investing in seasonal employees nationwide and prioritizing appropriate staffing for the day of the event. This is part of a broader strategy to improve customer wait times and maintain high service levels during peak hours.

These efforts come on the heels of continued labor discussions and unionization efforts at some Starbucks locations. While the Red Cup Day promotion is primarily a consumer-facing campaign, it also highlights the tightrope Starbucks walks between meeting high seasonal demand and supporting its frontline workers.

Tips for scoring your free red holiday cup

Want to make sure you don’t miss out? Here are a few tips to help you snag your red cup:

• Go early. Cups are first come, first served and tend to run out by mid-morning at busy locations.
• Use the app. Order ahead on the Starbucks app to beat the line, but double-check that your store is participating.
• Know what qualifies. Only handcrafted holiday drinks (hot, iced, or blended) are eligible (brewed coffee and bottled beverages don’t count).
• Keep the cup. Bring it back for future visits to earn rewards and save on your drink.

Red Cup Day is more than just a freebie. It’s become a cultural moment for coffee lovers and a clever way for Starbucks to usher in the holiday season. With its earlier-than-ever launch date, expanded digital features, and commitment to sustainability, Red Cup Day offers something for loyal fans and first-timers alike.

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Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale ends tonight. Until midnight, Amazon Prime members can see discounts up to 70% off on some of the most popular gift items of the 2025 holiday season. If you were holding off until Black Friday to take care of your gift shopping, there's no need.

With the major deals available at Amazon right now, you can cross a few names off your list this week and leave less stress for yourself as the holidays get closer.

As a shopping expert who covers major sales like these, one of the best parts of a huge sales event is that it gives you a chance to grab gifts with a premium feel like smart tech or top-of-the-line appliances at a bargain price you'd normally never find them at.

So, if you're looking for gifts that will impress without straining your budget, here are some October Prime Day deals that are under $50 (but won't be once the sale ends).

My favorite under-$50 Prime Day deals that won't feel cheap

From $120 noise-canceling headphones on sale for just $35 to 67% off DNA testing kits, there are major deals this week that double as great gift ideas this year. So you can stretch your holiday shopping budget further without your gift recipients feeling like you're cheaping out on them.

More ways to save during the Amazon October Prime Day sale

Taking advantage of these under-$50 Prime deals is a great way to score gifts (for others or yourself) that feel more expensive than they are. But you can squeeze even more savings out of each deal by using a shopping rewards credit card at checkout.

From generous cash back to elevated points earning potential, your gift shopping this season can be just as rewarding for you as it is for everyone on your list.

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Life is simpler when you’re young. You can mow the lawn without breaking a sweat. Climb a tree without breaking a leg. Buy new prescription glasses in the blink of an eye.

But buying eyeglasses often gets more complicated somewhere around age 50. Single-vision lenses suddenly don’t help you decipher the small print on restaurant menus. Eye exams require more steps. Glasses get more layered, with add-ons for older folks with vision issues. And the prices for these more-complex glasses can shoot into the stratosphere.

Getting glasses may be more involved with age, but it need not induce as much stress as getting a new car. To help bring the process back to earth for folks 50 and older, we reached out to experts on vision and aging and have weaved their advice into this eight-step guide.

1. Get an exam

This advice might sound obvious. But to save a few bucks, too many people try to use old or even outdated prescriptions to get new glasses. An exam is a must.

You can get one from your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Many eyeglass retailers will perform exams in their offices, too.

2. Shop around

Once you have an updated prescription, explore all your options for purchasing glasses. Most retailers offer package deals for frames, lenses and coatings, and these bundles can save serious money, says Michael Vitale, vice president of government relations at The Vision Council, a nonprofit trade association for manufacturers and suppliers of the optical industry.

Some retailers also offer discounts on purchases of two pairs of glasses or more.

“The most common mistake is not to do comparison shopping,” says Catherine Roberts, senior health reporter at Consumer Reports. In 2022, Consumer Reports surveyed 11,450 of its members who had purchased new glasses within the previous two years.

Most respondents said that for convenience, they bought their glasses at the doctor’s office where they had their eyes examined. When you make a choice for convenience, there is a good chance you’re missing out on better deals, Roberts says.

If you decide to buy glasses elsewhere, get a copy of your prescription from your eye doctor. And don’t hesitate to ask your eye doc for the name of the lowest-price place to purchase glasses, Roberts suggests.

3. Weigh the pros and cons of the bargain options

Odds are, you’ll be directed to a warehouse club or an online retailer, which will likely run you considerably less than buying glasses at your eye doctor’s office or from a major retail chain such as LensCrafters.

In the Consumer Reports survey, members who shopped at Costco Wholesale and online specialist Warby Parker paid a median $160 and $190, respectively, for a pair of glasses after insurance. But the median price at independent optical shops was $346 after insurance, or $511 out of pocket.

If you go with a wholesaler such as Costco or Sam’s Club, you can take advantage of both unbeatable prices and in-person assistance in selecting and fitting your glasses.

Respondents to the Consumer Reports survey ranked warehouse clubs very highly, not only for price but also for service and quality.

“You get a top-notch product at a reasonable price,” says Vitale. But keep in mind that warehouse clubs charge annual membership fees, and they may not accept all vision plans, he says.

If you shop with an online retailer such as Eyebuydirect, Warby Parker or Zenni Optical, you’ll enjoy cut-rate prices without stepping outside your home. But because older folks typically have more-complicated glasses prescriptions and are often more finicky about fit, online purchases might not be the best option, says Faheem Ahmed, an ophthalmologist at Eye Physicians of Virginia.

Consumer Reports suggests that the stronger and more complicated your lenses are, “the more you should lean towards buying in person.”

Unlike many other online retailers, Warby Parker also has physical locations where you can get exams and have a professional fit your glasses.

In the Consumer Reports survey, Warby Parker ranked “very high” in price, quality and service, says Roberts.

4. Compare vision insurance plans with optical-store discount plans

As you age, you probably need more-costly bifocals or progressive-lens glasses. So some form of vision insurance — or even an optical-store discount plan — can be financially beneficial for older adults, says Ahmed.

He estimates that about half of his patients do not have employer-sponsored vision plans, in part because many are retired. Some opt for optical-store discount plans, which typically require a membership fee (often about $25 to $50 annually) and are often best for less-frequent users.

If you have insurance, it’s usually cheapest to use your plan’s in-network providers. If you don’t have insurance or an optical-store discount plan, try to negotiate up front with the provider to get the best prices.

5. Beware the limits of Medicare

Many people who are 65 or older are surprised to discover that routine eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses are not covered by Medicare.

However, for some conditions, such as macular degeneration and cataracts, Medicare does pay for testing and treatment, according to the National Council on Aging.

Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer vision care benefits that go beyond what original Medicare covers, including routine eye exams to check your vision and eye health and an eyewear allowance to help pay for glasses or contact lenses. Coverage varies from plan to plan.

6. Choose coatings carefully

Coatings come in a dizzying array of options. Older people will probably want anti-glare coatings because the coatings can greatly help with night driving, says Ahmed.

But think twice before purchasing a coating for blue-light filtering. These filters act to cut back screen light from electronics such as cell phones and laptops and can sometimes help those who suffer from migraines.

But Ahmed says there is no scientific evidence that blue light can damage your eyes.

7. Don’t overlook transition lenses

If you need prescription sunglasses in addition to standard glasses, you can save money by getting transition lenses, says Ahmed. That way, you might need to purchase one pair of prescription glasses instead of two.

These lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, automatically darken (to act as sunglasses) when exposed to ultraviolet light and lighten when the UV light source is removed.

Using transition lenses is also easier than carrying two pairs of glasses and switching between them. And, Ahmed estimates, because you are purchasing just one pair of glasses instead of two, it can save you $300 to $500.

Be aware that when you’re in a vehicle, your photochromic lenses may not darken fully if the car’s windshield blocks a lot of UV light, says Ahmed. Certain lenses, however, including Transitions XTRActive, can work quite well for daytime driving, he says.

8. Take care of your glasses

Perhaps the best way to save money on new glasses is to take care of your old ones, says Roberts. The pair of glasses you don’t have to buy is money in your pocket.

That means breaking the worst of habits: using your T-shirt to wipe the smudges off your lenses. Instead, always use a lens cloth and cleaner, says Roberts.

Carry your glasses in a hard — not soft — case when you’re not wearing them. When you take your glasses off, do so with both hands to avoid loosening or bending the frames.

Finally, when you do need new lenses, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need new frames, too. If your new prescription will work with your old frames, says Roberts, you could save hundreds of dollars by asking your optician to plop the new lenses into the frames you already own.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Between the wind-down of peak travel season and the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale, now is one of the best times of the year to upgrade your luggage and stock up on new travel gear. You'll find premium brands like Samsonite, Apple and Karl Lagerfeld selling some of their most popular designs and tech at deep discounts.

But the sale ends tonight. So, whether you're gearing up for holiday travel or just want to take advantage of this year's deals to refresh your travel accessories for next summer, now's the time to do it.

To help you sift through thousands of great Prime deals this October, I've rounded up some of my favorite travel deals from top-of-the-line luggage to the best travel deals for pets to make your next trip as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Not an Amazon Prime member yet? You can sign up now for a free trial to shop the fall sale and decide afterward if the savings and other Prime perks are worth keeping the membership.

Our favorite Prime deals on carry-on luggage

At the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale, I found deep discounts on premium brands like Guess and Samsonite as well as serious bargains on convenient items like a packable tote for your souvenir and stylish weekender bags.

• Wrangler Smart Spinner with Cup Holder and Charging Port - Now $34. Save 47%
• Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Backpack - Now $32. Save 20%
• Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack - Now $114. Save 40%
• Hanke Under-Seat Carry-On Bag - Now $64. Save 20%
• Original Penguin Crimson 21-Inch Carry-On - Now $130. Save 50%
• LEVEL8 Elegance Carry-on Suitcase with 4 packing cubes - Now $160. Save 30%
• Michael Kors Hardside Carry-on - Now $299. Save 40%

Last chance checked luggage deals from Prime Big Deal Days

Packing for a longer trip? Get spacious and durable checked luggage from top travel brands without breaking the bank thanks to these October Prime Day deals from Amazon's major fall sales event.

• Kenneth Cole REACTION Renegade 24-Inch Suitcase- Now $86. Save 29%
• Traveler's Choice Maxporter II 30-Inch Trunk - Now $211. Save 30%
• Pacific Gear 30-Inch Rolling Duffel - Now $44. Save 45%
• SwissGear 7366 Hardside Expandable Luggage, 3-Piece Set - Now $234. Save 46%
• DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero Hardside Luggage, 2-Piece Set - Now $190. Save 50%

Amazon October Prime Day deals on travel accessories

From cushy travel pillows to compression packing cubes, you can save on all those little extras that make for a comfier trip during the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale this month.

1. Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 10 - Now $30. Save 35%
2. European Plug Adapter, 2-Pack - Now $22. Save 20%
3. RFID Blocking Travel Money Belt & Passport Holder - Now $8. Save 43%
4. Fuzion Shipping Scale - Now $30. Save 46%
5. Memory Foam Travel Pillow - Now $24. Save 27%
6. Luggage Tags, 10-Pack - Now $5. Save 15%

Travel tech deals on Amazon you can shop today

Level up your travel game with the latest tech that will make the time on that long haul flight fly by. Amazon has dropped prices on everything from noise-canceling headphones to GPS trackers during the Prime Big Deal Days sale.

• Apple AirTag, 4-Pack - Now $65. Save 34%
• Tile GPS Tags, 4-Pack - Now $53. Save 30%
• Kindle Essentials Bundle - Now $118. Save 27%
• Apple AirPods Pro 2 - Now $170. Save 32%
• Beats Studio Pro - Now $140. Save 30%
• Powerbank with 4 Built in Cables - Now $29. Save 32%

Pet travel deals from the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale

Traveling can be extra stressful on pets, whether it's a short flight or a long road trip. Make their adventure as comfortable as possible with these deals on pet carriers, portable bowls and other essentials for traveling with your pet.

• Travel 2-in-1 Pet Water Bottle with Food Container - Now $12. Save 20%
• Expandable Extra Large Cat Carrier with Litter Box Area - Now $80. Save 20%
• rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash - Now $13. Save 20%
• Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Dog and Puppy Pee Pads, 50-Count - Now $15. Save 24%
• HiCaptain Travel Litter Box - Now $24. Save 20%

Squeeze even more value out of these deals with the right credit card

Before you click that checkout button, make sure you're armed with the best shopping credit cards to maximize your savings. With the right credit card, you can earn generous cash back or bonus miles. Stock up on all your travel essentials for less and use those extra rewards to fund your next trip with all your new gear.

Not sure which card is the best choice for the way you travel (and the way you shop)? We've rounded up our top picks to make it easy for you to compare.

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Over the past few years, cord-cutting has gone from a niche lifestyle choice to the norm for millions of households. With cable prices climbing and streaming services multiplying, families are looking for smarter ways to get the content they want without paying for what they don’t watch.

A pioneer in live TV streaming, Sling has built its brand on flexibility and affordability.

Now, with the launch of its new Sling Select package, a streamlined bundle priced at just $19.99/month, Sling is offering an affordable way to get key live channels, watch sports and other networks that you pick based on your preferences.

What does Sling Select offer?

At just $19.99/month, Sling Select includes 11 curated channels that cover a surprising amount of ground in news, sports and entertainment. It’s far from a bare-bones lineup. Here’s what you’ll get:

• FOX News – For breaking headlines, opinion and national coverage
• FS1 (Fox Sports 1) – Sports fans can enjoy live MLB, college football and more
• FX – A go-to network for edgy dramas and cult-favorite comedies
• National Geographic – Award-winning nature and science documentaries
• NFL Network – For year-round football analysis, news and live games
• LMN (Lifetime Movie Network) – Classic thrillers and emotional storytelling
• GSN (Game Show Network) – Fun, nostalgic and family-friendly competition
• GRIT – Action and western movies, often catering to classic film lovers
• Heroes & Icons (H&I) – Superhero series, crime dramas and military-themed TV
• MeTV – Beloved sitcoms and dramas from the ‘50s–‘90s
• Vice – Documentary-style reporting on culture, politics and society

All subscribers also get access to Sling’s FreeStream library with over 150 FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels, giving viewers even more content to flip through without spending another dollar.

You can stream content on up to three devices at once, and switch plans or cancel at any time. And if you're equipped with a compatible device, Sling Select also supports 4K streaming for Fox and FS1 which is a standout feature for a budget-friendly bundle.

Build your own package with Sling Extras

Sling Select may be minimal by design, but Sling still allows you to personalize your plan with Sling Extras which includes genre-specific add-ons that let you build a bundle tailored to your interests.

Here are a few of the available Extras:

• Sports Extra ($11 per month) – Adds Big Ten Network, NFL RedZone, MLB Network, beIN Sports and more
• News Extra ($6 per month) – Includes FOX Business, Newsmax, BBC World News, Weather Nation
• Entertainment Extra ($6 per month) – Unlocks MTV, TV Land, CMT, Paramount Network
• Hollywood Extra ($6 per month) – Features Turner Classic Movies (TCM), Sundance TV and Reelz
• Lifestyle Extra ($6 per month) – Adds Cooking Channel, DIY Network and WE tv
• Kids Extra ($6 per month) – Brings family-focused networks like Disney Jr., Nicktoons and Boomerang
• Heartland Extra ($6 per month) – Country-themed content including Outdoor Channel and RFD-TV
  

This setup is ideal for viewers who want more control without paying for a mega-bundle they don’t fully use.

What about local channels?

Sling Select doesn't automatically include your local ABC, NBC or Fox affiliates. But in certain markets, you can add local channels for an additional $5 to $10 per month, depending on how many are available. Sling uses your zip code to determine which locals you can access.

For budget-conscious users who don’t want to pay extra, Sling also supports HD antennas and offers a device called the AirTV, which integrates local broadcast channels directly into the Sling TV interface and no subscription is required.

If you’re comfortable setting up an over-the-air antenna (many cost under $40), you can avoid that extra fee and still enjoy local news, weather and sports.

What to watch out for

While Sling Select is appealing at just $19.99 per month, it does come with a few limitations to consider. The biggest drawback is that the package limits you to three streams at once.

The channel lineup is also limited to only 11 live networks are included, so if you’re looking for a broader range of entertainment options, you’ll need to add Extras or consider a larger package.

Popular networks like ESPN and CNN have their own streaming platforms so you won’t be able to add those to your Sling package.

Finally, local channels aren’t automatically included and can cost an extra $5 to $10 per month depending on your market, though you can work around this with a simple over-the-air antenna.

Who is Sling Select best for?

Sling Select is best suited for viewers who want a simple, low-cost way to keep up with live TV without committing to a large package. It’s an excellent option for first-time cord-cutters, students or those who primarily watch a few channels like news, sports or classic entertainment.

It’s also a good fit for those who like pairing a small live TV bundle with other streaming services such as Netflix or Disney+, creating a customized entertainment setup without paying the $70+ price tag of bigger live TV platforms.

Sling Select brings back the simplicity of early streaming when you paid for what you needed and nothing more. For $19.99/month, you can tap into top-tier entertainment, live sports, and must-watch news, all while keeping your budget intact.

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It’s hard to beat the satisfaction of getting something valuable — or just plain fun — without paying a cent for it.

Take learning a new skill, for example. Online learning platform Coursera offers a host of free courses.

Recently, for example, you could take a free beginner-level course on financial markets from Yale economist Robert Shiller or on computer programming with Princeton instructors Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne. EdX also offers free online courses.

Want to become handier around the house? Home Depot has free webcasts on topics such as removing and installing carpet or replacing light fixtures. Because the workshops are streamed live, you can ask the instructors questions.

Your kids can get in on the fun, too. Home Depot and Lowe’s both offer free monthly in-store building workshops for children.

During the workshops — which are usually on the first Saturday of the month at Home Depot and on the third Saturday of the month at Lowe’s — children make crafts ranging from model airplanes to miniature fire stations.

Get birthday and holiday treats

Some retailers and restaurant chains give you a complimentary item for your birthday if you’re a member of their rewards program (but check the rules — you may have to make a purchase of a certain amount before you can redeem the birthday offer).

To name a few: IHOP provides a free stack of pancakes, Panera Bread offers a pastry, and Ulta Beauty lets you choose a small cosmetic item. Budgeting website The Penny Hoarder lists more than 100 places that offer birthday freebies.

You can also find free items from restaurants on food “holidays” throughout the year.

For example, on National Ice Cream Day, which takes place on the third Sunday in July, vendors including Dairy Queen and Dippin’ Dots have offered complimentary treats. Watch for promotions on restaurants’ websites and apps.

Find more goodies

The website FreeStuffFinder.com is a catch-all resource for discounts, coupons and free offers on a variety of products, services and events.

Its “Free Stuff” page recently included information on the summer Kids Bowl Free program — through which more than 1,500 bowling alleys nationwide allow children two free daily games — and a state-by-state listing of days that you can go fishing without purchasing a license, among many other freebies.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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It’s always a good time to get a good deal. But as tariffs take effect on some imported goods — and as the Trump administration continues to negotiate tariffs with other countries — you may be especially interested right now in how you can save money while you shop.

Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine has taken the time to assess how you can find deals this year on investments, groceries, electronics, clothing, cars and travel, as well as how to take advantage of credit card perks — with a special emphasis on finding deals for products and services most prone to rising prices as the trade war evolves. In this article, we look at deals on groceries. (See below to find links to our other articles about deals.)

Egg prices grabbed headlines earlier this year when they shot up because of an avian flu outbreak, but prices on many other grocery items have risen, too.

U.S. food prices increased by 23.6% from 2020 to 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.

You can use apps and websites such as Flipp and Flashfood to save money at the grocery store, says Phil Lempert, food-marketing expert and founder of SupermarketGuru.com, a food-industry website.

With Flipp, you can enter your ZIP code to see digital versions of weekly circulars from nearby supermarkets. You can also use Flipp to add coupons directly to your account with the loyalty programs of some stores.

With Flashfood, stores including Giant, Giant Eagle and Meijer offer discounts of up to 50% on meat, produce and other items that are nearing their sell-by dates.

And through the Ibotta app, you can get cash back on certain items purchased at many grocers.

Lempert also recommends shopping at discount food chains such as Aldi and Trader Joe’s. You may save up to 30% on purchases at these stores compared with other supermarkets, he says.

In addition, consider buying store-brand versions of foods, which may cost 20% to 30% less than name brands.

Take advantage of your supermarket's rewards program

If you’re a member of your grocer’s loyalty program, you may get discounts on certain purchases or collect points that you can redeem for groceries, gas or other items.

Albertsons, which owns Safeway, Vons and Jewel-Osco, has a free program that offers one point for every $1 you spend on groceries. Every 100 points you earn is worth a $1 discount at checkout or a 10-cent discount on fuel at participating gas stations.

After you sign up for Kroger’s free rewards program, you’ll get access to weekly specials and sales, and you can clip coupons through your digital account with Kroger.

Plus, collect one point for every dollar you spend on groceries and general merchandise at the store; points are exchangeable for discounts on fuel at participating gas stations.

Join a CSA

If you buy a lot of fruit and vegetables, signing up for a community-supported agriculture program may be a cost-effective way to get your produce.

With a CSA, you buy a share of a local farm’s harvest. In return for an annual membership fee, which may run a few hundred dollars, you’ll get a variety of fresh produce weekly or biweekly from the farm throughout the harvest season.

You can search for a CSA near you with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s local directory and at LocalHarvest.org.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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It’s always a good time to get a good deal. But as tariffs take effect on some imported goods — and as the Trump administration continues to negotiate tariffs with other countries — you may be especially interested right now in how you can save money while you shop.

Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine has taken the time to assess how you can find deals this year on investments, groceries, electronics, clothing, cars and travel, as well as how to take advantage of credit card perks — with a special emphasis on finding deals for products and services most prone to rising prices as the trade war evolves. In this article, we look at deals on clothing and online shopping. (See below to find links to our other articles about deals.)

The vast majority of clothing sold in the U.S. is imported, and much of it comes from China, which has been a top target for President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Use these strategies to stay on budget as you shop for apparel.

A tried-and-true way to save money on clothing is to shop out of season — say, by buying summer clothes in the fall. You’ll often find off-season clothing on clearance racks at drastically reduced prices, says Breyana Wright, stylist and owner of style consulting firm Styled by Breyana.

Are you a member of Costco Wholesale or Sam’s Club? Look for brand-name clothes and shoes — especially activewear — at bargain prices.

Recently, for example, Sam’s Club sold a pair of men’s Adidas fleece pants for less than $12. You may find great deals on other types of clothing, too. Costco.com, for example, recently listed a Nicole Miller wrap dress for $20 on sale.

Shop secondhand

To find high-quality, gently used clothing, Anna LaPlaca, senior fashion editor of fashion publication Who What Wear, suggests checking out online consignment stores such as The RealReal, Poshmark and ThredUp. You may find steep discounts on designer apparel.

A men’s Polo Ralph Lauren jacket that typically sells for $350, for example, was recently available at The RealReal for $115.

On Poshmark, an Emporio Armani dress had an $89 price tag, compared with a $434 retail price.

And a pair of Tory Burch women’s heels sold for $34, compared with a standard price of $68, on ThredUp.

Another money-saving idea: Host a clothing-swap party with friends and family. Set clear guidelines for how many items you and your guests will trade and take home, and try to gather a wide variety of sizes for participants to choose from.

Get the best price with online shopping tools

Since the invention of the price tag, savvy shoppers have tried to divine the right time to buy an item they’ve had an eye on for the lowest price. And snagging bargains with coupons never goes out of style. The tools and browser extensions below automate these tasks.

CamelCamelCamel
Amazon.com shoppers can use this free website and browser extension to track fast-changing prices. You can see a history of price changes on products listed on Amazon and get alerts when the price drops on an item you’re tracking.

Honey
This browser extension, owned by PayPal, automatically applies coupons when you check out at more than 30,000 e-commerce sites.

Capital One Shopping
This online tool is available to everyone — you don’t have to be a customer of Capital One’s banking or credit card services to use it. Once you install the browser extension, it will apply coupons automatically at checkout and notify you when a price drops on an item you’re tracking.

Another feature: When you shop with select brands, you can collect rewards as a percentage back of your purchase, and they’re exchangeable for electronic gift cards.

SlickDeals
This mobile app and browser extension automatically applies coupons when you check out at retail websites. SlickDeals also features cash-back offers when you make purchases at select online stores.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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It’s always a good time to get a good deal. But as tariffs take effect on some imported goods — and as the Trump administration continues to negotiate tariffs with other countries — you may be especially interested right now in how you can save money while you shop.

Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine has taken the time to assess how you can find deals this year on investments, groceries, electronics, clothing, cars and travel, as well as how to take advantage of credit card perks — with a special emphasis on finding deals for products and services most prone to rising prices as the trade war evolves. In this article, we look at deals on travel. (See below to find links to our other articles about deals.)

Hire a travel agent

Outsourcing some or all of your travel planning to an agent comes with a number of perks. For one, it can provide peace of mind that your journey will be free of costly mistakes, such as booking a flight too late.

And travel agents often specialize in certain regions where their expertise can help ensure your trip runs smoothly, helping you find lodging, tours and other services that suit your tastes.

In addition to having some familiarity with your destination, travel agents typically know how to secure the best discounts, including deals for bundling your bookings.

If you book both your flight and hotel through a travel agency, for instance, the hotel might lower the room rate.

Plus, travel agents often have insider access to unpublished rates for hotels, resorts and tour operators, and savings can typically be anywhere from 5% to 10% off published rates.

AAA members get complimentary travel-planning services, and online travel agencies such as Gateway Travel, Fora Travel and Unlimited Journeys can connect you with an agent free or for a low fee.

Many travel agents who don’t charge clients a fee are paid a commission by the vendors that they book you with, so you may be limited to their partners, in some cases.

Catch last-minute deals

Waiting until the last minute to book travel may sound counterintuitive, and it’s risky during peak travel periods — often in the summer and on holidays, when the flight or lodging that you need may have limited or no availability.

But sometimes, booking at the last minute can get you a good deal on a hotel stay or a flight, especially if you can be flexible about where and when you book.

On some flights, you may find the best deals one to two weeks before departure, when many airlines lower prices on unsold seats.

Look for destinations that see a significant dip in tourism during the off-season, such as a ski-resort town in the summer. You can also find deals three to five days in advance of departure, but your choices may be limited.

Being flexible about which day you fly, as well as which airports you fly in and out of, may help find you the best deals.

You can also take advantage of tools such as Google Flights, SkyScanner.com and Hopper.com to search for flights for various dates and destinations. Going.com is another reliable resource for deals on flights.

Although deals on same-day flight bookings are rare, in some cases, you may be able to save big by booking a hotel the day you plan to stay.

Apps and websites such as HotelTonight.com and Priceline.com specialize in these kinds of deals.

Before booking through a third party, however, consider calling the hotel directly to see whether it’s offering a special rate for last-minute bookings. Sometimes hotels offer deals not listed online.

Save on the daily rate with an extended stay

A flexible traveler can often find good deals on lodging by opting for an extended stay.

For example, stays of more than seven nights at many vacation rentals listed on Airbnb.com and VRBO.com typically cost anywhere from 5% to 15% less per day than they do for shorter stays, and some hosts offer up to 25% off for week-long stays.

Monthly stays, however, tend to have the steepest discounts; you can typically get anywhere from 10% to 40% off your daily rate if you opt for a month-long reservation via Airbnb or VRBO.

And in some major cities, it’s common to see a monthly discount of 30% to 50% on these platforms, especially for smaller apartments.

Many hosts are also open to direct negotiation for long stays, particularly if you’re booking in the off-season. You can message hosts via their listing to get more information.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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It’s always a good time to get a good deal. But as tariffs take effect on some imported goods — and as the Trump administration continues to negotiate tariffs with other countries — you may be especially interested right now in how you can save money while you shop.

Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine has taken the time to assess how you can find deals this year on investments, groceries, electronics, clothing, cars and travel, as well as how to take advantage of credit card perks — with a special emphasis on finding deals for products and services most prone to rising prices as the trade war evolves. In this article, we look at deals on electronics. (See below to find links to our other articles about deals.)

You’ll likely find the best deals on smartphones, TVs, laptops, tablets and other gadgets by shopping during retail holidays.

Discounts of up to 50% on electronics are possible around Labor Day, says Louis Ramirez, deals editor-in-chief for tech-review website Tom’s Guide.

Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and New Year’s sales are good times to shop for electronics, too.

You might also consider trading in your used device when you make a purchase. In addition to tariff-related price increases on new electronics, consumers will likely see a rise in the trade-in values for used devices, says Ramirez.

The trade-in value depends on the age, model and condition of your current device and varies widely; you can get as much as $800 to $1,000 or as little as $12 to $40 for your old device.

Devices from some brands retain their value longer than others. Laptops and tablets that are more than five years old often have minimal trade-in value.

But Apple devices tend to retain some value for five to seven years, says Ramirez.

Check out these devices

Shopping for previous-generation devices can be a great way to lock in low prices on quality electronics.

If you’re in the market for a new laptop or tablet, consider buying the 2024 MacBook Air (recently available for $800 at Best Buy) or the 2024 iPad Air (recently available for $499 at Walmart), rather than the 2025 models, which sell for $999 and $599, respectively.

Alternatively, opt for an AI-driven laptop. These laptops use software powered by artificial intelligence to enhance performance, user experience and functionality.

They’ve had a lukewarm reception from consumers, many of whom remain comfortable with PCs that don’t have these built-in AI features. So you can find significant markdowns on some AI laptops.

Acer, Dell, HP and Samsung are all lowering prices on their AI-driven models, says Ramirez.

For example, the Dell XPS 9350 Laptop with Copilot+ was recently available at Best Buy for $999, or $400 off its original price.

If you’re in the market for a TV, big-box stores such as Best Buy may be your best bet, especially around Labor Day.

Typically, you can get as much as $2,000 off select big-screen TVs from LG, Samsung and other brands during Best Buy’s Labor Day sale.

Amazon has also been known to sell smart TVs, such as the Insignia 24-inch F20 Series HD Fire TV, for as little as $65 on Labor Day.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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It’s always a good time to get a good deal. But as tariffs take effect on some imported goods — and as the Trump administration continues to negotiate tariffs with other countries — you may be especially interested right now in how you can save money while you shop.

Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine has taken the time to assess how you can find deals this year on investments, groceries, electronics, clothing, cars and travel, as well as how to take advantage of credit card perks — with a special emphasis on finding deals for products and services most prone to rising prices as the trade war evolves. In this article, we look at deals on credit cards. (See below to find links to our other articles about deals.)

Many credit cards offer money-saving perks that go beyond cash back, points or miles. Check whether your cards offer any of these four benefits.

International roaming data

Outside the U.S., your smartphone’s data service may be reduced to dial-up speeds unless you pay exorbitant fees.

But holders of certain Visa credit cards can take advantage of a benefit from GigSky, which provides international data services and works in more than 175 countries.

Each year, Visa Signature cardholders receive a free 15-day plan that provides 1 gigabyte of data, plus 20% off other GigSky plan purchases.

Visa Infinite cardholders enjoy a complimentary 15-day, 3GB data plan yearly and 30% off all plan purchases.

Trip delay insurance

When the airlines are at fault for delays and cancellations, they may be responsible for providing you with food and accommodations — but you’ll likely wait in long lines to receive compensation.

And when carriers decide that the disruption is out of their control, you will almost always be left to absorb the additional costs.

But the trip delay insurance that many credit cards offer will cover up to $500 per passenger, per night, regardless of the reasons for the interruption, as long as you charged the flight to an eligible card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee), American Express Platinum Card® ($895) see rates and fees and United Club ($695) cards all offer trip delay insurance.

Better yet, the Chase Sapphire ($95) and Sapphire Reserve ($550) cards cover your flights, even if you paid for them using miles earned through Chase’s rewards program.

Auto rental insurance

When you rent a car, some credit cards provide insurance for theft and accidental damage, as long as you book the reservation with the card.

Popular cards with this perk include the American Express Platinum Card® ($895) and American Express® Gold Card ($350), see rates and fees, as well as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95) and Venture X.

Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve offer primary coverage, which supersedes coverage from your personal auto insurance policy.

Cell phone insurance

Certain credit cards — including many from American Express, Chase, Capital One and Wells Fargo — provide insurance for a lost or damaged cell phone if you pay your wireless bill with the card. Coverage excludes cosmetic damage and typically comes with a $50 deductible.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

For Platinum Card® cardholders: Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company, at no-additional-cost to the Card Member. Coverage is subject to certain terms, conditions and limitations, including limitations on the amount of coverage. This benefit provides secondary coverage. For more information about the coverage, please see the Guide to Benefits at americanexpress.com/TDTerms.

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Love to visit museums and other cultural institutions? There are a variety of ways to get free or discounted admission.

First, look in your wallet. If you have a Bank of America debit or credit card, you have free access to more than 200 museums in 40 states and Washington, D.C., during the first full weekend of every month.

Those who use Citibank’s premium Citigold checking account can show their debit card to get complimentary admission at any time to the Museum of Modern Art, New York Botanical Garden and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City (excluding special hours and events).

Check whether any of your other memberships come with museum discounts. If you’re a AAA member, you could receive up to 25% off admission at participating museums across the country.

Likewise, if you’re a member of your local library, one perk may be free or discounted admission to nearby museums. Seniors and veterans may get a fee break on admission to certain institutions, too.

Some museums offer free or discounted admission during certain time frames, which may be advertised on the museum’s website under “discounted admission” or “special offers.”

Or give the museum a call to ask for information about its deals. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, for example, offers half-price tickets for Friday evenings.

Museum memberships

Purchasing an annual museum membership may provide great value. Not only could you save on admission to your favorite museum and get discounts at the gift shop, but if the pass includes a reciprocal benefit, you will also receive free or discounted admission to a variety of partner museums, science centers and cultural institutions.

Some museums, for example, participate in the North American Reciprocal Museum Association, which provides free admission to 1,400 art museums and galleries, historical museums, botanical gardens and children’s museums.

The ACM Reciprocal Network provides half-price admission to 200 participating children’s museums. And the Association of Zoos and Aquariums provides free or half-price admission to more than 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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It’s always a good time to get a good deal. But as tariffs take effect on some imported goods — and as the Trump administration continues to negotiate tariffs with other countries — you may be especially interested right now in how you can save money while you shop.

Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine has taken the time to assess how you can find deals this year on investments, groceries, electronics, clothing, cars and travel, as well as how to take advantage of credit card perks — with a special emphasis on finding deals for products and services most prone to rising prices as the trade war evolves. In this article, we look at deals on investments. (See below to find links to our other articles about deals.)

Bet on a bigger payout

Some companies stretch to make their quarterly cash payout to investors. Others could stretch a little more.

With the help of S&P Global Market Intelligence, we looked for companies that have been adding to their cash pile, building fodder for potential payout hikes.

Wall Street analysts are bullish on these stocks now; a beefier payout would be a nice bonus. Prices are as of May 31.

Global Payments (GPN, $76) processes sales transactions for stores, restaurants and the issuers of credit cards. The company plans to use $7 billion through 2027 for share buybacks and dividends.

The $250 million in dividends it has been paying each year — $1 per share — now represents just 16% of its profits. The stock has struggled this year as investors worry about an economic slowdown hitting the company’s small-business customers.

That uncertainty has left the shares “materially undervalued,” says Morningstar analyst Brett Horn, who sees $131 per share as fair value for the stock.

Stock in HCI Group (HCI, $169), an insurer that also sells industry software, has had a good run, hitting a 52-week high in May. But the company is poised for a big jump in profits, according to a consensus of the analysts who follow it, from $8.75 in 2024 to $15.41 this year.

And the small-company stock trades at 11 times estimated 2025 earnings, well below the average multiple for property-casualty insurers. The dividend, at 40 cents per quarter, represents about 15% of 2024 profits, and it hasn’t increased in five years.

TechnipFMC (FTI, $31) specializes in equipment for oil and gas drillers who operate below the sea’s surface. Technip paid a quarterly dividend of 13 cents per share until suspending it in 2020 amid the COVID-19 energy slump.

It restarted payments in 2023 at 5 cents per share. With big jumps in cash and profits, however, the dividend payout ratio is now 10%, according to S&P. Seventeen of the 23 analysts covering the stock are bullish, according to S&P; six rate it a “hold.”

Bag a bonus when you open a brokerage account

A cash bonus shouldn’t be the only criterion you use to choose a new brokerage firm, or even a top consideration. But some cash in your pocket is a nice sweetener. We found three online brokers offering cash credits to new customers.

The deals are only good for one account, and you must fund the account with cash or assets within a certain time to qualify.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed In­vesting offers up to $700 if you’re new to the firm and open an account at account.chase.com/investing/self-directedoffer. Deposit assets within 45 days, and you’ll get your bonus after the account has been open 90 days.

The more you deposit, the more you earn. A transfer of $5,000 to $24,999 will get a $50 credit, for example; $100,000 to $249,999 earns $325. Deposits of $250,000 or more fetch $700.

At Charles Schwab, the new-account bonus requires a referral from an existing Schwab client. See www.schwab.com/referral for more details. A $25,000 transfer earns $100; $50,000 gets $300. The deal tops out at a $1,000 bonus for a deposit of $500,000 or more.

E*Trade has a deal, too, if you act fast. It ends July 31, but you have until the end of September to fund the account to receive the cash credit. For a taxable brokerage account, go to us.etrade.com/promo/brokerage; head to us.etrade.com/promo/retirement for a retirement account.

Snag bargains abroad

We asked value managers — investors who focus on bargain-priced stocks — where they see opportunity these days. Many pointed to international stocks.

International value indexes reflect stocks trading at an average of about 11 times estimated earnings and 1.3 times book value (assets minus liabilities), notes Colin McQueen, portfolio manager of the T. Rowe Price International Value fund.

“That’s in line with historic valuations, while other markets have gone off to the moon,” he says.

By comparison, the S&P 500 Value index, a U.S. benchmark, has a price-earnings ratio over 17 and a book-value multiple of 3.4. U.S. investors can access foreign shares via American depositary receipts that trade here. Prices are as of May 31.

Financial stocks, particularly European banks, have performed well recently but are still recovering from COVID-era valuations that “priced in a depression that didn’t quite arrive,” says McQueen.

He recommends Barclays (BCS, $18), the giant London-headquartered financial services firm, trading at less than 8 times expected earnings and just 0.7 times book value. The stock yields 2.4%.

Another U.K.-based pick from McQueen is Informa (IFJPY, $21), a market leader in corporate events, trade shows and exhibitions. The company’s market share of that business dwarfs that of the nearest competitor, says McQueen, “and they’re widening that gap.” The stock trades at about 14 times estimated earnings and yields 2.4%

Of course, tariffs are top-of-mind overseas, too. Some stocks have been punished beyond what they should be, says David Polak, investment director at fund company Capital Group.

Take German industrial machinery firm Siemens (SIEGY, $121), for example. “Of its U.S. business, 100% is produced in the U.S.,” Polak notes.

Hermès International (HESAY, $276) has the pricing power to mitigate the impact of tariffs. The luxury goods firm has raised prices less than competitors in recent years, and it has tight control over supply, says Polak.

“They’re an example of a company in a strong position to be able to pass on costs if necessary,” he says.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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It’s always a good time to get a good deal. But as tariffs take effect on some imported goods — and as the Trump administration continues to negotiate tariffs with other countries — you may be especially interested right now in how you can save money while you shop.

Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine has taken the time to assess how you can find deals this year on investments, groceries, electronics, clothing, cars and travel, as well as how to take advantage of credit card perks — with a special emphasis on finding deals for products and services most prone to rising prices as the trade war evolves. In this article, we look at deals on cars. (See below to find links to our other articles about deals.)

The 25% tariffs on imported cars and car parts that went into effect in the spring have significantly affected the U.S. auto industry, prompting automakers to adjust pricing and production strategies.

“The bottom line for consumers is they’re going to have to do a lot of extra research,” says Brian Moody, senior editor for Kelley Blue Book (KBB), an automotive vehicle valuation and research company.

Not all vehicles will be affected equally, and even cars built in the U.S. may cost more, so you’ll want to research prices thoroughly to avoid surprises, he says.

If you’re shopping for a car, consider these strategies to reduce your costs, both up front and over the long term.

Leverage your memberships

Members of wholesale retailers Costco and Sam’s Club can take advantage of their car-buying programs.

The Costco Auto Program helps members find deals on new and used cars, collaborating with dealerships to prearrange special pricing for members.

Members recently also had access to special promotions and incentives, such as up to $2,000 off on select new Audi models or discounts on electric vehicles from brands such as Chevrolet and Volvo.

Additionally, Costco provides discounts of 15% (up to $500 per visit) on parts, service and accessories. Costco’s annual membership fees start at $65 per year.

Sam’s Club also offers prenegotiated pricing on new and used cars. The average savings for new cars is about $3,400 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, according to TrueCar, an online automotive marketplace.

Members can also get discounts on tires and tire installation. Sam’s Club memberships start at $50 per year.

Factor in insurance and other long-term costs

Some vehicles are more expensive to insure than others. More-affordable vehicles, such as the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, will usually have the lowest insurance premiums, Moody says.

Buying a car that’s relatively inexpensive to insure can keep your long-term ownership costs down.

Comparison-shop insurance policies, too. Most major insurers offer free quote calculators on their websites. Or use a site such as TheZebra.com to compare quotes from multiple insurers.

Think about other long-term costs as well. Buying a fuel-efficient vehicle can significantly lower the costs of car ownership over time.

At www.fueleconomy.gov, click on “Compare Side-by-Side” to use a tool that allows you to select various vehicle models and compare their fuel economy.

For each model, you’ll also see estimated annual fuel costs and how much you’ll save (or how much more you’ll spend) on those costs over five years compared with the average new vehicle.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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With major sales events like Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, it's easy to get caught up in all the excitement and splurge on things you probably didn't actually need. There's nothing wrong with splurging on a few fun buys – especially if you spot an especially juicy October Prime Day deal. But, the best way to truly save during a big sale is to focus on spotting deals on things you were already planning to buy.

Stocking up on everyday essentials like paper towels, dish soap and deodorant might not be as exciting as grabbing an FSA or HSA eligible deal on smart rings or buying the latest AirPods at a deep discount. But taking advantage of deals on items you know you'll need can free up cash in your budget to splurge on fun things later.

With that in mind, I've scoured the many competing October Prime Day sales happening at rival retailers like Walmart and Target this week to bring you the very best anti-Prime deals on those everyday essentials.

Keep reading for tips on finding the best prices on the brands you love and find out which competing Prime Day sale has the best deals on popular everyday essentials.

The best anti-Prime Day deals on everyday essentials from Walmart and Target

Both Walmart and Target have dropped prices across thousands of everyday essentials from trash bags and laundry detergent to toothpaste and toilet paper. So, now is a great time to stock up on your most-used products while prices are low.

As a shopping expert who regularly covers major sales events, I've compared deals at both sales to bring you the best deal on each of the items below.

Sam's Club's October Super Savings Event Beats Walmart and Target Almost Every Time

The best shopping tip this week: Sam's Club members should skip the sales at Walmart, Target and Amazon as you'll find even lower prices on nearly every item listed above at the warehouse club.

For example, the retailer's Members' Mark brand offers everyday low prices on trash bags and paper towels that beat the on-sale prices at both Walmart and Target right now. Buying name brands like Charmin or Listerine in bulk at Sam's Club will also often save you more than the deals listed above.

Those everyday low prices are even lower on select items during the Sam's Club October Super Savings event. Alongside discounted essentials, the sales event also includes price drops on tech, home decor and more.

If you're not a Sam's Club member yet, it may be worth joining, especially if you qualify for the senior discount or time it right to take advantage of the Stack Social deal to save up to $50 on a Sam's Club membership.

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With four full days of deals, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the options during Amazon Prime Day 2025. Even though there's nothing wrong with treating yourself to a few splurges, one of the best ways to make sure you're actually saving with Prime Day deals is to shop for essentials and things that actually add value to your home.

On this final day of the sale, take advantage of deep discounts on energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for the tax credits disappearing after this year. Alternatively, browse FSA or HSA eligible Prime Day deals so you can use those pre-tax dollars to save on everything from everyday essentials to the latest home health tech.

But, if you're trying to keep your spending down this week without missing out on some truly worthwhile discounts, use these final hours of Amazon Prime Day to grab a couple of these Prime Day deals on home security, weatherproofing and other smart home gadgets. Everything on this list is under $100 – and many items are well below that price point. Grab these deals before they disappear, and be surprised at just how much $100 or less can do for your home.

Last-minute Ring home security deals during Amazon Prime Day

One of the biggest names in smart home security is Amazon's own Ring security system. From video doorbells to outdoor cameras with built-in floodlights, you can get up to half off on a complete DIY home security setup and install it yourself this weekend.

• Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery-Powered), $90 (originally $150)
• Ring Floodlight Cam, Motion-Activated (Wired), $100 (originally $180)
• Ring Indoor Cam, $30 (originally $60)
• Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit, $100 (originally $200)
• Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, $40 (originally $80)

Disappearing Prime Day deals on Blink home security

Another popular home security brand, Blink has tech that's on par with Ring but is offering some even more enticing deals during Amazon Prime Day this year. Whichever way you lean, we recommend sticking with one brand for your entire home security system to make sure all the different parts are compatible with each other.

• Blink Video Doorbell (Battery), $30 (originally $70)
• Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera, $24 (originally $40)
• Blink Floodlight Camera (Wired), $50 (originally $100)
• Blink Mini Smart Camera, 2-Pack, $25 (originally $50)

Other Prime Day home security deals you don't want to miss

Ring and Blink aren't the only brands wooing shoppers with big discounts this year. You'll also find home security deals from other popular brands like eufy and ecobee. And if you've already got a smart security system (or don't want one), you can add extra layers of protection with some of the other budget-friendly home security finds below.

• Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell (Wired), $100 (originally $160)
• Emdmak Door Stop Alarm with Siren, 2-Pack, $13 (originally $16)
• Eufy Security SoloCam (Solar-Powered), $62 (originally $130)
• Securityman 2-in-1 Door Security Bar and Sliding Door Bar, 2-Pack, $29 (originally $50)

Last chance Prime Day deals on smart thermostats, sensors and monitors

Surviving the summer heat without running up your electric bill is a lot easier when you've got smart home tech doing the work for you. From smart thermostats to humidity sensors, these summer home upgrades on sale during Amazon Prime Day help you keep your home comfortable without wasting energy where you don't need it.

You'll also find deals on leak detectors and other sensors that can help you spot a problem before it becomes a threat to your health or an expensive emergency repair.

• Govee WiFi Thermometer and Hygrometer, 2-Pack, $72 (originally $90)
• SwitchBot Wifi Thermometer and Hygrometer, 3-Pack, $53 (originally $66)
• Govee WiFi Leak Detector 2, 4-Pack, $60 (originally $90)
• Toptes PT520A Natural Gas Detector, $34 (originally $40)

Air quality deals from Amazon Prime Day

No matter where you live, the air quality in your home can have a huge impact on your health and wellbeing. From pollution and dust particles coming in from outside to the fumes and odors created by common household cleaning products or cooking ingredients, a great air purifier can help you breathe better. Meanwhile, dehumidifiers can give your air conditioner a break by making your space feel more comfortable even at slightly higher temperatures.

• Blueair HEPA Air Purifier (926 sq. ft.), $94 (originally $140)
• SwitchBot HEPA Air Purifier (3,620 sq. ft.), $87 (originally $193)
• Bissell HEPA Air Purifier (3,172 sq. ft.), $84 (originally $180)
• ToLife Dehumidifier (95 oz. tank), $63 (originally $110)
• Tabyik Dehumidifier (35 oz. tank), $39 (originally $46)

Prime Day deals on weatherproofing and energy efficient upgrades

Even if you've already got the most efficient air conditioning system, you'll be surprised at just how much your utility bill will be impacted by a few easy weatherproofing projects like weatherstripping or heat-sealing your windows. Lighting is another often-overlooked electricity drain that's easily solved by swapping out inefficient bulbs for smart options like the ones on sale during Amazon Prime Day.

• Qoqooice Transparent Window Weather Sealing Tape, $8 (originally $10)
• GE LED+ Dusk to Dawn A21 Automatic Light Bulbs, 3-Pack, $22 (originally $33)
• Govee Smart Color-Changing Light Bulbs, 4-Pack, $24 (originally $40)
• Oxrq Door Draft Stopper, $6 (originally $10)

Bottom line

Whether you're looking for smart home security or you want to beat the heat with budget-friendly weatherproofing, there are plenty of handy items available on Amazon. And, during Amazon Prime Day, you can stock up on many of them for a fraction of their regular price. So you can make your home safer and more comfortable without upending your shopping budget this week.

Related content

• The Anti-Prime Day Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking Up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club
• 48 Anti-Prime Day Tech Deals You Should Get from Best Buy's Black Friday in July Sale Instead
• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
• Is Amazon Prime Worth It?

Amazon Prime Day 2025 ends today, but you've got until July 13 to shop Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale. Best Buy's answer to Amazon Prime Day deals this week features big discounts on premium brands like Garmin, Apple, Samsung and more.

You'll also be able to take advantage of other rival sales like Walmart Deals Week or Target Circle Week to stock up on toothpaste, cleaning supplies and more with their Anti-Prime Day deals on everyday essentials. But if any tech is on your wish list, then you need to shop Best Buy's Black Friday in July event. Even when deals are the same as they are at Amazon, you can typically be more confident you're getting the real thing when you buy your tech from Best Buy.

Plus, there's no need to sign up for a membership to shop Best Buy's Black Friday in July deals. So, if you're not sure it's worth it to join Amazon Prime just to shop Prime Day deals, check out these Best Buy deals to see if you can grab what you want from the rival retailer instead. Remember to check back daily for fresh deals now through the end of the sale.

Home security deals from Best Buy

Now's a great time to make some DIY home security upgrades (and maybe even score a discount on your home insurance for doing so). At Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale this week, you'll find deep discounts on Blink, Ring and other leading smart security brands.

• Blink - Outdoor 4 5-Camera Security System, $160 (originally $400)
• Google Nest Cam, 3-Pack, $375 (originally $450)
• Swann MaxRanger 4k Solar, 3-Camera Security System, $500 (originally $700)
• Arlo Pro 5S 3-Camera Security Bundle, $200 (originally $400)

Best Buy travel tech deals

Upgrading your travel gear with these tech accessories on sale at Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale will make for a more comfortable trip. Even more comforting is the knowledge that you grabbed them all for up to half off.

• Anker - MagGo Wireless Charging Station, $77 (originally $110)
• Speck - ClickLock Wallet for Apple iPhones with MagSafe, $15 (originally $30)
• The Ridge Wallet - Titanium Cash Strap, $94 (originally $150)
• UGREEN - Nexode Power Bank with Smart Display, $38 (originally $50)
• Insignia Travel Adapter and Converter, $24 (originally $30)

FSA or HSA eligible tech deals at Best Buy

What's better than saving hundreds of dollars on the latest tech? Doing it while using pre-tax dollars from your FSA or HSA account. Just remember to double check with your plan provider as some items might need prior authorization–and always order FSA or HSA eligible deals separately from any non-eligible items you're also eyeing this week.

• Shark - NeverChange Air Purifier, $170 (originally $250)
• Insignia HEPA Air Purifier, $100 (originally $200)
• Therabody Theragun Sense Massage Gun, $200 (originally $300)
• Sony - Discreet OTC Hearing Aids, $500 (originally $700)
• Jabra - Enhance Select 300 Hearing Aid, $1,420 (originally $1,695)
• Omron - Evolv Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor, $63 (originally $110)

Under-$500 laptop and tablet deals at Best Buy

Give your home office an upgrade or recommit to your 2025 reading goals by picking up a brand new laptop or tablet for well under $500 at the Best Buy Black Friday in July sale.

• ASUS - Vivobook 14 14", $320 (originally $600)
• Dell - Inspiron 15" Touch Screen Laptop, $350 (originally $630)
• HP - 17.3" Full HD Laptop, $330 (originally $630)
• Apple - 11-inch iPad A16, $279 (originally $349)
• Samsung - Galaxy Tab A9+ 11" 64GB, $140 (originally $220)
• Google - Pixel Tablet - 11", $279 (originally $399)

Best Buy headphone deals

From deep discounts on the latest open ear headphones to savings on Apple and Sennheiser earbuds, these are the best headphone deals from the Black Friday in July sale at Best Buy this week.

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 earbuds, $250 (originally $350)
• Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, $150 (originally $180)
• Bose QuietComfort earbuds, $129 (originally $179)
• Shokz OpenFit Air earbuds, $80 (originally $120)
• JBL Endurance Race 2 earbuds, $60 (originally $90)
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 over-ear headphones, $280 (originally $450)
• Apple AirPods Max, $450 (originally $550)

Smartwatch deals at Best Buy

Apple, Garmin and other top smartwatch brands are all on sale during the Black Friday in July sale at Best Buy. Here are the best deals to grab if you're looking to upgrade your wearables.

• Garmin Venu Sq 2, $150 (originally $250)
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), $169 (originally $249)
• Google Pixel Watch 3, $270 (originally $350)
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, $160 (originally $300)
• Fitbit Charge 6, $110 (originally $160)
• Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, $750 (originally $1,100)

Best Buy deals on major appliances and other home tech

If you're making some summer home upgrades, Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale is the perfect opportunity to save hundreds on premium kitchen appliances and other home tech.

• LG French Door Smart Refrigerator, $1,800 (originally $3,200)
• GE Profile French Door Smart Refrigerator, $2,500 (originally $3,960)
• KitchenAid Stainless Steel Dishwasher with Third Rack, $900 (originally $1,215)
• Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum, $280 (originally $500)
• iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop, $600 (originally $1,000)

Don’t overlook Best Buy during Prime Day sales event

While there were plenty of exciting Prime Day deals this week, you're usually better off heading to Best Buy for premium tech. The tech-focused retailer carries a wider variety of brands and it's easier to make sure that what you're getting is the real deal. Plus, during the Black Friday in July sale, you may even find deeper discounts or deals on tech that Amazon doesn't even carry.

Related content

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There's a deal showdown about to take place.

In one corner is Amazon Prime Day. Amazon will run four days of sales, starting on June 23. In the other corner is Walmart Deals. This event also started on June 22, but unlike Amazon, it will run through June 28, giving shoppers two extra days of deals.

While deals are usually comparable on similar items, there are other areas to watch when it comes to these sales events. As someone who writes about deals, I examined them for you and believe Walmart's better. Here's why Walmart Deals offer you a better value overall.

Amazon Prime Day requires a membership

The main reason I prefer Walmart Deals over Amazon Prime Day is that, as its name suggests, Amazon Prime Day requires an Amazon Prime membership.

A membership runs you $14.99 per month or $139.99 annually. That can be a great deal if you plan to shop there regularly or use the other perks included with the membership.

That said, if you don't plan to use Amazon Prime much, it doesn't make sense to pay for a membership just to access a few days' worth of deals. Fortunately, there's an alternative that doesn't require a subscription: Walmart Deals.

One caveat: If you're new to Amazon, you can receive a 30-day free trial, and college students receive up to six months free.

Shop Walmart Deals without a membership

Unlike Amazon Prime Day, you won't need a membership to shop during Walmart Deals. The event opens to all shoppers on June 22. On its own, that will save you $15 compared to a monthly Amazon Prime membership.

That said, there is a perk to being a Walmart+ member. Walmart will have exclusive sales for its Walmart+ members. If you're new to the subscription, you can try it free for 30 days, making now a perfect time to try it out and get early access to Walmart Deals.

Another reason I like Walmart+ is that you receive a choice of two streaming services. You can either choose the ad-supported plan of Paramount+ Essentials Plan or Peacock Premium.

The nice thing is that once you choose a service, you're not married to it permanently. You can switch streaming services every 90 days.

You'll also receive the following perks:

• Free shipping and returns on many items
• Free same-day grocery and pharmacy delivery (where applicable)
• Free online pet care through Pawp
• Save up to $0.10 per gallon of gas
• A 25% digital discount on Burger King orders every day

How much can you save with Walmart Deals?

Here are some of the best deals offered during the event:

• VIZIO 75" Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV - Now $428, save $120
• Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum - Now $299.99, save $290
• Carote 4.5QT Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven - Now $29.99, save $30
• DREO 36" Tower Fan, 20dB Ultra Quiet Fans for Home - Now $59.96, save $30.03
• SWISSGEAR Stride Hardside Large Checked Spinner - Now $97.30, save $77.70
• GOOLOO Car Jump Starter - Now $35.49, save $41.50
• TULA Skin Care Sun Kit - Now $36.40, save $15.60
• Cate & Chloe Lauren 18k White Gold Plated 22mm Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals for Women - Now $16.99, save $113.01
• Travelhouse 6 Piece Hardshell Luggage Set - Now $109.99, save $117
• Astercook 14-Piece Kitchen Knife Set - Now $33.99, save $166
• Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones - Now $139, save $210.99
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Widescreen Tablet, 128GB - Now $169, save $80.99
• Samsung B-series 3.1 Ch DTS Virtual:X Soundbar with Subwoofer  - Now $199, save $80
• Shop all Walmart Deals

The bottom line on Walmart Deals vs Amazon Prime Day

As you can see, Walmart offers easier access to their deals event, with no hoops to jump through. And if you want a membership, Walmart offers you many of the same perks as Amazon, at a much better price and with earlier shopping access for deals.

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Amazon Prime Day started as an annual deals event every July, but now, they have added another one, called Amazon Big Deal Days, on October 7-8.

Many retailers have decided to run their own sales to coincide with Amazon's. Chief among them is Walmart Deals, a sales event from October 7-12.

Similar to Amazon's sales, Walmart's offers discounts on electronics, home furnishings, toys and many other items. Unlike Amazon, you don't need a separate membership to shop Walmart's sale.

That said, a Walmart+ membership unlocks a lot of value. You receive early access to sales events, free shipping on thousands of items, discounts on fuel and a free streaming subscription to either Peacock or Paramount+.

If you're a new subscriber, you can try it free for 30 days.

Save big during Walmart Deals

Here's a look at some of the best deals available during the event:

• VIZIO 50" Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV - Now $198.99, save $100
• Michael Kors Women's Jet Set Large East West Crossbody Handbag - Now $57, save $262
• GOOLOO Car Jump Starter - Now $35.49, save $94.50
• Astercook Kitchen Knife Set, 14 Pcs Knives Block Set with Built-in Sharpener - Now $32.99, save $167
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch - Now $189, save $60
• HP 15.6-inch Windows Touch Laptop - Now $279, save $180
• Astercook 20 Piece Pots and Pans Set Non Stick, Cookware Set - Now $54.99, save $144.99
• Cate & Chloe Bianca 18k White Gold Plated 25mm Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals for Women - Now $15.99, save $99.01
• Travelhouse 6 Piece Hardshell Luggage Set Hardside Lightweight Suitcase with TSA Lock Spinner Wheels - Now $119.99, save $480
• EF EcoFlow Portable Power Station DELTA 2 Lite 950Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery Solar Generator - Now $346, save $553

How Walmart is challenging Amazon’s Prime Day dominance

When compairing the two sales events, here's how they differ:

Open-access vs paywall
Prime Day remains locked behind a $14.99-per-month (or $139-per-year) Prime subscription. Walmart Deals, by contrast, welcomes all shoppers from the get-go, with membership perks layered on top rather than gating access entirely.

Extended duration and multi-channel reach
A six-day window gives Walmart more runway for promotions and inventory management, while in-store availability offers flexibility for customers who prefer curbside pickup or last-minute runs.

Enhanced shopping experience
Leveraging an AI-powered app upgrade and streamlined site experience, Walmart aims to help shoppers navigate thousands of deals more efficiently.

Smart ways to shop both Walmart Deals and Prime Day

If you’re a Prime member and also shop at Walmart, there’s no harm in checking out both sales events. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Compare and contrast: Track key items on both platforms using price-tracking sites such as CamelCamelCamel and Keepa, or browser extensions such as Honey, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Trial memberships: If you’re on the fence about Prime or Walmart+, a free 30-day Prime trial or a short-term Walmart+ signup could unlock deeper discounts or early access.
• Plan for pickup vs delivery: Consider in-store pickup for bulky items to avoid shipping delays, and check local store opening times for in-person-only flash deals.

By directly overlapping Prime Day, Walmart signals its willingness to invest in the fall sales promotions and challenge Amazon’s dominance.

For shoppers, the competition means expanded windows for discounts, more places to compare and potentially better bargains, which is a clear win in the ongoing battle for your wallet's attention.

Related Content:

• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
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Amazon Prime Big Deal Days officially kicks off on October 7, but you can already start shopping early Prime deals today. One of the best-kept secrets during the major savings event is Amazon's FSA store.

Amazon offers hundreds of FSA or HSA eligible items on its platform, and the FSA storefront makes it easy to browse through everyday essentials like supplements and over-the-counter medicines to surprisingly eligible items like fitness trackers or massagers.

To maximize your savings, I've rounded up the best Prime deals on FSA or HSA-eligible products I can find this October, as someone who writes about deals for a living. Between the deep discounts on these deals and the tax-free dollars you use to pay for them, you can stack savings during one of Amazon's biggest sales event of the year.

Tips for shopping FSA or HSA eligible items on Prime Big Deal Days

While there are hundreds of FSA or HSA-eligible items available on Amazon, there are some important guidelines to keep in mind as you shop these early Prime deals – or when you're shopping for FSA/HSA-eligible items in general.

Here's what to remember:

• Buy the eligible items separately. Don't combine them with any non-eligible deals you're eyeing. If you're ever audited by the IRS, only eligible products should show up in your expense history.
• Some items may require a medical diagnosis before they're eligible. Before clicking "place order" on anything, check with your HSA or FSA administrator to make sure an expense is covered.
• Shop Amazon's FSA store or click the "FSA or HSA eligible" filter to easily filter products on Amazon's marketplace to display the ones you’d be able to use your FSA or HSA funds for.
• The FSA contribution limit for 2025 is $3,300, while the HSA contribution limit for 2025 is $4,300 for individuals.

Early Prime deals on FSA or HSA-eligible wearables

One of the coolest ways to use up any unused FSA/HSA funds is to splurge on smart tech that can help you monitor your health or prevent problems later in life.

Here are some Amazon Prime Day deals on FSA or HSA-eligible wearables you can shop now:

• Oura Ring Gen3, $199 (originally $264)
• Oklar Blood Pressure Wrist Monitor, $29 (originally $40)
• Garmin HRM-Fit Chest Heart Rate Monitor, $127 (originally $150)
• Sony CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids, $498 (originally $700)
• Emay SleepO2 Wrist Recording Pulse Oximeter, $80 (originally $99)

Amazon Prime Day deals on wellness tech

From home air purifiers to help you breathe better to foot massagers to help you recover after a long day, these Prime Day deals help you save on health and wellness boosting tech for your home.

See what's available now:

• Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced, $65 (originally $90)
• BOB AND BRAD Back Massager with Heat, $60 (originally $80)
• CARESKY Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat and Remote, $136 (originally $170)

FSA or HSA-eligible baby essentials to shop before Prime Day ends

With prices on baby essentials rising due to tariffs, grabbing a couple of these FSA or HSA eligible baby items while they're on sale for Prime Day is an easy way to show the new parents in your life you care.

Here are baby purchases with deals:

• Nanit Essentials Smart Baby Monitor, $228 (originally $400)
• KissboboHands Free Breast Pump with Storage Bag, $63 (originally $90)
• Sense-U Smart Sock Baby Heart Rate Monitor, $170 (originally $200)

Whether you've been eyeing a new Oura Ring or you just need to stock up your medicine cabinet, these FSA or HSA-eligible Prime Day deals are a great way to save on your shopping list.

You can use pre-tax dollars to buy them and stretch those dollars further by taking advantage of some of the best deals available all year. Just remember to avoid tax headaches later by doing your FSA/HSA shopping separately from any other Prime Day deal hunting you have planned.

Related content

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If your phone is in desperate need of an upgrade, there are plenty of deals going around. New customers can get up to $440 off Samsung and Google phones at Mint Mobile. For Apple loyalists, there’s a free iPhone deal at Verizon right now. Other mobile carriers are also wooing new customers with similar deals.

But there's a catch in almost every case: You have to lock yourself into a contract, sometimes for as long as three years.

If you like your current provider or you just like the freedom and flexibility of month-to-month phone plans, taking advantage of those deals might be too big of a sacrifice for the sake of a phone upgrade.

With the Android Savings Event going on at Best Buy right now, your chance to snag a phone deal with no strings attached is finally here. Currently, the tech retailer is offering discounts of up to $450 off the latest phones from Samsung, Google and Motorola. Every phone is unlocked so you can use it with any carrier you choose.

Top phone deals from Best Buy’s Android Savings Event

Best Buy has slashed up to $450 off some of the latest and most popular phones from Samsung, Google and Motorola during the Android Savings Event. Check out some of our favorite phone deals the retailer is offering below.

Tips to save even more during the Android Savings Event

With savings up to $450 right now, the Android Savings Event at Best Buy is already a great chance to save big on a new phone. But some shoppers might be able to shave even more or off of the price tag with a couple of tricks.

• Save up to $300 more when you trade in your old phone. To see how much your trade-in is worth at Best Buy, click on the phone you’re interested in and scroll the product page until you find “Check your trade-in value.” Click on that then provide the details about your phone’s model and condition. Best Buy will instantly give you an estimate. To get that trade-in credit, you’ll pay the current price of the new phone in full. Then, you receive a refund to your original payment method for the trade-in amount after Best Buy receives your old phone.
• Get an extra $100 off select phones by connecting with Verizon or AT&T. If you already have Verizon or AT&T (or you’re willing to switch), many of the phone deals available right now come with an extra $100 off for customers who choose the “connect this phone to Verizon or AT&T” option at checkout. Your phone will still be unlocked, so if you’re not happy with Verizon or AT&T, you can switch to another mobile provider later and bring your phone with you.

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Taking the whole family on vacation can get expensive fast. Of course there are obvious costs like airfare and hotel accommodations, but there are so many day-to-day hidden costs like snacks, toiletries and daily meals that can quickly push you over your budget.

But if you're a member or veteran of the Armed Forces, chances are there are so many travel discounts and deals you haven't even heard of. Or maybe you've heard of a friend taking advantage of them, but it just seems too overwhelming to sign up for the deals for yourself.

Whether you're interested in seeing the world or checking off every spot on the National Parks list, to get you going on your next vacation and to streamline planning as simply as possible, we've rounded up the best places for veterans to save on travel deals.

American Forces Travel

Think of American Forces Travel the same way you think of any major booking site, except here, deals are only available to veterans and their families. According to the website, you can save up to 50% on hotels, flights, car rentals and even cruises.

The standout booking here is definitely cruises. Although flights and hotel discounts will typically be around $50-$100 off on average, you can save a whopping 80% off cruise bookings. Bundle and save on a cruise vacation for the entire family. You just have to provide your social security number for veteran status verification before booking.

While American Forces Travel offers great deals, it’s still worth checking directly with your preferred airline . Many carriers provide exclusive military discounts or additional perks that may not appear on third-party sites. Here are a few airlines that offer discounts or benefits for veterans and active-duty service members:

• Alaska Airlines military and veteran benefits
• Allegiant Honors military and veteran benefits
• American Airlines military benefits
• Delta Airlines military travel benefits
• Hawaiian Airlines flight discounts
• JetBlue military and veteran discounts
• Lufthansa Veterans Advantage travel discounts
• United military benefits and discounts

We Salute

We Salute was formerly known as Veterans Advantage, and they're still providing major travel deals and discounts.

If you're planning a road trip, take advantage of their 25% off deals with Avis and Budget car rental services. They also offer 10% off American Airlines vacation packages, and 5% off United Airlines flights, Jet Blue and more.

However, We Salute deals extend way beyond travel. Make sure to take advantage of their 20% off deals at CVS, 30% off on Samsung computers, TVs and other electronics.

This site should definitely be one of your first stops when trying to save on anything you routinely buy.

Disney Military Salute

Did you know Disney parks offer their own military and veteran discount tickets? The key here is to bundle and save. Choose from four-, five-, or six-day park visit passes.

A six-day ticket with the park hopper option is $439, a five-day ticket with park hopper is $419, and a four-day ticket with park hopper is just $399.

Just be mindful that there are certain blackout dates for these deals. Tickets are valid from January 1, 2025 through December 19, 2025 and blackout dates are April 13, 2025 through April 26, 2025, and November 23, 2025 through November 29, 2025.

Military Cruise Deals

The best thing about booking a cruise is that you can travel to a new destination while you sleep, which virtually eliminates jet lag.

At Military Cruise Deals, you can browse by desired destination and you can even search by last-minute deals to get even more savings, that are exclusively available to military members and their families.

Many cruise lines also offer their own military and veteran benefits, and checking with them directly may help you score an even better deal. Here are some of the top cruise lines that offer discounts or perks for military personnel:

• Carnival Cruise Line military and veteran deals
• Royal Caribbean Cruise military special pricing
• Norwegian Cruise Line military benefits
• MSC Cruises military cruise discount
• Celebrity Cruises' military savings offer
• Holland American military appreciation offer
• Virgin Voyages military and first responder rates
• Disney Cruise Line military rates
• Princess Cruise military cruise benefit

America The Beautiful Pass

If you love the outdoors and want to see parts of America that have been on your bucket list, you need to take advantage of the America the Beautiful Pass.

Normally, this annual pass is $80 per year per person, but veterans can take advantage of a free annual pass (active military) or even free lifetime pass (veterans). All you have to do is request a pass and pay the $10 processing fee online.

Plus, it even admits free parking and can cover up to three additional visitors at parks that typically charge entry fees per person. Use this pass at all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service locations and National Park Service sites, It will also cover amenity fees at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation sites and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites.

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With prices everywhere going up, it’s more important than ever to keep an eye out for a good deal to keep costs down where you can. For those who need a new phone, Mint Mobile has a limited-time deal that’s hard to beat.

From now until the end of July, new customers can save $440 on a new Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25 or Google Pixel 9 and get two years of Mint Mobile Unlimited for $15 per month.

The mobile network operator also has deals on Apple and other Google Pixel models that come with the $15 monthly Unlimited deal. Here’s what you need to know about the deal and what to consider before making the switch.

Get a new phone and a new plan for less at Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile launched a new limited time promotion that lets new customers save hundreds on a new phone while also getting 50% off an unlimited plan for the next 24 months.

When you switch before July 31, you can get $440 off select Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones while locking in 24 months of the Mint Mobile Unlimited plan for just $15 per month. Here are all of the phones that are $440 off at Mint Mobile right now:

• Samsung Galaxy S25: $360 and up (originally $800 and up)
• Samsung Galaxy S25+: $560 and up (originally $1,000 and up)
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: $660 (originally $1,100)
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: $860 and up (originally $1,300 and up)
• Google Pixel 9: $360 (originally $800)

Note that you need to pay the full price of the phone and the unlimited plan upfront to lock in these prices. So that does mean shelling out a few hundred dollars to start.

But it also means you’ll be phone bill free for the next 24 months. Plus, if you pay the upfront costs with a cash back credit card, you can earn some extra cash back to bring your total savings even higher.

While the biggest savings available right now are on select versions of the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9, Mint Mobile also has deals on other phones, including iPhones — and all of them come with one or two years of Mint Mobile Unlimited included in the price you see on the page.

Don’t need a phone? You can still save on Mint Mobile Unlimited

If you already upgraded your phone to beat the tariffs, you’re not out of luck. Mint Mobile allows you to bring your existing phone and phone number over. Just use the eSIM compatibility checker on the website to make sure your phone will work with Mint’s eSIM. If your phone has a SIM card slot, you can also just get a physical SIM to switch it over to Mint.

After confirming compatibility, take advantage of Mint’s limited-time offer on its unlimited plan. When you pay for 12 months upfront, you can get that full year of unlimited talk, texting and data for just $20 per month (instead of $30 per month).

If you’re not ready to commit to Mint Mobile for a full year, you can try it out by getting the 5 GB plan for just $15 per month for three months. That still comes with unlimited talk and text. But with the 5 GB data cap, you’ll want to make sure you’re using WiFi rather than data whenever possible.

Is switching to Mint Mobile worth it?

With plan prices as low as the ones at Mint, it’s easy to be suspicious of just what you’re getting. And there are a couple of important trade-offs worth considering before you switch. Some of the most important ones are the following:

• While most of the United States is covered by T-Mobile’s network – which is what Mint Mobile uses – the actual coverage quality can vary. For those in urban areas, this typically won’t be a problem. But in more rural or remote areas, your signal strength might be spotty. Check your zip code on the Mint Mobile coverage map before switching.
• Data is unlimited, but not speeds. The most important thing to note is that heavy data users will see slower speeds once they exceed 35GB in a given billing cycle. Your usage resets at the start of each billing cycle, so your speeds will return to normal then. You can avoid this issue by making sure you’re always connected to WiFi at home and only using mobile data outside. But if you’re out of range of WiFi for an extended period of time or just use a lot of data, this speed throttling will be noticeable and annoying.
• The mobile hotspot is free, but data is capped at 10GB per month on unlimited plans.
• You won’t get the T-Mobile streaming bundle that includes free Netflix, Hulu and Apple TV. Even though Mint operates on T-Mobile’s network, customers don’t get the same streaming perks. Still, with how much less you’re paying for your phone plan, it might still be cheaper to switch to Mint Mobile and then just subscribe to the streaming services you actually use separately — or take advantage of other streaming deals and bundles.
• You can’t connect your Apple Watch or other wearable devices with cellular capabilities to your Mint Mobile plan. But you can use those features while said device is connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth or WiFi. If you don’t have any cellular-enabled wearables, this won’t be an issue. Just make sure you’re not paying extra to get one with that feature next time you upgrade your smartwatch.

Even with these trade-offs, Mint Mobile is still a great way to keep your monthly costs down. If you live in a covered area, use WiFi at home and don’t need the streaming perks offered by major carriers like T-Mobile or Verizon, you’ll enjoy the major savings on your phone plan while hardly noticing these limits.

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If Sam’s Club aggressive expansion plan to add 15 new locations per year is bringing a brand new location near you, it might be time to grab a membership and see what Costco’s biggest rival has to offer. Like Costco, Sam’s Club is a member’s only warehouse club promising everyday low prices and savings on gas, groceries, home goods and more.

In fact, if lower prices are your top priority, Sam’s Club actually beats Costco across many staple groceries and household essentials. Its annual membership is also slightly cheaper, coming in at $50 for the basic plan and $110 for the higher tier option.

That already low membership fee is even lower thanks to a Stack Social deal we found. For a limited time, you can get the entry-level annual membership for just $20 or the upgraded Sam’s Club Plus membership for just $60.

How to get the Sam’s Club membership deal

Stack Social is offering 54% off Club membership, Sam’s Club entry-level plan, and 45% on the upgraded Plus membership.

Though the deal on the Club membership expires soon, you’ve got more time to get a Sam’s Club Plus membership for just $60. That’s less than Costco’s entry-level plan, with all the perks of a premium tier membership.

Sam’s Club Plus members enjoy all the same perks as the base membership, along with more benefits like 2% Sam’s Cash Back, free shipping and delivery on orders over $50, extra pharmacy savings and even exclusive early shopping hours if you want to shop without the crowds.

Sam’s Club membership is always cheaper for members over 50

Most senior discounts and perks don’t kick until you’re around 55 or 60 years old. But at Sam’s Club, you’re eligible for the senior discount on membership starting at just 50 years old. And it’s a good discount, too.

Members over 50 get 60% off the regular price, which means you can get a full year of access for as little as $20 per year, every year. You just have to verify your age when you enroll to get the discounted price.

The warehouse club also offers discounted memberships to teachers, veterans, students, first responders, healthcare professionals and others. So, before you join, check out which groups are eligible to see if you can enjoy a permanently discounted Sam’s Club membership.

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Amazon Prime Day has long been a reliable summer and fall tradition for deal-hungry shoppers. But this year, some of the excitement may be dampened by global trade tensions and a growing sense of uncertainty.

This doesn’t necessarily stem from buyers, but from the third-party sellers that help power the event.

Several independent sellers are reconsidering their participation in Amazon’s annual mega-sale due to tariffs and ongoing supply chain issues. That could have a ripple effect on the kinds of deals shoppers will see, especially if you rely on Prime Day to stock up or snag tech at a discount.

Here’s what you need to know before the big day arrives in July, and again in October.

What's going on with tariffs and Amazon?

Tariffs have become a popular subject these days, and they’re quickly becoming a personal finance problem for everyday shoppers.

In early 2025, new U.S. tariffs on imported goods raised costs for businesses bringing in electronics, appliances and other household staples.

Amazon, which relies heavily on third-party sellers and international manufacturers, has already explored how to manage these changes. Kiplinger recently reported that Amazon has considered displaying tariff charges directly on product listings to help explain higher prices.

Third-party sellers now account for more than 60% of items sold on Amazon — a record high as of 2024 — underscoring how much Amazon depends on outside merchants to fill its digital shelves.

But many of these sellers are now grappling with rising costs, longer lead times and shifting logistics. Some fulfillment partners are also feeling the squeeze; UPS, a major Amazon carrier, recently announced significant job cuts as shipping volumes soften and costs climb.

For some sellers, the unpredictability around how long it will take to receive inventory or how much it will cost once tariffs are applied is enough to make them sit this Prime Day out altogether.

Fewer third-party sellers may mean fewer deals

Amazon hasn’t released full details about Prime Day 2025, but it has confirmed the event is happening in July. Based on previous years, it's likely to occur in mid-July. For example, Prime Day 2024 was held on July 16–17, and Prime Day 2023 took place on July 11–12.

What’s unclear is how the event will feel to consumers, especially if there’s less variety in the product lineup.

Third-party sellers typically fuel a large portion of Prime Day discounts. With some hesitant to participate this year, we may see:

• Fewer flash deals on trending or imported items.
• A bigger focus on Amazon’s in-house brands (like Echo devices, Ring cameras, and Fire tablets).
• Higher prices or limited stock on popular products like tech accessories, small appliances and home goods.

While the event is still expected to draw plenty of shoppers, it may not carry the same bang-for-your-buck feeling that Prime Day used to deliver.

Should you still shop Prime Day?

If you’ve traditionally used Prime Day to stock up for back-to-school season or even get ahead on holiday gifts, it’s still worth browsing the sales. However, it’s also a good year to manage expectations.

Amazon isn’t the only one feeling the tariff pinch. Retailers across the board are adjusting prices and inventory plans to account for increased costs.

However, because Amazon tends to be the first stop for online shoppers, it’s also one of the first to reflect supply chain hiccups.

That doesn’t mean deals are disappearing entirely. It just means you may want to take a different approach if you’ll be participating in Prime Day deals this year.

• Make a focused list of what you actually need.
• Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to spot true discounts.
• Comparison shop across retailers like Walmart, BestBuy, and Target, which tend to host their own summer events around the same time. These stores also offer price matching as well.

What to expect in July and October

While Amazon has confirmed July’s Prime Day event, we may not know the exact dates or product lineup until closer to launch.

In past years, Amazon has also run a second Prime sale in October that’s typically focused on early holiday savings so that’s likely to continue.

This year, Amazon says shoppers can expect millions of deals across categories, including:

• Electronics
• Home and kitchen
• Toys and games
• Beauty and personal care
• Amazon devices

Amazon is also spotlighting small businesses, which could be a bright spot amid third-party seller uncertainty (though some may still struggle with tariffs or delayed inventory).

It you typically shop Amazon Prime Day deals, it doesn't hurt to look around on the website this July to see if there are any good offers that you'd be interested in and to compare prices.

And if you’ve got your eye on a big-ticket item, like a phone, computer, or TV, you may want to weigh your options sooner than later. Tariffs could cause prices to climb again later this year. (See Kiplinger’s guide on whether now is the time to buy an iPhone.)

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Walmart+ Week is a limited-time event offering exclusive deals and added benefits to Walmart+ members.

Running from April 28 through May 4, the event includes discounts on everyday essentials, streaming perks, fuel savings and more. It’s designed to highlight the value of a Walmart+ membership and give subscribers extra ways to save.

Walmart+ is Walmart’s premium subscription service, created to provide convenience, value and exclusive perks for both frequent shoppers and those looking to make the most of their spending.

Here’s a closer look at the pricing options and trial period available for new and existing members:

Pricing and trial period

• Annual Plan: $98 per year
• Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month
• 30-Day Free Trial: Try all benefits with no commitment

The monthly plan offers flexibility, making it a good option for those who want to try the service without committing to a full year. It’s a practical way to see if Walmart+ fits your lifestyle and offers enough value for your family.

Meanwhile, the annual plan provides the most savings over time for those ready to make a longer-term commitment.

The 30-day free trial makes it easy to experience the full suite of Walmart+ perks during Walmart Week (or any other time) before you commit.

Top Walmart+ Week perks and limited-time bonuses

This year’s Walmart Week brings a host of special offers, going far beyond traditional grocery discounts.

Here’s a breakdown of the seven best perks waiting for Walmart+ members:

1. Exclusive deals across several categories

Walmart+ Week 2025 includes ongoing sales and member-only discounts. These deals aren’t just on groceries or home goods, but span categories such as streaming subscriptions, dining and travel.

• Streaming: Get six months of Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® allowing you to stream 40k+ episodes & movies, all of SHOWTIME, exclusive originals and live sports without ads
• Dining & Fast Food: Special offers at top national chains (including Burger King freebies).
• Travel: Occasional bonus perks for car rentals, lodging or vacation essentials.

The key advantage? You’re not just saving money on what you need for your household, but on the full scope of everyday life.

2. One free express delivery

Walmart+ members already get free delivery for groceries and pharmacy orders, along with free next-day and two-day shipping.

But during Walmart+ Week, members also receive one free express delivery, a perk that’s normally a paid add-on.

Express delivery is faster than standard delivery options, bringing groceries or household essentials to your doorstep in as little as one hour. It’s ideal for last-minute needs or busy days when you don’t have time to run to the store.

3. Fuel discounts

One of the biggest perks this year is the enhanced fuel discount.

Save 50¢ off every gallon at participating Exxon™ and Mobil™ gas stations during Walmart Week.

The normal gas savings for Walmart+ members is 10¢ off every gallon, so these savings will stack up quickly

4. Burger King® freebies

Walmart+ members enjoy up to two free sandwiches daily (with a $1+ purchase) at Burger King:

• Croissan’wich® for breakfast
• Whopper® Jr. for lunch or dinner

A tasty way to feed the family or treat yourself, especially while running errands or between shopping trips.

5. Six months of free Paramount+ with SHOWTIME

Streaming perks are a standout this year. Walmart+ members get six months of Paramount+ for free — and during Walmart+ Week, the offer is upgraded to include Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. That means access to even more content and ad-free viewing at no extra cost.

Normally, Walmart+ members pay $5.49/month (or $64.99/year) to upgrade to the SHOWTIME plan, still less than half the regular price of $12.99/month.

This Walmart Week deal is no cost on top of your existing membership. Plus, there are no hidden fees. Just activate the streaming perk and start watching.

This is ideal for entertainment lovers, families and anyone looking to cut down on extra digital subscriptions.

6. $5 Walmart Cash with Scan & Go

Walmart is encouraging tech-savvy, contactless shopping.

When you make an in-store purchase of $15 or more using the Scan & Go feature in the Walmart app. You’ll instantly earn $5 Walmart Cash to spend on anything in-store or online.

This not only speeds up your trip, but it creates an extra earning opportunity just for trying out new technology.

7. $10 Walmart Cash engagement bonus

Want to double down on savings? If you redeem two or more Walmart+ Week offers, you’ll score a $10 Walmart Cash Engagement Bonus.

• Plan your shopping and perks redemptions in advance so you qualify for this bonus while stacking other rewards.
• Direct savings added to your Walmart balance, available for immediate spending.

How to Sign Up for Walmart+

Joining is straightforward. Visit the Walmart website and follow the prompts under the Walmart+ section.

Or, download the Walmart app, look for the ‘Walmart+’ tab, and start your free trial or paid membership in just a few taps.

Keep in mind that some Walmart Week perks may have limited availability or require activation. Check the Walmart+ Week event page regularly to ensure you don't miss out.​

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We’ve been holding off on a big Walt Disney World adventure, waiting for the moment when my grandkids would be tall enough to ride the attractions they’ve been dreaming about.

The youngest is just shy of the height requirement now, but by next year, he should be ready. Just in time for Disney to bring back one of the best park perks: The Disney Dining Plan.

Starting April 22, 2025, Disney will begin accepting bookings for 2026 vacations, giving families plenty of time to plan every magical detail.

By planning early, we’ll not only lock in the dates and experiences we want but also take full advantage of these money-saving perks.

How to get a free dining plan for kids (ages 3–9) in 2026

​To take advantage of the free dining plan for kids at Walt Disney World in 2026, begin by booking a vacation package through the Walt Disney Travel Company.

This package must include a stay at a Disney Resort hotel and a dining plan for each guest aged 10 and up. Guests can choose between two dining plan options:​

• Quick-Service Dining Plan: Includes two quick-service meals and one snack per night of stay, along with a refillable resort mug.
• Standard Dining Plan: Offers one table-service meal, one quick-service meal and one snack per night of stay, plus a refillable resort mug.

Bookings for 2026 vacations open on April 22, 2025, and are available for travel dates through October 31, 2026.​

Be sure that any children aged three to nine are included in the same package and share a room with an adult. By doing so, they will receive the same dining plan as the rest of the party at no additional cost.

Benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel

​Staying at a Disney Resort hotel offers exclusive benefits that can enhance your family's Disney vacation.

Here are some of the key advantages of staying on-site:​

• Early theme park entry and extended evening hours: Guests at Disney Resort hotels can enjoy extra time in the parks, allowing for more flexibility and opportunities to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.​
  
• Complimentary transportation and parking: Disney Resort guests have access to free transportation options, including buses, boats and the Disney Skyliner, making it easy to travel between the parks and resorts. Standard parking at the resorts and theme parks is complimentary.​
  
• Early access to dining reservations and Lightning Lane selections: Staying on-site allows guests to book dining reservations and select Lightning Lane attractions ahead of the general public, increasing the chances of securing preferred times and experiences.​
  
• Free water park admission on check-in day during summer months: During the summer, Disney Resort hotel guests can enjoy complimentary admission to one of Disney's water parks on their check-in day, providing a refreshing start to their vacation.​

Tips for booking your 2026 Disney vacation

​To maximize savings on your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation, it's essential to plan ahead.

Securing your package early allows you to lock in current rates and preferred accommodations before potential price increases or limited availability occur. Early booking ensures you have the best selection of resort options and can plan your itinerary with greater flexibility.​

It's important to note that the number of packages allocated for the free dining plan offer is limited.

Advance reservations are required to take advantage of this promotion, and some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at the time of package purchase.

Therefore, booking early not only secures your preferred accommodations but also increases your chances of enjoying the full benefits of the dining plan.

Looking ahead to a magical 2026 Disney adventure​

Planning a Disney vacation is more than just organizing a trip, it's about creating cherished memories with your loved ones.

From the thrill of the rides to the delight of shared meals, every moment becomes a treasured part of your family's story.

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From now through April 24, new subscribers to Apple TV Plus will pay just $2.99 per month for the first three months.

Apple’s streaming service normally costs $9.99 per month, so this limited-time offer is a great way to save on streaming if you’ve been on the fence about signing up.

Apple TV Plus is packed with exclusive Apple Original shows you won’t find anywhere else, along with a growing library of movies and live sports.

When you sign up before April 24, you can get a taste of what’s on offer on Apple’s in-house streaming service before committing to the full price.

What to watch on Apple TV

The streaming service is a home to a wide selection of popular TV series, movies and live sports. Here are a few of the most talked-about things to watch on Apple TV Plus:

• Ted Lasso is a quirky yet heartwarming comedy series about an American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) who’s been tasked with leading a struggling English Premier League team, despite knowing nothing about soccer. Going on its fourth season, the popular comedy has won 13 Emmy awards.
• Your Friends & Neighbors is an Apple exclusive comedy-drama series starring Jon Hamm as Andrew Cooper, a former hedge fund hotshot reminiscent of Mad Men’s Don Draper. After he’s fired in disgrace, Cooper resorts to stealing from his neighbors to keep up his cushy lifestyle. But his new stint as a burglar leads him to discover the weird and dark secrets his wealthy neighbors have kept hidden.
• Severance is a prestige series that bridges drama, comedy, mystery and sci-fi at once. Adam Scott plays a recently widowed office worker who decides to undergo “severance,” a procedure that separates his work self from his home self. Each half has no idea what the other one is doing. Audiences get to watch as he tries to unravel the increasingly strange mystery of what his company is really up to, despite his severed mind forgetting every detail of his job the moment he leaves the office.
• Friday Night Baseball kicked off on March 28 this year, featuring a Yankees vs. Dodgers rematch (May 30), the Rangers-Astros Texas showdown (May 16) and more unmissable matchups for baseball fans. Watch every game live on Apple TV Plus.
• MLS Season Pass is available at a discount to Apple TV Plus subscribers. When you purchase it through Apple, you can watch every match for $12.99/month (or $79 for the season). Normally, the season pass costs $14.99/month or $99/season.

Is Apple TV worth it?

With a regular price of $9.99 per month, Apple TV Plus is definitely one of the more affordable streaming services. At that price, you get access to the entire library of TV shows and movies and absolutely no ads. You can also share your subscription with up to five others.

But whether or not any streaming service is worth the subscription fee ultimately comes down to whether or not there’s anything you want to watch on it. Since many of the shows on the platform are Apple Originals, you may have no idea if any of them suit your taste.

That’s why limited time offers like the one Apple is featuring right now are such a great deal for new subscribers. You can sign up and use your three months of discounted access to check out the shows and movies that are available.

If nothing grabs you, you can cancel your subscription before it goes back up to full price.

More Ways to Save on Apple TV Plus

If you missed the window to get Apple TV Plus for just $2.99, you’re not out of luck. There are other ways to get the streaming service for free or at a discount. Here are a few alternative options you can try:

• Sign up for T-Mobile’s Go5G Next or Go5G Plus plan. T-Mobile customers on either of those plans get a complimentary Apple TV Plus subscription (and a free MLS Season Pass to boot). That’s not a free trial. That’s a full subscription for free for as long as you’re enrolled in one of those plans.
• Buy an Apple product. Apple offers three months of Apple TV Plus for free to anyone who buys an eligible iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac. If you’ve recently bought one of those, just open up the Apple TV app preinstalled on your device to redeem your 3-month free trial.
• Get the Apple One bundle. The Apple One bundle gives you full access to Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, Apple Arcade and 50GB of iCloud Plus storage for just $19.95/month. Paying for each of those services separately would cost nearly $29/month. That $9/month savings you get from bundling nearly pays for Apple TV Plus itself. Right now, you can sign up for a one-month free trial of Apple One.

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If the drama surrounding Amazon's short-lived plan to display tariff charges on Amazon Haul is the first time you've heard about the ultra-affordable storefront, it's time to check it out.

The platform, which rolled out online earlier this month, exclusively features items with a price tag of $20 or less.

While Trump's tariffs and the end of the import duty exemption for goods under $800 are likely to impact Amazon Haul as well as its rivals, Temu and Shein, it's unclear for now how those costs will trickle down to shoppers.

Until then, Amazon Haul remains one of the best ways to save money on Amazon. While you won’t find your next Birkin Bag or Rolex there, you’d be surprised at just how much cool (and useful) items are available on the storefront.

To give you a sense of what kinds of deals you can snag on the new online storefront, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite travel finds on Amazon Haul right now.

Gear up for your next vacation with these 12 ultra-cheap and ultra-useful travel accessories.

12 great Amazon Haul travel deals

From packing cubes to sunglasses you can afford to lose on vacation, everything below is priced under $20 – and you can get most items for far less than that.

• 6-Pack of Polarized Sunglasses, $11
• HP Everyday Laptop Briefcase, $20
• Multifunctional Foldable Camping Backpack, $11
• RFID-Blocking Leather Wallet, $9
• Airplane Handsfree Phone Stand, 2-Pack, $6 (originally $7)
• 17-Set of Travel Bottles for Toiletries, $6 (originally $7)
• Travel Cable Organizer Pouch, $5
• 6-Set of Packing Cubes, $9
• TSA Luggage Lock, $4
• Collapsible Leak-Proof Water Bottle, 2-Pack, $11
• Silicone Toothbrush Covers, 6-Pack, $3 (originally $4)
• 2-in-1 Mobile Phone Lens Kit, $3

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As brick-and-mortar retailers like Macy’s, Rite Aid and Joann Fabrics close stores, Kohl’s has also announced that it will be shuttering several locations. 27 underperforming Kohl’s stores are closing this Saturday, leaving shoppers to find other retailers or turn to online shopping to fill the gap.

These may be just the beginning of the store closures that we’ll see from various retailers in 2025. Coresight Research, a research and advisory firm specializing in retail and technology, predicts that approximately 15,000 United States stores will close in 2025.

That would be more than double the 7,325 store closures that occurred in 2024. Inflation, paired with an increased preference for online shopping to get the best deals, contributed to those closures.

Why Kohl’s is closing 27 stores in 2025

Kohl’s is closing 27 underperforming stores. While the retailer operates more than 1,150 locations nationwide, these specific stores did not meet performance expectations, according to a company press release.

“We always take these decisions very seriously,” Tom Kingsbury, Kohl’s chief executive officer, says of the closures. “As we continue to build on our long-term growth strategy, it is important that we also take difficult but necessary actions to support the health and future of our business for our customers and our teams.”

According to Kohl’s, all associates of the affected stores have been informed of the closures. They have been offered a severance package or the option to apply for open roles at other Kohl’s stores.

In addition to these store closures, Kohl’s is shutting down a San Bernardino, California e-commerce fulfillment center in May. The center has been in operation since 2010, but new technology at newer fulfillment facilities have allowed Kohl’s to fulfill customer orders from store locations without relying on the San Bernardino facility.

Shopping alternatives to Kohl’s that are also offering great deals

Retailers like Target and Walmart are known for their low prices and extensive variety of products. They might be a first choice when shopping for discounted home and lifestyle products.

JCPenney offers clothing, home décor and accessories similar to the selection at Kohl’s. Macy’s will close 66 stores in 2025, but the remaining locations continue to offer quality clothes and accessories.

How to save during Kohl’s store closures

The 27 Kohl’s stores set to close present a chance to score deep discounts as they liquidate inventory. Shoppers can expect major markdowns at these locations, but time is running out — with only a few days left, now’s the moment to grab the best deals before the doors shut for good.

Kohl’s also offers online clearance deals on home, women’s, men’s and kid’s items. There are plenty of deals under $10, and you can save even more on your purchases with the Kohl’s Cash program.

Kohl’s Cash is a rewards program that gives shoppers $10 in store credit for every $50 spent during promotional periods. The earned Kohl’s Cash can be used on future purchases — usually within a specific redemption window — both in-store and online. To earn it, simply shop during a Kohl’s Cash earning event, which is often clearly marked on the website and in stores.

Shop by category below and find today's best deals at Kohl's

• Home and Decor
• Women's Fashion
• Men's Fashion
• Kid's Clothing
• Shoes
• Beauty & Sephora
• Jewelry & Accessories
• Sales & Clearance

List of 27 closing Kohl’s locations

Here is the full list of the 27 Kohl’s stores closing across 15 states:

• Alabama
  • Spanish Fort: 21000 Town Center Ave.
• Arkansas
  • Little Rock West: 13909 Chenal Parkway
• California
  • Balboa (San Diego): 5505 Balboa Avenue
  • Encinitas: 134 N El Camino Real
  • Fremont: 43782 Christy Street
  • Mountain View: 350 Showers Drive
  • Napa: 1116 1st Street
  • Pleasanton: 4525 Rosewood Drive
  • Point West (Sacramento): 1896 Arden Way
  • San Rafael: 5010 Northgate Drive
  • San Luis Obispo: 205 Madonna Road
  • Westchester: 8739 S Sepulveda Boulevard
• Colorado
  • Arapahoe Crossing (Aurora): 6584 S Parker Road
• Georgia
  • Duluth: 2050 W Liddell Road
• Idaho
  • Boise: 400 N Milwaukee Street
• Illinois
  • Plainfield: 11860 S Route 59
  • Spring Hill (West Dundee): 3000 Spring Hill Ring Road
• Massachusetts
  • Stoughton: 501 Technology Center Drive
• New Jersey
  • East Windsor: 72 Princeton Hightstown Road
• Ohio
  • Blue Ash: 4150 Hunt Road
  • Forest Park (Cincinnati): 100 Cincinnati Mills Drive
• Oregon
  • Portland Gateway: 10010 NE Halsey Street
• Pennsylvania
  • Pottstown: 351 W Schuylkill Road
• Texas
  • North Dallas: 18224 Preston Road
• Utah
  • Riverton: 13319 S 3600 W Lot 13
• Virginia
  • Herndon: 2100 Centreville Road
  • Williamsburg: 100 Gristmill Plaza

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The latest dessert sensation at Costco is the Kirkland Signature Tiramisu Cheesecake, which was featured by the popular Instagram fan account @costcohotfinds just over a week ago. The post has already racked up more than 138,000 likes.

Likewise, The Sushi Guy, a self-described Costco fanatic, rated this bakery delight a 9.7/10, calling it “the second best dessert” at Costco — just behind his all-time favorite, the rich and indulgent Tuxedo Mousse Cake. That’s high praise for a cheesecake.

But it seems this isn’t any ordinary cheesecake, especially when it sells out minutes after reaching the shelves. And, similar to other fan favorites, like the Cake Shop’s 8” Round Carrot Cake or David’s Cookies Mile High Peanut Butter Cake, the tiramisu cheesecake comes in at a hefty 4.5 pounds.

Is Costco’s tiramisu cheesecake worth the price?

Besides the size, this bakery superstar is a riff on the sought-after Italian dessert — tiramisu — combined with cheesecake. However, there are no lady fingers and no Marsala wine, Fernet, rum, Cognac, brandy, or coffee liqueur, although it does have mascarpone and coffee.

You’d think at 4.5 pounds, this confectionery masterpiece would be expensive, and you’d be right. It’s $23.99, which is more costly than most other desserts found at the warehouse. Even so, if you consider it can serve 12, (that breaks down to about $2 per slice), it's a steal.

A closer look at Costco’s tiramisu cheesecake

In a review for The Kitchn, Mara Weinraub, Director of Groceries & Shopping, had high praise for the cheesecake. “The first two ingredients are cream cheese and mascarpone cream, so I knew right away this cheesecake would be rich,” she wrote.

The whipped topping — described as light, airy and almost cloudlike — offers just a hint of sweetness and coffee, thanks to the dusting of powder on top.

Weinraub noted there’s plenty of cold brew coffee flavor folded into the velvety, creamy filling, with the mascarpone adding richness and just a touch of tang. “If the warehouse sold this on its own in a container (à la Magnolia’s banana pudding), I’d gladly purchase and snack on it by the spoonful throughout the week,” she added.

As for the crust? It didn’t disappoint. Over a quarter-inch thick (yes, she measured), the buttery graham cracker base had “a bit of mocha-meets-burnt-caramel flavor” and helped balance the richness of the filling. Weinraub even said the cheesecake could easily stand in for a Costco birthday cake for those who aren't a fan of traditional cakes.

Yes, Costco has a bakery

When you visit a Costco warehouse, you will find a dedicated bakery section, usually at the back of the store, where members can pick up fresh bakery items during their regular shopping trips.

There, you’ll find an assortment of cakes and a wide selection of bread, including various bagels, rolls, loaves, specialty breads, croissants, muffins, danishes and cinnamon rolls.

However, not all Costco bakery items are made from scratch or even on-site. Many are delivered fresh daily from regional bakeries. If you have a special occasion coming up, you can also order a custom cake from Costco’s bakery — something to keep in mind before the next big birthday celebration.

What’s more, thanks to Costco's partnership with Instacart, you can order select bakery items and have them delivered to your door; the perfect addition to your morning coffee or after-dinner treat.

Is Costco’s tiramisu cheesecake worth trying?

If you're a fan of rich, creamy desserts with just a hint of coffee flavor, the Kirkland Signature Tiramisu Cheesecake might be worth a spot in your cart. At $23.99 for 4.5 pounds, it’s not the cheapest option in Costco’s bakery, but it does serve 12 — making it a reasonable pick for gatherings or special occasions.

With high marks from reviewers, it offers a nice balance of mascarpone, cold brew coffee and a mocha-flavored graham cracker crust. Just keep in mind, it tends to sell out quickly, so run (don’t walk) to your local Costco.

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The Amazon Big Spring Sale is over, but the savings don't have to be. You can still save on filing your taxes this week, just in time to get that return filed before the April 15 deadline. The latest TurboTax software is up to 30% off right now, including TurboTax Deluxe, Premier and Home & Business.

If you’re on the hunt for an easy-to-use tax prep software, but not thrilled about potentially forking over hundreds to use it, check out these TurboTax deals at Amazon right now.

How much can you save on TurboTax at Amazon?

The retailer slashed up to 30% off the price of four popular TurboTax desktop software products. TurboTax Deluxe, for example, normally retails for $80. But you can get the best selling tax prep software for just $56 on Amazon this week.

For those who were considering the online version of TurboTax, the savings are even bigger. If you were to use TurboTax Deluxe online, you’d pay $69 or more for one federal tax return plus an additional $59 per state return.

If you take advantage of the Amazon deal to get TurboTax Deluxe for desktop, that $56 price includes filing up to five federal tax returns. That means you and your whole family can do their taxes for just $56.

It also includes one free state tax return form, which you can either print for free to file by mail or pay an extra $25 per return to have TurboTax e-file it for you. Either way, you’re paying less for your state return than you would online.

While there’s plenty to love about TurboTax online, it’s hard to beat those savings if you’re helping your kids or grandkids with their taxes this year.

Other versions of TurboTax desktop software are on sale at Amazon, too. Here are all the TurboTax deals the major online retailer is offering this week:

• TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software, $56 (originally $80)
• TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software, $83 (originally $115)
• TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software, $96 (originally $130)
• TurboTax Business 2024 Tax Software, $144 (originally $190)

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On February 23, Joann announced that GA Group and Prepetition Term Loan Agent will buy the craft retailer. The winning bidders promptly launched going-out-of-business sales and finally closed its last remaining locations permanently on May 31.

The news came just a week after Joann began closing down 500 of its 800 locations nationwide as part of the fabric retailer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy process which began on January 15. The closures followed a wave of store closures expected this year. In January, Macy’s said it’s closing 66 stores this year while Kohl’s has plans to close 27 locations.

While the loss of Joann Fabrics is a painful one for crafters nationwide, former customers may be able to find some of their most beloved Joann exclusives in stock at one of the craft retailer's biggest rivals. Michaels announced last week that it bought some of the now-shuttered craft store’s private label brands and intellectual property.

In addition to expanding its product portfolio to cater to former Joann customers, Michaels also created a dedicated landing page just for former Joann shoppers, showcasing Michaels sewing, quilting and fiber arts supplies.

Why did Joann go out of business in 2025?

Over the last 80 years, Joann had been the go-to store for crafters, quilters, crocheters, and other creative people to find supplies and guidance for whatever project they’re working on. But the company struggled in recent years as consumer spending on craft supplies dropped and competition from online retailers grew.

In its court filings, Joann cited “an unexpected ramp-down, and, in some cases, the entire cessation of production of key JOANN inventory items” as a key reason for its decision to file for bankruptcy. The sudden loss of inventory led to a loss of revenue which left Joann without the cash needed to cover its debts.

The initial decision to close 500 of its 800 locations was part of an effort to maximize the value of the business as Joann prepared to sell. While it hoped to attract a buyer that would keep the remaining business in operation, the auction ultimately went to a buyer that liquidated the business and closed down all store locations.

Michaels Buys Joann's Exclusive Brands in a Bid to Expand Its Business

With Joann fabric stores closing, Michaels said searches on the website for “fabric” surged 77% while searches for “sewing” on the site grew 39%. “Michaels is responding by expanding its selection of customer-loved brands starting this month to ensure every creator has access to the tools and materials they want,” the craft retailer said in a press release.

The recent acquisition of former Joann-exclusive brands and products is a big part of that, but the retailer will also be expanding the assortment of some of its existing products as well. All told, Michaels will be adding over 600 products, with a big focus on expanding its selection of sewing, quilting and fiber arts supplies.

The expanded selection, including some of the most beloved brands from the now-shuttered Joann stores will start rolling out at Michaels locations nationwide as early as this month. Some of the most notable new additions the retailer has confirmed will be coming to Michaels include:

• Big Twist yarn, including Value Plus, Twinkle, Posh and Baby Bear products.
• New and expanded offerings from other popular yarn brands like Bernat, Lion Brand and Red Heart.
• Over 60 new Loops & Threads yarn options
• New Brother and Singer sewing machines
• New products from Fiskars, Velcro, Coats & Clark and Clover
• Pellon sewing and quilting supplies, including batting, stabilizers and thread packs.
• The Oliso Smart Iron

For knitters, crocheters and everyone else who works with yarn, one of the most notable additions coming to Michaels shelves is the formerly Joann-exclusive Big Twist brand yarn. The versatile yet affordable yarn brand is just part of the retailer’s plan to expand its yarn assortment by 25% by the end of the year.

Other alternatives to Joann Fabric Stores

While Joann’s stores have been a staple for crafters over the last few decades, it wasn't the only option for stocking up on yarn, fabric, and other creative supplies. Two of its biggest competitors are Michael’s and Hobby Lobby, both of which boast over 1,000 locations nationwide.

You can also search for local stores near you specializing in your favorite craft. Local yarn stores, for example, often carry specialty products and may be willing to special order your favorite materials.

Michaels may be your best bet if you're looking for a brand that was once exclusive to Joann. But shoppers who aren't searching for brand-specific products can head to local stores or one of the now-closed retailer's major rivals and still find plenty of stock to choose from for just about any project they would have originally gone to a Joann’s Fabric Store for.

Aside from craft-focused retailers, shoppers can also try their luck at Amazon and Walmart. Both retail giants offer a broad range of craft supplies online. Just double check prices, because sometimes items like yarn or paint are actually more expensive on Amazon than they are at a craft store.

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Music streaming services are becoming more popular each year as people succumb to the appeal of having a jukebox of tunes at their fingertips — allowing everyone in the household to set and save their own playlists, listen to music "curated" for a host of different occasions and discover new bands and singers based on your old favorites. Podcasts are a growing segment of these audio streaming platforms with everything from investing tips to health and wellness shows driving listening.

Music streaming services

While the barrier for entry is low — all of these platforms offer a free trial or a free option (with ads) — if you're serious about music and audio streaming, often the best features come with the premium plan.

Moving to a different music subscription platform can seem like hard work, having to start over with your playlists and artist favorites but, depending on the features you're looking for, you could be better off when it comes to price.

Most music subscription sites often run deals and offers throughout the year, especially during Black Friday sales and, for Amazon Music during its Prime Day events. We'll always cover good deals when they pop up so keep an eye out for our coverage.

Spotify

Spotify Spotify Free, $11.99 Individual / $16.99 Duo / $19.99 Family / $5.99 Student, all monthly
Spotify is a music favorite with its easy-to-use app, music discovery and its playlist-building and sharing features. Spotify’s "suggested" feature is popular with users, letting the algorithm do the heavy lifting and serving as a sort of DJ in the palm of your hand. Its price has historically also been part of its appeal. For a long time it was a cheaper option compared to other music streaming options like Apple Music and Tidal. Spotify has raised its prices in recent months though, so it's now the most expensive of the main competitors.
Spotify Free has some of the perks of Spotify Premium, but you can't listen offline, limited to six "skips" an hour and it comes with a side helping of ads.

Amazon Music Unlimited

Amazon Music Unlimited $10.99 / $16.99 Family / $5.99 single device / $5.99 Student, monthly
Amazon Music Unlimited comes with a great range of music, and you can listen with lossless, high-res, and spatial Audio. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can bag Amazon Music Unlimited for $9.99 per month, saving you $1 per month and $12 over a year. Newer to the service is the addition of Audible, the popular audiobook app. A subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited includes one Audible credit each month you can use on best sellers, new releases or enjoy classics.
Amazon has a free music streaming option that comes with ads, but its free music library is limited.

Apple Music

Apple Music $10.99 Individual / $16.99 Family / $5.99 Student, all monthly
Apple Music has a vast music library, similar to Spotify’s — but it focuses more on trending charts (instead of personal playlists), covering cities from across the globe. Apple Music also acts as a radio player, offering stations from local and national broadcasters as well as a suite of original "Apple Radio" channels. If you have an iPhone or any other iOS product, such as Apple TV, the Apple Music app is pre-installed and simple to use. The streaming giant is known for its great audio quality as it uses Dolby Atmos music.
Apple Music has a free one-month trial for all new customers.

Tidal

Tidal $10.99 Individual / $16.99 Family / $5.49 Student, all monthly
As Tidal was one of the first music streamers to offer high-resolution audio, it is a go-to platform for audiophiles and the music creator community. Its appeal for subscribers is high-quality lossless audio formats (HiRes FLAC and Dolby Atmos) and integration with audio hardware.

In keeping with its focus on audio fans and artists — whether pros, semi-pros or hobbyists — Tidal has an extra subscription package, the $9 a month "DJ Extension" that allows subscribers to remix songs, videos and audio tracks from its music library.
Tidal offers a free 30-day trial for all new customers.

The bottom line

Most music streaming services offer you a free trial to help you become acclimated to their platform. Not only is it a risk-free way to try out something new, you have the flexibility to find the right fit, with no money out of your pocket.

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