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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It can feel like there's always a sale happening. Right now, shoppers are being bombarded with promotions from Amazon Prime Day, Walmart Deals and other summer sales events, all promising big discounts and limited-time offers. But just because something is on sale doesn't mean it's the best time to buy.

Many of the biggest savings happen when retailers are clearing out seasonal inventory, making room for new models or trying to boost sales during slower shopping periods. That's why timing can matter just as much as the item you're purchasing. Buying a refrigerator during a major holiday sale, waiting until the end of summer for patio furniture or shopping back-to-school promotions for electronics can often lead to bigger discounts than shopping during a headline-grabbing sales event.

Instead of focusing on a single shopping holiday, it helps to look at the retail calendar as a whole. Certain products tend to go on sale at the same times every year, making it easier to plan larger purchases and avoid paying full price. Here's a month-by-month guide to some of the best times to buy household goods, electronics, seasonal items and more throughout 2026.

January

Best buys: TVs, fitness equipment, gym memberships, bedding, towels, linens, holiday décor and winter clearance items

January is one of the strongest months for bargain hunters. Retailers heavily discount TVs ahead of the Super Bowl as shoppers upgrade their home entertainment setups. You’ll often find markdowns on large-screen TVs, soundbars and streaming devices throughout the month.

Fitness equipment and gym memberships also go on sale as companies capitalize on New Year’s resolutions. Expect deals on treadmills, weights, exercise bikes and fitness subscriptions.

January is also prime time for clearance shopping. Holiday décor, wrapping paper and winter seasonal items are deeply discounted after Christmas. Many department stores also hold traditional "white sales," which focus on bedding, towels and linens.

February

Best buys: Mattresses, furniture, appliances, winter apparel and winter sports gear

February is one of the best months to find deals on big-ticket household purchases thanks to Presidents Day sales. Mattress retailers often compete aggressively during the holiday weekend, offering deep discounts, free delivery and bundle deals that can rival some of the best promotions of the year.

Furniture stores also begin clearing older inventory to make room for new spring collections. If you're shopping for a sofa, dining table, bedroom set or other large furniture purchase, February can be a good time to buy before new styles arrive and prices reset.

You'll also find growing clearance sales on winter clothing, boots and cold-weather gear as retailers shift their focus to spring merchandise. Ski, snowboard and other winter sports equipment may also be marked down as the season winds down.

March

Best buys: Vacuums, carpet cleaners, storage and organization products, tax software, and lawn and garden supplies

March is a strong month for home organization and cleaning deals as retailers lean into spring-cleaning season. Shoppers can often find discounts on vacuums, carpet cleaners, storage bins, shelving units and other products designed to help tackle household projects after winter.

Tax software providers also frequently offer promotions as the filing deadline approaches, particularly on basic and DIY filing packages. If you haven't filed yet, March can be a good time to compare pricing and take advantage of limited-time discounts.

You'll also begin to see early-season deals on lawn and garden supplies before demand peaks later in the spring. Purchasing outdoor tools, hoses, planters and gardening essentials early may help you avoid higher prices later in the season.

April

Best buys: Airfare, hotel stays, smartphones, tech devices, luggage, outdoor gear and camping equipment

April can be a surprisingly good month for travel deals. As part of the spring shoulder season — the period between winter travel and peak summer vacation demand — travelers may find lower airfare and hotel rates, especially if their plans are flexible.

It's also a good time to shop for slightly older smartphones and tech devices. Retailers sometimes offer discounts on existing models ahead of anticipated summer and fall product launches, creating opportunities to save without sacrificing many features.

Outdoor gear, luggage and camping equipment can also be attractively priced before summer demand ramps up. Buying early may help you avoid the higher prices that often arrive closer to peak travel and camping season.

May

Best buys: Appliances, patio furniture, grills and mattresses

May is one of the best shopping months of the year thanks to Memorial Day sales. Large appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers, often see significant discounts as retailers make room for newer inventory arriving later in the year.

Patio furniture and grills are also heavily promoted ahead of the summer entertaining season. While the deepest clearance prices typically arrive at the end of summer, May sales can still offer strong value while providing a broader selection of styles and models.

Mattresses remain another major Memorial Day sale category, giving shoppers a second opportunity to find deals after Presidents Day promotions.

June

Best buys: Tools, grills, lawn equipment, home improvement products, cookware, small kitchen appliances and fine jewelry

June offers a mix of seasonal promotions and holiday sales that can create savings opportunities across several categories. Father's Day sales often drive discounts on power tools, lawn equipment, grills and garage organization products, making it a good time for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts to shop.

The month is also closely tied to wedding season, prompting retailers to offer deals on cookware, small kitchen appliances and fine jewelry as they target gift buyers and newlyweds. If you're furnishing a kitchen or replacing household essentials, June sales can provide opportunities to save.

In recent years, June has also become a major month for online shopping events. Retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy frequently launch summer sales and competing deal events ahead of peak back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons. While timing varies from year to year, shoppers may find discounts on electronics, smart-home devices, laptops, TVs and everyday household items throughout the month.

July

Best buys: Electronics, laptops, tablets, TVs, smart-home devices, furniture, mattresses and summer apparel

July has become one of the biggest shopping months of the year thanks to major mid-summer sales events. Retailers compete aggressively for shoppers' attention, creating opportunities to save on electronics, tech products and smart-home devices. Laptops, tablets, headphones, TVs and other popular gadgets are frequently among the most heavily discounted categories.

Fourth of July sales can also bring strong deals on furniture and mattresses as retailers use the holiday weekend to attract shoppers making larger household purchases.

By mid- to late July, many stores begin marking down summer clothing, footwear and seasonal apparel to make room for incoming fall inventory. Shoppers who don't need the latest styles can often find some of the season's best clothing discounts during this transition period.

August

Best buys: Laptops, tablets, office furniture, dorm essentials, desks, office chairs, organizational products, summer apparel and jewelry

August is one of the best months to shop for back-to-school deals. Retailers frequently discount laptops, tablets, printers and other technology products while offering bundles that include accessories, software or student-focused incentives.

The back-to-school shopping season also creates savings opportunities on office furniture, including desks, office chairs and organizational products. Even shoppers who aren't students can often benefit from these promotions when setting up a home office or workspace.

Meanwhile, summer clothing and seasonal apparel typically move deeper into clearance as retailers prepare for fall merchandise. Some jewelry categories, including engagement rings, may also see softer pricing before demand begins to increase ahead of the holiday shopping season.

September

Best buys: Vehicles, grills, patio furniture, gardening tools and appliances

September can be an excellent time to shop for a vehicle. As dealerships begin making room for next year's inventory, outgoing model-year vehicles may be discounted to encourage sales. End-of-quarter sales goals can also create opportunities for buyers to negotiate more aggressively on price, financing or trade-in offers.

It's also one of the best months to find clearance deals on outdoor living products. Grills, patio furniture, gardening tools and other seasonal items are often heavily marked down as retailers shift their focus to fall and holiday merchandise.

Appliances may also see promotional pricing during September as manufacturers and retailers prepare for new model introductions and year-end sales events.

October

Best buys: Lawn equipment, camping gear, outdoor recreation products and post-Halloween clearance

October is a transitional shopping month that can offer overlooked bargains for shoppers planning ahead. As colder weather approaches in many parts of the country, retailers often begin clearing out lawn equipment, camping gear and outdoor recreation products to make room for winter inventory.

Some retailers also start rolling out early holiday promotions on electronics, home goods and seasonal gifts ahead of the major shopping events that arrive in November. While the biggest deals may still be weeks away, October can provide opportunities to buy before inventory becomes limited.

One of the best savings opportunities comes immediately after Halloween. Costumes, decorations, party supplies and seasonal candy are often marked down significantly as retailers clear remaining inventory. Shopping post-Halloween sales can be a smart way to stock up on costumes for future school spirit weeks, themed work events and next year's celebrations at a fraction of the original price.

November

Best buys: TVs, laptops, gaming systems, smart-home devices, small appliances, streaming services and holiday gifts

November remains the heavyweight champion of shopping deals. Black Friday and Cyber Monday continue to deliver some of the year's best discounts on TVs, laptops, gaming systems, smart-home technology and small appliances. Retailers often compete aggressively in these high-profile categories to attract shoppers and drive traffic.

Holiday gifts, kitchen gadgets, coffee makers, air fryers and other popular household products also see widespread promotions throughout the month. Many retailers extend sales well beyond Thanksgiving weekend, giving shoppers more opportunities to compare prices and avoid the rush.

November is also one of the best times of the year to save on streaming services. Providers frequently offer limited-time promotions on both new and returning subscriptions, making it a good month to lock in discounted rates on entertainment services for the year.

Despite the abundance of deals, not every sale represents a true bargain. Comparing prices ahead of time, using price-tracking tools and sticking to a shopping list can help shoppers avoid impulse purchases during the year's biggest sales events.

December

Best buys: Vehicles, holiday décor, toys, winter apparel, storage containers and travel bookings

December can offer surprisingly strong savings opportunities, especially for car buyers. As dealerships work to hit month-end, quarter-end and annual sales goals, shoppers may find some of the year's best opportunities to negotiate pricing on new vehicles.

After Christmas, retailers begin clearing out holiday inventory, leading to steep markdowns on decorations, wrapping supplies, toys, gift sets and seasonal merchandise. Winter apparel may also see discounts as stores look ahead to spring inventory.

Post-holiday clearance sales can be an especially good time to buy storage totes, ornament organizers and other storage solutions. Purchasing these items after Christmas can help you protect holiday decorations and family keepsakes while paying a fraction of peak-season prices.

December can also be a smart time to start planning next year's travel. Booking flights, accommodations and other travel arrangements early, particularly for popular summer vacation periods, may help travelers secure lower prices before demand increases in the months ahead.

The best strategy isn't always buying immediately

Retailers often rely on urgency and impulse buying to drive sales, but many products follow predictable discount cycles throughout the year.

Waiting a few weeks — or even a few months — for the right sales window can significantly reduce the cost of major purchases without sacrificing quality. Whether you're shopping for a new TV, appliance, mattress or vehicle, buying at the right time can lead to savings.

If you're looking to stretch your budget in 2026, timing your purchases strategically may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to save money.

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Tipping has always been part of everyday life, whether you're dining out, getting a haircut or ordering food delivery. But in recent years, you may have noticed that tip prompts seem to be appearing in more places than ever before.

At the same time, inflation has pushed up the cost of restaurant meals, personal services and other everyday expenses. That means even when you're leaving the same percentage tip you always have, the dollar amount is often higher simply because the bill is higher.

The result is that many people are taking a closer look at their tipping habits and wondering what's expected, what's optional and how to be generous without stretching their budget too thin. Some services still have well-established tipping norms, while in other situations, gratuities are entirely up to the customer. Understanding the difference can help you make confident decisions the next time you're faced with a payment screen asking for an extra 20% or more.

Here's a practical guide to who to tip, how much to tip and when it's perfectly reasonable to skip the extra charge.

The services where tipping is still expected

Today, customers are being asked to tip almost everywhere. Digital payment screens now appear at coffee shops, bakeries, food trucks, self-checkout counters and even some retail stores.

Shoppers and media outlets began using the term "tipflation" to describe the combination of rising prices, higher suggested gratuities and tip requests appearing in more everyday transactions. Meanwhile, workers in many service industries continue to rely on tips as a significant part of their income.

While tipping norms continue to evolve, there are several situations where gratuities remain an established part of compensation.

Places where tipping is optional

Not every tip prompt requires a tip. Many people encounter gratuity requests in situations where tipping was uncommon just a few years ago, including:

• Coffee shops
• Frozen yogurt shops
• Retail checkout counters
• Self-service kiosks
• Grab-and-go food counters
• Convenience stores

In these situations, tipping is usually optional rather than something customers are expected to do. That doesn't mean you should never tip.

If a barista remembers your order, prepares a complicated custom drink or provides exceptional service, leaving a dollar or two can be a thoughtful gesture. Likewise, if a worker goes above and beyond to help you, a small gratuity may be appropriate.

However, customers shouldn't feel obligated to leave 20% simply because a payment screen suggests it. If there is little or no personalized service involved, selecting "No Tip" or entering a smaller custom amount is perfectly reasonable.

Should you tip on the pre-tax amount or total bill?

Traditional etiquette suggests calculating tips based on the pre-tax subtotal rather than the final amount after sales tax. While many people tip on the total bill because it's easier, tipping on the subtotal avoids paying a gratuity on taxes as well.

In the example below, tipping 20% on the pre-tax bill results in a $16 tip, while tipping 20% on the total bill results in a $17.60 tip.

Restaurant bill:

• Food and drinks: $80
• Sales tax: $8
• Total bill: $88

The difference isn't enormous on one meal, but it can add up over time.

Either method is acceptable, but tipping on the pre-tax subtotal aligns with traditional etiquette guidelines.

How inflation changes the math

One reason tipping feels more expensive today is that menu prices and service costs have increased significantly. Consider a restaurant meal that cost $50 in 2020. A 20% tip would have been $10.

Now imagine that same meal costs $70 in 2026 due to higher food, labor and operating costs. A 20% tip jumps to $14. The tipping percentage hasn't changed, but you're spending 40% more because the underlying bill is higher.

That's one reason many diners feel stretched. They're paying more for the meal itself and more for the gratuity attached to it.

Inflation and higher suggested tip percentages have combined to create what many describe as tipping fatigue. At the same time, workers are also facing higher living costs, creating tension on both sides of the transaction.

What to do when the payment screen starts at 25%

Many modern payment systems now display suggested tip options of 20%, 25% or even 30%. Seeing those numbers can make consumers feel pressured to spend more than they planned.

The good news is that you almost always have another option.

Most digital payment systems include a "Custom Tip" button that allows you to enter your own amount. If your personal standard is 15% or 18%, you can simply select a custom gratuity instead of choosing the suggested options.

A quick way to estimate a tip:

• 10% = move the decimal one place left
• 20% = double the 10% amount
• 15% = calculate 10% and add half of that amount

For example:

• $50 bill
• 10% = $5
• 20% = $10
• 15% = $7.50

Experts generally agree that customers shouldn't feel guilty for choosing a reasonable gratuity that fits their budget and aligns with the level of service received.

Create your own tipping rules

One of the easiest ways to reduce tipping stress is to establish personal guidelines before you're standing at the register.

You might decide:

• Always tip 20% at sit-down restaurants.
• Tip food delivery drivers at least $5 or 15%.
• Leave $1 at coffee shops for custom orders.
• Skip tips at self-service kiosks.
• Tip more during bad weather or when service exceeds expectations.

You can also create a monthly "tipping budget" just as you would for dining out or entertainment expenses.

Having a plan helps remove the guilt and uncertainty that many feel when confronted with endless tipping prompts. Instead of reacting to pressure on a screen, you're simply following rules that fit your finances and values.

Tipping doesn't have to be stressful

Tipping culture continues to evolve, but customers don't have to feel obligated to tip everywhere they're asked.

A practical approach is to prioritize workers who traditionally rely on gratuities, understand where tipping is optional and set personal guidelines that fit your budget. With inflation continuing to strain household finances, consistency matters more than giving in to every suggested tip screen. In these cases, it's perfectly reasonable to decide your tip amount based on your budget and the experience you had.

Need help building a financial plan? Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who will help you reach your financial goals.

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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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Amazon Prime Day is here. This is a four-day sales event running from Tuesday, June 23, through Friday, June 26.

While many of these sales don't have deep discounts, I use them as a chance to score discounts on items that improve my home's functionality and safety. On this end, Prime Day doesn't disappoint.

But first, make sure you have an Amazon Prime membership to shop the event. If you don't have one and you're new to Prime, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial. Now, here are a few items that can give you peace of mind, improve your home's functionality and potentially save you money.

This deal protects your biggest asset

I bought an older home a few years ago, and one of my main concerns was its electrical. Then, I found out about the Ting sensor. It's a smart home sensor you plug into a wall that detects electrical irregularities that could result in a house fire.

Once you install the plug, you download the free Ting app on your phone to monitor it. You'll receive real-time alerts when it detects issues. Some issues it detects include micro-arcing, caused by faulty wiring, malfunctioning devices or loose connections.

Now, I have peace of mind knowing that if any hazards arise, I can fix them before a fire occurs. During Prime Day, you'll save $20 on a Ting sensor.

This deal adds another layer of protection to your home

Smart locks are among the smartest home security upgrades you'll make. They're easy to install. And I like them for the convenience and security they offer.

These devices typically feature a keypad for PIN codes or biometric sensors, allowing you to secure your home without fumbling for physical keys. You can install them on any entry point, such as your front door, and even assign temporary codes for guests or service providers.

Worried you didn't lock your front door when you left home? Access the app and lock it remotely, instead of driving back home. You should also look for ones, like the one I recommend here, that offer weatherproofing and battery backup, so you still have access during a power outage.

And during Prime Day, you can save up to $65 on this option:

Lower your home's energy costs with this deal

Electric bills continue to surge. With the summer months driving up demand, the average household will spend 10.5% more, per the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

The main culprit behind your energy costs? Your air conditioner. This is where a smart thermostat helps you control costs. If you plan to be away from home for days or weeks at a time, you can set your thermostat at a higher temperature. This reduces the demand placed on your AC unit and the energy it uses.

Over time, setting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees warmer when you're away from home lowers your energy costs by around 10%. This could equate to hundreds of dollars per year. On top of that, you can save $50 on a new unit during Prime Day.

Ultimately, while Prime Day isn't overflowing with deep discounts, it doesn't mean you can't find good deals. Being strategic when shopping can help you find deals that add value to your home, both now and into the future. These three deals represent ways you can improve your home's functionality, ensure it remains safe and save money on energy costs.

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When people talk about closing costs and other expenses to prepare for when you buy a new home, they often forget to mention furniture, gadgets and new decor. And after 15 years of living in apartments, when I moved into a house, there was a lot to purchase.

Suddenly, I had a separate dining room. And a living room that can fit an L-shaped couch. And a kitchen with enough storage space to finally fit my KitchenAid stand mixer. A backyard where we could grill! A basement where we could work out! Wonders never ceased, but those wonders have a price attached.

My husband and I have been slowly filling up the space, and I try to take advantage of sales seasons so we can save at least a little on all the purchases. Now is a great time to do that as Amazon Prime Day kicks off this week, setting off sales at other retailers, and as we approach annual Fourth of July season sales. We're starting our first full summer in the house, and here's what I'm looking out for. If I already made (or am specifically planning to make) a purchase, I'll let you know what I went with.

Items for hosting

One of the best parts of having a house is getting to host your friends and family, but it helps to have some key supplies. Here's what I'm looking at.

Drink pitchers

My ideal symbol of hosting is a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade at the ready when someone comes over, so I need pitchers. I looked for a glass pitcher over plastic so I can potentially run it through the dishwasher, but mostly so I don't have to think about microplastics.

Amazon option: This 1-gallon square pitcher has a strainer option on its lid, which is useful if you're making something like sangria or lemon-infused water. The list price is $41.23, and it's currently listed for $32.99.

Alternative option: This 64-ounce glass pitcher from Walmart is smaller than the Amazon option but has a more appealing design. It's typically $13.99 but currently lists for $12.59.

What I ended up getting: The lidded options are definitely functional, but I liked the aesthetic of this 80-ounce glass pitcher from Crate & Barrel for $14.95. If you've just moved, Crate & Barrel has a "new mover" promotion for a discount.

Drink dispensers

Along with multifunctional pitchers I can use for bringing water to the dining room table, I wanted a glass drink dispenser I could use for making batch cocktails.

Amazon option: This highly rated dispenser comes with a blackboard sign so you can write what the drink is along with the dispenser. It comes in 1-gallon, 1.5-gallon, and 2-gallon sizes, and it also has the option of getting two dispensers that sit side-by-side on a stand. There is a Prime Day Deal on it, and the 1-gallon set of two with a stand is $32.75 (list $38.99).

Alternative option: Target has a lot of handy home goods, including this stylish 1.8-gallon dispenser with a wooden stand. It's $34.99.

What I ended up getting: We're back at Crate & Barrel with a splurge: This 1.5-gallon dispenser with a marble stand is on sale as part of the company's 4th of July Warehouse Sale. Originally $154.90, it's 10% off.

Cornhole set

If you're having friends and family over, it's nice to have a noncommittal activity available to them, like cornhole. I thought this would be a simple purchase, but there are many different cornhole set options available, from regulation-sized to strictly portable. Let's get into it.

Amazon option: Amazon Basics has a portable set available made out of plywood. It has 4.5 stars from 2,500 reviews and is priced at $73.49.

Alternative options: You can get a Rec League regulation-sized set from Dick's Sporting Goods. It's usually $169.99 but is on major sale for $99.98.

REI sells a backpack cornhole game if you want one to be able to bring somewhere easily, for $39.95.

What I ended up getting: Believe it or not, this was a Costco purchase. Costco has a basic GoSports all-weather set with a simple but classic design. It's $159.99. If you're not already a member, you can get $40 back on a Costco membership.

Backyard fun

I'm excited to have a backyard to relax in. Here's what will make it more fun.

Grill

It's not a backyard summer without a grill. Grills come in all shapes, sizes and price points, so this is where it would help to do some research and pick out what you want, then see if it goes on sale.

Amazon option: Amazon has many Traeger grills, including this portable electric wood pellet grill and smoker. There is a Prime Day Deal on this for $422.61 (list price $499.99).

Alternative option: Lowes has some short-term sales on grills now, including this black pellet grill from PitBoss that has smart compatibility. Normally $749, it's $649 until June 24.

What I ended up getting: Following a friend's lead, we want to get a Weber grill — and you can get those at Costco, with delivery available. This gas grill, for example, is currently $110 off through June 28, coming in at $889.99. There's also a promotion going on through July 25 to save money if you buy multiple Costco Direct items on the same order. If you're not already a member, you can get $40 back on a Costco membership.

Patio umbrella

I was lucky to get a set of patio furniture from my parents that they didn't use anymore, but it's missing an umbrella. Here are some new options.

Amazon option: This 9-foot table umbrella comes in a multitude of colors and has 4.4 stars from over 5,000 reviews. The list price is $58.99, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $39.99.

Alternative options: If you don't have a table to put the umbrella in, try this 15-foot umbrella with a base from Walmart. It's typically $209.99, but certain colors are on sale for $119.99.

If you're a Sam's Club member, check out their patio furniture option. This 10-foot cabana umbrella is selling for $159.97.

Inflatable pool

If you don't buy a house with a pool, you might as well get the next best thing. Inflatable pools are great to have handy if you have grandchildren or nieces and nephews who visit — or if you're an adult who wants to relax outside on a hot day without going to a public pool.

Amazon option: This actually is the option I'm purchasing, based on a recommendation from a friend: An inflatable "tanning pool" lounger made for adults with a pillow to lean back on and cup holders for your lemonade. An extra-large option is typically $45.99 but is currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $31.99.

Alternative options: If you're looking for something more for kids, Target has an inflatable pool with a play center and a mini slide. It's usually $117.99 but is on sale for $45.99 (a whopping 61% off), and it has just over four stars from 79 reviews.

If you want something to imitate a real backyard pool, Walmart has an above-ground inflatable pool. A 12-foot version is usually $169.99 and is currently on sale for $109.99.

Summer activities

An exciting part of moving to a new place is getting to explore its public spaces. My new town has a lake and parks accessible to residents, as well as lots of summer concerts and movie screenings. Here's what I'm looking at to make the most of those resources.

Picnic blanket

Whether you're heading to a park or a beach, it's helpful to have a large picnic blanket. Here are some options I found.

Amazon option: This large beach blanket is made with sand in mind, and it has 4.7 stars from over 14,600 reviews. The list price is $28.98, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $18.97.

Alternative option: Target has an extra-large picnic blanket (70 by 80 inches) that's quilted for extra comfort. It's usually $39.99 and is currently on sale for $25.59.

What I ended up getting: I envision using this mostly for relaxing at a local park, so I needed something large and water-resistant for dewy grass. This XL picnic blanket tote from Macy's seems to fit the bill, according to reviews. It's usually $80 but has a Limited-Time Special price of $48.

Beach towels

I wanted to make sure I had extra beach towels so I have something to offer visiting friends if we go to the town pool. Here's what I looked at.

Amazon option: Amazon Basics has a couple of options of 100% cotton beach towels with the classic cabana stripe design. Their list price is $23.26.

Alternative options: If you want to get a few towels to have on hand, Walmart has a 4-pack of colorful beach towels. Usually $40.99, it's on sale for $29.99.

What I ended up getting: This was another Macy's purchase for me during their most recent sale: Striped cotton towels from The Beach House. Their list price is $50 each, but they currently have a Today Only price of $16.99.

Practical items

Now, living in a house is not all fun (inflatable pool!) and games (cornhole!) all the time. There's also upkeep to take care of. Here's what I'm managing, if it helps give you ideas.

Smart thermostat

Pretty much every time there's a sale season, I check for sales on smart thermostats so I can slowly but surely change out my outdated system.

Amazon option: Amazon has its own branded smart thermostat that you can link up with your Alexa. The list price for one thermostat is $79.99, and it's currently on sale with a Prime Day Deal for $57.99.

Alternative option: You can also buy thermostats directly from the manufacturer. Many HVAC experts I've talked to speak highly of the Ecobee; the Premium thermostat is usually $259.99, but is currently on sale for $209.99.

What I ended up getting: Once you start with one system, you basically have to keep going with it, so I always look for sales on Google Nest thermostats. A 4th gen learning thermostat is on sale at Best Buy for $239.99 (list price $279.99).

Dryer vent cap

This is a small detail, but homeowners know the value of paying attention to small details. In this case, a proper dryer vent could mean the difference between enjoying your summer or spending your summer fending off a wasp nest in your dryer vent.

Amazon option: Amazon offers a 4-inch dryer vent cover with a magnetic door and lint trap. It's usually $12.99 but has a Prime Day Deal for $9.99.

Alternative option: If a magnetic door seems a bit too much, Walmart has this classic dryer vent cover designed for airflow. It's $10.

What I ended up getting: My dryer vent is a good target for birds because of where it is on the house, so I went for this airtight dryer cover from Home Depot. It's $19.97.

Weeding tool

As your yard soaks in the sun and warmth, so do weeds. If you, like me, are in a battle against weeds, here are some good buys.

Amazon option: When I told the editor of the Kiplinger Retirement Report that I'd started gardening, he told me I needed to get a Japanese weeding tool for the most efficiency. This weeding sickle from Suizan is on Amazon for $27.80, and I'm keeping an eye out to see if it goes on sale.

Alternative options: Target has a 40-inch weed puller tool that allows you to do more while standing. It's usually $69.99 and is on sale for $39.99.

You could also skip the individual tools and invest in a whole set. Home Depot has a 9-piece gardening tool set with a functional tote bag from Misopily. It's usually $77.62 and is on sale for $72.27.

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Amazon Prime Day can be a great opportunity to save on everything from electronics to household essentials, but not every deal is as good as it looks. Running June 23 through June 26, the annual shopping event features thousands of discounts from Amazon and third-party sellers.

While Amazon is known for convenience and competitive pricing, some products are actually cheaper elsewhere. Others carry risks such as counterfeits, quality concerns or significant markups from third-party vendors.

Before you click "Buy Now," here are several categories of products that deserve a closer look.

Frequently returned items

Amazon places a "frequently returned item" badge on products with higher-than-average return rates compared with similar items. While the badge doesn't necessarily mean a product is poor quality, it can be a sign that buyers were disappointed by factors such as sizing, color, performance or overall quality.

Because online shoppers can't inspect products in person before buying, expectations don't always match reality. As a result, some items are returned more often than others.

If you see an item that’s frequently returned, check the reviews to see if there’s information about the issues that buyers had with the product. It may be safest to shop for another product that isn’t returned frequently.

Trader Joe's products

Trader Joe's doesn't sell products directly on Amazon, including its popular seasonal and viral items. Products listed on Amazon are typically sold by third-party resellers, often at significantly higher prices than you'd pay in a Trader Joe's store.

There's also less transparency around how those products have been stored and handled before they reach your doorstep. As a result, you may end up paying a premium for an item that doesn't meet the freshness or quality standards you'd expect from Trader Joe's.

Costco Kirkland Signature products

Kirkland Signature is Costco's private label brand, and the products are intended for Costco members. The third-party sellers who sell these products on Amazon often charge substantial markups.

For example, a 52-ounce container Kirkland Signature H.K Anderson Valencia Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets are available on Amazon for $16.90. A 55-ounce container of the same product retails for $11.99 at Costco.

While you’ll need a Costco membership to shop at the warehouse, it might be worth the cost if you plan to regularly buy Kirkland Signature products.

Competitors' smart-home technology

Amazon sales might not be the best deals on smart-home technology. Manufacturer websites often run their own promotions, and these deals may be more competitive than Amazon’s.

For example, the Google Nest Hub Max is currently available through Google for $229. On Amazon, it retails for $93.25. Unless Amazon discounts it by nearly 50%, you’ll get a better deal buying it for full price from Google than you will buying it on sale from Amazon.

Since manufacturer prices are often lower than Amazon, be sure to comparison shop before checking out.

Impulse purchases disguised as deals

Events like Amazon Prime Day are full of deals structured to encourage you to quickly make buying decisions. Features like Lightning Deals, which are often only available for a number of hours, pressure you to check out quickly. Countdown timers and limited deals which are gone once the available number of products are sold can further pressure impulse buys.

This perceived scarcity makes buyers worry that they’ll miss out if they don’t act quickly, and it can encourage unnecessary spending. If you’re worried about missing out on what seems to be a good deal, you might not take the time to comparison shop to ensure that the deal is actually worth it.

Try to resist the urge to make purchase decisions quickly. Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel can also help you determine whether a sale is really a good deal compared to the product’s recent price.

Apple chargers and accessories from unknown sellers

Because Amazon allows third-party sellers to list products on its marketplace, it's important to pay attention to both the item you're buying and the seller you're buying it from. Counterfeit products remain a concern, particularly for accessories such as Apple chargers and cables.

Before making a purchase, verify that the seller is an authorized retailer or buy directly from the brand's official storefront when possible. Counterfeit or low-quality chargers may not perform as expected and could pose safety risks.

While products from reputable sellers may cost a little more, the added reliability and peace of mind can be well worth the extra expense.

Birkenstock footwear

Birkenstock footwear is another product category where authenticity can be a concern on Amazon. The company stopped selling directly through Amazon years ago, but some third-party sellers continue to list Birkenstock products on the marketplace.

If you're considering a purchase, take the time to verify that the seller is reputable and that the product is authentic. When buying premium footwear, a lower price isn't always a bargain if there's a risk you're not getting the genuine product.

Food sold by third-party vendors

Food can be another risky purchase when it's sold by third-party vendors on Amazon. Because you don't know how products were stored, handled and shipped, there's a greater chance of receiving items that are nearing their expiration date or have been damaged during transit.

Before buying, review the seller's ratings and recent customer feedback for complaints about freshness, packaging or product quality. A few minutes of research can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise when your order arrives.

Beauty and skincare products from unknown sellers

Beauty and skincare products are another category where shoppers need to be cautious. Counterfeit cosmetics remain an industry concern, and products sold by unauthorized sellers may not always be authentic.

In some cases, items may also be expired or improperly stored, which can affect their safety, quality and effectiveness.

To reduce your risk, purchase beauty and skincare products directly from a brand's official storefront or an authorized retailer whenever possible.

Collectibles and luxury goods

Think twice before buying collectibles and luxury goods, like designer handbags, high-end watches, and trading cards from Amazon.

These items often command premium prices, making authenticity a critical concern.

Because verifying these products can be difficult, shoppers may be better off purchasing them from authorized dealers or reputable specialty retailers that offer authentication services and product guarantees. Paying a little more for added confidence can help you avoid an expensive mistake.

How to avoid common Prime Day shopping mistakes

While some Prime Day deals are worth considering, it's still important to shop strategically. Before the sale begins, make a list of the items you actually need and set a budget to help avoid impulse purchases.

Don't assume Amazon automatically has the lowest price, either. Many retailers run competing promotions during Prime Day, so taking a few minutes to comparison shop could help you find a better deal elsewhere.

Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to connect with a financial professional who can help you create a personalized plan for building wealth and reaching your financial goals.

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Whether you spend your time in front of the TV watching sports, the news, the latest buzzy shows or reruns of your favorite sitcoms, you've probably noticed that you're shelling out more for your entertainment in recent years. Between March 2024 and March 2026, prices for subscription and rental of video and video games, which includes subscription streaming services, surged roughly 25%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Costs are rising so much that the phenomenon even has a new nickname: “streamflation.” Netflix, the largest and most popular streaming service, hiked prices for all three of its subscription tiers in March for the second time in less than two years. In April, prices for Amazon Prime Video's ad-free tier increased by $2 per month. Many of the other major players, including Paramount+ and HBO Max, have also raised their prices within the past year.

A few more dollars here or there each month may not seem significant enough to take a large bite out of your budget, but it adds up. The average U.S. household spends $69 monthly on video-on-demand service subscriptions, according to data from Deloitte. That's $828 annually. Deloitte also found that almost three-fourths of consumers are frustrated that companies keep raising their prices.

Unfortunately for viewers, the costs are likely to keep climbing. “We'll continue to see pricing going up for all streaming services, live and on demand,” says Dan Rayburn, an analyst in the streaming video industry. “Some don't do it yearly, but most do it like clockwork.”

The reason, he says, is that the cost to produce and license content continues to rise every year. Deep-pocketed companies such as Amazon and Disney are competing to snag hit shows, and the cost of that competition is trickling down to customers. In particular, the cost of licensing sports programming — an offering streaming services are increasingly looking to add — is “astronomical,” Rayburn says.

Last year, L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consulting firm, found that streaming platforms were expected to spend roughly $33 billion on obtaining rights to show national sports. In March, for instance, CNBC reported that the National Football League was asking Paramount+'s parent company for 50% more than the $2.1 billion it was already paying to show games.

These companies also pay attention to what their competitors are doing with their prices. “One increases the price, and that opens the door for everyone to increase the price,” says Christopher Hamilton, industry insights manager at Parrot Analytics. “The whole industry is shifting up.”

Although prices keep going up, you can make moves to fine-tune the selection of services you use and offset the hit to your wallet.

1. Consider your preferences.

Determine what you actually want to watch and whether you're getting it. Think about whether you prefer to see your favorite content the moment it comes out, too. Some families want to see sporting events live, which means they may want to opt for a sports-oriented streamer such as Peacock or a live-TV service such as YouTube TV or Fubo.

Other households may prioritize brand-new shows, which could make services that focus on original content, such as Apple TV, a good fit. If you're looking for children's programming, Disney+ or Netflix may be the way to go.

There are also specialized streamers that home in on specific corners of the market. For example, Crunchyroll's collection is made up of anime, and Shudder is for horror fans. BritBox exclusively offers British content, and Curiosity Stream focuses on documentaries.

2. Assess your budget.

Next, take a look at your budget, and add up the cost of streaming services you're paying for now. The amount of money you should allocate to entertainment will depend on your personal goals and financial situation, including your income and whether you have any debt.

If you need help, consider a popular budgeting strategy such as the 50/30/20 rule, which entails allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants (including entertainment) and 20% to savings. If streaming makes up a disproportionate amount of your budget, you can use some of the strategies here to trim your spending.

3. See what's available at no extra cost.

Your paid memberships with other services may provide access to certain streamers. For example, if you're a Walmart+ member, which offers free shipping from Walmart and other perks, you get access to either Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium with ads. Amazon Prime includes a Prime Video membership, and you can get Apple TV free for three months when you buy a new Apple device.

Don't forget to check your credit card perks. Those who have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card ($795 annual fee) can get Apple TV for free through June 2027, and the American Express Platinum card ($895) offers a monthly credit of up to $25 that you can use on a slew of streaming services, including Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock and YouTube TV.

And some streamers won't cost you anything at all. Tubi, The Roku Channel and Pluto TV offer large collections of free TV shows and movies (though you'll have to contend with ads). Through your local library, you may be able to borrow TV shows and movies to stream to your devices for free via Hoopla.

4. Take advantage of free trials.

When you're starting a new service, see whether it offers a free trial. This can be especially beneficial if you want to watch a specific show, because you may be able to finish it before the trial is over. Though Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max don't offer free trials, many of the other services do, including Discovery+ and Mubi, which deems itself a place to find “ambitious films and series by visionary filmmakers.”

You don't always have to be new to using a service to get a free trial. Hulu, for example, doles out free trials to members who haven't subscribed in a year.

5. Bundle.

You can often snag cheaper prices via bundles, which combine several services, such as internet, phone, cable and streaming. For instance, T-Mobile customers who use qualifying phone plans can get Netflix and Hulu's standard tiers with ads for free, as well as a $3-per-month discount on Apple TV. Verizon offers discounted prices on Netflix and HBO Max with ads alongside select mobile and home internet plans.

Spectrum TV's cable-TV service offers local networks and sports, depending on the plan, plus a wide range of streaming services, including HBO Max, Peacock, Hulu and ESPN. When you use certain plans from Xfinity, you'll also get Disney+ and Hulu. Plus, Peacock Premium is included for three years.

Some streaming services themselves also bundle. By getting Disney+ and Hulu with no ads together, for instance, you can save 47% compared with what you'd pay by purchasing the two services separately.

6. Pause services when you're not using them.

Your preferences may change from month to month. If everyone is talking about a new television show you want to watch, or your favorite reality series is airing just for a few months, you can temporarily sign up for the streamer that carries it. (Several years ago, Disney+ saw a surge in subscriptions when The Mandalorian aired, then those figures plateaued, Rayburn says.) If you're not getting exactly what you want, when you want it, cancel or pause your service.

“It's very easy to cancel these services,” Rayburn says, adding that it may take a little more effort to cancel live-TV services than on-demand ones. (You often need to talk to a representative on the phone to discontinue a live-TV plan rather than go online.) “We see this all the time where consumers sign up for it, they watch what they want to for a couple of months, and then they leave it.”

When you subscribe to a new service, set a calendar reminder for a date just before it automatically renews. (Double-check the terms of each service so you don't cancel too late. Amazon, for example, says that if you get Prime Video as an add-on subscription through Apple, you need to cancel 24 hours before your subscription renews to ensure you won't be charged.) Once that reminder goes off, cancel your service if you no longer plan to use it, or pause it if you may want to return to it within a few months.

Just remember that if you pause, you could be automatically charged once the break from service ends. The rules around pausing also vary. For example, Netflix lets you pause for one month at a time, for up to three months, as long as you're not on the basic plan, while Hulu lets you pause up to three months in one go. You can typically do this easily online from your account-management page.

7. Downgrade your services.

Most platforms have tiered offerings, so you may be paying more than you need to watch the shows and movies you love.

Take Netflix. The streamer's Premium tier costs $26.99, but you can save $7 monthly, or $84 annually, by downgrading to the Standard tier while still getting all the same content with no ads in exchange for slightly lower video quality (Rayburn says only “video-quality nerds” would notice the difference) and fewer downloads and supported devices; the number of extra members you can add to the account is also smaller. Jumping from the Premium tier to Standard With Ads will save you $18 each month, or $216 for the year.

Sometimes, you can also save by buying an annual membership instead of a monthly one. With HBO Max, for instance, doing so can save you 16% on all tiers. Note, however, that this strategy prevents you from using the cancel-or-pause method mentioned above.

8. Share memberships.

Streaming services have cracked down on sharing passwords with people outside your household, but you can often add extra members to your account at a discounted rate. This means you can split the bill with a family member or friend, even if they're across the country.

With the ad-supported version of Disney+, for example, you can add an extra member to your account for just $6.99 monthly, or $9.99 monthly if you subscribe to Disney+ Premium, with no ads. If you and the extra member sign up for your own accounts separately, you'd each pay $11.99 monthly for the tier with ads and $18.99 for the one with no ads. By adding an extra member to one account and splitting the cost, you could each pay just $9.49 or $14.49, respectively.

Should you switch back to cable?

As TV-streaming services gained popularity, many people dropped their cable subscription. Among U.S. adults, 83% say they use streaming services, while just 36% have cable or satellite TV, according to a report published last year by Pew Research Center. But as streamers steadily raise their prices, and as consumers subscribe to several separate platforms to get all the content they want, these services are becoming more akin to cable, with some of the same frustrations that customers were trying to avoid when they cut the cord in the first place.

“History repeats itself,” says Christopher Hamilton, industry insights manager at Parrot Analytics. “This accumulation of individual fees results in a total bill that is high, causing ‘subscription fatigue' and effectively re-creating a high monthly outlay similar to cable.”

But he wouldn't necessarily recommend that most viewers switch back to cable. Despite rising prices, most people can ultimately structure a better deal with live-TV streaming services, mainly because they have the flexibility to tailor plans to their specific needs.

“The massive advantage is the ability to easily drop and resubscribe for a period without penalty,” Hamilton says, adding that cable often has extra complications and costs — such as contracts, equipment rentals and cancellation fees — that make it difficult to stop and restart service to save money.

“With streaming, a customer can subscribe for a three-month sports season and then cancel immediately, which is a powerful cost-cutting tool.” Streaming services also often allow greater customization, providing smaller channel packages or add-ons, whereas cable often forces broad, predetermined tiers.

That said, cable still makes sense for some people. For instance, you may not be able to watch certain local sports on live-TV streaming platforms, depending on where you live. Juggling multiple streaming apps and interfaces, each with different navigation and billing, can also be complicated, especially compared with the simplicity of a single cable box and bill.

Compare your streaming options

Choosing which streaming services suit your needs at the best price requires a little homework. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular choices.

Netflix

Price: $8.99 monthly for Standard With Ads; $19.99 monthly for Standard; $26.99 monthly for Premium Netflix is considered the king of streaming thanks to its large video library, including original hits such as Stranger Things and Squid Game, and even some live programming, such as certain Major League Baseball games. Hamilton, of Parrot Analytics, assesses streamers' content offerings and customer demand to understand which services offer the best deals, and he says Netflix is one of the greatest values on the market, just behind the Disney+/Hulu bundle.

HBO Max

Price: $10.99 monthly for Basic With Ads; $18.49 monthly for Standard; $22.99 monthly for Premium HBO Max has all of HBO's content, plus DC Universe films, Warner Bros. films and a slew of prestige original content. It's also home to old favorites, recently including Friends.

Hulu

Price: $11.99 monthly for Hulu (with ads); $18.99 monthly for Hulu Premium Hulu's on-demand subscription service has popular original content, including The Handmaid's Tale, but you can also catch various shows from major networks such as ABC, Fox and FX just after they air.

Disney+

Price: $11.99 monthly for Disney+ (with ads); $18.99 monthly for Disney+ Premium Are you a fan of the Star Wars franchise or Marvel, Disney and Pixar movies? Then Disney+ is the service for you. If you're going to go with this family-friendly streaming option, consider its bundle with Hulu.

Prime Video

Price: Included in an Amazon Prime membership, which is $14.99 monthly or $139 yearly; additional $4.99 monthly with no ads Amazon's streaming service has a large catalog of TV shows and movies, as well as original shows. Plus, during the NFL season, it airs Thursday night football games.

Apple TV

Price: $12.99 monthly with no ads Apple TV is all about exclusive content, including hits such as Severance and Ted Lasso. But it also streams live Major League Baseball games on Friday nights, and you can catch Major League Soccer matches and Formula 1 racing live, too. It's one of the few streamers that doesn't have a lower-cost tier with ads, though you can bundle it with Peacock for just $2 extra.

Paramount+

Price: $8.99 monthly for Paramount+ Essential (with ads); $13.99 monthly for Paramount+ Premium Paramount+ is home to more than 40,000 TV episodes and movies from CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and more. It also hosts all of Showtime's movies and series, and you can catch live NFL games and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fights, too.

Peacock

Price: $7.99 monthly for Select (with ads); $10.99 monthly for Premium (with ads and more content than Select); $16.99 monthly for Premium Plus Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming service, with hits from NBC and Bravo, such as The Real Housewives franchise, as well as original content. With the Premium and Premium Plus tiers, you can also see live sports.

Live TV

DirecTV

Price: Genre packs start at $19.99 monthly; streaming packages start at $89.99 monthly DirecTV still offers satellite TV, with packages ranging from $77.99 to $169.99 per month. But separately, it also offers live-TV streaming and five “genre packs”: kids' television, sports, Spanish channels, news and entertainment. The streaming packages offer a broad mix of channels, including local stations, depending on which one you choose.

Hulu + Live TV

Price: $89.99 monthly for live TV, Hulu's on-demand content, Disney+ and ESPN Select with ads; $99.99 monthly with no ads Hulu's live-TV service offers more than 95 channels, from news to sports to comedy to local networks. And you get access to a host of on-demand content, too.

Sling

Price: $19.99 monthly to $60.99 monthly, depending on the package With Sling, you get live TV and sports in addition to movies on-demand. The Sling Select package includes about 10 channels, including NFL Network, National Geographic and FS1. Other packages include more channels at higher monthly prices.

YouTube TV

Price: $82.99 monthly for YouTube TV; $64.99 monthly for Sports Plan YouTube TV calls itself “cable reimagined,” and it offers access to more than 100 live and on-demand channels, including ABC, CBS and FX. You can also get add-ons such as MGM+, Shudder and HBO Max. The Sports Plan offers viewers access to a more limited selection of major broadcast networks, such as Fox and NBC, as well as sports-focused channels, including ESPN and FS1.

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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You've probably heard the saying, "What you post online is forever." But that is becoming less true as privacy laws give consumers more control over their personal information.

Earlier this year, California launched its Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP), a first-of-its-kind tool that allows residents to submit a single request to have their personal information removed from hundreds of registered data brokers. The platform is the latest step in the state's broader effort to give consumers more control over how their data is collected, sold and shared online.

The shift comes at a time when concerns about online privacy are growing. From people-search websites to AI-powered data collection, personal information is easier to find than ever — and scammers are finding new ways to use that data against consumers.

Your personal information is likely already online

While California's DELETE Act and DROP platform apply only to California residents, privacy advocates see them as part of a broader national trend toward stronger consumer privacy protections and greater transparency around personal data collection. California has often led the way on privacy regulations, and similar laws have been proposed or enacted in other states.

Connecticut recently expanded its own privacy protections, with Gov. Ned Lamont signing legislation that strengthens the state's consumer data privacy law. The measure gives residents additional rights over their personal information and places new restrictions on how companies collect, use and share data.

While it does not create a centralized deletion system like California's DROP platform, the law reflects a growing trend among states to give consumers more control over their digital footprint and hold companies more accountable for data practices.

The law also highlights a larger reality: personal information is collected, stored and shared on a massive scale. Even if you've never posted your address, phone number or other details online yourself, that information may already exist in databases maintained by data brokers, marketing firms and people-search websites.

Your personal information may already be online, thanks to technology and services that actively gather, store and share data, including:

• People-search sites: People-search sites, like Whitepages, pull data from public records, including voter registration and social media profiles. The sites store that information, so with a simple search, individuals may be able to access your mailing address, phone number, email address and more.
• Marketing databases: Marketing databases purchase information gathered from your app usage and online shopping activities. Then, these databases sell the information to brokers looking to target their advertising to consumers.
• Public records: Thanks to the internet, searching public records is easy. Individuals can look up personal information like your mortgage and deed documents, divorce proceedings, court cases and more.
• AI scraping: AI scraping, or using bots to extract data from websites, has made it even easier for sites to collect your digital data.

Why data privacy suddenly feels more urgent

Data privacy and being able to delete personal information feels more urgent today than ever before, and with good reason – cyberthreats use this information to target individuals with increasingly believable and deceptive scams.

AI scams use technology like deepfakes and voice cloning to create personalized and seemingly urgent situations to trick victims. For example, you might receive a call that seems to come from your daughter begging for financial help because she’s stranded while traveling or needs bail to get out of jail.

Scammers are also using AI to create targeted phishing and fraud attempts. The technology can create highly polished emails that are believable, since they incorporate personal information pulled from your social media or a data breach. These emails trick you into clicking a link that might trick you into sending money or infect your device with malware.

Phishing can also help scammers gather important personal information about you, and they may be able to use that information to trick your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card that they own. The scammer can then access your calls and texts. Even more damaging, a scammer may be able to access accounts using your SMS multi-factor authentication, locking you out of those accounts and potentially stealing money and more information.

Your online personal information can do more damage than you might think, and criminals are finding new ways to use the information for theft.

How states are expanding consumer privacy rights

The United States does not have a single comprehensive federal privacy law. Instead, privacy protections are governed by a patchwork of federal, state and industry-specific regulations.

While federal laws cover certain types of data and organizations, such as healthcare providers and credit reporting agencies, states have increasingly taken the lead in expanding consumer privacy rights. California remains one of the most aggressive states in this area, but it is not alone. States including Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Texas and Oregon have enacted comprehensive privacy laws that give consumers greater control over how companies collect, use and share personal information.

California has gone a step further with laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, the California Privacy Rights Act and the DELETE Act, which are designed to give consumers more visibility into and control over their personal data.

While privacy rights vary significantly by state, the overall trend is toward stronger consumer protections and greater accountability for companies that collect and sell personal information.

How to start removing your data from the internet

Even if your state lacks protections like the DELETE Act, there are still several steps that you can take to remove your data from the internet:

• Google yourself: Start with a Google search and see what information you find when you Google your name. Make a list of sites or information that you want to remove and consider contacting those sites individually to request to have your information removed.
• Opt out of people-search sites: If your Google search reveals listings on people-search sites, you can request to have your information removed from those sites. You’ll need to go to each site and find the opt-out request option, which is usually in the site’s footer. Submit that request and your information should be removed, though the amount of time before the information is deleted may vary.
• Remove unused accounts: Take the time to delete any unused accounts, like old email addresses, accounts with financial institutions you no longer use and old social media accounts. Deleting the accounts can help prevent hackers from being able to access your information.
• Turn on multifactor authentication: Make sure to turn on multifactor authentication for all of your accounts when it’s available. This is particularly true for financial accounts, email addresses, shopping accounts and any other accounts a hacker could use to access sensitive information. Multi-factor authentication is a simple and user-friendly way to significantly boost your security and keep your account safe.
• Freeze your credit: If you haven’t done so already, freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You’ll need to freeze your credit with each bureau individually, and you can temporarily unfreeze your credit whenever you need to apply for a mortgage, loan, new credit card or other form of credit. Scammers won’t be able to open a new credit line while the freeze is active.  
• Review privacy settings: Review the privacy settings on your accounts. Privacy settings on apps may allow your device to track your behavior while using your phone, while privacy settings in social media may expose more information than you want the public to be able to access. Take the time to review your settings and make sure you’re limiting tracking and restricting information that’s shared publicly.

Should you pay for a data removal service?

Services like DeleteMe and Incogni scan the internet for your information and then file removal requests on your behalf. They may save you time compared to the process of manually opting out of search sites, but their results may also be limited.

According to CNET, since data brokers share and sell data, it’s possible that your information will keep being shared. Plus, data removal services can’t legally delete public records and they can’t remove information that you’ve posted on social media, so data brokers may continue to scrape and share your data.

Paying for a data removal service may help save time by automating the process of finding and submitting opt-out requests to data brokers and people-search sites. While no service can completely erase your online footprint, ongoing monitoring can help keep personal information from reappearing as data is resold and shared among brokers.

If protecting your privacy is a priority, the recurring cost may be worth the added convenience and peace of mind. Before subscribing, consider the service's cost, the types of information it can remove and whether the benefits align with your privacy goals.

Can you really erase your information from the internet?

Protecting your privacy online is no longer just about limiting what you share on social media. Personal information is collected, stored and sold through a complex network of data brokers, websites and online services, often without your knowledge.

Whether you choose to submit removal requests yourself, use a data removal service or simply tighten your privacy settings, taking steps to reduce your digital footprint can help limit your exposure to scams, identity theft and unwanted tracking.

The internet may never completely forget, but you now have more tools to decide what information about you remains online.

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When you're looking for ways to cut your monthly budget, the dream is to find cuts you can make that don't feel like sacrifices. You want to save money, but you don't want to live like an ascetic monk.

One of the more popular pieces of advice floating around online is to call your current service providers and just ask them to lower your bill.

It's one of those tricks to save money that sounds nice, but feels like it probably doesn't really work or, at best, you might save a few bucks. Where I live, two of my utility providers have a monopoly in the state, and a couple others have few real competitors, so I was sure I wouldn't be able to negotiate much in the way of savings — especially when my only reason for asking was just that I wanted to give them less money.

But I decided to give this method a shot, and I called my service providers to ask for discounts. As it turns out, spending a couple of hours on the phone and in online chats with customer service representatives saved me an estimated total of more than $720 per year.

How I saved $720 just by asking nicely

Personal finance experts recommend researching competitor offers and calling your provider to ask if the company can match it. The general consensus is that you should be polite but confident and make sure to get any discounts or deals confirmed in writing before you hang up.

To maximize those savings, you can tally up the total amount you were able to save by asking for lower bills and stash that in a high-yield savings account each month to earn interest on it. This can be an easy way to boost your savings without having to make a single change to your monthly spending habits.

With all this in mind, I got to work. After making a list of all the bills I pay, there were some I crossed off from this experiment right away. Those that didn't make the cut included my car and home insurance, because I just reshopped my insurance in March and already saved a few hundred in the process.

Likewise, I skipped calling my gas company and trash service because I switched both earlier this year to take advantage of special offers.

Otherwise, here's how my bill-lowering experiment played out:

Peacock: Saved $70

Getting a discount on Peacock was the easiest on my list. I didn't even have to pick up the phone; I just logged into my account and clicked the "cancel all subscriptions" button. This took me to a page with an offer to keep my annual plan for $40 for the year. I clicked "claim offer," and now it's set to renew at the discounted rate instead of the $110 price I was originally scheduled to pay. The process took less than a minute from start to finish.

This was the only streaming service I tested the process on because all other streaming platforms I use are either bundled into other services or otherwise free or cheap for me already. For example, I have a Disney+ and Hulu bundle that I only pay $2.99 per month for thanks to a streaming credit I get every month from my American Express Blue Cash Preferred card.

With that said, I've heard anecdotes that other streaming platforms are similarly willing to offer discounts if you threaten to cancel.

Fitbit Premium: Saved $80

This one was less of a negotiation and more of a realization that I don't really use the features of this app enough to justify paying for it. I went through the cancellation process with the mindset that I'd keep it if I was offered a dirt-cheap price for it, but otherwise I'd just cancel it.

Going through the cancellation process was easy, but Google's prompt asking me to stay didn't include a discount. I followed through on the cancellation and saved the $80 I would have paid when the subscription renewed next month.

That's one more lesson from this experiment: Sometimes it's helpful to review the subscriptions you have and assess if you actually need them.

Water company: Saved $0

Of all the services I contacted, this was the only "no" I got. As expected, it's hard to negotiate with a company that has no competitors, especially when the service in question is a basic need such as water. They know I'm not going to cancel.

Still, the customer service representative did mention some discount programs that the company offers, but these were largely income-based, and I don't qualify.

Electric company: Saved $156

My electric company also has a monopoly in my state, so I dialed the customer service line with low expectations. I wasn't able to research competing offers because there are none, and my loyalty to the company means little when there's nowhere else to go.

Still, the customer service representative discussed some of the other rate plans they offer, and I discovered one that's a better fit with my power usage habits. After reviewing my bills from last summer, the rate plan I switched to will save me an estimated $39 per month from June through September without changing my usage habits. My bills outside of summer will likely be about the same.

This wasn't a discount per se, but making the call did still result in estimated savings of $156 per year.

AT&T Home Internet: Saved $420

This one was my biggest win by far, but the key to success was getting a human representative on the phone, and that step took some work. When I told the automated system that I was considering canceling my internet service, it started walking me through the cancellation process. I had to interrupt it repeatedly to get a human on the phone before my service was cut.

Once I was talking to a representative, though, the process was easy. Before the call, I'd checked a few other internet providers. Of those that service my neighborhood, the best offer was from Xfinity. I could get a plan for the same 500-megabit speed internet I currently have for $45 per month. I pay $65 to AT&T.

I asked the representative if AT&T could match that deal. She said she'd look around and see what discounts she could offer. After a few minutes, the best deal she found was for the 1,000-megabit plan, the next step up from my current plan.

After the loyalty discount and other credits she found, she offered me the faster plan for $30 per month and locked in that rate for the next 24 months. That's $35 less than I'm paying now, or $420 in savings per year for the next two years.

Asking for lower bills is definitely worth it

All told, I spent about three-and-a-half hours running down the list of services, doing my research to find competing offers and contacting each company. But I came out more than $720 ahead at the end of it, and most of these savings are sticking for a while, so I won't have to do it again for at least another year.

You'll likely get turned down in some cases. My water company said no, and Google didn't even bother offering a discount to keep me on the premium version of the Fitbit app. Overall, the savings you do get from the companies that say yes will likely more than make up for the rejections.

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Have you ever noticed that the prices of the things you buy online seem to change for no rhyme or reason? I was recently shopping for my daughter's first birthday, and I had my eye on the Rolls-Royce of kids' wagons — this thing is nicer than some of the cars I drove in college.

But I wanted to do some research first. I put the wagon in the online shopping cart while I read some expert and customer reviews. Not even a day later, I was back — and the wagon was a few dollars more expensive than it was the previous day.

For one item, a few dollars is not a big deal. But this can add up over time with regular purchases. Some stores use surveillance data to determine your shopping behaviors, so they can pinpoint, with scary accuracy, the maximum amount you'll pay for an item. I'll explain how it works and what you can do to avoid it.

How retailers use your shopping habits against you

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) conducted a surveillance pricing market study and found that retailers use factors such as your precise location, shopping history, demographics and internet browsing history to set prices.

"Initial staff findings show that retailers frequently use people's personal information to set targeted, tailored prices for goods and services — from a person's location and demographics, down to their mouse movements on a webpage," said Lina M. Khan, then-FTC chair, in the January 2025 report.

That might apply to online shopping, but can they also track you in-store? Yes. Retailers employ cameras and AI to determine how long you stay in a specific section, the products you're looking at more and to prevent food waste.

Retailers can also track your smartphone, using Bluetooth beacons, cellular signals and Wi-Fi routers. The beacons work by sending streams of Bluetooth signals that nearby devices detect, triggering app notifications to process data. These tools, with your purchase histories, allow them to track your shopping habits to set prices.

Why are companies spying on you?

Companies employ these tools for several reasons. Of course, the primary driver is to maximize revenue. Retailers can also use this information to monitor inventory levels, lower prices to undercut competitors, and make price adjustments based on customer behavior.

Think of it this way: Say you need to book a last-minute flight to attend a funeral. You shop around for flights, then get in touch with family members to arrange schedules.

You return to the website a day later only to find the fare has increased substantially. Why? Because the website has your browsing information. The algorithm likely knows why you're booking the flight and that you must fly on certain dates, and it raises prices knowing you'll still need to buy. Here's how to fight back.

How to protect your data and prevent price surges

There are a few things you can do to prevent companies from harvesting your data to charge you more:

• Delete cookies regularly: Cookies are like your digital shadow, leaving a breadcrumb trail of what you search for online, what you have in your shopping cart and more. Deleting these regularly means retailers don't have a full picture of your online shopping behavior, which, on its own, won't stop it. But using this practice with a virtual private network can.
• Install a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to mask your location data, making it harder for retailers to use it to hike prices.

• Examine permissions for store loyalty programs: Some stores offer lower prices or free perks if you sign up for their loyalty program in exchange for collecting your data. Luckily, many of these programs have permissions you can access to turn data off. Open the app's settings, find the privacy section and look for the "how we use your data." There, you can opt out of some data collection methods, such as location tracking.
• Compare prices: When you shop, compare prices with your phone and computer, as a website might charge more based on the device you use. You can also compare prices by shopping for an item in a regular browser, then look for it again in incognito mode to see if there are any variances.

Along with using these tactics, know that some states also have data privacy protection laws that can shield you from paying more.

Some states are fighting back

Maryland became the first state to ban the use of surveillance data in grocery stores. They're not the only ones tackling the issue. Colorado and Connecticut lawmakers also just passed bans, and other state legislatures are working on similar proposals, including in New York and California.

There are 20 states with data protection laws, including California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska and Rhode Island. These laws allow customers to opt out of targeted advertising and the selling of their data. If you live in one of these states, I recommend learning more about the law and your rights under it.

Ultimately, retailers have become more adept at building shopper profiles using surveillance data. Unfortunately for you, this means they're mainly using this information to see how much they can charge you for a good or service.

Your best course of action is to protect your data. Use a VPN, delete cookies regularly and remove location-tracking permissions on store loyalty apps. Doing these things makes it more difficult for retailers to track your information and keeps you less susceptible to price hikes.

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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 World Cup, soccer's most popular international tournament, began on June 11. The tournament, featuring 48 teams, spans more than 39 days with matches taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

If you're a soccer fan, this is an excellent opportunity to catch the action live — that is, if you can afford the higher ticket prices. I recently checked, and the average ticket price for the U.S. vs Paraguay match on June 12 in Los Angeles starts around $850 per ticket on the resale market.

There is good news, though. Ticket prices are decreasing as demand wanes, making the resale market more attractive to soccer fans, but that also creates an opportunity for scammers, who use these events to clean up. Here's a peek into how scammers trick you into their ploys.

Look for these things before you buy

"There's an element of urgency that should be an immediate red flag," Ben Farrow, a partner at Anderson, Williams, & Farrow, told Kiplinger.

If someone messages you on a social media app such as Facebook, promising a can't-miss deal on World Cup tickets, there's a high likelihood it's a scam.

Thieves use persuasive language to add an element of urgency. When prices are high for a coveted event such as the World Cup, it's easy to let caution fall by the wayside when a deal seems too good to pass up.

Scammers use QR codes and AI to trick buyers

Another thing to watch for is when the seller asks you to scan a QR code, which usually opens a website where you can purchase tickets and check out. But before checking out, check out the website.

"Scammers will use AI tools to make landing pages look legit. But if you take some time to review the website, they omit pertinent details, such as business location, contact information, etc," remarked Farrow.

The fake giveaway

Thieves use other ploys to entice people into buying fraudulent tickets. One of the more common is fake giveaways.

You might find a company advertising free World Cup tickets if you enter their sweepstakes. You click the link, only to be taken to a fake website where hackers could steal your information.

If it feels as if something is off, it likely is. Knowing where to buy vs where not to can help you avoid some of these encounters.

Where's the worst place to buy World Cup tickets?

"Social media," Farrow said. The problem with social media is that you have acquaintances you might have met once, but you don't really know them. They reach out with cheap tickets, and it's tempting to take the bait, but that's where you need to pause to really think things through.

Instead, look for legitimate resellers. How do you find them? Start with FIFA's ticket market.

If those sell out or you need another option, try the National Association of Ticketing Professionals. You can use their member feature to find reputable ticket resellers by company name. If they're unable to fulfill your order for some reason, you'll receive up to a 200% refund of the contracted price.

The risks are real. According to LegalShield’s World Cup ticket scam report, 36% of victims said they had a "verified" ticket rejected at the gate as fraudulent, while 68% reported buying so-called "ghost tickets," when the seller never had the tickets in the first place.

Additionally, when you purchase your World Cup tickets, Farrow recommends using a credit card. If things go south, you have fraud protection.

However, timing does matter. Credit card companies give you 60 days to dispute a charge. If you buy illegitimate soccer tickets, contact your credit card company promptly, or you could lose money.

Do I have any legal recourse against ticket scammers?

"If you get scammed, your legal options are terrible," remarked Farrow. "If you can find the scammer and take them to court, then great, but chances are, you're not going to find them."

That doesn't mean you shouldn't do anything. "There are options available, where you can file reports with state agencies, the FTC or your state's attorney general," Farrow added. While that might not get you your money back, it could change things moving forward.

Farrow continued, "Think of it this way: Do you still receive a ton of calls about extended auto warranties? No, and that's because enough people complained."

The same applies to ticketing scams. While you might feel embarrassed in the moment, filing complaints won't get your money back, but over time, it could create change that prevents it from happening to you again.

Ultimately, the World Cup is a huge boon at a time the sport is increasing in popularity in the U.S. With ticket prices dropping on the resale market, it creates a buyer frenzy as the tournament approaches.

To avoid being scammed, know the scammers' playbook. Avoid buying tickets on social media, use legitimate resellers, and pay with your credit card. Doing these things ensures you receive a legitimate ticket to the action, so you're not sitting on the sidelines after losing thousands of dollars.

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If you’re eager to get the newest phone the day it’s released, preordering can help you secure the device before it sells out in stores. Manufacturers, carriers and retailers typically open online preorders days or weeks before a phone's official release date, allowing shoppers to reserve a device ahead of launch.

Companies including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Best Buy and Amazon all offer phone preorders.

But timing matters. Popular models and configurations can sell out quickly, and some preorder windows fill within minutes.

How the pre-order process works

When you preorder a phone, you’ll typically choose the model, storage capacity, color and carrier before the device is officially released. Many companies, including Apple, let shoppers prepare in advance by saving their preferred configuration, payment information and carrier details ahead of the preorder window. That can make checkout faster once preorders officially open.

You’ll also usually have several payment options. You can pay the full cost upfront or finance the purchase through monthly installment payments. Some carriers and retailers might also offer trade-in credits based on the model, age and condition of your current phone.

After placing a preorder, you might notice an authorization hold on your credit card. This temporary hold confirms that funds are available and may appear as a pending charge on your account for several days. In most cases, your card won’t be charged until the phone ships, at which point the authorization hold is replaced by the final purchase charge.

Many preorder phones ship on launch day, but delivery timelines can vary, depending on demand. Customers who order later in the preorder window might face shipping delays, especially for high-demand models or specific colors and storage options. Some popular devices can remain backordered for weeks after release.

The biggest advantages of preordering

Pre-ordering a phone offers several major advantages:

• Get the phone early. If you place your order as soon as the pre-order window opens, you might receive a high-demand phone on or near launch day, even if the device quickly sells out in stores.
• Take advantage of launch promos. Preorders are often tied to limited-time offers, including boosted trade-in values, free storage upgrades, gift cards or monthly bill credits that can increase the overall value of the deal.
• Skip the store crowds. Preordering can save you from waiting in long lines or visiting multiple stores only to discover the phone you want is out of stock.
• Lock in pricing. Preordering secures the phone’s price at the time you place your order, which helps protect you from potential price increases after launch.

The downsides to consider before you preorder

While there are many perks to a preorder, it’s important to also consider the downsides:

• No reviews yet. When you preorder a phone, you’re buying it before full reviews and long-term testing are available. That means you’ll have less information about the device’s real-world performance and potential issues.
• Deals may improve after launch. A preorder offer might look appealing, but better discounts or promotions could become available after the phone officially launches, especially through carriers and retailers.
• Potential delivery delays. If demand exceeds supply, shipping dates can slip. Some customers might wait weeks or even months for high-demand models or configurations.
• Promo fine print. Preorder deals often come with conditions that reduce their overall value. For example, trade-in credits might be issued as monthly bill credits over 24 or 36 months, and strict trade-in requirements may apply.
• Cancellation and restocking fees. Canceling a preorder can become more difficult once the order moves beyond the processing stage. Depending on the retailer or carrier, you could also face restocking fees after the phone ships.

When pre-ordering makes the most sense

Preordering a phone makes the most sense if you want the latest device as soon as it’s released. Preorders are especially popular with tech enthusiasts and early adopters, and they can improve your chances of getting a specific model, color or storage configuration that may be difficult to find in stores after launch.

A preorder can also be worthwhile if you qualify for a strong trade-in offer during the promotional period. Locking in a higher trade-in value might help offset the cost of upgrading to a new device. If you already plan to stay with your current carrier for the next few years, taking advantage of a preorder promotion could make financial sense while helping you upgrade right away.

When it’s better to wait

You might want to wait to buy a new phone if you rely on independent reviews and hands-on testing to help you decide which device is right for you. Waiting until after launch gives reviewers time to evaluate real-world performance, battery life and features.

Waiting can also make financial sense. Promotions often improve after launch, especially during major shopping periods such as Black Friday, back-to-school season and holiday sales.

If you’re considering switching carriers, taking time to compare plans and incentives could help you find a better long-term deal. Many carriers offer significant discounts and enhanced trade-in promotions to attract new customers.

Timing might also matter if you’re considering upgrading to the next iPhone. According to reports from MacRumors, Apple could introduce higher-end iPhone 18 Pro models in late 2026, with standard models potentially arriving later.

But if you don’t need the latest processor or premium features, current deals on the iPhone 17 lineup might still offer strong value. Carriers such as T-Mobile are already offering aggressive trade-in promotions on select plans that can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading now.

Tips to get the best preorder deal

Put these tips to use to get the best preorder deal:

• Set up your account early. Take advantage of any pre- preorder period to shop for the phone, set up your account, and enter all your payment information. Saving all these details in your account can help you place your order when the preorder period opens, increasing the chances that you get your phone early.
• Compare offers. Compare offers on the new phone across carriers, manufacturers and retailers. Preorder offers vary, and you might find that some offers are significantly better than others.
• Check total cost. Check the total cost of your pre-order, not just the monthly payment. Pay attention to extra fees and verify that you're getting a good deal before you place the order.
• Understand trade-in details. Carefully read the trade-in terms and timelines. Most contracts give you a certain number of days to mail back your old phone after receiving your new one. Be sure you can meet the conditions to get the full value for your old phone.
• Watch for catches. Some deals require you to sign up for a higher phone plan, and the plan can drive up your monthly costs. Pay attention to whether you’re receiving bill credits or upfront discounts and how that structure will affect your monthly payments.
• Consider your phone's resale value. If you plan to keep your current phone, rather than trade it in, consider its resale value. You might be able to sell the phone and put that money toward the purchase of your new phone.

Is pre-ordering worth it?

Phone preorders are great for convenience and early access, but they don't always offer the best value.

Before jumping into a preorder, take time to compare the total cost and consider whether a preorder is best for you. A phone is a major purchase, and contracts have long-term implications, so don't rush the decision.

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You’re checking out online and see the message: "Add $10 more to get free shipping." You’re in the grocery aisle debating a buy-two-get-one-free cereal deal.

In both cases, the offer nudges you to spend more than you planned.

That behavior has a name: "spaving", or spending more money now to save money later. While it can feel as if you’re getting a deal, those extra purchases often add up quickly.

What seems like a smart move in the moment can quietly drain your budget over time. Understanding how spaving works is the first step to spotting it and avoiding it.

What is spaving?

Spaving is the act of spending more money now in an effort to save money over time. For example, you might plan to spend $50 at a store, but after seeing an offer for a free $50 gift card if you spend $100, you double your purchase to qualify for the deal.

The concept itself is not new. Shoppers have been influenced by promotions and thresholds for years, but spaving gives a name to a common habit that can quietly undermine your budget. This behavior isn’t new; it’s just newly labeled.

Why 'spaving' can actually cost you more

When you spend more to get a deal, you might feel as if you came out ahead, but spaving can cost you more. Let's say that you were ordering $50 worth of items from an online retailer that offered free shipping on orders of $75 or more. To get the free shipping, you had to buy $25 more than you were planning to.

In this instance, you spent an extra $25 to get free shipping, but chances are you didn't actually save — you spent more than you would have paid for shipping. You also ended up with some items that you didn't necessarily plan to buy.

Psychological factors contribute to spaving. You might spend more because of fear of missing out on a great deal. Many websites now feature prompts that encourage the behavior, such as "Only $10 more until free shipping" prompts when you check out.

Retailers design these thresholds intentionally to drive sales and maximize the value of each order. Those deals aren’t designed to benefit you, but to increase the retailer’s sales and profits.

The most common spaving traps

As you shop, be on the lookout for these common spaving traps:

• Free shipping minimums: It’s easy to get trapped in the idea that you have to spend just a little more to get free shipping, but that temptation can cause you to overspend.
• Buy one, get one deals: These offers might be tempting, but unless you actually need both products, they may not be worth it. You might save more by waiting for a single item to go on sale.
• Spend X, save Y promotions: When retailers give you a threshold to meet to save money, it encourages you to spend more than you planned. These promotions are only good deals if you were already planning to spend that amount.
• Free trials: Many free trials might seem appealing, but they typically turn into subscriptions. It can be difficult to keep track of subscriptions, and the price often increases after an introductory period, so you might spend more than you expected.

When spending more actually does make sense

Spending more can make financial sense in certain situations. If you're buying bulk essentials that you'll use, then buying in bulk or spending a little more to get a deal can help you save, since those products won't go to waste.

Annual subscriptions that are discounted compared to what you would pay monthly can also make sense, as long as you're confident you'll use the subscription for the entire year. If you're trying a new subscription, then choosing the monthly rate until you're confident you’ll keep the service for the whole year is the safer bet, even if it costs a bit more.

Spending more on higher-quality items that last can also make financial sense. If you're buying a cheaper product, such as a cheaper blender, but it only lasts for a few months, a more expensive blender that lasts for years will ultimately be the better buy.

How to stop spaving and actually save

These tips can help you stop spaving and save your money:

• Use a 24-to-48-hour rule: When shopping online, don't check out immediately. Instead, leave items in your cart for 24 to 48 hours. That extra time allows the initial excitement to fade, so when you return, you can better decide whether you want and need those items.
• Calculate your total spend: It's easy to justify a larger purchase when you're focused on the savings, but look at your total spend instead. Focusing on what you're spending can put the purchase in perspective and help you decide if it's truly a good deal.
• Shop with a list: Sticking to a list of items you need can help keep you focused, so you're less likely to browse, discover new items and make impulse purchases. This is especially true when shopping online.
• Turn off your deal alerts: Retail notifications and deal alerts can tempt you to buy items you would not have otherwise purchased. Turning them off removes that extra nudge to spend.
• Set a shipping rule: Set a "free shipping is not free" rule. Remind yourself that retailers set these thresholds to increase your total spend, not to help you save. Commit to not adding extra items just to qualify for free shipping.

How to spot spaving before it costs you

Spaving is not about making bad decisions, but about subtle ones that can add up over time. Paying close attention to your spending habits and taking a closer look at so-called deals can help you spot when extra spending doesn't make financial sense.

If you weren't planning to buy an item before the deal, you're not actually saving. You're spending more, and you might regret it later.

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Maryland is set to become the first state to ban surveillance pricing as the legislature passed the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act this month. Introduced by Gov. Wes Moore in January, the act aims to prevent grocers and third-party apps like delivery services from using surveillance data and dynamic pricing in Maryland grocery stores. It also imposes steep penalties for businesses caught engaging in these practices, including a first-time fine of up to $10,000.

"Marylanders deserve to know that the price they see on the shelf is the price they will pay at the register," said Moore in a press release. "At a time when Marylanders are already stretched by the rising cost of groceries, housing, and everyday necessities, we must ensure that new technologies are not used to drive up the bill for working families."

The act will take effect on October 1 this year. If you're unfamiliar with the practice of surveillance pricing and how it could be making your groceries more expensive, here's a breakdown of how it works and how you can prevent it from raising the costs of the goods or services you buy.

What is surveillance pricing?

Surveillance pricing is the practice in which companies use your personal data to assess how much you would be willing to pay for an item. The data can include your location, browsing history, demographics, searches you make on search engines and more.

The Federal Trade Commission conducted a study into the practice and found that anything from mouse clicks to items you left in a shopping cart to purchase later could influence how much you'll be charged for these items. Companies will also look at the urgency of what you're searching for, such as last-minute flights.

Why do companies use this? While increasing revenue is the core focus, they also use this data to respond to supply and demand. Rideshare companies like Uber change pricing as demand ebbs and flows. Further, companies use it for inventory control to ensure goods and services are sold before they lose value. They can also use this data to undercut competitors or price-match with them on items.

Are there ways to stop surveillance pricing?

Yes, there are several ways you can prevent paying more for items:

• Delete cookies and cache regularly: This removes the tracking data companies use to determine pricing
• Use a virtual private network (VPN): VPNs mask your location data, which makes it difficult for retailers using dynamic pricing algorithms to raise prices
• Be wary of loyalty programs: These programs are ways retailers access your data to determine your shopping habits. The more data they have on you, the more likely they are to predict what you are going to buy, when and how much you're willing to spend.
• Shop with different devices: Before buying online, use your mobile phone and your computer, since prices can differ on each.
• Don't make repeated searches: If you're looking for a last-minute flight, chances are you're going to visit airline and travel deal websites to find the best deals. The only problem is that retailers can follow your searches, seeing your urgency and providing prices reflective of this. If you want to compare shops, use different browsers to do so.

What's next for surveillance pricing bans

Ultimately, Maryland is the first state to try to fight the practice. Did the act go far enough? Consumer Reports doesn't think so.

In response to the legislation, they said, "While it's encouraging to see the Maryland legislature take up this issue, this bill has loopholes that will limit its real-world impact. We urge other state legislatures considering personalized pricing legislation to build in stronger consumer protections and avoid loopholes that weakened this bill."

Some of these loopholes include exempting pricing associated with loyalty programs, and that consumers cannot sue companies engaged in surveillance data. The only person who can sue companies is the Maryland attorney general. Even then, they are required to notify companies and give them 45 days to fix violations. If they comply, no further legal action is required.

At least a dozen states are also considering legislation against dynamic pricing. Pennsylvania recently introduced a bill that would ban retailers from changing prices on essential goods within 24 hours. Other states considering legislation are Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Nebraska, Tennessee, Illinois, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. New York passed the Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act, requiring businesses to disclose when they use algorithms to set prices.

Overall, your best bet against dynamic pricing is to create layers of protection separating you from their algorithms. Use private browsing as often as you can, don't use loyalty programs unless it's necessary and alternate your searches between mobile and computer. Doing these things can help you pay fairer prices.

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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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Between streaming services, fitness apps, retail memberships and software tools, it’s surprisingly easy for subscriptions to pile up quietly in the background.

Add in free trials that roll into paid plans and annual renewals that hit once a year, many households are spending far more than they realize.

But thankfully, you don’t need a spreadsheet marathon or a full weekend overhaul. A focused, 30-minute subscription audit can reset your spending and potentially save you hundreds of dollars this year.

What is "subscription creep"?

Subscription creep happens when services stack up over time without a clear review process.

You sign up for one streaming platform during a favorite show's season. You add a second for sports. A free trial converts into a paid subscription. A cloud storage plan upgrades automatically. Before long, you're paying for half a dozen services. Some of which you barely use.

The average household now carries multiple recurring charges each month. These costs are easy to overlook because:

• Free trials quietly convert into paid plans
• Annual billing makes charges less visible
• Subscriptions are spread across different credit cards, debit cards and app stores
• Charges are relatively small; $7.99 here, $12.99 there

Individually, they don't feel significant. Collectively, they can add up to hundreds, even thousands, per year.

Auditing your subscriptions is a must, even if you only feel like you have a few. It doesn't have to be a long or tedious process either. Instead, you can treat it like a quick financial reset and check-in since you can easily pause or cancel a subscription in just seconds.

Here's how it works.

Step 1: Find Every Subscription You're Paying For

Start by locating every recurring charge. Don't rely on memory alone to keep up with all your subscriptions. Most people juggle a lot of expenses, so it's easy for things to fall through the cracks.

To avoid this, carefully comb through your recent transaction history and record each of your subscriptions.

Check:

• Bank and credit card statements from the past 1 – 2 months
• Apple App Store or Google Play subscription settings
• Your email inbox (search terms like "subscription," "receipt," "renewal," "membership")

Commonly missed categories include:

• Streaming services
• Fitness apps
• Cloud storage plans
• Retail memberships (Amazon, Walmart+, etc.)
• News and digital publications
• Software tools or productivity apps

Create a simple list with three columns:

• Service name
• Monthly or annual cost
• Billing cycle (monthly, quarterly, annual)

This alone can be eye-opening.

Step 2: Flag what you actually use (and what you don't)

Now, evaluate each service honestly.

Ask yourself:

• Have I used this in the last 30 days?
• Would I sign up for this again today at this price?

Group your subscriptions into three categories:

Keep: You use it regularly and it delivers clear value.

Cancel: You rarely use it or forgot you had it.

Review: Seasonal or occasional services you may pause and restart later.

Also, watch for duplication since it's not uncommon to be paying for two similar subscriptions or even have two accounts with the same service but with different payment methods.

Do you have multiple streaming platforms but only watch one regularly? Are you paying for two music services? Do you have overlapping fitness apps or productivity tools?

Even cutting one duplicate service can free up $10 – $20 per month.

Step 3: Cancel or downgrade strategically

Cancel unused subscriptions immediately, but be strategic with timing.

If you've just been billed, consider canceling right after the billing cycle starts. That way, you maximize the value of the period you've already paid for without forgetting later.

Before canceling, check for downgrade options to see if those might be a fit. Some companies offer a discounted rate if you:

• Switch to ad-supported streaming tiers
• Move to lower cloud storage plans
• Reduce premium software features if you're not using them

Be aware that some services make cancellation less straightforward. You may need to cancel through a desktop browser instead of an app, or navigate several confirmation screens. It can be mildly inconvenient, but it's worth the savings.

Step 4: Look for ways to bundle or replace services

Not every subscription needs to be eliminated. Some can be optimized because if you’re going to use a service anyway, it makes sense to see where you can save or get a discount.

Look for bundling opportunities such as phone plans that include streaming perks, or credit cards that offer subscription credits. Some retail memberships even combine delivery, streaming and fuel discounts so this could be worth looking into.

You may also rotate services instead of subscribing to all of them simultaneously. For example, keep one streaming platform for a few months, cancel, then switch to another. This approach maintains access to content while avoiding overlapping charges.

Step 5: Set guardrails to prevent subscription creep

Once you've cleaned up your subscriptions, put simple systems in place to prevent the creep from returning.

Consider adopting a few rules:

• Cancel one subscription before adding a new one
• Set calendar reminders a few days before renewal dates
• Use one dedicated credit card for all subscriptions to track spending easily

You can also use budgeting apps or subscription tracking tools to monitor recurring charges in real time.

The key is visibility. When subscriptions are consolidated and tracked, they're far less likely to multiply unnoticed.

How much could you realistically save?

The math adds up quickly. Many households discover they're paying for at least a few subscriptions they forgot about, rarely use or could replace with a lower-cost option. Even small adjustments can improve monthly cash flow and create breathing room in a tight budget.

And when those savings are redirected toward goals like paying down debt, building an emergency fund or investing, the long-term impact can be meaningful.

Canceling just two unused services that cost $15 per month frees up $30 monthly, or $360 per year. Downgrading another plan by $10 per month adds another $120 in annual savings.

Even modest changes can compound:

Small recurring costs rarely feel urgent, but they quietly shape your financial trajectory over time.

A 30-minute subscription audit may not feel dramatic. But it's one of the fastest, simplest ways to improve cash flow without earning more or drastically cutting your lifestyle.

And with renewal notices always around the corner, now is as good a time as any to hit reset.

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"Art is not a luxury," Maya Angelou, the renowned author and poet, once said. But when it comes to buying artwork to enjoy in the comfort of your home, it can feel like one. Owning fine art may seem out of reach, limited to auction houses and high-end galleries. Online marketplaces, however, have made it easier and more affordable than ever to buy paintings, sculptures, photography and more without leaving your sofa.

A primary avenue to buy art online is through galleries such as TheArtling.com, Zatista.com, Artfinder.com and Artsy.net. These sites sell pieces to meet a variety of tastes, with price tags that fit even modest budgets. You can typically filter your search by style and medium as well as by price to narrow down the thousands of pieces available for purchase.

Among drawings recently selling for $500 or less on Zatista, for example, was a luminous pastel seascape titled “Morning Light,” by Florida-based artist Roxene Sloate, for $325.

Meanwhile, Artfinder listed an abstract photograph titled “On The Merry Go Round VIIa,” by U.K.–based photographer Adam Regan, for $535.

Moving higher on the price scale, Artsy recently listed an abstract acrylic painting on cut pieces of hand-silkscreened canvas titled "Travels," by Natalia Nicole Rodríguez of Puerto Rico, for $1,730.

And you could find the hand-embroidered textile "Entre Dos Mundos," by Spain-based artist María Sánchez Agustino, for $2,490 on The Artling.

While online platforms can’t replicate the experience of seeing art in person, they offer features that help buyers get a good idea of what it looks like, posting high-resolution photographs of pieces for sale and listing in-depth details on the work, as well as artist bios. Some sites even provide tools that let you preview how a piece might look in your space.

At The Artling, for example, you can upload a photograph of your room, enter the width and height of your wall, then drag an image of the art where you’d like to see it. Online galleries also employ some of the same processes to choose and authenticate artwork that brick-and-mortar ones do.

Artsy and Zatista have curatorial review boards that select the artists and pieces on their platforms, adding credibility and ensuring that the works meet certain artistic and professional standards so buyers can trust that they’re getting legitimate, high-quality art. And all the sites will give you details such as a piece’s materials, its dimensions, whether it is framed or signed by the artist, and, if previously owned, its provenance (ownership history).

Often, the sites provide certificates of authenticity to legitimize the piece’s value. Such certificates may assert its status as an original work by a given artist or a limited-edition print, for example.

The art of returns

When you unbox art that you haven’t seen in person, the color, size or other features may differ from what you expected. So it’s especially important to make sure you know the return policy before you purchase artwork online. As soon as a piece arrives, you should inspect it, retain the original packaging, and photograph any damage or discrepancies with the online description.

Zatista offers one of the most straightforward return policies, allowing buyers 14 days from the time they receive a piece to decide whether they wish to return it for any reason. Zatista even covers return shipping costs of up to $100. Works must be returned in perfect condition, and the buyer must initiate the return within the two-week window.

Artfinder also has a buyer-friendly policy, offering a 14-day money-back guarantee if you’d like to return a purchase for any reason, along with free return shipping. Buyers must request a return within 14 days of receiving the piece and send it back within 14 days of making the request, keeping the artwork in its original condition. International orders may still face customs or logistical hurdles, but Artfinder’s team helps coordinate pickup and your refund.

With Artsy, purchases are protected by a money-back guarantee if an item does not arrive, shows up damaged, or differs from its description. Artsy grants up to seven days to return an item for these reasons. And if you discover a work that you received is inauthentic, you can report it for a full refund up to 180 days after delivery. But if you want to return a piece because you don’t like it after you see it in person, whether you can return it without penalty will vary from listing to listing.

The Artling, based in Singapore and known for shipping artwork internationally, says that all sales are final. But it will accept returns for damaged or defective items, and its team reviews return requests for other reasons on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re not confident that you’ll be happy with a purchase — or if the thought of navigating a return makes online shopping seem like a hassle better avoided — see whether you can visit an online gallery that also has a showroom you can visit in person.

Some of the listings that you find on the major art websites will mention a brick-and-mortar gallery where the piece is currently being shown, for example. Or you can visit a gallery’s website to browse its offerings ahead of an in-person viewing.

For example, at the Tappan Collective (tappancollective.com), based in Los Angeles, you can buy art both online and in person. Similarly, Upsilon Gallery in New York City offers both in-person and online sales (shop.upsilongallery.com).

Check whether the galleries in your area have a website where you can explore the art before making a real-life visit, which lets you experience the work as you might when it’s in your home.

Alternative sites to shop

If you want to cast a wider net, you can look to online sources that go beyond major art-gallery websites. These alternatives may not offer all the same bells and whistles, but they still could be a treasure trove for prospective collectors.

At Etsy.com, the global online marketplace focused on handmade, vintage, and custom goods, you can find original works of art, for instance, often sold directly by the artists. And social media has become a venue rich with online art sales for up-and-coming artists as well as those who are more established.

"Social media democratized the discovery of new artists and works," says Kim Tay, gallery director and cofounder of The Artling.

You may find art for sale on an artist’s Instagram or Facebook account, for example. Artists may also post their work on websites such as Pinterest.com and DeviantArt.com, a large online community for artists. You can’t always buy art directly on some of these sites, but you may discover artists whose work appeals to your taste and budget. And when they do post works for sale, artists may offer lower prices on them because they don’t have to pay a commission to a third party acting as an intermediary.

When you purchase art on social media, you may not get the same protections and detailed information that you would when you buy it from an online gallery. If you’re interested in a piece, request its dimensions and materials and whether it comes framed or with any other encasing.

To avoid scams, review an artist’s page on the site. Rather than listing only works for sale, legitimate artists often have a history of posts showing their creative process, exhibition news, or works in progress, and artists may provide a link to their professional website. If possible, go see the art in person.

If the art needs to be shipped, inquire about the costs up front, and find out the policy for returns or exchanges. For any art that you’re not purchasing directly from the artist, ask the seller how they verify authenticity and what kind of documentation accompanies the work.

Use the most secure payment method available. For example, if the seller accepts payments only through a peer-to-peer app, find out whether you can use PayPal, which offers purchase protection for certain transactions when linked to a credit card or funded through your account balance with PayPal.

PayPal’s purchase protection program offers a full refund if you don’t receive an item you bought, or if it arrives but differs significantly from the product description, up to a $20,000 threshold.

PayPal provides this protection only with transactions for goods and services, so make sure you select “Paying for an item or service” when sending money; personal payments to friends and family don’t come with purchase protection.

Watch the extra costs

Bear in mind that you may encounter additional costs when you shop for art online, especially if you buy from an overseas artist. Shipping costs can vary widely, and delicate pieces may require more-costly packaging than sturdier ones.

Also, some works that you buy internationally may be subject to additional customs fees, which can hit after the initial purchase and may not be disclosed when you buy the piece. In most cases, you will be required to pay import taxes and customs duties when a customs officer inspects your shipment at the border.

Typically, you’ll receive a bill from the carrier during shipment, and you must pay it for your shipment to pass through customs. But depending on which carrier the seller uses, you may be able to prepay customs duties at checkout with a “delivery duty paid” option.

Original paintings, drawings and sculptures are mostly protected from tariffs by U.S. law, which recognizes them as "informational materials" under constitutional protections for free expression. A fact sheet the White House issued in April says that artworks, photographs and posters will not be subject to reciprocal tariffs.

However, contemporary artwork from China is now subject to a higher duty rate, according to art shipping logistics firm Convelio. Sometimes, items such as antiques, collectible design objects (decorative vases or light fixtures, for example) and works incorporating mixed materials (such as metal or wood) may be subject to tariffs.

Wherever you buy art, don’t overlook expenses such as maintenance and insurance. Some pieces are sensitive to light or easily collect dust. Consider hanging light-sensitive art (such as watercolor paintings or textiles) on walls that don’t get direct sun, and frame them properly.

Sealed glass frames protect artwork from airborne dust, soot and humidity. You likely won’t need to hire a professional to protect and maintain your artwork, unless you’re building a high-value collection. In that case, you should anticipate the cost of conservator services, which can range from about $100 to $200 per hour.

If your art’s value exceeds the limits for art and collectibles on your homeowners' insurance policy, you may want to get extra coverage. Most homeowners or renters policies impose limits for fine art; coverage of $1,000 to $2,500 per item is typical. And that coverage may kick in only in certain instances, such theft or damage from a fire.

You can typically get an add-on to your homeowners policy that increases the limits for fine art or other expensive valuables. The cost varies based on items such as the artwork’s value, risk factor and coverage type. A piece kept in area prone to theft, flood or fires may be more costly to insure, for example.

Blanket coverage (one limit covers multiple pieces) may entail different costs than scheduled coverage (each artwork is individually listed and appraised). On average, premiums can range from 1% to 5% of the artwork’s value annually.

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 just days left before Christmas, you're running out of time to find gifts for those hard-to-shop-for names on your list – the coworker you drew for Secret Santa that you hardly know; the second cousin twice removed that just decided they're coming for Christmas this year; the grandkid whose interests seem to change overnight.

Whatever the reason you've been procrastinating on those last few gifts, there's no need to panic. While you might miss the holiday shipping deadlines for the post office, many retailers still offer fast, free shipping (for members, at least) that will get your gift where it needs to be on time.

From crowd-pleaser gift ideas eligible for one- or two-day shipping to popular gifts for grandkids of all ages, everything on the list below should make it to your delivery destination before Christmas (as long as you order it on or before December 23). Amazon and Walmart are particularly fast shippers, which is why I've highlighted them here.

If you're reading this on Christmas Eve (or Christmas morning), skip right down to the gift cards and subscriptions section for last-minute gift ideas that don't need to be shipped at all.

Best last-minute gifts at Amazon

From no-brainer white elephant gift ideas to the latest trends in home and travel, there's still time to find great last-minute Christmas gifts on Amazon. All of the picks below are eligible for one- or two-day shipping, which is free for Amazon Prime members (but also available for an added fee to non-members if you don't want to sign up).

• UGG Adalee Luxury Faux Fur Throw Blanket, $55. Save 44%
• BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, 4-Pack, $17. Save 11%
• FUJIFILM Instax Mini 12 Holiday Bundle, $86. Save 31%
• Carhartt Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie, $20
• Beats Solo 4, $130. Save 35%
• TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap, $24. Save 20%
• Amazon Kindle 16 GB (newest model), $90. Save 18%

Best last-minute gifts at Walmart

Walmart has made great strides in expanding its inventory over the past couple of years. Luckily for you, that means this year's top tech gifts and other surprisingly high quality finds can arrive as soon as the same day.

They may even be eligible for pickup at your nearest Walmart if you're really cutting it close to the deadline.

• Dearfoams Cozy Comfort Women's Moc Toe Clog Slippers, $10. Save 52%
• Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, $140. Save 21%
• Art 101 Glow and Neon Drawing and Painting Art Set, $25. Save 11%
• KitchenAid Deluxe Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, $279. Save 37%
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, $129. Save 28%
• OPI Holiday 2025 Mini Nail Polish, 4-Piece Set, $20
• GoPro HERO Camera, $197. Save 10%

The best gift cards and subscriptions that don't need shipping

If you've run out of time to even order something for next-day delivery, don't despair. A well-picked gift card or subscription can feel just as thoughtful (and useful) as a physical gift.

Here are some of the easy wins that you can get even if it's Christmas morning and you're already en route to the in-laws.

• Trade Coffee Gift Subscription, $30 per month. Save 25%
• Bath & Body Works $50 eGift Card, $40. Save 20%
• PinkSeoul Box of Customized Korean Skincare Products, $40 per box
• Regal Entertainment $50 Gift Card, $40. Save 20%
• Winc Wine Club Subscription, $43 and up per month
• Spafinder $50 Gift Card, $40. Save 20%

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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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• How Much Should You Spend on Holiday Gifts This Season

Between gift shopping, charitable donations and gearing up to host or travel for the holidays, many Americans will be spending a lot of money over the next couple of months.

All that money being spent over the holidays brings scammers out of the woodwork as they try to steal your cash, your credit card information and other sensitive data. And the techniques fraudsters use are getting more and more sophisticated every year.

As the biggest sales event of the year rolls around, make sure you're taking advantage of legitimate Black Friday deals at Amazon and other retailers, instead of handing your hard-earned money over to a fraudster. To do that, brush up on how some of the most common Black Friday scams work and the red flags to watch for so you don't fall into these traps.

1. Fake Black Friday deals

Your inbox is probably already seeing a steady stream of Black Friday deal announcements and offers from your favorite brands. Scammers will be using all the frenzy and excitement to try to steal your money. Here's how it works:

• You get an email from what looks like a brand you like, offering a can't-miss Black Friday deal.
• You click through the link in the email to shop the deals on that brand's website.
• The website looks identical to the real thing, but it's actually a fake operated by scammers.
• When you go to check out, you often won't have the option to pay by credit card. Instead, it will request a bank transfer or even cryptocurrency payment.

How to avoid this scam

• Check the URL. Instead of "Amazon," you might notice that the URL actually reads "Amaz0n" (with a zero), for example. There will often be something slightly off about it.
• You can also look at the website itself more closely. Does it have a privacy policy? Does the business have a mailing address? Is there an "about us" page?
• Compare the deal to other retailers. If the website is promising the latest Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $100, but no other retailer has a deal lower than $200, that's a red flag.
• If you can't use a credit card, don't make the purchase. When paying with a credit card, you enjoy some built-in fraud protection – including the option to call up your bank and request a charge back if it turns out the deal was a scam. When you transfer cash from your bank, use a payment app like Zelle or pay with crypto, you don't have those same protections.
• Use shopping guides from trusted news outlets, like our guides to Target's best Black Friday deals or our favorite Walmart Black Friday deals. Even if you don't end up buying any of our picks, the links you used to navigate to the site will be legitimate.

2. Fake order confirmations

This one can come via email or text. Scammers will send you what looks like a legitimate order confirmation, but clicking the link will either install malware on your device or take you to a phishing site. Here's how it works:

• You get an order confirmation via email or text.
• If it looks like an order you recently placed, you might mistake it for a legitimate confirmation and use the link inside to track the shipping progress.
• If it looks like something you never ordered, you might click through the link to investigate or cancel the order.
• In a malware attack, clicking the link is all it takes to install the malware on your device, which will then be able to scrape that device for sensitive information like passwords or financial data.
• In a phishing attack, clicking the link takes you to a webpage that asks for your personal information — often under the guise of helping you track (or cancel) the order.

How to avoid this scam

• Check the email address of the sender. Often, the email will be from a public domain (like gmail rather than Amazon). If not, the domain might be either misspelled or contain extra words. For example, Amazon would be Amaz0n (with a zero) or it might be "Amazoncustomerservice.com" instead of just "Amazon.com."
• Look for threats or pressure tactics. A real order confirmation will never threaten you with things like "click here to avoid order cancellation" or "your order will be deleted if you don't confirm your information."
• Keep track of all your holiday purchases, perhaps by writing a list with order numbers, tracking numbers and other key details. If you get a confirmation that looks like it could be real, compare the order number or tracking number against the actual order you think it might be referring to. If they don't match up, report the sender as spam.

3. The gift card scam

You get an email or text claiming a friend or family member sent you a gift card. Like the order confirmation scam, clicking through the link will either take you to a phishing page or immediately install malware on your device.

How to avoid this scam

• If the message includes a friend or family member's name, reach out to that person directly to ask if they did, in fact, send you a gift card. Do not reply to the gift card message or click on any links in the meantime.
• If no name is included, that's suspicious on its own. But, you can confirm by reaching out to all of your friends and family who tend to send you gifts around the holidays to find out if any of them sent a gift card.
• If nobody you know says they've sent you a gift card, report the phone number or email address as spam.

4. Fake shopping apps

Plenty of retailers offer downloadable apps that you can install on your phone. It's actually become one of the more annoying tech intrusions. But it's important to make sure the app you're downloading is actually the one that belongs to that retailer. Otherwise, you could be walking into a scam.

Counterfeit apps can look surprisingly similar to the real deal. The logo and other details might look just like that of the popular retailer it's impersonating. When you download it, you're actually downloading malware or spyware.

In some cases, the app prompts you to log in, browse what look like real deals and even checkout with your financial information. Now, the scammer has your real login credentials and potentially stole other sensitive information from you as well.

How to avoid this scam

• Check the number of downloads and reviews. A popular brand or major platform like Amazon or Walmart will have millions of downloads and a substantial review history on its app. The fake version, on the other hand, might only have a few thousand downloads and even fewer reviews.
• Check the developer's name. The developer of Walmart's app will be Walmart (spelled correctly). A scammer will either use a slightly misspelled version of the brand they're impersonating or a generic name like "Best Shopping Deals."
• Just don't download the app. Sometimes, retailers offer special perks for downloading their apps. There are some Walmart+ perks that you can only use if you have the app, for example. But, if you don't need those specific perks or you've been fine so far without them, just skip the app. At best, it's taking up space on your phone. At worst, it's a counterfeit app stealing your data.

Shop smart this holiday season

The safest way to shop on Black Friday or any time of year is to be cautious. Stick to retailers you know and trust. Navigate to their websites directly rather than by clicking through links you get in emails or texts.

Above all, remember that Black Friday deals can be good — but if a particular deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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It may be better to give than to receive, but that doesn't make picking out holiday presents for your family and friends any easier. Even with all the festive cheer that the season brings, it can be stressful to shop for the perfect gift for everyone on your list if you're worried the folks you hold near and dear won't be delighted by what they find under the tree.

With gift givers spending more than ever, that pressure is mounting. In 2024, U.S. consumers dropped a record $994 billion on holiday shopping, according to the National Retail Federation, and projections by the Mastercard Economic Institute suggest holiday sales will continue to climb this year, by an estimated 3.6%. Higher-income shoppers, buoyed by a surging stock market, are likely to spend even more.

Shelling out bigger bucks, though, doesn't necessarily yield better gifts for the people you love. The NRF says holiday returns last year were 17% higher than average, suggesting a growing number of presents are missing the mark, putting added pressure on gift givers this year.

"We give gifts because we want to make people happy, give them something they'll enjoy and signal we care about them," says Elanor Williams, an associate professor of marketing at Washington University and a leading gifting researcher. "And therefore we stress about it."

How can you reduce that anxiety and land on gifts the people you care about will love? Science can help.

A growing body of research from behavioral finance experts identifies the kinds of presents that people typically like best and the mental quirks that prevent many people from buying them. Understanding these preferences and the cognitive traps that lead gift givers astray can help ensure your holiday presents not only stand out when they're unwrapped but also stand the test of time.

These are the strategies that leading researchers in the field suggest.

Skip the razzle-dazzle

Have you ever splurged on gifts for your family that made them exclaim in delight upon opening, only to never see the items used or played with again? You may have fallen victim to the smile-seeking hypothesis.

Coined by researchers at the National University of Singapore and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the term refers to the tendency of gift givers to focus on eliciting the biggest reaction at the time a present is opened — a big smile or expression of awe — rather than on whether the item will bring your recipient long-term satisfaction when he or she actually uses it in the future.

The researchers ran several experiments to test the hypothesis, including one in which they randomly assigned participants to give or receive one of two similarly priced mug sets as a wedding present: an award-winning ergonomic set or a personalized set with inscriptions of the couple's names and wedding date.

Gift givers favored the more personal mugs and predicted the newlyweds would have a more positive reaction to them when opened and like them more over the long term, too. In reality, the recipients preferred the more useful mugs, both at the moment of unwrapping and for use over time.

"There's so much pageantry that goes along with exchanging gifts, especially at Christmas," says Williams. "It really gets you focused on that moment where you're going to hand that gift over and see what the person says when they open it."

What to do instead? Rather than try to wow loved ones when you give them a holiday gift, focus on whether your kids, grandkids and dear Uncle Bill really need the item and will use it and like it in the days and weeks to come.

Research shows, says Cindy Chan, an associate professor of marketing at the University of Toronto, that recipients are often just as happy, if not happier, to open practical gifts as they are showstoppers, valuing a seemingly boring gift more because they get more use out of it.

"For my parents and their stockings one Christmas, I just threw in some kitchen utensils," Chan says. "I noticed that their kitchen tongs were really annoying, that their ladle was starting to crack. They use them every day, and they appreciate that gift."

Gift them what they want

One of the simplest ways to get everyone on your list something they will enjoy is to put yourself in their shoes, says Mary Steffel, associate professor of marketing at Northeastern University who has published multiple research papers on the psychology of gift giving.

"Try to think about what that person might choose for themselves, and let that help guide your decision," Steffel says. "That's more likely to keep our focus on the recipient's preferences as opposed to other motives, like our desire to feel thoughtful."

The easiest way to do this? Buy something from your recipients' wish list. Studies suggest your loved ones will appreciate that gift more than an unsolicited surprise offering and consider it more thoughtful, even if it doesn't feel that way to you.

That was the conclusion of a study out of Harvard Business School and Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. In one experiment, the researchers gave gifters the option to pick a present from their recipient's Amazon wish list or choose one on their own. People were more satisfied when they received gifts from their list — just as, in other experiments, they preferred to get wedding gifts from their registry and birthday gifts they had explicitly requested.

Still, gifters love to go rogue. Why the disconnect? The researchers concluded that people giving presents mistakenly believe it makes them look more considerate when they think up gift ideas for someone on their own, though the opposite is true.

"We want to feel thoughtful. We want to communicate, I want to show you how well I know you," says Julian Givi, associate professor of marketing at West Virginia University and a leading gifting researcher. In reality, he says, these are unconsciously selfish motivations because they don't put what the recipient really wants first.

Don't get too personal

You may think that a highly personal gift will signal how well you know the unique tastes and preferences of your friends and relatives. But a series of studies spearheaded by Northeastern University's Steffel and Washington University's Williams show how these kinds of presents can backfire.

In one experiment, the researchers randomly assigned participants to imagine that they were either giving a gift to a close friend or receiving one from that pal. They were then presented with two gift options: a Visa gift card that could be used anywhere or a gift card from the recipient's favorite clothing store. As it turned out, givers were far more likely to choose a gift card to the recipient's favorite store, but the people getting the present preferred the more versatile Visa gift card.

Steffel and Williams's research also finds that you are more likely to choose a personalized, less versatile gift for someone you're close to — say, a child or sibling — than people with whom you have a more distant relationship because you think it signals how well you know the recipient. Ironically, you could be giving the people you love worse presents than your acquaintances.

Buying your daughter a gift card to a store you know she's purchased clothes from before shows you are paying attention, but it doesn't take into account all the other facets of her personality, Steffel says. Clothes might not be first on her wish list.

"Givers tend to pick something that is representative of who their recipient is," she says. "Recipients are more likely to focus on what they want or need right now, so gravitate toward a gift that's more flexible."

Play the hits

You also don't have to bend over backward to give everyone a different present, even if the gifts will be opened at the same holiday gathering. If you've landed on a winner — say, Labubus for the grandkids or Amazon gift cards for the adults — go with it.

Steffel and Robyn LeBoeuf, professor of marketing at Washington University, tested that strategy in a series of experiments. In one, the researchers invited college students to get a jump on holiday shopping by giving either one or two friends a $25 gift card; in the two-friend scenario, only one of the recipients was a student at the giver's school. The gift-card choices were Amazon (established in pre-testing as the one people would likely want most), the university bookstore or a sporting goods store.

When giving a present to their fellow student alone, 72% of gifters chose the Amazon card while 24% picked the bookstore. For two friends, 81% picked the Amazon card for the person who didn't attend their school, and the number giving the university bookstore card to the college pal jumped to 43%.

Other experiments established the likely reason was to appear thoughtful by choosing a uniquely suitable gift — even one that might not be enjoyed as much.

"Givers may be overthinking it," Steffel says. "You really should be giving people the thing that you think they're going to like the most, even if it is a duplicate of something you're giving somebody else."

Favor experiences over stuff

Gifts of experiences — say, a gift card to a favorite restaurant or tickets to a play or ballgame — are likely to bring you closer to your loved ones than material gifts, studies show. So think about what the people on your holiday list enjoy doing in their spare time and how you might tailor a gift to their preferred activities, suggests Chan.

Her research, conducted with Cassie Mogilner, a professor of marketing and behavioral decision-making at the University of California, Los Angeles, looked at how different types of presents affect the relationship between giver and receiver. In one experiment, university students were recruited with a friend, with one from each pair randomly assigned to be the giver while the other was the receiver. Givers could purchase either a $15 experiential gift or a $15 material gift, and recipients rated the strength of their friendship with the giver before and after getting the present.

The researchers found that recipients rated the experiential gifts as far more effective at improving the relationship — even when the experience wasn't something the friends could do together.

This is because experiences elicit a stronger emotional response than purely material gifts do, Chan says. It's not so much that the person getting the gift likes it more; rather, it makes her feel closer to the giver when she consumes it.

"Experiential gifts tend to be more emotionally intense and more emotionally evocative, and this has a spillover effect on making the relationship stronger," Chan says.

You can also mix a material gift with an experience for greater impact. Rather than buy your coffee-connoisseur son a gift card to a local java joint, for example, you could present him with a bag of coffee beans and a mug with a heartfelt note saying you hope he will savor them before work. When your son has his first sip each morning, he will think of you fondly.

"It's very different to say 'Here's a mug, I hope you love it,' than 'Here's a mug, I hope it brings you a moment of calmness in your busy day,' " says Chan. "You will feel differently about that mug."

Don't overthink it, though. No matter what you give your loved ones for the holidays, Chan says, they're likely to appreciate the gesture. "People talk about bad gifts, but really, really bad gifts are not the norm," she says. In the end, she notes, "most gifts are well liked."

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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For us golfers, winter represents two options. If you live in a climate that gets cold, winter means the end of the golf season. It usually hits right when you've finally gotten your swing in a groove, then the cold snaps come and the clubs — and your swing — go into hibernation.

You can also follow the path well-worn by clever snowbirds: Go somewhere warm, whether for a short vacation, a season or to live out your life without ever having to wait out a snowstorm to go back to the greens.

If you love someone who daydreams of reorganizing their life around the golf course (and believe me, they're not alone), these gift ideas should be high on your shopping list for the holidays.

I included a mix of price points here, and, as someone who makes a living, in part, playing two to three times a week, traveling to see new golf courses and seeing one to two Top 100 courses a year, I can tell you that each option will improve their games and enjoyment of it.

An indoor golf simulator

If you have the space, money and time, this might be the best moment to invest in a simulator for your home.

There are many brands to consider, so don't just default to Trackman or Full Swing because you see their names the most (though those are great options).

There are also many ways to set up a simulator to get the most bang for your buck and make the best use of your space. To narrow down these options, talk to the pros at The Indoor Golf Shop to find a setup that will fit your budget.

The best advice I can offer is that camera-based systems are often better than radar-based systems, but the technology is getting better each year, along with the graphics. Don't skimp on a projector and get a high-quality hitting mat. Expect to spend at least $7,500 on a quality setup.

Top option: The Indoor Golf Shop

Seriously great irons

You don't have to be a golf equipment nerd to pick out great irons. All the manufacturers ensure you have great clubs in your hands these days. Similar to cars, there aren't many lemons anymore. You just need to pick an iron that performs well for you.

The new T series irons by Titleist are this year's winner for me. My shots have never flown farther or higher than with these irons. The key is that somehow Titleist keeps finding ways to lower the center of gravity in their irons, which creates launch conditions that make even a moderate swinger like me launch the ball fast and high. These come in at $1,500 per set.

Top option: Titleist T-250

An epic driver

Aside from hitting a home run in Little League baseball, nothing has ever felt better in sports than a well-struck drive. That feeling happens more often than not with TaylorMade's latest driver, the Qi-35, which is now $100 off.

In terms of gifting, you might want to make have them unwrap a photo of the gift, then you both go in person to pick out the physical gift from the store. The driver comes in three different models to suit your game, but a good fitter can help you find the right combination of head and shaft that works for your game and swing. Don't buy one off the rack. Make sure you get it fit.

Top option: TaylorMade Qi-35

A lightweight golf bag for walkers

I'm a walking golfer and believe the game is best played on foot. I prefer hoofing it with my clubs thrown over my back to putting on a weighted vest and walking through my neighborhood. If you walk, you want a lightweight bag.

At only 4.3 pounds and about $339, the Lux Air is my bag these days. It has plentiful pockets to stow balls, tees and some sunscreen, as well as a nice full-length pocket to accommodate a sweater or vest. The bag comes in a six- or 14-way top. Its kickstand legs are carbon fiber, and its backpack mechanism is self-balancing.

Top option: Lux Air from Vessel Golf

Golf shoes that don't pinch

One of the fastest-growing brands in golf is Payntr Golf Shoes. One reason they've taken off is that they're incredibly comfortable and some of the best shoes on the market. The new Sport Classic LE, a spikeless shoe, is so comfortable that a recent madcap scramble in Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson (is there any other kind of transfer at that airport?) was as comfortable as walking in house shoes — on carpet.

The entire lineup of shoes is worth checking out. The underlying technology is designed to let golfers utilize ground forces more efficiently, which translates into faster swings and more power when hitting the golf ball.

An ortholite footbed provides great cushioning, and the waterproof uppers mean early morning rounds won't leave your socks steeping in dew or someone's spilled coffee on the commuter train. A pair costs $160.

Top option: Payntr Golf Shoes

Refined athleisure to outfit your golfer

Sun Mountain is known for creating the modern-day golf stand bag (and the Eclipse is a good choice), and they've recently stepped into apparel and improved their waterproof rain jackets.

My picks this year from Sun Mountain include: For women, the Teigan Quarter-Zip ($99), a soft fleece that feels like one of my kids' stuffed animals. For men, I like the Knockdown Vest ($199), which I can't seem to stop wearing even once I'm inside the house. And to battle the rain, go with a Monsoon Jacket ($99).

Top option: Sun Mountain

Sweaters for cooler days on the course

More golf apparel companies are including women's lines. This year, my wife and I liked the new releases from Turtleson, including the Maeve Extra Fine Merino and the Asymmetrical Funnel Collar. Both are soft and perfect for layering under a jacket or vest for fall golf rounds or when the evening chill comes out in warmer climates.

For men, the Ace Birdseye Crewneck Sweater is a handsome choice with old school flair on and off the course. Prices begin at $155.

Top option: Turtleson

A simple but effective piece of training equipment

I'm not one to go into deep rabbit holes of Instagram or YouTube videos on improving my swing, but the TRS Slider is a sound piece of training equipment.

One thing I know from lessons over the years is that golfers need to be forced into feeling the proper swing positions. The TRS Slider won't allow you to raise your right arm, and keeping the right arm close to your body makes it harder (though not impossible) to come over the top on your swing.

By helping you ingrain that feeling in your swing, the hope is that when you take off the aid, you're still hitting with the same proper mechanics. This is a thoughtful gift that your golfer will be impressed you thought of – and they'll use it often.

Top option: TRS Slider

Better data for better scores

Given that we carry computers in our pockets all day, it makes sense to take advantage of that by installing Arccos sensors on our golf clubs. These allow you to know how far you hit each club by keeping track of your stats over time.

If you analyze the data right, you won't just know how many fairways you're missing (ahem, I mean, hitting), you'll know what your tendencies are under pressure and in heightened moments. Golf is complicated, but if you can use the data to get better at course management, you'll be able to play and practice smarter. Systems start at $99.

Top option: Arccos Golf

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• How Much Should You Spend on Holiday Gifts This Season

When your gift list gets longer but your holiday gift budget stays the same, it's time to get creative about shopping for everyone on your list. While rising prices make it feel impossible to get something everyone will love without overspending, there are plenty of budget-friendly gift ideas out there.

One of the best-kept secrets for finding under-$20 gifts that will put a smile on people's faces is Amazon Haul. The home of "crazy low" prices and deeply discounted finds, Amazon Haul is a place where everything you see costs $20 or less.

Sure, you won't find the newest Nintendo Switch for your grandkid or a diamond-studded tennis bracelet for your wife. But, there are some surprisingly gift-worthy items on there if you're willing to dig. So, if you need budget-friendly stocking stuffers for the family or low-cost gift ideas to pass out to coworkers and extended relatives, Amazon Haul is a great resource to use.

Still not convinced? Check out some of the best under-$20 gift ideas from the platform below to see what kind of items you'll find.

Best Amazon Haul travel gifts

For the frequent flyers on your gift list this year, make their next trip more comfortable by gifting them one of these under-$20 travel gadgets and accessories.

• Handheld Luggage Scale, 110lb Luggage Weight Scale, $8
• Retro Canvas Crossbody Bag, $15
• Travel essentials Electronic Cable Organizer Pouch, $11
• Mini Refillable Perfume Travel Bottle, 5-Pack, $3
• RFID Blocking Passport Holder, $6 (originally $10)
• Travel Jewelry Organizer Case, $7
• Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes, $13

Best Amazon Haul gifts for kids and teens

Need some stocking stuffers for the kids and teens in your life that won't break the bank? Here are 10 Amazon Haul finds that are all $20 or less.

• Kids Camera Instant Print, $18
• Elbow Room Games 3-in-1 Game Set, Chess, Checkers & Tic Tac Toe, $14 (originally $18)
• Build Your Own FM Radio Kit for Kids, $10 (originally $13)
• Newborn Winter Romper Fleece Hooded Jumpsuit, $19
• Gamie Mini Electronic Memory Game, $10 (originally $13)
• Mp3 Player with Bluetooth 5.3 HiFi Sound, $20
• Vgogfly Lined Men's Knit Beanie, $9
• Winter Cable Knit Beanie Hat for Women, $13
• Timberland PRO Mens Sorbtek Moisture Control Socks, 6-Pack, $14 (originally $20)

Best home and kitchen deals on Amazon Haul

If you need a crowd-pleaser gift for a coworker or a white elephant gift exchange, it's hard to go wrong with a handy gadget or decor for the home. Here are a few under-$20 gift ideas to consider.

• Bicycle Pizza Cutter Wheel, $10
• TRZLIFE Cordless Desk Vacuum Cleaner, $17
• Homeweeks Diffusers, 100ml Colorful Essential Oil Diffuser, $11
• Stainless Steel Bacon Grease Container With Strainer, 46 fl. oz., $10
• 2 in 1 Glass Oil Sprayer & Dispenser,16 oz, $8
• Electric Pepper and Salt Grinder, $10
• Artificial Fall Lighted Maple Tree, $19 (originally $26)

If these exact options aren't a fit for your gift-giving needs, shop around on the Amazon Haul site. There are plenty of options and you're sure to find something that will work for everyone, including yourself.

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You asked, and Sam's Club listened. After overwhelming demand, Sam's Club expanded its shopping hours on Sundays and holidays.

Sunday shoppers now have one hour of early access to the warehouse from 9 am to 8 pm. Sam's Club Plus members will continue to have one hour of early access at 8 am on Sundays.

Further, the retailer is also expanding operations during holiday hours. On New Year's Eve, Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day, instead of closing at 6 pm, they'll close at 8 pm.

If you're curious about joining Sam's Club, I'll break down how much a membership is and whether it's worth it.

How much is a Sam's Club membership?

Sam's Club has two membership tiers. The Club Membership is your basic, get-in-the-door plan. This plan is perfect if you want to try it out and see if it works for you.

Best of all, there is currently a deal in which you can get an annual Club membership for $20, saving you 60% off the regular price of $50.

Then there's the Plus membership. This elevated plan grants you one hour of early shopping access each day at the warehouse. On top of that, you'll earn 2% cash back on everything you buy, up to an annual cap of $500, and free shipping on all orders exceeding $50.

Now is an excellent time to upgrade because of the ongoing deal. If you're a new member, you can buy a Plus membership for $60, saving you 45% off the original price of $110.

If you're a current Club member, you won't qualify for this incentive, but you can upgrade your membership through the Sam's Club app or by visiting your local store and speaking with customer service.

Is Sam's Club a good deal?

I've been a Sam's Club member for more than six months, and like many warehouse clubs, it offers cost savings, making it well worth the membership … if it fits your needs.

I used it mainly for baby supplies. Having a 4-month-old means I'm going through diapers, wipes and formula at warp speed, but I'm also saving $20 on every formula purchase because it's much less expensive than what other retailers charge.

Sam's Club is also one of the easiest shopping experiences I've encountered. Their "scan and go" feature means I can scan items as I add them to the cart, check out before reaching the front, and bypass the sometimes long check-out lines.

However, there are things I've found there that are not the best deals. Their gas, while convenient, isn't less expensive than other stations in my area. If you're a Club member and need an item shipped, it's $8. Plus members will also pay $8 for shipping orders under $50.

Overall, Sam's expanding store hours on Sundays and holidays is excellent news for shoppers who need more flexible times to coincide with their schedules. If you're on the fence about trying them, the $15 sale on the Club membership is an affordable way to check out the store.

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Your home office can be a sanctuary — a place to escape noise and focus on your favorite projects. However, it works best when the space is comfortable and functional.

That's why, if you're considering upgrades for your home office, now is an excellent time to do so. Many retailers are offering sales this week, from Amazon Prime Big Deal Days to Walmart Deals.

As a deals writer with years of experience, I can help you find the best deals available, considering both price and quality. Additionally, I'll show you which home office upgrades also qualify for tax credits.

Laptops and tablets

Here are some of the best laptop and tablet deals from Amazon and other retailers:

• acer Chromebook Plus 515 Laptop with Google AI – 15.6" Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Touch Display- Now $329.99, save $100 at Amazon
• HP - 15.6" Laptop - Intel Core i3 - 8GB Memory - 128GB UFS - Natural Silver - Now $229.99, save $270 at Best Buy
• Apple - 13-inch iPad Pro M4 chip Built for Apple Intelligence Wi-Fi 256GB with OLED - Now $1,099, save $200 at Best Buy
• HP - OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 - Copilot+ PC - 16" 2K Touch-Screen Laptop - Now $699.99, save $400 at Best Buy
• Apple - MacBook Pro 14-inch Laptop - Apple M4 chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Now $1,399, save $200 at Best Buy

Office chairs

Having the right chair can reduce lower back pain and fatigue, keeping you focused on the task at hand. Here are some of the better deals offered:

• Insignia™ - Essential PC Gaming Chair - Black - Now $89.99, save $90 at Best Buy
• Primy Drafting Chair Tall Office Chair - Now $108.96, save $81.03 at Amazon
• JONPONY Ergonomic Cross-Legged Swivel Chair - Now $59.99, save $110 at Walmart
• Bestier Big and Tall Executive Office Chair with Flip-Up Arms - Now $239.99, save $143.99 at Target
• Realspace® Hurston Bonded Leather High-Back Executive Office Chair - Now $129.99, save $140 at Office Depot

Printers

Having the right printer can enhance your work with a polished appearance. If you need a new printer, here are some of the best deals this week:

• Epson® WorkForce® Pro WF-3820 Wireless Inkjet All-In-One Color Printer - Now $99.99, save $100 at Office Depot
• Canon - PIXMA TS6420a Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - Black - Now $44.99, save $96 at Best Buy
• HP - Envy 6165e Wireless AI-Enabled All-in-One Inkjet Printer - Now $79.99, save $70 at Best Buy
• Portable Printers, D820 Wireless Bluetooth Printers - Now $65.99, save $29 at Amazon

Headphones and earbuds

Sometimes, you need to detach as you work. And one of the best ways to do this is with the right headphones and earbuds, as you can listen to your favorite podcast or music as you work:

• Beats Solo 4 Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones - Now $129.99, save $70 at Target
• Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation - Now $34.99, save $85 at Amazon
• Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight - Now $429.99, save $120 at Best Buy
• Apple - AirPods 4 - White - Now $89.99, save $40 at Best Buy
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones - Now $229, save $120 at Amazon
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 - Now $169.99, save $59.01 at Amazon

How do I qualify for tax credits for home office upgrades?

First, let's get out of the way what doesn't qualify you for a tax credit. If you're a regular employee working from home, you won't be eligible to claim your office expenses as deductions on your tax return.

Meanwhile, if you're self-employed, you will be eligible to deduct certain purchases on your tax return. Qualified purchases include:

• Computers or laptops
• Printers
• Postage
• Office supplies
• Office furniture

Make sure to keep documentation of all purchases you made. You'll need them when you submit Schedule C (Form 1040) of your tax return.

And if you use your home office mainly for business purposes, you might be eligible for the home office tax deduction.

How long does each sale last?

This is a busy week for retailers, as many offer good deals on office supplies and electronics. Here's a look at how long the sales events last with each retailer:

• Amazon Prime Big Deal Days: October 7-8 (Prime membership required)
• Walmart Deals: October 7-12
• Best Buy Techtober: October 6-12
• Target Circle Week: October 5-11 (Target Circle required for best deals)
• Office Depot Discount Days: October 5-11

Overall, this is just a taste of all the great deals retailers offer this week. Whether you're in the market for a new laptop or chair, this is a great week to upgrade your office.

Related content

• 10 Amazon Deals to Nab Before Prime Day Ends
• Here's Why Walmart Deals is Better Than Amazon Prime Day
• The Anti-Prime Day Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club

Amazon Prime Big Deals Days return on October 7 and 8, offering discounts of up to 40% on some of the retailer’s most popular products.

Prime Day, which kicks off the holiday shopping season, gives members an early chance to check items off their shopping lists and snag limited-time bargains.

Finding the best deals on the items you want and need can be a challenge with these massive shopping events, but AI tools such as Amazon Rufus and Amazon Lens can help you shop wisely during Big Deals Days.

Be careful, though — while these tools can be helpful, you’ll need to resist the urge to buy items you hadn’t planned to purchase.

Amazon Rufus

Amazon Rufus, an AI chatbot, launched in early 2024. Rufus is a free tool that’s available to all shoppers. Think of Rufus as being your personal shopping assistant. You can ask the chatbot such questions as, “What supplies do I need for a Halloween party?” or “What are the best deals on women’s sneakers?”

The more specific you get, the more refined the bot’s responses will be, and within a few seconds, Rufus can provide suggestions, including links to Amazon products that best fit your shopping needs.

During Amazon Prime Day, Rufus could help you to quickly sort through deals, rather than scrolling through pages and pages of offers. Get specific with your questions to find the best deals on the products you need.

For example, after asking “What are the lowest-priced kitchen knives on sale now?” Rufus produced a list containing ultra-budget options under $10, best value individual knives and best value knife sets.

Rufus is helpful because it provides personalized responses. According to Forbes, testing indicates that the bot’s responses vary between users, suggesting that Rufus tailors its recommendations based on each customer’s spending thresholds and shopping history. That approach means that you’re more likely to see results that are relevant and that you’re likely to purchase.

Be careful when it comes to customer feedback, though. While you can ask Rufus a question such as, “How easy is this air fryer to clean?” its responses are based on data such as product listing details and customer reviews. Trusting those responses can be risky, given Amazon’s issues with fake reviews.

If Rufus points you toward a product that sounds like a good fit, do your own research. Google the product, look at reviews across multiple sites, and watch out for reviews that seem over the top in their praise or criticism. Look at the profiles of the reviewers, too, and try to find “verified purchase” badges, which generally indicate the reviews are more trustworthy.

You can use Rufus through Amazon’s app, or you can open the chatbot on your computer by clicking on the icon in the upper left corner of the Amazon homepage.

Alexa Voice

Alexa Voice can help with your shopping, too. You can speak to our Alexa-enabled devices, adding items to your shopping list as you think of them. You can also ask Alexa about the best deals on certain items on Amazon, and the AI voice service can make purchase recommendations based on your buying habits.

Amazon has also released Alexa+, the retailer’s next-generation AI assistant. Alexa+ offers a more personalized and conversational experience, and is capable of understanding complex requests. Alexa+ also integrates with other shopping platforms, so it can help you find Christmas gifts, book tickets through Ticketmaster and plan a night out in a certain city.

Alexa+ is available on a limited basis during the Early Access period. Customers who own an Echo Show 8, 10, 15 or 21 will be the first to access Alexa+, and more Echo customers will gradually receive access. You can sign up to be notified about Early Access availability. Alexa+ will be free to Amazon Prime members, while non-Prime customers can subscribe for $19.99 per month.

Amazon Lens

If you use the Amazon Shopping app, you can access Amazon Lens, an AI-powered visual search tool. With Amazon Lens, you can take a picture of a product and upload that image or scan a barcode. Amazon Lens can then find that product on Amazon, saving you some searching time and streamlining your shopping experience.

Amazon Lens Live, released in September, instantly scans products and shows you real-time matches in a carousel, so it’s even easier to find the product you need. It also integrates with Rufus, so you can get product insights and summaries right in the app.

You can add items to your cart by tapping the heart icon. If a friend has a product you love or if you want to do some comparison shopping while you’re in a retail store, Amazon Lens Live can make that process easy.

Tips to keep your shopping focused

AI tools can help you discover products quickly, but they also make it easy to get upsold into buying things on impulse. To stay disciplined, create a shopping list ahead of time and stick to it, and set a budget to avoid overspending during Prime Big Deals Days.

Even if a deal looks great on Amazon, take the time to comparison shop. Retailers such as Walmart and Target often run competing sales during these events, and you might find the same item for less elsewhere.

Related Content

• Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days
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With the holiday shopping season beginning, chances are you’ll be doing at least part of your shopping on Amazon. Unfortunately, when you shop online, package theft is always a threat. According to the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service, as many as 1 in 4 Americans were affected by package theft in 2023 and 2024.

Package theft increases during peak delivery season around the holidays. More packages are shipped and left unattended, which means porch pirates have more opportunities. Some thieves even follow delivery trucks, stealing packages right after they’re delivered.

As you start your holiday shopping, keep these tips in mind to prevent package theft and ensure that you receive all the items you order from Amazon.

Use Amazon Day delivery to control timing

Your packages are most vulnerable when they’re delivered when you’re not home. With Amazon Day Delivery, you can schedule eligible Amazon purchases to arrive on your preferred day of the week.

If you know you’ll be home on a certain day of the week, you can schedule your deliveries for that day so you can promptly bring them in off your porch once they arrive.

Amazon Day Delivery is free for Amazon Prime members. To set up the delivery, you’ll need to sign into your account, order your items and select the “Free Amazon Day Delivery” option. Then, you can choose the preferred day of the week when your items will be delivered.

Scheduling your deliveries for your preferred day also gives Amazon the ability to combine your orders in a single box, minimizing package waste for a more eco-friendly option.

Pick up packages from Amazon lockers

You can also choose to pick up your packages from Amazon lockers. These self-serve lockers are a secure way to keep your packages safe until you can retrieve them. You can search for an Amazon locker location near you and choose the locker when you check out.

When it’s time to pick up your package, you can either enter the six-digit pickup code and scan the barcode on the locker’s screen, or simply use your smartphone and the Amazon Shopping app to unlock it.

Use Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery

Amazon Prime members have the option to choose Key In-Garage Delivery, which lets drivers place packages directly inside your garage for added protection.

To use the service, you’ll need a compatible smart garage and must set it up in the Amazon app. At checkout, simply select In-Garage Delivery.

When the driver arrives, they’ll scan your package, which serves as a one-time access code to your garage. Amazon verifies both the package and the driver’s location before the door opens, so you never have to share access codes. To further protect customers, Amazon also runs background checks on all drivers before their first delivery.

Rely on a PO box or UPS Store box

A PO box or UPS Store box can also help prevent package theft, but these options can be costly. PO box rates can range from $21 to $115 or more per month, and they depend on your location and the box size you choose.

Even if you select the extra-large box, some very large packages may not fit inside and you’ll need to pick them up inside the post office.

UPS Store boxes work similarly to PO boxes, but you’ll need to pick up your packages during store hours. Rates vary depending on the location and the size of the box you choose.

Relying on one of these mailbox options may make sense if you work during the week and need a way to prevent porch pirates. You’ll want to consider how far you’ll need to drive to the box each day, as well as how much a box rental will cost you.

Invest in a secure porch lock box

You might also consider investing in a secure porch lock box to keep deliveries safe. These boxes come in various styles, including models with combination locks, keyed locks or smart panels. You can find package delivery boxes for under $300 at Amazon.

They’re designed so drivers can easily place packages inside, but only someone with the key, code or authorized access can retrieve them.

When choosing a lock box, think about how many packages you typically receive and the size needed to hold them. Look for one made of durable materials, like steel, and ensure it can be anchored to your porch or secured against your home. Also consider who in your household will need access and which security method — key, code or smart entry — works best for everyone.

Consider pickup points and retail partners

You can also decide to pick up your Amazon packages in store at retail partners, like CVS, Kohl’s and Whole Foods. These in-store pickup options can help keep your packages safe, but you’ll need to pick your packages up during store hours.

If you don’t pick up your package within five calendar days, Amazon will cancel and refund your order.

This in-store pickup option at a retail partner can work well if you frequently buy from the retailer and will be at the store anyway. The in-store pickup can also be a good option if you live just a few minutes from the retailer and can easily get to the store.

Find the delivery method that fits your lifestyle

There are plenty of ways to protect your packages from porch pirates, and the right solution may be a mix of several options.

Some of the most secure methods, such as picking up your packages from a locker or PO box, come with convenience tradeoffs, since you’ll have to travel to get the packages. At the same time, these different delivery methods can offer you additional peace of mind, and they can save you the hassle and financial loss of package theft.

Ultimately, you’ll need to consider factors like the occurrence of package theft in your area, the level of risk you’re comfortable with and which of these methods may be the best fit for your needs.

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In September, Amazon agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for a total of $2.5 billion. Now, the e-commerce giant has begun emailing those who are eligible for a refund with details on when to expect a refund and how to get it.

The settlement is one of the largest in FTC history, with $1 billion going toward civil penalties and $1.5 billion going to Amazon customers.

The lawsuit centered on what the FTC described as "manipulative, coercive or deceptive user-interface designs" that "trick" consumers into joining Amazon Prime and make it difficult or confusing to cancel the automatically renewing membership program. As part of the settlement, Amazon denies any wrongdoing.

If you've ever accidentally joined Amazon Prime or enrolled without realizing that the membership would auto-renew indefinitely until you canceled, you might be entitled to a payout from this settlement. If you decided to cancel Amazon Prime only to find it confusing or complicated to actually do so, you might also qualify.

Here's what you need to know about the case itself and about the payouts that will be rolling out in the next few months.

What is the FTC lawsuit against Amazon about?

The original complaint (PDF) filed by the FTC in 2023 focuses on a two-part problem:

1. Amazon Prime is so easy to join that, according to the lawsuit, customers are accidentally enrolled without realizing it.
2. Once enrolled, the process to cancel Amazon Prime is unnecessarily confusing and complicated, according to the FTC complaint.

On the first point, the FTC describes multiple "enrollment flows" using vague language that doesn't make it clear that you're signing up for the shopping membership, let alone agreeing to let that membership auto-renew indefinitely until you cancel.

One example cited in the lawsuit was the shipping options page. At the top of the list of shipping options displaying different prices and speed options, the default selection was "FREE Same-Day Delivery with a free trial of Amazon Prime" or similar phrasing that would enroll you into Amazon Prime if you didn't actively change it to one of the other shipping options.

On the other end, the FTC alleged that the cancellation process was an unnecessarily complicated multistep process with repeated "save offers" that shoppers had to navigate through before they could finally end their Prime membership.

In Amazon's motion to dismiss the case, filed in 2023 a few months after that original complaint, the company denied the FTC's claims, arguing that the enrollment and cancellation processes for Amazon Prime "comply with current law" and that members who want to end their memberships are "given multiple simple mechanisms to cancel."

While the settlement is not an admission of guilt on the company's part, Amazon did agree to make its enrollment pages more transparent and its cancellation process more straightforward, along with the $2.5 billion in penalties and customer refunds.

How much does Amazon have to pay as part of the settlement?

As part of the agreement with the FTC, Amazon must pay $1 billion in civil penalties to the commission. It will also put $1.5 billion into a consumer fund used to provide refunds to eligible consumers.

Those eligibility requirements are discussed in more detail below. But payouts will be capped at $51 per eligible customer.

Payout levels will be tied to the number of Amazon Prime benefits you used while enrolled. That would include things such as taking advantage of free two-day shipping or watching a show on Amazon Prime Video.

Other key terms of the $2.5 billion Amazon Prime settlement

In addition to the $2.5 billion in penalties and consumer refunds, the court order also requires the company to agree to the following terms to make the Amazon Prime enrollment process more transparent and the cancellation process more straightforward:

• Amazon must use clear language (such as "join Prime") on sign-up pages, rather than potentially misleading language (such as "Yes, I want free 2-day shipping").
• If the membership automatically renews, that must be indicated on all sign-up pages along with the dates that charges and renewals will happen.
• Sign-up pages also need to clearly display the price and prominently display the decline option. That is, if you don't want to join Prime, the option to not join can't be a small link saying, "No thanks, I don't want free shipping."
• Amazon must get customers' informed consent before charging them for any good or service. Informed consent means you're aware of what you're signing up for, the fees involved, the auto-renewal feature and any other important terms.
• Canceling a membership or turning off the auto-renewal feature can't be "difficult, costly, confusing or time consuming."

Who is eligible for a payout in the $2.5 billion Amazon Prime settlement?

If you meet the criteria below, you're entitled to a full refund of the fees paid during the eligible subscription period, up to the $51 maximum:

• You enrolled in Amazon Prime from June 23, 2019, to June 23, 2025.
• You did so via a "challenged enrollment flow." That's one of the following four enrollment pages that were cited as deceptive by the FTC:
  • Universal Prime Decision page: The sign-up page where the buttons read something like "Yes, I want free shipping" or "No thanks, I don't want free shipping" even though clicking "Yes, I want free shipping" actually means you're signing up for Prime, not just agreeing to free shipping on that order.
  • Shipping Option Select page: This page typically showed up while you completed your order and includes different shipping options at different speeds and prices. The default, preselected option is usually something such as "FREE Same-Day Delivery with a free trial of Amazon Prime." Choosing that (or failing to change that default selection) would enroll you in Amazon Prime.
  • Prime Video enrollment flow: If you tried to sign up for a subscription to just Prime Video, only to realize you'd been enrolled in an Amazon Prime membership, you might be eligible for a claim in the settlement. That includes if you clicked on a "Watch with Prime" button under a movie or show you wanted to watch.
  • Single Page Checkout: This one looked similar to the "Universal Prime Decision" page, except that it was embedded in the checkout process such as the "shipping option select" page. Clicking on the button (which often displayed language like "Fast FREE Delivery" or "Try Prime FREE for 30 Days" would enroll you in the membership even if you didn't ultimately complete the checkout process. It was discontinued in 2022 following pressure from the FTC.
• After enrolling in Prime via one of these processes, you used no more than 10 Prime benefits in any given 12-month period that your subscription was active.
• You're also eligible to make a claim if you attempted to cancel your Prime subscription but were unsuccessful — even if you didn't originally sign up through one of the "challenged enrollment flows." That includes starting the cancellation process, but failing to complete it or starting it but inadvertently choosing one of the "save offers" such as "remind me later," "keep my benefits," "switch to monthly payments" or "pause membership."

How to get the Amazon Prime settlement refund

There are three groups of eligible consumers in this settlement, and payouts will go to customers in order of which group they fall under.

• The first group includes those who enrolled through one of the "challenged enrollment flows" above and used three or fewer Prime benefits during any 12-month period after enrollment. If you're in this first group, you don't need to do anything. Amazon will automatically send out your payment in the first round of payouts (see more on that below).
• The second group includes those who enrolled through one of the "challenged enrollment flows" above and used from three to 10 benefits during any 12-month period after enrollment. If you're in this group, you'll need to file a claim form that Amazon will send out. If you don't receive a form from the company, you'll also be able to find it on the settlement website once it's launched.
• The third group includes those who unsuccessfully attempted to cancel their Prime membership, regardless of how they enrolled. If you're in this group, you need to file a claim form. The same information applies as that mentioned for the second group.

If you're not sure which group you fall under, you can wait to see if you receive a payout in the first round. If you don't get a payout, you can file a claim to see if you're eligible once the claim forms go out.

When will you get your Amazon Prime refund?

The payout process began earlier this month, with the automatic payments going out to members of the first group above. This process will run from November 12 through December 24, according to the FTC.

The refund will come in the form of a PayPal or Venmo payment and you should accept the payment within 15 days of receipt. Check those accounts regularly throughout this automatic refund window.

If you miss the 15-day acceptance window, Amazon will mail a check to the default shipping address that was listed on your Amazon Prime subscription

For those in the second and third groups who aren't eligible for automatic payments, you should expect to receive a claim form from December 24 to January 23, the FTC told CBS News.

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Foldable phones occupy a niche section of the mobile market. While many have shied away due to their bulky size or huge price tag, some customers are starting to give them a closer look.

They've come a long way from the early days of mobile. Now, they feature gigantic screens, rich graphics and functionality that simplifies many things you do online. One phone that illustrates this perfectly is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7.

I'll break down the phone's pros and cons, trade-in incentives and where you can receive the best deal on one. Armed with this information, you can determine if now is the time to switch to a foldable phone.

What I like about the Samsung Z Fold7

Let's start with the phone's pros. I really like the eight-inch screen size, as I always seem to be furrowing my eyebrows when reading on my Google Pixel 9 now. Not only does the screen size make it easier to read, but it creates an almost tablet-size screen that's perfect for streaming your favorite shows, playing mobile games or accessing apps on the go.

Another perk I enjoy is the storage. The Z Fold7 comes standard with 256 gigabytes (GB) of storage, though you can upgrade to 512GB for free through Samsung or go with the 1 terabyte (TB) option. If you have grandkids or nieces and nephews, you know how quickly your storage can fill up from pictures alone, so this feature separates it from flagship offerings on other Samsung and Google devices.

I also like the foldable design because it creates some security, and it's thinner and lighter than previous models. With the next-generation Snapdragon mobile processor, you receive a responsive and smooth experience, whether you're streaming, reading the news or taking pictures.

Therefore, if you're looking for a durable phone with a fast processor and a large screen, this could be the right device for you.

What are some challenges to consider?

When considering this or other foldable phones, the first con is cost. Because it's a phone with unique folding capabilities, it means you'll pay more than you would with other phone models. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is $1,999.99 for both the 256GB and the 512GB models.

However, you can lower your total costs. Samsung allows you to trade in your device and receive up to $1,000 in trade-in credits. The amount of credits depends on the phone you trade in.

To demonstrate, the iPhone 16 Pro Max earns you a trade-in credit of up to $750, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will fetch you up to $1,000.

The other thing is that the phone, when folded, can be bulkier. This could create a George Costanza-like wallet for your pocket or purse.

Lastly, because it's a larger phone, it'll require more battery. Heavy users experience a run time of six to 10 hours between charges, depending on what you're doing.

Where can I find the best deals on foldable phones?

T-Mobile

Along with Samsung's generous trade-in offer, you should check out mobile carriers, as well. T-Mobile offers a trade-in credit of up to $1,000 via 24 billing credits when you trade in an eligible device and choose a qualifying plan.

Broken down, it means you'll only pay $1,099.99 plus tax, or you can make 24 monthly payments of $50 per month when you add a line.

Verizon

Another option is Verizon, which offers several different incentives. If you plan to buy more than one Z Fold7, they currently offer a buy one, get the second for $1,100 off when you choose the Select Unlimited plan for both new lines.

New and existing customers can receive half off the phone per line with the Unlimited Ultimate plan. This incentive allows customers to get the new phone for as low as $27.77 per month, with 36 bill credits of $27.78.

How does the Samsung Galaxy ZFold7 compare with other options?

Here's a breakdown of how the Galaxy ZFold7 compares with other top models:

As you can see, despite its higher costs, the Galaxy Z Fold7 punches above its weight in screen size, camera resolution and storage. Keep in mind if you buy with Samsung, you receive a free upgrade to 512GB.

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 offers a lot of perks, such as a fast processor, an exceptional camera and a generous screen size. Moreover, you can earn a substantial discount by trading in a device with Samsung or with your mobile carrier.

That said, most foldable phones are expensive, bulky and won't retain the same battery life as regular devices. Therefore, these phones work best for those looking for a larger screen and a more responsive experience, who don't mind the bulk.

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Depending on how you signed up, canceling Amazon Prime might be easier said than done. In fact, that's one of the key issues in a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2023. The FTC lawsuit alleges that Amazon makes it easy to enroll in the shopping membership, but "knowingly complicated the cancellation process for Prime subscribers" who wanted to leave.

While Amazon and the FTC agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement this week, the company denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement terms. In Amazon's motion to dismiss the complaint filed on October 18, 2023, the company denied the accusations, arguing that both the enrollment and cancelation process for Amazon Prime "comply with current law" and that members who want to end their membership are "given multiple simple mechanisms to cancel."

If you've decided you should cancel Amazon Prime but found those simple mechanisms either tricky to find or not quite as simple as you'd like, here's what I was able to find out about the different methods for ending your membership.

How to cancel Amazon Prime

According to Amazon's Help & Customer Service page, canceling is as easy as visiting the "cancel your Prime membership" page and following the prompts. An easy way to find that page is to simply search for it in Amazon's search bar. Here's a step-by-step guide to what the process might look like for Prime members:

1. Type "cancel Prime membership" into Amazon's search bar in the mobile app or website.
2. Click on "Cancel Prime membership" on the result page.
3. You'll be taken to a page with information about how much time is left in your subscription and multiple options to pause or change your membership. At the end of this list is the option to cancel.
4. Choosing the cancel option will take you to another page reminding you of what you'll lose by canceling along with more options to keep or pause your membership. At the bottom of this list is the option to cancel which should confirm your request.
5. When you cancel, your membership will remain active through the end of your latest renewal period. You'll see the date that your membership ends on that final page.

Unless you cancel your membership within three days of renewal, you may not be able to get any membership fees refunded, but you will, at least, still be able to use your Prime perks until the cancelation date that was given when you canceled.

How to cancel Amazon Prime if you have an Android

If you tried the above steps with no success, it may be because you signed up for Prime via the mobile app on your Android phone. According to Amazon, if you did that, you can only cancel your membership by going through Google Subscription services. Here's what that looks like:

1. Open your web browser and type "myaccount.google.com" in the URL bar.
2. Click on "payments & subscriptions" from the menu on the left side of the page. If you're on mobile, it might be at the top of the screen and require scrolling to the side to find the option.
3. On that page, click on "manage subscriptions" under the subscriptions box.
4. You should see Amazon listed here. Click on it and follow the prompts to cancel your subscription.

How to cancel your Amazon Prime free trial

According to multiple users on Reddit and a few customers on Amazon's customer service forum, it's not possible to cancel your Prime membership during the free trial period. I couldn't find any information from Amazon about a separate cancelation policy for the free trial period. But, if you're not seeing the option to complete either of the cancelation processes described above, try this:

• Go to "Manage Prime Membership" in your Prime account.
• Look for the renewal date listed on the page. If you're still in the free trial phase, you should see the option to click "Do not continue" somewhere near this date. This should stop the membership from auto-renewing at the end of the free trial period and you shouldn't be charged for a membership.
• Note that these instructions are based on Amazon's Singaporean website, which would be subject to different laws than the United States. If you're not seeing the "do not continue" option or any other option to cancel or disable autorenewal, try reaching out to customer service to end your free trial.

If customer service isn't able to help – as some users on Amazon's customer service forum have complained – set a reminder in your phone to try again the day of the renewal.

This process may result in you being temporarily charged for a renewed membership. However, in the Prime membership terms and conditions, Amazon says you can get a full refund of the fee if you cancel within three business days of converting from a free trial to a paid membership.

To get that full refund, however, you can't use any of the Amazon Prime benefits – like free shipping or watching something on Prime Video – during that three-day period. If you did use any benefits, the company will deduct the value of those benefits from your refund.

Key points to remember if you want to cancel Amazon Prime

If you are already a paying member, you should be able to cancel either directly through your Amazon profile or through your Google account. If you're still in your free trial period, you might have a harder time canceling before it renews to a paid membership.

But, in the worst case scenario, you should be able to get a full refund as long as you don't use any of your Prime benefits after it renews (and you cancel it within three days of said renewal).

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It's September, and that means a new iPhone is about to hit the market. Apple announced the details surrounding its newest iPhone models this week, with presales starting September 12 and the release happening on Friday, September 19.

At first glance, the iPhone 17 doesn't look much different than its predecessor, the iPhone 16. However, Apple packed this base model with elevated features, which has me considering switching back from the Google Pixel to the new iPhone.

But before we get to that, let's break down what's new about the iPhone 17. We'll also cover the best deals available and whether it's worth the upgrade.

What's new for the iPhone 17?

Here are some highlights of the new model:

• A 6.3-inch display with ProMotion up to 120Hz, featuring Ceramic Shield 2 (it provides three times the scratch resistance)
• Aluminum frame for exceptional durability
• A19 chip with a 5‑core GPU (graphic processing unit) that's 90% faster than the iPhone 14 per Tom's Guide
• Five color choices, including lavender, sage, mist blue, white and black
• Up to 30 hours of video playback, which is eight hours more than the iPhone 16
• Lightning-quick charging, with the ability to charge 50% in 20 minutes
• Standard storage of 256 GB (gigabytes)
• The base model has a $799.99 price tag, the same as the iPhone 16

The first thing that stands out to me is the ProMotion with up to 120 Hz (hertz). In essence, it means your phone can refresh 120 times per second, twice as fast as the iPhone 16, giving you a more responsive and smoother experience when playing mobile games or streaming your favorite shows.

Another perk of the iPhone 17 is that it comes with standard storage of 256GB. That's a much-needed upgrade for many users, since flagship phones from Samsung and Google still feature standard storage of 128GB. If this forces other cellphone manufacturers to increase storage on their phones, this, on its own, is a very good thing.

Overall, while the appearance of the iPhone 17 is more of the same, this phone packs plenty of elevated features to give you a device that rivals the iPhone Pro in capabilities, but not the price.

Where can I get a good deal on the iPhone 17?

If you plan to upgrade, normally, your best bet is to check with mobile companies to see what they offer. If you want to switch providers or trade in an older device, they offer ample incentives that can lower total costs.

Take T-Mobile, for instance. They'll give you the iPhone 17 free via 24 bill credits when you switch to them and sign up for one of their Experience plans. The nice thing about this deal is that you don't have to trade any devices.

The other perk is that T-Mobile offers 55-plus plans. These plans give you all the benefits of regular plans, such as unlimited data, free Hulu and Apple TV Plus and the ability to text and call in 215 countries, at a discounted price.

Say you do the Experience Beyond w/55-plus Savings plan for two lines at $130 per month with two free iPhone 17s. You're saving almost $1,600 off the top, minus the sales tax and $35 activation fee per line.

Then you receive free streaming for Hulu, Apple TV Plus and Netflix. That's a savings of almost $31 per month on top of the free phones and discounted plan price.

Another carrier offering excellent deals on the new iPhone is Verizon, which offers a three-year price lock guarantee on their plans, 40% off streaming bundles and a free phone when you sign up for the Select Unlimited plan and trade in a device. Playing this game means you'll be able to secure a free iPhone 17 via 36 bill credits.

I don't think Verizon's deal is as strong on the surface. They don't feature 55-plus plans, nor do they offer free streaming services like T-Mobile does. Between the two, T-Mobile offers much better value, especially if you're 55 or older.

Should I upgrade to the iPhone 17?

Normally, I would say wait and see what next year's model holds. But the iPhone 17's base model might have one of the better upgrades in recent years. In essence, you're receiving iPhone Pro features on a base model for the same price as the iPhone 16. That's an incredible value.

The choice to switch depends on your needs and budget. If you're satisfied with your current phone, chances are it isn't worth it since you'll either need to switch providers or upgrade your plan, which will put you on the hook for another two to three years.

Yet, if you are intrigued about checking it out, visit an Apple store or your mobile phone provider to see if it's the right fit for you.

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Being a sports fan can be expensive. Not only are there tickets, clothing and other goods associated with supporting your favorite team, but you also need a way to watch them.

On this front, streaming services come into play. They're easy to set up, and you can tailor options to best suit your viewing needs. However, this comes at a significant cost.

The New York Times found the average NFL fan will spend up to $631 to stream games this year. They came to this total by factoring in the following:

• Live-streaming service, such as YouTube TV, for around $90 per month ($540 six-month cost)
• Amazon Prime for Thursday night games at $15 per month ($75 for five months of games)
• Netflix ad-supported plan for Christmas games for $8
• Peacock for special access to a Sunday night game in December for $11 per month

Combined, that total will run you $634, and that doesn't count any add-on packages such as NFL Sunday Ticket.

With this in mind, I wanted to see what other sports would cost to stream. I'll provide easy tips to employ that'll help you save on streaming services.

How much will it cost to stream other sports?

Using the same framework for calculating NFL streaming costs, we can apply a similar breakdown for NBA fans:

• Live streaming services: $90 per month for nine months, including playoffs and the NBA Finals: $810
• NBA League Pass (to cover games not on ESPN, TNT or other networks): $90 annually

Tally this up, and it's around $900 to stream a full season of NBA games. I used NBA League Pass as an example, since it's easier for out-of-market fans to catch games.

Meanwhile, MLB fans will feel a similar financial pinch. You'll have six months of action with a live streaming service for $90 per month or $540 per year.

Next, if you're an avid fan wanting to stream as many games as possible, you'll likely want MLB.TV, where a single team plan for a full season is $140. Combined, you're on the hook for $680.

Since each sport can cost you upwards of more than $500, it's important to find cost-saving measures where you can. Thankfully, there are some great streaming deals available.

Streaming deals to ease the pain

I'm an avid sports fan, and even I can't keep up with all the streaming offers one would need to stream every game. That's why I stick with YouTube TV. It's expensive at $82.99 per month, but it covers all the major games I want to see from all major sports, without the need to add another platform or package.

However, if you don't want to spend that much, there are more affordable choices. Chief among them is Sling TV.

They have packages starting from $46 per month, or if you want to watch a day of games, you can buy the day pass for $4.99. It includes 24-hour access to 34 channels, including ESPN and TNT.

Another option is Paramount Plus. With it, you can stream NFL, college football and basketball, golf and other sports live. Right now is the best time to sign up for the service, as you can receive 50% annual plans through September 18.

A pro tip: Sign up for the Paramount Plus Premium Plan for $59.99 per year, as it includes free live streaming of your local CBS content.

You can also use other streaming services to catch sports live. Peacock offers select college football and basketball games, NFL Sunday night football, Premier League matches, PGA tournaments and much more.

Want to save even more money? Sign up for a Walmart Plus membership, which gives you a choice of either Paramount Plus or Peacock's ad-supported plan for free.

At $98 a year, it's less expensive than Amazon Prime; you'll earn discounts on gas and Burger King, and you can switch streaming services every 90 days.

Things to consider with streaming sports

The first of which is blackout restrictions, which can happen quite often. Why do blackouts happen? To make TV networks money by forcing local fans to either attend games live or buy another package to stream games.

This is why it's important to check blackout restrictions when signing up for streaming services. Some, such as NBA League Pass, allow you to enter your ZIP code to show which teams might have blackout restrictions in your area.

A cost-saving measure is family accounts. Some services, such as YouTube TV, allow you to share your subscription with other users. If costs are a concern, you can always split the bill and the subscription, provided your streaming service allows you to.

Another cost-saving tip is to rotate services as sports seasons change, or better yet, do away with one when you don't need it anymore. Streaming services, unlike many cable companies, make cancelling services simple. You can restart them anytime you need to.

Finally, if you're looking to stream some games but don't want to pay for any services, buy a digital antenna. All the major sports leagues broadcast games on local channels, such as ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS.

Doing so means you'll pay out of pocket once for the antenna, but you won't be on the hook for a monthly bill.

Overall, it's never been more convenient or expensive to be a sports fan. The goal is to strike a balance between securing coverage for the games you want, while not sacrificing the budget in the meantime.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to achieve this. Whether it's through choosing a standalone live streaming service, rotating multiple ones or buying a digital antenna, there are ample ways to enjoy live sports while saving money.

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Walmart Plus continues to punch above its weight in value. The service is only $98 annually, making it more affordable than Amazon Prime, where you'll shell out $139.

On top of this, Walmart is improving its service. Coinciding with its fifth anniversary of Walmart Plus, the retailer announced subscribers will have their choice between two streaming services, the Paramount Plus Essentials plan and Peacock Premium, beginning September 15.

Both of these are ad-supported plans, but still save subscribers money. If purchased outside of Walmart Plus, the Paramount Plus Essentials plan is $7.99 per month, whereas Peacock Premium is $10.99 per month.

If you chose Peacock, the savings from the free offering alone would more than offset what you pay for a Walmart Plus subscription. In either case, here's how the new offering works.

Walmart Plus introduces Peacock to its lineup

Peacock Premium is a new addition to the service, offering live and on-demand content from many NBC and Bravo-branded shows. Some of the top titles include "Love Island Beyond the Villa," "Yellowstone," and "Law & Order SVU."

Furthermore, they stream live sports. You can watch select Big Ten football and basketball, NFL Sunday night games, golf and tennis tournaments, Premier League soccer and much more.

To qualify for either Peacock or Paramount Plus, you'll need a Walmart Plus membership. You can try out the subscription for free for 30 days to see if it's a good fit.

Once you sign up, you can choose between the two streaming services. What's unique about this is that once you choose one, you're not locked into it permanently.

You can change streaming services every 90 days, making it great if you want to toggle between CBS content on Paramount Plus and NBC content on Peacock.

What else does Walmart Plus offer?

Along with free streaming services, here are some membership perks:

• Free shipping with no order minimums
• Free grocery delivery with $35 minimum and free prescription delivery (no minimum)
• Save 10 cents per gallon at Exxon, Mobil, Sam's Club and Walmart & Murphy gas stations
• A 25% everyday discount at Burger King
• Mobile scan and go, avoiding long lines when in the store
• Early access to deals such as Black Friday

There are many perks accorded to the membership. It works best for regular Walmart shoppers who also want access to free shipping and returns and other perks, such as lower fuel costs and free streaming services.

If you don't shop at Walmart regularly, you might want to consider another subscription better suited to your needs.

Overall, this new inclusion of Peacock gives Walmart Plus shoppers a new choice for free streaming options. Given that Amazon only offers Prime Video with its membership, it gives Walmart a slight edge in streaming choices.

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Amazon will shut down its Prime Invitee program on October 1, 2025, ending a perk that let Prime members share free shipping with non-household users.

The program gave friends and relatives outside the same address access to Prime delivery without paying for a membership. In its place, Amazon will offer Amazon Family, which is free for Prime members but far more restrictive.

Amazon Family allows one additional adult and up to four children to share benefits, but all must live at the same primary address and use the same payment method. To ease the transition, Amazon is offering affected Invitee users a discounted Prime membership.

What the end of the Amazon Invitee program means

Amazon began sending notices to Prime users this week, explaining the end of the Invitee program. The updated Help & Customer Service page also describes the program’s end.

"Prime benefit sharing through the Prime Invitee program will end on Oct. 1, 2025," the page states. "Prime invitees will lose access to the shared Prime delivery benefit, but can use Amazon Family instead."

The change affects Amazon customers who were getting free shipping without paying for Prime. The Invitee program let subscribers extend delivery perks to people outside their household, giving those invitees added convenience and savings when shopping.

This doesn’t affect the ability to ship gifts to others or send orders to different addresses. It only ends the option for invitees to place their own orders without a Prime subscription while still enjoying free shipping.

Amazon is offering Invitees a discounted Prime membership at $14.99 for the first year. After that, the regular rate applies — $14.99 a month or $139 annually. The offer runs from September 5 through December 31. Alternatively, some shoppers might still qualify for free shipping through Amazon Family.

How the Amazon Family model works

Amazon Family is free for Prime members, and it allows them to share some Prime benefits with family members, including one additional adult and up to four children. To qualify, all Amazon Family members must live at the same primary address.

Members can enjoy several perks:

• Same-day, one-day and two-day delivery
• The ability to watch Prime Video on separate devices
• Access to exclusive Prime member offers, including events such as Prime Day
• Two family members can enjoy ad-free top podcasts and music

Since Amazon Family requires all family members to live at the same primary address, it might not be a solution for Invitee program users who live at different addresses.

Additionally, Amazon Family members must all share the same payment methods, which Amazon requires to verify that the users are all members of the same household.

Additional ways to save on Amazon Prime

Amazon is offering a discounted rate for former Invitee users, but there are other ways to save on a Prime membership even if you weren’t part of the program.

The Amazon Prime Access program gives eligible households a 50% discount if their income is within 150% of the federal poverty guideline. Qualifying customers include those enrolled in programs such as SNAP or Medicaid. Enrollment requires online verification, such as a tax transcript or EBT card.

Through Amazon Prime for Young Adults, individuals ages 18 to 24 and students can start with a free trial. After the trial, they qualify for a discounted Prime membership. Perks include Prime Video channel subscriptions for 99 cents a month, two months of free Kindle Unlimited and other benefits.

How to save on Amazon shipping

While Prime offers perks such as exclusive events, Prime Video and free delivery, you don’t always need a membership to skip shipping fees.

Orders of $35 or more qualify for free shipping if they’re fulfilled by Amazon. Planning ahead and bundling purchases can help you reach the threshold without paying for Prime.

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• Amazon Expands Same-Day Fresh Food Delivery to 1,000 Cities

In a press release last week, Amazon announced that it was expanding its same-day fresh grocery delivery service to more than 1,000 cities and towns across the country — with plans to add 2,300 more locations by the end of this year.

It's also added thousands of new perishable grocery items such as produce, dairy, meat and more to its online marketplace.

You might be thinking that this isn't news because Amazon Fresh already exists and delivers fresh groceries to your door in a matter of hours. The major online marketplace emphasized that this new service is not the same Amazon Fresh or its Whole Foods delivery options.

The most noticeable difference for Amazon Prime members is that the expanded grocery delivery service doesn't cost extra.

While Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods deliveries require a $9.99 per month subscription on top of your membership fee, the new grocery delivery is included in your base Amazon Prime benefits at no extra cost.

Here's what you need to know about the new service and how it compares with your other online grocery shopping options.

Amazon's expanded grocery delivery service is a good deal for Prime members

For Amazon shoppers who've used or at least heard of Amazon Fresh, this new service is different. With Amazon Fresh, you must order groceries separately. If you're buying batteries on Amazon and bananas on Amazon Fresh, they can't be combined into one cart to help you reach the order minimum.

If you're in one of the eligible locations that now offers fresh grocery delivery, that's changed. You can order your bananas and batteries from Amazon — rather than Amazon Fresh — so they'll all be in the same cart.

Basically, if you're in one of the 1,000 cities and towns where the service is now available, you can now use your existing same-day delivery perk to order fresh groceries such as produce, milk and ice cream. All you have to do is meet the same $25 order minimum that you currently meet to qualify for free same-day delivery.

Not a Prime member? You can still get fresh groceries delivered to you same day for $12.99. Depending on how much you're ordering, that can still be cheaper than a service such as DoorDash or Instacart, since you won't have to pay extra service fees or tips.

Should Prime members ditch Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods?

The new fresh grocery delivery service is different from the retailer's existing grocery delivery options, such as Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. Many of the fresh food options overlap with what you'll find on Amazon Fresh.

Given the overlap, if you currently pay the extra $9.99 per month on top of your Prime membership fee, you might consider dropping it if Amazon's new grocery delivery service is available in your area. You can get a similarly convenient grocery delivery service that's already included with your base membership fee.

There are a couple of caveats to that, though:

• You can't schedule one- or two-hour deliveries with the new service as you can with Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods.
• There are some products that aren't yet available.

To decide if dropping the extra $9.99/month for Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods is worth it, head to Amazon's same-day grocery store and do a test grocery run.

Try to fill your cart with as many of your regular grocery items as you can and take note of what's missing from the selection.

If there's only one or two items missing — especially if those are things you can pick up in person at a local store as needed — it's probably a good time to drop the added fee.

Same day delivery can be a bit slower than one or two-hour delivery, but it's still extremely convenient and doesn't cost anything extra.

How does the new delivery service compare with other grocery delivery options?

The overlap between Amazon's expanded grocery delivery service and Amazon Fresh is confusing. But, if you're trying to decide which shopping membership is the best deal for getting regular grocery deliveries, Amazon's new offer makes your choice a little more complicated.

Use the table below for a quick breakdown of how popular shopping memberships stack up when it comes to grocery delivery.

The trick to getting your money's worth out of annual memberships

The key to making any of these memberships worth the annual fee is making sure the full list of perks are ones you would actually use. Each membership comes with far more than grocery delivery perks. Some include members' only discounts to save on gas, free streaming subscriptions, pharmacy delivery and more.

Whether Amazon Prime, Walmart+ or another shopping membership are the best value for you depends on how many of the membership perks you'd use and how often you'd use them.

Another important thing to do to make sure your membership is saving you money, instead of pushing you to spend more, is to avoid dropping impulse purchases into your cart to meet order minimums.

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Streaming companies seem to be racing to the top when it comes to price hikes. Peacock recently raised its monthly plan prices by $3 and annual plans by $30.

Overall, Americans pay around $69 per month for streaming services, per Variety. As such, I search for streaming deals to help you save money amid rising costs.

One perk I found can help you receive the Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus bundle for as low as $6.99 per month. I'll show you how to secure this deal as well as other ways to save on your favorite streaming services.

How to get Disney Plus for less

Some of the best cash back credit cards come with incentives to help you save on everyday purchases, such as groceries, travel, shopping and streaming.

And if you have the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can score elevated streaming perks. American Express announced it's raising its streaming benefit for the Blue Cash Preferred from $84 annually to $120. It means you can earn up to a $10 statement credit per month for all qualifying Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus purchases.

How it works is you'll use your American Express card as the payment method when you sign up for one of these Disney Plus bundles. You can find this perk in your benefit dashboard or by calling the number on the back of your card to enroll in this benefit.

American Express isn't the only provider offering perks on streaming deals. You can find a credit card offering you significant savings on streaming services here:

A few savings tips to keep in mind: Some credit cards have annual fees. For most, you'll be able to offset them by taking advantage of the introductory bonuses and using the cash back perks.

On the perks front, they work best if you pay off your credit card balance each month. If you carry a balance, the interest will offset some of the value of the perks earned.

How much can I save?

It depends on which services you want. The best savings come from bundling all three services together for $16.99 per month.

This will include ad-supported versions of all plans. Then, when you sign up for your streaming benefit and charge your American Express card, you'll receive a $10 statement credit, bringing the total cost down to a mere $6.99 per month.

Here's a comparison of how much you can save with this perk:

Moreover, ESPN Plus does have some underrated perks. While I found the app isn't the best for streaming live sports, it does include access to premium content on ESPN.com. And I find that the benefit alone outweighs any added costs.

However, what if you don't need all three? Then, you can select the service you want and receive a credit relative to the plan cost. To demonstrate, if you would like Hulu's ad-supported plan for $9.99, you'll receive a statement credit for that amount.

Other ways to save on streaming

If you don't want to sign up for a credit card, there are other ways to save on streaming:

• Check your mobile perks: Some carriers, such as T-Mobile, offer free ad-supported plans of Hulu, Apple TV Plus and Netflix when you choose select plans, including 55+ options.
• Shopping subscriptions: Another way to bundle and save is with a shopping subscription. Walmart Plus features a free Paramount Plus Essentials subscription. New customers can try the service free for 30 days to see if it's a viable option for you:

• Time your renewals wisely: Some streaming providers, such as Disney Plus and Peacock, conduct sales around Black Friday. Last year, Peacock offered its Premium Plan (ad-supported) for $19.95 for one year. Meanwhile, you could also get Disney Plus and Hulu for $2.99 per month for one year.
• Buy annual plans: If there's a service you won't rotate because you enjoy the content so much, buying a yearly plan unlocks more savings. When you buy one from Peacock, you only pay for 10 months, getting two months free.

Ultimately, while streaming services are becoming more expensive, so are the opportunities to save on your favorite platform. Whether it's through credit card perks, buying an annual plan or using mobile perks accorded to you, there are ample ways to stream your favorite programs for less.

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Tariffs have been a dominating topic since Donald Trump became president again. As trade deals finalize, we're starting to get a clearer picture of how tariffs will impact prices moving forward.

Trump secured a trade deal with Japan last week that includes a 15% tariff on Japanese goods. He said of the agreement: "I just signed the largest trade deal in history; I think maybe the largest deal in history with Japan."

The good news, at least for Japanese automakers, is that the 15% tariffs will cover automobiles and automotive parts, which gives them an edge over other car companies that incur 25% tariffs, particularly for cars and parts made in Canada.

On the other side of the deal, Japan pledges to invest $550 billion in the U.S. to build reliable supply chains in pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, while also purchasing up to $8 billion in agricultural food. Its importers will also pay a 15% reciprocal tariff on supplies.

While leaders from both countries praise this deal, it's still a tariff, which means companies could absorb some of these costs or pass them on to you. Here are five shopping verticals that might become more expensive for you as a result of this trade policy.

Expect to pay more for your next car

If you plan to buy a foreign vehicle made with parts from Japan, you can expect to see some of those extra costs. Even with the lower tariffs imposed, 15% is a substantial fee to pay to import cars overseas. These companies won't eat all the total costs forever.

How much will it cost you to buy a new Toyota, Nissan or Mazda? Prices could increase up to $6,000 for new vehicles, per Kelley Blue Book.

Keep in mind that not only will this affect the sticker price you'll pay, but it also impacts all other facets of owning a car, such as paying more in sales tax, financing, car repairs and insurance.

Certain TVs could become pricier

Some of the most common television brands, such as Sony, Panasonic, Sharp and Hitachi, come from Japan. We're already seeing significant signs of price increases for specific models, though these companies aren't saying it's due to tariffs.

Here's an example:

When Sony released the 65-inch Bravia A80L OLED in 2023, its price was $2,500. The newest model now goes for $3,400, according to Vocal, an increase of $900. This is at a time when Tom's Guide found prices for OLED models were dropping below the $1,000 mark.

That said, there's good news: You can secure an exceptional deal on older models. Here's a Sony OLED for under $1,900, where you'll save $400:

Say cheese: Your next camera could make you smile less

Fujifilm shifted production of its X series cameras from China to Japan because of the economic uncertainty about tariffs. While Japan didn't incur a 51% combined tariff on imported goods as China does, that 15% still means higher costs, at a time when some camera companies are already raising prices.

Digital Photography Review reports that some camera makers have raised prices due to tariffs. Cannon's average price hike was 9.7%, with price increases for models ranging from $100 to $500.

This means if you're looking for a digital camera from Fujifilm, now is the time to capitalize before price increases go into effect:

Your next joy ride might come at a higher cost

Japan has built a reputation for its stylish and nimble motorcycles from brands such as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki. Tariffs have hit the motorcycle market hard.

Some dealers report shortages of imported motorcycles, in part due to companies waiting to see how the tariffs play out. That shortage created a buyer's frenzy for older models, while the few newer models increased from $2,000 to $5,000 on average per West Coast Shipping. Expect this trend to continue.

Japanese drinks and food are expected to increase in price

Japan exports all sorts of tasty goodies to the U.S. If you're a fan of Japanese whiskey, sake, green tea and matcha, caviar, sushi and other items, the tariffs will hit your wallet.

While it's hard to determine by how much prices will increase, you can look at the big picture. The Yale Budget Lab found that the overall tariff rate customers pay is 20.2%, the highest it's been since 1911. On average, tariffs will cost the average household $2,700 more than regular expenses for 2025.

Ultimately, the 15% reciprocal tariff reached between Japan and the U.S. is far better than the original 25% proposed. On top of this, Japan's pledge of $550 billion into the U.S. economy to build supply chains in key sectors is a good thing, as it will create jobs.

At the same time, tariffs are still taxes, and someone must pay them. This means you can expect the costs of some of these goods to increase, which means now is the ideal time to secure a deal.

Too bad you can't stock up on fresh sushi.

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A breach of online security happens in an instant. A misclicked link, a reply to a stranger’s message or a purchase on the wrong site. Uh oh. Another case of cyberfraud.

“Fraud happens to everyone, even the smartest people,” says Phillip Reed, an asset protection attorney in Kalamazoo, Mich. “The tactics have gotten so sophisticated.” The Federal Trade Commission says 2.6 million consumers were victims of fraud in 2024, with losses of over $12.5 billion, a 25% increase from the previous year.

New developments, such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, have made cybercrime easier and more profitable than ever. With a little preparation and knowledge, you can protect your money and identity.

1. Digital crime is costing people more

While consumers lost a record amount of money to fraud in 2024, the number of complaints remained roughly the same as in 2023. In other words, the average incident got more expensive.

“Today’s fraudsters are patient. They aren’t in a rush to get $100 from you. They’re waiting to get $100,000,” says Kimberly Sutherland, global head of fraud and identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

Investment scams were the largest category of losses at $5.7 billion, while Imposter scams were the second worst category, at $2.95 billion. Someone could impersonate one of your friends or family members and request financial assistance. With AI, they can spoof voices over the phone. Online dating scams gain a victim’s trust online through what appears to be a dream relationship before asking for money.

Theft from online shopping occurs more frequently but is less expensive in terms of the per-incident loss, according to Sutherland.

2. Retirees have a target on their backs

People over 60 were the most likely age group to report internet crime to the FBI in 2023, and lost the most money. Thieves see this generation as an easier target.

“They didn’t grow up with this technology as kids,” says Reed. “It’s not that they aren’t paying attention, but it’s something they had to learn and are now facing new threats.” At the same time, retirees’ lifelong savings create a tempting opportunity for scammers.

If you have any doubts, before agreeing to buying or providing any important information, share your emails, texts and popup images with someone else — a relative or a friend who can help you determine if it's a scam.

3. Strong passwords are worth the effort

Strong passwords are a simple and effective security measure. “It’s like locking your front door at night,” says Reed.

Avoid short codes with easily guessable words, such as names, addresses and common phrases. Strong passwords are at least 12 characters long, use a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, and include numbers and symbols.

You should have different passwords for every account. And avoid writing passwords down in an easy-to-spot location, as the wrong person could peek while visiting.

If keeping track sounds like a headache, you could use software like Bitwarden and LastPass to generate and store randomized passwords for all your accounts.

Enabling two-factor authentication further secures accounts. You’ll need to verify any login through your smartphone with a call or text.

4. Be proactive with safety measures

Your phone, computer, internet browser, and other software frequently recommend updates. Stay on top of them, as these include the latest cybersecurity systems.

Check your bank accounts and credit card statements weekly for unusual activity. “Scams often start with small transactions first, so you don’t notice. Watch out for a 34-cent charge at somewhere you’ve never shopped,” says Amber Schiffert, a financial planner with TARA Wealth in San Diego. You also could set up account alerts to receive a text, email or in-app message for every transaction.

5. Watch out for imposters

Cyberthieves constantly try to impersonate legitimate services: a text message claiming that you owe money for unpaid tolls, a phone call pretending to be from your internet provider, a computer screen popup saying it needs to fix a virus, an email claiming to be from the IRS saying you owe money, the list goes on. Seventy-eight percent of people reported receiving mobile scams at least weekly, according to a 2025 survey from Malwarebytes, which sells anti-virus software.

Slow down and verify everything. Cybercriminals often insist that you must act fast — or the “deal” will pass you by or your credit score will suffer. If you receive a call, hang up and contact the organization directly. Avoid clicking on links in emails, and refrain from replying with private information. You may want to establish a family code word that you can use on the phone to verify identities in case of AI voice fraud.

6. Be wary of deals too good to be true

Cyberthieves create spoof websites that resemble the brand and appear to link to legitimate companies that aren’t. They try to collect your credit card number, cash and personal information. Before placing an order, double-check that you are on the correct retailer’s page.

The same applies to posts on social media and other online marketplaces for selling goods and services. “If you see someone selling Taylor Swift tickets on Facebook for $400 when the market value is $4,000, don’t fall for it,” says Reed, the attorney from Michigan.

7 Guard your data like cash

Your personal data can be used for identity theft. If someone asks for information to verify your account, push back and ask if it’s really needed, especially for something personal like your Social Security number.

Consider what you reveal on social media platforms. Things like your date of birth, your childhood hometown and pet names could be used to answer security questions to access your digital accounts. Thieves could also use that information to impersonate you. Considering making your social media accounts private, so only people you know see what you post.

8. How you pay online matters

Credit cards have fraud protection, backed up federal law. If you report fraudulent charges within 60 days of receiving your account statement, your liability is limited to $50.

Other digital payment methods, such as electronic checks and payment apps like Venmo, have much less fraud protection. You can try filing a formal dispute with your bank or payment app, but there is no guarantee of a refund. “Think of it like giving someone cash with these payment options. You better be sure,” says Sutherland from LexisNexis.

And if you send cryptocurrency, that’s likely irreversible given the hidden nature of these transactions. It’s no wonder that people reported losing more money to bank transfers and cryptocurrency transactions than all other payment methods combined in 2024.

9. React quickly to possible fraud

If you suspect a problem, contact the bank, credit card company or payment app immediately. “That first 72-hour window is so important. It gives them time to lock down your account,” says Reed. The sooner you act, the higher your chance of them stopping the fraudulent transaction before it goes through.

You should also change the passwords on any exposed accounts. If you provided personal information, especially your Social Security number, consider placing a credit report freeze with the three major rating agencies. “As long as you’re not trying to buy a home soon or apply for other new lines of credit, we recommend using a freeze. It’s better safe than sorry,” says Schiffert, the financial planner from San Diego.

10. Authorities want to know what happened

Report incidents of cybercrime to federal agencies through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC.

These agencies could help you retrieve lost money and assets while taking steps to bring justice against the criminals. “People feel too embarrassed to report, but they shouldn’t. It’s how authorities and businesses learn what’s needed to protect others,” says Sutherland.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Retirement Report, our popular monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. Subscribe for retirement advice that’s right on the money.

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Target is changing its price-matching policy with competitors like Amazon and Walmart. In the past, Target customers were able to purchase a product from Target, and if they found a lower price at Walmart or Amazon within 14 days of purchase, they received a refund of the difference.

Starting on July 28, Target will discontinue price-matching with competitors, CBS News reported. Instead, Target customers can price-match items they bought from a Target store or Target.com within 14 days of purchase.

They're not the only retailer that discontinued competitor price-matching. Walmart did away with it in 2019, while other retailers, such as Best Buy and Home Depot still have price-matching policies in place.

Target price-matching: Why it's changing

The biggest reason why Target discontinued its price-matching with competitors comes from its shoppers' behaviors. In a statement to CBS, Target said, "Guests overwhelmingly price match Target and not other retailers."

The news comes on the cusp of struggling sales performance from the retailer. Target (TGT) announced a 3% drop in sales from the first quarter, compared to the previous year's sales.

Target CEO Brian Cornell said Target was navigating a tough environment with declining customer confidence and uncertainty of how tariffs will impact prices moving forward. Cornell added that price hikes from tariffs would be the very last resort.

The retailer also faced its share of customer backlash, resulting from the company scaling back its DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) program. This triggered boycotts, with foot traffic in stores declining by 6.8% in March, per Retail Brew.

How to price-match and save moving forward

With Target's price-matching policies changing, you still have ample tools at your disposal to compare prices quickly to find the best deals.

ShopSavvy is a free app you can download on your phone or tablet. I tried it out and found it very easy to use, and they won't share your data with retailers. Each day, they curate deals on everyday items, so you can find the best prices and buy quickly.

Another tool that can help you save money is Capital One Shopping. I've also used this, as it can help you find discounts as you shop and price-match Amazon items.

You download the browser extension for free, and every time you go to a website like Amazon or Target, it will populate any discounts available. Best of all, you don't need a Capital One account to sign up.

Overall, Target's discontinuation of its competitor price-matching policy signals the retailer's step into trying to reengage customers and drive foot traffic. Even with them discontinuing price-matching with competitors, there are many tools you can use to compare prices and save. That way, changes in retailers' policies won't impact you as much moving forward.

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Updated: The 2025 sales tax holiday in Alabama has ended.

Alabama shoppers had something to look forward to in July: Back-to-school savings. Savvy shoppers could purchase school supplies, computers, and clothing free from the state’s sales tax. This was a big deal since Alabama has one of the highest sales tax rates in the U.S.

Of course, the tax holiday was just one of the ways the Cotton State is cutting back on sales tax this year.

You may have heard about the recent state tax exemption on diapers, or that Alabama’s grocery tax is due for another reduction in September.

Here’s what you need to know about the Alabama tax-free weekend and the state’s sales tax laws in the coming months.

When was tax-free weekend in Alabama?

The annual back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday ran from 12:01 AM on Friday, July 18 until midnight on Sunday, July 20.

During this time, many types of school supplies (including computers and tablets) and clothing were exempt from Alabama’s usual 4% sales tax rate.

What was included in the Alabama tax-free weekend?

The Alabama tax-free weekend included clothing, school supplies, books, and electronics, like computers.

Clothing was tax-free during the Alabama sales tax holiday as long as each piece did not exceed $100.

Tax-exempt clothing items included jackets, jeans, shoes, belts, hats, and diapers (though diapers are about to be made temporarily state sales tax-free for a longer period — more on that later).

What clothing was not tax-free? A few items were not considered clothing. Here are a few examples of items you still had to pay tax on during the Alabama tax-free weekend:

• Athletic gear (shin guards, shoulder pads, roller skates, athletic shoes, or sports gloves).
• Jewelry, watches, and hair accessories.
• Handbags and briefcases.
• Cosmetics (including makeup).
• Sunglasses, eyeglasses, and contacts (prescription or nonprescription).
• Belt buckles.

A few eligible electronics and other school supplies were tax-exempt during the tax-free weekend.

However, non-educational video games and computer parts that were sold separately did not qualify.

Alabama had a tax-free holiday on electronics. Eligible purchases included computers and printer supplies (printer paper, printer ink) as well as flash drives and tablets.

• Purchases could not exceed $750.
• Items produced solely for recreation did not qualify.

School supplies were eligible for the Alabama tax-free weekend.

Almost all school supplies were fair game during the Alabama sales tax holiday.

To qualify, each item must have cost $50 or less.

• Art supplies (paints, clay, drawing pads, scissors, etc.).
• Book bags, lunch boxes, binders, notebooks, and folders.
• Calculators and writing tablets.
• Many books with a sales price of $30 or less per book.
• Required textbooks on an official school book list, with a sales price of more than $30 and less than $50.

Note: Although many school supplies were tax-free, some are not. Items used for “clean room apparel and equipment” were not tax-free, including cleaning supplies, paper towels, and hand sanitizer.

For a full list of qualifying items, visit the state’s Department of Revenue website.

Alabama tax-free diapers plus savings on baby products and more

You could purchase diapers tax-exempt during Alabama’s tax-free weekend. Soon you won’t have to wait for a tax holiday, though.

That’s because Alabama recently passed legislation that will temporarily eliminate state sales tax on popular family essentials. In addition to diapers, other items will soon be state sales tax-exempt:

• Baby formula and bottles.
• Pump equipment and baby wipes.
• Maternity clothing and feminine hygiene products.

Alabama will exempt these products and diapers from state sales tax beginning September 1, 2025. However, the sales tax exemption is temporary and will expire on August 31, 2028, unless future legislation extends the provision.

Alabama grocery tax cut: Food taxes

Alabama is one of the states that still taxes groceries. Yet the Cotton State recently passed legislation to reduce the sales tax on grocery items in the coming months.

Beginning September 1, 2025, the Alabama grocery tax rate will reduce from 3% to 2%. But the Alabama grocery tax cut may have come at a price.

As reported by Kiplinger, a prior Alabama law made income earned from overtime (hours exceeding 40 per week) exempt from state taxes. The law, which went into effect last year, expired earlier in 2025.

According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), the “no tax on overtime” provision was initially expected to cost Alabama $34 million in revenue. However, the total cost grew to be about 10 times as much.

“For this reason, Alabama lawmakers chose not to renew [no tax on overtime],” reports ITEP, “Instead using the savings to reduce the state’s grocery tax and fund other priorities.”

Meanwhile, with a sales tax cut on groceries from 3% to 2%, Alabama residents will see a $1 reduction for every $100 spent on eligible grocery items.

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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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Amazon Prime Day is known for its great deals on electronics, household goods and other essentials, but Amazon has changed things up this year with the inclusion of travel deals.

With the Amtrak Prime Day deal, you can get 20% off certain Amtrak fares. This deal is perfectly timed given the summer travel season, and if you frequently travel or are planning a trip, you can take advantage of these savings, but you have to act fast.

What to know about the Amtrak Prime Day deal

With the Amtrak Prime Day deal, you can get train travel discounts if you book by July 11. Amtrak is offering 20% off regular coach class fares on trips between August 5 and November 13. The promotion applies only to midweek fares occurring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

These train travel discounts are part of Amazon’s first-ever Prime Day Travel deals. Other deals include up to $800 off of Royal Caribbean cruises, up to $1,200 off per room on Carnival cruisesand up to 20% off San Diego hotels.

How to book your discounted Amtrak trip

You can save with the Amtrak Prime Day deal by booking your train trip through the Prime Day page. You’ll need to be a Prime member, and you’ll need to book by July 11^th, when Amazon Prime Day ends. The savings will be automatically displayed in your cart after you select your trip.

You can also get the train travel discounts while using the Amtrak app. App users will need to use the discount code C708 to get the discount.

Amtrak offers more than 30 train routes throughout the United States, as well as some in Canada. The railway travels to over 500 destinations in 46 states, so you can book a trip to head to a big city, see a small town and explore parts of the country that you’ve never seen before.

Additional ways to save on rail travel

Rail travel can be a fantastic way to take a vacation, and it’s more affordable than air travel. With these smart booking strategies, you can save on rail travel:

• Shop for discounts: Before you book, do some research and look for available discounts. Amtrak offers discounts, including flash sales, that can help you save on your vacation.  
• Check social media and newsletters: Follow the social media accounts and sign up for the newsletters from the railways that you’re planning to use. Some railways, like Via Rail, share contests that you can enter to win free rail travel. Railways may also share details about discounts or specials through their newsletters.
• Comparison shop: Rates can vary depending on railways and the dates you plan to travel. Booking sites like Kayak make it easy to see available booking options and prices. Experiment with different railways and travel dates to get the best deal on your travel.
• Book early: Just like when booking a flight, you’ll often get the best deals on rail travel when you book early. Last-minute bookings tend to cost more, so try to buy your tickets at least a few weeks ahead of your trip.
• Join rewards programs: Many railways offer rewards programs that can help you save when you frequently travel. The Amtrak Guest Rewards program is free to join, and you can earn points to redeem for travel, upgrades, gift cards and more.
• Travel during non-peak times: When you plan your vacation, try to schedule your rail travel for non-peak times, such as during the middle of the week. Prices tend to be lower during these times, and trains are usually less crowded.
• Come prepared: While you can buy snacks and meals on the train, their prices are inflated. Save money by packing food and water to reduce expenses during your trip.

A good time to try train travel

The Amtrak Prime Day deal is a great way to get discounts on your rail travel if you already know the dates of your trip. If you’re still working out those details or want to save even more, these smart booking strategies can help you find the best rail travel deals possible.

Rail travel can be a relaxing alternative to plane travel, giving you and your family a unique view of the country during your vacation.

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Amazon’s Prime Day promises big savings, but your final bill could be higher than anticipated thanks to sales taxes that vary by state, and Trump-imposed tariffs that are pushing up prices on many imported products.

Here’s what you need to know before you shop and to avoid tax surprises at checkout this year.

Prime Day 2025 deals

This year’s Prime Day is Amazon’s longest ever, running from Tuesday, July 8, through Friday, July 11, 2025. That’s double the usual length.

New offers can reportedly drop as often as every five minutes during peak periods, and shoppers can expect discounts on Amazon devices, tech gadgets, home goods, apparel, and more.

Amazon is also offering “Today’s Big Deals,” limited-time themed offers on top brands like Samsung, Kiehl’s, and Levi’s, with millions of items across more than 35 categories marked down for Prime members.

According to an Amazon release: “Last year’s event saw record-breaking sales and more items sold during the two-day event than any previous Prime Day event. Independent sellers — most of which are small and medium-sized businesses — who make up more than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store and help make Amazon’s wide selection possible, sold more than 200 million items during the 2024 Prime Day event.”

Some shoppers see it as Black Friday in July, with deep price cuts on electronics, home essentials, and back-to-school supplies.

How sales tax affects your Prime Day deals

While those headline prices are tempting, high sales tax can quietly add more to your final bill.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair decision, nearly every state now requires Amazon to collect sales tax at checkout. That’s regardless of whether Amazon has a physical presence there.

That means your local sales tax rate — ranging from under 5% in some states to close to 10% or more in parts of Alabama and Louisiana — applies to many Prime Day purchases.

• For example, if you grab a $500 laptop online and live in a place with a 9.5% sales tax, you could pay an extra $47.50 at checkout.
• The Tax Foundation reports the average combined state and local sales tax rate in the U.S. is about 7.5% as of 2025. But your actual rate depends on where you live.
• Shoppers in states with no sales tax, like Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon, are exempt from sales tax; however, most others should expect to pay.

This is a detail that can turn a “can’t-miss” deal into a price that’s only average once the tax is tacked on. So, before you check out, factor in your local rate to avoid sticker shock.

How tariffs can quietly raise Prime Day prices

Tariffs are another issue surrounding this year’s Prime Day deals.

Tariffs are taxes that governments impose on goods and services imported from another country. They can be a source of revenue, but can also be used as a barrier to regulate international trade and safeguard domestic industries.

Over the past months, President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs affecting a wide range of consumer products.

The on-and-off timing and amounts of these levies have meant that products arriving at U.S. ports after July 9 could have been subject to higher import taxes, especially in categories like electronics, appliances, and home goods.

• Recent reporting from the National Retail Federation found that nearly 60% of U.S. retailers expect to raise prices on imported goods if tariffs remain in place or increase.
• Some third-party sellers on Amazon have reportedly responded by limiting the number of Prime Day deals or shifting their supply chains to other countries to avoid the steepest tariffs.
• For many products, however, higher import costs are unavoidable, and those costs are often passed directly to consumers.

For more information, see What's Happening With Trump Tariffs? and How Tariffs Work and What They Mean for You in 2025.

Amazon hasn’t issued a broad public statement on how tariffs may or may not affect Prime Day. Still, some analysts have suggested that when it comes to tariff impacts, the best deals are likely to be on inventory already in U.S. warehouses.

Shoppers looking for big-ticket items, especially electronics, could see higher prices than expected.

Still, web, product, and mobile analytics company Adobe Analytics has noted that “U.S. online sales jumped 9.9% year over year to $7.9 billion on Tuesday.”

However, some reports suggest that those first-day sales were lower than last year's Prime Day start, perhaps due to the additional days to shop for deals this year.

Prime Day 2025 plus Target, Walmart Deals and Best Buy: Avoid surprises

How can you ensure you’re actually getting a good deal this Prime Day? Start by checking your local sales tax rate and consider using price-tracking tools to compare current deals with historical prices.

Not a Prime Day fan? Other major retailers are offering their own sales in July.

• For instance, Target is running "Target Circle Week," featuring significant markdowns on home goods, electronics, and more.
• Simultaneously, Walmart is holding its "Walmart Deals" event, offering deep discounts on a wide variety of products.
• Best Buy is also competing with a major sale focused on electronics, with price cuts on laptops, TVs, and other tech gadgets.

And remember, not every Prime Day or similar offer is a must-buy. With inflation and global supply chain issues still affecting the retail sector, it’s good to read any “fine print “and avoid letting countdown timers pressure you into impulse purchases.

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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.

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If you're looking for an alternative to Amazon Prime Day, Walmart Deals is here. Walmart's special anti-Prime sale has a few things going for it that Amazon doesn't.

One, you don't need a membership to shop Walmart Deals. For Amazon Prime Day, you need an Amazon Prime membership, which is $14.99 per month. Therefore, you'll save $15 just by going with Walmart Deals.

On top of this, you get a head start on summer savings. Walmart Deals runs from June 22 through June 28, while Amazon Prime Day runs from June 23 through June 26. That means shoppers get three extra days of deals to browse and compare prices. With that in mind, here are some of the best deals you can score during Walmart's event.

Top electronics deals at Walmart

If you're looking to upgrade your tech, Walmart Deals has the following sales:

• MSI Vector 16" QHD+ 240Hz Gaming Laptop. 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (2026) - Now $1,599. Save $800.
• Acer Nitro 60 Gaming Desktop. Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 225F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD - Now $898. Save $551.99
• Beats Solo4 On-Ear Wireless Headphones in Drenched Gray - Now $99.95. Save $100
• Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 16" Touchscreen Laptop. Intel Core 5 120U, 16GB RAM, 512 SSD in Luna Grey - Now $499. Save $100
• Meta Quest 3S 256gb VR Headset Level Up With Double the Storage - Now $382. Save $67.99

Home and kitchen Walmart Deals

Walmart offers a variety of generous sales on top products to help keep your home cleaner, looking great, and in one instance, you more caffeinated:

• Simzlife Nugget Ice Maker Countertop. Soft Chewable Pebble Nugget Ice Machine - Now $169.99. Save $180.00
• Keurig K-Express Essentials Plus, Iced and Hot Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker - Now $69. Save 10
• MLILY Ego Black King Size Mattress. 14-inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress in a Box - Now $419.99. Save $480.01
• Ninja SLUSHi 72-Oz Frozen Drink Machine with RapidChill Technology - Now $249. Save $50
• INSE Cordless 6-in-1 Lightweight Stick Vacuum for Hardwood Floors, Carpet, Pet Hair - Now $54.99. Save $245

Top beauty deals at Walmart

Walmart Deals also offers some steep discounts on summer fashion, so if you're planning a vacation soon or an evening out, you can look your best doing so:

• Wrangler Men's and Big Men's Stretch Cargo Shorts - Now $18.98. Save $3
• MINTREUS Lounge Sets for Women. Knit Short-Sleeve Tops and Long Pants - Now $16.99. Save $14
• Onimisc Men's 100% Cotton Pajama Pants with Pocket and Drawstring 3-Pack - Now $25.99. Save $14
• Reebok Women's 18" Paige Laptop Backpack - Now $14. Save $6
• NELEUS Women's 2-in-1 Athletic Summer Shorts with Pocket - Now $14.99. Save $13.01

Stay cool with top summer essentials

• Brita 6 Cup Small Plastic Water Filter Pitcher. BPA Free with 1 Standard Brita Filter - Now $17.98. Save $2
• GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker XL Oversized Foldable Rocking Camp Chair - Now $68. Save $17
• Mainstays 6' Premium White Rectangle Centerfold Folding Table - Now $49.44. Save $15.56
• JIOABL Portable Badminton Net Set. 10 Foot Adjustable Height for Outdoor & Indoor Use - Now $28.99. Save $17
• LIFERECORD Zero Gravity Folding Portable Outdoor Camping Chair with Cup Holder and Removable Cushion - Now $44.99. Save $42

Earn a 50% discount on Walmart Plus

If you shop at Walmart regularly, it makes sense to consider a Walmart Plus membership. New members can try it free for 30 days to see if it works for you.

Or, you can score a 50% discount on an annual membership:

Perks of Walmart Plus include:

• Free shipping and returns on thousands of items
• Free grocery delivery for orders over $35, provided you meet specific membership or location requirements.
• Free pharmacy delivery with no order minimum
• Video streaming: either Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium (members can switch every 90 days)
• 10¢ per gallon off at participating Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy stations, plus member pricing at Sam's Club fuel centers
• Free online pet care through Pawp
• 25% off one eligible Burger King digital order per day, plus a free Whopper with purchase once per quarter

As you can see, Walmart Deals offer some exceptional value. However, these deals won’t last long, sales run through June 28. If you spot something you need, it’s best to act fast before popular items sell out or prices go back up.

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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.

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Amazon isn't the only retailer putting on a major promotional event this summer. To compete with Amazon Prime Day, Sam's Club is offering extended deals on seasonal goods to help families "have their best summer yet."

While existing customers will enjoy saving money on the goods they need to make the season special, non-customers may wonder if the promotion is reason enough to join the warehouse club.

We'll break down what deals customers can expect and discuss the cost and benefits of club membership. That way, you can decide whether becoming a member is the right move.

Sam's Club summer locked-in values

Now through July 22, 2025, Sam's Club is freezing potential price increases on hundreds of summer essentials. Locked-in value items include, but aren't limited to:

• Backyard barbecue must-haves: Grills, hot dogs, smashed burgers, rotisserie chicken, chicken breasts, hamburger and hot dog rolls, condiments, cherry limeade, strawberry lemonade and paper plates
• Beach and pool necessities: Sunscreen, Igloo coolers, water toys, pool floats and travel snacks
• Seasonal apparel: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and sandals
• Outdoor fun gear: Splash pads and golf balls

Diana Marshall, executive vice president and chief experience officer at Sam's Club, said about the shopping event, "We listened — and what we heard was clear: summer is about making memories. Time with family and friends. Backyard barbecues. Spontaneous pool days. Members want to soak up every moment, not stress over shifting prices or weekly budgeting."

Once the locked-in value days are over, the Club will kick off another one-day promotion on July 23, 2025, called the July Instant Savings Event. Customers can expect price cuts on summer-related products and back-to-school gear.

Here are some of the locked-in value items you can shop right now:

• Igloo Bone White and Gray 60-Quart Sunset Roller Cooler, $49.98
• Member's Mark 2-Pack Hotel Premier Collection Down Alternative Bed Pillows, $17.98
• VIZIO 75" Class Quantum Series 4K QLED Smart TV, $548
• Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush, Pure White & Night Black, 2pk., 3 Brush Heads, $99.97
• Versace Medusa Pop Swiss Quartz Black Silicone Watch, 39mm, $249

How the shopping event compares to Prime Day

Sam's Club's summer promotions focus mainly on seasonal goods and everyday items that families need, while Amazon Prime Day features steep discounts on electronics (especially the retailer's brand), toys and other items.

Prime Day (which should now be called Prime Days) runs from July 8, 2025, through July 11, 2025, ending nearly two weeks before Sam's Club's events.

Like Sam's Club, you must be a member to shop the Prime Day deals. Prime membership comes with a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:

• Unlimited streaming
• Unlimited photo storage
• Fast, free shipping
• Free GrubHub+ membership
• Gas and pharmacy savings

Joining Prime costs $139 annually or $14.99 per month.

Is a Sam’s Club membership worth the price?

Becoming a Sam's Club member gives you shopping rights at 600 locations. Depending on your goals and budget, you can choose one of two membership levels:

If you're still not convinced that you'll save enough money via Sam’s Club’s summer promotions to offset the membership fee, consider what buying in bulk could do for your budget year-round.

Plus, there are ways to save on a Sam's Club membership. For instance, StackSocial is running a limited-time 50%-off deal on both membership levels. You may also be eligible for a discounted membership if you're a teacher, member of the military, first responder, senior, healthcare professional, student, government employee or member of another qualifying group.

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Amazon Prime Day is October 7 and 8. Along with thousands of sales on everyday items, one overlooked component of Prime Day is that you can use it to make your home more energy efficient and save in multiple ways.

How? First, you can take advantage of all the deals on energy-efficiency items on sale during Prime Day. Next, some of your home improvement projects qualify for tax credits. And now is the time to take advantage of those credits while they're still available.

President Donald Trump signed into law the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which will end the energy-efficient home improvement credit designed to help homeowners save on upgrades like adding exterior doors, central air conditioners, water heaters, electric or natural gas pumps, and more. This credit expires after December 31, 2025.

Therefore, now is a great time to invest in home improvements while they're on sale, reduce your home's energy costs — and claim tax credits for them.

Before diving into the deals, you'll need an Amazon Prime account to do so. If you're new, you can try it free for 30 days:

Save on exterior doors during Amazon Prime Day

A strong exterior door not only provides a sense of security but can also lower your energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy states you can save up to 10% on your utility bills by replacing your exterior door with an energy-efficient model.

The savings extend further, as you can earn a tax credit on them. Per the IRS, exterior doors that meet Energy Star requirements qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the costs of the door, up to $250 per door, with a $500 annual cap.

Here is one of the best deals you can score right now:

Water heater deals for Amazon Prime Day

Another way to lower energy costs is with a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters can improve energy efficiency in your home by heating water only when you need it, instead of running more continuously like other models.

The U.S. Department of Energy states it can improve energy efficiency in smaller homes by up to 34% and in larger homes by as much as 14%. What's more, some water heaters qualify for a tax credit of up to $600 per unit if they meet or exceed the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) highest efficiency tier.

And during Amazon Prime Day, you can receive a great deal and earn tax credits on this tankless water heater:

Other Prime Day deals to lower energy costs

While some of these items won't qualify for tax credits, you can still save money during Amazon Prime Day and lower your energy costs:

• Govee Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (4-Pack) – Now $39.99. Save 20%
• Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat (ST75) – Now $134.99. Save 23%
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) + Nest Temperature Sensor – Now $249.99. Save 17%
• Blackout Curtains (84” Ivory, 2 Panels) – Now $39.99. Save 20%
• Stopwatt Energy Saving Device (4-Pack) – Now $79.99. Save 15%

How do I receive tax credits for my Amazon Prime Day purchases?

You can claim expenses related to any qualifying home improvements installed during the year you're filing your taxes. To do so, you'll need to file Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, with your tax return.

Amazon Prime Day gives you the opportunity to save on energy-efficiency items that can lower your energy bills. On top of this, some of these items come with tax credits, where, as long as you install them before the end of the year, you can save even more.

However, time is limited on both savings opportunities. Amazon Prime Day runs through October 8. Meanwhile, the tax credits for home energy improvements will end at the end of this year.

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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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