30% of shoppers

October 11, 2024

Say return fees are more annoying than jury duty and the DMV. I agree — I was just charged a 20% restocking fee when I tried to return a few sweaters. Check the policy before you buy, and just know many retailers will waive those fees if you go to a physical location.

Tags: restocking fees, return fees, return policy, shopping

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Safety first

Your valuables, guns and money need to be locked up. Options? Yup, I’ve got ‘em.

Amazon Basics’ steel safes use an electronic keypad. They’re highly rated and a good deal. The big one (1.8 cubic feet) is under $90 right now. A small option is $50.
This looks like a normal frame on your wall but slides open to hide whatever you want. Just be aware it doesn’t lock.
I haven’t tried it, but there are great reviews on this biometric gun safe (on sale for $56). You can use your fingerprint, PIN or a key to open it.
This is a great option for important docs (26% off). It’s fire-rated for 30 minutes and holds 20 or more hanging folders.
For fun, hide your stuff in one of these: A can (I like the ravioli and peaches), a fake wall outlet or a dictionary with a lock.

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Need a new computer? Knowing the minimum requirements for what you do helps. For using the internet and watching movies, a 1.3 GHz processor and 2GB to 4GB of RAM is fine. If you do anything more intensive, go for a 3.5 GHz processor and at least 8GB of RAM.

🐾 Amazon hack: Amazon’s new AI chatbot, Rufus, can help you find things to buy and answer product questions. People are using it to find cheaper versions of popular name-brand items. Pro tip: The bot won’t help if you ask for “dupes” (paywall link). Rephrase your request, like asking for “leggings similar to Lululemon pants.” You’ve gotta be smarter than the bot!

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Going chemical-free is worth the money

🥘 I got rid of all my old pots and pans that didn’t match and had PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, cadmium and other toxic materials that can leach into your food, making them unsafe for you and your family.

Here’s what I bought instead. Let me tell you, these are expensive, but they have no chemicals, and I don’t even need to use spray oil anymore. With the holidays coming up, you’ll definitely use these:

Loaf pan for breads, lasagna for two and more.
Nonstick cookware set I got in the cream color.
Bakeware set so you’ll have all you need to do anything.
Finally, if you don’t want to buy a set, just try one frying pan or baking dish you use a lot. I know you’re gonna love it. You can always return it if you don’t.

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🧀 Cheesy food puns are so grate

I was cutting a bagel with a big serrated knife the other day and scared myself. That’s why I got this bagel guillotine (31% off).
This 5-in-1 tool opens any bottle, jar or whatever else. It’s only $8.
Wish I had this when Ian was a kid: An automatic drink dispenser for the milk or anything else heavy in the fridge.
Amazon’s bestselling veggie chopper is 50% off. No more onion fingers! Press down and you’re done.
When the kitchen is full of fruit flies, plug in one of these sticky traps. All the grossness is on the back, phew.

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Dinner is served!

Despite what my podcast cohost, Andrew, would have you believe, I don’t order takeout every night.

One of my favorite meals is fresh-caught salmon cooked on one of these salt blocks. So, so good.
Chef trick: Sprinkle Maldon sea salt on meat, veggies, brownies or cookies. It’s crunchy and not too salty.
Last time I moved, I threw out all my crusty, old baking sheets and got fresh, shiny ones. This brand lasts forever.
You deserve a real napkin with dinner, not a paper towel.
Keep your fridge fresh. This odor eliminator works better than a box of baking soda and lasts a decade.

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🐶 Your best friend’s best friend: Content Queen Allie was telling me about how much her pup, Nova, loves her BarkBox subscription. It shows up in the mail monthly (or however often you want), packed with treats and toys. There’s a standard option or the Super Chewer box if your pup tears up soft toys.

You ask, I deliver

📦 Lots of requests for more handy little helpers around the house. I’ve got your back!

Collapsible storage bins (set of 3) (50% off, only $13.50): For when you’re up to your eyeballs in junk. Give your stuff a home!
Suction cup phone holder (55% off, now $9): Perfect for hands-free Facetime, watching videos or following recipes.
Rechargeable LED flashlight ($14): Be prepared for anything. I keep a flashlight in my car, too.
Pet hair remover ($15): Game-changer for keeping the car and furniture fur-free.
Silicone stretch lids (6 for $10): I can’t stand plastic wrap. These reusable lids fit any container.

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So smart: Instead of just one smart plug, upgrade to a smart power strip. This one is 40% off and has six outlets you can control individually. Looks like a home office home run to me.

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👍 Finds you’ll use time and time again

12-pack of streak-free cleaning cloths ($7): No home ever has too many microfiber cloths, just sayin’.
Cable organizer bag (over 50% off): Tangled charging cables are the worst! A compact organizer keeps everything tidy.
LED desk lamp with USB port ($16): Brighten up your workspace with a stylish lamp. This one has adjustable brightness levels and a USB port for charging. Sweet.
Herb scissors with 5 blades ($10): Perfect for snipping parsley, basil, cilantro, mint — you name it.
Self-adhesive cable clips ($8): Another easy way to keep your cord mess in check.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.