Pickleball has been called the “fastest growing sport in America” and it’s easy to see why. Throughout the pandemic, the sport moved out of retirement homes and into the mainstream. Now famous athletes like Lebron James have started their own league and millions of people are playing every day. What’s the history behind this sport and why has it become so popular?
What’s in your wallet?
Let’s talk about cash. No, I’m not asking you for any. Here are a few fun facts. Last year, only 20% of all purchases in the U.S. were paid for in cold, hard cash — and nearly half of Americans abandoned Benjamins altogether in a typical week.
Shocked? I’m not. I don’t carry cash or credit cards. I carry my phone. It’s my wallet. Digital wallets like Apple and Google Pay are way more convenient than frantically finding change in the checkout line.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is cash really necessary anymore?
The green standard
From privacy proponents who don’t want their transactions tracked to older adults who don’t like change, people disenfranchised by the digital economy are speaking out … and aren’t happy. They want cash to stay. Period.
Yes, cash is the only legal tender backed by the U.S. government. But just because businesses can’t legally refuse to take cash doesn’t mean it can’t be quietly phased out.
Over 20,000 ATMs have vanished in the past three years with the declining demand for cash. People just aren’t using them anymore.
The writing’s on the wall …
The decline of cash is a global phenomenon. Some British protestors say that businesses are making it increasingly difficult, or flat out refusing, to take cash, claiming, “Cash has become something akin to a prison currency like ramen noodles or cigarettes, circulated among panhandlers or those on the margins of society.” Riiight …
The pandemic has only accelerated a growing trend: Cash is dying, and digital payments are growing.
Choosing to use cash is one thing, but you also need to make sure you’re staying with the times. Remember when I said that my phone is my digital wallet? I tuck a $20 bill in my phone’s case because you never know if/when you might need it. You know what? That $20 has been in there for at least a year.
Don’t be afraid of change
Smart tech tips to make summer travel cheaper and less stressful
Travel prices are up about 18% compared to pre-pandemic costs. Then there are the flight cancellations and extra-long waits to contend with. To help, I put together a list of the 10 best travel apps for 2023. Check out the list here.
Zoom's fall from grace
Why has Zoom been struggling since the pandemic ended? Here’s the full story, in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
QR code scams are out of control - How to protect yourself
Imagine losing $15,000 in just a few seconds. It happened to a woman who scanned a QR code to take a survey and instead downloaded malware that drained her bank account.
QR codes are those black-and-white dot-based images you scan to open websites, menus and apps. You name it. But they’re also a sneaky way in for scammers, so much so that the FBI is warning you to think twice, too.
Don't click that ad! It could be hiding malware
Malware can come from pretty much anywhere nowadays. Just previewing a Word doc could infect your device. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
What do you do when you need to find something online? “Just Google it!”
The robots are coming? No, they're already here!
Keeping a lawn you can be proud of is part of the American dream, but it makes you wonder if it’s worth the aches and pains and wasted weekends. Why not let a robot do it for you?
Robots have been part of our world for a long time. They help build cars, sort packages and fly airplanes. We have robots at home in the form of vacuum cleaners, pool cleaners and toys … remember Furby?
Here's where experts say the housing market is getting pricey again - And where you can expect to find deals
On the market for a new home? You’re not alone, but now might not be the time to invest. However, you might be in luck if you’re selling a home.
Zillow, one of the top platforms for buying and selling property, just released its value and sales forecast for March 2023. One major prediction: a decline in total sales, around 4.3 million as opposed to last year’s 5 million.
12 tricks the IRS says every taxpayer needs to know about
Tax day is right around the corner. You have until Tuesday, April 18, 2023, to file. With the clock ticking, scammers hope to quickly find as many victims as possible. That’s why the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urges you to remain vigilant against email and text scams to trick taxpayers about refunds or tax issues.
Warning: Don't fall for these tax scams making the rounds
The deadline for filing 2023 taxes falls on Tuesday, April 18. Is your paperwork in order?
Scammers are ramping up their efforts as we get closer to the big day. Here are some tax scams to watch out for.
Looking for free COVID tests? Don't do this
Life is almost back to normal after a rough couple of years dealing with a global pandemic. At-home COVID tests became a must-have item to navigate the crisis. While there are legit ways to get these tests for free, scammers are now cashing in with elaborate phishing schemes. Things are so bad that the Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm.
Best gigs for seniors to make extra cash without a 9 to 5 job
You may need or want to make some extra money after you’ve retired, but it can be tough to find full-time, in-person work after being away from the employment scene for a while. Not only are jobs hard to come by, but competition is stiff.
Use Amazon to buy groceries? Get ready to pay more
For many, the COVID pandemic made having groceries delivered common. What could be better than having everything you need to be dropped off at your door?
Amazon Fresh was admittedly ahead of its time in this regard. It’s been around since 2007, and everyone who has used it loves it. Sadly, you might need to pay more to have your groceries delivered in the future.
Messaging or emailing your doctor? Be careful, it might cost you
If you have a question for your doctor, but it’s not an emergency, sending an email is the easiest way to communicate. But beware. Some doctors are now charging a fee to send emails or text messages.
Read on for details on why doctors are considering a fee for answering medical questions by email.
This copycat Zoom download is hiding malware
Video conferencing apps like Zoom became extremely popular during the pandemic. Even though many companies are back to working in the office, tons of people still rely on these programs to communicate daily. Tap or click here for Zoom tricks you’ll use all the time.
WebMD for Gen Z: Kids diagnosing mental health disorders online
Life can be difficult for children. It’s been a struggle for many generations. For millions of American kids, there aren’t many places to turn to. Tap or click here for the best parental control apps to protect kids.
Don’t make this major privacy mistake when renting a car
The holiday season is a time of togetherness. Here are a few pro tips to save time and money if you have a long drive ahead.
Are you staying in a hotel? Don’t sign into your room TV to access the streaming services. Here are three hacks to help you get the most out of your temporary TV.
5 smart tech tips for the best road trip this holiday season
Planning a road trip? You’ll want to make sure your car is safe for travel. Tap or click here for five maintenance checks to do every month.
AAA predicted 54.6 million people would travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving. That’s a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes. 49 million said they would travel by car.
How to track your mail-in ballot
Most people in the U.S. can vote by mail now. The convenience factor is undeniable. It’s beneficial to those who are elderly or otherwise homebound. Do you vote by mail? Tap or click here for steps to change your address if you move.
The biggest mistake I made buying a new phone
When Apple, Samsung or Google announce a new smartphone, it’s big news. The latest iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy phones are status symbols in their own right. Though there are more manufacturers, these are among the most popular in the U.S.