I know, food prices are insane. Cliff Smith found a great way to save — and has eaten a lot of great meals in his quest.
Google’s Dark Side: 5 search terms to avoid at all cost
Ever Google search for coupons or promo codes? You’ll probably waste 15 minutes putting in codes that don’t work. At worst, you’ll end up on a malware-infected site. Use these proven tricks to save money instead.
Streaming is expensive, so you might be tempted to look up free TV shows or movies. Don’t do it. There are seriously sketchy sites out there. I put together a list of ways to get free movies and shows you can trust.
It doesn’t end there — not even close. How can a simple Google search be dangerous? Keep reading.
SEO poisoning and scammy ads
Google anything and you get pages of search results. At the very top are the “Sponsored Results.” These are paid ads businesses use to drive traffic to their websites.
Google doesn’t vet everyone who buys an ad. Cybercrooks can buy ads just like trustworthy companies — except they hide nasty malware on their sites. Scammers are getting good at SEO, so their malicious search results are at the top of the organic results.
So, what terms should you avoid? Sadly, there’s a whole lot. Let’s focus on five that could do some real damage.
1. Free credit report
There are legitimate ways to get a free credit report. But cybercriminals go after the juiciest search terms and think about all they can get their hands on if you think it’s a site you can trust.
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the three credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Experian, and Equifax) to provide U.S. consumers with a free annual credit report. There are a variety of ways you can request a copy of your annual report from each agency:
- Online: www.AnnualCreditReport.com
- Phone: 1-877-FACTACT (1-877-322-8228)
If you want to send by mail, download and complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form, then send it to:
This simple trick can save you hundreds of dollars a year on streaming
When cord-cutting was all the rage, the driving force was to save money. Why pay hundreds of dollars monthly for cable when you can get great shows and movies through streaming services?
The problem is the savings didn’t last long. Streaming services like DirecTV Stream, Netflix and Hulu always increase prices. Tap or click here for details on some recent price hikes.
Rock your resolutions
💡 Don’t go it alone. Sometimes, a simple tool can take your goals from “impossible” to “no biggie.”
- Save money: A smart light switch (33% off, $30) cuts your electric bill by letting you turn off lights from your phone. It works with Alexa and Google Home, too.
- Get better sleep: A white noise machine (47% off) blocks out all the little creaks and noises so you can sleep easier. Plus, this one’s under $20 right now.
- Lose weight: A mini pedal exerciser lets you stay active while sitting at your desk or vegging out on your couch. Or try a $100 walking treadmill when you’re watching TV or working.
- Drink more water: Get a smart water bottle that reminds you to take a slug of the mug. It glows when you should take a sip!
- Exercise your brain: Start every day with a new brainbuster with this ”Jeopardy!” day-to-day calendar (50% off, $9).
- Get creative: This $8 embroidery kit is great for beginners. Already know how? Try a woodcarving kit!
- Pray more: I like this book that gives daily devotionals. If you scroll down, there are several more to choose from you might like.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Save money: Check this page to see if anything you’ve bought on Amazon is on sale right now. This way, you can stock up!
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Stolen phone checker
Thinking about buying a used smartphone to save money? Be careful — if it’s reported stolen, it could be locked and totally useless.
442 locations closing
After LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators) filed for bankruptcy. About 100 stores were shuttered over the summer to save money, but now they’re pulling the plug. Existing orders will be filled, and all remaining stock is going for cheap, so they’re not out of the woods yet.
How to bring in more income in the new year by selling your stuff
Are you new to the neighborhood or want to connect with your community? Try joining a buy nothing group. Neighbors pass around items for free, which is a great way to save money on things you need and establish rapport. Tap or click here for safe ways to get free stuff from next door.
Looking for something to watch? This mistake puts your computer at risk
There are plenty of streaming services where you can get your fill of entertainment. With rising costs, you might be looking for ways to save money. Tap or click for a simple trick to save hundreds of dollars.
Services such as Netflix let you download content to your computer (depending on your subscription level), so you can watch it later. Similarly, the music service Spotify allows you to download songs and albums.
Worst and best fonts to save money on printer ink
Do you prefer Times New Roman, Arial, or even Comic Sans? Here’s a surprise: The font you choose could actually affect your wallet.
Let AI budget and make your grocery list
Grocery prices got you down? I’ll show you how AI can help you plan meals, save money, and make grocery shopping easy.
'Buy Nothing' groups to save money
These groups let you give and get items for free, helping you save money and declutter. Find one near you and start sharing!
Save energy, save money, save the world: Open up Settings in Windows, then choose System and Power (or Power & battery on a laptop). At the top of the screen, you’ll see recommendations for cutting down on your computer’s energy use.
Google Maps feature to save money
For real, it can save you 5% to 15% on gas!
Get a smart thermostat to save money this summer
The scorching temps are burning a hole in your wallet. Here’s how you can beat the heat and save some bucks, in 60 seconds.
Save on your monthly phone bill with these apps for calling and texting
Can apps for making calls and sending texts save you money? You might be surprised. Tap or click here for ways to save money on your phone bill – and maybe even get free service.
They offer convenience and service without the excessive mark-up. The only question: which texting app should you use?
The best tech gifts for when money is no object
Here at the Komando HQ, we’re always sharing clever new ways you can save money. And when you’ve got all this extra money in your pocket, sometimes, you may want to splurge on something special.
Maybe you want to upgrade your home with a larger TV, or maybe you’re passionate about art and want to spark creative discussions around the dinner table. Sports and music lovers may also want to use the latest and greatest tech to add some pizazz to their daily lives.
5 smart money moves every smartphone owner can make to save some cash
Like it or not, smartphones have become a necessity for most people. They are useful for keeping up with work, school, hobbies, finances, the news and pretty much anything else you can think of. Long gone are the days when a phone is simply a phone.
5 ways to save money on your phone bill – and maybe even get free service
Our monthly cellphone bills are usually sky-high. Luckily, there are a few ways to save money on your cellphone bills. You don’t need to make huge changes, like switching out your Samsung Galaxy for a secondhand flip phone (although that would save a lot of money).
Cord cutters: One tool to make sure you’re not wasting money on streaming services
Streaming services have changed the way we watch TV forever. The days of having to wait an entire week to find out what happens on the next episode of your favorite show are over.
Now, full seasons are released on services like Netflix and Hulu on the same day, so people can binge-watch them over a single weekend. Tap or click here to find out which streaming service is best.