spending/shopping Archives - Komando.com The Kim Komando Show: America's top weekend talk radio program about all things digital! Free tips, downloads, software, newsletters, advice and more about the home electronics, digital cameras, photography, TVs, online security, gadgets and more. Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:00:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.komando.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cropped-favicon512x512-32x32.png spending/shopping Archives - Komando.com 32 32 166923932 Sneaky ways shopping sites get you to pay more https://www.komando.com/money/sneaky-shopping-site-tricks/900493/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Retailers are getting really creative in how they get us to fill our carts. When I say creative, I don’t necessarily mean in a good way.

An estimated 79% of us shop online at least once a month, and 91% make purchases from our smartphones. Yes, me too. But how many of those purchases were manipulated?

Click here to read full story.

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Before you use the Flip app, know these downsides https://www.komando.com/technology/downsides-of-the-flip-app/899354/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=899354

Savvy internet surfers like us ignore those obnoxious “Claim Now” pop-up ads that promise free gift cards. We’re better than that. But there’s a new shopping app that I have been getting a slew of questions about whether it’s a good way to make some extra cash. So, I decided to check it out for you.

See you on the Flip side

It’s called Flip. Make an account and you can purchase products. Once you get whatever you bought, you can earn money for making a review in a TikTok-style video. Flip pays you when people buy products based on your reviews or if you refer someone to the app. You can use the credits to buy more stuff on Flip or transfer the cash to a bank account.

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The 4 big signs you CAN trust refurbished products https://www.komando.com/money/trusting-refurbished-products/899213/ Sat, 30 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll say I’m frugal. Heck, you can call me cheap — I won’t be offended.

I’ll let you in a little secret, too. Sometimes, buying used is totally the way to go. There are some things I would only buy new, but tech isn’t one of them. There are some darn good deals out there if you’re willing to find them, from Apple, Amazon, eBay, you name it.

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On-time last-minute Christmas gift ideas https://www.komando.com/amazon/on-time-last-minute-christmas-gifts/898997/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=898997

This morning, I realized that I had totally forgotten about three people. Have you ever done that? The good news is you’re not relegated to gift cards just yet. I found a bunch of nice gifts that should arrive before Christmas.

Pro Tips: Sometimes, changing the color or size will show you different delivery dates. And I thought this was strange. Today, I wanted to buy two of one thing (I can’t say what it is cause I know they get my newsletter!). The delivery date was after Christmas. So I changed the quantity to one and it will be here tomorrow. Then I ordered another to be delivered tomorrow. Sweet!

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Buy now, pay later isn’t as simple as you think https://www.komando.com/money/buy-now-pay-later-gotchas/898665/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=898665

You see them on about every shopping site now. Think of “BNPL” (buy now, pay later) as a short-term financing plan. With a few clicks, you request a limited loan agreement to pay for items over time.

Even Apple is getting in on the action. With Apple Pay Later, buy that $1,000 iPhone today and pay it off over four payments. PayPal has one, too, along with services like Afterpay, Affirm and Klarna.

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Best tech gifts for 2023 that are sure to impress https://www.komando.com/amazon/best-tech-gifts-2023/898012/ Sat, 02 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=898012

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone and you still have a few people to check off your Christmas gift list. Now what?

Don’t worry. I can help. I’ve compiled a list of fantastic gift ideas that will work for everyone on your list, from kids to in-laws to your favorite neighbor. You’re welcome! (PssT! Tap or click here for more of our gift idea list.)

Click here to read full story.

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You’re ready to buy the perfect gift: Here’s how to get the best prices https://www.komando.com/money/best-gift-prices/897458/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=897458

Honesty time: I planned to knock out my Christmas list early this year. Yeah, that didn’t happen.

The Black Friday-to-Cyber-Monday weekend mishmash is excellent for finding bargains, but locating what you want in stock and at the lowest price can be challenging.

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Holiday gift guide [2023] – for the kids on your list https://www.komando.com/amazon/holiday-gift-guide-2023-kids/897749/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=897749

Shopping for everyone on your list is difficult enough while juggling work and family life. This year, we’ve removed the guesswork for you with our extensive holiday gift guide. Whether it’s a present for your brother, mother, grandpa or that obscure game-loving coworker you got for Secret Santa, there’s something for you on this list.

We’ll focus on the children in your life here. Check out the links at the end of this post for everyone else.

Click here to read full story.

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Holiday gift guide [2023] – for parents and grandparents https://www.komando.com/amazon/holiday-gift-guide-2023-parents/897767/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=897767

Shopping for everyone on your list is difficult enough while juggling work and family life. This year, we’ve removed the guesswork for you with our extensive holiday gift guide. Whether it’s a present for your brother, mother, grandpa or that obscure game-loving coworker you got for Secret Santa, there’s something for you on this list.

We’ll focus on the parents and grandparents in your life here. Check out the links at the end of this post for everyone else.

Click here to read full story.

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Holiday gift guide [2023] – for in-laws and siblings https://www.komando.com/amazon/holiday-gift-guide-2023-siblings/897793/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=897793

Shopping for everyone on your list is difficult enough while juggling work and family life. This year, we’ve removed the guesswork for you with our extensive holiday gift guide. Whether it’s a present for your brother, mother, grandpa or that obscure game-loving coworker you got for Secret Santa, there’s something for you on this list.

We’ll focus on the in-laws and siblings in your life here. Check out the links at the end of this post for everyone else.

Click here to read full story.

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Holiday gift guide [2023] – for gamers https://www.komando.com/amazon/holiday-gift-guide-2023-gamers/897825/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=897825

Shopping for everyone on your list is difficult enough while juggling work and family life. This year, we’ve removed the guesswork for you with our extensive holiday gift guide. Whether it’s a present for your brother, mother, grandpa or that obscure game-loving coworker you got for Secret Santa, there’s something for you on this list.

We’ll focus on the gamers in your life here. Check out the links at the end of this post for everyone else.

Click here to read full story.

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Holiday gift guide [2023] – for entertainment buffs https://www.komando.com/amazon/holiday-gift-guide-2023-entertainment-buffs/897844/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=897844

Shopping for everyone on your list is difficult enough while juggling work and family life. This year, we’ve removed the guesswork for you with our extensive holiday gift guide. Whether it’s a present for your brother, mother, grandpa or that obscure game-loving coworker you got for Secret Santa, there’s something for you on this list.

We’ll focus on the entertainment buffs in your life here. Check out the links at the end of this post for everyone else.

Click here to read full story.

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Best early Black Friday deals live now on Amazon https://www.komando.com/amazon/early-black-friday-deals-2023/897591/ Sat, 18 Nov 2023 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=897591

You no longer have to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to save. Yep, Amazon’s holiday deals are here now.

Plus, you don’t have to change out of your jammies. 

Click here to read full story.

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Bestselling items on Facebook Marketplace – and how to score them https://www.komando.com/money/bestselling-facebook-marketplace-items/897023/ Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=897023

There’s a lot of weird stuff for sale on Facebook Marketplace. It’s not just old strollers, an elliptical that collected dust for three years and a gross old couch. We’re talking drugs and a lot more … adult things.

But if you can sift through the strange listings, low-ballers and flaky folks who never respond, there are a lot of deals to be had and money to be made if you’re the one selling.

Click here to read full story.

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Shopping under surveillance: How retailers track you & how to be invisible https://www.komando.com/kims-column/shopping-under-surveillance/894471/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0000

If you have a pulse and an internet connection, companies want all the details they can fetch on what you’re willing to buy — and it’s getting harder to tell where they’re obtaining all that info.

Retailers can now track what customers purchase to influence their buying patterns. Loyalty programs collect data on your purchases, frequency and preferences — in exchange for deals.

Click here to read full story.

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Retailers have so many ways to track you – Here’s how to fight back https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/retailers-tracking-you/894363/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

If you have a pulse and an internet connection, companies want all the details they can get on what you’re willing to buy — and it’s getting harder to tell where they’re getting all that info.

The truth? Retailers had us under their microscopes long before we were glued to the internet. Let’s look at how retail tracking works and what you can do.

Click here to read full story.

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The online review problem is getting worse https://www.komando.com/money/untrustworthy-online-reviews/894133/ Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re like me, you scan online reviews before adding that big “something” to a shopping cart … choosing a new plumber or finding a place to get sushi — OK, you get the idea. And you probably are like me: Up to 99% of buyers look up online reviews before purchasing, well, anything.

But here’s the fly in the ratings soup: Reviews have never been less trustworthy. We’re surrounded by brigading (engineering lots of positive posts) and review bombing (engineering lots of negative posts). 

Click here to read full story.

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You won’t believe the weird stuff for sale on Facebook Marketplace https://www.komando.com/social-media/weirdest-facebook-marketplace-listings/893722/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=893722

Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove for second-hand electronics, furniture and collectibles. In the market for something a little … weirder? Scroll past the old bikes and baby clothes and you’ll be shocked at what’s hidden in plain sight.

Things that used to be sold only on the Dark Web and other shady corners of the internet are popping up on Facebook in droves. You can get your hands on everything from Ozempic and illegal drugs to used undies.

Click here to read full story.

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6 ways tech can solve life’s little annoyances https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/tech-hacks-to-make-life-easy/835077/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Minor tech annoyances can seem small at the moment. But in the grand scheme of things, they can cause stress and wasted time. If you don’t want tech issues to have a significant impact, cut them off with these tech life hacks.

They can even help you when you’re away from your computer. Read on for a few easy ways to make your life easier.

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Grocery bill too high? Smart ways to save every time https://www.komando.com/money/money-saving-grocery-shopping/893141/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Rule of thumb: Don’t Google “coupons.” You’ll most likely end up on junk sites trying to get you to click an ad. 

That said, CouponFollow found typical households could save over $300 on things they were already buying at the grocery store using coupons. So, how do you find legit deals?

Click here to read full story.

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