Reviews to help you save money https://www.komando.com/category/reviews/money-review/ 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. Sun, 26 Nov 2023 14:00:23 +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 Reviews to help you save money https://www.komando.com/category/reviews/money-review/ 32 32 166923932 Rent your next car from a person like you – or rent out your own https://www.komando.com/money-review/make-money-renting-your-car/550033/ Sun, 26 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000
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If you travel for business or pleasure, renting a car is always an excellent option for exploring a new city or simply getting to where you need to go. But, like buying a car, renting a car can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

With insurance coverage, mileage limits and the extensive paperwork needed to be signed, sometimes it feels easier just to take a taxi or use a ride share versus renting a car.

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3 ways to boost your site’s SEO right now https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/3-ways-to-boost-seo/893581/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Search engine optimization (SEO) feels like magic if you don’t know how it works. Google’s algorithm determines what makes it to page one of any particular search — and the traffic flies in.

Fun fact: That algorithm is called RankBrain (I know, quite a name). Why doesn’t Google post all the secrets online? Aside from protecting its secret sauce, Google wants to protect against people having too much info to game the system.

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Don’t make these 5 big mistakes when buying electronics on Amazon https://www.komando.com/amazon/buying-electronics-on-amazon/854787/ Sat, 05 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Shopping on Amazon can be a great way to save money on otherwise expensive tech. Tap or click here for quick and easy ways to save money when filling your cart. Just avoid the most common mistakes people make when buying electronics on Amazon.

For example, you might be so wowed by a great deal that you snap it up before it sells out. Hasty buying habits can be incredibly costly in the long run, so rein in your impulses. When you’re about to buy from Amazon, read product reviews from a trusted source like Consumer Reports.

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The best budgeting and finance tools for home and business https://www.komando.com/money-review/budgeting-tools-mint-netsuite/580322/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Bad news if you use the budgeting app Mint. It’s shutting down at the end of the year and folding into Credit Karma, owned by Intuit. Mint’s been around since 2006, so it’s a shame to see it go. Worry not! There are other options out there.

What to look for in a budgeting app

Don’t just blindly choose the first app that pops up when you search budgeting apps. There are several factors to consider when selecting the one that fits your needs best.

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Here are the 5 social media companies tracking you the most https://www.komando.com/privacy/social-media-companies-tracking-you/878610/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Your privacy is at risk if you have an internet connection. Every app and service tracks you to some degree, with some playing fast and loose with your data. Here are the most invasive apps.

It’s no secret that social media companies track almost everything you do, but which are the worst offenders? Check out the full report below.

Click here to read full story.

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5 ways to lower your energy bill this summer using tech https://www.komando.com/money-review/lower-your-energy-bill/885764/ Sat, 27 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

It’s getting hot out there, and you’re probably itching to hit the road. Have an older car? Rather than dropping a fortune on a new one, try these upgrades to revamp your ride.

You may not have enough money to travel by car or plane if you don’t get a handle on your bills. Energy prices are high and are expected to stay there for some time. Here are some clever tips to lower energy bills.

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Sick of streaming services? How to find and record your shows for free https://www.komando.com/amazon/find-and-record-shows-for-free/845009/ Sat, 20 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Streaming isn’t for everyone — especially since it means you must constantly juggle ever-changing subscription costs. It’s easy to overpay for movies and shows you don’t have enough time to watch. If you want to save yourself from subscription misery, this guide will help you find and record free shows and movies.

Maybe you don’t want to abandon Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and your other favorite services. Or you’re looking for free streaming services to add to your paid services. Tap or click here for the 15 best sites to watch movies and shows for free.

Click here to read full story.

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The safe way to save your tax files from years past (do this now!) https://www.komando.com/safety-security-reviews/safe-ways-to-store-tax-files/883702/ Sat, 15 Apr 2023 10:30:00 +0000

We’re down to the eleventh hour: Tax Day is coming up on April 18. If you’re one of the millions of Americans filing electronically, watch out! A popular e-file tax site was caught spreading malware for weeks. Here’s what you need to know.

Do you keep copies of important personal documents? If not, tax season is a great time to begin.

Click here to read full story.

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Are you overpaying for the internet? Find out now https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/stop-overpaying-for-internet/835321/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 08:30:00 +0000

Reliable internet may be something you take for granted, but even the most basic plans represent a financial hardship for low-income households.

Free internet service is available in some cases. Here’s the criteria to qualify for free internet.

Click here to read full story.

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This nasty TikTok scam goes after grieving families https://www.komando.com/social-media/tiktok-cremation-scam/878762/ Sun, 05 Mar 2023 03:00:00 +0000

It’s a sad fact that the elderly are prime targets for scammers. One of the scams seniors fall for most is the fake arrest of a grandchild. Here’s how one tough granny fought back

Scammers have a bottomless bag of tricks, including impersonation, taking advantage of emotions and creating a sense of urgency. What happens when a scammer combines all three dirty tricks? Three unfortunate women found out. Here’s the story.

Click here to read full story.

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Here are the best used phones for $100, $300 and $500 https://www.komando.com/money-review/best-used-phones-2023/876815/ Sat, 18 Feb 2023 10:30:00 +0000

If upgrading to a new phone and not keeping your old one, you could be looking at a nice payday. Here are some tips to get the most bang for your buck for your old electronics.

Perhaps you need an upgrade but don’t want to shell out for a brand-new phone. No problem! There are excellent used phones out there to fit any budget. Here are some of the best for each price point.

Click here to read full story.

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You could be getting $360 in free stuff each year from your cell provider https://www.komando.com/tv-streaming-reviews/mobile-carrier-streaming-perks/874200/ Sat, 28 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Your mobile carrier does more than provide you with service. Some include tools to help you avoid spam and scams by blocking unwanted calls and texts. Tap or click here for more ways to avoid scams and spam.

But wait, there’s more! Major carriers are throwing in free limited-time or permanent subscriptions to streaming services as long as you keep your unlimited plan active.

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How to bring in more income in the new year by selling your stuff https://www.komando.com/money-review/selling-old-stuff/871716/ Sat, 07 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

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.

Before you give away anything, check to see if it’s valuable. You could be sitting on big bucks without knowing it. As a bonus, you can clear up some of the clutter around your home.

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Taking surveys to earn money? Don’t fall for scams out to get your info https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/online-survey-scams/871945/ Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The new year is upon us, and what better way to get a headstart than to bring in some extra cash? There are several ways to go about this, from selling your old stuff to renting out your property. Tap or click here for five ways to save and make money in 2023.

Online surveys are another way to supplement income. They can be completed in a few minutes, and while you won’t get paid much for each one, they do add up.

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How long should you keep records for your business, freelance job or side hustles? https://www.komando.com/small-business/organize-your-business-records/857440/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000

So you decided to be on top of your paperwork and organize your business records. That’s a great start for small business owners, freelance workers and anyone with a side hustle. Over time, though, all those records can pile up, cluttering your file cabinet or digital cloud.

On the bright side, you don’t have to keep all of your papers around forever. You can afford to eliminate them after a certain period, which helps if they’re eating up your computer’s memory. Tap or click here for a few ways to tidy up your computer’s storage.

Click here to read full story.

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If you pay for Netflix, check your account now https://www.komando.com/tv-streaming/netflix-plan-options/869313/ Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Streaming services aren’t cheap, so wouldn’t you want to know if someone is mooching off your account? It’s easier to find and cut them off, thanks to some new Netflix settings. Tap or click here to log out anybody using your profile with one click.

With Netflix prices going up and a new ad-based tier, you may want to look at your account. Are you getting what you pay for? Are you paying for a service you barely use?

Click here to read full story.

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5 small biz freebies to save you some cash, from shipping materials to logos https://www.komando.com/small-business/small-business-freebies/781569/ Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Owning or working for a small business is full of joys: Seeing your business take off, working closely with a small team and watching your ideas flourish.

It’s not all a walk in the park, though. Small teams, limited budgets and not enough time in the day can make things challenging.

Click here to read full story.

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3 simple ways to stay safe using buying apps like OfferUp and Craigslist https://www.komando.com/safety-security-reviews/how-to-use-craigslist-safely/865761/ Thu, 17 Nov 2022 21:00:00 +0000

The internet is the ultimate marketplace for affordable, rare, or otherwise unattainable yet desirable goods. Tap or click here for five ways to get free shipping online.

Just like with any interaction with a stranger online, though, doing things without putting yourself in danger is a task all its own. The problem will only compound if seeing the other party in person is necessary.

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Our favorite laptops at every budget (PC, Mac and Chromebook) https://www.komando.com/amazon/best-laptops-every-budget/864051/ Sat, 05 Nov 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Most people have one or two gadgets running simultaneously and can do fine keeping them charged with a couple of cables and a wall outlet. But for those who have multiple devices, that’s simply not enough. Tap or click here for the top charging stations for all your devices.

Tablets are great for browsing the web, reading ebooks, playing games, listening to music and video calls with friends and family. But you should look at a laptop for handling lots of emails, creating documents and general work/business needs. While tablets rely mostly on touchscreens, which is OK for texting, you’ll want a full keyboard for more intensive tasks.

Click here to read full story.

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Sick of slow internet? How to get the fastest connection where you live https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/fast-and-affordable-home-internet/857566/ Sat, 24 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

You’re not alone if your monthly internet bill puts a big dent in your bank account. Use this tip to discover three ways to get fast and affordable home internet.

When you’re paying for high speeds, you know the frustration of not getting all that you’re promised. We’ll even show you how to report when your ISP isn’t delivering. Tap or click here to report slow internet speeds to the FCC.

Click here to read full story.

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