Black Friday shoppers have always been drawn to the tech category, which saw a staggering increase of almost 221% in sales compared to previous years. With Black Friday 2023 approaching, it’s time to buckle up to grab one’s favorite tech product before they go out of stock. To know what to expect in the upcoming sale, it helps to look back at the top game-changing deals and discounts that were offered last year.  Smartphones Android, as well as Apple smartphones, have been on sale year after year with some irresistible deals on offer. With cutting-edge technology and sleek design, Apple iPhones have been the most sought-after tech products during the holiday sale period. Many major phone service providers offer trade-in deals with the overall price deducted, such as up to $800 off. Some service providers offer discounts as high as $500 off the retail price when shoppers sign up for their plans. From gift cards with the purchase to free Apple Watch or iPad, there are several amazing deals that shoppers have access to. Also, older refurbished iPhones go on sale through Apple stores. Known for reliable performance and high processing speeds, Android phones are a hit among buyers of every budget. All major Android phone brands go for sale during Black Friday. Last year saw some great free trade-in deals with unlimited data from several phone service providers. In addition, major retailers offered gift cards on phone purchases. Smartwatches Since their introduction in the tech market, these have been among the highest-selling gadgets during every sale season. Everyone from major brands to retailers has been offering some good discounts ranging between 10% to 15% on the retail price of smartwatches. Laptop Last year saw deals on laptops for every type of user. Here are some of the popular categories of laptops and the bargains that were offered by big retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Newegg.

One of the biggest mistakes people make while purchasing a car is opting out of buying insurance. It’s not just because it is mandatory, but insurance also reduces one’s financial burden, especially in the event of a possible accident. Since buying cars involves hefty investments, finding the correct auto insurance and sidestepping frequent mistakes is crucial. Here’s a list of errors that can be avoided while purchasing auto insurance. Not doing adequate research With the auto insurance market witnessing stiff competition with so many insurance companies selling products with unique propositions, it may be difficult for a potential customer to single out the best possible one for them. You can avoid this dilemma by researching auto insurance properly. You may want to look at the websites of different insurance policies and review their insurance and CIN numbers. Check their social media pages and read customer reviews. Talk to friends and family members and get references for several insurance policies before you narrow down on one. Buying auto insurance in haste Like any other important product, one should never purchase auto insurance in a hurry. To avoid panic buying, you must study the different policies in the market and compare them. Never buy the first policy you see or even the one with the lowest price. It may mean fewer features and poorer coverage. You should not just compare the quotes but also services, coverage, claim settlement, and customer support. Setting your coverage limit too low The primary purpose of auto insurance is to provide financial support during an untoward event. The extent of coverage on your insurance helps you in protecting your vehicle against damages. However, every buyer has unique coverage requirements, which depend on factors like the price of your car, vehicle model and type, and how much you drive.

Cyber Monday is a perfect time to acquire the mattress you deserve if you require a more supportive mattress but have been delaying this large investment. You may get a high-quality mattress without breaking the bank with significant internet discounts. Most significant mattress retailers offer bargains all year, but the Cyber Monday mattress deals are the best. The mattress brands listed here are among the best available, with a wide range of characteristics. Amerisleep AS3 For Cyber Monday, the Amerisleep AS3 mattress is the greatest option. Last year, it was discounted at $300 off, and you could grab this top-rated mattress for less than $1,000 for a queen-sized one. The mattresses from Amerisleep came with free pillows and an industry-best 20-year warranty to help you get the most out of your money. The Bio-Core® foam from Amerisleep serves as the foundation of the AS3, ensuring durability and structural integrity of the mattress for proper support. Zoma Mattresses You’ll adore the cool-to-the-touch, gel-infused Zoma Mattress. It has all the features you need for the greatest night’s sleep, including temperature-regulating technology and zonal support layers. Zoma might also offer significant savings this Cyber Monday, as last year, all its mattresses were available for $150 less. Mattresses from this brand also come with a 100-night risk-free trial and a 10-year warranty covering sags and indentations. Nectar Sleep For Cyber Monday mattress discounts, Nectar might offer a special $499 price. At the very least, you might be able to save $100, plus you could also get pillows, a mattress protector, and sheets worth $399. As Nectar is a partner of Google Nest, some mattress packages come with a free Google Nest Home. Vaya Mattress On Cyber Monday, Vaya’s foam mattresses might be available for $300 less. Two hypoallergenic foam layers in this mattress combine to produce a medium degree of comfort that is cushioning and support for both side and back sleepers.

Managing laundry is a tedious task and mandates upgrading the cleaning area with the latest equipment. It involves introspection in terms of price. Cyber Monday, slated to happen on November 28, is the perfect time to purchase washers and dryers as retailers offer outstanding deals and discounts on branded and unbranded products. Here is a list of the top 10 expected holiday season deals on laundry equipment based on last year’s offers. LG compact front load washer This washer has smart features such as app connectivity, built-in fabric sensors, anti-vibration, and more. It also has a steam cleaning facility to keep allergens at bay. This product is expected to be available at a discount of $300 this Cyber Monday sale. Maytag smart top load washing machine This washer can be the perfect machine for daily laundry needs as it has 11 wash options, including a power wash and a deep-water wash cycle. The in-built sensors adjust the water level according to the load size, thus preserving water. The product is expected to be available at a discount of more than $350 during the holiday season sale. LG ThinQ electric dryer This one could be great if you are looking for a large dryer that can easily cater to your weekly loads. The machine has an ultra-large capacity so that you can complete all your washing in fewer loads. The built-in intelligence automatically selects settings to achieve optimum results. This machine has a compact and sleek design, making it easy to fit in most spaces. Furthermore, the product is expected to be available at a discount of more than $300 during the Cyber Monday sale. Maytag electric vented dryer This dryer stands out from the others because of the heavy-duty motor that helps it to spin effortlessly to dry even huge loads.

Jewelry and other important possessions not only hold economic value but also emotional value for a lot of people. So, it is only natural to think of ways to protect them and prevent them from being stolen. Many places at home may be safe to hide these valuable items, but there are also some obvious and not-so-safe options where jewelry should not be hidden or kept. Here are some common places to avoid hiding your jewelry: 1. Fridge Hiding valuables and jewelry in a fridge has become quite popular, thanks to certain movies and shows in which people freeze cash and other valuables in the freezer. While it may seem like a good idea, it has now become a known place to hide valuables, so at the time of the break-in, the robbers may also check the fridge contents. 2. Drawers This is another common place where homeowners usually hide their jewelry, hoping robbers will not find it. However, many robbers already expect this to be a good hiding place for homeowners and go straight to the closet. While people assume that the jewelry will be safely covered under the clothes, the robbers will simply toss everything aside and search relentlessly. This also means that the jewelry safely kept aside will be tossed out and can easily break or shatter. 3. Laundry basket Keeping valuables in a dirty laundry basket may seem like a great idea, because who would want to go through that? But burglars are prepared to go through all the items in the house, so they will most likely go through the laundry basket as well. Additionally, robbers know that people usually keep spare cash or credit cards in their pockets and often forget to remove them before dumping clothes into laundry baskets. So, more often than not, the laundry basket will be among the first few things they check.

Today, most of one’s daily essential activities, from managing finances to watching online content and shopping for one’s favorite items, require secure Internet access. Hence, buying a suitable data plan is essential to enjoying uninterrupted Internet service. Although several Internet providers offer smartphone Internet plans, picking a package that best suits one’s requirements while being reasonable is important. In addition, here are some ways to reduce data plan usage and avoid overage charges: 1. Choose a plan wisely Not choosing the right Internet phone plan can cause one to incur unnecessary charges. For this reason, it is essential to consider one’s requirements carefully and choose a plan that does not include any additional features. For example, individuals who do not watch streaming videos or play games on their phones should opt for basic Internet plans, which cost less while catering to their needs. Moreover, certain Internet service providers offer cost-saving strategies without compromising Internet quality or speed. For instance, AT&T Fiber® enables users to save up to $20 per month using its exclusive promo code, EXTRA50. Therefore, one should look for plans and providers offering such benefits to users. 2. Check the start and end dates of the data plan It is essential to note the start and end dates of one’s phone plan, as continued data usage after the plan ends can cause one to incur overage charges. 3. Use Wi-Fi as much as possible Wi-Fi is one of the most effective ways to reduce data plan usage. In addition to using a Wi-Fi connection at home and work, it is a good idea to look for secure and free Wi-Fi networks in public places like restaurants, libraries, malls, airports, and cafes. However, one should ensure that the connection is secure, as Wi-Fi can become a medium for hackers to extract one’s personal information.

The Black Friday season brings discounts on big-ticket products like appliances, furniture, and electronics, as well as lesser-known categories like internet services. Whether looking to switch providers or upgrade an existing plan, one can snag many unbeatable bargains during this time. These deals lead to significant savings, which can be used for other purposes. Here are the popular types of internet service deals providers are expected to offer during Black Friday 2023. Discounts on internet plans Several internet service providers roll out irresistible discounts on select plans every Black Friday. These discounts lower the prices by $20/month or more. This year, too, consumers can hope to save big on their internet bills. The holiday season sale is the perfect time to get a high-speed 5G internet plan, switch to an unlimited internet plan at low prices, upgrade the current service, or switch to another internet service provider. Free modem or router upgrade deals Many customers are forced to purchase modems and routers while buying internet plans, which often have a high price tag. Luckily, during the holiday sale season, many service providers offer free router or modem upgrades as part of their Black Friday deals. Shoppers can take home the latest high-speed modem or 5G-enabled home Wi-Fi equipment without breaking the bank. Free reward cards and devices These kinds of deals sell out quickly, so one should act fast when the sale begins. Many providers offer reward cards to existing as well as new customers when they sign up for select plans. Last year, reward cards worth $100 to $200 were rolled out! What’s more? Some customers got free smart home devices like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub with premium internet plans. Free months of service Several leading internet providers are known to offer a few months of free service every year during the Black Friday sale.

The biggest draw of late November is checking out Cyber Monday gadget discounts. Go ahead and get speakers, Mac accessories, wireless charging hubs, gaming equipment, and anything else that is cool. Many of the better offers on computers, Apple goods, and consoles sold out within hours of being offered in 2021. Here’s a look at what was available last year so you can start shopping as soon as the deals are available. Smart TVs A massive TV sale, including hundreds of smart TV brands that started at $99.99, was offered by Best Buy the previous year. The cheapest ones are often smaller and in 720p; they are ideal for use in the kitchen or a child’s room. AirPods With good reason, Apple’s AirPods are tremendously well-liked. With all the features one might desire, the AirPods Pro is arguably the most excellent wireless earbuds available. The most recent second-generation AirPods Pro was on sale for less than $200 last year. Amazon Echo The 40% discount on the top-selling Echo Dot was among last year’s best Cyber Monday offers. With just $5 more than the previous low price, Amazon’s most recent smart speaker was available for $29.99. Laptop Even though the Acer Swift 3 laptop is less expensive than the typical suspects from Dell, Samsung, or HP, it is still a top-tier ultrabook. We strongly recommend it as a reliable, no-nonsense workstation for work applications. The low price on it on Cyber Monday will surely appeal to you. Wi-Fi The shopping season is the most important time to have an extremely fast internet. To obtain fast internet throughout your home, mesh Wi-Fi routers work together and are expected to be on sale for approximately $129 on Cyber Monday. Smartwatch Here is your opportunity to purchase an Apple smartwatch for just over $200.

  Headphones are tech accessories that most individuals carry almost everywhere. People love listening to music while traveling, exercising, or when relaxing at home, and immersive headphones allow them to do that effortlessly. However, like most electronic gadgets, headphones are also prone to issues like damage to the wires or problems with the speaker. Individuals must be careful to prevent exposing their devices to such problems. Here are some common bad habits that may destroy headphones. Confusing “waterproof” with “water-resistant” IP ratings, or the Ingress Projection ratings, are common headphone terms that denote the water-resistant or waterproof capability of devices. Consumers tend to use the terms “water-resistant” and “waterproof” interchangeably. IP ratings of headphones talk about the level of protection they have against solids like dust and liquids like water. The ratings have different levels, and waterproof is different from water-resistant. One talks about how deep inside water a headphone can be taken, while the other talks about the resistive capability of headphones when exposed to water splashes. Mistaking one for the other leads to users taking their headphones in water-heavy or dust-heavy surroundings, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Wearing headphones for too long Wearing headphones on for long periods can be just as bad for one’s ears as for the device. Like any machine, headphones undergo wear when they are used for long periods. So, using them continuously and emptying their battery before charging them reduces the battery life and overall usability of headphones. More worryingly, long-time headphone usage also causes ear damage eventually. For better ear health, individuals can use their headphones as much as they want by taking enough breaks in between. Ideally, one must avoid using headphones continuously for several hours. Instead, experts advise using them for an hour at a stretch before giving one’s ears and the headphones a much-needed break.

Buying a dishwasher is an excellent choice, as it brings with it many benefits for one’s home. Whether one loves to prepare elaborate meals and doesn’t fancy washing up post-cooking or has a busy family and could do with a hand around the house, the appliance is the perfect time-saving solution. That said, like with any other appliance, a few mistakes, such as the ones mentioned below, can render it useless or reduce its life. 1. Overcrowding the rack Dishwashers can easily clean kitchenware, provided one does not overcrowd it. Too many dishes can cause detergent and water to get lodged in the crevices of the dishwasher. When this happens, the dishes are not going to be cleaned evenly. Spacing out items is the best way to ensure the load is adequately cleaned. 2. Failing to clean the dishwasher’s seal Individuals should pay attention to the lining of the dishwasher’s door. Grime and mold accumulating on the seal can compromise its functionality and leave air gaps. If this happens, one may notice food slime, detergent, water, and other residue slowly creeping out of the gaps, which could be annoying to clean up. It is important to periodically wipe the seal and check for damages to ensure it does not leak and improve the dishwasher’s durability. 3. Washing delicate kitchenware Only some people read the instruction manual that comes with a dishwasher. This manual always has instructions against putting delicate items, such as fine china and crystal. The dishwasher uses high-pressure water and strong detergents to clean dishes. This means that when one loads delicate China and crystal kitchenware, there’s a high possibility of those getting damaged. Instead, one should wash these separately by hand to keep them clean and safe from breakage. 4. Adding too much detergent While detergents help clean the dishes effectively, filling in too much is usually bad.

Unknown to you, several carcinogenic substances could be hiding within your home. A carcinogen can be anything that causes cancer. It can be present in the air, in a regular product, in beverages and foods, or it can be released from several appliances, furniture, and other items in your home. Being exposed to these substances doesn’t necessarily mean you will have cancer. However, prolonged exposure can increase the risk of the condition. Household items that can increase cancer risk Carpets In most cases, carpets are made from synthetic fibers. These fibers are usually chemically treated and recess gases over time. These gases can contain toxic substances that increase the risk of hormonal imbalance, respiratory problems, and cancer. Also, you may have observed a distinct smell when you bring home a brand-new carpet. Although most people attribute this smell to the newness of the carpet, these smells are actually from chemical compounds linked to several health disorders. Sofas If your sofa was manufactured before 2013, it’s time to get rid of it. This is because, before 2013, several cushioned household items, such as sofas, love seats, and so on, were treated with TDCIPP. It is a chemical that works as a flame-retardant. That is, it helps to prevent burning or slows down the spread of fire. While this is a great advantage, TDICPP is also a carcinogenic substance. It can be absorbed by the body and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of cancer. Leather recliner Chromium (VI) is often used for tanning of leather to stabilize the material. It is also used in wood furniture, cement, and a few pigments and dyes in textiles. While it has industrial benefits, chromium is a known carcinogenic substance. Tanned leather that has been treated with chromium has about 4% to 5% chromium residue.

One assumes that one’s home environment is safe. However, household products contain substances that, when inhaled over time, can harm the lungs and contribute to the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a progressive lung disease that includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and thus, it’s essential to be aware of potential lung irritants found in everyday household items. Read on about household products that may increase the risk of COPD. Cleaning products Aerosol sprays Cleaning sprays often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the respiratory system. Aerosol sprays can disperse these chemicals into the air, increasing the risk of inhalation. Bleach The strong fumes released by bleach can irritate the airways and cause lung inflammation. Using bleach in a well-ventilated area and wearing a mask can mitigate some of the risks. Ammonia Ammonia-based cleaners can release harsh fumes that, when inhaled, may irritate the lungs and exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Air fresheners Spray and plug-in air fresheners These products release a mix of chemicals into the air to mask odors. Some contain VOCs and allergens that can irritate the respiratory tract when inhaled. Opting for natural air fresheners or improving indoor air quality through ventilation is a safer choice. Mold and mildew removers Mold-killing products Mold and mildew removers often contain strong chemicals like chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. Inhaling the fumes from these products are likely to irritate the airways and worsen lung conditions. Paint and solvents Oil-based paints Oil-based paints and their solvents emit VOCs, which can linger in the air and irritate the respiratory system. Proper ventilation and wearing a mask when painting are essential precautions. Turpentine and paint thinners These solvents are often used to clean paintbrushes and equipment. The fumes can irritate the airways and may lead to lung problems when inhaled frequently.