Friday, June 12, 2015

Father's Day Gifts 2015: Best Tech Gifts for the Dad in Your Life

It's 2015, people, time to really put some thought into that Father's Day gift. Sure, another tie is great, but some dads no longer wear ties to work. Instead, they carry mobile phones and chargers and listen to music on the go and yes, they even help out around the house. Whether you're shopping for your own dad, your husband, your in-law, whoever, here are some great tech gift ideas to show you care.
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Laptop-Toting Dad
Dad may already have a laptop he lugs around to work, but he may not need that big, heavy laptop all the time. The Microsoft Surface 3 will take the weight off his shoulders while giving him options for how to work. Paired with the (extra) Surface 3 Type Cover, the Surface 3 is a powerful laptop capable of running all Windows programs and doing some serious work, complete with USB, headphone jack and micro USB. Detach the keyboard and Dad has a 10.8-inch high res tablet for kicking back and watching videos or reading the news. Price starts at $499
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Mouse-Loving Dad
For dads who prefer a mouse to a laptop trackpad, there's the Logitech MX Masterwireless mouse. It's the perfect companion for desktop-loving dads or power users who like programmable functions that save time and clicks. Connect to devices via a receiver or Bluetooth - great for multi-taskers because it pairs with and lets you switch between up to three computers at once. It's larger than a portable mouse, but that's because it does so many more tricks, feels extremely comfortable in your hand and can track on virtually any surface. $99
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Music-Loving Dad
Dad never has to be without tunes in the house just because someone forgot to install great-sounding speakers in every room. The Sengled Pulse Bluetooth bulb is a simple solution; it's an LED light bulb with integrated JBL Bluetooth speakers. They're super easy to install, just replace the bulb in any standard E26 socket and connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Use the Pulse app to control the music and dim the light. Pick up a master and satellite set of two bulbs for $169.
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Power-Loving Dad
Dad shouldn't have to choose between charging up a laptop or tablet. He can do both at once without searching for AC adapters with the Power2U Dual USB wall outlet. It has two built-in USB ports plus two traditional AC outlets with enough power to simultaneously charge them all. $29.99
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Connected Dad
Here's a real power tool for dad; the myCharge HubPlus portable charger has built-in Lightning and Micro USB cables for charging devices on the go. Dad can charge up his tablet and phone at the same time - there's plenty of power. And when it comes time to charge up the charger, a built-in wall prong makes it quick and easy to power up the 6,000 mAh battery for the next trip. It's small, fits easily into a bag or backpack and is a life-saver for staying connected on the go. $99
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Traveling Dad
Travel is enough a hassle, with bad traffic and weather delays. Dad can rest easy knowing his bag is always with him even if he changes flights at the last minute with the Thule Crossover Rolling 22" Upright. It's small enough to fit into most US airlines' overhead bins, yet large enough to pack all he needs for a quick business trip. It's got a removable tri-fold suiter and compartments to organize and protect essential gear. $349.95
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WorkLife Dad
Moms aren't the only ones who like to carry their gear in style. Dads will appreciate the look and comfort of Knomo Bag's Bude Backpack. Though the company makes incredibly fabulous leather bags for both men and women, this backpack is made of a lightweight canvas that's both dirt and water resistant. There's a padded compartment inside that protects up to a 15-inch laptop and a tablet, and lots of compartments for keeping cables and gear organized. $169
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Mobile Dad
There's a new smartphone on the market that's making even devout iPhone lovers take a second look. LG's G4 phone, is a sleek 5.5-inch phone with a quad HD display running on Android 5.1. The camera features are impressive, and the phone has a removable battery. Its defining feature is a smart-looking hand-stitched leather back cover, available in a variety of colors. Whatever carrier Dad uses, there's a deal through Father's Day for an extra battery and storage. T-Mobile is offering five times more memory and if Dad is a world traveler, make sure to check out T-Mo's Simple Global plan which includes unlimited data and texting to the US.
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TV-Loving Dad
If Dad spends lots of time on the road wishing he were home watching movies on the couch, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is the perfect gift. Not only does it deliver streaming content from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and more at home, he can use it in a hotel room to watch TV shows and videos there. The Fire TV Stick works with most HDTV's in hotels where a password or log-in is required. Just don't forget to bring it back home! $39

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Road Warrior Dad
Two hands on the wheel please Dad! When you use your phone as a GPS or audiobook companion while you drive, it's often hard to find the right spot for it. Mounting gadgets can get clumsy and they sometimes block the driver's view. Zuna Drive is a smartphone case that has a unique hinge on the back, enabling you to hang it in the air-conditioning vent. This eliminates those pesky wires while keeping the phone in line of sight where it's easily viewed with a quick glance. $39.99
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Fun-Loving Dad
Seriously, what's more fun than flying a drone over the house or parking lot and taking pictures to share with mom and friends? Not much! The Parrot Bebop drone is made of foam; small and lightweight so you can take it on vacation or down to the beach for a day of flying, and has an HD camera inside the nose. Dad can control the drone using an Android or iOS device and snap pictures of his "out of this world" flight. No worries, the built-in GPS system will return the drone to its starting point. $499
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ManCave Dad
Dad's Man Cave is usually off limits, but he might not mind a little help tidying up all the cables and wires. HIDEit mounts let DIY Dads install the electronic devices behind the TV so nothing else comes between Dad and the game. Prices vary.

Monday, June 1, 2015

7 clever spending tips to help you shop smarter

There's more to saving money than buying less or resorting to zany tricks like potty training your cat so it doesn't have to use an expensive litter box or making your own laundry soap (though we do admit that both are pretty darn clever).

In actuality, you can probably save hundreds of dollars every year by spending smarter, i.e. knowing when to buy certain items and being familiar with technology that can help you maximize savings.


Here are seven tips to help you become a smarter spender, not the family cheapskate.

1. Get your groceries on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to save at the supermarket
 supermarket


Why are those three days shoppers' sweet spot?

On Wednesdays, many grocers begin store sales that last for a week. On Sundays, big supermarkets often release coupon pamphlets.

By shopping on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, consumers are able to take advantage of both promotions.

"The time window to capitalize on both the sale and the coupon is best after you get the coupons on Sunday and before the next sale cycle begins on Wednesday,"
"The time window to capitalize on both the sale and the coupon is best after you get the coupons on Sunday and before the next sale cycle begins on Wednesday," says Greg Karp, author of Living Rich by Spending Smart.

If you buy a store's specials, buy enough to last you for three months, Karp recommends. Sales typically run in 12-week cycles, so those same items will likely be discounted again roughly three months from the day you purchase them on.

2. You should let it linger

It's not just a cheesy Cranberries reference. If you're in no rush to buy an item online, let it sit in your online shopping cart for a few days. Some retailers will start sending you coupons for your stagnant item. Others will notify you when its price drops.

It's not the most foolproof method of saving money (most retailers won't offer you coupons, and many will empty your cart if it idles for too long), but it can't hurt if you can wait a few weeks to buy that Cranberries boxset.

3. Use your smartphone to shop competitively



Today, your smartphone is your best shopping ally. While you're shopping, you should use it to find an item's price both online and offline, and if other retailers might be selling it in bulk.

According to a Shopatron survey, 86% of retailers say customers use mobile phones while shopping in stores.

Here are a few smartphone apps that'll help you compare prices and find the best deals.

Red Laser: Forget about manually entering in long barcodes to price shop. Red Laser scans barcodes and shows you comparable prices, offline and online. If you like an online price you see, Red Laser will redirect you to that company's website. If the best deal is in a store near you, Red Laser provides directions from your locations.

BuyVia: In the market for gadgets? The BuyVia app will provide reviews from tech sites to go along with the best prices locally and nationally. If you're sitting on an item and waiting for its price to drop, BuyVia can send you alerts so you don't miss any flash sales.

4. If there's a sale, buy in bulk
When shopping for products that you buy more than once or twice a year, like toothbrushes or rice, try to buy as much as you can, especially if there's a sale.

"You should buy what’s on sale and stockpile it," Karp says. "Think about that for a minute. You buy the exact same products and brands; you just buy them at ideal times."

By identifying a sale item and purchasing it in bulk, you'll save yourself times, gas and money.

"You can cut spending painlessly without depriving yourself," Karp says.

5. Mark May off on your calendar — it's a great month to buy

From food to toiletries and appliances, May is a savvy shopper's ideal month, says Mark Di Vincenzo, author of Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon.

Here are items Di Vincenzo recommends purchasing in May:

Refrigerators: Retailers usually get their new model refrigerators in the summer, Di Vincenzo says. To make room for the new stock, they slash prices on older models in May and June.

Deodorant: May is a great month to save your wallet and your pits. To prepare for warmer months, stores frequently discount deodorant and offer buy-one-get-one-free discounts. If you can combine the promotions, perhaps even with another dollar-off coupon, you (and your pits) are golden. Remember to stock up during the sale.

Condiments and picnic items: In the summer, supermarkets lure shoppers in by offering steep discounts on items they know they're likely looking for in the warmer months, such as ketchup, mustard, paper plates and plastic utensils. Those discounts are just to get you in the door; retailers hope you'll buy much more than plates once you're inside.

During May, Di Vincenzo recommends stocking up on your picnic items for the summer and condiments for the rest of the year; unopened sauces and salad dressings will stay fresh on your shelf for a year, and you'll be getting them at a reduced price.

Mattresses and box springs: As they do with refrigerators, retailers chop bedding prices in May to prepare for newer summer models. Because profit margins are so high for mattress sellers, shoppers should feel comfortable bargaining the price down, Di Vincenzo says.

6. Download Coupons at Checkout to get instant savings when you check out online
Sick of spending time looking for coupon codes that don't end up working?

Coupons at Checkout, a Google Chrome browser extension that takes less than one minute to set up and learn, automatically gathers coupon codes for the item you're about to buy and puts them into a dropdown menu in your purchase window.



The extension rates codes on confidence, so you're able to see which deal is the most likely to be current.

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7. Email alerts could land you a bargain on airfare
While clearing your cache and cookies isn't guaranteed to score you cheaper plane tickets, email alerts are the best way to make sure you catch a good deal on a plane ticket before it's gone.

Here are two two email alert systems that'll help you snag the flash deals on airline tickets.

Yapta: Don't stop paying attention to the price of your flight once you've purchased your ticket. Yapta can help you re-book it for a lower price. The app will send you a notification when the fare falls more than the cost of the airline's change fee. At that point, you re-ticket and pocket the savings.

Airfarewatchdog: If you're booking your flight well in advance of your departure date, sign up for Airfarewatchdog's price alerts. Users can receive alerts for a particular city or route that are individually vetted by Airfarewatchdog's analysts, making sure a computer algorithm doesn't send you a deal that doesn't exist. The site also tweets out eye-catching deals.




                                                                                                                         Source: mashable.com