Since I’ve already talked about the Apple employee discount, return policy, and military discount I thought it was time to breakdown the Apple student discount. In this article I find answers to questions like what proof of enrollment is needed, what kind of deals you can expect, and who is actually eligible for the student discount. I hope this information helps you save some money on your next iPad or MacBook.

What Exactly Is the Apple Student Discount?

While many student discounts are a flat percentage off your order total, the Apple discount is actually a special section of their website which they call their Education Portal that is dedicated to deals for students.

Deals range between 5% – 35% off the original retail price and seem to change every few weeks.

Products that students will find deals on include the iPad, iMac, MacBook, and Apple accessories.

What Proof Do I Have to Show?

I couldn’t find what proof of student enrollment was needed so I hit up Apple Live Chat.

After all, some student discounts require a .edu email address or you have to upload your college transcript….so I was curious what Apple required.

The Apple rep explained to me that when checking out from the online education portal you would be asked to show proof of your college enrollment.

But when I added an item to my virtual shopping cart and went through the checkout process, I was NOT asked to prove ANYTHING.

So the takeaway is that NO proof is required to get their Student Discounts. You just visit their student discounts page and shop the deals.

But be aware that Apple does run audits from time to time and can contact you at a later date to verify your student eligibility.

If Apple finds out you wrongly took advantage of the student discount program they reserve the right to charge your credit card for the difference.

Is It Only For College Students?

Surprisingly, NO.

Besides new and current college students, the Apple discount is also good for parents of college students, college faculty, and staff members.

Unfortunately high school students cannot get the discount but since Apple currently does not require any proof it seems anybody can get the student discount.

Not sure how long this will last so take advantage now if you can.

What Are Some Examples of the Deals?

Deals will vary from time to time but for the most part the biggest savings are on the iPad, iMac, and MacBook laptop.

Here are a few deals to give you an idea:

– iPad Air 10.5″ 64GB Wifi – Education price is $479.00, regular price is $499.00.

– MacBook Pro 13″, 1.4GHz, 8GB – Education price is $1,199.00, regular price is $1,299.00.

– MacMini 3.0GHz 256GB Storage – Education price is $1,049.00, regular price is $1,099.00.

– iMac 21.5″ 2.3GHx, 8GB – Education price is $1,049.00, regular price is $1,099.00.

The largest savings seems to be on new MacBook laptops as college students will typically save $100.

Can a Student Buy for a Non-Student?

YES, Apple will never know.

Just have the non-student pay you back and you’re good-to-go.

Can a Student in a Foreign Country Get the Discount?

I asked the Apple rep about this and was told it would be smart to make your purchase in the United States.

By getting your student discount before you travel overseas you’ll avoid any currency issues and the transaction will run much smoother.

Can I Get the Discount In-Store?

As of this writing, the only way to get a student discount from Apple is to shop online via their education portal.

I verified this with Apple and was told you cannot walk into an Apple Store and get a discount if you’re in college.

But…you can make your purchase online then select “Pickup In-Store” and just select the Apple Store you want to visit.

Then you can simply go in and pickup your product and get help setting it up if you’d like.

What About “Home School” Students?

Yes, home school students of all grade levels are eligible for the discounted Apple products.

Can I Combine a Student Discount with a Work/Gov’t Discount?

If you’re lucky enough to work for a company that offers an Apple discount you CANNOT combine it with their student discount.

Do the math and check which discount offers the most savings and take advantage of that one.

Is There an “Apple Music” Student Discount?

YES, just visit this page and sign-up for a discounted Apple Music subscription for up to 48 months.

You’ll be asked to verify your current college enrollment, and once accepted, you’ll pay $4.99/month instead of $9.99/month.

Ask the Reader: What has been your experience with the Apple student discount? Which product did you buy with it and how much money did you save?

By Kyle James

If you’ve ever walked around with a smartphone in your pocket you know just how expensive monthly cell phone plans can be. This is especially true if you’re a Verizon customer as they have a great service but it’s definitely on the expensive side. But did you know that many businesses and corporations partner with Verizon to offer you a Verizon employee discount? It’s a pretty darn generous discount too and ranges in the 15% – 25% range on voice and data plans. Here’s how it all works.

How Do I Know If My Employer Qualifies?

Often times your employer will let you know when hired if they participate in the Verizon employee discount program.

To get your discount, you simply visit this page, sign-in to your account and register for your monthly discount.

You’ll be asked annually to re-validate your discount which is a bit of hassle but totally worth it in terms of savings.

See Also: 5 Painless Ways to Lower Your Verizon Bill

What Proof Do I Have to Show?

Verizon gives you two ways to validate your employment status.

You can either use your work email address or a current pay stub.

The email address is much easier, but in case you don’t have a work email you can use your pay stub.

Do You Have a List of Employers Who Participate?

Yes indeed.

Here are the Verizon employee discounts that I know about so far.

State Employees from California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas – 15% off voice/data plans and 25% off accessories.

Allstate – 22% off voice plans.

American Express – 20% off voice/data plans.

Amtrak – 15% off voice/data plans and 25% off accessories

Apple – 10-15% off voice/data plans.

Bank of America – 20% off voice plans and data plans.

Barclays – 20% off voice/data plans.

Berkshire Hathaway – 20% off voice/data plans.

Best Buy – 25% off voice/data plans and 20% off accessories.

Boeing – 25% off voice/data plans and 50% off accessories.

Capital One – 19% off voice and data plans.

Caterpillar – 20% off voice and data plans.

Century Link – 20% off voice and data plans.

Cisco Systems – 17% off voice and data plans.

Citigroup – 22% off voice and data plans.

Coca Cola – 22% off data and voice plans and 25% off accessories.

Comcast – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

CVS Pharmacy – 22% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Darden Restaurants – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Disney – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Dole Foods – 25% off voice and data plans.

Dow Corning – 10% off voice and data plans.

eBay – 19% off voice and data plans.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Exxon Mobile – 19% off voice and data plans.

Federal Employees Discount – 15% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

FedEx – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Fidelity Investments – 21% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

General Electric – 22% off voice and data plans.

General Motors – 21% off voice and data plans.

HP: Hewlett Packard – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Hilton Worldwide – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Home Depot – 25% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Humana – 18% off voice and data plans.

Hy-Vee Inc. – 15% off voice and data plans.

IBM – 22% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

JetBlue – 19% off voice and data plans.

John Deere – 20% off voice and data plans and 20% off accessories.

JP Morgan Chase – 22% off voice and data plans.

Kohls – 19% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Lockheed Martin – 20% off voice and data plans.

Mattel – 20% off voice and data plans.

Merck – 18% off voice and data plans.

McDonald’s – 19% off voice and data plans.

Metlife – 15% off voice and data plans.

Microsoft – 22% off voice and data plans and 22% off accessories.

Morgan Stanley – 19% off voice and data plans.

NBC Universal – 17% off voice and data plans.

NY Times – 15% off voice and data plans.

Nike – 19% off voice and data phone plans.

Oracle – 17% off voice and data plans.

Pepsico – 22% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Phillip Morris – 20% off voice and data plans.

Sears– 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Sherwin-Williams – 20% off voice and data plans.

Siemens – 17% off voice and data plans.

Southwest Airlines – 20% off voice and data plans.

Starbucks – 19% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

State Farm – 22% off voice, data, and messaging plans.

Target – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Tenet – 25% off voice and data plans.

Texas Instruments – 25% off voice and data plans.

Time Warner – 22% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

US Airways – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

UPS – 22% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

United States Postal Service (USPS) – 22% on voice and data plans and 25% on accessories.

Verizon – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories. (previously 50% off)

Viacom – 17% off voice and data plans.

Walgreens – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Walmart – 20% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Wells Fargo – 26% off voice and data plans and 25% off accessories.

Whirlpool – 20% off voice and data plans.

Please drop a comment below if you know of other companies involved in the Verizon discount program.

Also let me know if any of the above discount percentages have changed as I’d love to keep this list up-to-date.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

The return policy at Walgreens is actually pretty darn lenient in my opinion. While there are quite a few policy exceptions, and a couple return oddities, overall it’s solid. But like any return policy, there are questions that arise that you won’t find answers to on the retailer’s website. Thus the idea for this article was born. Here are the answers to all your burning Walgreens return questions.

How Many Return Days Does Walgreens Allow?

30 days.

You can return or exchange items to ANY Walgreens for up to 30 days after purchase.

Bring in your receipt and have the item in the original packaging for a quick & easy return.

What If I Lost My Receipt?

Not all hope is lost.

Without the original receipt you’ll get store credit for the lowest advertised price of the item in the past 60 days.

Be prepared to show a valid photo ID as they use the information to track your returns and can decline your return if they think you’re abusing their policy.

Store credit will be in the form a W Card which is essentially a Walgreens gift card.

Do Items Need to Be Unopened?

No.

You can return items that have opened, even if you lost the original box or packaging.

Just make sure it’s within 30 days and you have your receipt.

Can I Return Gifts Without a Receipt?

If you were given a gift from Walgreens and the giver didn’t include a receipt you CAN still return it.

Just bring it back in and explain the situation.

You’ll be given store credit via a gift card for the lowest price of the item in the past 60 days.

Are There Any Exceptions to the 30 Days?

Yes, there are several return policy exceptions to be aware of.

– Gift Cards, Pre-Paid Cards, Phone Cards: These cannot be returned or exchanged.

– Pharmacy Items: By law, Walgreens cannot accept returns on prescription drugs UNLESS they made an error. Call them at 1-877-250-5823 and explain the error.

– Contact Lenses: They will accept contact lens returns ONLY if they sent the wrong lenses, the lenses are damaged or defective, or if you ordered an incorrect prescription.

– Birchbox BYOB (Build Your Own Box): These are non-returnable.

– Sexual Wellness Products: These cannot be returned.

– Seasonal Products: While usually non-returnable, it is often left up to the discretion of the store manager.

– Tobacco & Alcohol Products: Varies from store to store but for the most part these products must be UNOPENED and can only be exchanged for like items.

What About Returning Stuff I Bought Online?

You can either return items by mailing them back or taking them to ANY Walgreens location.

The same 30-day policy exists for online purchases as it does for in-store purchases.

To print your return label visit this page and follow the instructions.

The best part is that Walgreens pays the return shipping charges. I verified this with Walgreens personally.

Can I Return Photos to Walgreens?

YES.

Walgreens has a 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy so if you’re not happy with your digital photos or photo prints simply bring them back for a FULL refund.

Can I Return Electronics to Walgreens?

According to the Walgreens website, “Returns for electronics are handled at the discretion of the store manager, usually in the form of a Walgreens gift card.”

They must have had some trouble with fraudulent returns when it comes to their very limited supply of electronics products.

Can Walgreens Look Up My Receipt?

They cannot look up your in-store purchases.

But you can look up your online purchase and print out a copy of your receipt.

Just visit your account page at Walgreens.com, hover over Your Account and select Product Orders.

Next, click on the order number of the receipt that you would like to print out.

Ask the Reader: What has been your experience with the Walgreens return policy?

Happy returns.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of an Apple fan boy. Not so much that I’ll stand in line for the newest iPhone, but enough that I own an iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. I love the simplicity of their devices but yet they have a bunch of cool “insider hacks” that aren’t included in their instruction manuals. So today I wanted to break down 8 of my favorite Apple TV hacks and tricks that will make the slick streaming device even more useful. Let’s get to it…

1. Learn to Quickly Switch Between Apps

It’s a little more cumbersome to switch between open apps on the Apple TV compared to your iPhone.

But a neat little trick to quickly switch between apps is to double tap the TV button on the Apple TV remote.

This will show you all of your open apps.

You can then move your finger on the touchpad from right to left and tap the pad to go to that specific app.

You can also swipe up to close out the highlighted app.

2. Organize the Home Screen With Folders

Your Apple TV home screen will undoubtedly get cluttered with apps.

But you can remedy this situation by creating folders just like you would on your iPhone.

Highlight an app then hold down the touchpad until the app icon starts shaking.

Next move the app over another app, that you want in the same folder, and press the touchpad button and a new folder will be created.

If the folder already exists you just move the app you want to add over the folder and press the touch pad button.

See Also: The 14 Apple Watch Hacks That All Newbies Need to Know

3. Hard Time Hearing? Try This Cool Hack

The next time you’re watching a loud action movie (or any show for that matter), but can’t hear the dialogue, just hold the microphone (Siri) button on the remote and say “What did he/she say?”.

The program will automatically rewind 10 seconds and closed captioning will come on temporarily so you can read what is being said.

This is easily the one Apple TV hack that I use the most.

4. Easily Manage Your Subscriptions

This one hit close to home because I recently discovered I was paying $5/month for ESPN+ because I forgot to cancel my subscription.

To make sure you’re not paying for any subscriptions that you don’t use, go to Settings, Users and Account, (Your Name) Account, Subscriptions.

It’ll show all of your current and expired subscriptions so you will never get charged for something you don’t use.

5. Login to Your TV Provider Only ONE Time

If you’re like me, you have TV provider subscriptions to apps like ESPN, CBS, ABC, FOX, and Fox News.

Instead of manually typing in your login credentials to each app individually, do it JUST ONCE in your Apple TV.

To make it happen go to Settings, Users and Accounts, TV Provider.

Once you login you’ll never have to log into individual apps EVER again. Major time saver.

See Also: 11 Smartphone Hacks That’ll Change Your Life

6. Control the Screensaver

My kids love the constantly updated moving video and pictures on the Apple TV screensaver.

But did you know you can really have some fun with it and learn the location of the footage?

Once the screensaver is activated, you can do a gentle touch of the touchpad to bring up a description of whatever you’re looking at.

Then as the drone footage moves, the description is also updated which is REALLY cool.

If you want to move to the next image you can gently swipe to the right on the touchpad and you’ll move to the next video capture.

Also, to instantly access the screensaver, from the home screen, simply tap the Menu button twice and the screensaver will come on.

7. Use Bluetooth To Your Advantage

Did you know you can pair your wireless headphones or AirPods to your Apple TV?

This is a great feature if you’re watching late at night or want to watch in silence.

Just go to Settings, Remotes and Devices, Bluetooth.

Have your device in pairing mode and it will show up under My Devices. Click on your device and it will get paired immediately.

8. Know Exactly When to Charge the Remote

One of my favorite things about owning an Apple TV is the fact that the remote in chargeable.

No longer do you have to deal with dying AAA batteries that make the remote only work part of the time.

To find out the battery percentage on your remote, you simply visit Setting, then Remotes and Devices.

Then click on Remote and it will tell you the battery level so you’ll know when to charge it.

Ask the Reader: What cool Apple TV hacks did I miss? Let me know in the comments below.

By Kyle James

There’s only one good reason why I look forward to getting old….senior discounts. Did you know that some stores offer a senior discount only on specific days of the week? True enough. So I set out to find all the stores that offered this type of discount and was pleasantly surprised to find close to a dozen. From grocery stores to big box retailers, this list has you covered. I hope this list helps you shop on the right day and save some money.

Monday

– Beall’s Outlet

Sign-up for the Monday Club card and score 15% off your entire purchase every Monday if you’re 50 or older.

Tuesday

– AMC Theaters

Select AMC locations offer Tuesday Senior Days which will get you $6 movie admission if you’re 60 or older.

– Goodwill

Most Goodwill locations offer a senior discount (55+) of 25% off every Tuesday.

– Ross Dress for Less

Sign-up for the free Every Tuesday Club at Ross and save 10% off your order if you’re 55 or older.

Visit the customer service desk the next time you visit Ross and they’ll get you signed up quickly.

– Walgreens

If you’re 55 or older, be sure to shop at Walgreens on the 1st Tuesday of every month.

You’ll get 20% off regular priced merchandise and 10% off vitamins and health supplements.

To get the discount you’ll need an AARP card or Walgreen Balance Rewards card.

See Also: 70+ Places Where Seniors Score a Discount

Wednesday

– Kohl’s

If you’re 60 or older, be sure to shop at Kohl’s on a Wednesday and you’ll score an extra 15% off your purchase.

This discount is good ONLY in-store and excludes online purchases.

– Safeway

Many Safeway grocery locations offer a 10% discount on the 1st Wednesday of every month.

The age to receive the senior discount also varies by store but is typically 50 or 55 years of age.

– Uno Pizzeria & Grill

If you’re 55+, Uno will happily give you 25% off on Wednesdays when you sign-up for the Dual Nickel Club.

Thursday

– Harris Teeter

If you’re 60 or older, buy all your groceries at Harris Teeter on a Thursday and save 5% off your ENTIRE bill.

This discount does not apply to tobacco, prescriptions, or alcohol products.

Friday

None that I’m aware of.

Let me know in the comments if you’re aware of any “Friday senior discounts”.

Discounts That Vary by Location:

– Dress Barn

Dress Barn locations typically offer a 10% discount on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to those 55+. Ask about it at your local Dress Barn.

– Walmart

Many Walmart locations offer a senior discount on specific days of the week so be sure to ask an employee at your local store.

The discount is typically 8%-10% and good for shoppers over 55 years of age.

Ask the Reader: What “day specific” senior discounts did I miss? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll investigate.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to auntjojo.

Let’s face it, college tuition is ridiculously expensive these days which makes it smart to find ways to cut costs on services like Netflix. This leads many students to seek out a Netflix student discount, or better yet, free alternatives to the popular streaming service. Here’s everything you need to know so you can start streaming movies and TV shows for next to nothing.

Does Netflix Have a Student Discount?

Unfortunately a Netflix student discount does not currently exist.

This comes as a surprise to me as the popular streaming service makes for a cheap alternative to cable TV for many college student.

So it would make sense for Netflix to offer a small discount to students to get them signed up, even if the student discount only lasted for a few months.

But with that said, I have some clever ways to get Netflix at a discount PLUS some free alternatives that’ll make you forget that Netflix ever existed.

See Also: 50+ Places Where Students Get a Sweet Discount

Any Tricks to Getting Netflix for Free?

The 30-day free Netflix trial is the obvious way to get the service for free.

You can binge watch all of your favorite shows, cancel, then wait a month or two for the email inviting you back for another free trial.

Also, if you switch to T-Mobile and sign-up for the Magenta or Magenta Plus plans they’ll throw in a free Netflix subscription.

These plans start at $35/line and include unlimited talk, text, and data.

See Also: Get a Free Netflix Account: 2 Smart Ways to Make it Happen

How Can I Score Netflix at a Discount?

Here are a couple trusted tips that can help…

1 – Ask a Friend or Family Member: If your parents have a Netflix account ask if you can use their login information.

Or maybe you have a friend who’d be happy to let you mooch off of them and use their Netflix account.

Offer to pay half of the monthly fee and you might just score Netflix at a fat discount.

2 – Split the Cost w/ Roommates: If you have a roommate it’s ultra smart to split the cost of Netflix as you can have multiple profiles and watch on separate devices at the same time.

The 6 Best Netflix Alternatives for Students

Netflix is not the only option for college students, here are a few other options that are free or REALLY cheap.

1. Amazon Prime Video

Did you know that an Amazon Prime Student membership comes with access to Prime Video?

You can stream literally thousands of TV shows or movies from any device PLUS you get free 2-day shipping.

The BEST part is Prime Student comes with a free 6-month trial. Yes…I said 6 months.

2. Spotify Student Scores you Free Hulu

If you’re considering signing up for the Spotify Student plan you should know it ALSO includes Hulu and Showtime for FREE.

Both services make for a great streaming alternative to Netflix, and then throw in Spotify, and you’re all set for music, TV shows, and movies.

Oh, and did I mention it only costs $4.99/month?

Hulu will have ads, but for the cost, it’s a total no-brainer.

3. Crackle

Crackle is a TOTALLY free streaming service that has hundreds of popular movies and classic TV shows.

Movies on Crackle are not new releases but they are highly popular movies that you’ll actually want to watch.

They even have some originally programming which was a surprise to me.

They’ll show some ads, but being FREE makes it totally worth it.

4. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a free hybrid streaming service that shows both Live TV and On Demand movies and TV series.

The TV channels they have include Spike TV, Comedy Central, MTV, and dozens of Pluto movie channels broken down by genre.

5. Vudu

Vudu gives you free streaming access to over 150,000 movies and TV shows.

They might not be Netflix but you’ll certainly find something you want to watch and the price tag makes it hard to pass up.

A few movies on Vudu that my family has recently enjoyed include Tin Cup, Singles, Tombstone, and The Book of Eli.

6. Tubi

Tubi TV is similar to Crackle and offers thousands of free movies and TV shows.

I particularly like the Not On Netflix section as it offers literally hundreds of movies that you won’t currently find on Netflix.

Pair your free Tubi subscription with Netflix and you’ll have more movies to watch then you’ll possibly ever have time for.

Ask the Reader: How do you score Netflix at a discount? Any streaming alternatives that I might have missed?

By Kyle James

I’ll admit that until recently I was a complete novice when it came to Amazon Warehouse Deals. I had no idea what they were or how to access them. After all, the link to the Amazon Warehouse page is kinda non-existent on the Amazon homepage so it was never really top-of-mind when I was shopping. But when I finally wised up, “The Warehouse” literally saved me hundreds of dollars over the past 6 months. Here’s everything you need to know to start saving too.

What Type of Deals Can You Expect?

Think of Amazon Warehouse Deals as the section at your favorite department store that has SCREAMING good deals on scratch and dents along with open box specials.

The items sold in the “warehouse” are all products that have been returned to the Amazon return center for various reasons.

Once returned, an Amazon return specialist does a 20-point inspection to verify the product’s working condition and it’s then sold at a discount.

Deals range from 15% off the original price all the way up to over 50% off.

And in most cases the condition of the item is as good as something you would pay full price for.

Moral of the story? Always check the Warehouse Deals before making ANY significant purchases on Amazon.

What Product Categories Do They Offer?

Here are all the current product categories (and TOP brands) that you can find with Amazon Warehouse Deals.

– Computers/Tablets – Apple, Amazon, Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Dell, ASUS, and Acer.

– Kitchen – Instant Pot, Keurig, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, Ninja, and Zulay.

– Home Improvement – Black+Decker, Fiskars, Irwin, Bosch, Skil, and Craftsman.

– Vacuums – iRobot, Eureka, eufy, Bissell, Dyson, Hoover, Black+Decker, and Shark Steam.

– Amazon Devices – Echo, Fire, Ring, Kindle, and smart plugs.

– Digital Cameras – Lumix, Canon, Sony, Kodak, Nikon, and Panasonic.

– Video Games – Nintendo Switch, Playstation, and Xbox.

– Automotive – Bosch, Rain-X, Mpow, Nulaxy, and AmazonBasics. 

– Unlocked Cell Phones – Samsung, Google, Motorola, Nokia, BLU, and EasyPhone. 

– Furniture – Zinus, Urban Shop, FURINNO, Lifetime, and GreenForest.

– Televisions – Samsung, TCL, LG, Vizio, Pyle, and Sony.

– Grocery – Glad, Bounty, Ziploc, Hefty, Mellitta, and Seventh Generation.

– Baby – Graco, NUK, myBaby, Regalo, Evenflo, and Fisher-Price.

– Grills and BBQ – Weber, Traeger, ThermoPro, MasterBuilt, and Cuisinart.

– Outdoor Recreation – Coleman, CamelBak, Timberland, Columbia, North Face, and Simple Modern.

– Lawn & Garden – AeroGarden, Snow Joe, VivoSun, and AcuRite.

See Also: 6 Brilliantly Slick Ways to Get Amazon Prime for Free

5 Examples of Deals:

1. Instant Pot Duo (6 quart)

New Price on Amazon = $79.
Used – Acceptable = $55 (30% savings)
Used – Very Good = $67 (15% savings)

2. Apple MacBook Air 13″

New Price on Amazon = $749.99.
Used – Acceptable = $562 (25% savings)
Used – Good = $659.99 (12% savings)

3. Sony 65″ 4K Ultra HD Smart TV

New Price on Amazon = $798.
Used – Acceptable = $618 (23% savings)
Used – Very Good = $734 (8% savings)

4. PANASONIC Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera

New Price on Amazon = $298.
Used – Acceptable = $218 (27% savings)
Used – Like New = $248 (17% savings)

5. eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim)

New Price on Amazon = $239.
Used – Acceptable = $156 (35% savings)
Used – Very Good = $192 (20% savings)

Are Warehouse Items New?

Yes and no.

Some items are brand-spanking new, while others are in various used condition.

Conditions of items you’ll find in the Amazon Warehouse break down like this:

• New – Item is brand new and has never been opened. Packaging is in good shape as well.
• Used – Like New – Item comes in the original packaging but the packaging will have some damage to it.
• Used – Very Good – Item has been opened and will come repackaged or item never used but box has been slightly opened.
• Used – Acceptable – Item has large cosmetic damage to the top, front or side. Usually comes in original packaging which often also shows signs of damage.

The “Used – Acceptable” condition is always the cheapest option and is fully refundable if you’re not happy with it.

If you look at the picture above of the LG television, you’ll notice that Amazon gives you a general description of what to expect with each condition.

Tip: When buying “Used – Acceptable” items make sure they are sold and fulfilled directly by Amazon as it will make the return process VERY easy if you end up sending something back.

What Condition is Optimal for Savings?

It really comes down to personal preference.

For instance, if you don’t care that your new Keurig coffee maker has a small scratch or dent as long it works like new, then you’ll want to go with “Used – Acceptable” as it’ll score you the biggest deal.

If appearance matters to you then you’ll want to go with “Used – Like New” or “Used – Very Good” as you’ll still get a deal but the item will look new.

How Do I Find the Warehouse Deals Page?

Great question as it AIN’T easy.

On the Amazon mobile app you’ll want to tap the 3 lines at the top which some call the Hamburger menu.

Next tap See All Programs, then tap Amazon Warehouse and that will take you to the deals. See mobile screenshot above.

On a desktop or laptop you’ll want to click the down carrot in the search bar next to the word All.

This gives you a drop-down menu and from there you click on Amazon Warehouse and do your specific search.

Here’s a screenshot:

Can Stuff Still Be Returned?

YES.

The same Amazon return policy exists on Warehouse items and NO sales are final.

You have 30 days to test out the item and return it if not happy with it for any reason.

Be aware that Amazon can stick you with the return shipping charges unless they’re responsible for “the error”.

From personal experience Amazon will bend the rules and pay for return shipping if you’re a Prime member and a frequent shopper.

Do Items Still Come With a Manufacturer’s Warranty?

YES.

Just because an item is a warehouse deal DOESN’T void the manufacturer’s warranty in ANY way.

So you shop with the piece of mind knowing that you’ll be protected if the item turns out to be a lemon.

Ask the Reader: Have you made a purchase through Amazon Warehouse Deals? If so, how much money did you save?

Happy savings.

By Kyle James

With the dawn of a new decade comes new ways that crooks, hackers, and thieves are trying to gain access to your personal information. Whether it be stealing your credit card information or simply using technology AGAINST you to break into your home, you need to learn how to protect yourself. Here are 5 smart life hacks you can implement today that will keep your sensitive information and personal property safe.

1. Get RFID Protection

A friend of mine recently had his credit card information stolen by a crook who gently brushed up against his rear pocket as he walked a crowded Seattle street.

The thief had a device that used Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to steal his credit card number which they then transferred to a new blank credit card which was used immediately.

So how do you protect yourself from this growing trend?

Here are 3 easy solutions.

First, you can buy an inexpensive wallet or purse that has RFID protection built into it.

Here are a few affordable examples on Amazon.

• Slim Minimalist Leather Wallet for Men & Women – $12.99
• Baggallini Pocket Crossbody Bag w/ RFID-Protected Wristlet – $41.65
• Travel Neck Pouch Neck Wallet with RFID Blocking – $16.95

Second, you can simply stick a credit card sized piece of aluminum foil next to your credit cards which will “foil” the crook and not allow them to get your card numbers.

Third, make sure you have 2 chip embedded credit cards in your wallet or purse and place them next to each other.

This will essentially scramble their system and NOT allow them to steal your credit card information.

2. Slice Your Car Registration Sticker

Another growing trend is thieves peeling off your car registration sticker and using it as their own and thus avoiding the vehicle registration fee.

Here’s a cool hack that will easily protect you.

After you place the sticker on your car’s license plate, take a razor blade and firmly cut into the sticker a few times making a crossing pattern (see pic above).

Then when the thief tries to peel it off, they’ll quickly realize it’s an impossible task and move on to the next car.

See Also: 11 Smartphone Hacks That’ll Change Your Life for the Better

3. Keep Your “Smart Home” Safe from Hackers

It seems as if everyone these days has a smart speaker, Amazon Echo, smart plug, or smart hub in their home.

But with this cool technology comes the added risks of hackers breaking into your system and stealing sensitive information, eavesdropping on you, or in some cases unlocking your front door or opening your garage door.

Here are some easy to implement steps to keep your “smart home” safe.

1. Use a STRONG WiFi Password – Make sure your password has a capital letter and special character at they very minimum.
2. Always Use 2-Factor Authentication – This is an extra layer of security that goes beyond just a username and password. You’ll typically need your smartphone or email account to authenticate.
3. Keep Everything Updated – This will insure your smart devices are updated with the newest security measures.
4. Reset Unwanted Smart Devices – By reset, I mean perform a complete factory reset of the smart device in case the unwanted product gets into the wrong hands.

Follow these steps and you should be good to go with smart home security for 2020 and beyond.

4. Protect Yourself From Gas Station Skimmers

Crooks are setting up credit card “skimmers” on gas station pumps in record numbers and this trend looks to continue in 2020.

Thieves steal your credit card information by opening a pump with a universal key (which can be bought for $5 on eBay) and quickly adding a device that steals your sensitive info when you slide your card.

But you can easily protect yourself with these 5 tips…

1. Check the Tape on the Pump – Whenever a gas pump is opened with a key, and the credit card slider is checked, the attendant puts a piece of tape on it to record the inspection.  (See pic above)

If the tape is missing, cut, or altered, there’s a good chance the pump has been hit by skimmers. DON’T use that pump.

2. Pay with Cash – This is the most fool-proof way to protect yourself.

3. Avoid Using a Debit Card – If cash is not an option, use a credit card NOT a debit card. A credit card provides you protections that a debit card can’t.

4. Use Pump Closest to Building – Skimmers are less likely to hit these pumps as they can be easily spotted.

5. Pay Inside – Always pay inside if you’re forced to use a debit card.

5. Cover Up Your Laptop’s Webcam

A couple years ago the FBI came out and said it was a good idea to cover up your laptop’s webcam for security reasons.

I figure if the FBI recommends it, why not spend a second and stick a piece of tape over it or buy a webcam cover.

Then when I saw Mark Zuckerberg also had tape covering his webcam I knew it was a REALLY smart idea.

While a hacker is going to be REALLY bored if they gain access to my webcam, it still creeps me out that it’s a possibility.

So cover it up and fo’get ’bout it

Ask the Reader: Did I miss any clever hacks that keep your personal information safe? If you have any up your sleeve let me know in the comments below and I’ll investigate, thanks.

By Kyle James

“Just Do It” has been a popular Nike slogan for years. But what happens when you DON’T want to “Do It” and would rather return your Nike shoes, apparel, or workout gear? Like most return policies, the policy at Nike has some nuisances and quirks that need to be answered which is what I’ve done below. Hope this helps you out so you can “just do your return” and get on with your life.

How Many Return Days Does Nike Allow?

30 days.

You have 30 days to return items you bought from a Nike Store or from Nike.com.

You can double this policy to 60 days by registering to become a NikePlus member for FREE.

What If I Lost My Receipt?

If you don’t have your receipt you still have options, especially if items are not worn or laundered.

Just bring them back and you’ll get store credit for the current selling price.

Keep in mind that manager’s approval will be necessary so be sure to give yourself ample time to make the return happen.

Can I Return Shoes That I’ve Worn?

YES.

As a matter of fact, Nike encourages you to take your shoes for a “trial run” and if you’re not completely satisfied they’ll give you a FULL refund.

This applies to ALL items, not just shoes.

What Happens After 30 Days?

You can still return stuff to Nike after 30 days but it must NOT be worn or washed.

So the question then becomes how much longer than 30 days is allowed?

Well, according to this Reddit thread some shoppers have returned stuff that was over a year old.

Keep in mind that your mileage will vary by store and it comes down to the discretion of the manager if they’ll accept the return or not.

Be polite and you stand a great chance for success.

Should I Return Nike Stuff to Store of Purchase?

If you didn’t buy from Nike.com or a Nike Store it’s highly recommended that you return items to where you bought them.

This is because many stores have a return period longer than Nike’s standard 30 days.

See Also: The 8 Best Return Policies in the Known Universe

What About Stuff Bought at Nike.com?

To initiate a return for an item bought from Nike.com you’ll want to visit their online Return Center.

You’ll essentially use the return label that came with your order, box up your stuff, and drop it off at a UPS location.

If you don’t have a return label you can have one emailed to you or you can even download it.

If you want to exchange an item you’ll have to call them at 1-800-806-6453 or take the item to your local Nike store.

Who Pays Return Shipping Fees?

You’ll be stuck paying the return shipping charges UNLESS you’re a Nike Plus Member in which case Nike pays them.

Any Return Policy Exceptions?

Yes there are 3 exceptions to this policy:

• Gift Cards – All sales are final.
• Items Marked as “Nonreturnable” – Self-explanatory.
• Items with Specific Guarantees – Some Nike products have guarantees or warranties that are item specific.

Check the label, hang tag, or warranty card for details if you’re unsure.

Is Their a Holiday Return Extension?

Yes, and it’s fairly generous.

All orders placed between November 1st and January 6th come with an extended 60-day return window.

What About Items Bought at The Nike Factory Store?

The same return policy exists at Nike Factory Stores and manager’s approval will be needed when returning items without a receipt.

Be aware that some Factory Store items could be marked as final sale and cannot be returned.

BONUS: Don’t Forget About Nike’s 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty

If your Nike shoes are starting to fall apart within 2 years of the “manufacturer date” you stand a great chance of getting a FREE replacement.

To check when your shoes were made take a look at the tag and you’ll notice 2 dates.

The date on the left is when they were ordered by the retailer, and the date on the right is when they were actually manufactured.

It’s the date on the RIGHT that determines your 2-year return eligibility.

Keep in mind that normal “wear and tear” does not make you eligible for a new pair of Nike kicks.

There has to be what Nike deems a defective shoe.

They keep their language fairly vague on what the consider defective on purpose as they don’t want consumers gaming the system.

But it’s definitely worth a shot if you feel your Nike shoes should have held up better.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the Nike return policy? Anything else I should add to this post? Let me know in the comments, thanks.

By Kyle James

As we start wrapping gifts and placing them under the tree, it gets my mind thinking about the inevitable returns that will be happening after Christmas. Specifically, which stores offer extended holiday return periods to make your returns a piece of cake. So I set out to do the research and came up with 37 popular retailers that all offer extended holiday return policies. Hope this helps…

6PM Shoes

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: You have until February 29th for 6PM Holiday returns for ALL orders placed between November 1st – December 31st.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Standard Return Policy: 60 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: You have until January 31st to return stuff bought between November 1st – December 31st OR 60 days, whichever is later.

Amazon

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: You have until January 31st for Holiday returns for ALL orders placed between November 1st – December 31st.

See Also: Amazon’s Return Policy: Insider Tips for Success

Apple Store

Standard Return Policy: 14 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Apple’s 14-day return policy is extended to January 8th for all items purchased between November 15th – December 25th.

See Also: Apple Return Policy: 7 Reasons Why It’s Great & 5 Reasons Why It Kinda Sucks

B&H Photo

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to February 1st for all items purchased between November 1st – January 1st.

Banana Republic

Standard Return Policy: 45 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 15th for all items purchased between November 1st – December 24th.

Barnes & Noble

Standard Return Policy: 14 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 1st – December 31st.

Best Buy

Standard Return Policy: 15 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 14th for all items purchased between October 29th – December 30th.

See Also: Best Buy Return Policy: 8 Things You Need To Know (Plus a Few Hacks Too!)

Cole Haan

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 18th for all items purchased between November 17th – December 18th.

Disney Store

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 18th for all items purchased between November 7th – December 18th.

FinishLine

Standard Return Policy: 45 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to February 18th for all items purchased between November 18th – January 1st.

Forever 21

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 6th for all items purchased between November 18th – January 7th.

Free People

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 1st – December 24th.

GameStop

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 15th for all items purchased between November 1st – December 24th.

See Also: GameStop Return Policy: Everything a Gamer Needs to Know

GAP

Standard Return Policy: 45 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 15th for all items purchased between November 1st – December 24th.

Guitar Center

Standard Return Policy: 45 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st or 45 days, whichever is later.

Hewlett-Packard

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 15th for all items purchased between November 1st – December 25th.

H&M

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 19th – December 24th.

Kmart

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 1st – December 24th.

Kohl’s

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 1st – December 25th.

See Also: Kohl’s Return Policy: Here’s How It Works + Tips for Success

Macy’s

Standard Return Policy: 180 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased at Macy’s between November 1st – December 31st.

See Also: Macy’s Return Policy: Everything You Need to Know On a Single Page

Neiman Marcus

Standard Return Policy: 60 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between October 12th – December 25th.

NewEgg

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 1st – December 24th.

Nike

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Within 60 days of purchases made between November 7th – January 6th.

Office Depot/Max

Standard Return Policy: 90 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 14th for all items purchased between October 1st – December 24th.

Old Navy

Standard Return Policy: 45 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 15th for all Old Navy purchases between November 1st – December 24th.

Overstock.com

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 1st – December 31st.

Pier 1

Standard Return Policy: 45 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 1st – December 24th.

Pottery Barn

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all items purchased between November 1st – December 31st.

Saks 5th Avenue

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 15th for all orders placed after October 15th.

Sears

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 31st for all Sears items purchased between November 1st – December 24th.

Staples

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 14th for all items purchased between November 19th – December 27th.

Target

Standard Return Policy: 90 Days, 30 Days for Electronics.

Holiday Return Policy: Your 30-day return period begins on December 26th. REDcard holders get an extra 30 days.

See Also: Target Return Policy: Hacks to Make It Work For You

TJ Maxx

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 23rd for all items purchased between October 15th – January 4th.

See Also: TJ Maxx Return Policy: Tips and Tricks to Make It Work For You

Urban Outfitters

Standard Return Policy: 30 Days.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to February 28th for all items purchased between November 1st – December 25th.

Walmart

Standard Return Policy: 90 Days. 15 Days for select Electronics.

Holiday Return Policy: Extended to January 10th for items with a 15-day return window. Extended to January 25th for items with a 30-day policy.

Purchases must be made between October 24th – December 25th.

There is NO change for items that have a 90-day return window.

See Also: The Walmart Return Policy Finally Explained on a Single Page

Ask the Reader: What holiday return policy do you plan on taking advantage of this year?

By Kyle James