Microphone access, location sharing, and advertising tracking are three important phone privacy settings worth reviewing. Adjusting these permissions can help limit unnecessary data collection without spending money on additional apps. Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock Have you ever mentioned needing new shoes during a conversation, only to open Facebook or Instagram a few hours later and see advertisemen

Some routine medical tests offer fewer benefits as people age, particularly when there are no symptoms or specific risk factors. Asking questions before scheduling a test can help prevent unnecessary expenses. Odua Images/Shutterstock Getting older often means spending more time at the doctor’s office, but more medical testing doesn’t always lead to better health. In fact, some screenings that mak

A friendly greeting and clear communication can help set the tone for a more enjoyable restaurant experience. Better restaurant service doesn’t necessarily require spending more money. BearFotos/Shutterstock Have you ever noticed that some people seem to have a better experience at restaurants than others, even when they’re sitting just a few tables apart? One diner gets friendly recommendations,

Internet providers can sometimes identify the websites you visit, but HTTPS encryption protects much of the information you exchange with secure sites. Simple privacy settings can offer additional protection without expensive subscriptions. flashgun/Shutterstock You probably think your internet browsing history is private, especially when you’re using your own computer at home. But every time you

Taking several medications can increase the risk of harmful drug interactions, especially when prescriptions come from different providers. Experts recommend regular medication reviews to identify potential problems. amenic181/Shutterstock Medicare open enrollment begins this week, and most seniors will be checking to see if their medications are covered by their plans. However, health professiona

From physical movies to traditional cable television, some familiar purchases continue to compete with digital alternatives. Comparing costs and actual usage can reveal which are worth keeping. Mamadaja/Shutterstock Some purchases just refuse to disappear, no matter how much technology changes. Baby boomers grew up writing checks, reading printed newspapers, and buying movies they could actually h

Unpaid federal taxes can put more than bank accounts at risk. Depending on the circumstances, the IRS may levy Social Security benefits, wages, investments, and other assets after required collection procedures.Prostock-studio/Shutterstock Most people know the IRS can take money from a bank account when someone fails to pay federal taxes. What many taxpayers don’t realize is that the agency’s coll

Bedrooms, dresser drawers, and jewelry boxes are among the common hiding places police warn homeowners to avoid. A secure, anchored safe offers better protection for expensive valuables. Oleg Opryshko/Shutterstock You might think the cash tucked beneath your mattress or the jewelry hidden in a dresser drawer is safe because nobody knows it’s there. Unfortunately, some of the most popular hiding pl

Two-dollar bills remain legal U.S. currency, but some bank branches don’t keep large quantities readily available. Calling ahead before requesting a substantial number can help avoid delays and unnecessary work for tellers. There’s something oddly satisfying about walking into a bank and asking for a stack of crisp $2 bills. Maybe you’re collecting unusual currency, putting together birthday gifts

Some mail carriers place scented dryer sheets inside mailboxes in hopes of discouraging wasps and other stinging insects from nesting. The trick isn’t scientifically established, and homeowners should still inspect their mailboxes for nests and safety hazards. Imagine opening your mailbox and finding something unexpected tucked between the bills and grocery store advertisements: a scented dryer sh