10 Reasons to Use a TV Antenna in the Netflix Era (Aside from Free TV)

In an age where streaming services like Netflix dominate the entertainment landscape, you might think the humble TV antenna is a relic of the past.  However, a recent study found that nearly one in five TV viewers now use antennas for over-the-air broadcasts, with ownership increasing by 9% among 18-49 year olds in just one year.1 Believe it or not, there are still plenty of practical and downright weird reasons to keep an antenna in your arsenal, even if you’re a die-hard Netflix binger. Here are 10 compelling reasons to consider adding an antenna to your setup. 1. Ditch the …

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13 Affordable Hidden Gems for Retirement in the U.S.

Retirement is an exciting chapter of life, but finding a place that combines affordability with a high quality of life can be challenging. Many retirees are seeking destinations where their hard-earned savings can go further while still enjoying great amenities, beautiful surroundings, and a welcoming community. Nearly 40% of retirees rely on Social Security in retirement, making affordability a crucial factor when choosing a retirement destination?1 If you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly retirement spots in the United States, look no further. Here are 13 affordable places that offer a high quality of life, great amenities, and a friendly community …

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10 Bills You Should Never Put on Auto-Pay

Are you one of the 39% of consumers¹ who pay their monthly bills using automatic payments on the due date?  While autopay can be a convenient way to ensure timely payments, it’s not always the best option. According to a recent study, 42% of consumers have continued paying for a subscription they no longer use.¹ If you’re not careful, autopay can lead to overspending and missed opportunities to negotiate better rates. Here are 10 bills you should take off autopay: 1. Credit Cards Despite popular opinion, you should never put your credit card bill on autopay. Manually paying your credit …

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15 Common Items Pawn Shops Pay Top Dollar For

In a recent episode of the hit TV show Pawn Stars, a seller walked away with a staggering $250,000 for a set of original sketches from the beloved children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. And yes, not everyone has such rare treasures lying around, but you might be surprised at the valuable items collecting dust in your home that could fetch a pretty penny at a pawn shop. Now, let’s get into the top 15 items you can pawn for a significant sum of money. 1. Gold Jewelry Gold jewelry is one of the most popular …

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10 Things That Have Gotten Cheaper Despite Inflation

Inflation has been a thorn in the side of consumers, but not everything has become more expensive. In fact, there are several items that have bucked the trend and become more affordable.  Here are 10 things that have gotten cheaper despite the rising cost of living. 1. Used Cars The used car market has seen a significant shift, with prices dropping by an average of 3.8% over the past year. (ref) Improved supply chains, increased chip availability, and competition from electric vehicles have all contributed to this welcome change. 2. Airline Tickets Believe it or not, airfares are down 7% …

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Redefining Wealth: 15 Things More Precious Than Money

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of wealth and material possessions. But have you ever stopped to consider what truly matters?  This raises another profound question: What is the true currency of life?  While having more money is not a bad thing, people can sometimes forget the other 15 things in life that truly matter.  1. Health Health is more precious than money because it allows you to live a productive and fulfilling life, and it is essential for overall well-being. Without good health, you may struggle to achieve your goals and enjoy the things that bring …

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6 Financial Milestones That Matter More Than Being a Millionaire

Forget about being a millionaire.  According to Bankrate’s 2024 Financial Success survey1, the majority of Americans don’t equate financial success with being a millionaire. Instead, they prioritize living comfortably, being financially prepared for the future, and achieving personal goals.  With that said, here are six financial milestones that define financial success in the eyes of most Americans. 1. Becoming Debt-Free: Breaking the Chains Debt can be a heavy burden, holding you back from reaching your full financial potential. In fact, a staggering 80% of Americans carry some form of debt. (ref) The first milestone on the path to financial success …

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California’s Charm Fading: 16 Reasons People Are Moving Out

California, a state synonymous with innovation, natural beauty, and cultural richness, has long been a dream destination for many. From Silicon Valley’s tech-driven economy to Hollywood’s cinematic allure and natural wonders like Yosemite National Park, California offers a unique blend of opportunities and experiences unmatched by any other state. However, despite its many attractions, a significant number of Californians are choosing to relocate permanently, and here are the reasons why: 1. High Cost of Living One of the primary factors driving people out of California is the exceedingly high cost of living. Housing costs in California are some of the …

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Gas Taxes on the Chopping Block: One State Eyes Mileage Tracking

In a bold move to address the challenges of traditional gas taxes, one state is considering a move toward surveillance-based mileage tracking as an alternative revenue source.  With the current gas tax, drivers contribute to road maintenance each time they fill up. But electric vehicle (EV) owners, who charge their vehicles at home or public stations, don’t pay this tax. To ensure all drivers chip in for road upkeep, the Road Charge pilot program by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) aims to track participants’ mileage. As California leads the way for sustainable mobility, the question remains: is trading gas …

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Millionaire Mindset: 9 Money Habits to Skyrocket Your Net Worth

“The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind.” – T.T. Munger This profound quote by T.T. Munger, a prominent 19th-century businessman and investor, perfectly encapsulates the essence of smart money management. By cultivating the habit of saving, you not only improve your financial well-being but also develop valuable life skills and virtues.  Embracing this mindset is just one of the many simple habits that can help you supercharge your finances and achieve success where others fall short. 1. Live Below Your …

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