Kimberly Alt

Using your phone as a hotspot is draining your battery. So, you either choose to use unsecured public WiFi or have no phone battery the rest of the day. It’s a lose – lose situation. It doesn’t have to be this way. Having access to high-speed internet is easier than you think. There are plenty of 3G and 4G WiFi options that won’t cost a fortune and are small enough to fit in your pocket so you can take them with you on the go! But, which is the best WiFi hotspot device for your needs and money?…

Is your energy bill outrageously high? Are you taking things to the extreme and not turning your air conditioning on when it’s 102°F outside so you can save a few pennies? WiFi thermostats allow you to be comfortable in your home and let you conserve energy while you’re away at work…

On the hunt for a security system that doesn’t look like it’s from the 1960s? Scout home security systems have aesthetically pleasing equipment and perform well. You have the option of white, black or walnut colored equipment, which is pretty cool since most security companies don’t offer color options. However, there are some things that Scout could improve on…

Both SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm offer security systems with no long-term contracts and self-installation. However, the two have different equipment options. Depending on the type of setup you want, you may opt for one system over the other…

Protect America is a DIY-installation home security system that requires a 3-year contract for professional monitoring, but their equipment and monthly pricing blows many similar services out of the water. And it’s one of the few security companies to let you choose between landline, broadband and cellular monitoring for any package you want. While affordability is a major plus, is Protect America able to deliver dependable security at such a surprisingly reasonable cost? Our experts find out…

You wake up to start your day and the lights automatically dim on, the window blinds open, the coffee pot starts brewing and the thermostat is adjusted — all before getting out of bed. Is this heaven? No, it’s just a smart home. Wouldn’t it be nice to have certain aspects of your life automated? Thanks to smart home hubs you can do so affordably and easily. What is a hub exactly? Read on to learn more about how they can be the brains of your home and work with a growing list of products within each room…

Natural disasters often happen suddenly and without warning. And man-made emergencies can be terrifying. Quickly gathering up your family and getting to a safe place should be your #1 priority, not searching for emergency preparedness supplies. That’s why we think these emergency kits can be life savers. We suggest having one at home, work and in each vehicle. Checkout some of the best emergency kits that we’ve reviewed in this article…

Home surveillance systems have come a long way. They started with a licensed installer coming to your home with bulky equipment and endless strings of cords. High monthly bills and lousy image quality followed. Today, we have access to DIY solutions that you can install yourself and monitor from your phone. If you want to purchase your own home surveillance cameras but aren’t sure where to begin your search, we’ve got some tips for you…

Whether you’re buying your first outdoor surveillance system or looking to upgrade a system that you already have, this is the article for you. Forget the multi-thousand dollar security camera systems. You can increase the surveillance on your property without going broke…

Protection One (also known as Protection 1) provides home security and automation equipment to help secure your home. The equipment isn’t as up-to-date looking as its competitors, but it gets the job done. Protection One isn’t as well-known as other home security companies, but does that mean you shouldn’t choose them?…