Safe Smart Living

Hands holding a cardboard sign that says 'donate'

Top 5 Best And Worst Charities To Donate To In 2023

Looking to make a charity tax deduction? How do you know which are the best and worst charities to donate to? It’s not so much which are the best causes (as that could be highly debatable and subjective), but rather what’s the best use of your hard-earned money and return on your dollar? Is your money going to have a large impact and make a difference in the cause or will it go to waste on expensive overhead or unnecessary spending? We’ll share with you a little more about charitable donations tax deductions and our top picks for best charities to give to (as well as those not to give to).

Three piggie banks on books with retirement on chalkboard

Best Retirement Plans: 401k vs 403b vs IRA vs Roth IRA

It’s never too early (or late) to start investing in your future. Retirement plans are a smart way to help ensure you’re financially secure when you need it. Saving a little can go a long way in the long term for your financial goals.

DIY Appliance Repair (2023): Washing Machine, Dryer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Microwave, & More

Is your dishwasher in dis-repair? Have a wobbly washer? Or maybe your microwave is waving goodbye. Not to worry, we’re here to help with some useful and cost-effective ways to repair your home appliances, no tools (or experience) required. Avoid spending hundreds of dollars to hire a repair person or purchase a new appliance and learn how to fix it yourself with our tips.

Home security tablet showing security feeds in persons lap

Best Home Security Systems (2023): Reviews Of 16 Top Companies

Do you need help finding the best home security system but are overwhelmed with your options? Our team of experts has over 75 years of combined experience researching, testing, and using home security systems. We’ve reviewed the top professionally monitored security companies to help you choose the most reliable system at the best price.

woman with an ipad monitoring her home security system cameras with dog sitting in her lap

Best Home Security System For Pet Owners: Pet-Friendly, Wireless, For Dogs, Cats, And More

Indoor motion sensors are the biggest concern for pet owners looking for a pet-friendly security system. If you don’t want to sacrifice this important home security feature, you still have some great options. We’ve spent a lot of time researching equipment offered by all the top companies and have narrowed down the best systems for pet owners.

Choice Home Warranty Reviews: Plans, Customer Service, Claims, Coverage, & More

Choice Home Warranty has one of the worst reputations we have seen. There is a government write-up on the company’s Better Business Bureau page stating that the company allegedly sold a home warranty to consumers and then denied consumer claims. This is a big red flag in our opinion, so if you are seriously considering Choice Home Warranty we recommend you proceed with caution. Below is the review we initially wrote prior to learning about the government write-up.

Gloved hands holding a social security card in the left hand while typing on a keyboard with the right hand

12 Alarming Identity Theft Statistics In 2023 (& How To Protect Yourself)

Unfortunately, identity theft is happening more and more frequently in the modern, digital age. Before you know it, you might become one of the next identity theft victims (if you haven’t been already). We’ve been tracking the history of the biggest data breaches since 2012, and below are 12 alarming statistics for this year, including the places identity theft is most commonly happening and what you can do about it.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Flights, Cruises, Cancel For Any Reason Coverage, & More

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting and life returning to normal, it’s finally time to start planning your next vacation. But flights, hotels and other travel expenses can add up, and no one wants to lose money if plans fall through. This begs the question: should you purchase travel insurance? The answer is not so clear-cut. Sometimes travel insurance is a smart investment, and other times it’s a waste of money. Read on to find out if travel insurance is really worth it for your next trip.

How To Check For, Avoid, Prevent, Monitor & Report Identity Theft

With each online profile we create, every service we sign up for and all the smart gadgets we buy we put our identities at risk. Technology is evolving, and with it, our personal information becomes more vulnerable. Protecting your identity isn’t an option; it’s a must.

passengers boarding an airplane on tarmac jpg

Are You Allowed To Bring A Taser On An Airplane?

Navigating the airport and following all regulations is stressful enough, especially when you aren’t sure what you can and can’t bring on a plane. Last thing you want to worry about is whether personal items will be removed from your luggage at the last minute. Self-defense devices like tasers are helpful for anyone that wants an extra layer of security. But can you bring a taser on a plane, or will you have to get rid of it before you board?

Family sitting at table enjoying Thanksgiving meal

27 Thanksgiving Safety Tips (2023): For Pets, Fire Safety, Food Safety & More

Turkey time is a time to relax, kick up your feet, stuff your face with food and be thankful for all the things. But the holiday weekend can have some hazards to be aware of. Before you put the turkey in the oven or start watching football, keep these tips in mind to make sure everyone has a happy, healthy Thanksgiving.

22 Smart Home Statistics & Predictions (2023): Ready To Live Like A Jetson?

From appliances to lighting to speakers, everything is connecting to the internet, and there’s no stopping it. Smart home equipment is becoming more affordable and less avoidable on the market. Everything from our dishwasher to our cars will be “on the grid”, ie. connected to the internet (and many devices and appliances already are!). Read some astonishing statistics about home automation as well as where the market is headed.