There are two types of home security systems prevalent on today’s market: those with professional monitoring (by a central monitoring station), and those that are self-monitored (by you and your network of contacts). The former typically includes a fairly steep ($30-$75) monthly fee to cover the cost of the monitoring station, while with the latter you typically only pay for the equipment. Don’t want this added expense of monthly monitoring? Worried about false alarms and getting fined by your city? We hear ya! These are a few of the reasons that self-monitored security systems have become so intriguing. They put you in control of your system, and you have access to cutting edge “smart” technology that you can control from your smartphone. With these DIY (do it yourself) security systems you’re in charge of when the authorities are called to your home and how you secure your home…

Despite the increased use of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft and marketing efforts by alcohol brands to ensure you have a designated driver, fatal car crashes caused by drunk driving still occur at high rates. This is especially true during the holidays. But which states have the highest rates, and how can you lower your chance of getting hurt?

Have a smartphone or tablet lying around that you no longer use? Re-purpose it into a security camera device with an app. It’s an easy way to give your gadget a new life and have peace of mind over your home or loved ones without having to invest in new equipment…

Home smart locks help eliminate security woes about multiple house keys falling into the wrong hands. August Home carries some of the most popular smart locks on the market, but do they work as promised? And what added security and home automation features do they offer?… 

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…

Looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to reach your fitness goals without the expenses of a personal trainer? Enter Jawbone and Fitbit! It’s easy, just set goals for yourself and meet (or exceed) them. Your friends can hold you accountable as well because you can share your data with them. Track your progress including distance, calories burned, steps taken and more. But which one is best?…

Do you know with full certainty what your credit score is? Have you recently checked your credit report? What you don’t know could hurt you, especially if you’re dreaming of buying a house or a new car, taking out student loans — or even if you’re looking for a new job. Your ability to do all these things hinges on how creditworthy you are in the eyes of lenders and even potential employers…

In 2017, Ford warned owners of certain Explorer SUV models that carbon monoxide (CO) could be leaking into their vehicles’ cabins. The danger is that CO is an odorless and colorless gas that can cause serious impairment in drivers and even death. The company took charge of righting the problem, but for many people, this issue highlighted a safety concern most of us probably never even consider with our cars. Is your vehicle leaking CO? It’s worth your safety (and that of your passengers) to find out by investing in a reliable vehicle carbon monoxide detector…

LifeShield is one of the few home security companies to have IFTTT (If This Then That) integration, but it only offers a one year warranty, which is not up to par with what its competitors offer. Does the warranty matter to you if you’re saving money on LifeShield’s low monthly monitoring fee? And is its customer service reputation good enough for your service? We dive into the details and help you decide…

ADT is one of the oldest and possibly the most well-known home security company. With more than 140 years of experience, ADT is a household name. But does being around so long also mean it’s the best at securing your home? We lift the hood and find out in our comprehensive review…