Month: August 2018

  • Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you might have found that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare.

    If you are in a difficult situation where the health care bills are piling up, consider Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Medicare Supplemental Insurance is insurance that can help cover what Medicare doesn’t. We analyzed several plans with our experts and today we are breaking down the Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance!

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Information About Supplemental Insurance

    An important note: in order to get supplemental insurance, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A covers inpatient, and Part B covers outpatient care. Anoter factor to consider is Supplemental insurance only covers one person. Additionally, as long as you’re paying your premiums, Medicare supplemental  insurance can’t drop you, no matter what medical issues you may begin to suffer from.

    Supplemental insurance won’t always cover everything Medicare doesn’t.  Supplemental insurance is not going to cover all expenses. Things like vision, dental, prescriptions, long term care and private nursing are also not typically covered. Finally,  supplemental insurance must be acquired within the first sixth months of you turning 65 and you must already be on Medicare to qualify.

    United Healthcare Insurance Company

    The United Healthcare Insurance Company is endorsed by the AARP, and for good reason. This company offers a great deal of benefits for those on Medicare. They have a 94 percent user satisfaction, which is stellar. They also offer coverage that can be combined with a Medicare Part D plan. Those with this policy can visit any doctor that accepts Medicare! United Healthcare allows you to choose from a wide variety of plans, coverage, deductibles and benefits so you have coverage to fit your health needs and your financial situation.

    State Farm

    State Farm is another option for supplemental insurance. State Farm Medicare Supplement Insurance is designed to cover the gaps in Medicare, helping to pay deductibles, coinsurance and copayment amounts not covered by Medicare. State Farm also provides you the flexibility to choose between different plans to meet your individual needs and budget. They are a well-respected agency and are renowned for their high customer satisfaction ratings “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There” tagline is very true. State Farm insurance might be able to cover hospital or medical services your Medicare won’t pay for as well.

    Humana

    Humana offers Medicare supplemental insurance that covers Medicare Part A and B. Humana’s policy covers coinsurance for medical expenses, co pays, hospice care and hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, and blood work. Additionally, the Humana plan also covers copayments for outpatient services. Remember, this is in addition to your Medicare coverage, so getting this extra coverage could save you a lot of money when you have expensive outpatient services. Particularly if you have frequent doctor’s visits, you may find yourself saving a ton with this supplementary policy.


  • Best Credit Cards in 2018

    Best Credit Cards in 2018

    From huge sign-up bonuses to generous rewards, there is a lot of factors to consider when you are choosing a credit card. The best credit cards will pay you cash back, offer luxury perks, provide travel rewards, and help you quickly pay off existing balances.

    Our experts analyzed  credit cards to find the best credit card offers  Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the best credit cards for various rewards and purposes. Without further ado, let’s look at the best credit cards in 2018! Explore our top picks and start getting rewarded.

    Best Credit Cards in 2018

    Citi Double Cash Card

    The best credit card for flat-rate cashback, the Citi Double Cash card is a good deal if you keep your monthly balances at zero. You earn one percent cash back on every dollar you spend, which is pretty standard. The cool thing? The 18-month, zero-percent interest period on balance transfers made in the first four months.

    Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card

    As for the best hotel rewards card, this Hilton Honors card is the way to go. You get all the expected benefits for Hilton hotels, but you also get rewards points for normal purchases! That’s literally win-win. Oh, you get access to certain airport lounges, too! Who could pass that up?

    British Airways Visa Signature Card

    This card is easily the best for airline rewards. While Americans might question what they’d do with a British Airways card, don’t get hung up on the name. You can book American Airlines flights through Avios, so there’s no need to worry! Besides, the rewards you get with this card are stellar, no matter who you fly with.

    Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    The best tiered-reward cashback card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers a number of really great benefits for cardholders. The first, and most obvious, is the tiered cashback. It offers 6 percent cashback on purchases made in grocery stores, which makes it a very easy to use reward card. You buy groceries, right? Then this is the card for you!

    Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is by far the best travel rewards card. If you spend a good deal of time traveling, this is the card for you. You can spend the reward points you earn through the card on hotel and airline rewards, or in the Chase portal. As for how you get points, you get two points per dollar you spend traveling or dining while traveling. Well, that’s hard to beat!


  • Best CPAP Machines

    Best CPAP Machines

    Sleep apnea is a serious problem for those affected. Getting treatment for sleep apnea isn’t just about sleeping through the night — it’s about preventing serious health complications. Whether you suffer from it yourself or sleep near someone who does, it can be awful. If you’re affected, you may find it hard to sleep through the night and rarely wake up feeling rested.

    Sleep apnea may also put you at higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and anxiety. Fortunately there are ways for people to cope with this condition. The most common form of sleep apnea treatment is with a CPAP machine, which works by creating a continuous stream of air into your airway while you sleep to keep the airway clear and unobstructed.  In order to help, here’s our roundup of the 3 best CPAP machines.

    Best CPAP Machines

    Intellipap Standard Plus CPAP Machine

    The Intellipap Standard Plus CPAP Machine is the first on our list. Made by DeVilbiss Healthcare, this model features a number of technological functions to keep your airway clear and unobstructed. Flow Rounding technology and SmartFlex functions work in conjunction to help you sleep through the night and get well-rested.

    Other great features are a humidifier mask that keeps your mouth from drying out and a back-up battery. It also features remote reporting, so your doctor can monitor how you’re doing. It even sounds a warning if the mask slips off your face!

    ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset

    The second model on our list is the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset. Notably, this unit is capable of adjusting its airflow to accommodate the breathing habits of users. It offers Bluetooth connectivity to allow for wireless control. If you like to travel, this is a great pick: it’s rated for use on airplanes! It’s also capable of using any wall outlet, even internationally.

    Like the Intellipap, this unit is capable of long-distance monitoring by your doctor. That means that, even if you’re traveling, your doctor can stay up-to-date on your status! That’s perfect for people with an active lifestyle!

    Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto

    The Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto is last but not least! This entry is the most compact of any of the machines listed here. If you have limited bedside space, this is the option you should go with. This unit is capable of recording any abnormal breathing during the night. It’s also capable of adjusting for abnormal breathing to keep you healthy and sleeping soundly.

    This unit also offers a facemask alert in case it comes loose, like the Intellipap. It also features a humidifier to keep your mouth and throat from drying out. Like the previous entries, this one also offers wireless reporting to your doctor regarding your breathing health.


  • Best Moisturizer with SPF

    Best Moisturizer with SPF

    Everyone uses face moisturizers, but not all moisturizers are created equally. Many do not give you the protection you need. So, today we are looking at the best moisturizers with SPF protection! 

    The “best” face moisturizer for one person might be the worst for someone else.  It is important to know your own specific skin type before you buy anything to put on, especially on your face. Best practice would most likely be applying high quality face moisturizer and a high quality SPF lotion separate from one another, but for time’s sake, these moisturizers have the SPF already in them to save you time in your routine.

    The Best Oil-Free Moisturizer With SPF

    Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture With SPF35 Sunscreen:

    If you are one with predominately oily skin, this product might be one to check out.  People that use oil based moisturizers on already oily skin could end up with unwanted breakouts.  They also have a SPF 70 version of this product, for those of you who need extra protection.  Best to use this product right after you get done washing your face. This will leave your skin very soft, clear, and free from redness. Excellent product much more reasonably priced than others on the market.

    The Best Moisturizer With SPF for Sensitive Skin

    Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF30 Sensitive Skin:

    You probably have sensitive skin if you found this article in the first place. If you do, finally, a 30 SPF sun lotion with moisturizer that does not smell, does not make your eyes sting and does not make your mouth taste like suntan lotion.

    The Best Illuminating Moisturizer With SPF

    Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 30:

    This one is a great all around daily moisturizer. It controls oily skin and it has very little specks of shimmer (don’t worry, you can barely see it) that make your skin look flawless. There is a slight herbal scent, but you can’t smell it after a minute or so. It works great under makeup because it isn’t oily.

    The Best Brightening Moisturizer With SPF

    RoC Multi Correxion 5 In 1 Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer for Skin Discoloration SPF 30:

    If you are like the majority of us, I am sure you have tried many other creams for lightening spots, but this product really works well on lightening those brown spots. It’s very lightweight but hydrates perfectly. If this one works for you and your skin, they also have a night cream that can enhance the effects.

    The Best Tinted Moisturizer With SPF

    Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Tinted Matte Moisturizer:

    This one is very easy to apply and has a bit of a sheer tint to it.  It won’t necessarily make you look darker, it just won’t look like you’re wearing regular white sunscreen. It never leaves you too greasy, it makes your skin feel and look like your skin. It won’t leave you oily at all and it absorbs really fast. You can even apply regular moisturizer underneath from time to time during the winter, and it still won’t let your skin get greasy or shiny. For very oily, acne-prone skin, when using this product, your skin’s oil production slows down. This one doesn’t let your face get shiny too fast at all.

    The Best Longwear Moisturizer With SPF

    La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense 24-Hour Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid SPF 20:

    Do you still find that you get dry patches when using other moisturizers? This one is an impressive one if you typically have predominately dry skin. This one will keep your makeup looking fresh and hydrated. If you are looking for moisturizer that feels like it’s working and leaves your skin looking healthy without all the grease, this one might be the one for you.

    The Best SPF Moisturizer With Added Ceramides

    CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30:

    This one definately has some of the best ingredients out of any expensive face cream or moisturizer. you have other ones to do ‘extra’ stuff when you need it, but this is the best everyday one for a lot of CeraVe belivers. The ingredients have hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamides, which are awesome for your skin, and if you look at more expensive creams, they usually only boast ONE of those three…this lotion has three in one! It is light but holds moisture in, and will not break you out. This has the potential to work better for you than some expensive moisturizer (including Korean skin care) because it is so simple.

    The Best SPF Moisturizer With Retinol

    Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Retinol SPF 20:

    Use this cream under your eyes, between eyebrows, around the mouth and nose, and on your neck. Put the cream on after a shower once a day, rarely skipping a day. You will notice you have to use it for quite a while, but it will do amazing things. The skin tone under your eyes will have gained so much elasticity, you will be blown away, to tell you the truth. You never expected such a good outcome because you have used other products and they simply did not live up to what they said their products would do, but … you will notice without any doubt that this product has vastly improved the condition of your skin where you applied the cream, especially under your eyes. Previous customers told us they have considered some type of under-eyelid surgery or acid peel because they hated how many fine wrinkles they had under my eyes, but this product has smoothed those out and made them look so much younger. You will be so happy that you got it and used it so often for this long, it was worth the wait.

    The Best Moisturizer With SPF 50+

    Replenix Antioxidant Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 50:

    This sunscreen triples as a moisturizer, tint, and sunscreen — and your skin will look improved after using it for a few weeks, due to the other antioxidants and good stuff in it. These products are superior for sensitive, aging skin, especially if you tend to break out. The moisturizer is pleasant, clean, and easy to use — and reasonably priced given the great quality in each product.


  • iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    There has been months of speculation and hype about new iPhone X models rumored to be coming. “Today, we’re going to take iPhone X to the next level,” CEO Tim Cook said during the presentation and unveiling of new iPhone models.

    The iPhone X released last year was a total rethinking of the iPhone with features like Face ID and a edge to edge screen. Anticipation was high among iPhone fans and the day is finally here, and we have all the recaps.  Apple finally took the wraps off its new iPhones, including the iPhone Xs Max, its largest iPhone ever. With 3 new phone announcements, let’s take a look at what makes them different and sort through all the new details and features.

    iPhone Xs and Xs Max

    First off Apple  introduced the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs, which also has an OLED screen. The iPhone Xs is made of surgical-grade steel, is covered in new glass and comes in gold, silver and space gray. With the new A12 chip, more on this later, it allows the storage to be increased to 512 gb. The Xs will have 3 size options, 64gb, 256, or 512gb. The smaller 64gb is cutting a little close these days but 256gb should still be more than enough for 99% of the users out there.

    The iPhone XS will also incorporate more real-world machine learning for features such as augmented reality and FaceTime. The iOS upgrade will also open the door for Siri shortcuts, which users can customize.  For all the Instagram photographers out there the back camera has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera, along with improvements to flash. For the selfie lovers the front camera will feature 7 megapixels.

    Both devices are identical with only one difference, the iPhone Xs is 5.8 inches, the iPhone Xs max is 6.5 inches. There also have been improvements to the overall strength of the glass screen, which is a great improvement for those of us with butter fingers.

    The iPhone XR

    Alongside with the Xs models Apple also revealed it’s midrange iPhone model, the XR.  The XR is the  bargain model that will be more affordable with most of the same features as the Xs. The iPhone XR has an LCD display called liquid retina and it features a 6.1-inch screen. It’s the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, but with a larger screen because of it’s edge to edge screen.  The iPhone XR will also feature Face ID, and include the A12 Bionic chip like the XS. The big difference among these phones is the back camera: a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera for the XR. The front camera will feature the same true depth features as the XS.

    On battery life, XR will offer an hour and a half more on one charge than the iPhone 8 Plus. Specs-wise, the XR is notable for matching many of the specs of the new XS, but one notable omission is 3D Touch, which  isn’t available with XR model. 

    While the 6.1-inch display seems large, the reduced bezels above and below the display  will make the XR slightly smaller than a traditional “Plus” iPhone and only slightly larger than the 5.8-inch iPhone XS. The iPhone XR will be available in a variety of colors including black, white, blue, coral, yellow and red.

    Pricing

    The iPhone XR will come in three sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and start at $749. Pre-orders arrive October 19, and ships October 26. XS available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB starting at $999. The XS Max will start at $1,099. Both Xs models are available for pre-order immediately with shipping to begin on September 21st.


  • Sizzling Hot Tub Deals

    Sizzling Hot Tub Deals

    Getting the right hot tub is harder than it looks. Hot tubs are also an interesting market, for a number of reasons. When you go to buy one, you could go through several different avenues.

    You could purchase one through a warehouse retailer like Costco, you could go through a luxury store or even a specialty hot tub retailer. If you’re looking to save money on buying a hot tub, it can be difficult to know where to start. We are here to help though, here’s how you can save money on a hot tub!

    BEST HOT TUB DEALS OF 2018

    Costco

    Costco is a massive, warehouse-style retailer. Those who wish to shop there have to have a membership, but it offers some pretty good discounts for those who do. You can buy wholesale amounts of common groceries. However, there is another reason to be a Costco member: their great deals on hot tubs! They offer great prices on luxury hot tubs, so they’re worth looking at for deals.  For instance, they currently carry the Evolution Spas Oxford 121 Jet Spa which holds up to 7 people for 8,999.99.  This spa has a full body lounger and 4 captain’s chairs with neck and shoulder jets. Costco might not be your first instinct, but it should be!

    Overstock

    Overstock is a wholesaler who focuses on saving users money by selling overstocked items. That’s a pretty standard business strategy, and it might seem like it’s not that good of a deal. However, there are a number of great savings to find. One of the biggest discounts comes through overstocked hot tubs! That’s a thing, believe it or not. New users can sign up and even get 15% off of purchases! Some items are on sale for as much as 70% off, which can really save you some money on a hot tub. One good affordable idea is the Goplus Portable Inflatable Bubble Massage Spa Hot Tub for only $341.99, which normally retails around $400. This hot tub can help save on space too. A much fancier version is a 7 person, 56 jet premium acrylic lounger spa with Bluetooth stereo system with subwoofer and backlit LED waterfall for $5876.99. Great for families or parties, this hot tub can be paid off in 24 months and has free shipping.

    Amazon

    Amazon is a pretty well-known name in the world of online retailers. If you’ve been considering a hot tub, Amazon is actually a great place to look. They have a very wide selection of options, letting you browse to your heart’s content. The best part is, if you have Amazon Prime, you can get free shipping! That can help you save some serious money on a hot tub, as shipping is often a huge expense in shipping luxury items. The Coleman Inflatable Miami Spa has a suggested retail price of $499.99 but can be bought online for $349.99 with free shipping. You can keep it put up at home and take it out when you need it or when you want to bring it on vacation. For $3.999, you can get a 50 jet with a full body lounger and seating for up to 6 people.

    Conclusion

    There are many kinds of hot tubs and several options with each. Hot tubs are also sold in a unique market, in that they may be purchased through a warehouse kind of store, a chain that specializes in hot tubs, or a local store that specializes in luxury products for the home. You will also need to decide where you are going to set up the hot tub and what size you need, depending on how many people you expect to use it. It’s surprising how affordable it can be to have a hot tub, especially if you find a good deal.


  • Best Playground Equipment Suppliers

    Best Playground Equipment Suppliers

    The playground isn’t just where kids blow off steam during recess. Playground equipment plays a vital role in our children’s lives especially their education and socialization. Children learn to play, socialize, enjoy their time outside and even test their limits.

    When shopping for playground equipment you want to be certain that the new equipment you are installing is both safe and affordable. The issue is not many people know a lot about playground equipment, who supplies it and which suppliers are the best. Today, in order to help you get the best playground equipment, we’ve compiled a list of the best playground suppliers out there!

    CedarWorks

    Our first entry is CedarWorks, a supplier that specializes in higher-grade wooden construction. Plastic construction is largely considered more durable, but wood has a charm that is hard to deny. CedarWorks offers options that are both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting, in spite of wood’s reputation. They are generally considered to be a high-quality supplier. For outdoor playgrounds, you can choose from beautiful wood swing sets and playhouses complete with special ladders, working doors and windows, ropes and multiple floors.

    Another upside to the CedarWorks range is the general lack of per-person weight limits on their swing sets. They offer such well-made, durable equipment that you won’t have to worry about them wearing down fast. They offer everything from play houses to balance beams and even sand boxes and see-saws.

    APC Play

    APC Play is another well-regarded playground equipment supplier. If you love sales, this is the company for you, as they offer great deals. APC Play offers high quality equipment with unbelievable sales: up to 55% off playground sets.  APC Play is well-known for their high-quality construction that is all made in America.  They are also know for having unparalleled customer service experience, which is very important in the buying process.  They offer some of the best sales in the industry, and you should highly consider them if you’re looking to find a deal.

    Constructive Playthings

    Constructive Playthings is another superb playground equipment supplier that offers durable, high-quality playground equipment. Their equipment is mostly plastic in construction, which means it’s both lightweight and durable. Their site is super easy to navigate and makes shopping for equipment seamless . You can sort options by age, and you’re able to see everything from toddler-appropriate options to equipment for children in the 6- 12-year-old range. They even offer free shipping on orders over $500 if they’re sent by UPS! That’s a hard deal to pass up if you’re looking to save on expensive shipping costs on large playground sets.

    Conclusion

    The tree playground equipment retailers we identified will help you buy  safe, affordable playground equipment for kids of all grade levels. Our top three retailers, Constructive Playthings, CedarWorks and APC Play are all great options. Each of these retailers carries significantly different types of playground gear, so you’ll want to compare each option before making your final decision. One thing is for sure your children will love the playground set and cherish their memories playing in their very own playground for the rest of their lives.


  • Best Patio Furniture Deals

    Best Patio Furniture Deals

    There’s nothing quite like sitting on the back porch, enjoying a cold drink on a mild afternoon. You’ve got a good book in your hands and a cool breeze in your hair. That is, of course, if you have nice patio furniture to make this a reality! Let’s check out the best patio furniture deals!

    Many people are looking to purchase new patio furniture for the deck; however, trying to find brands that are both made well and within the budget can be a challenge. Qualities of patio furniture that people need to consider include the size, the style, and durability, and the price. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from and many of these include some fantastic deals as well. The top 3 patio furniture retailers are Forever Patio, Harmonia Living, and Alfresco Home.

    Best Patio Furniture Deals

    Alfresco Homes
    Alfresco Homes is a well-known brand in the world of outdoor furniture. Their prices are quite reasonable for how modern and stylish their furniture is! They have a wide variety of materials, including resin, marble, aluminum and more.

    Their pieces span a wide range of decorative options, including woven wicker, resin, cast aluminum, and marble mosaic garden pieces. They regularly come out with inspiring, cutting-edge designs that set the bar high for the rest of the industry. For those who are looking for inspiration with their outdoor furniture, take a look at what Alfresco Home has to offer.

    If you’re looking for sturdy outdoor furniture, Alfresco is a great choice. They often have great deals on their website, where you can shop for a ton of different types of furniture. They’re one of the better options when it comes to high-end outdoor furniture!

    Forever Patio

    With a name like Forever Patio, you can expect their patio furniture to be rather durable! Their high-quality furniture pieces are rated quite highly and will typically withstand even heavy weather conditions. If you’re looking for durable furniture, Forever Patio is a great choice.

    The Forever Patio brand has developed an impressive track record over the years of providing excellent, quality furniture for a good price. They have a large collection to choose from, so every family should be able to find something that they need. They span everything from bar tables to daybeds and everything in between. They have stylish designs that can fit any scheme and the furniture is made in a detailed way. Finally, the name fits the furniture. Their durability is famous throughout the industry and their furniture is known to withstand all different types of weather.

    The best thing about this brand is that they are rather affordable for how durable their products are. Whether you’re getting a table and chair set, a day bed or a bar table, you can rest assured they’ll be sturdy. Check out their site to see what kinds of deals they have going on!

    Harmonia Living

    If you’re looking for wicker furniture, Harmonia Living has a great range to choose from. While wicker is known for its tendency to unravel, Harmonia takes steps to make their furniture more durable. Their furniture all uses High-Density Polyethylene Wicker, which is sturdy and scratch-resistant. It also has the benefit of being less likely to unwind than traditional wicker!

    The problem that many people have found with wicker furniture is that it has a tendency to unwind over time; however, this is not a problem with this famous brand. Harmonia Living uses a different kind of wicker called High-Density Polyethylene Wicker, which is resistant to scratches, resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and environmentally friendly. All of these qualities mean that the furniture is going to resist unwinding, allowing it to last for years.

    Harmonia Living often has deals on their various furniture ranges through their website. If you’re looking for a great set of wicker patio furniture, check them out! You’re sure to find some great deals on wicker furniture!


  • Best Deals for Visiting Las Vegas

    Best Deals for Visiting Las Vegas

    You know what they say: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Some of the most exciting shows and attractions can be found in the desert oasis that is Las Vegas. Whether you prefer concerts, theater, magic shows or sporting events, there’s a good chance you’ll find something you’re looking for somewhere in Sin City.

    Yes, pool parties, Vegas shows, gambling, food, music and top stars, are all awaiting you on a Vegas vacation. All you have to do is find a four-star Vegas hotel room and a cheap round-trip plane ticket. Fortunately, there are many great resort hotels in Vegas that offer experiences. For help sorting through the options, we’ve compiled a list of the best Vegas hotel deals!

    Best Las Vegas Deals

    Kayak.com

    The first site for Vegas deals we’re highlighting is Kayak. Kayak.com offers some great deals on hotels and travel to and from Vegas. This covers hotels and flights and can included tours and packages, as they are actually a conglomeration of several other travel and booking sites. They way it works is that instead of having to go to several different sites, you just go to one and punch in what you want, in this case ‘Vegas.’ Kayak crawls the other sites and brings up the various Vegas deals being offered at the time, with links to those sites.

    Vegas.com

    Vegas.com is a great destination for those looking to make Vegas their trip destination! Jokes aside, this site is wonderful if you’re trying to find deals for traveling to Vegas. They market their site as a way to see “Vegas from the Inside,” and, for what it’s worth, it’s pretty accurate. The site offers a ton of great insider info on tickets for shows, deals at hotels and venues for parties! They even help you find cool activities you might not have thought of and help you save money while you’re at it! Vegas.com also offers a ‘Best Price Guarantee’ that matches competitor’s pricing.

    LasVegas.com

    Not to be confused with Vegas.com, LasVegas.com offers a rather similar service to its similarly-named competitor. The difference, however, is that LasVegas.com is the official tourism site of surrounding Clark County, Nevada. The site offers vacation packages, hotel deals, tours, show offers and tickets, restaurant deals, resort packages and even planning tools to help you plan your Vegas getaway. They’re a great way to find deals on visiting Las Vegas!


  • Microsoft to Offer Free Xbox with Two Year Agreement

    Microsoft to Offer Free Xbox with Two Year Agreement

    In a move that looks familiar to cell phone providers, Microsoft is looking to give subscribers hardware for a monthly fee. That’s right, there might soon come a day when those who want an Xbox can get one for very little up front and start playing tons of games right away. This style has worked well for phone carriers, so it was only a matter of time before another industry tried it on for size.

    Free Xbox? No Way

    Okay, free might be a strong word. Customers will pay for the Xbox monthly over a two-year period. The cool thing is that it is going to include an Xbox Live subscription and access to Xbox’s Game Pass service. The Game Pass is pretty awesome, allowing players to access tons of games (and all first-party Microsoft games) right out of the gate. That’s a pretty unprecedented set up in gaming, but it makes sense. Microsoft has stated they want to be the Netflix of games. Well, this is certainly a way to do that very thing.

    The Competition

    Sony has been killing Microsoft in hardware sales with the PS4. It’s been no contest for years, as Microsoft lagged further and further behind. When Nintendo launched the Switch to critical and commercial acclaim, it’s pretty clear Microsoft had to switch tactics. The decision to go to a game-streaming, console-lending business model is drastic, but it makes total sense. They were very far behind Sony, and without a clear niche like Nintendo, they needed a way to stand out.

    Pricing

    Early reports say there will be two pricing tiers for the service. The first will include the standard Xbox One S and run at $22 per month. The second would include the beefier Xbox One X and cost $35 per month. In either event, after paying the monthly fees for two years, the hardware is yours. You’re able to keep your subscriptions to Xbox Live and Game Pass after that point, of course. All said, those prices are actually quite reasonable when you consider the sheer number of games on the Game Pass service.

    The Future

    If the future of gaming follows the track of music and video, streaming services will rule the day. Microsoft, at least, seems to think so. After all, the internet provides unique opportunities for content distribution. Without the market saturation and hardware base of Sony, Microsoft needed a way to get their games into households. Really, what better method is there to do that other than just giving the system away? Well, sort of.