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Month: February 2020

  • Playa del Carmen: ALL-INCLUSIVE Caribbean Vacation Destination!

    Playa del Carmen: ALL-INCLUSIVE Caribbean Vacation Destination!

    When you think “beautiful Caribbean getaway,” you’re probably normally thinking about some island out in the middle of the ocean, right? There’s nothing wrong with that: Caribbean islands are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, there’s another stunning Caribbean destination you might be interested in. Playa del Carmen, a resort city on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, is a place you should be considering for your next vacation.

    Playa del Carmen

    The City

    Located in the municipality of Solidaridad, in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist areas. This is due in large part to its location on the gorgeous Caribbean coast, which offers stellar beachfront views and breathtaking natural sights. Another factor in the city’s popularity is its location along the Riviera Maya, a tourism route that cuts down along the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

    This has, in turn, led to the city’s explosive population growth. As of 2019, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico in terms of population. Cruise ships in and around the Caribbean often use Playa del Carmen as a stop, docking at the nearby Calica docks near the quarry.

    Weather

    One of the biggest draws to Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya in general, is the weather. The region is tropical, sporting sunny and warm weather year-round. It shares this in common with nearby Cancun, another extremely popular tourist destination. In relation to the surrounding towns, Playa del Carmen tends to get hotter weather on average than the other cities in the Riviera Maya, due to its position as southernmost town on that route.

    The region is somewhat insulated against hurricanes thanks to its location along the Southern region of Mexico. However, hurricanes like Wilma in 2005 have been known to hit the city and cause substantial damage. Thankfully, the region is usually at a lower risk for this kind of damage than areas like the Caribbean islands.

    Attractions

    As you might expect, the region’s gorgeous beaches and ample natural beauty make it a no-brainer for tourism. If you’re interested in visiting the area, there’s a lot to look forward to. The numerous five-star resort hotels are only the tip of the iceberg. There’s plentiful nightlife, including clubs and bars, as well as numerous restaurants to sample the local cuisine.

    There are also countless entertainment venues for everything from concerts to burlesque shows. Whatever kind of entertainment you’d like to find in a Caribbean paradise town, you’re likely to find in Playa del Carmen. The Playacar complex is home to most of the resort hotels, and also is home to the world-renowned golf course. The campus is also home to residential developments like condos and apartments for those who want to call the resort town home.

    Visiting the City

    If you’re interested in visiting the region, there are a few ways you can do so. The first, and most straightforward, would be to simply book a vacation package. These can usually include airfare and your hotel stay, and often include a few fun activities in and around the city, too.

    Another option for those who just want to stop in briefly would be to visit the region as a stop on a Caribbean cruise. This will allow you to visit the port city for a day before striking back out to check out the other ample attractions in the region. Some cruises tour the Riviera Maya, stopping in at ports like Cancun. Others head out into the Caribbean Sea, visiting islands like Grand Turk, the Dominican and Puerto Rico. No matter which path you take, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the gorgeous region.


  • Why Insiders Recommend You Drop What You’re Doing and Sign Up For This Bank Account Right Now!

    Why Insiders Recommend You Drop What You’re Doing and Sign Up For This Bank Account Right Now!

    It’s time to take control of your banking. It’s no longer necessary for you to make another trip to the bank during your busy day. Online banking can give you all the benefits of traditional banking and more.

    Make Things Easy

    There’s nothing worse than having to spend your lunch break in line at the bank because they don’t have hours that fit your schedule. That’s just one example of why signing up for an online banking account can make your life easier. Modern online accounts can also easily connect you with your landlord to pay rent or with your best friend to pay them back for buying you dinner. Another often overlooked perk of having an online banking is the fact that you don’t have to switch banks no matter where you move. Online banks are with you no matter where you go.

    Let Your Money Make Money

    Nontraditional companies are rapidly joining the online banking marketplace. From Cell phone companies to stock trading app development companies- the online banking marketplace is greatly expanding. These companies can provide you with simple, but impressive benefits because of their lack of traditional overhead. For example, Robinhood has recently launched a “banking account” that offers up to 1.8% APY on unused funds. T-Mobile also announced its intention of launching an online banking account that offers up to 4% APY with special terms.

    Get Rewards You’ll Use

    Many cards provide you with new redeemable rewards each week, month or quarter. When it comes to online banking, you are in high demand. That’s why banks develop partnerships with all types of retailers to pass the rewards on to you. The great thing about these rewards is that they’re often for places that you’d regularly shop anyway. They feature deals from companies like Airbnb, Five Guys, Staples, Nordstrom Rack, Advanced Auto Parts and dozens of others.

    Transfer Money With Security

    Online banking easily sets you up with the ability to transfer money cost-free. Zelle is an online service that’s joined up with multiple banks to securely transfer money to people and businesses alike. This is the first time you’ve had the ability to pay multiple types of sources from one app and from anywhere in the world. Secure money transfers have long been one of the main staples of traditional brick and mortar banks. But now they’re not the only ones able to offer this concrete feeling.

    It’s Not All Sunshine

    If you prefer having a person to have a live conversation with when banking, online banking doesn’t provide that. However online banking does provide a multitude of other ways to have your questions answered. Frequently their extensive FAQ sections will answer questions you didn’t even know you had.

    If you’re a person who gets mostly paid in cash online banking accounts can be a bit of a hassle. ATM’s can be difficult to find- making traditional cash deposits difficult. Also, if you need cash in a quick pinch, you’re limited to paying fees from other banks ATM’s, or getting cash back from other retailers.


  • The Best Deals: 70% Off Eyeglasses!

    The Best Deals: 70% Off Eyeglasses!

    When it comes time to buy glasses, it won’t surprise you to hear that your prescription is going to be expensive. That goes double if you’re buying from your eye doctor’s office, as they have a pretty sizable markup on spectacles. Where should you go to buy your glasses, then? Certainly there’s somewhere you can go to find a better deal on glasses than your doctor’s office, right? Let’s look at some places you can go to save a couple of bucks on your next pair of glasses.

    Best Deals on Glasses

    Getting Your Prescription

    Once your eye doctor gives you a checkup on your eyes, they’ll write you a prescription for glasses. When they do so, ask them for a copy of it. They’ll likely encourage you to buy your glasses from their office, though you’re under no obligation to do so. It’s unlikely your eye doctor will have any issue giving you a copy of your prescription, but if they do, don’t stress!

    Legally, any licensed eye doctor has to give you a copy of your prescription. If your doctor isn’t cooperating in giving you your prescription after you’ve paid for the appointment, you should remind them that it is their legal obligation to do so. If they continue to insist you buy your glasses from them before they hand over such a prescription, it’s time to contact your local medical authority and find a new eye doctor.

    Online or In Store?

    First, consider whether you’d like to buy your glasses online or from a store. Make sure you’ve got your prescription from your eye doctor and consider which option you like better. When you shop online, you get to avoid the long lines and traffic associated with shopping out and about. On the other hand, you’ve also got to wait for shipping, and you can’t try frames on to see how they look on you.

    Shopping in-store allows you to see the glasses on your face before you sign up for the frames. Likewise, you can leave with the glasses you buy in-hand and won’t have to wait for shipping, which is nice. On the flip side, it’s often a bit pricier to go through any in-person retailers, as you can often find tremendous deals on glasses online.

    Costco Wholesalers

    If you have a Costco card and you need a new pair of glasses, you’re in luck. Costco is noted as one of the least expensive places to pick up glasses in-store in the country. All you need to do is bring them your prescriptions! Unlike LensCrafters, who have an average glasses cost of $369, Costco offers an average cost of $184 for their glasses. That’s considerable savings when you look at the glasses: they’re identical.

    Keep in mind that Costco, while inexpensive, isn’t the best deal out there on glasses. There are even better discounts you can find on glasses if you go through certain online retailers.

    Online Discounts

    There are a number of online sites you can go through to save a ton on glasses. Examples include ZenniOptical.com, EyeBuyDirect.com and 39DollarGlasses.com. These websites allow you to get a pretty sizable discount on your glasses through their bare-bones distribution. For examples, Zenni Optical grinds their lenses in China, uses low-cost materials for frames and includes shipping in the costs.

    Often, these sites keep the costs low by offering no ongoing service on the eyeglasses they sell. Once you buy the glasses, they’re yours, and any damage they incur is up to you to fix. However, when you can just buy another pair for under $50, this is a reasonable trade-off for some people.


  • Home Office Furniture Review & Sale

    Home Office Furniture Review & Sale

    Working from home is here to stay for many workers across the US. Make sure you have the best home office!

    Large tech companies including Facebook, Amazon, Google and more have instructed employees to plan for remote working at least through the end of 2020 if not longer. Does your home office need an upgrade? Here are a few of our must have items for your home office:

    Chairs:
    Top of the Line: Herman Miller Aeron Task Chair. Known as the ‘King of office chairs’, this chair is as good as it gets. They are on the pricey side, but many of our readers say the investment is worth it.

    On a Budget: Furmax Office Mesh Chair If you’re on a budget, the Furmax office mesh chair is the right move. At $57.99, it’s a bargain when it comes to office chairs.

    Find your Balance: Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair Want to find your Zen? This classic balance ball chair will surely promote your productivity. Priced around $70

    Keyboards: 

    Go Ergonomic: Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard: This is the keyboard to get if you’re looking for an ergonomic keyboard. ⌨️ $67 at Amazon.

    For Mac Lovers: Keychron K2: This keyboard was made with the Mac in mind. With RGB lighting- this keyboard is exciting! $95 at Amazon.

    Ergonomic at a good price: Logitech K350. If you want an ergonomic keyboard, but don’t want to break the bank, look no further. $37 at Amazon.

    Finally- How about something fun?

    The official ‘BS’ Button: Are you tired of all the Bullsh*t around the home office? Let ’em know with The Official BS Button designed specifically with those moments in mind.


  • The Future Is Here: 5G Smartphones! Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 Plus have officially been released.

    The Future Is Here: 5G Smartphones! Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 Plus have officially been released.

    The future is here – 5G is the latest version of cellular networks. This is a once in a decade upgrade to the way consumers can wirelessly deliver data, making the Galaxy S20 one of the fastest and most powerful smartphones in the market. Just how much faster? In this new era, the Galaxy S20 with 5G will average out to be roughly 20 times faster than the traditional 4G network you are currently using.

    5G, Done Right.

    Samsung’s brand new Galaxy S20 5G series are a part of Verizon’s lightning-fast 5G network. 5G will give you access to speeds that will change the way you use your smartphone for work, play and everything in between. What exactly does that entail?

    As 5G continues to expand, you’ll be able to play video games with almost no lag time. It doesn’t stop there, you’ll be able to upload photos and videos to your favorite social media platform as fast as you can shoot!

    Camera of the future: 3D scans and 8K resolution

    While Samsung is not the first to roll out 3D scanning, they came up with a cool application for 3D scanning with Augmented Reality. Consumers can now 3D scan objects and drop them into their photos and videos. Users can even animate them using motion capture. This will be huge for consumers that put out content on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

    For videographers, the devices can shoot in 8K so users can capture their world in true-to-life color and quality. Thanks to Super Steady’s anti-rolling stabilization and AI motion analysis, even the bumpiest videos look like they were shot using a gimbal.

    Lightning-fast charging

    Long gone are the days where your smartphone battery dies a few hours after charging. With a quick 30-minute charging session, the Galaxy S20 will hold battery juice all day long. Samsung did this by including a 45W charger to amp up the wattage in comparison to competitors that have a 30W charger.

    So, where can I get one and how much is this going to cost me?

    Preorders for the Galaxy S20+ 5G and Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G on Verizon start February 21 at 12:01am ET and both phones will be available in stores and online on March 6. The Galaxy S20 5G (6.2”), designed for Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, will be available in the second quarter of 2020. Pricing is as follows:

    Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G (6.9”) starts at $58.33 a month for 24 months on Verizon Device Payment (0% APR; $1,399.99 retail).
    Galaxy S20+ 5G (6.7”) starts at $49.99 a month for 24 months on Verizon Device Payment (0% APR; $1,199.99 retail).
    Galaxy S20 5G (6.2”), designed for Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, starts at $41.66 a month for 24 months on Verizon Device Payment (0% APR; $999.99 retail; coming to Verizon Q2 2020).


  • These Insider Tips Will Help You Get the Most Out of Your Presidents’ Day Automobile Purchase

    These Insider Tips Will Help You Get the Most Out of Your Presidents’ Day Automobile Purchase

    There’s something about Presidents’ Day weekend that just brings out the sales. For whatever reason, this time of year is incredibly popular for automotive deals. It can be difficult to find the best deals, though. Today we’re going to help you hunt down the best Presidents’ Day deals, so you can spend the rest of the year rolling around in a classy new ride.

    What Kind of Deal Should You Expect

    The most common types of deals you’ll see for Presidents’ Day sales are “loyalty cash” and “conquest cash” types of deals. Loyalty cash refers to money knocked off the price of a new car if you already own a model of the same brand as the dealership you’re shopping at. These are great if you love a specific car brand and just want to upgrade to a newer model.

    Conquest cash is the opposite: when a dealership offers this type of deal, it’s offering extra trade-in value for someone who trades in a vehicle of a different brand. Typically, the idea there is that, once you’re in their kind of car, you’re unlikely to want to switch brands in the future. As such, it’s a conquest.

    Make Your Work Discount Work

    Don’t forget to ask for savings. There are often deals that are just for specific careers. For instance, military veterans or personnel often get a discount at car dealerships, and that discount may be even greater over Memorial Day weekend.

    Similarly, there could be increased discounts for teachers. Dealerships know that teachers don’t make the most money, so any extra discount you can squeeze out of them can go a long way! Another potential discount you should ask about is one for recent college grads. Often, dealerships will want to get recent grads into their ecosystem sooner rather than later, to get them used to the dealership experience.

    Remember to Come in Prepared

    Don’t open up asking for the discount, though. Do your research before you come in, and make sure you know what a fair price is on the vehicle you’re asking for. Don’t be afraid to negotiate hard: this is one of the biggest auto weekends in the year, so the dealer is heavily incentivized to get you off the lot with the car.

    Once you’ve played hardball and gotten the price where you want it for the car, then you start talking discounts. Make sure you know what the sales and demand for the model you’re hunting for looks like. The dealership has this info, so if you don’t, you’re negotiating without all the information. Remember, knowledge is power when buying a car.

    Know What the Score is

    Make sure you know your credit score, and get a few quotes on financing before you come in. If you go to credit unions and ask them about what type of financing deals you could get, you’ll have a lot more cards to play when negotiating. Once you know what kind of financing you have on option, it’s much easier to get the dealership to work with you on price. The most important thing is putting the ball in the dealership’s court. When you know what the going rate of the car is, what kind of financing you can get and how much discount you can get due to the holiday, you’ve got a lot of power. It’s on the dealership to offer you a better deal.

    Most importantly, don’t be afraid to walk away if the salesperson isn’t working with you. You have a ton of options for great deals over Presidents’ Day weekend: don’t settle for a deal you don’t like. Take your money elsewhere!


  • They’re FINALLY Here! The Best 5G Smartphones:

    They’re FINALLY Here! The Best 5G Smartphones:

    5G technology is now here, we can finally see the first phones using the new tech. This is a huge moment for technology. Are you ready for the changes? Many have wondered which first phones will be using the tech, well we’re going to delve a bit deeper into 5G technology and the smartphones we can expect to take advantage of it.

    5G technology, for the uninformed, is the next step in wireless connections. If you remember back when 3G was phased out in favor of 4G LTE, you’re familiar with what this process looks like. Originally, 4G was only available in large metro areas and only on the newest and best smartphones.

    The roll-out of 5G tech is likely to track quite similarly. Much like 4G LTE, 5G is a huge step up in terms of speed and accuracy. It will likely first be rolled out to primarily large cities where it can service the largest numbers of users. Over time, it will be rolled out nationwide.

    5G Smartphones

    Most phones that are on the market today will not have 5G compatibility, so this likely won’t even affect you until you upgrade. You won’t need to upgrade for a bit unless you’re living in an early-access area like New York or LA, though.

    If you’re interested in future-proofing, you can pick up one of these 5G-enabled phones in the coming months as they become available.

    Samsung Galaxy S10 5G

    Samsung come out of the gate strong with a 5G version of their Galaxy S10. What can we say about the Galaxy S10 that hasn’t already been said? It’s a great phone with a great suite of useful features, a beautiful display and a stellar processor. Add lightning-fast 5G speeds to that and you’ve got a real winner.

    iPhone 12

    We know what you’re thinking: iPhone 12? They just released the 11! Well, Apple did not roll out 5G integration on this year’s upgrade. Given the slow roll-out of 5G nationally, Apple’s focus won’t be on that tech until 2020, with the eventual launch of the iPhone 12.

    Huawei Mate X

    If you don’t mind importing, or dealing with a somewhat shady company, the Huawei Mate X will be releasing later this year. This folding, 5G-ready phone looks like a sci-fi device. The Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has been in hot water recently over some scandals, but they still make great phones.


  • She Wished She Knew THIS ONE THING Before her Plumbing/Electrical Emergency

    She Wished She Knew THIS ONE THING Before her Plumbing/Electrical Emergency

    We’ve all been there. Suddenly, pipes burst. Your power fails. Your electrical or plumbing system in your home goes belly up at a moment’s notice, and you have no idea what to do about it. Well, we’ve got a few tips for you to help you figure out what to do when a plumbing or electrical emergency occurs.

    What to do During a Plumbing or Electrical Emergency

    Professional Help

    When you have an emergency with either your plumbing or your electrical system, you need to get in touch with a professional right away. Professional plumbers and electricians can be expensive to contract, but emergency situations involving your home’s important systems can’t be ignored. Unless you’re a very experienced electrician or plumber, it’s best to leave the repairs of these systems to a professional.

    For one thing, it can be dangerous to mess with electrical systems when you don’t know a lot about them. Plumbing isn’t as dangerous, but you could cause lasting damage to your home if you make mistakes while attempting to work on it.

    Plumbing Emergencies

    If you have a plumbing emergency on your hands that involves broken pipes or overflowing water or drains, you’ve got a few options in the short term before help can arrive. You can shut off the water from the main, which will help prevent ongoing damage to your home when things are getting out of hand.

    This will also give you time to assess the situation and the damage, and clean up the damage that’s already occurred. If you don’t know where your main is, you should find that out, because it’ll be hard to find it when things go sideways. In a more minor emergency, such as with an overflowing toiler, you can simply turn the water off from the toilet’s own main valve at the wall.

    Water Heater

    Similarly, if you have an emergency that requires you cut the water main, you’ll want to make sure you cut off the water heater too. Water heaters can back up with heat even when there is no water, which puts them at risk of bursting. If you have a gas-powered water heater, you want to make sure you turn off the gas first. Find out where your water heater is, how to turn it off, and how to quickly get to it in the event of an emergency.

    Electrical Emergencies

    Electrical emergencies can be very dangerous. In the event of a serious, life-threatening emergency, make sure you call a professional in to help you. Never touch exposed wires, and stay far away from any outlets if your home has been struck by lightning or is experiencing a surge.

    In the event of an emergency that is threatening you, your family or your pets, you can go to the main breaker and cut the power to the house. This will make all electricity cease flowing to your home, which is a great first step to give you a chance to call out a professional.

    After Cutting the Power

    Once you cut the main power to your home, keep in mind that your fridge is no longer receiving power. Don’t open the fridge or freezer, so you keep all residual cold trapped inside. After an hour or so passes, however, you might have to toss out the perishables. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

    Additionally, while the power is out, you could consider unplugging all of your appliances. If your home is receiving too much power via a surge, it could result in damage to your appliances. In the meantime, make sure you call out a professional to investigate the issue.