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  • 7 Ways to Fly for Cheap

    7 Ways to Fly for Cheap

    Cheap airfare, it’s something we’re all looking for. Finding decent prices on flights can be difficult though. It is human nature to want to travel, to explore your horizons and see new places, or perhaps, to return to the places you once knew.

    Whether you want to visit home or see an exotic location, airline travel is fast, but costs a lot of money. What is the best way for finding cheap airline tickets? How do you even start? Whether you are traveling for work, for vacation, or to visit family or friends, finding cheap airfare can help you save on what’s often the largest expense of your trip.

    If you’re trying to take a trip and keep finding it difficult to get a decent price, you’re probably looking for some new travel hacks to help you save some money. Well, the good news is that we’re here to help. Let’s talk about the best ways to fly for cheap! Read more below to learn about who is offering the best rates at an amazing price $73 and $39 for one-way flights!

    Best Ways to Fly for Cheap

    Compare Airfares

    Airfares vary widely, and discount airfare is out there for those who know where to look. The most important thing is that you make sure to compare airfares. The rates offered by one airline may be much higher or lower than the rates of another. If you use one of the popular travel sites, you can easily compare airfares from different airlines.

    Also, if you have any flexibility in your schedule, try putting different dates into the sites’ ticket finders to see if that makes a difference. For example, currently, Southwest Airlines is offering flights as low as $73, and Delta is offering flights as low as $39 during the holiday season.

    Use Reputable Flight Search Engines

    Some flight search engines actually get a cut from airlines when they help generate sales. That means that you could search for “budget flights” and have normal or even premium flights show up. In order to counter this, use reputable search engines that don’t mislead you. Great options are Skyscanner, Momondo, AirWander and JetRadar. Like we said previously don’t be afraid to shop around to find the best price.

    Get Tickets Early

    Get your tickets early — but not too early. You may think it would be smart to buy tickets six months in advance, but in fact, getting tickets more than five months before you need them may keep you from getting the best fares. Aim for two to four months in advance, if possible. If you can’t plan that far in advance, at least try to avoid the two-week period right before a flight, when ticket prices tend to go up.

    Specialty sites like “air fare watch dog” provide a medium for you to search for deals between two specific locations, and also can send you alerts when prices drop to a much more affordable rate. This is perfect for those who know where they want to travel, just are not too concerned about when. They can snag a great deal and plan their trip once they get that informative e-mail from the website.

    Airport Selection

    Fly in or out of airports that are not in your destination city. If you are flying into New York City, you may be able to get cheaper fares at the Newark airport than you would in New York City’s JFK Airport. If you are going to or from San Francisco, try the Oakland or San Jose airports. Many other cities also have airports that are nearby but outside of the city limits. Flying out of an alternate airport isn’t even necessarily a hardship. For example, If you are going to some parts of Manhattan, ground transportation may get you there faster from Newark than from JFK.

    You will benefit on price, though, because not as many people will think of using the other airports, so the seats won’t sell out as quickly. Always think in terms of supply and demand when trying to find cheap airfare.

    Non-Direct Flights

    Accept a little inconvenience in exchange for a cheaper price. You may be able to save money on long trips by taking routes where you change planes rather than taking a non-stop flight. If you’re not in a hurry, you don’t need to pay a premium for the faster route. Try traveling lighter to avoid the luggage fees that so many airlines are charging now. Be creative in figuring out how to get by with fewer things on your trip.

    Incognito Mode

    Lock up your search history tight and don’t look back. When you start looking at flights and trips, make sure you’re in incognito mode. When you search for flight prices, sites use cookies to track how many times you’ve looked at the flight. Each new time you look, the price goes up. Why? Well, to get you to buy as soon as possible so you “lock in the lowest price.” Yeah, it’s dirty, but you can fight back!

    By browsing incognito, you won’t have any cookies tracking you. This allows you to bypass this dirty trick and get a better price for your flight!

    Find the Cheapest Days to Book

    Try to fly on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, if possible. Those are often the cheapest days of the week. If possible, avoid Fridays and Sundays, when rates tend to go up. Flying right before a major holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, is going to be very expensive. But if you are able to fly on the day of the holiday itself, you can usually pick up some very cheap fares because not many people want to fly then.


  • Best Truck Bed Cover Deals

    Best Truck Bed Cover Deals

    A truck bed cover is a great investment for anyone with a pick-up truck. Whether you’re looking to keep your tools from being stolen or just to keep groceries from flying out, truck bed covers do a lot for you. Whether you’re looking for soft or hard covers, there are a few sites you can visit to find great deals on truck bed covers.

    Trucks have been designed to make hauling equipment and other kinds of loads much easier. But, because they have an open bed design, keeping your gear secure when you leave the truck unattended will always be a constant concern.However, with the best truck bed cover, you do not have to always think about the safety of your gear and equipment every time you leave the vehicle unattended.

    Tonneau covers can increase a truck’s versatility, and they will provide weather protection, increased security and also increased gas mileage. Also, most will improve the truck’s aesthetic appeal and style.

    Whether it is a tri-fold, a flip back, roll up, or a retractable cover… these things will seriously upgrade to take your truck’s look and functionality to the next level. Regardless of brand or style, tonneau covers are capable of boosting your fuel economy by reducing drag, enhance your rig’s rugged good looks and secure your bed and everything in it. With so many choices ranging from opening style and color to brand and more, we want to make your next tonneau cover shopping experience even easier.

    With so many options, choosing the right tonneau can seem difficult. There are many features, aspects and aesthetics to consider, so we have come up with a few questions for you to keep in mind during your hunt:
    • How much security do I need?
    • How often do I need to access my bed?
    • Do I have a lifted truck?
    • What color do I want?
    • What is my budget?
    • How easily can I remove my tonneau cover?
    • What is my main purpose for needing a truck bed cover?

    Best Truck Bed Cover Deals
     

    Walmart

    Going through Walmart, as you might expect, can save you a lot of money on a truck bed cover. They offer a Mesh Cargo Tarp for less than $80 that will do a great job keeping your payload in your truck. The mesh tarp is adjustable and hooked in via metal holds that attach to your truck. This tarp doesn’t require anything else be installed on your truck: it just fits into the existing holds in your truck bed! It’s sized to fit most trucks, too.

    AutoZone

    AutoZone is another great place to go for deals on truck bed covers. An example is their Extang Tonneau cover, which goes for $300. This easy-to-install cover is soft top and has a black metal frame. It looks slick on nearly any truck, and it locks in using its fiberglass snaps. It weights barely more than a pound, so it’s super easy to handle and install. When not in use, it can be rolled up to allow access to the truck bed.

    Amazon

    One of the best places to go for deals on luxury truck bed covers is Amazon. While it might seem weird to not see a cover in person before you buy it, you have nothing to worry about. Not only are truck bed covers made to specific sizes for various makes and models, Amazon also has a great return policy. If you’re willing to take some time to dig around online, you can find great deals on truck bed covers. The best part is, Amazon will ship it right to you. If you have Amazon Prime, they’ll even ship it for free!


  • Best Truck Bed Cover Deals

    Best Truck Bed Cover Deals

    A truck bed cover is a great investment for anyone with a pick-up truck. Whether you’re looking to keep your tools from being stolen or just to keep groceries from flying out, truck bed covers do a lot for you. Whether you’re looking for soft or hard covers, there are a few sites you can visit to find great deals on truck bed covers.

    Trucks have been designed to make hauling equipment and other kinds of loads much easier. But, because they have an open bed design, keeping your gear secure when you leave the truck unattended will always be a constant concern.However, with the best truck bed cover, you do not have to always think about the safety of your gear and equipment every time you leave the vehicle unattended.

    Tonneau covers can increase a truck’s versatility, and they will provide weather protection, increased security and also increased gas mileage. Also, most will improve the truck’s aesthetic appeal and style.

    Whether it is a tri-fold, a flip back, roll up, or a retractable cover… these things will seriously upgrade to take your truck’s look and functionality to the next level. Regardless of brand or style, tonneau covers are capable of boosting your fuel economy by reducing drag, enhance your rig’s rugged good looks and secure your bed and everything in it. With so many choices ranging from opening style and color to brand and more, we want to make your next tonneau cover shopping experience even easier.

    With so many options, choosing the right tonneau can seem difficult. There are many features, aspects and aesthetics to consider, so we have come up with a few questions for you to keep in mind during your hunt:
    • How much security do I need?
    • How often do I need to access my bed?
    • Do I have a lifted truck?
    • What color do I want?
    • What is my budget?
    • How easily can I remove my tonneau cover?
    • What is my main purpose for needing a truck bed cover?

    Best Truck Bed Cover Deals
     

    Walmart

    Going through Walmart, as you might expect, can save you a lot of money on a truck bed cover. They offer a Mesh Cargo Tarp for less than $80 that will do a great job keeping your payload in your truck. The mesh tarp is adjustable and hooked in via metal holds that attach to your truck. This tarp doesn’t require anything else be installed on your truck: it just fits into the existing holds in your truck bed! It’s sized to fit most trucks, too.

    AutoZone

    AutoZone is another great place to go for deals on truck bed covers. An example is their Extang Tonneau cover, which goes for $300. This easy-to-install cover is soft top and has a black metal frame. It looks slick on nearly any truck, and it locks in using its fiberglass snaps. It weights barely more than a pound, so it’s super easy to handle and install. When not in use, it can be rolled up to allow access to the truck bed.

    Amazon

    One of the best places to go for deals on luxury truck bed covers is Amazon. While it might seem weird to not see a cover in person before you buy it, you have nothing to worry about. Not only are truck bed covers made to specific sizes for various makes and models, Amazon also has a great return policy. If you’re willing to take some time to dig around online, you can find great deals on truck bed covers. The best part is, Amazon will ship it right to you. If you have Amazon Prime, they’ll even ship it for free!


  • Best Truck Bed Cover Deals

    Best Truck Bed Cover Deals

    A truck bed cover is a great investment for anyone with a pick-up truck. Whether you’re looking to keep your tools from being stolen or just to keep groceries from flying out, truck bed covers do a lot for you. Whether you’re looking for soft or hard covers, there are a few sites you can visit to find great deals on truck bed covers.

    Trucks have been designed to make hauling equipment and other kinds of loads much easier. But, because they have an open bed design, keeping your gear secure when you leave the truck unattended will always be a constant concern.However, with the best truck bed cover, you do not have to always think about the safety of your gear and equipment every time you leave the vehicle unattended.

    Tonneau covers can increase a truck’s versatility, and they will provide weather protection, increased security and also increased gas mileage. Also, most will improve the truck’s aesthetic appeal and style.

    Whether it is a tri-fold, a flip back, roll up, or a retractable cover… these things will seriously upgrade to take your truck’s look and functionality to the next level. Regardless of brand or style, tonneau covers are capable of boosting your fuel economy by reducing drag, enhance your rig’s rugged good looks and secure your bed and everything in it. With so many choices ranging from opening style and color to brand and more, we want to make your next tonneau cover shopping experience even easier.

    With so many options, choosing the right tonneau can seem difficult. There are many features, aspects and aesthetics to consider, so we have come up with a few questions for you to keep in mind during your hunt:
    • How much security do I need?
    • How often do I need to access my bed?
    • Do I have a lifted truck?
    • What color do I want?
    • What is my budget?
    • How easily can I remove my tonneau cover?
    • What is my main purpose for needing a truck bed cover?

    Best Truck Bed Cover Deals
     

    Walmart

    Going through Walmart, as you might expect, can save you a lot of money on a truck bed cover. They offer a Mesh Cargo Tarp for less than $80 that will do a great job keeping your payload in your truck. The mesh tarp is adjustable and hooked in via metal holds that attach to your truck. This tarp doesn’t require anything else be installed on your truck: it just fits into the existing holds in your truck bed! It’s sized to fit most trucks, too.

    AutoZone

    AutoZone is another great place to go for deals on truck bed covers. An example is their Extang Tonneau cover, which goes for $300. This easy-to-install cover is soft top and has a black metal frame. It looks slick on nearly any truck, and it locks in using its fiberglass snaps. It weights barely more than a pound, so it’s super easy to handle and install. When not in use, it can be rolled up to allow access to the truck bed.

    Amazon

    One of the best places to go for deals on luxury truck bed covers is Amazon. While it might seem weird to not see a cover in person before you buy it, you have nothing to worry about. Not only are truck bed covers made to specific sizes for various makes and models, Amazon also has a great return policy. If you’re willing to take some time to dig around online, you can find great deals on truck bed covers. The best part is, Amazon will ship it right to you. If you have Amazon Prime, they’ll even ship it for free!


  • 5 Google Home Devices You Need

    5 Google Home Devices You Need

    The Google Home is getting better and better and that’s not going to change any time soon, especially considering Google’s artificial intelligence prowess. Google Home is a huge help to people who want a personal assistant for household tasks.

    But perhaps the best thing about the Google Assistant has nothing to do with the Assistant itself, but more to do with the fact that it can be used to control such a huge range of smart home devices. Unfortunately, not all smart home devices are created equal. If you’re looking to control your home with the Google Assistant, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right products.  That’s why we’ve put together this guide — to help you find the best Google Assistant-compatible products out there.

    Things like setting the lights, thermostat and music are as easy as using your voice with Google Home. To help you automate all the little things, here are the top 5 Google Home Devices you need for your home!

    Must-Have Google Home Devices

    Nest Thermostat

    The Nest Learning Thermostat is a great smart home device that works with Google Assistant. If you’re the kind of person who likes saving money on your power bill and keeping your home’s comfort front and center, you’ll want the Nest system. You can control your home’s temperature with your voice through Google Assistant or through the Nest app.

    The best part of this system, however, is the “Learning” part. The thermostat should learn your routine as you use it and develop a profile for you. This means that it will try to change the temperature intelligently before you even ask it to. When working properly, this means it keeps your power bill down and works invisibly. You shouldn’t even notice the system, as you’ll always be comfortable in your own home! How great is that?

    Nest Cam

    On the same note as the Nest Thermostat is the Nest Cam. Retailing at $300, the Nest Came is a pretty handy device. For one thing, it comes included with a Google Assistant, so you can control it with your voice out of the box. It’s also a great companion to an existing smart home system! It’s easily one of the best home security solutions for the money.

    If you’re often away from home and want to be able to keep an eye on things, the Nest Cam has you covered. Whether you’re checking in on pets or kids, or just making sure no one is in there when they shouldn’t be, the Nest Cam is super handy. It can even be set to function by being motion-activated. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s great to have! You can even view the camera’s feed from your smartphone over the internet.

    Phillips Hue

    The best way to equip your house with smart lights is through the Philips Hue system. These smart lightbulbs are really rather intuitive, and they work well with Google Assistant. The bulbs come with a variety of uses, as they can connect to several different smart home systems. If you have Alexa, for instance, these work well with that system too!

    To get started with Hue you need a Hue Bridge. Once you have that you can simply add more Hue bulbs to your Hue system. You can control the lights entirely with your voice, turning them on or off or even changing their colors. It’s a small touch, but it makes you feel like you’re living in the future when you can control your house with your voice!

    Hue makes it easy to set up and control the lights in your entire house. You need only get a Hue Bridge connected to your Google Home system. Then, you just tell it which bulb is in which room. You can even control the lights from a smartphone app while you aren’t home!

    Belkin WeMo

    The WeMo system by Belkin is a way to turn nearly any device into a smart device. WeMo plugs are smart switches that can simply be toggled on or off. That means if you plug a lamp into one, you can name that switch “lamp” and command it with your voice. Calling out “Google, turn off the lamp,” is a pretty satisfying command.

    The possibilities for WeMo are pretty wide and varied. It’s hard to overstate how handy this is for anything you want to become a smart device. Your speakers, your fans and the like can all be connected via this smart system. Talk about an easy way to get everything connected!

    Chromecast

    Ever wanted to pull up YouTube videos on your TV with your voice? Then you want a Chromecast. Simply tell Google what you want to see on the TV from the internet and Chromecast has you covered. It’s really quite satisfying to control your TV with your voice, and Chromecast isn’t even that pricey!


  • Which Mobility Scooter is Right for You?

    Which Mobility Scooter is Right for You?

    So your mobility isn’t what it used to be… no problem! Today, some insurance companies will actually help with coverage on a mobility scooter, or even pay for the whole thing. Check it out for yourself! Either way, it may be worth checking them out and seeing if it fits your lifestyle. With that in mind, let’s look at the top ten mobility scooters.

    Drive Medical Phoenix Heavy Duty

    A heavy, sturdy scooter for a great price, this one is a good pick. This one has a headlight, which is good for darker areas. It also has a basket in the front for carrying things, making it great for grocery store trips! The seat is customizable, broad and comfortable. For $1,200, this is a great heavy-duty pick.

    Pride Mobility Go-Go Sport

    This scooter is notable for its four-wheel drive and durability. It’s not terribly fast, topping at 4 MPH. That said, it’s rugged and durable, and works great when outdoors! If you like being outside and enjoying the sunlight, this is a great pick! For a combination of durability and mobility, check out the Go-Go Sport!

    E-Wheels EW-72

    A stylish and slick scooter, the E-Wheels EW-72 has a look inspired by classic cars! For those looking to really zoom, this scooter has a top speed of 15 MPH! As a heavy-duty scooter, it works quite well, as it has a top weight rating of 500 pounds! If you’re looking for a great, stylish, heavy-duty scooter, this is a great choice for you!

    Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter

    Another great choice for carrying in a trunk and carrying around with you, this transforming scooter is pretty neat. It folds up into a nice, compact shape so it can go anywhere with you! The battery is airline compliant, so it can fly with you, which is great for those who fly often. If you’re on the move and need a scooter that can keep up, this is the one for you!

    E-Wheels Jellybean Electric Scooter

    The second E-Wheels scooter on our list, this one is also quite heavy-duty! This one is three-wheeled, though, so it’s got a bit of a different construction from some others on this list. The best thing about this scooter, though, is the high speed! It tops out at 18 MPH, which makes it a serious scooter! It has a great battery, too, offering up to 45 miles on a single charge. This one also has an anti-theft alarm, which is great! It sports a huge back-mounted basket, perfect for trips to the market.

    Spitfire 420 Ex

    Another great scooter, this one has interchangeable panels in different colors. The panels come in red, blue and silver, and are easy to change out! It also boasts quick-connect batteries, a comfortable seat and padded armrests. The wheels are anti-tip, which makes this a very safe pick. The front-mounted basket even has an interior lining, which is great for shopping. If you’re looking for a good mobility scooter for medical reasons, such as old age, this is a good pick.

    SmartScoot Lithium Foldable Travel Scooter

    This folding scooter is great to throw in the trunk or backseat and carry with you to a destination. The best thing about this scooter: the battery! It has great battery life for how portable it is for travel. It lasts for up to 12 miles! It also breaks down into three parts, and only weighs 27 pounds.

    Drive Medical Scout 3 Wheel

    At the very low price of right around $600, this three-wheeled scooter is a popular choice. A little less expensive than its four-wheeled counterpart, this one is a good value. The drawbacks to this scooter include its three-wheeled construction, slightly low battery life and make. There are more comfortable, high-end scooters, but if you’re looking for a good bargain, this is it. This scooter is the most affordable on our list!

    Best Value: Drive Medical Scout Compact 4 Wheel

    For those on a budget, the Drive Medical Scout Compact is a very popular choice. At $700, it’s a fantastic value, and it shows in its popularity. It’s a good scooter, with all the trimmings you’d expect from a medical mobility scooter. Older customers on a fixed income love the low price, and the price doesn’t compromise the quality. This one also has interchangeable panels in red and blue, so you can change your style! A great value for the money for those looking to save.

    Best Overall Mobility Scooter: Shopride Sunrunner

    If you’re looking for an especially comfortable scooter, look no further than the Sunrunner! It has a 300-pound capacity and a huge 25-mile battery. You can opt for a headlight, which is quite useful. It has a front basket, perfect for shopping. The star of the show is the big, comfortable seat, though. You can’t beat the level of comfort on display here! It’s hard to find something this premium and high-quality for this price! It retails for $1,500 but can often be found on sale for less.


  • Top 5 Luxury Cars ..That Won’t Break the Bank

    Top 5 Luxury Cars ..That Won’t Break the Bank

    Everyone loves getting to drive a nice new car. There’s something about being behind the wheel of a luxury car that’s just so… luxurious. Not everyone can swing the huge payments to own a nice new car though.

    What’s a good compromise for someone who wants a nice ride but doesn’t want to take a long time to pay it off? For such discerning individuals, we have our top ten luxury cars that won’t break the bank!

    2018 Acura ILX

    The ILX is a great choice for those who want a luxury ride but still want to have a practical vehicle. This vehicle has some pretty sweet amenities for its low price tag. While base models cost about $29,000, they also have keyless entry and ignition and heated front seats. they also sport dual-zone climate control, for when the driver and passenger feel comfortable in two different temperatures, and automatic LED headlights to help cut through hazardous weather conditions. For those who want a bit more, they can also opt for some safety features like adaptive cruise control and front collision mitigation. The ILX can also be equipped with navigation, leather upholstery and satellite radio.

    2018 Audi A3

    The next car on our list, the elegant Audi A3, starts at around $33,000. And it does more than just look pretty: it has some stellar luxury features. The A3 comes standard with forward collision mitigation, helping make sure you keep your nice new luxury car out of trouble. It also ensures a comfortable ride, with heated front seats and leather upholstery, and even a panoramic sunroof! If you want even more, you can opt to add on blind spot monitoring to even further keep your A3 (and yourself) safe, and even parking sensors. To round it all out, you can even opt for Apple CarPlay mirroring, letting you use your phone as your car stereo!

    2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

    Mercedes-Benz, a well-known name in the world of luxury cars, offers the CLA-Class as a more affordable entry option to their range of vehicles. While you’ll only pay $33,695 for base models of the 2018, you’ll get the full Mercedes-Benz luxury experience. Some of the base features are pretty high-tech and impressive. For instance, it comes stock with drowsy-driver sensors, forward collision mitigation and rain-sensing windshield wipers. If that’s not enough for you, it even sports dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth! Add-ons include LED headlights, heated seats and adaptive cruise control. You can even opt for blind spot monitoring if you’re like me and forget to check those every time!

    2018 Volvo S60

    An extremely elegant car, and a great buy for $35,095. The S60 is a looker and boasts an incredibly comfortable ride to boot. Base models have low-speed collision mitigation, which is great when driving around town. They also have xenon headlights, leather upholstery and sunroof equipped standard. Oh, and don’t forget the Wi-Fi connectivity. Pretty cool, right? You can also opt for rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and navigation.

    2018 BMW 3 Series

    The 3 Series is the most affordable of BMW’s luxury cars, but it feels anything but “affordable.” This decadent ride is smooth, responsive and just plain fun to drive. You can grab a base model for $35,895, and that equips you with push-button start, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You even get Bluetooth connectivity! If you want a more upgraded experience, you can also opt for a sunroof, among other awesome options.


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    When you discover that a friend or family member has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it often comes as a huge surprise to you. But secrecy is the drug on which addiction thrives, so it’s not really that odd that you were in the dark.

    Addiction grows worse over a sustained period of time, and there are some indicators that may give you an idea something is wrong with your loved one before the bottom falls out.  Here are the 7 signs and symptoms of addiction you should look for if you suspect someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

    7. Change in Behavior

    As people’s addictions get bigger, their lives start to change and the things that they value the most begin to fall away. Depression sets in, and suddenly they stop doing activities or hobbies that they once loved, or maybe their mood becomes erratic. An example of a change in behavior that’s worth noting would be when a person who values health and fitness abruptly stops exercising or eating well.

    6. Change in Friends

    This sign isn’t always the easiest area to recognize, because it’s fairly normal for friendships to fade and new people come into our lives. But when normally social people stop hanging around with their usual group of friends with no explanation, it’s important to take notice — especially if there wasn’t an event that precipitated the change. Or, maybe there’s a new person in their life that just doesn’t seem to be someone they would normally be friends with. This can be a telltale sign that something funky is going on.

    5. Job/Career Issues

    When addiction takes hold, inevitably some issues are going to come up at work or school. Over time, addicts becomes less capable of hiding performance flaws in areas of their lives that are under the microscope. If a normally responsible person is missing deadlines or not following through on commitments, this could be an indicator that something’s up.

    4. Legal Issues

    Addiction is likely to create a bevy of legal issues that are going to make it hard to ignore that something is going on. A DUI or getting thrown in the clink for a drunk and disorderly is an obvious tell that your loved one’s judgment is off. But there are also less obvious signs, like doctor shopping or frequenting ER rooms. And addicts can justify their behavior so that they make you feel foolish for asking why they have so many doctor appointments. But if you think something’s wrong, go ahead and ask anyway.

    3. Family Strain

    Relationships with family are often jeopardized when people develop an affinity for drugs or alcohol. Early on, it may reveal itself in behaviors like retreating to their room after work or spending too much time with their face in the computer, playing games or surfing the Web. Communications become strained, and the addict stops showing up to family engagements, or maybe even to dinner. If you feel a substantial shift in your relationship with a family member, you should start asking questions.

    2. Physical Changes

    Extreme physical changes are a big indicator of a problem. Maybe they’re getting scraggly and smelly because they’ve stopped grooming or showering.  A noticeable weight loss or gain can be a symptom, and the same goes for a change in eating and sleeping habits. For example, crystal meth addicts can stay up for days, then crash and sleep for days. When they eat, they’re likely to ravenously consume sugary foods.

    1. Personality Changes

    In an adult brain, defined as a brain that’s 24 years or older, there are really only three things that are likely to cause a profound personality change in someone. Substance abuse or chemical dependency, mental illness and or a physical ailment, such as a brain tumor are the three things that can cause a profound personality change. Mind you, this isn’t the same as watching a person get a little down in the dumps, or go through a period of anxiety. Profound personality changes are much more extreme. If you witness this, it’s advised to reach out to a professional for guidance and counseling on how to address your loved one.


  • Ten Best Pickup Trucks for the 2019 Model Year

    Ten Best Pickup Trucks for the 2019 Model Year

    The upcoming model year is shaping up to be a big one for fans of pickup trucks. Luxury accouterments are becoming more standard, prices are staying reasonable and competition is at an all-time high between the biggest manufacturers.

    It’s worth looking into upgrading to a new vehicle this year for those reasons alone. If you’re still not convinced, maybe today’s list will sway you. Today, we’re looking at the ten best pickup trucks for the 2019 model year. These are the biggest, the toughest and the best!

    Ten Best Pickup Trucks for the 2019 Model Year

    Honda Ridgeline

    While Honda’s truck may be lesser-known than some others on this list, it’s a solid pickup. It’s versatile, roomy and powerful, and is well worth your attention. The 2019 Ridgeline starts at $30,725, making it a mid-priced, mid-sized, full-value truck!

    Nissan Titan

    The Titan lives up to its name! A massive, rugged truck, the Titan’s 2018 model is still a fantastic value even as we move into 2019. If you’re a fan of Nissan’s quality and reliability, you can rest assured this mid-sized pickup follows suit. The Titan starts around $30,000, which is impressive given its 9,500 lb towing capacity and 390 horsepower. There’s a lot of truck here to love!

    Chevy Silverado 2500HD

    Now with a diesel engine option and a slick new look, the 2019 Silverado is a truck to watch. This year’s model is lighter while still being even bigger than the previous year’s. It’s longer, overall, too! That means there’s tons of leg-room for driver and passengers. The bed is huge, and the towing capacity doesn’t disappoint: this sucker can tow up to 14,000 lbs. The 2500HD starts at $37,500, and it’s worth every penny.

    GMC Sierra

    The 2019 Sierra 1500 is a mean machine. The price is on par with what you’d expect for a truck in this range: it starts at $33,500. It can tow up to 9,700 lbs, sports up to 420 horsepower and has a slick look to match. The interior is roomy, and the bed is as spacious as you’d like from a truck this size. While this year’s model isn’t a huge change from last year’s, the price isn’t so much higher that this is an issue. It’s still a luxurious yet rugged ride!

    Ford Ranger

    The 2019 Ford Ranger is a beast of a machine. Ford’s name carries some weight, and for good reason. You’ll probably notice that three of their trucks are on this list! The Ranger is a great midsize truck for those looking to get there in style while also hauling a load. This is the first new Ranger since 2011, so you know it’s going to be under some serious scrutiny! Interestingly, unlike its pre-revival predecessor, this is a larger, steel-body truck. The 2019 Ranger doesn’t have a set price tag yet, but we’d expect somewhere in the mid $30,000’s.

    Chevy Colorado

    The 2019 Chevy Colorado makes the list almost on the merit of its low price alone. This pickup starts at $20,500, making it one of the least expensive trucks on this list. It doesn’t sacrifice on size or power for that low price point, either! The Colorado tows 3,500 to 7,000 pounds, depending upon configuration and conditions. What’s more, it has solid gas mileage, getting 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway! That’s not too bad for a midsize truck.

    Ford F-250

    Ford’s second (but not last) entry on this list is the massive, heavy-duty F-250. If you’re looking to seriously haul some heavy stuff, this is a great option. With a seriously roomy cab and a massive bed, you’ll find yourself able to cart tons of things from job site to job site. If your friends ever need help moving, you can likely use an F-250 to take their entire furniture set to their new house. Okay, that last one is hyperbole, but you get the idea. The 2019 F-250 starts at $33,150 and can tow up to 13,000 pounds.

    Jeep Wrangler Pickup

    The distinct-looking and brand-new Wrangler Pickup is an interesting vehicle to watch for this model year. We likely won’t see this truck until early in 2019, but the combination of Jeep’s reliability with the size and power of a pickup is enough to pique our interest. There are no pricing details, but expect to hear more as 2019 grows closer.

    RAM 1500

    The storied RAM brand of trucks is a serious contender in any arguments about “best pickup.” The rock-solid brand doesn’t disappoint with its 2019 model, which can tow upwards of 8,000 pounds and starts at $31,695. It also boasts an impressive 390 horsepower! As a primary competitor of Ford’s, RAM does a good F-150 impersonation with this year’s entry.

    Ford F-150

    This is the truck you should be looking at in 2019. Ford’s reputation precedes them, and for good reason. The F-150 is a downright stellar vehicle, pickup truck or not. As you well know by now, the Limited F-150 has the Raptor V6 engine, making it the mightiest light pickup in the class. While we don’t have pricing or release info for the 2019 model yet, if you’re looking to pick up the Limited trim, it’s worth waiting to hear more about what Ford’s cooking up this year. We’re looking forward to being blown away.


  • Best Ways to Check Credit Score

    Best Ways to Check Credit Score

    If you’re looking to make a big purchase, like a car or a house, odds are you’re going to need a loan. The way lenders check to see if you’re eligible for that loan, of course, is your credit score. If you often pay bills on time and are financially secure, your score should be high but you should regularly check your score.

    Grab hold of your financial potential with free information about your credit score. Knowing your credit score is important because it helps you decide what your buying power is and what areas to focus on to improve this important score.

    There are many factors that go into determining a credit score, including employment status, credit history, and financial consistency. There are also several different types of credit scores rather than a standard way to measure creditworthiness. Although banks and lenders may have their own method to determine a credit score, there are ways that general consumers can monitor their credit activity and keep on top of the score as it changes over the years.

    If you’re looking to check your credit score you’ll want to do it for free. That’s where these free credit check sites come in!

    Best Free Credit Reports

    Credit.com

    Credit.com allows you to see your Experian and VantageScore results for free. VantageScore is a newer model of credit scoring that is usually more up-to-date than the traditional FICO score. You have to sign up for an account with Credit.com, but it’s a free process. The site is known for its credit report card, a quick glance at which things go into your credit. This way, you can see what factors you may need to address to get your score higher!

    Credit Karma

    Credit Karma has become the most popular of the free credit monitoring sites for many reasons. You’ve likely heard of this one. Credit Karma offers scores from TransUnion and Equifax, and both are shown as VantageScore. Credit Karma is a free site as well, and they don’t share customer information. If you’re looking for a no-frills credit check, you’re looking for Credit Karma. They offer a great mobile app, too.

    Quizzle

    Since 2008, Quizzle has been helping its customers understand their credit history and providing free access to their full credit report and credit score. Quizzle offers free Equifax and VantageScore reports. Once every three months you can see a free report of your score. Quizzle technically has a premium account too, though you’re better off just using the free functions. The free functionality doesn’t require a credit card, too.

    WalletHub

    WalletHub offers personal financial tools to users online. Their main product is offering a free daily credit score and report associated with it. WalletHub requires you to take a pre-screening questionnaire before you get your free score. Once you answer a few basic questions, such as your income and the last four digits of your Social, you get a TransUnion credit score. The report is similar to Credit.com’s credit report card, showing you what factors influence your score the most.