Latest news with #savings
CNET
an hour ago
- Business
- CNET
You Can Now Score a Mint Unlimited Phone Plan for Just $15 Per Month for 12 Months
If you're looking to save a few dollars each month, switching to a new cell phone plan can help. Nowadays, many major carriers are offering perks to people who switch that can help you cut your monthly expenses. However, you can save even more by opting to prepaid cell phone plans. Though these require an upfront payment, they can slash your cell phone bill by hundreds a year -- a boon to your budget, now that everything else seems to be going up in price these days. We've spotted this Mint Mobile deal that offers its unlimited plan for just $15 per month for 12 months. This deal is live until Sept. 13 until 11:59 p.m. PT. This deal provides 5G and 4G LTE coverage and saves you 50% over the regular price of $30 per month for this cell phone plan. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. To switch to this Mint Mobile plan, all you need to do is is choose Mint's Unlimited Plan, decide whether or not you want a regular SIM card or an eSIM. If you already have an eSIM on your phone, you can get coverage from Mint Mobile if your phone is compatible. Finally, you'll have to pay for the entire 12 months of service upfront, which amounts to $180. This plan's $15 per month price is only for the initial period and it will renew at the regular price of $30 per month. Taxes and other fees are extra, but even then you'll still save hundreds over other competing plans. Note, however, that those who use over 35GB of data per month might experience lower speeds, and video streams are 480p resolution. Why this deal matters Mint Mobile's prepaid phone plan costs $180 upfront, but it means you'll get unlimited cell phone service and data for just $15 per month for 12 months. You can start using the service right away if you have a compatible eSIM, or choose one from Mint Mobile. This deal is live until Sept. 13, but acting fast is a great way to start saving. If you're looking for a new cell phone provider but aren't sure if this deal is for you, check out our list of the best cheap phone plans so you can find something that works for you.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How to break up with your bank (and take your money somewhere better)
If Tammy Wynette had written a country song about savings, it would probably have been titled, 'Stand By Your Bank.' Most Americans are stubbornly, resolutely loyal to their banks — and in many cases it costs them money, time and a better experience. Only 9 percent of consumers changed banks in the 12-month period ended January 2025, according to the latest J.D. Power Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, which surveyed more than 109,000 bank customers. But the fact that few customers are changing banks isn't exactly reflective of how many customers want to change banks. The J.D. Power survey also found that 13 percent of bank customers said they were likely to change their primary banks in the next 12 months. (Throughout the history of the J.D. Power study, the number of people who say they're going to change banks has been about twice the number of people who actually do it.) Learn more: Bankrate's primer guide on checking accounts Further, the number of customers who are switching has more than doubled since 2019, when just 4 percent of customers changed banks. And younger survey respondents reported higher levels of willingness to switch. Twenty percent of Gen Z and 21 percent of Millennials said they'll 'definitely or probably' switch their primary financial institution in the next six months, according to the latest outlook survey from the Bank Administration Institute, a nonprofit research organization focused on education for the financial services industry. But a full two-thirds of respondents in the J.D. Power survey say they're unlikely to make a move. Even when another bank offers better rates or lower fees, only about one in four are willing to switch. The hassle of switching banks So, why are Americans unwilling to switch? The biggest reasons, according to J.D. Power, are hassle, uncertainty about the benefits and worries about fees or missing payments during a banking transition. That means that millions of us are missing out on higher yields, better digital tools and lower costs—leaving real money and benefits on the table. It's understandable. Breaking up with your bank can feel daunting. There's paperwork, direct deposits, automatic payments—and, let's be honest, a little bit of emotional inertia. But just like ending any relationship that's stopped serving you, it's about taking control and moving on to something better. Bankrate's take Earlier this year, Bankrate released its latest checking account fee survey and found that Americans with a checking account have held onto their account for an average of 19 years, while those with a savings account have had it for 17 years. But the survey, in collaboration with YouGov, revealed much more than bank longevity. Learn more about Bankrate's findings in its 2025 Checking Account Fee Survey. So, here's a step-by-step guide to making the switch—painlessly, confidently and with your finances intact. Step 1: Know why you're leaving Before you start the process, get clear on why you want to switch. Is it high monthly fees? Low interest rates? Frustrating customer service or outdated technology? Pinpointing your reasons will help you choose a new bank that actually solves your problems—rather than just picking the first bank that offers a shiny sign-up bonus. Pro tip Make a list of your must-haves, whether it's no minimum balance, a robust mobile app, ATM fee reimbursement or stellar customer support. Step 2: Shop around for your next bank Don't just jump to the next big brandwagon. Stop and take the time to compare options: Online-only banks often offer higher interest rates and lower fees than traditional and brick-and-mortar banks. Credit unions can mean lower costs and a more personal touch. Community banks may provide better service and local investment. Find a bank that has all the features you want and has hours and policies that fit your schedule and personal finances. Learn more: Bankrate's best list of online-only banks Step 3: Open your new account (but don't move all your money yet) Once you've picked your new bank, go ahead and open your new account. Most online banks let you do this in minutes. Be ready with your government-issued ID, Social Security number and an initial deposit (some banks have a minimum deposit requirement, so be sure to know this amount before you sign up for an account). Learn more: Bankrate's step-by-step guide on how to open a bank account You don't have to close your current account to open a new one. You can have multiple accounts with multiple different banks. But wait, there's more! Don't close your old account just yet. You'll need both accounts open for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition. This is key to avoiding some of the headache and heartache that can come with making the switch. Step 4: Make a list of all linked payments and deposits This is the step where most people get tripped up. Your checking account is probably the hub for direct deposits, bill payments, subscriptions and transfers. Missing one can mean a late fee or a bounced payment. Download your last two or three months of statements. Make a list of every recurring deposit (like your paycheck) and every recurring withdrawal (like rent, utilities, streaming services, gym memberships, etc.). Bankrate budgeting Understanding how much money you're making, and where you're spending it, comprise the foundation of a strong financial plan. Visit Bankrate's Budgeting Basics page for all you need to know about budgeting, from getting started and envelope budgeting, to understanding the 50/30/20 rule and how to make a zero-based budget. Step 5: Start moving your money Transfer a small amount of money into your new account to make sure everything works. Then, update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefits provider. You may need to be patient, as this can take a pay cycle or two to process. Then start switching your automatic payments and linked accounts. Many companies let you do this online, but some may require a phone call or a form. Bankrate insight: How to transfer money from one bank account to another Step 6: Monitor both accounts For the next month, keep an eye on both your old and new accounts. Watch for any stray transactions or missed payments. If you spot any, update the information right away. Pro tip Leave a small buffer in your old account to cover any lingering charges. Step 7: Close your old account (the right way) Once you're sure all deposits and payments have been switched and your old account balance is zero, it's time to make the breakup official. Contact your old bank—ideally in writing—and request to close your account. Get written confirmation that the account is closed and ask for a final statement. Don't forget Destroy old checks and debit cards linked to the closed account. Bottom line Switching banks isn't as hard, or as scary, as it seems. With a clear plan and a little patience, you can break up with your old bank and find a financial partner that actually deserves your loyalty. The hardest part is getting started. But once you do, you'll wonder why you waited so long in the first place. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNET
2 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Walmart Deals of the Day: Grab Apple's Latest Tablet While Its $50 Off
Now that Prime Day has passed us by, we could be waiting until the fall for the next major sale event. But you don't have to hold off until Black Friday to start scoring some serious savings. Walmart offers some incredible bargains year-round, and we're bringing you some top picks every day to help you make the most of them. For today, July 16, those include $50 off Apple's latest 11th-gen iPad A16, a substantial $150 off a powerful Dyson Big Ball vacuum and a pair of Crocs Baya clogs that you can grab for just $35. The 11th-gen 2025 iPad is the latest model in Apple's flagship lineup, and one of our absolute favorite tablets on the market right now. Our reviewer calls it a great option for those who only need the basics, particularly thanks to its affordable starting price, which is even better thanks to this deal. It features 128GB of base storage and an upgraded A16 processor, as well as a vibrant 11-inch Liquid Retina display. Plus, Wi-Fi 6 support means speedy web performance, and the 12MP rear camera can even capture 4K videos. Just note that only the blue and yellow color variants are available at this price. This Dyson combines the power of a corded vacuum with the maneuverability of a cordless model for serious versatility. It boasts 250 air watts of suction to tackle serious messes on both carpet and hardwood floors, and the wand features 360-degree articulation to help you reach all the nooks and crannies. It's also equipped with whole-machine filtration that traps dust, allergens and other particulates as small 0.3 microns. Plus, it has a large 1.5-liter dust bin, which is easy to empty with the press of a button. Are Crocs the most stylish shoes on the market? Debatable. Are they seriously comfortable? Undeniably. They're a great pair of summer footwear that are perfect for lake days or lounging around on the back patio, and right now you can grab yourself tons of different colors for 30% off so you can find the pair that matches your style. This discount applies to most sizes, but be sure to double check before you place your order.
Phone Arena
2 hours ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Study finds that Americans want to ditch pricey phone plans, and one feature is tipping the scales
A recent survey by Comcast and Morning Consult finds that one in four Americans are actively considering switching their mobile provider in the next year. The top reason: cost. Among those looking to change carriers, 42 percent said their monthly phone bill is too even with growing frustration around pricing, the study found that many Americans underestimate how much they could actually save. While 59 percent of consumers believe they would save around $100 by switching, Comcast says its Xfinity Internet customers could save up to 10 times that amount when they add Xfinity addition to cost, the survey highlights several features that customers value when evaluating new mobile plans. Spam protection was ranked highest, with 52 percent of respondents calling it a top priority. The ability to upgrade to the latest phone anytime followed at 47 percent, tied with a desire for faster speeds. Travel-related perks were also mentioned, with 60 percent of Americans planning to travel this summer and 41 percent saying they would use mobile plan savings to fund trips. Comcast Xfinity says it can help. | Image credit — Xfinity Comcast says these findings directly reflect the thinking behind its Xfinity Mobile Premium Unlimited plan, which includes built-in spam protection, the option to upgrade devices more flexibly, and access to gig-speed data through its WiFi hotspot network. Kohposh Kuda, Senior Vice President of Xfinity Mobile, says the company has focused on what matters most to consumers. — Kohposh Kuda, Senior Vice President of Xfinity Mobile The company also highlights its WiFi PowerBoost feature, which allows users to access up to 1 Gbps speeds on Xfinity gateways or public hotspots. Comcast claims this has increased customer speeds by 150 percent in the past year. For international travelers, Xfinity Mobile offers free talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada on Unlimited plans, plus a Global Travel Pass that provides 5 GB of high-speed data for $10/day in over 215 countries. Comcast is promoting its "Break Free from the Big Three Day" as a way to help consumers escape expensive wireless contracts. New customers can receive up to $500 per line to help cover switching costs. Xfinity users can also earn up to $500 in rewards through the Refer-a-Friend program. There's plenty of MVNOs available today as a lower-priced alternative to the big three, and it's good to see Comcast/Xfinity step up to the plate. For those who are unsure if switching is worth it, the $500 per line should offer a nice incentive and peace of mind knowing that should any penalties be incurred, you will still have a way to cover them. However, in the end, what matters is that the cost and the quality of service are just right, and this is what Comcast says it's working to achieve. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Thrifty mother-of-five who wrote 'Feed your family for £20 a week' cookbook reveals how much her recipes cost to make NOW thanks to soaring inflation
A Scottish mother-of-five who wrote a best-selling book six years ago on how to feed her family for just £20-a-week says soaring food prices means it would now cost almost double to do the same recipes. Lorna Cooper, 48, from Paisley, Renfreshire, who has three children of her own and is step-mother to two, wrote the cookbook, 'Feed your family for £20-a-week', after sharing her tips on Facebook and winning more than half a million followers. However, with inflation defying predictions again to rise to 3.6 per cent, the thrifty mother says food and drink prices have soared so much that her original £20 weekly shop budget could now only be used in 'an emergency situation'. The headline CPI rate had been expected to stay on hold at 3.4 per cent in the year to June, but instead skipped up to 3.6 per cent. The increase heaps woe on the Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she struggles to balance the books and get the economy going, casting doubt on the prospects for the Bank of England cutting interest rates quickly. Speaking to Radio 5 Live breakfast, family cook Cooper said increased prices 'across the board' in supermarkets meant the dishes she once cooked were now nearer to £35 to £40-a-week. The Scot originally created the Facebook page after struggling to meet her brood's £100-a-week food bill after a back injury left her unable to work in 2014. Failing to qualify for sick pay, she was forced to tighten the purse strings, and through savvy shopping, buying in bulk and batch cooking, she managed to slash her food bill to just £20 a week. On her original list were a combination of fresh, freezer and store cupboard foods. However, now she says the same food to make the same dishes that she created six years prior have shot up by 71% in that time. She told 5 Live presenter Rick Edwards: 'Every time you go into a shop, you pick something up and it's ten pence more than it was the week before.' She said eight weeks' worth of shopping that would once have cost £160 would now be priced at £272.38. The food blogger explained: 'Instead of £19.96 a week, it's now £34.05 - it's a big jump.' She said she calculates the price of her menus list every six months and in January this year it was recorded at £30.90, going up by more than 10 per cent since. 'I made an emergency shopping list last year that came in at £21.50 [a week] but it's such a basic list that it's not sustainable. 'It's literally for an emergency - it will do you for a couple of weeks but it's not a sustainable healthy menu or meal plan for a family at all.' Lorna's tips for feeding your family on a budget 1. Go shopping at the end of the day 2. Cook in bulk 3. Be adaptable - use ingredients reduced or on special offer 4. Shop in less obvious places - don't rely just on major supermarkets 5. Buy super-size for bigger discounts 6. Use your leftovers 7. Stop buying treats and make your own 8. Don't be scared to substitute 9. Stop throwing food out 10. Grow your own food Cooper added: 'There's so many tips I could give - but you're not feeding your family for £20 these days. 'People used to need help to get through a tough spot - the odd month - increasingly now it's every month.' The inflation increase heaps woe on the Chancellor as she struggles to balance the books and get the economy going, casting doubt on the prospects for the Bank of England cutting interest rates quickly. Fuel was the biggest contributor, while food prices were rising at the fastest pace since February last year. Worryingly for the Treasury, closely-watched CPI core inflation - excluding energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco - was up from 3.5 per cent to 3.7 per cent. Ms Reeves did not directly address the increase in a statement, saying she 'knows working people are still struggling with the cost of living ' and is determined to 'put more money into people's pockets'. ONS Acting Chief Economist Richard Heys said: 'Inflation ticked up in June driven mainly by motor fuel prices which fell only slightly, compared with a much larger decrease at this time last year. 'Food price inflation has increased for the third consecutive month to its highest annual rate since February of last year. 'However, it remains well below the peak seen in early 2023.' Ms Reeves said: 'I know working people are still struggling with the cost of living. 'That is why we have already taken action by increasing the national minimum wage for three million workers, rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school and extending the £3 bus far cap. 'But there is more to do and I'm determined we deliver on our Plan for Change to put more money into people's pockets.' Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said: 'This morning's news that inflation remains well above the 2 per cent target is deeply worrying for families.
