Jeff Somers
MORE BY Jeff
The Best Apps, Sites, and Places Where You Can Trade Instead of Buy
To keep expenses down, try going back in time and barter your skills and possessions away.
Five Space-Saving Alternatives to a Murphy Bed
Murphy beds are cool, but they're not always the best choice.
Eight Unexpected Ways a Restaurant Can Mislead You
Restaurants have tight margins and wait staff are hard-working people—but sometimes things can get shady.
Five Signs Your Rent Is About to Go Up
If you see these signs, start preparing for a rent increase, because it’s coming.
How to Tell If You’re Chatting With a Bot
You may have spoken with a conversational AI bot and not even known it. Here’s how to tell (for now).
How to Protect Yourself (and Others) from Involuntary Guardianship
It can be easy for someone to petition a court to strip you of your legal rights (and control of your money). But you can take a few steps right now that will make it a lot harder.
How to Tell If Your Rechargeable Battery Is About to Explode
Phones, eBikes, and anything else that has a rechargeable battery has a non-zero chance of bursting into flames.
Four Things to Consider When Choosing Your First Credit Card
If you’re starting out on your credit journey, you have a lot of choices—and a lot of considerations to keep in mind.
How to Choose an Extension Cord That Won’t Burn Down Your House
Extension cords come in a surprisingly large number of varieties for different applications.
Four Signs Thieves Are Casing Your House
Yes, burglars actually do case houses, studying them for patterns, security, and items to steal.
Four Ways to Protect Yourself From Getting Scammed by a Mechanic
If you don’t know much about cars, you’re at the mercy of the person who does. But you can defend yourself with a few simple steps, and by knowing what to look for.
How Someone Can Ruin Your Credit Without Committing Identity Theft
Sometimes the call is coming from inside the house.
How to Decide What Time of Year to Retire
You’re ready to stop working and start the next phase—but choosing the exact day and month that you retire can have an impact on your finances, tax situation, and happiness.
Watch Out for These Red Flags in a Realtor Contract
The old rules for buying and selling homes are out the window,.
Why Assuming Someone Else’s Mortgage Is Probably a Bad Idea (Even If the Interest Rate Is Low)
Assuming an existing mortgage might get you a low interest rate, but it comes with a long list of downsides.
Seven Home 'Upgrades' That Aren’t Worth the Money
They might seem like pluses when you're house-hunting, but you'll probably come to regret them.
What to Do If You’re Sued in Small Claims Court
It pays to take small claims court seriously.
Four Reasons Garbage Disposals Are Terrible
They only seem like a convenient time-saver.
Four Subtle Contractor Scams to Look For
There are red flags you should look for before, during, and after the work is complete.
The Best Ways to Reuse (or Discard) Old Pill Bottles
There are a couple reasons you shouldn't just toss them in the trash.