Switching phone carriers may be a daunting task, considering all the research and work needed to get through it. However, in some cases, it is inevitable, so it is always recommended to be well-informed and have all the details on hand before making the decision. There are many factors to consider when it comes to this, and there are some mistakes people make while switching phone carriers that customers can easily avoid. Take a look. 1. Choosing the wrong carrier This is one of the biggest mistakes people make and should definitely be avoided because of all the troubles that could limit a smooth phone experience. There are three wireless networks available: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Some factors that can help decide which carrier works best for a customer include data speeds, any problems with dropped calls, text messaging plans, and if they are delivered timely. So check for these metrics when choosing the carrier. 2. Failing to compare phone plans So many phone plans are available, and while customers compare them, they often do not get into the specifics of the pricing to understand each service. This can be essential, especially when someone has already started a plan and, in the middle of the month, they realize they have been charged for some extra features they have been using.

Our eyes help us see what’s around us so that we can react accordingly. Since they perform such a crucial function, we must maintain them by following healthy practices. Sadly, many ignore eye care and increase their risk of ocular conditions. These conditions are usually treatable with timely intervention, but prevention is always better than cure. Below are a few simple yet practical ways to maintain eye health in the long run. 1. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the functioning of the meibomian gland. This oil gland protects against age-related macular degeneration and dry eye disease. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and should be a part of one’s meals to protect the eyes. Nuts like walnuts and seeds like flax and chia seeds are also rich in this essential nutrient. 2. Maintain an active lifestyle Moderate-intensity exercises considerably reduce eye pressure, lowering one’s risk of glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye disorders. Hence, individuals should avoid a sedentary lifestyle and incorporate walking, jogging, skipping, cycling, swimming, or other exercises into daily workouts. 3. Wear shades while stepping out during the day In the long run, persistent and direct exposure to sunlight can trigger several eye diseases, including macular degeneration, corneal damage, and cataracts.

Smartwatches have gained immense popularity in recent years. The latest models can perform tasks like tracking fitness, answering calls, and scrolling through an in-built gallery. While several options are available, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch5 and Watch6 are among the most well-known. Users appreciate their Bixby smart assistant and intuitive interface. However, these wearables also have other advanced features. Here are 15 hidden Samsung watch hacks people typically do not know about. 1. Customize the watch face The Samsung Watch6 is equipped with several dozen pre-made watch faces. However, if someone doesn’t like these, they can download third-party applications and get new ones. Users can also customize the clock font, color, layout, and more via the Galaxy Wearable app. 2. Adjust the screen timeout interval By default, the Samsung Watch6’s display turns off after 15 seconds of inactivity. However, users can change the screen timeout to suit their needs. For instance, one can change it to 30 seconds or a minute. It’s also possible to keep the display running at all times by accessing the “Always On” feature. 3. Activate health tracking Users can switch on the health tracking features via the Samsung Health Monitor app on their cell phones. One can choose to monitor heart rate, stress levels, blood oxygen during sleep, snore detection, skin temperature during sleep, and more.

Smartwatch technology has transformed dramatically in the last few years. Users can now carry out most smartphone functions without having to touch their phones. The Apple Watch has been instrumental in leading this revolution, and the latest Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are a testament to this. This article enlists 15 hidden Apple Watch features and hacks many people still do not know about so they can make the most of their purchase. 1. Turn on Focus mode The Apple Watch is equipped with a special Focus mode that silences all notifications or distractions that may hamper one’s productivity or sleep. This can be activated from the Settings menu on the watch. Scroll down to open the ‘Focus’ app and set up ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Sleep’ profiles. These can also be mirrored on one’s iPhone. 2. Cover to Mute This feature may be extremely helpful for users who have enabled voice/sound notifications on their watch. One can cover the display with their palm to mute or silence notifications. This can be set up via the Apple Watch app on one’s iPhone. Go to My Watch, and look for Sounds & Haptics. Then, select Cover to Mute. 3.

Apple’s AirPods are one of the top products for entertainment and communication among other earbuds in the market today. But their high price point may deter some people from purchasing them. However, there are several subtle ways that one could pick up a pair of AirPods from Apple for a lower price or with additional perks. While the deals below are lesser-known and may look secretive, they are available to each user who makes a purchase. AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (USB-C) The second-generation AirPods are the top true wireless earphones for Apple users for a suite of reasons. The latest product has swapped out Apple’s proprietary Lighting port for a standard USB-C port, which makes charging a lot more accessible. Apple’s H2 chip in the earbuds contains twice as many transistors as its predecessor, which allows better power efficiency. For example, a single charge could deliver up to six hours of battery life. The earbuds also offer a more stable listening experience and more effective ANC modes. Other features include its ability to pair with Apple Vision Pro to deliver Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency. Coming to the price of the newly launched product, one could purchase it on Apple’s website for about $250 or pay as low as $42 per month for 6 months with their financing offer.

Get ready for the joyful sound of jingling bells and the sweet smell of pie filling the air with Christmas right around the corner. It is also time to start wrapping presents and placing them under beautifully decorated trees. To honor this customary practice, one should choose the right gifts by considering the recipient’s preferences and balancing visual appeal with functionality. Further, one can avoid the following gifts that are most likely to be returned: 1. Scented candles Although scented candles are among the most popular Christmas gifts, one may end up choosing a scented candle with an extremely strong fragrance or a specific one that the recipient does not like. This makes the gift less appealing to the receiver. Here, gifting a scent diffuser could be a better move, as one can let the receiver pick fragrances to add to the diffuser. 2. Glassware and crockery An expensive crockery or glass set has long been the go-to Christmas present, as it perfectly integrates esthetics and utility. However, having become so overwhelmingly popular gifts, glassware and crockery sets are usually either returned or regifted. Alternatively, they may end up on the recipient’s kitchen shelf for years on end without being used even once.

Shopping addiction is a compulsive behavioral condition marked by an overwhelming desire to buy things. It is also known as oniomania, which can have a considerable impact on one’s finances, ultimately causing emotional distress. There are ways one can cope with shopping addiction, from therapy to financial counseling. Still, before one can find help, one needs to understand the signs of a shopping addict and how they differ from a shopper who enjoys occasional retail therapy. Signs of shopping addiction Emotional reactions to the activity Frequently, compulsive individuals with unhealthy shopping tendencies experience nearly extreme emotions while engaging in this particular activity. For example, they may go on a shopping spree to beat the feelings of depression, anxiety, or stress, usually making more impulsive purchases. After buying the items, they experience relief or euphoria, which is soon followed by deep regret or shame. Eventually, these emotions cause problems with their relationships and finances. Inability to let go Shopping addicts are unable to treat the activity as a casual outing or stress buster. They find it difficult to roam around a mall or a shopping center for leisure and get consumed by the thoughts of shopping and money. They also find it challenging to let go of the constant urge to make purchases, which can even worsen anxiety or compulsiveness.

Most people depend highly on their laptops for various reasons, like using them for work, gaming, watching movies, and everything in between. For these reasons, choosing the right laptop is vital, as it must be compatible with what it is used for. For instance, buying a gaming laptop when one purely uses laptops for watching movies or working on Excel is a mistake. There are a few other mistakes, as mentioned below, that one can avoid: 1. Not testing it before buying Trying out a product before buying it is a must, especially if one plans to invest a substantial amount. It is always best to test out a product, in this case, a laptop, to understand how it works and whether it is easy to use. Those who are planning to buy a laptop online because they are getting a good deal should definitely visit a physical store and check out the laptop first before making a purchase online. This way, they make an informed decision and get to save quite a bit by buying online. Most stores always have a display or a trial piece that customers can test. 2. Assuming the product size and weight don’t matter It is very important to know how big or compact a laptop is, as users will have to carry it around.

Online retail stores have made scrolling through hundreds of products easy. The purchasing process is also unbelievably quick. Some items can be delivered to one’s doorstep by the end of the day, if not sooner. However, online shopping has its downsides, like security concerns and impulse purchases, requiring one to be extra careful when they visit any website. So, here are five mistakes that one could easily avoid to have a pleasant online shopping experience. Opening unknown retail outlet links Multiple websites might claim to sell products for 50% off their retail price, including premium smartphones. If this sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t. One should shop from a well-known company that lists its address and phone number to enjoy additional peace of mind. Passing up cashback Ignoring cashback deals could mean missing out on substantial savings. One should sign up to retail websites that offer cash rebates or subscribe to a third-party app that offers similar benefits. Shoppers could accumulate these points to get substantial discounts on future purchases or to earn rewards. Overlooking return policies When one shops for something like clothes, there’s a good chance they might want to send it back for a different size.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a quick payment method that allows users to purchase products or services without paying for them in real-time. The lending BNPL-partnered company covers the cost at the time of purchase, and the user then repays the amount in installments to the company over the next few pre-determined months. While the BNPL scheme sounds like an ideal method of financing, it has its pitfalls. Making mistakes while dealing with it can quickly add up, costing more than initially anticipated, and spiral one into a financial pit. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: Not reading the terms and conditions The BNPL schemes have specific terms and conditions, and skipping the details before signing up can damage the pocket. For example, even though BNPL has no interest, one may incur late fees in case of missed or delayed payments, which can also affect one’s credit score. Therefore, it’s crucial to read the BNPL’s fine print thoroughly. Overusing BNPL schemes Using services like BNPL to make impulse purchases is always tempting since it comes with no upfront cost. This can often lead people to overextend their finances. To avoid this situation, one should utilize BNPL mindfully to make valuable and anticipated purchases like a work laptop or household appliances.