technology

These 8 Modern Car Features Are Riskier Than You Think

Dr Penny Pincher — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 08:30:18 +0000

If you're in the market for a new car, you may be paying close attention to some of the more modern features than can improve your driving experience. While some newer car features improve the safety and convenience of your vehicle, others can make your ride more dangerous. Here's what you need to know to stay safe with modern car add-ons.

1. Air bags

Air bags provide a significant improvement to vehicle safety overall, but there are certain situations where they present a hazard. Air bags can be dangerous to children or adults of short stature due to the close proximity of shorter individuals to the front bag when it deploys. To reduce risk of injury, seat shorter folks in the back seat, or adjust the front seat to a position further away from dashboard.

Another problem in recent years is faulty air bags. When buying a used car, check to see if it falls into the massive recall for Takata air bags that can malfunction and spray shrapnel when they deploy. (See also: Your Car Was Recalled. Now What?)

2. Keyless ignition

Keyless ignition is a convenient feature that allows you to start your car remotely. A keyless ignition fob allows you to press a button and transmit a radio signal to start your vehicle. But this convenience can come at a dangerous cost. Without the need to turn a key or actually sit in the car, it's easy to forget that the engine is running. You may inadvertently create a carbon monoxide hazard in a garage or other enclosed space. Always check that the engine has been turned off when you exit the car.

3. Touch screens

That big screen on the dash that runs the climate controls, shows you a map, and controls your music can be a major distraction. Not only does the display catch your attention, but dynamic touch screens take a lot more focus to use than old fashioned knobs and buttons that you can learn to operate by touch from muscle memory. Touch screens have different menus for different functions and typically require the driver to look at the screen to see where to press, diverting attention from the road. Practice safety first by not using the touch screen while driving.

4. Jacked-up vehicles

Jacked-up vehicles have been trendy for quite some time, going back to the SUV craze in the 80s and the Hummer craze in the 90s. Driving a large vehicle that sits high above the ground provides a commanding view of the road, but handling can be compromised. Tall vehicles have a higher center of gravity and heavier tires, which results in a greater risk of rollover.

Driving a jacked-up vehicle also poses risks to other cars on the road. Instead of meeting bumper-to-bumper in a collision, a smaller car might take the bumper of a jacked-up vehicle through the windshield, greatly raising the risk of serious injury or fatality.

5. Roof racks

Much like with a jacked-up SUV or truck, placing heavy items on top of your car raises the center of gravity and increases risk of rollover. In addition, items placed on roof rack may become loose during transit, presenting a risk of injury to pedestrians or passengers in nearby vehicles. Finally, attempting to lift cargo up to a roof rack can cause back injuries.

6. Overstyling

Styling can make an ordinary car look cooler and more expensive, but it can also make cars more dangerous. Dark tinted windows can reduce visibility for the driver, especially at night. This problem gets worse in cars that have lots of electronic displays that can create glare. Chunky pillars make vehicles look sturdier, but also make it harder get a good view of oncoming traffic or obstructions.

7. Super-bright headlights

Some expensive sports and luxury cars come with high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, often using xenon gas, that generate very bright light with a bluish hue. Some vehicle owners upgrade their standard headlights to HID to make their car seem more expensive. While bright headlights can improve visibility for the driver of the car equipped with them, the bright lights can produce glare and reduce the vision for oncoming motorists.

8. Cruise control

Cruise control can make long distance driving much easier — just reach your desired speed, and you can set your cruise to maintain speed without working the accelerator. The problem with cruise control is that it tends to promote unsafe driving behavior and reduces reaction time. Drivers using cruise control tend to cruise right up on slower vehicles before making a quick lane change to pass. Be vigilant at all times while driving — cruise control is not autopilot.

Cruise control can also be dangerous in slippery conditions that can result in the tires spinning out of control when there is not enough friction between the tires and the road. You should never use your cruise function in poor weather conditions.

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Characteristics of the World's Youngest Billionaires

Rachel Slifka — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 09:00:07 +0000

According to Forbes, there are 2,208 billionaires in the world today. And just 63 members of this elite group are under the age of 40.

Though the 63 youngest billionaires are a diverse group of individuals with different claims to fame, they do have quite a few things in common. Here are a few characteristics shared by some of the world's youngest billionaires.

1. More than half are entrepreneurs

Over half the billionaires on the under-40 list are self-made, with a majority being in the tech industry. Of course, people like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Evan Spiegel of Snapchat made the list. So did the founders of Airbnb, Stripe, Uber, among others. But tech isn't the only profitable industry. Several of the billionaires on the list are from manufacturing, design, and medical industries.

2. Inheritance is prevalent

Not all of the world's most wealthy pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. While many of the world's youngest billionaires were self-made, there are also many who inherited their wealth.

Twenty-four-year-old Gustav Magnar Witzøe, heir of Norwegian fish farming company Salmar, amassed a net worth of $1.9 billion after inheriting nearly half the company from his father. Heiress Yang Huiyan is worth over $21.9 billion at only 36 years old after inheriting her father's real estate development company in China. And Norwegian sisters Alexandra and Katharina Andresen — just 21 and 22 years old, respectively — each inherited 42 percent of their family-owned investment company, Ferd, for a net worth of $1.4 billion a piece.

3. Many of them left school to pursue their businesses

School was not the end game for many of the world's youngest billionaires; their business was.

While enrolled in a product design class at Stanford, Evan Spiegel came up with the idea of Snapchat. In 2012, he officially dropped out of Stanford to focus on his growing app. Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard in 2005 to manage the ever-growing Facebook. Even some of the world's more established billionaires, such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, all dropped out of school before they graduated.

This isn't to say dropping out of school to pursue a business is the secret to their success: Many billionaires on the list hold at least a bachelor's degree. (See also: 5 Jobs That Pay Over $50K and Don't Require a Bachelor's Degree)

4. They have multiple successful businesses

The world's wealthiest often have more than one claim to fame. In fact, many of the youngest billionaires have worked on several notable and profitable projects on their rise to success.

Garrett Camp, mostly known as the billionaire founder of Uber, was well on the tech scene before he even started the rideshare company. He actually was the founder of StumbleUpon, which he sold to eBay in 2007 for $75 million.

Facebook's third employee, Dustin Moskovitz, worked with Zuckerberg to launch Facebook out of their dorm room at Harvard. After they both dropped out of college, Moskovitz moved to California with Zuckerberg to focus on further developing Facebook. In 2008, Moskovitz left Facebook to start Asana, a project management software — though most of his $12.4 billion net worth comes from his small remaining stake in Facebook. (See also: What Small Business Owners Can Learn From Top Forbes Entrepreneurs)

5. They prioritize hobbies

Norwegian heiresses Alexandra and Katharina Andresen spend most of their time riding horses competitively. Airbnb billionaire Brian Chesky was a former bodybuilder, and 27-year-old Stripe founder Jack Collison prefers to spend his spare time running — a hobby we can all afford.

While many of these billionaires spend a majority of their time overseeing extravagant business operations, they still value taking time for their own interests and hobbies. That's something we should all take to heart.

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This article is from Rachel Slifka of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Fastest Growing Jobs That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago

Carrie Kirby — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 08:30:10 +0000

A decade ago, social media was young, mommy-blogging was a hot new trend, and — oh yes — the economy was falling apart. Millions of us lost our jobs. Now that the job market is strong again and unemployment is low, some of the hottest occupations are lines of work that either didn't exist or were little known back in the first decade of the century.

If you're looking for a new career, why not look at one of these new, fast-growing fields? (See also: 9 High-Paying Jobs That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago)

1. Drone operator

Opportunities include photography and film, inspecting tall buildings, and mapping difficult-to-reach areas. Amazon is experimenting with package delivery by drone, while Facebook is experimenting with using drones to bring internet access to remote areas. With the expected growth in drone use, today's operators could also find work training and certifying tomorrow's operators.

Growth expected by 2021: 1,000 percent.
Requirements: FAA certification, possibly short training programs.
Median pay: $52,000.

2. Machine learning engineer

Machine learning is basically another way of saying artificial intelligence, a field where the overall job openings have grown 450 percent since 2013, according to the 2017 Artificial Intelligence Index. This kind of engineer is a ninja programmer who is probably also a math whiz.

But wait, you may say: Everyone knows that AI is going to destroy jobs, not create them. Not necessarily. Research and advisory company Gartner estimates that AI will create 2.3 million jobs by 2020, eclipsing the 1.8 million it's expected to eliminate.

Growth since 2012: 980 percent.
Requirements: BS or MS in computer science.
Median pay: $116,000.

3. Data scientist

This type of engineer analyzes data produced by websites, apps, computer sales systems, and more, answering business questions or finding trends. The word analytics is sometimes used interchangeably with data science to describe this work. Data scientists usually need to know a statistical programming language, such as Python, as well as a database querying language such as SQL.

The roles of machine learning engineer and data scientist are closely linked; machine learning engineers on LinkedIn are likely to list data scientist as their previous job title, and "machine learning" is one of the top skills listed by data scientists.

Growth since 2012: 650 percent.
Requirements: BS, MS, or Ph.D. in statistics, computer science, math, or data science.
Median pay: $91,212.

4. Solar panel installer

Although jobs for college graduates have led the recovery since the recession, here's one that requires little education. This is the person installing the solar panels on your roof. This job is growing because the solar industry is hot, producing 24.5 percent growth in all solar-related jobs in 2016.

Growth expected through 2026: 105 percent.
Requirements: High school diploma, on-the-job training, possibly tech school courses.
Median pay: $39,240.

5. App developer

Ten years ago, the iPhone was new, and not everyone knew what an app was. Now almost 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone, and my 90-year-old grandma downloads a new slot machine app every week. Short training programs for app programmers have sprung up in San Francisco that turn out graduates in a year or less. These developers go on to make six figures and often get company equity at their first job.

Growth expected through 2026: 31 percent.
Requirements: BS in computer science or software engineering, or programming boot camp.
Median pay: $106,710.

6. Genetic counselor

There was such a job as genetic counselor 10 years ago, but people with that title today wouldn't recognize it as the same thing. In the past, genetic counseling consisted of interpreting just a few available tests and sharing the results with patients. Today, so much data is available on an individual's genetics that the job has a larger technical component. Part of the expansion of this job is driven by the growth in genetic testing kits available directly to the public.

Growth expected through 2026: 29 percent.
Requirements: MS in genetics or genetic counseling, board certification, state licensing.
Median pay: $74,120.

7. Operations research analyst

These brainiacs use advanced math and analytical methods to solve business and organization problems. There is some overlap between this job and data science. It's also so closely linked to the fields of analytics and data mining that some consider the words interchangeable. The upshot: If you know how to crunch numbers and get important insights out of huge amounts of data, you're going to be in demand, no matter what you call yourself.

Growth expected through 2026: 27 percent.
Requirements: BS or MS in business, operations research, math, analytics, or computer science.
Median pay: $79,200.

8. Telemedicine physician

Like many jobs on the list, this field is driven by the ubiquity of high speed internet. Patients are increasingly given the option to video conference with a physician and get a diagnosis or referral to a specialist. Hospitals and medical groups are hiring more doctors comfortable with telemedicine, because the practice saves money and results in better access to specialists, less wait time, and less spread of disease from waiting room contact.

Physicians who want to become telemedicine practitioners may need to learn to use connected versions of tools they already know, such as thermometers and stethoscopes.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 13 percent growth for all physicians through 2026, and that includes tele-physicians. However, given how quickly telemedicine is growing, it's reasonable to assume that this niche will grow faster than doctor jobs as a whole.

Growth expected through 2026: 13 percent or more.
Requirements: MD, board certification, medical license.
Median pay: $200,500.

9. Health information technician

With the growth in online medical records, professionals who are well versed in medical coding for insurance claims and organizing and securing medical records are needed.

Growth expected through 2026: 13 percent.
Requirements: Tech school training program.
Median pay: $38,040.

10. Social media manager

Nearly every brand — from baked goods to airlines to government agencies — now hire specialists to represent them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and others. These workers might create and post content, moderate discussions, collect and respond to customer feedback, and use analytics software to monitor the brand's image and activity across all social media platforms.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lumps social media specialists in with public relations workers, and rates job growth for the whole field at 9 percent. However, since social media continues to be a hot growth field, it's reasonable to assume that social media jobs are growing faster than other PR jobs.

Growth expected by 2026: 9 percent or more.
Requirements: BS in communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing.
Median annual wage: $56,770.

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The ATM Just Ate Your Deposit. Now What?

Dan Rafter — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 09:30:05 +0000

The United States is filled with ATMs. According to Statistic Brain, there were 425,000 of these machines in the country as of March 29, 2017. Statistic Brain also reported that the average ATM in the United States saw 800 transactions every month.

With all of these machines and all of these transactions, it wouldn't be surprising if every once in a while an ATM ate a consumer's cash or check deposit without crediting their account or providing them a receipt. The question is, what should you do if this happens to you?

Contact your bank ASAP

Don't just ignore what happened. Contact your bank, and do it immediately.

If you are standing outside your own bank when this happens, using one of your financial institution's ATMs, simply go inside and explain what happened. Your bank can correct the situation on the spot, crediting the deposit to your account and issuing you a paper receipt verifying the funds.

That's the simplest solution. But what if you are using a stand-alone ATM that's not near your bank branch? What if you are using an ATM not even run by your bank and it swallows your deposit without recording it?

Again, this is frustrating, but don't panic. It's imperative to call your bank immediately. Use the number on the back of your debit card to contact your bank and explain the situation to the customer service representative. The bank will usually credit you for the deposit and perform an investigation. If it determines that you actually did deposit the amount you claimed, it will finally deposit that amount in your account, removing the credit. The time it takes for this to happen will vary depending on your bank.

Does this happen often? That's difficult to say. There are no statistics available on how often ATMs eat deposits without crediting consumers' accounts. But what isn't hard to determine is that consumers use ATMs often. A 2017 banking study said that 61 percent of consumers visited an ATM at least once a month. That leaves plenty of room for potential ATM grabs. (See also: 6 Big Ways ATMs Are Changing)

The alternatives

If you want to avoid the chance that your ATM will eat your deposit, you do have other options.

If you are depositing cash, your only real alternative is to visit a bank branch in person and make the deposit with a teller. This might be an inconvenience, depending on your bank's branch locations and their hours, but it's safer to hand your cash deposit to a teller than it is to stuff it in an envelope and deposit it in an ATM that could make a mistake.

If you are depositing a check, you have more options. Yes, you can deposit your check in person with a teller if you want to avoid the ATM. But you can also sign up with a bank that offers mobile deposit. Using your bank's smartphone app, you can take a photo of your check and deposit that check right into your account from anywhere.

Just be aware that mobile banking isn't foolproof, either. Hold onto your checks after you deposit them until you see the money appear in your account. Your bank might send you a message saying that it couldn't read the photo, or that there was an error. You'll have to snap another photo of your check to try again.

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This article is from Dan Rafter of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Surprising Ways Retirement Has Gotten Easier

Tim Lemke — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:00:10 +0000

If you read the financial headlines, you'll get the sense that retirement may be a disaster for many Americans. With a decline in employer-provided pensions and uncertainty over the future of government benefits, many older Americans are rightfully concerned about whether they will be able to retire comfortably.

But there is considerable evidence that the experience of retiring is actually much better than in the past. Medical advancements are helping people live longer, and technology is helping to keep seniors connected to the world. And there are more resources for retirees than ever before. (See also: How to Overcome These 4 Common Retirement Fears)

Let's examine these ways in which retirement has improved.

1. It's lasting longer

There was a time not too long ago when people would work into their 60s and pass away within a decade or so. But these days, it's not uncommon for people to retire at age 60 and live another 30 years or more. Statistics from the Social Security Administration show that the average 65-year-old man will live another 19 years in retirement, up from 15 years two decades ago. That's a lot of time to travel, connect with the grandkids, and pursue all of the hobbies and interests you've been neglecting. While this longer retirement places pressure on people to save more, it's obviously a boon to seniors who have worked hard and deserve a lengthy retirement. (See also: 5 Ways American Retirement Is Changing)

2. Your living options are better

As the population has gotten older, there has been a recognition that older citizens need different kinds of living arrangements that offer them support while still preserving independence. There is now a whole growing industry surrounding assisted living and elder care that involves more than just nursing homes. Older people have the option of living at home with some help, or moving into special communities that allow them to live freely while having access to care as they need it. In many cases, older people can move into a community while they are still healthy and active, and remain there as they begin to need more care. While some of these arrangements can be expensive, they have allowed many seniors to maintain an active lifestyle and remain connected socially well into their retirement years. (See also: A Granny Pod May Be the Smartest Way to Care for an Elderly Parent)

3. The internet has kept us connected

Seniors can FaceTime with their grandkids. They can watch YouTube videos to get gardening or cooking tips. They can use the internet for genealogy research, and share photos of their travels. There are even dating apps for older singles. While technology is moving fast and not always user-friendly for seniors, our new connected way of life has benefited older Americans by expanding their options for activities and keeping them less isolated. The Pew Research Center this year reported that 58 percent of seniors feel that technology has had a positive benefit on society, and nearly half say broadband internet access is an important thing to have.

4. Travel is easier

While it's true that airport security has made air travel more hectic in recent years, there are other aspects of travel that have gotten easier for seniors. The internet has made booking flights and hotels effortless, and competition among online travel sites has made it easier to find great prices. The explosion of the cruise industry has been great for seniors, and touring companies have become smarter about accommodating the various needs of older travelers. The World Economic Forum also noted that transportation infrastructure improvements worldwide has made traveling easier for seniors over the years. (See also: 6 Ways Travel in Retirement Keeps You Young)

5. Health care is better

Yes, there are still problems with our health care system. But there's no mistaking that we've made great progress over the years in identifying and treating many ailments and diseases. We've also made it easier for seniors to access and afford care. Consider that before 1965, older Americans did not have access to Medicare to help pay for care and treatments, and it was not until 2006 when a prescription drug benefit became available. All of this has not only helped many people live longer, but maintain a more active and healthy lifestyle deep into retirement. (See also: Follow These 5 Steps to Full Health Care Coverage in Retirement)

6. It's no longer all or nothing

It used to be that retirement was a 100 percent proposition. It was either work full-time, or not at all. Now, seniors can ease their way into retirement, or even stay merely semiretired, thanks to the growth of freelance work and the "gig" economy. The internet has opened up more opportunities for freelance writing and consulting. Uber, the popular ride sharing company, estimates that 25 percent of its drivers are over age 50. And retailers including Amazon are increasingly seeking seasonal help that might offer opportunities for older people. (See also: 6 Great Retirement Jobs)

7. People are looking out for you

In the last half century or so, there's been growth in the number of organizations advocating for older citizens. There's the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which has become one of the most powerful advocacy groups in the country. There's the Village to Village Network, which encourages the formation of thriving communities for seniors. Meanwhile, local governments have formed agencies specifically dedicated to the lives of senior citizens in their communities. While there is always debate about whether we can do more for older citizens, there's no doubt that resources have become more plentiful and available over the years.

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This article is from Tim Lemke of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Job Hunting Roadblocks Millennials Must Overcome

Paul Michael — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 08:30:11 +0000

Millennials are the demographic born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s. If you fall into that category, you are going to come across some disadvantages when it comes to getting a job. While these roadblocks are not applicable to every candidate, and are certainly not impossible to overcome, they are going to make your job search more difficult than the Gen Xers you'll be competing with. Here are some of the struggles you can expect to face.

1. Older generations may have a bad impression of you

Most millennials are like every other age group of job seekers: hardworking, driven, and ready to knuckle down and have a positive impact on the company that hires them. Sadly, millennials have gotten a pretty bad rap over the years, tainted by the actions of a few. Words like "entitlement" and "opinionated" are bandied about, and it is having a negative impact on those looking for work. In particular, older generations, most of whom are doing the hiring, have bought into those stereotypes.

For example, in a Daily Mail article published earlier this year, some bosses and hiring managers complained about a workforce made up of young people that are "spoiled, full of themselves, averse to hard work, and expect 'success on a plate.'" Sadly, articles like these are a dime a dozen.

These blanket statements, of course, are simply not true. There are selfish, entitled people of every age and background — but in the case of millennials, it can be a hard perception to shake off. Millennials will have to overcome these preconceived notions and prove they're every bit as determined as their peers. (See also: 5 Ways Millennials Can Become Bosses Sooner)

2. Student loans can leave you desperate

Let's talk about student loans and crippling debt. The average student in the class of 2016 graduated with $37,172 in student loan debt. According to the New York Federal Reserve, in the U.S. alone, there are over 44 million borrowers that have amassed over $1.3 trillion in student loans — and this number continues to grow as the cost of higher education skyrockets.

This is a massive liability, especially when you consider that in 1990 the average student loan debt was just $12,110. What's more, in that time median wages have basically flatlined — rising from $42,342 in 1990 to just $43,000 in 2016, according to the New York Federal Reserve. That's a 1.6 percent pay raise and a whopping 163.8 percent debt raise.

As a millennial, you are facing the very likely possibility that you'll be stuck with this debt for decades. For this reason, finding work becomes nothing short of desperation. College graduates are taking jobs well below their education and skill level simply because it's better to have a low paying job than none at all. And this can lead to a vicious cycle of low level gigs, standing at the foot of a ladder that looks impossible to climb. No other generation has had to start their careers with this kind of burden. (See also: 7 Unique Ways Millennials Are Dealing With Student Loan Debt)

3. Technology has its disadvantages

Millennials were born into a world of rapidly advancing technology, and for the most part, they are very comfortable interacting with it. That can be positive in many ways, and it can certainly help in their job search. But this reliance on technology can also lead to some social issues that may hamper a job interview process. Namely, millennials aren't as accustomed to talking on the phone or sitting down face to face as older generations.

Many millennials would much rather communicate through text, instant messenger apps, emails, and social media posts than through traditional voice and in-person methods. These preferences can impact a candidate's chances during phone or face to face interviews. To be sure, many millennials are comfortable with and perfectly capable of acing a phone or in-person interview. But for others, this can be an obvious struggle. (See also: 59 Tips to Help You Nail That Job Interview)

4. There hasn't been enough time to establish great credit

In some countries, no news is good news when it comes to a credit history. As long as you have a good salary, a stable family life, and are current on loans and other debts, you're good to go. But in the U.S. it takes time to build great credit and get a credit score above the magic 700 number. Unfortunately for millennials, they haven't had that kind of time. Millennials are also less likely to want credit cards and large financial obligations, which further hampers their ability to build credit.

Indeed, the 2008 crash, coupled with the increase of student loan debt, has made many millennials wary of getting into any kind of debt at all. But employers these days are getting thorough on background checks, and a low or nonexistent credit score can be a black mark against a candidate. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Millennials)

5. Education is no match for experience

There's a scene in The Secret of My Success that sums up this problem to a tee. Michael J. Fox's character applies for a job and says, "I was trained in college to handle a job like this, so in a sense I already have experience." The interviewer replies, "What you've got is college experience, not the practical hard-nosed business experience we're looking for."

This is a problem that millennials run into often. They have an education and a few years in the field, but not enough to match the candidates that have a solid 10+ years of business experience under their belts. Plus, more and more employers are placing way more emphasis on work experience than a college degree. (See also: 7 Things Successful Millennials Do)

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

What Is Cryptocurrency, Anyway?

Damian Davila — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 08:30:06 +0000

Investors are always looking for the next "big thing." Throughout 2017, cryptocurrencies have been experiencing a surge in market valuations with Bitcoin and Ethereum trading above $4,000 and $300, respectively, as of August.

With the price of one Bitcoin (BTC) trading well above the price of one ounce of gold, more and more people are jumping on the cryptocurrency bandwagon: On August 8, 2011, there were only 8,638 BTC transactions. Fast forward six years, and the daily number of BTC transactions has surged to 260,955! (See also: Here's Everything You Need to Get Started With Bitcoin)

So what exactly are cryptocurrencies, and should you invest?

What is cryptocurrency?

Basically, cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual asset that uses cryptography as a security measure. Designed by somebody under the pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto" back in 2009, Bitcoin was the very first cryptocurrency. Today, there are over 1,050 cryptocurrencies (often referred to as "coins") with funny names, including Dogecoin, Veritaseum, Factom, and Counterparty. However, their valuations are no joke: The total market capitalization of all coins stood at $151 billion as of August 23, 2017.

Unlike currencies issued by nations, cryptocurrencies can be issued by anybody with access to the right technology. Capitalizing on this fact, tech entrepreneurs all around the world are launching coins every day with the promise that once products or services are available, the coins will be redeemable for those products and services. For example, the developers behind Siacoin provide a decentralized storage marketplace in which hosts compete for your business, and those behind Monero deliver a private and untraceable cryptocurrency. Research firm Smith & Crown reports that so far in 2017, 65 projects have raised over $520 million in coins.

Should you invest in cryptocurrency?

The upside potential of a coin is huge, but this doesn't mean that cryptos are for everybody. There are a few important details you should know before you dive in.

There is high volatility

Take for example Neo (formerly AntShares) which was trading at $1.50 per coin on June 10, 2017 and peaked at $51.94 per coin on August 13, 2017. There are very few places that you can get a 3,362 percent return in just two months. But what goes up eventually comes down and Neo traded at $31.76 on August 18, 2017. Could you stomach over a 38 percent drop in value of your investment in just four days? With big price swings on a daily basis, coins aren't for investors with low tolerance to risk.

Investing requires some tech know-how

Buying and trading cryptocurrency requires you to be comfortable using some desktop or smartphone applications. Attention to detail is critical to avoid losing your hard-earned coins. Here are some important things to note:

Typing one wrong character in your 33- to 34-character long Bitcoin address when doing transactions could mean that your money ends up in somebody else's account.
Sending cryptocurrency into the wrong address (say, for example, sending Ethereum Classic coins into an Ethereum wallet address) will make your cryptocurrency disappear. Most exchanges won't even help you try to recover the misplaced coins for small amounts (Bittrex sets a $5,000 minimum) and will charge you a hefty fee for the recovery.
All exchanges recommend doing a small test amount before doing a large deposit or withdrawal.

The rules are always changing

With more and more people buying and selling cryptocurrencies, more government agencies at different levels are creating laws that affect consumers in different ways. For example, here are a few regulations that have been placed in recent years:

In 2014, The IRS deemed a cryptocurrency as property. This means that the same general tax principles used for reporting the sale of a piece of land would apply to the sale of 10 BTC (around $42,330 at the time this article was written).
In 2015, the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) passed the BitLicense regulatory framework, requiring Bitcoin companies serving New York residents to keep detailed records of all users in that state. Claiming concerns for user privacy, Kraken and Bitfinex decided not to serve users residing in this state.
In mid 2017, the Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) created regulatory policies that required exchanges to hold cash reserves equivalent to the value of cryptocurrencies held by Hawaii residents. This requirement prompted all exchanges, including Coinbase, to stop operating in Hawaii or postpone their plans to open in that state.

Transaction wait times can vary

Despite the claims that cryptos are the way of the future, it surely can feel that you're back in the stone age waiting for a Bitcoin transaction to clear. In order to verify transactions, exchanges rely on a number of confirmations from the network. Depending on the volume of transactions and other factors, the wait time can vary from a few minutes to several hours. Waiting for a purchase of $5,000 worth of Litecoin could be a nerve racking experience for a new (and even experienced) investor.

This delay in transaction time also means that you won't necessarily get the price you wanted when buying or selling your coins. On Saturday August 19, 2017, Bitcoin Cash was trading as high as $996.92. By Tuesday August 22, 2017, one coin was now trading around $582. If you had been trying to dump your coins on Tuesday, you would probably have done so at a price much different from the one you originally wanted.

There are liquidity issues

With over 1,000 cryptocurrencies to choose from, you may end up with a "winner" that performs well for some time. But as government laws or exchange rules evolve, your coin of choice may be dropped from several exchanges.

IOTA is a great example. U.S. residents could buy IOTA from Bitfinex, but on August 11, 2017 the exchange announced that it would stop accepting new U.S. customers and will discontinue services to all current ones over the next 90 days. If you held IOTA, you're now forced to seek a new exchange to trade and/or wallet to store your coins. In the very worst case scenario, you may have to liquidate your position to avoid losing your money. Just ask owners of SpaceBIT, Quebecoin, and DAO.

The bottom line: Trade cautiously

There are several individuals who are making money trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. If you had purchased $100 BTC on January 1, 2011, you would have acquired 333.33 coins at $0.30 each. By August 24, 2017, that original investment would be worth over $1.4 million!

However, make sure that you understand all the potential risks involved with these virtual currencies. Given their inherent volatility, don't bet the house on cryptocurrencies. Additionally, to have a true picture of how much money you're making with cryptocurrencies, include all applicable fees. Remember that every cryptocurrency transaction, whether it's a purchase, sale, deposit, or withdrawal has a fee from an exchange, financial institution, or both. Happy trading!

[Disclaimer: The author owns some Bitcoin and Siacoin. He received no payment from any of the cryptocurrencies or exchanges mentioned in this article.]

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This article is from Damian Davila of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Protect Elderly Loved Ones From Financial Scams

Kat Tretina — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 08:30:06 +0000

When I was a child, my grandmother often watched me while my parents were away. One day, I was sitting at the kitchen table while she made a sandwich for me, and the phone rang.

My grandmother answered, and a deep, muffled voice said "Mom? Thank God, I need help." The man, claiming to be my dad, told her he had been stranded and horribly injured, and needed her to drive to his location with money.

My grandmother was shaken, but promised to send help right away. She quickly hung up and tried to get a hold of my mom. Thankfully, my dad was the one to answer the phone, completely healthy and carefree.

I look back and still shudder at what could have happened if my grandmother had driven to where the man told her. It was my first introduction to con artists who take advantage of the elderly, but it continues to be a major issue. In fact, losses from elder fraud cases cost more than $36 billion in 2015, according to a True Link Financial report on financial elder abuse.

Preying on the elderly

The elderly are targeted by con artists because they tend to be less familiar with the latest technology and trends. They're less likely to recognize an email from a fraudulent "bank," for example, asking for personal information. Worse, many seniors are simply lonely and isolated. Scammers prey on that. A kind, friendly voice on the other end of the phone can be convincing. And once a scam is complete, the victims often feel so bad about falling for it in the first place that it prevents them from reporting the crime to the police or even family members. (See also: What to Do When You Suspect a Scam)

How to protect your loved ones

Shielding your elderly parents or relatives from harm can be difficult, especially if they live alone. These four tips can help prevent con artists from successfully targeting them.

1. Have a family code word

Come up with a family code word to use when there's a real emergency. Pick an odd word that has meaning to your family and is easy to remember. That way, if someone calls claiming to be a family member in need of help, your elderly relative can prompt them for the code word to verify their claim.

If my family had a code word and my father really needed help, stating our designated word would have shown my grandmother it was a legitimate crisis. A scammer would have no idea, and would be revealed as soon as they couldn't relay the word.

2. Encourage them to ignore the phone

Many scammers will call just to find out if a person lives alone. Program your loved ones' phones with the numbers of family and friends, and encourage them to not answer the phone if they don't recognize the number.

If a caller leaves a voicemail saying they're with a particular company — for example, a bank or credit card issuer — show your relative how to verify the number by looking up the company online, rather than just blindly returning the phone call. Taking that extra step to check a bank or credit card company's information can save your loved one from falling for a trick.

3. Help monitor accounts

If your relative is comfortable with this, offer to check over credit card or bank statements. Review them periodically for odd purchases. This is not quite the same as taking over your loved one's finances; it's just providing a second set of eyes. If your homebody great-aunt suddenly has charges for a Vegas shopping spree, for example, you'll be able to alert her and help dispute the charges right away.

Some banks will let even you monitor the account, but won't give you access to the funds, which can give your loved ones peace of mind.

4. Check AARP's Fraud Watch Network

Some scams are regional, affecting only certain cities or neighborhoods. And the latest iterations of fraud can evolve over time, preying on the unsuspecting.

AARP's Fraud Watch Network reports on fraud trends both nationally and locally. If you sign up for their alerts, you will receive notifications about scams happening in your area. By getting those alerts, you can warn your elderly relatives and friends about potential con artists and how they work.

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8 Great Jobs for the Next 10 Years

Annie Mueller — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 08:00:05 +0000

The working world is in upheaval, with technology changing the way we do pretty much everything. Some careers that used to be sure things aren't so sure anymore. How do you know which jobs are worth pursuing, and which aren't? We checked in with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to get the lowdown on fields that are projected to grow over the next decade.

1. Financial adviser

With life expectancy on the rise, more people are expected to be needing financial planning advice. The BLS gives this profession a solid projected growth rate of 30 percent between 2014 and 2024, which it notes is "much faster than average." The median salary for a personal financial adviser was just over $90,000 as of 2016.

For this career, you'll need a bachelor's degree, but no advanced degrees are required. Becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is also helpful. Many financial advisers work for insurance or financial brokerage firms; others are self-employed.

2. Physical therapist

The demand for physical therapists is growing, too: There's an impressive 34 percent growth rate predicted over the 2014–2024 period, with more than 70,000 new physical therapist positions being added to the workforce. To become a physical therapist, you'll need to get a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A DPT degree is a post-baccalaureate degree that usually takes three years to complete. Worth the time? Probably. The median salary for physical therapists, as of 2016, was about $85,400.

3. Registered nurse

Becoming a registered nurse continues to be a great career choice for the next 10 years, and probably beyond. More than 439,000 registered nurse jobs are expected to be added to the workforce by 2024. The median salary was just under $70,000 as of 2016. Approximately 60 percent of RNs work in hospitals, according to the BLS, with the remaining 40 percent working in clinics, doctors' offices, home health care roles, and other care facilities. To become a registered nurse, you'll need a degree in nursing. A four-year bachelor's degree is probably the best choice, as an associate degree may limit your career options and salary.

4. Physical or occupational therapy assistant

Assistants to therapists earn a lower wage than the therapists themselves, but it's still a good salary. The average annual pay for a physical therapy assistant was just over $56,000 as of 2016, while occupational therapy assistants brought in an average $59,000.

Occupational therapy is focused on helping people improve their ability to handle daily life tasks, such as cooking, or even eating. Physical therapy focuses on helping patients recover from illness or injury and regain physical ability. To be a therapist's assistant, you'll need an associate degree and perhaps a license, but that's all. Both jobs have a projected growth rate of about 40 percent between 2014 and 2024.

5. Computer systems analyst

If computer systems, information technology, and business are your thing, this is a great career choice. Systems analysts work with business managers to understand business needs and come up with information systems solutions. You'll need a bachelor's degree in information technology to get a job in this field, which has a 21 percent projected growth rate. A master's degree may open up more job opportunities and a higher entry-level salary. The median pay as of 2016 was more than $87,000 a year.

6. Industrial machinery mechanic

The projected growth rate for this career in the 10 years up to 2024 is a bit lower than others on this list at only 16 percent, but that's still much faster than average. You don't need any college education for this job; a high school diploma or equivalent is enough, and, of course, some mechanical capability is needed. Beyond that, you'll need appropriate training for the specialization you choose; an apprenticeship or on-the-job training are two common options. The median salary for this career was just under $50,000 as of 2016.

7. Computer support specialist

The outlook for computer support specialists shows a 12 percent growth rate, with more than 88,000 jobs expected to be added by 2024. With a median annual salary of over $62,000 as of 2016, it's a great career choice. You need some computer prowess, of course, and the ability to patiently guide people through solving their computer problems. That's probably the most challenging part! A college degree isn't always necessary, though an associate degree, or at least some computer-related courses, will help. Positions with a larger company may require a bachelor's degree, but many other support positions provide on-the-job training.

8. App developer

If you're good with code and have the business savvy to see a hole in the app market, this could be a great career choice for you. Even if you're not so great at the business side, this could still be a good career if you get a job with any number of app development companies. Mobile technology is only continuing to grow, and this job is growing along with it at a rate of over 22 percent, according to Kiplinger. The median annual salary is one of the highest on this list, coming in at over $96,000. You'll typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science to get started in this field.

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This article is from Annie Mueller of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Financial Differences Between Millennials and the Next Generation

Tim Lemke — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 08:00:12 +0000

We hear a lot about millennials and their money, but what about the generation behind them? Members of Generation Z are now approaching adulthood, and have their own unique characteristics. They may also have their own unique attitudes toward money. How do millennials and Generation Z differ? The answer to those questions could have fascinating implications for our economy.

1. Generation Z may be more frugal

Members of Generation Z may only now be entering adulthood, but there are indications that they are more conservative with their money than previous generations. Perhaps it's because this generation has grown up at a time of unrest, from the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the aftermath, to the near collapse of the financial sector at the end of the last decade.

The 2016 Annual State of Credit published by Experian noted that Generation Z has an average of 1.29 credit cards, compared to 2.02 for millennials. They also have about half as much debt overall, though it's worth noting that many are entering college age, when debt levels can soar.

2. Generation Z is totally cool with technology

Millennials are pretty tech-savvy, but Generation Z is the first generation that's never known a time without the internet. This means they should be entirely accepting of online banking and investing, using mobile payment apps, and similar innovations — though they will be cautious, due to their awareness of high-profile data breaches. Generation Z will also have no recollection of the tech bubble burst of the late 1990s, so they'll be perfectly comfortable investing in tech stocks.

3. Generation Z wants career stability

There is some evidence that members of Generation Z prefer to go after careers that are solid and pragmatic. The consulting firm Altitude reported that this generation may be less entrepreneurial and more focused on stability and earning enough money to avoid financial struggles.

Another report from Bainbridge Consulting found that more than half Generation Z-ers feel like they need to get work experience as soon as possible in order to succeed. The broader economic implications of this risk aversion will be worth watching in the coming years.

4. Millennials may be less focused on retirement

Even though millennials are the older generation, it's Generation Z that may already be focused on retirement savings. One study from the Center for Generational Kinetics found that about 12 percent of Gen Z-ers already have some retirement savings. Another 35 percent said they expect to begin saving once they hit their 20s. Some of this may be influenced by parents who urged them to save; more than one out of every five people in Generation Z reported having savings accounts by age 10.

5. Millennials are more loyal to brands

Good luck trying to get a millennial to switch from an Apple to an Android phone, or vice versa. But those from Generation Z don't have the same kind of steadfast allegiance to products. A study by IBM said two-thirds of this young generation prefer high-quality products that last, and will do their homework to find the best value, regardless of brand.

6. Generation Z shops smarter

Because of their internet savvy, members of Generation Z know how to comparison shop and get information about products online. Research from MarketingProfs showed that more than half of people in Generation Z use YouTube and other social media sites to research products before they buy.

7. Generation Z is wary of student debt

About two-thirds of millennials say they have more than $10,000 in student loan debt. This reality has led Generation Z to be more thoughtful when examining the value of higher education. One survey by Adecco reported that 21 percent of Generation Z students said they were concerned about the price of tuition, compared to 13 percent for millennials. There are also indications that Generation Z is less inclined to go after a costly advanced degree.

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15 Affordable Gifts for Travel Lovers

Nick Wharton — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 08:31:09 +0000

We all have a person in our lives who spends more time living it up on the road than they do at home. That friend who seems to be permanently on vacation, and whose Instagram feed is full of photos of them in exotic locations doing exciting things.

Short of buying them a round-the-world ticket, how do you choose a gift for someone who's been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt without breaking the bank? Here are 15 affordable gift ideas for travel lovers.

1. Filter water bottle

Water quality varies wildly the world over, so many travelers find the safest option is to only drink bottled water wherever they go. But buying bottled water can be costly, and it also has an extremely detrimental impact on the environment. A filter water bottle will mean they never have to waste money on bottled water again while actively reducing the amount of plastic they're using. (See also: Packing Light? Don't Forget These 5 Must Haves)

2. Portable power bank

Whether it's for a hard-core adventurer or a casual vacationer, a portable power bank is a must-have piece of tech. Keeping your gadgets charged when you're on the move can be difficult, but a portable battery pack removes the worry of running out of juice in an unfamiliar place. (See also: 8 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On)

3. Travel pillow

Trying to catch a few Zs on the plane can be an impossible task when you're uncomfortable. Even if you do manage to doze off, you run the risk of waking up with severe neck pain and feeling like you're suffering from whiplash. Any travel lover will thank you for a travel pillow that provides them with the right support for a good night's sleep.

4. E-reader

Vacations provide many perfect opportunities for settling down with a good book, from long flights to lazy days on the beach. But baggage allowances mean it's impossible to take a decent selection of paperbacks. E-readers are the perfect solution, and not only are many of the devices affordable, it's easy to get your hands on thousands of free ebooks. (See also: 11 Must-Packs for Your Summer Vacation)

5. Portable Bluetooth speaker

An essential for any music-loving traveler, portable Bluetooth speaker technology has improved massively to allow tiny devices to produce huge, high quality sound. Many designs are also waterproof and shockproof making them perfect for taking to the beach or getting the party going around the pool. They're also able to survive those inevitable bumps received from being thrown in the backpack. Just be sure to get the lighter ones as no traveler wants to pack around a 5-pound speaker! (See also: 5 Things You Should Never Pack for Vacation)

6. Packing cubes

These revolutionary little cases make packing your travel bags unbelievably simple. Whether your friend favors a backpack or a suitcase, they'll thank you forever for this gift. Packing cubes make organizing your clothes and belongings within your bag an easy and efficient process, while helping to save space and allowing you to find things easily. (See also: 15 Packing Secrets From a Professional Traveler)

7. Selfie stick

Whether you love them or hate them, selfie sticks are now woven into the fabric of everyday life. They are an undeniably convenient tool for the traveler, allowing them to take snaps of themselves in the dreamy locations they visit without having to hassle any passers-by. Go for a lightweight one that won't take up much space in their bag. (See also: 5 Best Selfie Sticks)

8. Scratch off world map

Travelers love to reminisce about the places that they've visited, so why not help them out with a fun and permanent way of keeping track of which countries they've been to? These scratch off maps come with a foil layer that you scratch off to reveal a colorful representation of each country that you've visited. The perfect way for any travel lover to log their voyages.

9. A nice journal

They say that everyone has a book inside of them, and all travelers certainly have a story or two to tell. Why not set them on the way to literary stardom with the gift of a beautiful journal where they can compile all of their exciting adventures in one place? A personalized, leather-bound journal will be well received and give them a charming space to record all of their thoughts and experiences.

10. Tech tacos

Tech tacos are the ultimate organization tool for every expeditioner. Somehow, wires always manage to get tangled up in a bag, no matter how neatly you pack them. They can avoid that hassle by using these tech tacos for all of their electrical lead. Simply loop around the body and snap shut and they'll never have to detangle a cable again.

11. Personalized passport cover

For the frequent international traveler, a passport is a prized possession. Help them keep it safe with a personalized passport cover that you can design with touches you know they'll love. Get their name or initials engraved on it, a photo printed on it, or even a funky pattern.

12. Mini wrap around tripod

The discerning traveler will love a mounting device for a camera or phone that will attach itself to virtually anything. It has lots of advantages over a traditional tripod, including being far easier to carry around, and also extremely versatile while still providing a stable base for the perfect snap. GorillaPods are the most popular option, but be sure to get the right size to support whatever type of camera your friend has.

13. Combination padlock

A combination padlock is something that every traveler should take with them when heading off on an excursion. They're the single most effective way of keeping your valuables safe in multiple situations. Use them on a bag or suitcase during transit, secure a locker or wardrobe with them when in a hotel or hostel, and even to keep a day pack safely fastened. Use a TSA approved lock, which will allow transportation security officials to open your lock to inspect your luggage without breaking the lock.

14. Toiletry bag

Don't bother trying to find a space in your shared hostel bathroom sink to hold your toothbrush, comb, face wash, etc. Hang your travel toiletry bag on back of the door or the curtain rail and you've got everything you need within hand's reach.

15. Document holder

Every frequent flyer needs somewhere safe to put their travel documents when they're jetting off to some far-flung destination. It's easy to misplace passports, boarding passes, insurance documents, vaccination records, or visas if you're not organized, so help a friend out by gifting them a document holder. The best ones come with multiple compartments of varying sizes to store all of the important papers.

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Tricky Interview Questions Successful CEOs Always Ask

Damian Davila — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:00:13 +0000

If you're vying to get an exciting job run by a brilliant CEO, you may have to answer some pretty tough questions. If you want to stand out you'll have to have your response as polished as your suit. Here's a list of tricky interview questions some of the most successful CEOs ask.

1. "Tell me the story of your life"

The business acumen of serial entrepreneur Elon Musk is so impressive, it became the inspiration for Robert Downey Jr.'s big-screen portrayal of Iron Man's Tony Stark. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Chairman of SolarCity, is known for having job applicants explain their thought process behind solving a problem. But that isn't all he's interested in learning. While he does throw in questions about space travel and car manufacturing, he has revealed in several interviews one other very detailed interview question: "Tell me the story of your life, and the decisions that you made along the way, and why you made them, and also tell me about some of the most difficult problems you worked on and how you solved them."

Sound like a long conversation? Well, better have your life story all squared up! Previous job applicants recall that interviews with Musk are highly conversational.

2. "What is your favorite property in Monopoly, and why?"

According to renowned board game designer Philip Orbanes, Monopoly teaches players of any age an understanding of the concept of diversification and offers practical training in managing money. (See also: 11 Fun Games That Make You Smarter, Too)

So, that's why Ken Moelis, founder and CEO of investment bank Moelis & Co., loves asking this question during interviews to recent MBA graduates seeking midlevel positions. Why? Moelis strongly believes that to attract top talent, the investment and banking industry needs to update its hiring practices.

"Through innovation and creativity we need to actually underwrite the exceptional experience we are promoting," says Moelis. And with this question, he seeks to infuse that creativity into the process of assessing risks and rewards of financial assets.

3. "If you had 10 years left to live, would you take this job?"

Talk about commitment! But that's exactly what Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky is looking for in his job applicants. If you think this is a bit of an extreme, think again.

"Whatever you want to do in those last 10 years you should just do. I really want you to think about that, that was enough time for you to do something you really cared about and the answer doesn't have to be this company," explains Chesky. Given that he interviewed the first 300 Airbnb employees and his company was valued at $30 billion in 2016, this CEO may be onto something about requiring that level of commitment from his employees — or at least that level of self awareness.

4. "What didn't you get a chance to include on your resume?"

When you're knighted by the Queen of England for your "services to entrepreneurship," you probably know a thing or two about running a business and hiring the right people. Known for his extreme antics, Founder of Virgin Group Sir Richard Branson is no stranger to thinking outside of the box.

"Obviously a good CV is important, but if you were going to hire by what they say about themselves on paper, you wouldn't need to waste time on an interview," Branson wrote about his favorite interview question in his book The Virgin Way: If It's Not Fun, It's Not Worth Doing.

He added in a LinkedIn post why he looks beyond qualifications: "I only look at them after everything else. If somebody has five degrees and more A grades than you can fit on one side of paper, it doesn't necessarily mean they are the right person for the job."

5. "Sell me this pen"

Some CEOs don't just want you to talk the talk, they want you to walk the walk. And that's precisely what Jordan Belfort, former CEO of brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont, would ask his job applicants to do.

While the real life "Wolf of Wall Street" isn't the best example of business ethics, there's no denying his master salesmanship. Even after spending four years in federal prison and being mandated to restitue $110 million to his victims, Belfort was still able to command up to $75,000 for a speaking fee in 2014.

His classic interview question has been adopted by several recruiters beyond just the sales industry. Why? This question tests your ability in value-added sales skills ("This pen has refillable ink cartridges so you never need to buy a new one") and solution-based sales skills ("What color pen are you in the market for?").

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The 5 Best Electronics Wipes

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 10:00:15 +0000

In today’s world of touch screens, your smartphone, tablet, and electronics can get much dirtier, much more quickly. Fortunately, electronics wipes offer the perfect solution to effectively clean dust, dirt, grease, grime, makeup, smudges, and fingerprints off your screens.

Electronics wipes make it easier than ever to quickly, safely clean your electronic screens. By regularly cleaning your screens, they will look new again and allow you to see the picture more clearly. Smooth surfaces also allow for optimal stylus response. When there are smudges on your screens, it can also cause you to strain your eyes more, which can take a toll on your vision. With electronics wipes, you can conveniently clean your screens with no risk of damage to your valuable devices.

What Are Electronics Wipes?

Electronics wipes are soft, nonabrasive wet wipes designed specifically for cleaning electronics surfaces. They can be used on smartphones, computer screens, televisions, and any other electronics surfaces. It’s important to first remove all abrasives from the surface, so you don’t scratch your screens while you’re trying to clean them. After you gently wipe your screens clean, you can simply throw the used wipe away.

Top 5 Electronics Wipes

Windex Screen Cleaner Wipes

Amazon’s Choice for electronics wipes, the Windex Screen Cleaner Wipes work perfectly for computers, televisions, smartphones, glasses, LCD screens, smartphones, and all electronic screens. They can also be used on game stations, remotes, glass, and metal for a better value. The antistatic cloths quickly and gently remove dust, fingerprints, and smudges. The advanced cleaning formula cleans safely and easily without leaving any residue, lint, or streaks behind. The resealable pouch will keep the wipes moist for longer. They are recommended by Influenster and have great online reviews.

Currently $8.21 on Amazon

iCloth Screen Cleaning Wipes

The iCloth Screen Cleaning Wipes are individually packaged and guaranteed to stay moist. The premium pre-moistened cloths work to quickly clean all electronics, including smartphones, tablets, computers, cameras, and glasses with no drips, streaks, or film. The nonwoven aerospace-grade wipes are extremely soft and low-linting. They safely and easily trap and lift off dirt, fingerprints, makeup, and grease, so your electronics and optical screens can provide maximum clarity. The purified water-based formula contains some isopropyl alcohol (not harmful ethyl alcohol), which iCloth claims is safe for use on all screens, sensitive optics, and specialty coatings.

The 100-pack of individually-sealed cleaning wipes are convenient to carry in your purse, car, backpack, or travel bag. They have outstanding reviews, including more than 600 five-star reviews on Amazon, and are backed by a money-back guarantee.

Currently $22.49 on Amazon

3m Electronic Equipment Cleaning Wipes

The 3m Electronic Equipment Cleaning Wipes are perfect for use on all electronics and delicate surfaces, including LCD screens, laptops, phones, computers, and DVDs. They will keep your expensive equipment clean and dust-free, so they can work optimally and provide you with a better value. The pre-moistened, antistatic, nonabrasive, unscented wipes come in an easy-dispense canister, so they’ll stay moist for longer.

These are frequently recommended online and have great reviews. If you’d rather have something that you can use over and over, consider the 3M High Performance Cloth.

Currently $11.47 on Amazon

Weiman E-tronic Wipes

The Weiman E-tronic Wipes safely clean all electronics, including televisions, keyboards and monitors, laptops, tablets, and cellphones. The quick-drying, antistatic wipes remove dust, fingerprints, and dirt. They leave a streak-free shine so you can enjoy a clearer picture on all your screens. The convenient dispenser will keep the wipes moist, so you get a better value. This is backed by the Good Housekeeping seal and has great online reviews.

Currently $7.99 on Amazon

Endust Pop-Up Anti-Static Non-Streak Wipes

The Anti-Static, Non-Streak Endust Wipes will clean most electronics quickly and safely. However, they aren’t ideal for LCD or plasma screens. The pop-up container keeps the soft, nonabrasive, ammonia-free wipes moist for a better value. The moisture evaporates in seconds so you can use your clean electronics again in no time. These are frequently recommended online and have great reviews.

Currently $9.52 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best electronics wipes. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Power Surge Protectors

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 10:00:14 +0000

Power surges can naturally occur when there is a spike in the electrical current. This can fry any electronics plugged into the outlet in a fraction of a second. Even smaller power fluctuations and electromagnetic line noise can disrupt equipment settings, burn the components, shorten equipment life, and result in data loss.

Fortunately, with an affordable surge protector, you can prevent a future problem with your electrical current. Best of all, by turning off the surge protectors every night (or when they aren’t in use), you can easily save money on your electric bills.

What Is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is a device designed to protect your computers, electronics, and home theater equipment in the event of a storm, power surge, wiring faults, or transient voltage. It keeps your equipment safe by dispersing excess voltage away from power and data lines.

Don’t wait any longer to start protecting your devices against power spikes and fluctuations. All you have to do is plug the surge protector into your wall outlet and connect your devices to keep them safe from power surges. By protecting your electronics with an affordable surge protector, you can save yourself hundreds or even thousands in damage later on, in the event of lightning, an outage, or a power surge.

Top 5 Surge Protectors

Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector

Amazon’s #1 best-seller in power strips, the Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector features six regular surge-protected outlets and six BlockSpace surge-protected outlets for larger adapters. It has a 3940-Joule energy rating and features an eight-foot heavy-duty power cord, coaxial cable protection to safeguard cable box/satellite connections, and a detachable cord management clip for cable organization.

It has sliding safety covers and damage-resistant housing for long-term durability and protection from fire, impact, rust, dents, and scratches. The power filtration minimizes unwanted line noise and electromagnetic interference. It also has a 'Protected' indicator light that turns green to let you know that your equipment is secure, and a 'Not-Grounded' indicator light that turns red to warn you when your outlet is not properly grounded. The slender, space-saving design and right-angle plug allow it to fit easily in tight spaces or behind furniture.

Belkin is the leader in surge protection, so you can count on this to work well. It is also backed by a Lifetime Warranty and $300,000 Connected Equipment Warranty for your added peace of mind. It is one of the “most wished for” items on Amazon and is recommended by Digital Trends. It has outstanding online reviews, including more than 5,200 five-star reviews on Amazon. The Belkin 12-Outlet Advanced Power Strip Surge Protector is also an Amazon best-seller. For more convenience, consider the Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector.

Currently $19.48 on Amazon

AmazonBasics Surge Protector Power Strip

Amazon’s #1 best-seller in power protection products, the AmazonBasics Six-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip has a slim, sleek design and two keyhole slots on the back for wall mounting. This two-pack of six-outlet surge protector power strips features a transformer outlet and a two-foot power cord. It also features a red "protected" LED indicator and a second light in the on/off switch to show the surge-protector power strip is turned on. Each one features a 200-Joule, three-line surge suppression rating.

This is available in black or white. It is recommended by Digital Trends and has outstanding online reviews, including more than 500 five-star reviews on Amazon. The AmazonBasics Surge Protector Power Strip, 790 Joule is also on the Amazon College Checklist.

Currently $10.70 on Amazon

Tripp Lite Surge Protector Power Strip

The Tripp Lite Surge Protector Power Strip features six right-angle outlets and a transformer outlet. It has 1080-Joules of surge suppression, a four-foot power cord, and two keyhole mounting slots, so you can easily wall-mount it. The green diagnostic LED alerts you of surge protection status. It also filters out disruptive line noise, preventing it from affecting your equipment and helping to ensure peak performance.

This is available in a range of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your home. It is backed by a lifetime warranty against damage due to surges and comes with $25,000 of Ultimate Lifetime Insurance for your added peace of mind. It is an Amazon best-seller and is commonly recommended online. It also has outstanding online reviews, including more than 800 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $9.26 on Amazon

APC SurgeArrest Performance Surge Protector Power Strip

The APC SurgeArrest Performance Surge Protector Power Strip with Phone, Network Ethernet and Coaxial Protection has 11 outlets with six spaced for large box plugs. The 3020-Joules surge protector includes cord management straps, telephone/DSL cable, a coaxial connection to protect any device that uses a standard cable TV input, and sliding safety covers to protect the outlets from dust. The LED lights indicate proper functioning and can notify you of potential problems. The professional-grade surge protector has an eight-foot cord with 180-degree rotation and right-angle plug for added flexibility. It can also be mounted to the wall.

This also includes a lifetime warranty and $100,000 Equipment Protection Policy for added peace of mind. It is recommended by Digital Trends, The Wirecutter, and Lifehacker. It has outstanding online reviews, including more than 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $28.47 on Amazon

CyberPower Surge Protector Outlet Swivel

The CyberPower Surge Protector has 1200-Joules of surge protection, a noise filter to block unwanted line noise, and a convenient wall tap design. The professional-grade surge protector features six surge protected swivel outlets and two USB charging ports, which allow you to conveniently charge your smartphone and tablet. It also has green LED "Protected" and "Grounded" indicators.

This is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and $75,000 Connected Equipment Warranty for your added peace of mind. It is an Amazon best-seller and has great online reviews.

Currently $15.94 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best power surge protectors. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

15 Ways to Prevent Your Smartphone From Wasting Data

Andrea Cannon — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 11:00:09 +0000

Do you burn through your smartphone data in the first week of the billing month? Are you constantly paying overage charges for additional data? We've got some tips to help prevent your smartphone from unnecessarily wasting data. This will save you money every billing cycle and ensure that you have the data you need to get you through the month.

Unlimited data plans would be the ideal solution for many of us, but most phone companies just don't offer those types of plans anymore, unless you're willing to start a family plan. Even if your phone carrier does offer such a plan, they are usually very expensive. Instead, try some of the tips below to see if they can help you get the data you need, without going over your allowance.

1. Make Sure Your Wi-Fi Is On

Usually, the biggest problem is that a person has turned off their Wi-Fi and has just forgotten about it. Before we begin talking about ways to save data, make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on in the first place. Once your Wi-Fi is turned on, you should try leaving it on at all times, if possible.

2. Turn Off Cellular Data

Cellular data is used when there is no Wi-Fi connection. This will allow you to use the Internet wirelessly, but will eat into your monthly data allotment. Consider turning off your cellular data whenever you aren't using your phone.

3. Find Data-Hungry Apps and Services

While turning off cellular data is the best way to prevent unexpected data usage, it is usually a last resort for most people. That's because when cellular data is turned off, you can't use your personal hotspot or send and receive MMS text messages.

Instead, you may want to disable cellular data only for certain apps and services. On an iOS device, visit Settings > Cellular to determine which apps are using the most data, so you can turn off cellular data for those specific apps.

4. Turn Off Automatic Downloads

Your data may also be used for automatic downloads or for services like iBooks and Safari's reading list. On an iOS device, you can turn this off with Settings > iTunes & App Store > Use Cellular Data for automatic downloads, Settings > Safari > Use Cellular Data for Safari's reading list, and Settings > iBooks > Use Cellular Data for iBooks.

5. Turn Off Wi-Fi Assist

Consider turning off your Wi-Fi assist whenever you aren't using your phone. Wi-Fi Assist automatically uses cellular data when the Wi-Fi connectivity is poor, which could be using up your data when you aren't expecting it.

6. Turn Off Background App Refresh

Your apps are automatically refreshing their content in the background. By turning off the refresh, you can preserve battery life and data. On an iOS device, you can do this under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

7. Turn Off iCloud Drive

iCloud Drive can automatically upload backups of your apps, which can use up data when you're least expecting it. Consider turning off your iCloud drive altogether.

8. Turn Off iCloud Photos

When your iCloud photo library is turned on, your phone will automatically upload and store your entire photo library and iCloud. This can quickly eat away at your data, so consider turning it off.

9. Turn Off Data Roaming

To restrict all data to Wi-Fi, including email, web browsing, and push notifications while you're traveling, turn off data roaming. You can do this on an iOS device with Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming.

10. Use Low-Power Mode

If your phone offers a low power mode, it is best to leave this on whenever possible. This mode temporarily reduces power consumption until you have fully recharged your phone. When it is on, your phone won't refresh apps, fetch mail, or automatically download updates, which can save your battery and data.

11. Turn Off High-Quality Music Streaming

If you are listening to music without a Wi-Fi connection, you may be using up your data. With higher-quality music, more data is needed to stream it. You can shut off cellular data for your music altogether through Settings > Music > Use Cellular Data. This will only allow you to listen to music when Wi-Fi is available. You can also simply disable high-quality music.

12. Use Lower-Quality Video Streaming

When you're watching a YouTube video and don't have access to Wi-Fi, consider viewing the video at a lower resolution. Click on the three dots on the video and select a lower resolution, like 144p.

13. Listen to Spotify Offline

If you prefer to use Spotify, consider setting your favorite playlists to "Available Offline." This will allow you to play your favorite songs without streaming.

14. Adjust Your App Settings

If you frequent social media apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, consider adjusting the settings on these apps. For instance, on all three social media apps, you can set it to auto-play videos only when you're connected to Wi-Fi (or not at all). Usually, these apps are set to auto-play videos using both Wi-Fi and data, which can use up your data to download the video, even if you weren't planning on playing it. On each of your social media pages, visit Settings to make the adjustments.

15. Call Your Cellular Provider

When all else fails, you can simply call your cellular provider for advice. There may be an error, which is no fault of yours. Otherwise, your provider can usually track down where most of your data was used, so you have an idea of which apps or services are draining your data. Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon also offer a rough estimate of your data usage online.

How to Turn Off Apps and Services

If you aren't sure how to turn off cellular data, iCloud, or background app refresh, look under Settings. They are usually all under the General or iCloud sections. However, every phone is different, so if you are having trouble, ask your phone service provider or phone manufacturer for help.

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: