iPhone

12 Better Ways to Spend $1,000 Than on the New iPhone

Mikey Rox — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 10:00:06 +0000

Recently I bought the iPhone X, and immediately had buyer's remorse. I'd reconciled the $1,000 price tag with my budget and bank account, but while purchasing the phone through my provider, the extra charges started to rack up. After the upgrade and other fees plus taxes and insurance, the bill came to over $1,400. The phone has since arrived, but it's still in the box because I can't decide whether or not I really want it (because I definitely don't need it) — especially after all the horror stories about how fragile it is and the very high costs to replace it.

Meanwhile, I'm over here thinking about how I can better spend that money if I return the darn thing. If you're in the same boat, let me suggest a few ideas. (See also: 5 Sites That Will Pay for Your Old iPhone)

1. Buy an alpaca

You may have seen a meme on social media suggesting that you buy an alpaca instead of an iPhone X. It's cute, yeah, but it makes sense. For as low as $500, you can purchase a darling alpaca from livestock-auction site Openherd. This isn't just a pet, either; it's an investment. Savvy alpaca owners can turn a profit on sheared alpaca fleece, like the folks at Prairie Fields Farm in Columbus, Ohio, which sells its natural alpaca fiber to my fashion-designer pal Celeste Malvar-Stewart who, in turn, creates stunning couture dresses and other pieces from her studio, Hangar 31.

Of course, you'll need to learn how to care for your alpaca properly (make sure you have the space, obviously), but because the internet has an answer to almost anything, you're in luck with this how-to on raising alpacas from Modern Farmer.

2. Fix whatever needs fixing

Does your vehicle need repairs? Washer and dryer on the fritz? Do you need dental work? Use the grand you planned to spend on the iPhone X to solve these problems that in the long run, will cost you even more money if not addressed. (See also: 10 Simple Household Repairs Every Frugal Person Should Master)

3. Open or contribute to an IRA or 401(k)

If you don't already have an IRA, use the $1,000 to open one.

"Go straight to an investment banker," advises personal finance expert Brian Davis, co-founder of the real estate rental site SparkRental.com. "I personally use Charles Schwab because they're easy and cheap, but use whoever you like." IRAs come with great tax benefits — contributions are tax-deductible — and they're extremely easy to set up.

If you already have an IRA or a 401(k), get closer to maxing it out — hopefully with employer matching — so you're not leaving free money on the table. (See also: 401(k) or IRA? You Need Both)

Save yourself hassle and management fees by investing in a low-fee index fund or target date fund, advises Ian Atkins, managing editor of Small Business Finance section of Fit Small Business. "Putting $1,000 in a tax-advantaged retirement account now can mean big value in 30 years," he says. "Alternatively, a used iPhone X will be almost worthless in three years."

4. Cross off a bucket-list item

Is there something on your bucket list you've been dying to do? Sky-dive, maybe? Finally taking that trip to Europe? Cross these items off by forgoing the iPhone X. (See also: Where to Do 9 Popular Bucket List Items on a Budget)

5. Spend it on your health and wellness

Your health and wellness should be worth more to you than a phone. It's priceless, actually.

Schedule a spa day, invest in products that will provide a better night's sleep, hire a personal trainer to get your fitness back on track, or jet off on a relaxing retreat to nourish your mind, body, and soul.

6. Take a class to learn or enhance skills

If you're between jobs or just want to make a change, invest in yourself by learning new skills or enhancing skills you already have. Look into classes at your local community college or find a specialty online. For example, you might consider the Entrepreneurial Essentials course to advance your career with a certification from Harvard Business School's online program, HBX. This particular option is only $950, leaving you $50 to celebrate your smart decision with cocktails. Holla!

7. Pay off a credit card that's compounding daily interest

I'm gonna be straight with you: If you have existing credit card debt that's compounding daily interest, you can't afford the iPhone X. No if, ands, or buts about that.

M.A. Haley, author and founder of RichestMom.com, is with me on this, especially when it comes to cards with high interest rates. She points out that if you put the $1,000 iPhone on a credit card with an APR of 30 percent or more, then only pay the minimum balance every month, it will take you more than five years to clear the balance and will cost you more than $1,000 in interest payments.

Bottom line: Don't go deeper into debt to keep up with the Joneses. You know better than that. (See also: 5-Day Debt Reduction Plan: Pay It Off)

8. Invest in artwork

I've invested in artwork for the past 10 years, but not because I want to make money off it. I enjoy looking at the pieces I've purchased from up-and-coming artists — like my buddy Julian Rapp; his Love Robot is the heart of my collection — but I do keep my fingers crossed that one day what's hanging on my walls will pay for my retirement. If you research what you're buying and make smart purchases, it may pay off for you, too — like the lucky ducks who bought an original Banksy without knowing it. No promises, but it's a path to pursue.

9. Put it aside for an emergency

Life throws us curve balls all the time, and sometimes (OK, most of the time) they're expensive. If you don't already have an emergency fund — which should be between six and nine months' of your usual expenses — walk straight out of the Apple Store and put your iPhone X money in a safe place for when you need it most. (See also: 7 Easy Ways to Build an Emergency Fund From $0)

10. Make home improvements

The great thing about home improvements is that they can add resale value to your home, well beyond the upfront cost of the actual improvements. Take a look around to identify areas that could use updating. This is especially timely if you're planning to sell in the near future. You'll attract buyers much more easily with a home that's clean, modern, and move-in ready without the new owners having to put in too much time or extra money on the back end. (See also: 9 Easy Home Improvements That Add Thousands to Your Listing)

11. Invest in blue chip stocks

Did you know that if you invested $1,000 in Amazon 20 years ago you'd be a millionaire by now? Shoulda, coulda, woulda, right? Still, it's not too late to invest in the next Amazon with blue chip stocks.

"Blue chip stocks are stocks of well-established companies that are most likely a household name," explains Ogechi Igbokwe, founder of the savings site OneSavvyDollar. "Fortunately, new investors can download the Robinhood [free stock trading] app, which charges 0 percent commissions for trades and has no minimum balance requirements to get started. This is an app I use, and so far so good."

12. Improve the life of someone less fortunate

If there's no part of your life that can benefit from saving $1,000 on a new phone, let your generosity shine. I'm not a proponent of donating to national charities — some of them seem like they are nothing more than profit-turning business with tax exemptions — but I've provided loans to Kiva borrowers in the past, which helps low-income entrepreneurs and students realize their dreams.

If I do donate to charity, I usually focus on my local community, and even then I do my research. I want to make sure my money will help the person or people in need and not a CEO sitting behind his desk counting the cash. So if you'd like to make a donation to someone or an organization directly, you should do the same and get all the details before donating. Once you know where your money is going, you can rest easy knowing that you just made someone else's life easier, safer, or more comfortable, and that will provide way more joy than a phone ever could.

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

The 5 Best Battery Phone Cases

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 08:00:08 +0000

There’s nothing worse than being stuck with a dead phone battery. You can’t always get to a charger, so having a smart battery case ensures you can bring your phone back from the dead and keep it fully charged, no matter where you are. They are ideal when you’re traveling or on-the-go because they can provide extra usage time or even double your battery life.

What is a battery phone case?

A reliable smart battery case can provide incredible peace of mind. That’s because it can protect your phone from bumps, scratches, and drops, while providing additional battery life. Most of the phone cases below are available in a range of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your phone. (See also: The 5 Best iPhone 6 Covers)

Top 5 battery phone cases

Anker Ultra Slim Extended Battery Case for iPhone 6/6s

Amazon’s #1 best-seller in cellphone battery charger cases, the Anker Ultra Slim Extended Battery Case for iPhone 6/6s has 2,850mAh capacity for 120 percent extra battery life, or up to an additional 60 hours audio, 17 hours 3G talk time, 13 hours video, 12 hours internet, or three hours 3D gaming. The sleek, ultra-slim, compact design features a deluxe matte finish for a secure grip and soft touch feel. It is Apple MFi certified for hassle-free charge and sync compatibility. It uses advanced technology to provide faster charging and has an LED battery power indicator. The two-piece design is easy to put on and remove. It allows full access to your audio and has a unique sound chamber to further enhance the audio.

This includes a short micro USB cable and audio jack extender. Anker claims to be America's leading USB charging brand and the media’s #1 pick. They also claim to have more than 20 million happy users. This case is recommended by Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Forbes, Digital Trends, CNET, The Wirecutter, and 9to5Mac. It also has outstanding online reviews, including nearly 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, and is backed by an 18-month warranty.

Currently $55.99 on Amazon

Mophie Juice Pack Helium for iPhone 5/5s/5se

The lightweight Mophie Juice Pack Helium for iPhone 5/5s/5se is a rechargeable ultrathin 1500mAh lithium ion polymer battery and protective case in one. It provides nearly twice the battery life for up to an additional five hours of talk time on 4G and LTE, six hours on 3G, 30 hours of audio playback, or seven hours of video playback. It has a quick one-amp recharging speed and an LED light battery level indicator. You can flip the standby switch when you’re ready to recharge your phone on-the-go. It features a sleek soft touch finish, edge-to-edge protection, and enhanced forward-ported acoustics to redirect the audio toward you, optimizing playback and audio performance.

This is available in a range of colors and includes a micro USB cable. It is recommended by Consumer Reports, Digital Trends, PC Advisor, and CNET. It has outstanding online reviews, including more than 1,200 five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also backed by a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Currently $19.98 on Amazon

Apple iPhone 7 Smart Battery Case

The Apple iPhone 7 Smart Battery Case is made exclusively for the iPhone. While it is more expensive than any of the other options on our list, reviewers tend to agree that it’s worth the higher price. The slim, compact silicone case protects, while providing up to an additional 26 hours talk time, 24 hours video playback, or 22 hours LTE internet. The smart battery case integrates with iOS so you can see the battery level on the lockscreen and notification center. The lightning pass-through keeps the lightning port accessible for charging, headphones, and docking. The one-piece design is easy to put on and has a soft microfiber lining inside to protect your phone.

This is available in three colors. Not everyone likes the bulbous design, but some reviewers prefer it, stating that it makes the phone easier to hold and manage. It is recommended by CNET, Business Insider, The Wirecutter, Gizmodo, and MacWorld. It is also commonly recommended and highly reviewed online.

Currently $87.99 on Amazon

UNU Power DX External Protective Battery Case for iPhone 4s/4

The UNU Power DX External Protective Battery Case for iPhone 4s/4 is a protective Apple certified case that can charge and sync your phone without having to remove it from the case. It provides up to 10 hours of additional talk time or eight hours of additional 3G web browsing. It recharges your phone more quickly so it’s ready to go in no time. It has a tough, durable protective shell and integrated LED power display.

This includes a micro USB charging cable. It is recommended by PCMag, MacWorld, Digital Trends, and PC Advisor. It also has outstanding online reviews, including more than 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $19.99 on Amazon

Lenmar iPhone 6/6s Battery Case

The Lenmar iPhone 6/6s Battery Case provides an additional 3,000mAh of battery (or double the battery life). It is powered by a lithium-polymer battery and utilizes the latest technology. The portable charger case is Apple MFi Certified, so you can charge and sync to your computer without removing the case. The lightweight, ergonomic design features a sleek, slim casing, a rubber coating for grip, raised edges for added protection, and eight coats of paint for vibrant color. It has forward facing speaker channels to redirect sound outward for a premium audio experience. It features an integrated power button, LED battery indicator, and cutouts around the buttons, charging port, and camera.

This is available in a range of colors and includes a micro USB cable and headphone extender. It is recommended by PC Advisor, Digital Trends, Forbes, and Business Insider, and has outstanding online reviews. It is also backed by a one-year hassle-free manufacturer's warranty.

Currently $14.99 on Amazon

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

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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:

The 5 Best Waterproof Phone Cases

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 08:00:14 +0000

Smartphones are an expensive investment that most of us are completely reliant on. That’s why spills and accidental exposure to liquids can be so devastating. Fortunately, waterproof phone cases and dry bags can protect your phone from unexpected water damage. Some cases can even be submerged in water, so you can take underwater photos and videos with ease.

What is a waterproof phone case?

A waterproof phone case can protect your phone when it's exposed to moisture. It can save your phone, in the event of rain, snow, or an underwater adventure. It’s also ideal for traveling or camping because along with protecting your phone, certain underwater cases can also be used to protect your cash, credit cards, keys, ID, and important documents.

You never know when your phone might take a dive in the toilet or fall into the nearest puddle, so it’s important to protect your phone now and prevent devastating damage in the future. Most of the phone cases below are available in a range of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your phone. (See also: The 5 Best iPhone 6 Covers)

Top 5 waterproof phone cases

Lifeproof Waterproof Case for iPhone 6/6s

The Lifeproof Waterproof Case for iPhone 6/6s is the ultimate phone case. It features a slim, sleek design, 360-degree protection, built-in touch-screen protection, and maximum sound output and clarity. It can survive drops from six feet and can be submerged up to six feet underwater for up to one hour. It also resists dust, shock, snow, ice, dirt, and water. You’ll still have full access to the ports, controls, buttons, and touch ID, so you can take perfect pictures, even underwater.

This is available in a wide range of colors. It is an Amazon best-seller and has more than 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also recommended by Business Insider, Digital Trends, Mashable, The Wirecutter, Heavy.com, and MacWorld.

Currently $36.59 on Amazon

Universal Waterproof Case by JOTO

The JOTO Cellphone Dry Bag Pouch Waterproof Case is compatible with all smartphones that are up to 6.0 inches in diagonal. Thanks to a secure snap and lock access system, it is IPX8 certified to 100 feet, scratch-resistant, waterproof, snowproof, dirtproof, dustproof, and sand-proof. It features transparent windows on both sides, allowing you to take pictures or videos and use any other touch screen functions while underwater.

This is available in a wide range of colors and can be conveniently carried or worn around the neck with the included lanyard. It is an Amazon best-seller and has more than a staggering 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also recommended by Digital Trends.

Currently $7.29 on Amazon

Pelican Marine Waterproof Case for iPhone 6/6s

The Pelican Marine Waterproof Case for iPhone 6/6s can shield your phone from water, snow, dirt, and dust and can stand up to continuous submersion underwater. The slim five-layer shell is constructed of impact absorbing materials and a scratch-resistant screen protector to protect the phone and screen from scratches and drops. It also features balanced acoustic sound porting for superior audio.

This is recommended by Digital Trends and is backed by a two-year warranty.

Currently $49.99 on Amazon

Vansky Floatable Waterproof Case

The recently upgraded Vansky Floatable Waterproof Case Dry Bag is lightweight, compact, scratch-resistant, and compatible with all phones under 6.3 inches. It’s eco-friendly and constructed from premium grade TPU to handle extreme conditions. The durable case is safe from dust, water, rain, snow, and sand. The snap clasp-and-lock seal system ensures full protection, while still allowing access to the home button, touch ID fingerprinting, and password unlock. It also features transparent windows on both sides so you can still take photos or videos and use any other touch screen functions while underwater.

This includes a detachable armband strap, adjustable lanyard, and waterproof external audio jack and built-in audio cable. It is recommended by Digital Trends and MacWorld. It is also backed by a 45-day money-back and lifetime guarantee.

Currently $9.50 on Amazon

Trianium [Tethys Series] Universal Waterproof Case

The Trianium [Tethys Series] Universal Waterproof Case works with all phones up to 6.0 inches in diagonal. Thanks to a secure snap-lock system, the pouch can be sealed and is IPX8 certified to 100 feet. It features transparent windows on both sides and is back camera compatible, so you can still take pictures or videos and use all other touch screen functions. The durable universal waterproof case protects against water, dust, dirt, grease, snow, scratches, and bumps.

This two-pack is perfect for your family or to give as a gift to a friend or loved one. It is frequently recommended online and has hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also backed by a one-year warranty.

Currently $7.99 on Amazon

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

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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:

7 Tools and Gadgets Your Smartphone Can Replace

Damian Davila — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 10:30:27 +0000

Cameras, phones, GPS devices — we all know about those. But did you know that your smartphone can replace a wide range of esoteric tools and devices? From the scientific calculator to the credit card reader to the remote control, here is a list of tools and gadgets you can replace with your smartphone.

1. Math Software

Yes, your smartphone already comes with a calculator and a scientific calculator. However, those calculators will give you little help when facing the challenges of a quadratic equation, system of linear equations, or inequality with absolute value. (See also: 11 Useful, Genius Math Tricks That Are Actually Easy)

This is where Photomath comes in, allowing you to snap a pic of virtually any type of math problem. The app then solves that problem for you, and showing you step-by-step instructions. Think of this app as one of those bulky Texas Instruments calculators on steroids! And the best part is that downloading the app is free.

2. Check Deposit Machine

It's Saturday, you just got that $600 check that you've been waiting for, and there's no way you can get to the bank before closing time. You also have no clue how close the next ATM that accepts check deposits is. Instead, you could endorse your check, add a note "for mobile deposit only," snap a pic of it, and receive up to $200 the next business day.

As early as 2009, many banks around the country have issued a smartphone app that allows account holders to do mobile check deposits. Most financial institutions make the first $200 of a mobile check deposit available for withdrawal the next business day, and the rest of the funds available on the second or third day for withdrawal. Contact your financial institution for more details and applicable rules.

3. Thermal Imaging Camera

Drafty windows are one of the sneaky home money pits that sap your savings. Hiring a contractor to check this out for you can cost you hundreds before even starting to fix the problem. The Flir One Thermal Imager is a device that turns your smartphone into a thermal imaging camera, allowing you to find drafty windows and other poorly insulated spots.

While you'll have to invest about $250 in a Flir One Thermal Imager, you can quickly make back that money by lowering your energy bill by up to 10% per year and taking advantage of rebates and special offers from Energy Star products used in your insulation projects.

4. Credit Card Reader

Since about 40% of Americans carry less under $20 in cash on them and 9% of them carry no cash at all, you shouldn't be surprised that it is even harder nowadays to get your friends and relatives to pay you back that $15 they owe you.

But you do know that your debtors have a debit or credit card laying around! So, leverage a credit card reader from PayPal or Square and start accepting card payments on your smartphone. While the two companies mail you the first credit card reader for free, PayPal and Square charge 2.7% and 2.75% per U.S. debit or credit card swipe, respectively. Paying up to $0.41 for having your $15 today instead of in two months isn't a bad deal at all.

Got no Internet connection? No problem, Square's app allows you to collect payment as long as you reconnect to the web within 72 hours from the time of the card swipe.

And if you want to forgo the phone attachment, you can also choose from several apps that allow users to transfer money to each other directly. (See also: 6 Mobile Payment Tools You Should Start Using Today)

5. Car Diagnostic Tool

As cars are becoming smarter, they all provide much more information than you think. With the Automatic Pro, you can connect to just about any car's standard diagnostics (OBD-II) port and unlock the data in your car's onboard computer. Most cars manufactured since 1996 have this port and are compatible with the Automatic Pro (here's the full list).

By investing about $130, you'll become a "car whisperer" and pay zero fees for unlimited monitoring. As a bonus, the Automatic Pro connects to many apps, such as Expensify and Freshbooks for invoicing mileage driven.

6. Level

How many times have you needed a level to hang a frame, mount a TV, or adjust the height of a table? A bubble level can cost you anywhere from $5 to $50 at your local or big box hardware store. Not to mention that you have to drive there, stand in line, and drive back, delaying your start time by up to a couple of hours to start that home project.

Instead, you could download a free level smartphone app, such as Bubble Level for Android devices or iHandy Carpenter for Apple devices, and get to work right away.

7. Universal Remote

At my home, we used to have a separate remote for the DVD player, the TV, the cable box, and the air conditioner. That was until we discovered that a smartphone can connect to many electronics and home appliances through its built-in infrared (IR) blaster.

While there are many universal remote controller apps out there, Peel gets top marks because it connects your smartphone to TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, entertainment portals such as Roku and Apple TV, audio systems, and home appliances such as air conditioners and heaters. You can download Peel for free, but you may need to purchase the Pronto 360-degree IR blaster, depending on the connectivity options of devices that you want to control.

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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:

6 Apps That Pay You to Workout

Kyle James — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:30:37 +0000

One of the most popular New Year's resolutions every year is to get fit and lose weight. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most broken resolutions as well. Perhaps if there was more of a financial reward tied to getting in shape, it would be easier, or maybe if there was a way to stay more accountable. Fortunately, there exist some highly clever smartphone apps that will help you with both. Here are six of the most popular apps that will actually pay you to workout and help keep you accountable in the process.

1. PACT

The free PACT app is a clever healthy living smartphone app that keeps you accountable, both in terms of diet and exercise. The app works by allowing you to make weekly "pacts" with yourself to either eat healthier or exercise more.

Once your pacts are set, you choose how much money you'll pay other PACT members if you don't reach them. On the flipside, if you do reach your pacts, you get paid by other members. So essentially you make money by staying healthy and you get paid by the members who don't. You might only make a few dollars a week, but the app keeps you accountable and makes for easy goal setting. Plus, it lets you connect to other popular health apps like RunKeeper, Fitbit, MapMyRun, and MyFitnessPal.

2. DietBet

The DietBet app is a fun way to track your weight loss goals, stay accountable, and tap into your competitive side. Essentially the app let's you join "Games," pay a small entry fee, and compete against other motivated folks to try and lose a certain percentage of weight in a specific amount of time. Win the game and you'll split the pot with all the other winners.

3. Healthy Wage

The Healthy Wage app is similar to DietBet, with a couple important differences. While you get paid by winning weight loss challenges, the app focuses more on the user creating challenges with friends and family as well as corporate challenges. The challenges make for a fun way to track your progress and interact with others who are also trying to develop a healthier lifestyle.

You can join up to 10 challenges at one time, as well as simply create personal challenges that'll keep you accountable. You pony up some money, join the challenges that interest you, and try to win some substantial bucks. Refer friends to the challenge and your winnings grow substantially.

4. Charity Miles

If you're looking to get into shape and are the type who regularly gives money to your favorite charities, then the Charity Miles app is worth a look. The app essentially donates money to the charity of your choice any time you "walk, run, bike, skip, dance or any human-centered activity." By using your smartphone's GPS, Charity Miles can easily track your movement and track your activity. The more you move, the more money your charity receives.

Sound too good to be true? Charity Miles is completely legit and pays out via corporate sponsors like Humana, Johnson & Johnson, and Chobani.

5. WellCoin

The folks at WellCoin have developed a mobile app that gives you rewards points for doing healthy things. From sleeping seven hours a night, to drinking plenty of water, to going for a jog, you'll earn WellCoins for doing all of the above. Earn enough coins and you can redeem them for workout gear, healthy food, and even exercise classes in your area. The app is a great tool to help keep you accountable throughout the day.

6. FitCoin

The FitCoin app is another fun way to earn rewards with your Fitbit or any fitness tracker supported by the Apple Health app on your iPhone. Once the app is synced to your fitness tracker, you simply start burning calories by walking, jogging, or hitting the gym, and start earning "FitCoins" for your efforts. Your burned calories turn into FitCoins which can be redeemed in the FitCoin boutique for cool stuff like Amazon gift cards.

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

Earn Extra Income With Your Smartphone Camera

Kat Tretina — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 10:30:31 +0000

You no longer need to carry around a digital camera to capture in-the-moment photos. Today's smartphones feature fantastic cameras with surprising quality and clarity. For example, the latest iPhone 7 boasts a groundbreaking new camera, including the ability to take RAW photos and capture images in low light.

The new camera quality in smartphones means they can be a tool to create a small photography side business. If you love taking photos and have a great eye, you can turn your artistic vision into cash, right from your phone.

These three sites will pay cash for your smartphone photos. Here's how to get started.

EyeEm

EyeEm is one of the largest smartphone-picture platforms, with over 18 million creators. Available to both iPhone and Android users, you can sell photos for anywhere from $20 to $250, depending on the license.

EyeEm also allows you to upload photos from your computer, so you can edit photos from your smartphone before posting them for sale.

Foap

Foap is a free app for iPhones that allows you to sell your photos. Once you sign up for an account, you upload your photos. To use any of your photos, a customer must purchase a photo license for $10; Foap keeps $5, and you get $5 as the artist.

The great thing about Foap is that you are not limited in how many times you sell a photo. If that one adorable picture of your dog appeals to customers, you can sell it 100 times or more.

Fotolia Instant

With the Fotolia Instant app, you can upload images from your Android or iPhone directly to Fotolia Instant Collection, which is a subset of the site dedicated solely to smartphone images for brands looking for stock images.

Fotolia Instant allows you to include a model release, add keyword information, and manage every aspect of the sales process. You get a 33% commission for every photo you sell. Once you reach $50 in sales, you can request your payout via PayPal or Skrill.

Tips for Selling Your Photos

While you can turn your smartphone into a money-earner, the stock photo market can be crowded with other sellers. To increase your chances of customers buying your pictures, try to think from their point of view and what they need. Most shoppers are small business owners and bloggers looking for stock photos.

They likely will need your photos for various purposes, so:

Make sure your photos are large enough that they can be resized without getting blurry or grainy.
Take advantage of your location. If your city has well-known landmarks or shopping districts, those areas can translate to very popular photos.
You can also get inspiration by checking out blogs and looking at the stock photos they use for ideas for what shots sell.

Turning Your Phone Into Cash

Instead of just snapping selfies and paying for an expensive data plan, turn your smartphone camera into a cash-earning machine. If you love taking photos and have a unique point of view, you can turn your camera into a decent side hustle. Post photos on various sites to maximize your chances of earning extra money, and keep adding fresh content to keep customers coming back.

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

5 Sites That Will Pay for Your Old iPhone

Kat Tretina — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 10:00:09 +0000

The new iPhone 7 is out, and demand for the latest device from Apple is huge. Along with the hype is a sky-high price tag — the 256GB version with 5.5-inch display costs just under $1,000. To offset the steep cost of the new phone, selling your old one is a smart idea.

Perks of Selling Your Phone Yourself

When it comes to getting the best price for your phone, you have to sell it yourself. If you opt to trade it in with your carrier or an electronics store, you may get as little as $75 for your older iPhone. Considering that you likely spent $500 or more to buy it just a couple of years ago, that's a depressing rate of depreciation. You will get a lot more if you sell it on your own.

These are five places to sell your phone and get the best prices. We used an iPhone SE with 16GB in excellent condition to compare offers.

1. Best Buy

Best Buy's trade-in program offers a surprisingly good value, paying $200 for the phone. The one downside is that you need to trade the phone in person to get cash. Otherwise, if you decide to mail it in, you will get emailed an electronic gift card.

2. Gazelle

With Gazelle, you get an offer for your phone right away. Just select your phone model, storage capacity, and condition, and they will give you a quote. Gazelle offered $170 for the iPhone SE, plus a $20 credit toward the purchase of a new device. Gazelle offers free shipping and pays quickly via check, Amazon gift card, or PayPal.

3. NextWorth

NextWorth offered $142 for the phone, one of the lowest quotes yet. However, they offer more competitive prices on other devices. For example, they offered $150 for the Samsung Galaxy Note, which was more than other sites offered.

4. Gadget Salvation

Gadget Salvation is willing to pay $158 for an iPhone SE in excellent condition. You can ship your phone to them for free and get paid via check or PayPal.

5. eBay

To get the highest price, eBay is often your best option. It requires more work on your part — and you need to be wary of scams — but selling on the popular auction site is more lucrative than going through an intermediary. Several auctions for the iPhone SE 16GB phones have ended with buyers paying as much as $305 for a used phone. Even after paying for shipping yourself, that's a lot more money than you would make with the other sites.

Choosing Where to Sell

While it can be time-consuming, it's a good idea to check each of the sites to see how much you can get for your phone. Depending on supply and demand, some of the sites may offer higher prices at certain times than others. Check each site for a quote before choosing where to sell your phone to get the most money.

Do your homework before trading in your phone, and you can get top dollar for your old device. That extra money can be a huge help in purchasing a new phone and cut down on your out-of-pocket costs.

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

Learn Something New With These 9 Cheap Apps

Damian Davila — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 18:19:00 +0000

With so many new things in the world to learn and so little time in your hectic schedule to spare, the learning part should be easy and accessible. For those who don't have the patience to sit down with a book, and who also are extremely attached to their smartphones, apps are a great way to turn a potential distraction into a powerful and portable medium for learning.

Here are nine cheap or free apps to help you learn something new.

1. Couch to 5K

Right now, many Americans are trying to keep their New Year's Resolutions. Among the top resolutions is to "get fit" and one of the most common ways to achieve that is to get off the couch and train for a 5K race.

Recommended by Shape Magazine as the best app for new runners, Couch to 5K provides you a training schedule of three 30-minute sessions a week for nine weeks to achieve your goal of running your first 5K race. It costs $2.99 to download and it's available on iTunes and Google Play.

Ready for the next level? There are also 5K to 10K and half-marathon (13.One) training apps. (See also: 5 Apps That Pay You to Exercise)

2. Dictionary

Want to become a "logophile" or discover what that word even means? Then download the Dictionary.com mobile apps for free (available for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Android, Android Wear, and Amazon devices). With over 100 million app downloads and 5.5 billion word searches per year, Dictionary.com is the world's leading digital English dictionary.

Through its Word of the Day feature, you'll learn a new word every day, including its definition, pronunciation, origin, and example of use. This dictionary app also allows you to keep track of your favorite words so that you can bring them up when the time is right — and impress the pants off everyone you know with your massive vocabulary.

3. Duolingo

Speaking more than one language may enable you for higher pay in certain jobs and help you fight against Alzheimer's disease. By gamifying the language learning process, Duolingo (available on iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Store) makes your lessons fun and provides immediate gratification. Duolingo grants you points for completing tasks so you can see how you stack up against your friends.

Chosen as 2013's App of the Year by Apple and available for free download, Duolingo is a top choice for learning Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Irish, Danish, and English.

4. Fooducate

With an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from a total of 11,200 ratings, Fooducate is another useful app to keep your resolution for a healthier and fitter 2016. This app, available on iTunes and Google Play, grades food items from A down to D based on the item's nutrition facts panel and ingredient list.

By scanning the UPC of many food items, you'll be able to spot information that may be hard to identify, including tricky trans fats, added sugars, and controversial food colorings. The rating isn't arbitrary. In 2012, the U.S. Surgeon General's Healthy App Challenge awarded Fooducate first place in the category of nutrition and healthy eating.

5. Khan Academy

Use it or lose it. Spreadsheet software and modern calculators hinder many math skills, including performing long division, factoring a quadratic equation, finding the least common multiple, or solving a system of linear equations. While you may have thought that you would never have to perform these math operations ever again, you would run into them if you were to take a standardized test, such as the GMAT, GRE, or ASVAB.

Without ads and subscription fees, the Khan Academy app, available on iTunes and Google Play, allows you to review those key math skills. You can also find plenty of free online classes on science, computer programming, history, art, economics, and other topics.

6. Mint

Available on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon, the free Mint app helps you track all your financial accounts, cards, and investments in one place so you can improve your financial wellbeing. While you could try to keep track of all of your finances from statements, you could benefit greatly from Mint's visual dashboard. And since 65% of individuals are visual learners, the app's bar charts, pie charts, and colorful alerts allow you to spend smarter and save more.

One of the best features of the app is the ability to create a detailed budget so you can keep track of how much money you have left for the month in specific categories, such as dining, clothing, and transportation.

7. Poems By Heart

Another way to keep your mind sharp is to improve your memory. The Poems By Heart app helps you memorize and recite poems from several genres, including the "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day" sonnet by Shakespeare and "Eldorado" by Edgar Allan Poe.

The app is only available for iPhone and iPad and comes with four free poems. You can buy additional poem packages that feature the works of iconic poets like Walt Whitman, W.B. Yeats, and James Weldon Johnson. Apple featured Poems by Heart as one of "Apple's App Store Best of 2013" because it's highly engaging (and addictive!) user design.

8. Photomath

One of the hardest things about solving mathematical problems is to understand all of the steps involved in the process. Even worse, it's hard enough trying to write down a complicated arithmetic operation or lengthy linear equation.

The Photomath app allows you to snap a photo of a wide variety of mathematical expressions, including basic arithmetic, fractions, decimal numbers, linear equations and several functions, with the camera of your iPhone or Android device and show you a step-by-step answer. This is a very useful app for math students of all levels and parents of those young students willing to help out.

9. Quizlet

Flashcards are an excellent study tool because they allow for a self-directed personalized study experience that help us gauge our progress. Available on iTunes and Google Play, the Quizlet app allows you to build your own set of digital flashcards on any subject that you're trying to master. From learning new words in Spanish to memorizing kitchen recipes to preparing for a driving permit practice test, use Quizlet to unlock the learning power of flashcards in six study modes.

What are other cheap or free apps to help you learn something? Share with us in the comments!

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:

8 Things You Must Immediately Do After Losing Your Smartphone

Mikey Rox — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 18:00:02 +0000

I've only truly lost my phone one time. I was riding the subway in Manhattan and it slipped out of a shallow jacket pocket. As soon as I was off the train — and the doors had closed — I realized my blunder. I called the MTA immediately to report the phone, but I didn't have much hope that it would survive a lonely trip on the train with thousands of people coming and going before an MTA official had a chance to scour the cars. Luckily, a good Samaritan snatched it up before any would-be-thieves could get their paws on it, and it made it back to me in one piece. That's not always the case, however, so here's what you should do immediately after losing your smartphone.

1. Call or Text Your Phone

The first thing you should do in the event that you've lost your phone is to call it from another phone. Perhaps you've merely misplaced it.

If you've indeed lost your phone, perhaps someone has picked it up and they're trying to find the best way to get it back to you. Whenever I've discovered a lost phone, the first thing I do is call "mom" or "dad" listed in the contacts. But if the phone is locked and there's no access to the contacts, the finder may be standing by waiting for you to give it a ring. And once the battery is dead, you'll have a harder time getting a hold of anyone, so do this first.

2. Lock It Down

We all have important and sensitive information on our phones. Hopefully, your device isn't in the wrong hands, but to be sure nobody can access your private info, lock it down remotely. You can do this by logging into your Android Device Manager and Find My iPhone account on another device and manually lock the phone.

3. Locate Your Phone Via GPS

If you've called your phone and weren't able to get someone on the other line, try locating it via your phone GPS locating service. It's important to note that this needs to be activated on your devices so you can access them from another machine — otherwise this step is moot. Android Device Manager and Find My iPhone will help you do this as well

4. Set Up a Lock-Screen Message

Once your phone is locked down, the only way back into it is with your password — and chances are, whoever has your phone doesn't have that information. Set up a lock-screen message to let whoever has the phone know that you're looking for it, along with a phone number or other contact information to get in touch with you.

5. Report Your Phone Lost or Stolen

If you think your phone has been stolen rather than lost, you should probably file a police report. It sounds like a lost cause, yes, but I know people who have done just that and their phones have miraculously made it back to them.

6. Protect Your Accounts

Your phone is locked by now, but it's still not a bad idea to protect your accounts, just in case. According to Gizmodo, you should log out of your social media and email accounts, until you get the situation under control. (See also: 6 Surprising Ways Your Smartphone Can Keep You and Your Family Safe)

7. Suspend Your Service

If you suspect suspicious activity on your lost or stolen phone, it's best to err on the side of caution and suspend your service.

The last thing you want to deal with after the fact are erroneous charges and data usage bills that will only compound this already stressful situation.

8. Wipe All Data From Your Phone

When worse comes to worst, it might be time to chalk up the experience to a loss and wipe the phone clean. I had a phone stolen once, did all the steps I listed above — I could even see where the phone was in Manhattan when I used the Find My iPhone feature (although I couldn't hone in on it given that everybody lives in a massive apartment building) — but after a few weeks, I gave up. I already had a new phone, and the stolen phone was either dead or turned off, so I could no longer locate it. At that point, I erased it and moved on.

Have you lost a phone or had it stolen? How did you handle the situation? Let's discuss in the comments below.

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

The 5 Best iPhone 6 Covers

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:00:13 +0000

You’ve spent a lot of money on your smartphone, so why not protect it? With the right iPhone 6 cover, you can protect your phone from falls, scratches, and other damage, preserving it for the long run. By adequately protecting your phone, you can get more from your investment and enjoy years of reliable use from your iPhone.

What Is an iPhone 6 Cover?

No iPhone is complete without the right case or cover. An iPhone 6 cover will protect your phone, while helping you display your own personal style. To get the most of your new phone case, look for a durable solution that offers great shock absorption, drop protection, scratch resistance, and any other features you need to protect your device.

Top 5 iPhone 6 Covers

OtterBox Defender Series iPhone 6 Case

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in cell phone holsters and clips, the award-winning OtterBox Defender Series iPhone 6 Case comes from the #1 most trusted supplier in smartphone case protection. It comes in all different colors and styles to match your personal preferences.

The Defender Series case offers triple-layer protection and is built from a high-impact, scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell and durable silicone slip cover, providing heavy duty protection against drops, bumps, shock, dust, dirt, scrapes, and damage. The robust case also has a built-in screen protector to guard against scratches, while the port covers keep dust and debris out. There is also an included belt-clip holster that doubles as a kickstand for hand-free media viewing. OtterBox also offers superior customer service and a 1-year warranty.

Currently $34.19 on Amazon

Trent Trentium 6S Rugged Protective Durable TPU iPhone 6 Rugged Case

If you’re always changing your mind and frequently changing your case, then the Trent Trentium 6S Rugged Protective Durable TPU iPhone 6 rugged case is the one for you. With Black/Silver/Gold Interchangeable Back Plates included, you can change your case between the three classic color choices whenever you like.

The case includes a two-piece, flexible TPU shell and hard polycarbonate cover that offers full body rugged protection, yet surprisingly lightweight design. In fact, the slim case only adds an extra 5mm to your iPhone 6, so you won’t have to worry about any added bulkiness. The precise design offers cutouts for full access to all speakers, microphone, camera, charging ports, audio ports, buttons, and features.

It also features all around corners bumper for maximum impact resistance and durability. Many reviewers stated that the case feels very high end, despite its affordable price point. It is also backed by a 10-month warranty for your peace of mind.

Currently $18.95 on Amazon

Cable & Ultra Protection Case

The iPhone 6 Cable & Ultra Protection Case (or the Cable Case), will save you in all of your worst iPhone-related emergencies. It has a detachable silicon 8 pin Apple Certified MFi Lightning Cable and stand inside of the case, so you can plug in and charge your phone anywhere you need to. You’ll never have to worry about forgetting your cable and running out of power again.

The cable also doubles over as a kickstand, truly making it a multi-purpose gadget. The durable case can also withstand a fall. With advanced Shock Absorption Technology and a Hexagonal inner Pattern TPU protection case, it will keep your phone well protected. It is also a recipient of the Red Dot, IDEA, Product Design Awards in 2014 and is one of the top rated cases on Amazon. The case also includes a free screen protective film and is available in 7 different colors, so you can choose which one best suits your style.

Currently $24.99 on Amazon

Spigen Tough Armor Case for iPhone 6

As an Amazon best seller in cell phone cases, holsters, and clips, the Spigen Tough Armor Case offers superior protection, while remaining less bulky than other protective cases. The dual layered build of flexible, anti-stretch TPU and premium polycarbonate also feature Air Cushioned corners and an interior spider web pattern to offer better shock absorption and protection from drops and scratches.

The 4-Point Rear Guard protects the polycarbonate back plate, while a 0.7mm lip protects the screen. The expanded port opening is made wide enough for any chargers and ports, and the case also offers easier access to the power and volume buttons. Spigen is a trusted manufacturer and offers a range of covers that are each award-winning best sellers on Amazon. This case is available in a range of colors to best suit your style.

Currently $17.76 on Amazon

SUPCASE Full-body Belt Clip Holster Case for Apple iPhone 6

The SUPCASE Full-body Belt Clip Holster Case has a built-in screen protector to provide your phone with ultimate protection. The advanced dual layer design combines high grade polycarbonate hard shell and flexible TPU to withstand accidental drops, bumps, and shock. Precise cutouts allow for full access to the touchscreen, camera, buttons, speaker, and ports.

This holster case also includes a 360 degree swiveling Belt Clip Holster, making it perfect to take on the job or on your next outdoor excursion. The shock resistant case is available in 5 color options to best suit your style.

Currently $15.99 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best iPhone 6 covers. 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:

10 Free (or Almost!) Tools and Resources for Creating a New 2015 Budget

Tim Lemke — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:00:06 +0000

So your spending went a little haywire during the holidays. Now is the time to get back on track with a new budget for 2015.

These days, it's easy to track spending and set up budgets, often without the need to log in to any complicated software program.

For those looking to do a better job of tracking spending and keeping their financial goals within reach, these tools should help you as you head into the new year.

1. Mint

Mint offers an array of tools to help with budgeting. It's possible to link all of your financial accounts, including your investments, and view them on a single platform. You can also track and categorize all transactions, and export your financial data to your TurboTax account at tax time. Best of all, you can set up an unlimited number of budgets and even establish goals to track. Mint is available online and on apps for smartphones and tablets.

2. Empower

If you like Mint, you'll also like Empower. Its budgeting tools are not quite as robust, but I find it's a little snappier than Mint. Empower also offers financial advice and management for a fee.

3. Buxfer

Buxfer allows you to sync all of your accounts just like Mint and Empower, but has an added feature that allows you to send money to friends and family online. It also helps you dole out shared expenses, like portions of rent or groceries, so it's perfect for young people with roommates.

4. BudgetPulse

This web-based application is a good option for those who prefer to not link all of their accounts. BudgetPulse requires a little bit more work, because you have to enter all of your financial information manually, but it has a nice interface and some easy-to-adjust budgeting tools.

5. Level Money

Level Money allows you to enter your income, expenses, and "spendable cash" and then offers a real-time picture of what you're buying and how much cash you have left. It's best feature is its simplicity.

6. GnuCash

The GnuCash personal and small business accounting program has many devotees because it's free and works on almost any computer platform, including Linux. Because it's based on the double-entry accounting system, it's very robust (and sometimes confusing for those unfamiliar with double entry). Still, with it you can track bank accounts, stocks, and other financial information, and get helpful charts. It's also possible to import from software programs such as Quicken.

7. Spendee

The first step to budgeting is learning where your money is going. And that's Spendee's strength. It's easy to enter transactions with just a few taps on the app (iPhone and Android), and the interface is about as clean as you can get. The budgeting tools aren't as robust as other apps, but you may find it's just perfect enough for tracking spending.

8. HomeBudget

A well-reviewed app for iOs, Android, and desktop platforms, HomeBudget is great for couples who want to manage budgets together. The app has a slick interface and offers a syncing capability that allows more than one user to track spending and income. The downside to this app is that it costs $4.99, but many find it worth it.

9. Paper Envelopes

Yes, just a handful of plain white envelopes will help you stay on the right financial path. Fill each envelope with a specific amount of cash for certain items. Once the envelope is empty, you can't spend any more on that item. It's a simple, but effective, way to reduce your dependency on credit cards and rein in your spending.

10. Microsoft Excel

This may seem a little outdated — and it's only free if you already have MS Office installed — but it can be effective. Microsoft's spreadsheet program offers a simple monthly budget template that allows you to compare monthly income and expenses. Sometimes simple is best.

If truly free is your thing, you might try a similar template on Sheets, Google's free alternative to Excel.

How do you track your budget?

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:

Best Money Tips: Ways to Save on the Latest Smartphones

Ashley Jacobs — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:00:04 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some fantastic articles on ways to save on the latest smartphone, ways to save at school, and cool car hacks you should try.

Best Money Tips: Should I Upgrade to the iPhone 5c or the 5s?

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 10:00:04 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on if you should upgrade to the iPhone 5c or 5s, how social media can find you deals, and creating an emergency fund.

The Best and Worst Things to Buy in September 2012

Dealnews — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:24:41 +0000

September marks the end of summer, as well as our countdown to November, Black Friday, and the holiday season. (Yes, we're already thinking about it.) But September has its own deal virtues — including Labor Day sales — so we've mined the extensive dealnews archives of sales, coupons, and individual products from the past few summers to find out what are the best and worst things to buy in September. Here's what we found. (See also: Shopping Calendar: The Best Time to Buy Anything)

Cozy Up to Bedding Deals

For the past two years, home good deals have been rather strong in September, specifically for bedding, towels, and the like. We saw a large number of Editors' Choice options for bedding sets this time last year in particular. Keep an eye out for a variety of discounted home items from the likes of JCPenney, Macy's, Sears, Designer Living, and Kohl's. Notably, be on the look out for stacking coupons at Kohl's, and a mattress sale at Sears that beats its summer-month offerings. (Keep in mind however, that last year we saw excellent discounts on mattresses around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, too. So, in case you miss these sales, you'll have another opportunity to cash in on strong deals later in the year.)

Tangled Up in Blue Jeans

We've made it through the height of Back to School shopping season, which means you can start taking advantage of clearance sales for the student staple of denim. However, while we'll see modest discounts this month at about 40% off, these sales will continue into October, and will likely grow stronger. Also in November, many jeans specialists like Levi's could offer their best coupons of the year around Black Friday. Now is a good time to start looking at discounted jeans styles for a wider selection, but if you're not particular, next month will see steeper cuts.

SSD Storage Deals Are Solid

We've mentioned before that Solid State Drives (SSDs) are on a constant downward price trajectory, but this trend really ramped up this summer. The number of Editors' Choice deals nearly doubled each month since the spring, and we continue to see new all-time low prices for both specific models and overall drive capacities. newegg is overwhelmingly the store to go to for such deals, but Micro Center, Amazon, TigerDirect, and Buy.com have all also had strong offerings.

Get Your Caffeine Fix for Free

Are you a devout coffee drinker? Then make sure to mark September 29 in your calendar, as several food chains will offer a free cup o' Joe in honor of National Coffee Day. Last year, Krispy Kreme, Waffle House, 7-11, and Caribou Coffee all offered a special promotion to celebrate, and it's possible that other chains and local cafes will do the same.

New Price Points for the iPhone

Supposedly, the newest Apple iPhone will be announced on September 12, making it very likely that the company will slice prices on its older models. If the newest iPhone pricing mimics that of its siblings-made-obsolete, then the iPhone 4S could drop to $99. And the iPhone 4 will possibly stick around as an even more affordable model — a need that the iPhone 3GS will likely leave open as it is expected to be discontinued.

A Slew of iPhone Accessories, New and Old

Supposedly the iPhone 5 will feature a completely new dock connector, which means all existing iPhone accessories will become outdated overnight. Old accessories will then see aggressive deals as stores try to clear their shelves for brand new, full-price replacements. If you're upgrading to the iPhone 5, consider at least waiting a few months to add to your collection of dock accessories so that you can avoid paying retail price.

Rock-Bottom Airfare Rates

The cheapest airfare deals we saw throughout all of last year came in late September, when both Vision Airlines and Spirit Airlines offered 1-way fares for a whopping $1. Not a fan of those budget airlines? JetBlue also offered one of its best sales in September, dropping rates to just $29 each way. (However, we have seen JetBlue fares at this price at various other times in the year.) Of course, in order to take advantage of these rock-bottom prices, you have to be a lucky or flexible flyer to make use of the restricted routes and times.

Keep an Eye Out for Hot Sunglasses Sales

If you managed to make it through the summer without buying a new pair of sunglasses, you're about to be rewarded; according to our deals last year, the best storewide sunglasses sales popped up in September, as well as in November and December. For September in particular, look to Oakley Vault, Sunglass Hut, REI, 6pm, and Endless.com for discounted styles. Last September, Oakley Vault's sunglasses sale was the best the merchant offered all year.

Patio Furniture Deals Are Sitting Pretty

Finally, it's a great month to buy patio furniture! September will see an increase in the sheer number of outdoor furniture sales and deals that discount the seasonal outdoor items. October will see an uptick in the level of Editors' Choice caliber prices. But since several patio sets and gardening items from Sears, Amazon, and other merchants hit their lowest prices in October — and will be priced significantly lower than we had seen them over the summer —what's another few weeks of waiting?

Wait and See With Tablets

We're on a path toward seeing a very interesting, competitive budget-friendly tablet market in the coming weeks and months. It would benefit the consumer to hold off on purchases at the moment; increased competition could likely yield deals that either cut prices or bundle devices with useful media credits or gift cards. Amazon is rumored to be debuting the Kindle Fire 2 in a few days, resulting in a new lower price on the original Kindle, and come mid-month Apple may announce an "iPad mini".

Big Screen 3D HDTVs Show Some Promise

Fall will soon be upon us and if you can refrain from any HDTV purchases over the next two months, you're bound to see the year's best HDTV deals come November. However, if you're in dire need of a new HDTV, you'll want to look at name-brand 55" 3D LCD HDTVs, as those are seeing the most action these days in terms of deals.

Over the summer, 55" 3D HDTVs dipped under the $1,000 mark, a price we had't seen since Black Friday 2011. Then, in early August, prices hit an all-time low, as we saw the 2012 LG 55LM7600 hit $949. While we still recommend waiting for the holidays, shoppers who can't wait until Black Friday should look at 55" 3D LCD HDTVs under $1,000.

Ivy Bridge Laptops on the Move Again

Although back to school sales have generally come to an end, Ivy Bridge-based laptops are in a price free-fall. Whereas 15" Ivy Bridge systems debuted at $1,000 in April, they closed out August at $480 — a price drop of over 50%. We expect to see even more aggressive deals as Microsoft preps systems for its Windows 8 launch in late October; shoppers would be wise to wait a few more weeks to see the best laptop deals.

Again, if you can't wait, looks for 15" Ivy Bridge systems between $480 and $550. Anything under $480 and you'll know you're buying a machine at an all-time low.

Meanwhile, Mac fans who live near a Fry's Electronics store are in luck as the electronics retailer has been offering Apple's 13" MacBook Air (Ivy Bridge model) for $999 with in-store pickup. That's $200 under Apple's retail price and the lowest price we've seen this summer for the 13" model. Don't live near a Fry's? Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo Video have each listed the 13" Air at $1,099 (which is $100 under Apple's price).

This is a guest post by Dealnews.

What end-of-summer deals will you snag this month? Read through for the best and worst things to buy in September.

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

Best Money Tips: How to Sell Your iPhone 4

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:00:28 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on how to sell your old iPhone 4, traveling efficiently, and secrets of wealthy whiz kids.

News & Events

Wise Bread Tweetchat (#WBChat) — Don't miss our weekly #WBChat every Thursday from 12pm-1pm PST! This week we will be talking about getting out of debt!

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

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